RTHK: Former Kazakh intelligence chief arrested

Kazakhstan's former intelligence chief has been arrested on suspicion of treason, the state security agency said on Saturday, as the former Soviet republic cracks down on a wave of unrest and starts to assign blame.

The detention of Karim Massimov was announced by the National Security Committee which he headed until he was fired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday after violent protests swept across the Central Asian nation.

Tokayev's office said he had told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call that the situation was stabilising.

"At the same time, hotbeds of terrorist attacks persist. Therefore, the fight against terrorism will continue with full determination," it quoted him as saying.

The Kremlin said Putin backed Tokayev's idea to convene a video call of leaders from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), under whose umbrella Russia and four other former Soviet republics have sent troops into Kazakhstan to help restore order. It was not clear when this would take place.

Dozens of people have been killed, thousands have been detained and public buildings across Kazakhstan have been torched over the past week in the worst violence experienced in the oil and uranium producer since it became independent in the early 1990s as the Soviet Union collapsed.

Tokayev has ordered his troops to shoot to kill to end what he has called attacks by bandits and terrorists.

He said on Friday the state had "slept through" instigators' preparations to launch attacks on the biggest city, Almaty, and across the country. Massimov's arrest indicated moves were under way against those deemed responsible.

Apart from heading the intelligence agency that replaced the Soviet-era KGB, Massimov was twice prime minister and worked closely with former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, the country's ruler for three decades until he turned over the presidency to Tokayev in 2019.

There were no details of the treason allegations. The security service said other officials were also detained, but did not name them.

On Friday, a pro-government politician said on television he had information that the security forces had been ordered to abandon Almaty airport so protesters could take it over. He said they had left a security building in the city undefended, enabling people to seize weapons.

It was not immediately possible to verify this account. The airport remains closed but is now under the control of Kazakh security personnel and Russian troops, according to Russia's defence ministry.

The demonstrations began as a response to a fuel price hike but swelled into a broad movement against Tokayev's Russian-backed government and 81-year-old Nazarbayev.

Tokayev removed Nazarbayev on Wednesday as head of the country's Security Council, a role in which he had continued to wield significant influence. Interfax news agency reported on Saturday that the council's deputy head had also been fired.

In Almaty, where security forces have reclaimed control of the streets since Friday, a Reuters reporter said occasional gunshots were heard on Saturday.

Some businesses began to reopen in the city as people ventured out to buy supplies, and queues formed at petrol stations.

Security forces patrolled the streets and set up checkpoints. The deputy mayor was quoted by Russia's RIA news agency as saying operations to purge the city of "terrorists and bandit groups" were still under way and citizens were advised to stay at home.

Zhumadin Patov, the deputy head of a public market in Almaty, said the checkpoints and petrol station closures had complicated food distribution in the city of about 2 million people.

"There is enough food in warehouses, but it cannot be delivered because of the checkpoints and lack of fuel," he said.

In the capital Nur-Sultan, Reuters filmed police stopping drivers at a checkpoint with armed soldiers nearby.

The interior ministry said more than 4,400 people had been detained since the start of the unrest. Tokayev announced a national day of mourning for Monday to commemorate those killed.

Access to the internet, which was been largely shut down in Kazakhstan for days, was still heavily disrupted on Saturday.

The deployment of the Russia-led CSTO military alliance at Tokayev's invitation comes at a time of high tension in East-West relations as Russia and the United States prepare for talks next week on the Ukraine crisis.

Moscow has deployed large numbers of troops near its border with Ukraine but denies US suggestions it is planning an invasion, saying it wants guarantees that NATO will halt its eastward expansion.

Washington has challenged the justification for sending Russian troops to Kazakhstan and questioned whether what has been billed as a mission of days or weeks could turn into a much longer presence.

"One lesson of recent history is that once Russians are in your house, it's sometimes very difficult to get them to leave," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday.

Russia's foreign ministry called the remark offensive and said Blinken should reflect on the US track record of military interventions in countries such as Vietnam and Iraq. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2022-01-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
China, Maldives on shared path to hope, prosperity, happiness: Wang Yi

Xinhua) 11:23, January 09, 2022

MALE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Saturday that China-Maldives relations, through 50 years of joint efforts, have become a model of friendly exchanges and win-win cooperation.

Wang told a joint press conference with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid that China, as an all-round friendly and cooperative partner, supports the Maldives in speeding up its socio-economic construction and enhancing the capability of independent development.

"This is our original aspiration and actual deeds as well in the mutual cooperation," said the Chinese state councilor.

He said China has pushed forward the expansion and upgrading project of the Velana International Airport, making it a modern international airport for the Maldivian people.

The construction of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, which has since witnessed more than 100 million travels, addressed one lasting traffic issue of the Maldivian people, said Wang.

China has built over 10,000 housing units for the Maldives, according to the Chinese state councilor, which helped thousands of Maldivian families improve their living conditions.

Wang also said China, within the framework of the Group of 20, spared no effort in facilitating debt reduction for the Maldives, accounting for three-quarters of Maldives' total debt suspension.

During this visit, Wang said, both sides have decided to launch a new batch of assistance cooperation programs, providing momentum for Maldives' economic development.

"Facts have shown that the joint construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road by China and the Maldives serves the common interests of the two peoples. We are embarking on a shared path to hope, prosperity and happiness," he said.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
A 43-year-old Hartford woman was killed on Saturday night when she was struck by a car on Franklin Avenue at Bliss Street, Hartford police report.

Yarillis Esteras, of 32 Adelaide St., was taken to Hartford Hospital, where she died.

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Hartford Police Department spokesman Aaron Boisvert said police received a report at around 11:30 p.m. of a serious car crash at 348 Franklin Ave. Officers found Esteras critically injured. The vehicle that struck her, and its driver, were on the scene.

The crash is being investigated. Anyone with any information can call the HPD Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).

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Susan Dunne can be reached at sdunne@courant.com.
South Korean soldiers patrol the demilitarized zone in Goseong. A man scaled a 10-foot fence to cross into North Korea on New Year's Day, according to South Korean authorities. (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press)

Not long after nightfall on New Year's Day, a short, slight man picked a spot along one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world, a quarter-mile from the nearest platoon of soldiers, and scaled a 10-foot-tall wire fence.

Warning lights flashed and an alarm blared. The man hurried over rough terrain dusted with snow, navigating the threat of untold land mines left over from a last-century war, his movements slipping in and out of view of thermal cameras.

By midnight, he'd made it across the 2.5-mile demilitarized zone. He was back home  in North Korea.

Hours later, South Korean soldiers, who discounted the evening's disturbance as a false alarm, would realize they'd missed the man's footprints and the wisps of down feathers from his winter jacket clinging to the concertina wire atop the border fence.

More than 33,000 North Koreans have risked their lives to flee their oppressive homeland in recent decades, leaving behind an impoverished economy, fear bred by political gulags and a third-generation cult of personality that demands unquestioning reverence of leader Kim Jong Un and his forebears. The New Year's fence-jumper, who has not been publicly identified, became one of a much smaller number to make their way back to the isolated communist state after a taste of the outside world.

Officially, about 30 North Koreans are known to have returned after settling in the South, according to South Korean intelligence. Researchers and advocates estimate that the real number is likely much higher, possibly in the hundreds. Some of those who return become propaganda tools for the North Korean state, appearing in videos or news conferences making tearful statements about how much they regretted leaving. A handful change their minds yet again, escaping once more.

Wire fences line the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world. (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press)

"It's hard to approximate, but it's probably many more," said Baek Nam-seol, a professor at the Korean National Police University who has worked with and researched North Korean refugees. "There are surely ones who aren't picked up by North Korean authorities. We only get confirmation when North Korea chooses to publicize it."

The man's crossing spurred a frenzy in South Korea over the breaches in border security, particularly after the revelation that the man had crossed into South Korea in November 2020 along the same route, twice evading detection by South Korean military. Among those working with or researching North Koreans' resettlement in the South, though, his decision to return after barely a year marked the latest testament to the challenges North Korean refugees face adjusting to their new home, their isolation and economic difficulties furthered by the pandemic.

Nearly 1 in 5 North Korean refugees in South Korea said they have thought about going back, according to a 2021 survey by the nonprofit Database Center for North Korean Human Rights. The reason most often given is missing ones hometown or family. Some said they experienced discrimination in South Korea or found the capitalist society too competitive, according to the survey.

Joo Seong-ha, who left North Korea in 2002 and works as a prominent journalist at a South Korean newspaper, said he still finds himself thinking of home.

"I've thought about it. If you have family there how can you not?" he said. Even so, most refugees put down roots after a few years and make their way in an adopted land. "Every community has its outliers, and the North Korean refugee community is the same. It's just that this outlier's way of acting out happened to be crossing the DMZ."

Observers look toward North Korea from an observation deck on the border in Paju, South Korea. (Ahn Young-joon / Associated Press)

Park Young-ja, a research fellow at the South Korean government-funded think tank Korea Institute for National Unification, said those who don't have family members in the South have a harder time adjusting. Their continuing challenges  even as tens of thousands of North Koreans have been living in South Korea for decades, appearing on television, running for office and starting businesses  suggest how much further South Korean society has to go toward embracing them, she said.

"It does show the limits to the potential for integration between North and South Koreans," Park said. "At the end of the day, what's needed is integration of the heart."

Even though the Koreas share a common language, food and culture, in the seven decades since the Korean War, lives on either side of the border have increasingly diverged as the South grew wealthier and North Korea more isolated. On top of international economic sanctions for Kim's nuclear and military ambitions, North Korea has imposed severe COVID-19 restrictions, furthering control of people and information in and out of the country.

After a brief thaw in relations in 2018, during which Kim met South Korea's president and both sides dismantled some guard posts in the demilitarized zone as a sign of goodwill, Kim has rejected entreaties and offers of help from the South Korean government.

Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, who ruled for 17 years, had little regard for refugees, seeing them as traitors. But not long after his son took over in 2011, North Korea began a concerted effort to lure escapees to return, offering them amnesty and a comfortable life in exchange for information about other North Korean refugees in South Korea, according to researchers.

"Under Kim Jong Un, they saw the refugees in South Korea as a threat to his hereditary rule," said Kim Yun-young, an adjunct professor at Cheongju University and former researcher at the Police Science Institute. "There was much more of an effort for conciliation and enticement, sometimes using their remaining families as hostages."

In one 2016 video posted by a North Korean government-affiliated website, a 40-year-old man who returned out of concern for the wife he left behind said he faced discrimination and economic strife trying to make it in South Korea.

"I spent only a year and six months in South Korea, but every moment there felt like a decade, and every day was like hell," Kang Chul-woo, dressed in a dark Mao suit with a pin of Kim Jong Un's father and grandfather's face affixed near his heart, said in the video. "I was treated with contempt and disdain wherever I went because I was a North Korean refugee."

That man again escaped North Korea eight months later, according to South Korean court records. He was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for providing North Korean authorities with information about fellow refugees.

Other court cases involving North Koreans' attempts to return reveal a desperation that pushes escapees to go back. One man who worked in construction as a day laborer was defrauded of about $50,000 and was chased by debt collectors. Another had the deposit to his home seized when he couldn't pay back about $800 he owed the broker who had facilitated his initial escape. Another in his 60s had suffered a stroke and wanted to see his wife and son once more before his death, and begrudged being treated like a migrant worker in South Korea, according to court records.

Across the heavily guarded border, North Korea's Kaepoong town is seen from the observatory of the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo, South Korea. (Lee Jin-man / Associated Press)

Some prepared lump sums of cash to pay "loyalty fees" to North Korea's ruling Workers' Party to be absolved of having escaped the country, which is normally punished as a criminal offense with time in a prison camp or forced labor, according to the records.

The New Year's jumper, who was about 30 and reportedly told investigators he'd been a gymnast in North Korea, worked as a janitor and struggled to make ends meet, according to local media reports.

The economic plight North Korean refugees can face was highlighted in 2019 when Han Sung-ok, a single mother, and her 6-year-old son were found dead in their Seoul apartment, possibly of starvation. The mother and son's deaths became a rallying cry for fellow refugees. South Korea provides initial resettlement funds and housing for the first five years, but many are left with nothing once they've paid broker's fees, and struggle to find stable jobs.

Jeon Su-mi, an attorney who works as an advocate for North Korean refugees, said many feel disillusioned by the individualism and capitalism of the South. The choice of refugees to voluntarily return should be an opportunity for reflection in South Korea, she said.

"How ready was South Korea to genuinely welcome and accept these refugees in our midst?" Jeon said. "They risked their lives to get here and then risk their lives once again to leave. That should be a sign."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
California's COVID-19 response would be boosted under Gov. Gavin Newsom's new state budget proposal, officials said Saturday. New funds would be available to expand testing, like at the site on Broadway in Santa Monica. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

California would spend $2.7 billion on new efforts to respond to the surge in COVID-19 cases, including additional testing capacity and assistance to hospitals, under a budget proposal Gov. Gavin Newsom will send to state lawmakers next week.

Newsom will also ask legislators to help craft new COVID sick pay rules for Californians, modeled after the policy that expired last fall, requiring businesses with 26 or more workers to offer up to two weeks of supplemental paid sick leave for employees to care for themselves or a family member.

"Our proposed COVID-19 Emergency Response Package will support our testing capacity, accelerate vaccination and booster efforts, support frontline workers and health care systems and battle misinformation," Newsom said in a written statement Saturday.

Advisors to Newsom said Saturday the governor will ask the Legislature to take quick action on authorizing the first $1.4 billion of the new pandemic response package when he sends his annual state spending plan to the Legislature on Monday. Most of the early funding would go to expand testing programs, with the remaining portion spent on virus response efforts inside California prisons.

State officials hope that quick action on the funding for new testing  $418 million now out of an effort that will total $1.2 billion  will help expand hours of operation and capacity at existing testing locations, as well as speed up the distribution of rapid test kits to local health departments and schools. The Newsom administration has struggled in recent days to make good on the governor's promise to ensure test kits would be in the hands of California families before their children returned to schools from winter break, an effort funded out of money appropriated last year by lawmakers.

On Friday, Newsom deployed members of the California National Guard to testing sites across the state, with an additional deployment scheduled next week. Guard members will assist with patient check-in and crowd control duties, as well as serving as clinical staff until permanent hires are made.

State public health officials said more than 2,700 people were admitted to California hospitals Friday for COVID, bringing the total to more than 10,000. The strain on the state's hospitals from COVID patients, officials said, is nearing the challenges experienced last winter, before vaccines were widely available.

California has averaged more than 65,000 new cases a day over the past week, according to data compiled by The Times.

The new state budget plan proposes $583 million to increase vaccination rates and, according to a summary provided by the Newsom administration, "combat misinformation" through partnerships with media outlets focused on the state's communities of color. An additional $110 million would be spent on testing and vaccination of migrants who cross the Mexico border into California, as well as funds to expand contact tracing programs across the state.

To date, most of the cost of California's pandemic response efforts has been covered by the federal government. A November report from the state Department of Finance put the tally at more than $9.4 billion in federal dollars spent. An additional $2.3 billion in state costs through the end of September were reimbursed by the federal government. State officials believe many of the expenses in the $2.7-billion proposal will also be reimbursed by the federal government.

Newsom's budget will earmark a sizable portion of the new coronavirus funds to boost efforts at California's prisons, where an additional 1,275 cases have been reported in the last 14 days. The state's mandate that prison employees get vaccinated was blocked by a federal appeals court in November.

California's finances are well-positioned to cover COVID-19 response costs. Last fall, independent analysts projected a $31-billion state budget surplus, an estimate that will be updated in Newsom's spending plan next week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Delegations from the U.S. and Russia will hold talks Monday, kicking off a critical week of diplomacy between Moscow and the West over Russian President Vladimir Putin menacing neighboring Ukraine.

Ahead of the negotiations, a senior Biden administration official said the United States was open to discussing limits on missile deployments and troop exercises in Europe.

For weeks now, Russia has massed nearly 100,000 troops along Ukraine's borders and sharpened its rhetoric to blame Kyiv, the U.S., and NATO for provoking a conflict -- heightening fears in Washington and beyond that Putin is laying the pretext for a full-scale invasion.

MORE: Biden, Putin hold call amid heightened tensions over Ukraine

Russia has denied that, but under the threat of war, it has issued a list of demands in two draft treaties last month that would remake Europe with greater Russian influence -- its most profound challenge to the post-Cold War landscape in three decades.

PHOTO: Russian President Vladimir Putin listens during a meeting in Moscow, Dec. 30, 2021. (Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

While U.S. officials have said many are nonstarters, like barring Ukraine from NATO membership, President Joe Biden is trying to challenge Moscow on its premise, saying the U.S. and NATO are willing to negotiate if Russia de-escalates tensions.

But whether Russia is really willing to engage and walk back from the cliff of conflict - or whether Putin already intends to finish a job he started in 2014 with his seizure of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and his start of a war in eastern Ukraine - is an open question, especially after Russia deployed troops to quell protests in Kazakhstan.

"We believe there are areas where we can make progress if Moscow is realistic in its approach. We can't be sure until the talks take place -- that's the nature of diplomacy," said a senior State Department official.

On Saturday, a senior Biden administration official told reporters that the U.S. and Russia may be able to find agreement on the topics of missile deployments in Europe and the size of troop exercises on either side of Russia's borders with NATO members.

Specifically, the official said, Putin does not want offensive missile systems placed in Ukraine, and Biden has already made clear to Putin that "the United States has no intention of doing that."

The U.S. was also open to discussing the future of certain missile systems in Europe, in the context of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, from which the Trump administration withdrew and which the U.S. accuses Russia of violating, according to the official.

PHOTO: Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg talks during a press conference after the extraordinary meeting of NATO foreign ministers on Russia-Ukraine tensions at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Jan. 7, 2022. (John Thys/AFP via Getty Images)

And as troop deployments have ratcheted up tensions in eastern Europe, the official said the U.S. would consider restrictions on troops exercises near the borders Russia shares with NATO members.

"We are willing to explore the possibility of reciprocal restrictions on the size and scope of such exercises," the official said, "including both strategic bombers close to each other's territory and ground-based exercises, as well."

The U.S. would consult its allies and partners before making any commitments related to their security interests, the official said, adding that any commitments would have to be reciprocal -- meaning the U.S. and Russia would "need to make essentially the same commitment."

The official said bilateral negotiations would primarily take place Monday would there would "likely" be an "initial conversation" on Sunday night.

If Russia and the U.S. are not able to make progress, and if Russia moves ahead with an attack on the former Soviet state, Biden has threatened high-impact sanctions from the U.S. and its allies, including the G7, the European Union, and NATO, as well as NATO deployments to its eastern members and additional arms to Ukraine. But the president has made clear the U.S. will not send troops to defend Ukraine, leaving the ball ultimately in Putin's court.

The New York Times on Saturday reported that, if Russia further invades Ukraine, the U.S. and its allies were considering "cutting off Russias largest financial institutions from global transactions, imposing an embargo on American-made or American-designed technology needed for defense-related and consumer industries, and arming insurgents in Ukraine who would conduct what would amount to a guerrilla war against a Russian military occupation, if it comes to that.

The White House's National Security Council declined to comment on the report.

After Monday's one-on-one meetings, NATO will hold a meeting with Russia Wednesday -- its first in two and a half years amid icy tensions -- and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, a critical Cold War-era forum that has deployed a war monitor in eastern Ukraine, will convene Thursday.

PHOTO: Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces, the military reserve of the Ukrainian Armes Forces secures on a trench on the frontline with Russia-backed separatists near to Avdiivka, southeastern Ukraine, Jan. 8, 2022. (Anatolii Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images)

Those other two rounds of talks are equally important in defusing tensions, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has consistently reiterated the administration's line that they will decide "nothing about Europe without Europe" -- adopted from an old Polish saying.

"What's happening in Ukraine is not only about Ukraine. It's part of a broader pattern of destabilizing, dangerous, and often illegal behavior by Moscow," Blinken said in a firm speech Friday, rejecting Russia's version of recent history. "If Russia has legitimate concerns about our actions, the United States, our NATO allies, our OSCE partners are willing to hear them and to try to address them -- if the Kremlin is prepared to reciprocate regarding its own dangerous and destabilizing behavior."

Even after two calls between Biden and Putin in December, U.S. officials are still uncertain if Putin is bluffing and seeking concessions from the U.S. and NATO. But they have said repeatedly they will not compromise on key issues, including Ukraine's security and its potential membership in the alliance.

That deep gulf makes it unlikely that Monday's meetings will yield any immediate results -- beyond more talks -- especially because the U.S. has said it will only negotiate on issues between it and Russia, not the threats around Ukraine.

MORE: Russia makes sweeping demands for security guarantees from US amid Ukraine tensions

"Hopefully it will result in identifying a few bilateral issues where there is enough common ground to continue discussions and ultimately address together," said a second senior State Department official. "Our hope is that we can follow up this meeting relatively quickly."

When the Russian delegation raises what it has cast as the threat from Ukraine, as it has done publicly now for weeks, the U.S. will listen, the official added, "because we are wanting to have a dialogue with them." But "we are not going to talk above the heads of our European allies and partners," they added.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will lead the U.S. delegation in Geneva, Switzerland, accompanied by Pentagon and White House National Security Council officials and the top U.S. diplomat for arms control, Bonnie Jenkins. Arms control is one area where U.S. officials have expressed some optimism that they could find common ground with Russia, especially after two previous rounds of talks between Sherman and Jenkins and their counterparts.

The day-long talks Monday will be followed by a meeting Wednesday between Russia and NATO -- the first since July 2019. Sherman will lead the U.S. delegation there -- a sign the meeting is equally important to the Biden administration as Monday's one-on-one sessions, according to the first senior State Department official.

But even as the administration has repeated its "nothing about Europe without Europe" mantra, some European officials have expressed concern about the U.S. and Russia meeting without them.

"There are not two actors alone. It is not just the U.S. and Russia. If we want to talk about security in Europe, Europeans have to be part of the table," said Josep Borrell, the E.U.'s top diplomat, during a visit to Ukraine Wednesday.

Concerns were particularly heightened Friday after an NBC News report said the U.S. is weighing removing some troops from eastern Europe in exchange for Russia pulling its troops back; what critics cast as appeasement to Putin's threats.

But the Biden administration called the report "erroneous," with a third senior State Department official saying they are not weighing troop cuts to Europe, will not discuss U.S. troops in Poland and the Baltics with Russia, and are not compiling a list of potential troop cuts for the talks.

State Department officials went even further -- warning U.S. allies that after Monday's talks conclude, Russia is likely to lie about what took place in the meetings.

"We fully expect that the Russian side will make public comments following the meeting on Monday that will not reflect the true nature of the discussions that took place. We would urge our allies and partners to view those comments with extreme skepticism and to continue their ongoing discussions and coordination with the United States," the first senior State Department official said.

With tension and distrust so high, and expectations low, the administration is being warned not to concede any ground to Putin's negotiators after Moscow has escalated the situation to a crisis point.

"The war talk in Moscow may be a sort of psychological operation to soften up the West, frighten West Europeans, and divide Putin's western adversaries so that a lesser Russian attack -- seizing another slice of Ukraine rather than a full-scale invasion, or stationing Russian forces along the Polish frontier, or 'mere' cyber attacks and physical sabotage in Kyiv -- is greeted with relief and thus accepted," wrote Daniel Fried, a retired U.S. ambassador who served as the top U.S. diplomat for Europe, ambassador to Poland, and top sanctions official.

Threading that needle between addressing "whatever is legitimate in Moscow's long litany of grievance" and pushing "back against Putin's aggression and pretentions to resume Russia's domination of Europe's eastern half" will not be easy, Fried added. But it is a critical moment in the future of the international system the U.S. midwifed in the 20th century, with the lives of many on the line, especially Ukrainians.

"The people of Ukraine has been fighting this war for seven years now, and we know how to fight and we know how to win," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told ABC News last year. "This is our land, our soil, and we will be defending it. But it's much easier to defend it when you have friends and allies in the back."

ABC News' Ben Gittleson contributed reporting.

Week of US-Russia diplomatic talks kick off amid Ukraine tension originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Parents of 12 to 15-year-olds have been urged to book Covid-19 vaccinations for their children as official figures showed more than 150,000 people have now died within 28 days of testing positive for the virus.

Around half a million vaccination appointments are being made available online in England for the age group during January, a senior doctor has said  with slots available at around 500 walk-in sites and 300 centres.

The plea comes as the official Covid death total reached 150,057, meaning the UK is the seventh country to pass the milestone  following the US, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Peru.

Boris Johnson recognised the terrible toll of coronavirus on the country, while a scientist advising the Government labelled it an absolute tragedy made worse because many of them were avoidable if we had acted earlier in the first and second wave.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead for the NHS vaccine programme, said: I know how much disruption Covid has caused for so many families over the past two years, affecting young peoples lives and education.

Getting vaccinated protects them, their family and their friends, letting them stay at school and continue socialising.

The vaccine is safe and effective  my 13-year-old son had his first vaccination when I had my booster at our local pharmacy and it gave us both reassurance that he was protected as well, and he has recently topped up his protection with a second dose.

Young people can get their life-saving protection at a walk-in site or wait to get vaccinated at school, but the best way to make sure it happens quickly and conveniently is to book online now.

Dr Nikki Kanani urged parents to book vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds (Tolga Akmen/PA)

More than 1.4 million young people aged 12 to 15 have had their first dose since September.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: Keeping children in school is so important for their education, health and wellbeing.

Vaccines will protect young people from Omicron, help to keep schools open and protect their friends and families.

Many young people can get their first or second dose at school, at walk-in sites or parents can book one of the half a million vaccination appointments up for grabs across the country this month.

(PA Graphics)

In a tweeted statement, the Prime Minister said: Coronavirus has taken a terrible toll on our country and today the number of deaths recorded has reached 150,000.

Each and every one of those is a profound loss to the families, friends and communities affected and my thoughts and condolences are with them.

Our way out of this pandemic is for everyone to get their booster or their first or second dose if they havent yet.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the death toll represented a dark milestone for our country.

Professor Andrew Hayward, who sits on the Governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), told BBC Radio 4s PM programme: It is absolutely tragic and to think thats been repeated so many times is awful.

I think we could have done better. I think some of the deaths are even more tragic for the fact that many of them were avoidable if we had acted earlier in the first and second wave.

It also came as Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned Mr Johnson that axing universal free lateral flow tests would be an utterly wrongheaded approach to dealing with coronavirus.

It was reported they could be limited to high-risk settings  such as care homes, hospitals and schools  and to people with symptoms.

Free universal lateral flow tests could be axed, according to reports (Danny Lawson/PA)

An announcement could come within weeks and include a scaling back of the NHS Test and Trace system, the Sunday Times reported.

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government had not signed up to the move, but if Mr Johnson was really considering this it would be utterly wrongheaded.

Hard to imagine much that would be less helpful to trying to live with Covid, she tweeted.

The report has been disputed by Government sources as it is too early to say what will happen with free lateral flows.

The rapid tests were made available to everyone in England, crucially including those without symptoms, in April.
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A sign outside the entrance to the Ellington Senior Center announces the center's lack of tests five minutes after an 11 a.m. distribution began. Photograph by Mark Mirko | mmirko@courant.com (Mark Mirko/The Hartford Courant)

COVID-19 transmission in Connecticut is at its highest level of any time during the pandemic, and it might get worse before it gets better.

Since overwhelming New York City in late December, the highly contagious omicron variant has seeped into Connecticut, spreading rapidly through the southern part of the state and then other corners as well. As of Thursday, Hartford, New Haven and Fairfield counties were all averaging at least 200 daily cases per 100,000 residents.

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[ These are the Connecticut towns with indoor mask mandates ]

Given how quickly COVID-19 numbers have risen and fallen in other countries where omicron has taken hold, experts say Connecticut can expect its outbreak to peak in mid- to late-January. Until then?

Were in for a rough few weeks, Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director-infection prevention at Yale New Haven Health, said Thursday.

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Here is what Connecticut residents can expect in the coming days:

COVID-19 case counts will continue to rise, likely until mid-January at least

Already, Connecticut is seeing record numbers of COVID-19 cases and an all-time high test positivity rate, as well as levels of hospitalization that are approaching those experienced in spring 2020.

For now, the surge shows no obvious signs of slowing, meaning more people will continue to get sick and hospitals will continue to fill up.

We are bracing as a health system and really as a state for increasing positive cases and increasing people with COVID over the next few weeks until this peaks, Roberts said Thursday.

Members of the the Community Emergency Response Team, Southington Health Dept. and town officials distribute COVID-19 test kits and N95 masks to town residents at the Southington Drive-In on Monday. (Dave Zajac /Record-Journal via AP) (DAVE ZAJAC/AP)

If theres any good news for Connecticut, its that other places that have experienced similar omicron variant outbreaks have seen cases slow about as fast as they rose. In South Africa, where omicron was first detected, cases spiked for just under a month before decreasing. Denmark has seen a similar pattern, while the United Kingdom and even New York City have seen some encouraging signs in recent days.

So when might Connecticut reach its COVID-19 peak and begin to see cases slow? Experts say that could come as soon as next week or not until later this month.

[ Connecticut to mandate COVID-19 boosters for long-term care and hospital workers ]

Dr. Ajay Kumar, chief clinical officer at Hartford HealthCare, said he expects the numbers to level off quickly.

We think we are going to continue to have some increase in our hospitalization and community spread over the next couple of days and after several days  not weeks  we will see a decline in those numbers, he said.

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Others are less optimistic.

Pedro Mendes, a computational biologist at UConn Health who has modeled the COVID-19 pandemic, said his models forecast Connecticuts COVID-19 hospitalizations will surpass spring 2020 levels before peaking between Jan. 15 and 20.

The emergency room entrance at UConn Health in Farmington. (Courant file photo) (Brad Horrigan / Hartford Courant)

Dr. Ulysses Wu, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare, agreed that the states peak is likely at least a week or two away.

The middle of January is when we really expect to see numbers start decreasing, he said.

Wu said numerous variables make predictions difficult. Are fewer people gathering in large groups indoors now that the holidays are over? And to what extent will the omicron variant  which is more transmissible but results in less severe disease for vaccinated individuals  drive further increases in hospitalizations?

Dr. David Banach, hospital epidemiologist at UConn Health, said its tough to compare South Africa against the United States due to different demographics, different levels of vaccination and different levels of natural immunity.

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Theres some optimism that it may reflect what we saw in South Africa, but I think its too early to make definitive conclusions about that, he said.

Unvaccinated people, those with underlying conditions will continue to face the greatest risk

One constant has remained through the last year of COVID-19 in Connecticut: enhanced risk faced by the unvaccinated.

Though the omicron variant evades vaccine protection better than previous strains did, unvaccinated people remain three times as likely to test positive for COVID-19 than vaccinated people, according to state numbers. Meanwhile, nearly 70% of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Connecticut are unvaccinated, and the number is higher when looking specifically at people with severe symptoms.

Experts say people who have received not only their initial vaccine doses but also a booster shot are particularly well-protected. Hartford HealthCare officials said last week that of dozens of COVID-19 patients in their intensive care units, not one had been boosted.

Yale New Haven Health has had a similar experience, Roberts said. Only about 20% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are vaccinated, he said, and of those very few have had a booster shot.

It still remains quite rare for a patient to be admitted to the hospital who is boosted against COVID, he said.

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When a boosted patient does arrive at the hospital with COVID-19, Roberts said, it is typically someone whose immune system is suppressed due to either medication or an underlying condition.

Banach said he sometimes sees patients, usually older, for whom COVID-19 combined with another condition to trigger severe illness.

Imagine a patient whos elderly with diabetes who comes in and has relatively mild COVID illness but its enough to tip them over because of their diabetes into a diabetic-related issue, Banach said. Or for patients with congestive heart failure, a mild respiratory illness can tip them over into a severe manifestation of their underlying illness.

Young, healthy people who have received booster shots, on the other hand, can still catch COVID-19 and can still spread it to people more vulnerable than they are, but they are not likely to land in a hospital.

Chairs that were empty in early December at Hartford Hospital aren't anymore as the omicron variant of COVID-19 has sent hospitalizations to the highest levels since April. Photograph by Mark Mirko | mmirko@courant.com (Mark Mirko/The Hartford Courant)

Major restrictions to slow the spread appear unlikely

Despite pleas from health care workers and state legislators and a petition signed by more than 1,500 residents demanding a statewide mask mandate, Gov. Ned Lamont has given no indication that he will impose new pandemic-related restrictions.

This past week, Lamont downplayed the severity of Connecticuts COVID-19 outbreak, even while announcing the highest single-day positivity rate the state has ever recorded.

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I know, 24% infection, oh my gosh, but I think we have the tools now to continue living our life despite COVID, and I think we can continue living our life safely, the governor said Tuesday. Twenty-four percent infection rate is lousy and may get worse before it gets better. But we have the tools in place, provided you take advantage of the tools  to keep you safe and keep going about our lives.

[ COVID-19 hospitalizations at highest point since April 2020, straining hospitals as hundreds of healthcare workers are out with the virus ]

Lamont has required state employees to get vaccinated and recently arranged for free COVID-19 tests and N95 masks to be distributed to state residents. For now at least, it doesnt appear that theres more to come.

Gov. Ned Lamont announces the arrival of 426,000 home COVID-19 tests on New Year's Eve at a press conference at the state commodities warehouse in New Britain for distribution to cities and towns. Photo by Cloe Poisson/Special to the Courant (Cloe Poisson / Special to the Courant)

Some municipalities  including all four of the states largest cities  currently have indoor mask requirements for all residents, but local officials have limited authority to impose other restrictions.

By and large, Connecticuts leaders have chosen to prioritize a sense of normalcy  at least for residents who feel comfortable embracing it  in place of aggressive action that might slow COVID-19s spread.

Without official restrictions in place, public officials and health experts encourage individuals to wear masks and avoid crowded gatherings.

Whatever people can do to be safe and weather this out, because now is not the time to be hospitalized, Yale New Havens Roberts said.

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Hartford, Ct. - 10/07/2021 - Exterior view of Hartford Hospital. Photograph by Mark Mirko | mmirko@courant.com (Mark Mirko/The Hartford Courant)

Hospitals will scramble to find more space, staff

Already, Connecticut hospitals are packed, leading to long emergency room waits for patients and exhausting workloads for staff  more than 1,000 of whom recently had to miss time due to COVID-19 infections of their own.

Hospital officials say they have weathered the surge by converting unused space into intensive care units, moving patients to facilities where beds are available and reassigning staff to help treat those with COVID-19.

Breaking News As it happens Get the latest updates on Coronavirus and other breaking news events happening across Connecticut >

Ultimately the hospital is only so big, so one of the challenges is going to be what do we do if that surge continues and we simply dont have the space, Roberts said. Is there a procedural area where there are five open rooms and [we could] put COVID patients there? Or if two people have COVID could they go in the same room?

[ We are overrun: Hospital workers describe dire situation as COVID-19 cases mount in Connecticut ]

Hartford HealthCare officials say they have expanded their hospital capacity by treating more patients through telehealth, thereby freeing up physical space in their facilities.

Every patient that were able to treat outside of the hospital is a bed that were able to save in the hospital, said Keith Grant, Hartford HealthCares senior system director for infection protection.

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Meanwhile, Lamont announced Thursday that the state will now encourage nursing homes to accept COVID-positive patients who are discharged from hospitals, thereby shifting some burden away from health care facilities.

For hospitals, the last-resort option may be canceling certain procedures or other services that are not entirely time-sensitive  a decision that would free up space and staff but would also dent health system revenues.

Theres a lot of discussions about postponing scheduled surgeries and other modalities we could do to weather the storm, Roberts said. Im not sure thats the route leadership is going to go, but everything is on the table.

Alex Putterman can be reached at aputterman@courant.com.
During a military parade that was held on May 9, 2021, in Nizhny Novgorod, located at the confluence of the Oka and the Volga rivers in Central Russia, the Russian army showed for the first time to the public the new 2S43 Malva, a 152mm 8x8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer.

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New Russian-made 2S43 Malva 152mm 8x8 self-propelled howitzer at a military parade in Nizhny Novgorod. (Picture source VK  )

The 2S43 is a new Russian-made 152mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer developed by the Central Research Institute "Burevestnik", part of Russian company Uralvagonzavod. The first 2S43 Malva images appeared in 2019. It was presented at the Army-2020 forum at a closed display.

The 2S43 Malva is based on the BAZ-6010-027 8x8 military truck chassis with a two-door crew cabin at the front and the gun-mounted artillery system located at the rear. This new Russian artillery system is armed with one 152mm gun 2A64 cannon which is also used on the tracked self-propelled howitzer 2S19 MSTA-S.

The 2S43 Malva gun weapon system has a 47 caliber barrel with a three-chamber muzzle brake, an ejector, and advanced recoil devices. Elevation and traverse is hydraulic with manual controls being provided as a backup. For indirect usual firing, elevation ranges from -3 to +70 with traverse being 30 left and right.

The 2S43 Malva carries 30 rounds of separate-case loading and is transported in boxes on the platform. The transfer of shells and casings to the breech is carried out manually by calculation forces. The gun has a maximum firing range of 24.5 km with conventional ammunition with a rate of fire of 7 rounds per minute.

The S243 Malva has a combat weight of 32 tons with a length of 13 m, a width of 2.75 m, and a height of 3.1 m. It has a crew of five.

According to information published by the Russian press agency TASS in September 2021, the Russian Ministry of Defense has concluded the first preliminary trials. The all-aspect test program, including state trials, is set to be completed in 2022 and the Malva might enter serial production after 2023.
According to the Iranian technical brochure and video published on Internet, Iran has developed the AD-200, a new long-range surface-to-air defense missile system that could be the export version of the Iranian-made BAVAR 373. This information was released to the Iranian MoD export catalog of military equipment.

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TEL Transporter Erector Launcher unit of AD-200 Iranian-made air defense missile system. (Picture source Screenshot of AD-200 video youtube PARTISAN)

First information, of the BAVAR 373, Iranian-made air defense missile system was revealed in August 2016 and the system was formally unveiled during a ceremony attended by the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on 22 August 2019 and was declared operational the same day.

The Bavar 373 TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) vehicle is fitted with two rectangular launch canisters each with a Sayyad-4 missile ready to fire. According to Iranian military sources, the missile is able to intercept aerial targets at a maximum range of 200 km and an altitude of up to 27 km.

Bavar-373 uses phased array radar for tracking aerodynamic targets and ballistic missiles in medium to long ranges, mounted on the ZAFAR heavy truck. The radar system of the BAVAR 373 can detect targets at a maximum range of 260 km, can track 300 targets, and engage simultaneously 6 aerial targets.

According to information published in the Iranian weapons export catalog, the AD-200 is an air defense missile system designed to intercept aerial targets at long-range and long-altitude. The air defense system is able to be used in all-weather conditions and can engage simultaneously six targets with 12 missiles. The AD-200 missile can destroy a wide range of aerial targets as aircraft, helicopters, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and cruise missiles.

A battery of AD-200 includes up to six TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) each with a launcher unit with four ready-to-fire missiles, AD-200 CC Combat Control Post, AD-200 SR Search Radar, and AD-200 TR Target Tracking Radar.

Citing the technical features published on the Iranian weapons export catalog, the missile can destroy aerial targets with a range from 5 to 200 km and an altitude from 100 m to 27 km. The missile has a diameter of 515 mm, a total weight of 2,050 kg with a warhead of 180 kg. The missile has an inertial guidance system updated via data link semi-active and active radar homing.

The AD-200 SR Search and surveillance phased-array radar is able to acquire and detect targets at a maximum range of 320 km with an azimuth of 360 and elevation from -3 to +85. It can detect 200 targets simultaneously.

The AD-200 TR Target Tracking Phased-array Radar is able to track targets at a maximum range of 260 km with an azimuth of 360 and elevation from -3 to +85. It can track 6 targets simultaneously.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor had informed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday

New Delhi: Less than a week after testing positive for COVID-19, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday informed that he has recovered from the infection.

"After recovering from Corona, I am back at your service," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor had informed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, a day after holding a political rally in Dehradun in poll-bound Uttarakhand.

Taking to Twitter, he had said that he has mild symptoms and is isolated at home.

A week before testing positive for coronavirus, Kejriwal had actively campaigned in poll-bound states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Goa.

Election Commission on Saturday announced the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, Manipur, and Uttarakhand. Uttar Pradesh is slated to go to poll in 7 phases from February 10 to March 7, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa will vote on February 14 and Manipur to vote on February 27 and March 3.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister will address an important press conference today at 12 noon.

Delhi reported 20,181 new COVID-19 cases during the last 24 hours, its highest since May 5 last year, said the state health department on Saturday.

The city has reported 513 cases of Omicron variant so far.
The warship will operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters

The warship has been built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore and its construction propelled India into a select group of countries having capabilities to build state-of-the-art aircraft carriers. (Indian Navy photo)

New Delhi: India's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant began another set of sea trials on Sunday to carry out complex manoeuvres in high seas ahead of its planned induction in August.

The 40,000-tonne aircraft carrier, the largest and most complex warship to be built in India, successfully completed a five-day maiden sea voyage in August and underwent 10-day sea trials in October.

"The IAC now sails to undertake complex manoeuvres to establish specific readings of how the ship performs in various conditions," Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said, adding various sensor suites of the ship would also be tested.

The warship has been built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore and its construction propelled India into a select group of countries having capabilities to build state-of-the-art aircraft carriers.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited the ship recently in Kochi.

"After two successive high profile visits  the President and Vice President of India  within a span of less than two weeks, IAC Vikrant is heading out for the next set of sea trials," Commander Madhwal said.

"Both dignitaries, having reviewed the progress, had conveyed their satisfaction and expressed their best wishes to all the stakeholders involved in the project," he added.

While the maiden sea trials were to establish propulsion, navigational suite and basic operations, the second sea trial witnessed the ship being put through its paces in terms of various machinery trials and flight trials.

"The ship in fact was out for 10 days proving its sustenance in the very second sortie. Various seamanship evolutions were also successfully cleared during the second sortie," the Navy official said.

Several scientists from the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, a DRDO facility based at Visakhapatnam, are witnessing the third phase of sea trials of Vikrant.

The warship will operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters.

It has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1700 people, including specialised cabins to accommodate women officers.

Vikrant has a top speed of around 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles, officials said.

The IAC is 262 metres long, 62 metres wide and it has a height of 59 metres. Its construction began in 2009.

The warship has been built by Cochin Shipyard Limited(CSL).

India currently has only one aircraft carrier -- INS Vikramaditya,

The Indian Navy has been focusing on significantly bolstering its overall capabilities in view of China's growing efforts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Indian Ocean, considered the backyard of the Indian Navy, is critical to the country's strategic interests.

"That the ship has been able to carry out basic flying operations from its very first sortie itself is a landmark in Indian warship construction history," Commander Madhwal said.

"Despite surging COVID cases in the country and the resultant challenges, the combined teams from multiple organisations associated with the project are upbeat and committed to meet the timeliness," he said.
Francis baptises 16 children, and expresses the hope that in Kazakhstan "social harmony will be found as soon as possible through the search for dialogue, justice and the common good". Prayer "is not an escape route, it is not a magic ritual or a repetition of chants learned by heart", "it is the key that opens the heart to the Lord".

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - With Baptism we receive "Christian identity" that parents and godparents must "safeguard". This is "the task" that Pope Francis entrusted to those who this morning brought 16 infants - 7 boys and 9 girls, children of Vatican employees - to the Sistine Chapel where they received Baptism.

The ceremony took place on the day in which the Baptism of Jesus is remembered. Recalling it at the Angelus, Francis stressed that in that first moment of his public life, "Jesus does not present himself with some miracle or by climbing up on a cathedra to teach. He stands in line with sinners who were going to receive baptism from John. He shares the lot of us sinners, he comes down to us" and prays.

To the 10,000 people present in St Peter's Square despite the drizzly day, Francis also said that he had learned "with sorrow that there have been victims during the protests that have broken out in recent days in Kazakhstan. I pray for them and for their families, and I hope that social harmony will be found as soon as possible through the search for dialogue, justice and the common good. I entrust the Kazakh people to the protection of Our Lady, Queen of Peace of Oziornoje".

In a brief homily this morning, he said that "there is a very beautiful liturgical hymn in today's feast which says that the people of Israel went to the Jordan 'with bare feet and a bare soul', that is, a soul that wanted to be bathed by God, that had no wealth, that needed God. Today these children also come here with 'bare feet and bare souls' to receive God's justification, the strength of Jesus, the strength to go on in life".

This theme was taken up again at the Angelus, when he said that in Jesus' prayer "we can see the 'two movements' of Jesus' life: on the one hand he descends with us, in the waters of the Jordan; on the other hand he raises his gaze and heart by praying to the Father. This is a great lesson for us: we are all immersed in the problems of life and in many intricate situations, called to face difficult moments and choices that pull us down.

However, he added, "if we do not want to be crushed, we need to lift everything upwards. And this is what prayer does, it is not an escape route, it is not a magic ritual or a repetition of chants learnt by heart. Praying is the way to let God act in us, to grasp what He wants to communicate to us even in the most difficult situations, praying to have the strength to go on. Prayer helps us because it unites us to God, it opens us up to an encounter with Him. Yes, prayer is the key that opens the heart to the Lord". "It is to dialogue with God, it is to listen to his Word, it is to adore: to remain in silence entrusting to him what we live. And sometimes it is also to cry out to Him like Job, to vent with Him".

The Pope went on to say, "to use a beautiful image from today's Gospel, prayer 'opens up the sky' (cf. v. 21): it gives life oxygen, breath even in the midst of anguish and makes us see things in a broader way. Above all, it allows us to have the same experience as Jesus at the Jordan: it makes us feel like children loved by the Father. To us too, when we pray, the Father says, as to Jesus in the Gospel: "You are my son, the beloved" (cf. v. 22). Our being children began on the day of our Baptism, which immersed us in Christ and made us into beloved children of the Father. Let us not forget the date of our Baptism!".

Pope Francis concluded "today let us ask ourselves: how is my prayer? Do I pray out of habit, unwillingly, just reciting formulas? Or do I cultivate intimacy with God, dialogue with Him, listen to His Word? Among the many things we do," he concluded, "let us not neglect prayer: let us devote time to it, let us use short invocations to be repeated often, let us read the Gospel every day".
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The company produced only 14,218 units for this model year, and out of this output, 554 cars ended up being exported to other markets.Close to 11,700 Road Runners were fitted with the base 383 (6.2-liter) V8, whereas the rarest configuration that collectors would end up spending big bucks on came with a Hemi engine and an automatic transmission. Only 27 such Road Runners ended up seeing the daylight for this model year.The example that we have here, however, isnt necessarily breathtaking from an engine perspective  though the 383 itself is quite a monster  thanks to its overall shape.Even if the photos shared online by eBay seller princessbroussard25 arent necessarily the best, its not hard to determine this Road Runner is still in mint condition. Theres absolutely no rust on it, and the matching-numbers unit under the hood is obviously working like on a new car.But whats actually surprising is how long the vehicle has been sitting lately. The owner explains this Road Runner was parked for over 30 years, so without a doubt, its storage conditions were absolutely perfect. So hats off to whoever took care of this icon, as maintaining such an amazing condition isnt by any means easy, especially for over three decades.This makes the Plymouth Road Runner quite an expensive car, though theres no doubt itll eventually catch the attention of some wealthy collector out there.Posted on eBay for an online auction, the car wont sell for less than $60,000, though right now, nobody seems to be willing to offer that much. The auction is projected to expire by the end of this week, so theres a chance no new owner will be found until then.
SUV

To be fair, depending on how you feel about thiscraze we thought was going to pass a long time ago, that's dangerously close to being called "the most attractive pig," but still, if you can't change what you are, I guess it's better to be good-looking than not. Besides, the RS Q8 manages to resemble a big wagon rather than a standard SUV, essentially making it some other more attractive animal disguised as a pig.I can't speak for SUVs (or pigs, for that matter), but I think the RS Q8 would gladly renounce the vanity title for a much more palpable one - say something like the one owned by the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk . The Hellcat-powered SUV is currently the world's quickest such vehicle in production form over the standing quarter-mile, which also happens to be the very reason it was created in the first place.Yes, knowing all this should make the first part of this clip rather pointless, but don't be so quick to dismiss it. If anything, it shows just how tiny the margins are in this business. If it weren't for precision timing equipment, we might never know for sure which one was the quickest since even the shortest delay off the line will have a huge impact on the winner.Before we go any further, let's delve a little into what makes these two vehicles the speed merchants that they are. Starting with the U.S. representative, it's powered by the 6.2-liter supercharged V8 Hemi engine we all know and love developing 707 hp and 645 lb-ft (873 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission (more on that later).The Audi falls short on almost every parameter, but not by much. It has a 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine good for 600 hp (probably the biggest and most important difference) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. Like the Jeep , it also has an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive, but it also weighs slightly less (around 220 lbs or 100 kg).As I've said, the standing quarter-mile races are just an example of how important it is to get a good start. With Juan, the frontman for carwow's Spanish channel, sleeping at the wheel, the Audi makes it seem easy as it crosses the line first. Then, as Mat continues the constant bullying throughout the episode of his Spanish colleague, Juan steps up his game and delivers two very good reactions - the latter of the two offers that perfectly even start that leaves no doubt over which vehicle is the quickest.Up next is the rolling race - this is where the Jeep should, in theory, shine even brighter. It has more power and a supercharger, meaning there is no lag in the delivery - not even the tiny bit that's still present in modern turbocharged engines. However, the first pass not only contradicts that idea but also puts it in a box, tapes it well shut, stamps it, and ships it to Papua New Guinea from a fake address, so there's no chance of ever returning. Not only does the Jeep not win, but by the time the Audi crossed the line, Juan could barely see it from behind the Grand Cherokee 's wheel. And that's not a way of saying Juan is very short.It turns out the Jeeps transmission likes to take things slowly when left in the comfort setting. Put it in manual, though, and the Trackhawk shows us we weren't wrong to expect a clear win on its part. However, the SUV's performance in the braking test is almost enough to make us forget about everything good it's done there that day. Granted, it's not a new vehicle, and it does sport Brembo brakes but tell that to the seven-car gap (my estimation, reality may vary) between the two when they go for an emergency brake from 100 mph (160 km/h).
The Foxtrot class Russian submarine, as NATO designated it, represented the dull mass of the Soviet and then the Russian navy from the late 1950s all the way until less than a decade ago. The 90 meters long (294 ft 11in) sub was powered by three Kolomna 2D42M diesel engines rated at 2,000 horsepower each.These diesel engines run in conjunction with three electric motors ranging from 1,350 to 2,700 horsepower. The end result is a sub that could endure speeds of 15 knots (28 km/h) while underwater for as many as three to five days at a time. Its ten torpedo tubes were a threat to any NATO ship passing through its jurisdiction. This ship has room for a crew of 12 officers, 10 warrants, and 56 seamen.With their retirement from front line service in 2014, this is just one of the Foxtrot subs that may very soon be open to civilian sale. Many already serve as museum ships, with two examples located in Los Angeles and San Diego, respectively. This particular example was actually retired in 1993 to be preserved as a museum ship , which it's served as since 1998.The online description on mysubmarines.com claims the ship is largely as it was when it left the Russian Military, with no vital drivetrain or navigational components removed. Whether as a one-of-a-kind rich people's toy or as an educational museum ship, this submarine has the potential to be far more useful than an antiquated pile of floating scrap. Check out the gallery above to see more of what this vessel has on offer.Pricing and shipping information is reserved for only the most serious prospective buyers . So you better have your paperwork and credit score in order if you're ready to spend your days LARPING as a Soviet submarine commander.
And because sales of the Impala were already on the rise, Chevrolet decided this 50 millionth car to be a Super Sport that was driven off the assembly lines by none other than New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller.Owning an all-original 1963 Impala SS in mint condition is, therefore, the dream of many collectors out there, but obviously, making it come true isnt as easy as it sounds. Not only that an example in tip-top shape is worth quite a small fortune but finding a solid project car is often a big challenge as well.Someone on eBay, however, claims they have the right candidate for a full restoration, as their 1963 Impala SS is missing only a few trim pieces. And whats more, the engine under the hood is still working, even though the overall condition of the vehicle seems to suggest it spent many years in the same place.The matching-numbers unit under the hood is a 327 (5.3-liter) V8, but very little information about it has actually been shared. So while we do know the car is drivable, not much else has been revealed.Given its an Impala that has most likely been sitting for a long time, the rust already feels at home on it. This means any potential buyer should be ready for some massive patches on the floors and in the trunk.But despite its challenging condition, it doesnt necessarily mean this Impala SS will sell for beer money. eBay seller kjdimarco isnt willing to give up on this 1963 SS for less than $7,770, so if youre not sure the car is worth the money, just head over to Kansas to see it live.
Fencing along the western front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Thursday. A year after the Jan. 6 attack, Congress remains deeply divided. (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

America has always been polarized.

Ben Franklin wrote pamphlets drumming up support for the war against the French and allied Native tribes. His famous Join or Die cartoon depicting the colonies as a severed snake made his point powerfully and quickly. Other cartoons portrayed political opponents as hicks and extremists. Colonial politics didnt leave room for Joe Manchins. You picked a side and read that sides newspapers.

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The modern press aspiration toward the objective form of journalism was still a century or more away. Its not that some outlets werent more quality than others. Its just that no one pretended not to represent a political viewpoint that shaped their interpretation of events. In other words, MSNBC does high-quality, verifiable work, but its open about its worldview. No one wonders at FOXs political philosophy.

As Ive read deeper into the history of American political polarization, Ive become fascinated by Barbara Basbanes Richters work on early pamphleteering. It turns out there were Proud Boys-style groups, then, too. A group of men calling themselves the Paxton Boys murdered a group of Conestoga men, a woman, and a child in the so-called defense of the Pennsylvania frontier. When authorities moved the other targets to the local jail to protect them, this militia broke in, and in Franklins moving prose, When the poor Wretches saw they had no Protection nigh, nor could escape, and being without the least Weapon for Defense, they divided into their little Families, the Children clinging to the Parents, and were hatcheted to death.

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One can only imagine the images from Michigan had the kidnapping of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer been successful.

When the violence ebbed, the war took to the airwaves. Or, instead, to the broadsheets and pamphlets that were the colonial version of Twitter rants and social media takedowns and doxes. Historians estimate that more than 20% of all the media produced in Pennsylvania in 1764 pertained to the Paxton Boys and the massacres. People got sick of the news cycle then, too.

All this ink served to whitewash the gruesome bigotry of the group in the service of winning political power in the state and across the Colonies. The Paxton Boys churned out pamphlets justifying their actions by portraying the group as enemies of the British Crown, who, by their knowledge of the the Situation and State of our Frontiers, (by which they meant lax security provided by the governor) were prepared to prey upon the white settlers. The demands of militias today that the federal government isnt doing enough to protect the borders isnt novel. Its at the heart of the American experience.

The debates about individual liberty vs. community are the stuff of this countrys political DNA. When the Paxton Boys rode from the frontier to Philadelphia (their numbers having swelled), they were threatening an attack on the seat of government, just like at the Capitol. And they were very much more a threat. Theyd proven their will to kill and their ability to recruit.

What frightens me about the groups that came together to storm the seat of government last year is that they have not yet proven their will to kill. And when they do (as I believe they will), will the broadsheet publishers of today and the true believers that form the new Republican Party give them access to whitewash what they cant hide, and hide what they wont say?

Matthew Schmidt is associate professor of national security and political science at the University of New Haven.
Without actually going there in person, we humans have slowly become convinced Mars was once not unlike Earth, and possibly even a haven for life of some kind. Its dead now, of course, but the signs of its glorious past are still there, provided one knows where to look and, more importantly, knows how to interpret what they're seeing.If you were to ask us, the image used as the main pic of this piece looks pretty boring and pretty much in tone with everywhere else that can be found on Mars at the moment. But to the scientists from NASA and the University of Arizona, it is yet another possible proof of large bodies of water once being present on the surface.Taken by the HiRISE camera back in 2010 from an altitude of 259 km (161 miles), it shows a small portion (5 km/3 miles across) of the Hellas Planitia region, an area known as Alpheus Colles.This region, NASA says, is characterized by highly deformed layered sediment nicknamed honeycomb or taffy pull terrain. Scientists do not fully understand the origins of this type of sedimentation, but it may be related to an ancient lake or ocean in Hellas.By all accounts, the region where this feature can be found, Hellas Planitia , is one of the largest impact craters we humans are aware of anywhere in this Universe, coming in with a diameter of 1,400 miles (2,253 km), and in places going 9,800 feet (3 km) deep.
Firstly, for those unfamiliar with WACO, the Troy, Ohio-based aircraft company was one of the premier manufacturers of civilian bi-Planes from the early 1920s until just after the Second World War. The company almost exclusively built twin wing bi-planes, apart from a few monoplane assault gliders during the war.As for the 1933 WACO UIC Cabin Class in question, it left the factory floor on June 9th, 1933, and was purchased by the wealthy business owner George Willis of Great Neck in Long Island , New York. It served with a number of different flight schools after Willis sold the plane to the KT Flight Training School of Honolulu, Hawaii.It was while there that the plane flew a routine flight between the Hawaiian Islands on December 7th, 1941. At approximately 7:55 am that morning, the WACO was battered by an unseen stream of bullets slamming the crew inside from the rear. It was the machine gun and cannon fire of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Likely from a Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter on its way to attack Pearl Harbor.The resulting gunfire exited the throat of the pilot, Bob Tyce, killing him. It's believed that Tyce was the first American casualty of what would be the nation's entry into the Second World War. Bob's wife, unhurt by the barrage, managed to land the plane safely. All civilian air travel was halted by the American government the next day.Since that fateful day, the WACO bi-plane has been painstakingly restored. Its engine was replaced by a Continental W-670-6A unit. Modern avionics like a King KT76A Transponder and Encoder replace the antiquated radio system the plane came with. The interior and exterior have also seen a complete refresh. It makes for a package as historically significant as it is beautiful to behold. At $139,000 before taxes and fees through the Platinum Fighter Sales firm in Florida, that's a deal unlike any we've seen before
The idea behind the program is that Toyota has found that most of the vehicles it sells in the United Kingdom are used in cycles of two to three years. The Japanese marque has identified the link between the pattern and the average length of a lease contract in the United Kingdom.Toyota wants to refresh a car twice thought its life, which would mean that three separate clients would lease it for up to three years. Once the cycle is complete, instead of remanufacturing it, Toyota would then recycle the vehicle.The Japanese marque already collects and recycles batteries used by its hybrid vehicles. Offering a remanufacturing plan is a captivating idea when customer satisfaction is concerned. The company would be sure that each of the three leasing clients would be happy in the same vehicle, as the latter two users would get a refreshed car that would be as close as possible to a new one.Going through a remanufacturing would allow Toyota to offer a new standard in the field of certified pre-owned vehicles. Moreover, it would bring new business opportunities for leasing companies, as well as provide extra confidence to those who would otherwise never lease a three-year-old or a six-year-old vehicle.As Toyota explained its Kinto Mobility Arm, which was first announced in Europe back in 2020, it will have four key pillars. The first, Kinto One, involves having a single monthly payment for lease, service, and insurance, making it optimal for companies and individuals on a strict budget.The second branch of Kinto is Share, which employs hybrid vehicles. This pillar is suited for the remanufacturing part, and it might use the cars that have already concluded their first "use cycle."The other two pillars of Kinto are called "Join" and "Flex." The first is a carpooling service, which may not have its best time because of the pandemic, while the latter is a subscription-based leasing program that enables easy and simple car ownership. The latter would work great with remanufactured vehicles since monthly would outweigh the desire to have newly released vehicles.Moreover, if the program does not involve lengthy wait periods for delivery, it could prove to be a solid business line for the company. Imagine signing up on an app and having a vehicle delivered to your door for use for as long as you need it. Sounds like a better deal than all leasing contracts at the moment, right?Since Toyota takes back all the vehicles used in the program, nobody would have to worry about resale values, and no customer will be ever offered the possibility of purchasing the vehicle after the lease is over.Both situations described have the potential to reduce the monthly payment for the lease, even though Toyota seems to be in a tight spot with two remanufacturing jobs for each vehicle that need to obtain profit to justify their existence.The best part of the deal is that the vehicles would retain value better than anything else on the market while also ensuring their quality and performance even after three, four, or even six years since they first left the factory By connecting the dots, the company has developed a way that would ensure that each customer of the same vehicle will get a similar user experience, as the remanufacturing would comprehensively refresh the vehicles, as Agustin Martin, the president and managing director of Toyota GB explained to the Brits at Autocar Toyota's idea of remanufacturing vehicles has limitations that are not explained, along with restrictions that have yet to be mentioned. Most likely, only some models will be included in the program (at least at first), and configurations would be more restricted than they are today, just to keep things simple.Vehicles that get significant crash damage will not follow the program to its end and get recycled if that happens. Moreover, users will not be allowed to perform any work or modifications that would traditionally void a warranty.All things considered, this might be a brilliant idea for those who just want a hassle-free experience with a car without having to rent one from a company.
Patrons are served inside the Shade Bar & Grill, Tuesday, in Panama City Beach, Fla. The restaurant has instituted a 20% service charge on their restaurant bills to cover increased costs.
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NATO on Friday rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand that the military alliance halt admission of new members in a bid to prevent Ukraine from joining, AP reports.

Why it matters: With Russian troops amassed at the Ukrainian border, fear of another invasion has risen steadily in recent months. Friday's comments are a response to Putin's conditions for de-escalating the potentially devastating conflict.

Though the U.S. and other NATO allies have expanded their military presence and activities in the alliance's "eastern flank," the Ukrainian government has urgently lobbied for additional military assistance and preemptive sanctions from the U.S., Axios' Zachary Basu writes.

But because Ukraine is not a NATO member, the alliance's collective defense clause, which considers an attack on one ally an attack on them all, does not apply.

What they're saying: "We will not compromise on core principles, including the right for every nation to decide its own path, including what kind of security arrangements it wants to be a part of," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels after a virtual meeting of NATO foreign ministers, per AP.

"NATO never promised not to admit new members; it could not and would not," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in separate comments to reporters on Friday.

"They want to draw us into a debate about NATO rather than focus on the matter at hand, which is their aggression toward Ukraine. We wont be diverted from that issue."

"Were prepared to respond forcefully to further Russian aggression, but a diplomatic solution is still possible and preferable if Russia chooses," Blinken added.

What to watch: The issue will be part of the discussion during the NATO-Russia Council meeting next Wednesday  the first in over two years.
Speaker of the House John Ritter, left, and Senate President Martin Looney converse at the Capitol in Hartford in 2021. Looney says shifting burdens from the poor and middle class to the wealthy certainly needs to be part of the mix when taxes are debated this session. (Mark Mirko/The Hartford Courant)

With state government cruising toward an unprecedented surplus just shy of $2 billion, Gov. Ned Lamont and Senate Republicans already announced their goals to cut state taxes.

But while the GOP and Lamont  a fiscally moderate-to-conservative Democrat  are expected to stay within the framework of the existing tax system, that doesnt mean others arent ready to color outside of the lines.

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I am only interested in doing meaningful, structural tax reform, not gimmicky [things] in an election year, said Rep. Sean Scanlon, D-Guilford, co-chairman of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. Its got to address the inequities and the disparities in the existing state and municipal tax structure.

State Rep. Sean Scanlon, D-Guilford, says any tax reform must address the inequities and the disparities in the existing state and municipal tax structure. (Courant file photo)

That system has long been a target of criticism, not only by liberals but also by municipal officials from across the political spectrum, because of its over-reliance on highly regressive taxes  levies that charge the households the same rate, regardless of how much they earn.

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Cities and towns get nearly all of their revenue  excluding state grants  from a regressive property tax that is the third-highest among all states as a percentage of all state and local revenue.

And the states second-largest source of funding, its sales tax, applies the same 6.35% rate to nearly all goods and services.

The Senate GOP has proposed temporarily cutting the sales tax rate to 5.99% and eliminating the 1% surcharge on restaurant food and other prepared meals. This would save households, on average, roughly $225 in 2022.

Lamont hasnt offered specifics but recently has said hes ready to expand a state income tax credit that currently covers up to $200 of middle-class property tax bills.

I think its the right thing to do, the governor said Tuesday. I think the property tax hits the middle class really hard. And were going to get property tax relief through this next session.

Lamont reneged on a 2018 campaign pledge to pump an extra $400 million per year into low- and middle-income households by expanding the property tax credit by 2021. The administration argued the state could not afford to provide the relief, even though government finances are more robust now than when Lamont made the pledge in 2018.

The governor and the legislature did expand municipal aid by about half that amount in the new state budget adopted last June. That package also expanded the states Earned Income Tax Credit  which had delivered about $550 per year to working poor families  by about one-third.

But progressives say while progress has been made, its not enough.

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Weve got challenges that are not insurmountable but require bold action, said Emily Byrne, executive director of Connecticut Voices for Children, a New Haven-based policy group that has advocated for years for a more progressive tax system.

Scanlon tried last spring to create a new child tax credit within the state income tax. Worth up to $600 per child, it would have cost $300 million per year.

Lamont blocked this initiative, arguing it was unnecessary. Congress had temporarily expanded a child credit within the federal income tax, which added $1,000 to $1,600 per dependent to thousands of Connecticut households. The governor said he was confident lawmakers would make that expansion permanent, but it hasnt happened yet, and the extra funding expired in December.

The General Assembly did direct Lamont, if the federal credit expansion went away, to draft a plan on the feasibility of a new state credit and submit it to lawmakers by June.

Scanlon said he wont wait to see when the report arrives but will propose the new state credit as soon as the 2022 General Assembly session begins on Feb. 9.

But a new state child tax credit isnt the only proposal in play.

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The Finance Committees other co-chairman, Sen. John Fonfara, D-Hartford, proposed several tax hikes last year, including two income tax surcharges on wealthy households, a new state property tax on expensive homes and a digital ads levy.

Fonfara wanted the hundreds of millions of dollars from these increases to be directed largely to poor cities and towns.

The governor, other moderate Democrats and Republicans combined to block the measures, arguing they would prompt wealthy taxpayers to flee the state.

Republicans have made similar arguments. And when the Senate GOP proposed a sales tax cut this past week, they said its important not to over-promise and dangle big relief that might be withdrawn shortly thereafter if the coronavirus-shackled state economy gets worse.

Thats why were staying in the sales tax lane, said Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly, R-Stratford, who noted most of the state governments surplus is tied to a robust-yet-volatile stock market.

If it continues to be healthy, we can always do more later this year, he added.

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But Rep. Josh Elliott, D-Hamden, one of the leaders of the House Democratic Progressive Caucus, said Lamont and the GOPs fears of wealth flight wont stop many other Democrats from seeking a broader debate on tax fairness.

Weve got to keep talking about it until we get a governor thats willing to step up to the plate and tackle it, he said.

Speaker of the House John Ritter, left, and Senate President Martin Looney converse at the Capitol in Hartford in 2021. Looney says shifting burdens from the poor and middle class to the wealthy certainly needs to be part of the mix when taxes are debated this session. Photograph by Mark Mirko | mmirko@courant.com (Mark Mirko/The Hartford Courant)

Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven, who supported the Finance Committees tax package, said shifting burdens from the poor and middle class to the wealthy certainly needs to be part of the mix when taxes are debated this session.

And Puya Gerami, leader of a progressive coalition of labor and faith-based groups, said Connecticut cannot provide meaningful relief to its pockets of urban poverty without serious reforms to its income tax. The single-largest source of revenue, the income tax, imposes rates ranging from 3 to 6.99%. And while credits ensure most households earning less than $35,000 per year pay little or no taxes, critics have said there is too little difference between the effective rates levied against the middle class and rich.

It really has to be a long-term approach to make Connecticut more equitable, said Gerami, executive director of Recovery for All CT. You cant get there without [dealing with] the income tax.

Keith Phaneuf is a reporter for The Connecticut Mirror (ctmirror.org). Copyright 2022  The Connecticut Mirror.
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Bandon's Wizards Hat Rock, Komax or Howling Dog? Oregon Coast Landmark Puzzle

Updated 3/22/22

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Bandon, Oregon) -- [NOTE, THIS IS A CORRECTED EDIT OF AN EARLIER VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE]. Will the real Wizards Hat Rock please stand up? And maybe Howling Dog Rock and / or Komax? (Above: Howling Dog Rock looks like a wizard hat from the north. Photos courtesy Manuela Durson - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts for more)

These south Oregon coast landmarks have hundreds of photos of them floating around the electronic ether, but the rock structures have an identity problem. As of this writing, even Google Maps apparently has it wrong. It's hard to tell which one is Howling Dog Rock (also sometimes called Komax, after the dog in the Face Rock legend) and which one is Wizards Hat Rock. There are plenty who say Howling Dog is also Wizards Hat  it just depends on the angle you see it. Others are adamant there are two distinct rocks: Wizards Hat is about 400 feet south of Howling Dog.

Unfortunately it's possible they're all correct. The problem is there is no official designation by any local or regional entity. The answer depends on whom you talk to in Bandon.



Howling Dog - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts for more

Howling Dog has simply been known as that for a long time  but definitely less than 100 years. It seems about 1907 it was called Sphinx Rock (according to a 1907 article provided to Oregon Coast Beach Connection by the Bandon Historical Society Museum). The odd issue with Howling Dog is that it shape-shifts. It literally all depends on your perspective. From which direction you view the rock dictates its configuration. View it from the north and it looks more like a wizard hat. From the southeast, it takes on an outline more like a howling mutt.

Farther south, Wizards Hat really does look more like its name, and it does so from most angles (and no, there's no apostrope in Wizards).

Wizard's Hat from the north - note how it's not bent at the top

All of this takes place just north and south of Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in Bandon, a big Oregon coast attraction in and of itself. Like the geology of this place, which varies from 50 million years old to over 200 million years old, it's an enormous mixed bag of objects in and around the tideline. [How Bandon's Face Rock Was Created A Wild S. Oregon Coast Geologic Tale]

Yet there's lots of spire-like rock structures on Bandon Beach, and you'll occasionally see other random structures as being labeled Wizards Hat.

Local photographer Steven Michael Smith is the most vocal proponent of the two separate rocks idea: indeed that explanation makes the most sense. He told Oregon Coast Beach Connection the confusion comes with people seeing Howling Dog for the first time from the north, and that coupled with the Harry Potter craze causes visitors to jump to conclusions.



Wizards Hat from the south

Manuela Durson, another local photographer, has snapped perhaps hundreds of pictures of this area. She agrees with Smith.

From what Ive learned, Wizards Hat is an entirely different sea stack then Howling Dog, Durson said.

Where to look?

Wizards Hat is south of Face Rock Viewpoint, Howling Dog is north of Face Rock viewpoint, near 'The Castle,'  she said. The Castle is a stretch of rock that sits a bit back from the tideline and is considerably larger than Howling Dog.

Smith went a few levels further. The GPS coordinates for Howling Dog is Lat. 43.107698; Long. -124.436036. For the actual Wizards Hat Rock the coordinates are Lat. 43.102831; Long. -124.434989.

What's the easiest way to tell the difference between the two? For one, Wizards Hat stays a pointy shape from all angles, while Howling Dog shifts as you walk around it.

Wizards Hat looks like an actual Wizard's hat: it does not bend at the top, Durson said. The Howling Dog sea stack, often mistaken as the Wizards Hat, does bend at the top.

However, asking other locals will get you different answers at times. The Bandon Historical Society Museum said it couldn't be very helpful with these questions, as they asked other volunteers and came up with differing answers. One volunteer there said Howling Dog has always had the dual name of Wizards Hat; another said she did not believe Wizards Hat existed.

Volunteer Jim Proehl said he'd never really been aware of the two different identities, and a walk around that beach didn't shed any light on it for him.

So far, the number of those able to respond to Oregon Coast Beach Connection that hold to the two-rock idea have been limited; other contacts simply said they didn't know or came up with completely different ideas altogether. The search will continue on this subject and more information will be provided soon.

In the meantime, the general theory about how the term Wizards Hat came about was simply the occurrence of Harry Potter. Proehl agreed that whatever is in the culture at the moment can make waves in what rocks are called what around Bandon.

Smith says he thinks the Wizards Hat name came about in the '90s when a photographer had a somewhat famous photograph of that spot hanging in Bandon, and that was the title. He believes it's a lot like how Thor's Well near Yachats got its name: a photographer coined it and it stuck.

In any case, Smith said it was the internet and social media that expanded the misunderstandings, and now it's almost impossible to get the story straight. Also see Many Faces of Bandon's Face Rock on Southern Oregon Coast

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When the pandemic fall-out forced the closure of a wedding and event planning business that occupied one of the colorful storefronts owned by Brian Dunigan and mother Darlene Hanna at the corner of Lucas and Calder in Beaumont, the pair wondered what they were going to do with the space.

Dunigan took note of the impact COVID was having not only on business, but on peoples mental health.

Once the pandemic hit, youd see so much depression in everyone. I just wanted to do something to make people happy, Dunigan recalled.

The answer was a sweet reprieve from the foibles of life, and CharLee and the Cookie Factory was born.

Its theme is based on the whimsical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tale, with a nod to sister CharLee Hanna-Rule, owner of the iRule Dance Studio located nearby, in its naming.

The slogan is, We want to make you smile with every bite,, Dunigan said.

After much research, Dunigan contacted the representative for Benny Keith, who creates and distributes gourmet confections, sampled the baked goods and, after being impressed with the quality, signed on for shipments.

Im a food connoisseur; I know what quality tastes like, Dunigan said.

It tasted like what theyd eventually be serving up daily from behind their shop counter since the soft opening last fall.

Getting pre-cooked cakes and pies and the raw dough for goods like cookies, cupcakes and rolls is common these days, Dunigan said.

Nobody bakes anymore  its all shipped in, he said.

After committing to their cookie recipe shipments, they listened to the communitys sweets wish-list, Dunigan said.

They wanted ice cream, cakes, rolls; it grew so fast, he recalled.

From there, Dunigan and Hanna threw in their money and the business was ready to start.

We own the building, so theres no quota we need to meet to make rent as part of the expenses, he explained..

And Dunigan, a seasoned construction worker who says hes like a McGyver, found used equipment to keep the initial costs low, as well.

Thats led to a different type of payout, though, as theyve had repair issues since opening.

Still, it was worth the risk, Dunigan said.

We built this building out of our pocket, and we built this business out of our pocket. We dont owe anyone anything, he said, adding, Im not going to a bank to borrow a million dollars to sell a $2 cookie. If we close our doors, we close our doors; we havent lost anything, he explained.

Its a business model that has kept the risks lower than those most face.

But if they can be successful, CharLee and the Cookie Factory can bring a little sweetness to Southeast Texans.

And thats enough for Dunigan, whos long loved helping people in times of need.

He and wife Rebecca founded a small non-profit  The Helping Hands of Southeast Texas  shortly after helping with rescues and recovery in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

From that day forward, we just kept doing it, he said.

Hes helped during Tropical Storm Harvey, Tropical Depression Imelda and even smaller incidents, like an accident scene he witnessed in 2017 that claimed the lives of a 10-year-old girl and her older brother.

I held that 10-year-olds head as she took her last breath, and the impact of that day has never left me, Dunigan said. I talk to them every morning.

He wears a wrist bracelet in their memory, though the names have long since worn away.

Now, providing happiness and relief to the community through gourmet sweets has been a joy, and the feedback Im getting on Best Bites and Facebook (the shops primary sources of advertising), has been good, he said.

Their specialties are gourmet cakes, hot chocolate and soft serve ice cream, as well as Blue Bell, per customers request.

You just wouldnt think thered be so many gears working to get a cookie factory running and working right, Dunigan said. It never stops.

There was equipment to procure  display coolers, commercial freezer, themed decor, like the factory lighting seen throughout which he found on Amazon, not to mention the signage.

Its a very different kind of business for the longtime construction worker. The atmosphere is colorful, but thats what the kids like.

That atmosphere has another benefit, Dunigan noticed.

Mom and dad dont sit with their kids every day so much anymore. They give them a tablet or a phone; but they come in here, and they get an old-fashioned malted and sit down together, and have the family time that has been lost.

When the establishment opened in September, they wanted time to work out the kinks that come with a new business.

We wanted time to make it right, Dunigan said, noting that social media will destroy a business in the blink of an eye, so you need to get it right.

After its soft opening, he posted to Best Bites and Facebook, saying, Bear with us. The only way we can make it right is to know whats not working.

That also left time to experiment.

While the pastries and ice cream were supplied, when it came to making coffees that people would love, they had more leeway.

Dunigan  never a coffee fan  played around and created a coffee drink that carries its own secret recipe that customers have raved is the best coffee Ive ever had.

Thats how you learn  you experiment, Dunigan said, adding, And when you go to different cities, you see what places there are doing and if its not here, you try it here.

Dunigan has been successful in his small contracting business, because his ethic is I want it to be the best it can be.

He keeps his business small, stressing quality over quantity.

Its proven successful, and became the mindset brought to CharLee and the Cookie Factory, as well.

If theres a problem, lets fix it and make it right, he said.

The process has meant long hours, but its a burden hes willing to undertake to make the cookie shop a success.

Im definitely burning the candle at both ends, Dunigan said.

His day starts helping wife Rebecca open in the morning, then going to work at his remodeling and construction business next door.

At night, hes back at CharLee and the Cookie Factory, then closes the remodeling shop.

Sleep? I dont know what that is, Dunigan joked.

Hes been getting even less sleep leading up to todays grand opening, as the team dealt with an oven that went on the fritz Wednesday  mere days before they were due to have displays stocked with cookies, cupcakes, pies and more.

Were just waiting on a part, he said, but given supply chain issues, all they can do is hope the parts arrive in time.

A small oven is available if needed, but it cooks only a half dozen at a time.

Luckily, they will have their sole employee Melissa Newman back to help.

Newman tested positive for COVID just before Christmas and had to quarantine for 10 days.

On Wednesday, she re-emerged with proof of her negative status in hand and was ready to get back to work.

Shes been doing this her whole life  thats why we call her the cookie lady, Dunigan said.

She makes the new venture hum; and then theres his wife Rebecca.

Shes the real back-bone of this place, he said, describing the financial and day-to-day management shes spear-headed since its soft opening.

Im making her hair grey before its time, he joked.

While Rebecca backs the bone of the business, Brian shines in other spots, like foreseeing marketing opportunities.

I wasnt very good in school, but Im a good marketer, he said.

Being in close proximity to his sisters dance studio is one such boon.

Dancers and families often stop by for a treat during practice or rehearsal breaks.

I love the feel of it when you walk in, said Suzy Buehrle, as she stopped with daughter Cache for a milkshake and cookie before dance class.

The fact that theyre supporting family of their dance instructors leader is an added bonus.

Shes got about 300 kids, so thats 300 birthdays that might need cookies and cakes to celebrate. Im always thinking, Dunigan said.

Other contacts gathered through his years working construction have been supportive, as well, and have helped to promote the business on social media.

Its just a fun place, and were gonna make it better with help from community feedback, Dunigan said.

Hes hoping Saturdays grand opening, featuring long-time best friend and Nashville country music star Glen Templeton; a buy a pastry, get a free hot dog promo; and spin to win a cake or pie, will build on their rising success.

Its not going to be anything really spectacular; were just striving for people to come back, Dunigan said, adding,  Repeat offenders is what Im looking for.

kbrent@beaumontenterprise.com
Editors note: This story contains explicit language.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Frisco real estate agent Jennifer Leigh Ryan joined a mob of Donald Trump supporters storming the U.S. Capitol, broadcasting her experience live on Facebook.

But exactly one year later, shes sitting in prison because of her role in the chaos.

Ryan was among hundreds who repeated baseless claims that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump as they stormed the U.S. Capitol and interrupted Congress certification of the results.

We are going to f---ing go in here. Life or death, it doesnt matter, she said during the Facebook Live, according to court documents.

Ryan turned the camera on her own face before saying, Yall know who to hire for your Realtor. Jenna Ryan for your Realtor.

Ryan, who recently began her 60-day prison sentence for parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol Building, is one of at least 63 Texans who were charged with various crimes for their actions that day. That includes Mark Middleton  charged with assaulting an officer and multiple counts of obstruction  who is currently running for a Texas House seat.

The number of Texans facing charges continues to grow as the FBI proceeds with its investigations and makes arrests. Charges against participants  and the punishments they face  range from misdemeanors with minor penalties to felonies that could result in years of prison time.

Trump had called on his supporters to rally in Washington, D.C. And at a protest earlier in the day, he acknowledged that rallygoers were going to march toward the Capitol to encourage lawmakers not to certify the vote.

I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to, peacefully and patriotically, make your voices heard today, he said.

Texas Republicans often took the lead on baseless lawsuits that sought to dismiss the results of the 2020 election and tried to rally Trump supporters to protest his loss.

Texas has the third-highest number of residents charged with crimes related to the Capitol riot, just under Florida and Pennsylvania, according to USA Today's database. Texans make up about 9% of those in the country charged with crimes.

U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, said in an interview that fear and disbelief overwhelmed him as he hid from the mob rushing through the Capitol that day.

I don't think there was anyone in the chamber who didn't think they might not make it home that night, he said.

It seemed like both sides of the aisle were initially united in outrage over what happened, Gonzalez said. However, he said the tides quickly shifted once the dust settled. Soon, each party took a polarized stance on the event, with a few exceptions on the Republican side, he said.

Every criminal case against those charged is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia. But each defendant must appear before a district court where they are arrested. That means dozens of different courtrooms across the state are overseeing these cases.

Around 40 people involved in the Capitol riot remained at the District of Columbia jail awaiting trial as of early November, according to The New York Times. It is unclear how many of those were Texans.

Out of the more than five dozen Texas defendants, only five people have been sentenced so far  and four of those are serving prison time. Each of those five cases were resolved after plea agreements lowered the involved charges to relatively low-level offenses.

Five Texans have dates scheduled for their sentencing. Cases against the dozens of other Texans facing charges  including 20 people accused of causing violence  are still working through the courts.

Five Texans have already been sentenced

Troy Anthony Smocks of Dallas was given the heaviest sentence of any Texan so far  and was the first Texan charged with a felony to be sentenced. On Oct. 21, he was given 14 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release for making threats in interstate communications and for posting threatening social media messages.

According to court documents, Smocks took to the social media website Parler detailing his participation and outlining threats.

So over the next 24 hours, I would say, let's get our personal affairs in order. Prepare Our Weapons, and then go hunting. Lets hunt these cowards down like the Traitors that each of them are, Smocks wrote, according to court documents. It wasn't the building that We wanted...it was them!

Smocks, who is Black, argued he was treated more severely by prosecutors because of his race, according to The Washington Post. U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan of Washington, D.C., who is also Black, dismissed Smocks claim.

I have not seen a scintilla of evidence that prosecutors decisions have been racially motivated, Chutkan said.

The FBI said Smocks made a flight reservation to depart the U.S. for a foreign country on the morning of Jan. 15. He was arrested the day before.

His sentence was harsher than what federal prosecutors recommended, according to The Washington Post. The judge in charge of the case said it was necessary to deter any similar future actions from others.

Because the country is watching, Chutkan said, according to The Post, to see what the consequences are for something that has not ever happened in this country before, for actions and crimes that undermine the rule of law and our democracy.

Matthew Carl Mazzocco was a mortgage loan officer in San Antonio before he was fired following his arrest, according to KSAT-TV. He was sentenced in October to 45 days of incarceration and 60 hours of community service after he pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

The FBI received an anonymous tip identifying Mazzocco based on social media posts, including one post from outside the Capitol that he captioned: The capital is ours!

Tam Dinh Pham was an 18-year veteran of the Houston police force before he resigned after investigators began probing him over his actions during the Capitol riot.

Pham was sentenced to 45 days in prison, given a $1,000 fine and ordered to pay $500 for damages to the Capitol. He pleaded guilty on Sept. 20 to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building after initially denying that he was there. Investigators found photos that he took of the scene that proved he was inside.

Ryan, the Frisco real estate agent, took a private jet to Washington, D.C., saying on Twitter afterward, We just stormed the Capital. It was one of the best days of my life, according to court records.

She was sentenced on Nov. 4 to 60 days in prison, fined $1,000 and ordered to pay $500 for damages to the Capitol. After initially pleading not guilty, she eventually pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

Ryan made headlines for her unapologetic social media presence that she adopted soon after the Capitol riot. In March, she tweeted: Sorry I have blonde hair white skin a great job a great future and Im not going to jail.

When handing down her sentence, the judge overseeing her case cited a lack of remorse on Ryans part.

Ryans attorney, Guy Womack, said in an interview the ruling was unfair because it was based on her actions after Jan. 6 and that Ryan later demonstrated remorse.

Eliel Rosa of Midland pleaded guilty to one count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building and was sentenced Oct. 12 to one year of probation and 100 hours of community service. Rosa also was ordered to pay $500 for damages to the Capitol.

Rosa was arrested along with Jenny Cudd, a former Midland mayoral candidate. Cudd was seen on video saying, "We did break down the Nancy Pelosis office door Fuck yes, I am proud of my actions, I fucking charged the Capitol today with patriots today."

Cudd is set to be sentenced on March 18.

One Texas defendant is seeking a seat in the Texas House

Mark Middleton launched a campaign for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives following his indictment. He faces charges of assaulting an officer and multiple counts of obstruction.

He is among three Republicans challenging state Rep. David Spiller in the March 1 GOP primary for the North Texas seat.

He and his wife, Jalise Middleton, are accused of pushing against police barricades, grappling with officers and cursing at them. His wife is accused of repeatedly grabbing an officer and striking them with her hand. The couple struggled with two officers until they were hit with pepper spray, according to the complaint.

According to court documents, Jalise Middleton commented on Facebook after the riot, "We fought the cops to get in the Capital and got pepper sprayed and beat but by gosh the patriots got in!"

The couple says they never entered the Capitol itself. Mark Middleton said they both rejected plea bargains because they deny that they attacked police. He alleges that the officers began beating them while their backs were turned and they were only reacting to the blows.

Mark Middleton  whose platform includes calling for Texas to consider seceding from the U.S.  said in an interview with The Texas Tribune that hes toyed with the idea of running for political office before, but his experience on Jan. 6 inspired him to run. Other than his cursing at officers and subsequent Facebook posts he made, Middleton said he doesnt regret his actions that day.

Im not ashamed of it, not afraid of it, he said.

He claims that most of the people hes spoken to following the events, have considered his involvement a positive thing.

Actually, it's great publicity, he said.

Middleton said his pilots license was revoked following the incident, and he feels that many of the people present on Jan. 6 are being mistreated  especially the ones who never stepped foot in the Capitol. He thinks that their involvement is being overblown.

They're not telling the story of middle-aged people like me and my wife that were model citizens in the community and well respected and highly involved with no criminal records whatsoever being arrested like a common violent criminal, he said.

Investigations continue

The FBI is continuing to solicit tips from the general public to help identify people in over 1,500 photos and videos. As more arrests are made, the defendants are added to the bureaus database.

The arrests made so far have been a result of a mass collaboration between local and federal law enforcement and tipsters. And there are no signs of it slowing down quickly.

The government estimates as many as 2,500 people who took part in the events of Jan. 6 could be charged with federal crimes, according to The New York Times. That includes more than 1,000 incidents that prosecutors believe could be assaults.

A year later, the vast majority of cases have yet to reach the sentencing phase. As time goes on, the cases will continue to progress in courts throughout the country.

Disclosure: Facebook and The New York Times have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

The Texas Tribune is a nonpartisan, nonprofit media organization that informs Texans  and engages with them  about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Feral hogs are fixtures in the news. The critters are world famous for uprooting pastures and yards, wrecking fences, tangling with household pets and squeezing out more desirable wildlife as they have their way across the landscape despite intense efforts by land managers and hunters to put a dent in spiraling populations. Some experts say menacing pigs cause more than $2 billion in damages across the U.S. each year, more than $400 million of it occurring in Texas alone.

Heres a spooky twist on feral hogs you dont hear about every day, courtesy of Brenden Bennett of Lewisville.

Bennett has logged some memorable hunting trips on his grandparents farm in Anderson County. None compare with one that ended in a violent clash with a big boar shortly after sundown on Nov. 21.

In looking back, the 22-year-old hunter says he feels fortunate to be alive.

It could have been bad, Bennett said. About all I can say is I was pretty lucky.

Bennett said the bizarre run-in happened near a corn feeder situated adjacent to a young pine plantation that is way too thick to walk through. He had just come off a deer stand on the opposite side of the property and went to the feeder to swap out the SD card in a trail camera before driving home after a long weekend of hunting.

He knew there was a boar in the area, because the camera had recorded several pictures of the animal earlier in the week. The hog, always alone, had tipped the feeder on its side and bent one of the legs a day earlier.

As always, Bennett drove his ATV about 300 yards from the feeder and hiked in the rest of way using the dim light of his cell phone to light the path. He was carrying a 30.06 and a small flashlight to shine around the feeder before he approached it.

Ive shot a bunch of hogs at night that way, he said. You have to skirt the edge of a pine thicket to get to this particular spot. As soon as you round the corner, its about a 30-yard shot to the feeder. If the wind is right, theyll never know youre there.

Bennett said he had left about 10 pounds of corn in a pile under the feeder the day before. When he shined the light it was apparent something had been nibbling at the bait. No pigs were in plain sight, but there was a familiar stench in the air.

Ive been around a bunch of em and it smelled like a hog around there, he said. I thought he might be nearby.

Bennetts intuitions were on the money, but it came as a total surprise when all hell broke loose in the dark thicket just a few yards away.

The hunter said the ruckus started with a series of rapid grunts unlike anything hed ever heard before. Brush rustled, followed by fast thuds of cloven hooves closing a really narrow gap.

I couldnt tell exactly where he was at, but I knew he was close in that pine thicket, he said. I clicked my gun off safe and started backing up.

Within seconds, Bennett was lying flat on his back in the dark  alone  with a loaded deer rifle across his chest and a ticked off feral hog barreling through the shadows.

He hit me hard in the knee, Bennett said. He didnt bite or cut me  he just kind of threw his head up. It raised me completely off the ground and knocked me backwards about 10 feet. Im not going to lie. I was screaming when he had me. Somehow I managed to hold onto the flashlight and my gun.

What happened next sounds like something straight out of Wild, Wild West.

Bennett instinctively raised his rifle, pointed the muzzle the direction of the charging hog and pulled the trigger. The animal squealed, spun the opposite direction and scrambled into the darkness.

An eerie silence followed.

I didnt have time to shoulder the gun  he may have been three feet from me when I pulled the trigger, he said. If hed been any closer I could have kicked him in the head. I was pretty sure I hit him. Its kind of hard to miss a point blank shot.

Shocked by the incident, Bennett gathered his wits and attempted to stand, but couldnt. His knee buckled beneath him, so he sat back down and shined the flashlight into the brush. The big hog had run about 20 yards and fell over dead.

Bennett said he called his dad for help as he sat on the ground contemplating his next move.

He said he could tell by my voice that I was rattled, he said. It scared me pretty bad.

The two men made some interesting discoveries when they retrieved the boar later that night.

Bennetts 180-grain Hornady bullet struck the hog in its right shoulder, just below the neck. The bullet collided with the shoulder shield on the opposite side and exploded. It did not make an exit wound.

Experts say shoulder shields on older boars may be a thick as two inches. Boars are gifted with the thickened subcutaneous layers of tissue as protection when fighting with other boars for breeding rights to estrous sows.

Bennett also learned the pig was way bigger and older than he originally thought. His grandfathers cotton scale bottomed out before providing an accurate weight.

He claims the hog was close to seven feet long, nose to tail, and estimates it weighed between 280-300 pounds. One of its tusks was about four inches long; the other was worn to about two inches and was loose in the hogs jaw.

I kill a bunch them  probably 70 a year  but this is my biggest to date and probably will be for a long time, Bennett said. He definitely left me with a good story to tell for years to come. Ive been up close and personal with a lot of pigs. Not once have I ever felt like one was going to turn on me.

Its anybodys guess why this one did. Feral hogs are generally pretty timid. They will usually flee before you ever know they are around.

Their vision and hearing isnt all that great, but their sense of smell is exceptional. Researchers at Texas A&Ms Natural Resources Institute say feral hogs can pick up some odors as far as 5-7 miles away.

While human/wild pig encounters do happen, they are typically rare. Most of the bad ones occur in situations where dogs are used to corner the animal. Things can go awry when the animal feels threatened and barrels through dog handlers in an attempt to get away.

Mature boars can be really ornery, especially when injured or pressed into a tight spot. Besides humans, the animals dont really have any enemies out there to worry about.

Bennett thinks the boar he encountered may have been hiding or bedded down in the brush and decided to make a run for it when he got too close. He will never know for certain what may have happened had he not shot the hog, but he wasnt taking any chances.

Lufkin hunter Joey Waggonner knows all about how unpredictable a big feral hog can be. In 2004, he had a run-in with a 150-pound boar that he wont soon forget.

Waggonner and his friend, Kris Knutson, were hunting on South Boggy Slough Hunting Club in Trinity County when he slipped up on an occupied hog nest.

He said the nest was about four feet long, three feet wide and shaped similar to a horseshoe. It was elaborately built from yaupon and other materials. The nest didnt have a dome on top, but the sides were 24-30 inches tall. Hogs will use the structures to hide, get out of foul weather or when farrowing.

Unaware there was a hog huddled up inside, Waggonner said he walked to within 10 feet of the structure when boar shot out of it like a bullet.

That dude ran right at me and nearly clipped my leg, he said. I jumped sideways and hurdled him. He ran right under me. I ended up blowing a hole in the ground and he kept right on going. It was pretty wild.

Hog wild!

Matt Williams is a freelance writer based in Nacogdoches. He can be reached by e-mail, mattwillwrite4u@yahoo.com.
State Reps. Anthony J. D'Amelio, second from the left, chats with his fellow lawmakers in this 2018 file photo. D'Amelio is stepping down from the legislature and the governor has called a special election to fill the seat. (Mark Mirko / Hartford Courant)

Voters in the 71st Assembly District will head to the polls on Feb. 22 to chose for a candidate to fill the unexpired term of Rep. Anthony J. DAmelio, one of four lawmakers to step down in recent months.

Gov. Ned Lamont scheduled the election Friday, a week after DAmelio resigned. The Waterbury Republican, who has served since 1997, is leaving politics to focus on his restaurant business.

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DAmelio is part of a small wave of mid-term resignations from the House just weeks before the legislature is set to reconvene.

State. Rep. Caroline Simmons, left, D-Stamford, speaks during a Stamford mayoral debate Oct. 21, 2021, in Darien in this file photo. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (Mary Altaffer/AP)

Rep. Caroline Simmons, a Democrat from Stamford, vacated her seat in November after she was elected the citys mayor.

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And this week, Rep. Brandon McGee, a Democrat whose district includes Hartford and Windsor, announced his resignation. McGee will take a job as a senior advisor for the Lamont reelection campaign.

Those departures follow the resignation of Democratic state Rep. Michael DiMassa of West Haven in October following his arrest on fraud charges. A special election to fill his unexpired term was held on Dec. 14; Democrat Trenee McGee won the race over Republican Richard DePalma and petitioning candidate Portia Bias, who is unaffiliated.

Rep. Brandon McGee speaks at a press conference outside the State Capitol in this Feb. 24, 2021 file photo. (Brad Horrigan/The Hartford Courant)

A date for the special election to succeed McGee has not been set.

Under state law, the governor is required to issue a writ of special election within 10 days of a legislative seat becoming vacant, and a special election must be held 46 days after the writ is issued.

The legislative session begins on Feb. 9.
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Beth Ford | Beth Ford has worked for Land O Lakes since 2011 and was the first woman in the company to be appointed chief executive officer in 2018. Coming from humble beginnings, Ford was one of eight children born to working-class parents, and the executive once worked as a janitor to help pay for college. When Ford became CEO, not only was she one of only 25 women to run a Fortune 500 company, but Ford was also openly gay. She and her wife, Jill Schurtz, who is the CEO of the St. Pauls Teachers Retirement Fund, have three children. Ford has gone on record saying that she has never been discriminated against in the workplace for her sexuality or gender, though she did tell CNN, I had made deliberate decisions for some places where I felt as though it may not be as friendly. I said, The job looks great. Youre a wonderful leader. I cant be here because I dont think this will be great. My spouse is a woman, and I have a daughter. (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)
Hollow Fields

Hollow Fields reserve provides easy access to outdoor recreation, but neighbors contend it's not permitted

Nearly all of Richmond is zoned residential/agricultural, and the neighbors decided on a legal challenge to the site. The BNRC fought back
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Tony Dobrowolski's main focus is on business reporting. He came to The Eagle in 1992 after previously working for newspapers in Connecticut and Montreal. He can be reached at tdobrowolski@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6224.
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Spearfish, SD (57783)

Today

Mainly clear skies. Low 36F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear skies. Low 36F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.
MOSCOW - The Moscow Police Department will officially open operations at its new facility starting Monday, January 10, 2022. The new facility is located at 155 Southview Avenue in Moscow. Moscow PD offices were closed Friday as the department moved and transitioned operations into the new facility.

On December 16, the MPD unveiled their new facility with public tours, along with new patches and badges.

When you look closely at the new patches being worn by officers, you'll notice the bell tower clock set to 1:49. This was purposefully done in memory of Officer Lee Newbill, who was fatally shot on May 19, 2007. 149 was his badge number. The new patches and badges also include references to other integral parts of the department, including the State of Idaho, the American Flag, the University of Idaho, and the city of Moscow logo.

The old patches and badges have been retired and will not be worn by a Moscow Police Officer again.

The old police station is no longer staffed. The city of Moscow has sold the building, which had an appraised value of $975,000, to the University of Idaho.
Virginia ABC stores in South Hampton Roads and on the Peninsula are gradually recovering from distribution problems that have caused many shelves to go bare.

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I was amazed at how many blank spaces there are on the shelves of ABC stores, said Stephen King, owner of Ironclad Distillery in Newport News.

Distribution issues and distillery production shortages, compounded by the pandemic, have caused stores throughout the commonwealth to be lacking customers favorites, said Mark Dunham, chief retail operations officer for the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority in Richmond.

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Inventory can vary, so shelves at one store could be out of a product while other stores have it in stock, Dunham said.

No two stores are alike, he explained.

For six months starting last March, Dunham said the agency dealt with a unique shortage of more than 200 of its standard products.

Suppliers just didnt have product to ship to us, he said.

Product availability has been a roller-coaster ride with supplies on the rise, then out-of-stock products spiking again at 242 after Christmas, then improving again to well under 200 last Wednesday, Dunham said. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, the number of out-of-stock products was lowest at 55 in April 2020 and reached a peak of 250 in January 2021.

The toughest time was between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, according to a number of local store managers. On Jan. 3, the ABC store in York County near the Williamsburg city limits received its largest shipment in a few weeks, an employee said.

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Scarcity of glass, shipment delays affect industry nationwide

Nationwide, there are several factors contributing to the liquor shortages.

Distilled spirits have been impacted by widespread disruptions in the supply chain like other products in retail stores, said Dawn Eischen, ABC public relations manager.

Glass bottles and raw materials are in short supply, and the trucking industry experienced its own set of challenges, she added.

Some of ABCs suppliers have indicated that if current sales trends, logistics challenges and the scarcity of raw materials continues, it may be mid-2022 or later before they are able to sustain inventory levels to fulfill consumer demands, Eischen said.

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Sections of shelves sit empty at a Virginia ABC store on Wednesday in Newport News. (Kaitlin McKeown/The Virginian-Pilot)

Port congestion and delays in shipments led to problems securing import products that are in high demand  such as gin and scotch  Dunham said.

For example, at one Williamsburg area store shortly after Christmas, there were only eight lower-priced bottles of gin available on five shelves, each about 20 feet in length.

To exacerbate the situation, the ABC distribution process began moving products out of its new Richmond area warehouse in the late fall. Our move in late October and early November had some issues, Dunham said.

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As we moved, we trusted suppliers to make sure we had inventory at both locations, but it didnt happen, he said. We needed to verify we had inventory and when we didnt, it caused a lot of headaches.

Ironclad Distillery sells two products through ABC, King said. One seemed to move without problems, but he said 650 bottles of another have been sitting in the Richmond warehouse for the past month.

I talked to ABC folks in Richmond and they cant explain why our product has not moved, King said. Theyre going to check into it and weve been assured that the problem will be resolved.

Chris Richeson, managing member at Chesapeake Bay Distillery in Virginia Beach, said he believes distribution to ABC stores was directly affected by the change of warehouse locations and associated logistical staffing.

But its the availability of glass that has caused the primary problem for Richesons distillery.

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Right now, we cant make any of our flagship products. We have no bottles. We placed an order in July and have yet to receive it. Later, we placed an order for bottles from a producer here in Virginia and were supposed to get them in November or December, but the date was pushed again, he explained. Now, they say another three months!

King said he knows other distilleries like Chesapeake Bay that are short on bottles. We heard about the glass situation last year and were able to lay in a years supply, he said. But there is a shortage of corks now and even of paper that labels are made out of.

Restaurants on the hunt for high-demand products

Demand was also a factor in liquor shortages. Purchases statewide as of Dec. 14 by ABC store licensees  restaurant and bar buyers  were up 120% over 2020, Dunham said.

Transactions werent necessarily up so much as calls for more premium, higher-end products that most often were not in the distribution chain, Dunham said.

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Steve Smith, owner and director of operations of Opus 9 Steakhouse near Williamsburg, said the number of out-of-stock items hes seen has been unprecedented in the past six months, but he understands that ABC store operators are likely as frustrated as anyone else. Smith, who owns multiple restaurants, said that they order a couple thousand dollars worth of products from ABC stores each week.

Manager Theresa Poulos prepares an order at a Virginia ABC store in Newport News, Va. on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. (Kaitlin McKeown/The Virginian-Pilot)

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The restaurants regularly shop at the ABC store on Monticello Avenue near Williamsburg, but if they have trouble finding liquor products, they will also check other stores in Williamsburg, then stores in Newport News and Gloucester County, Smith said.

If we cant find the product at those places, then were out of luck, he said.

Bob Hughes, who owns 10 restaurants with nine in Virginia Beach, said that licensees have been having trouble for months keeping their bars filled with various liquor brands. He said the restaurants offer the liquors they have, but he expects the situation to continue through 2022.

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Weve been planning for future menus and were just taking a lot of liquors off them, Hughes said. Were unable to prepare certain specialty drinks because the liquor is not available.

Before placing an order or going to a store, ABC officials encourage customers to check the status of products at abc.virginia.gov or by calling their local store.
One of the most evil men ever to walk the earth was Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's Minister of Propaganda. His lies about Poland led the planet into the Second World War and his demonization of the Jewish people was the foundation of the Holocaust.

As vile as Goebbels was, he murdered his own children in Hitler's bunker, he is considered a genius and is the orchestrator of today's incredible propaganda machine, which is aided and abetted by the internet.





Goebbels understood two basic things: that most human beings are generally uninformed and believe what they want to believe. And that if you repeat a falsehood often enough, many will think it's true.





Today in America the corporate media largely controls the flow of information to the people. Social media companies are the most dominant in that area. And to these powerful companies, information is money. Truth has little to do with it.





Media companies target audiences and serve up what those folks want to hear. Like Germany in the 1930s and early '40s, restraints are few when dishing out dishonest garbage.





Two recent examples of propaganda from both ideological perspectives.





The liberal line is that President Trump "instigated" the riot on January 6, 2021. But we now know that Mr. Trump made a request to the Pentagon on January 5 asking that 10,000 National Guard members be committed to protecting the Capitol and supervising the gathering crowd in Washington.





President Trump could not directly order the Guard to the streets or to the Capitol grounds. By law, the DC mayor and the Speaker of the House have to make a request first.





Muriel Bowser and Nancy Pelosi did not do that even though both knew there was trouble brewing.





So, if Mr. Trump really wanted violence why would he request the Guard? And why is the House panel investigating January 6 ignoring the Pentagon's documentation of his request?





The media is also silent about evidence that destroys the "instigation" theory, as well as the possible January 6 culpability of Bowser and Pelosi. This is a propaganda scenario at the highest level.





On the right, you also have madness about the Capitol riot. There is video of two men urging demonstrators to invade the building housing Congress. Neither man has been arrested. One man's name is known, the other anonymous so far.





During a recent radio interview, the host asked me about "FBI undercover agents" spurring on the mob. She said she heard that on Fox News and talk radio. She believes the two men caught on video work for the FBI in some capacity and that's why they haven't been arrested.





Of course, there is no evidence showing any Bureau involvement - it's a conspiracy theory. And it's preposterous. How could anyone think the FBI, already under fire for the Russian Collusion fiasco, would participate in a seditious attack? But millions of people apparently do believe that.





Propaganda is dangerous. It can destroy the truth and distort reality. It can certainly lead to violence as history shows us.




Unless a judge blocks the bill, New York will be the first US city to enfranchise non-citizens

Non-citizen New Yorkers who have lived in the city for at least a month may legally vote in city elections as of next year, according to a bill which became law through the mayors inaction on Sunday. Adams, while expressing reservations with certain aspects of the bill, did not choose to veto or otherwise challenge it, allowing the City Councils passage of the legislation to stand after what he called productive dialogue with others in city government.

While there are more than a dozen communities in the US that allow non-citizens to vote, New York  with more than 800,000 non-citizens calling the city (at least a temporary) home  is by far the most populous to pass such a measure. Eleven towns in Maryland and two in Vermont have done the same, but their populations amount to only a fraction of the countrys largest urban area.

Legally-documented voting-age non-citizens reportedly make up one in nine of New Yorks 7 million adult residents. If the new law goes unchallenged, non-citizens who have been lawful permanent residents of New York for at least 30 days, as well as those with US work authorization and Dreamers, will be allowed to vote in elections for the citys mayor, borough presidents, comptroller, public advocate, and city council members. They will not be allowed to vote in national or state elections.

The Board of Elections is responsible for deciding how the division will work, and must create a functional voter registration system that will prevent non-citizen voters from also casting ballots in national and state elections. Given the Boards troubled history with simpler issues like sending the proper ballots to city residents during the 2020 elections, some missteps are likely, but an implementation plan must be submitted by July in order for non-citizens to vote in the 2023 city elections.

Adams, who was inaugurated as mayor as part of the citys New Years celebration, initially expressed concern with the 30-day residency requirement, but rather than challenging the bill, he allowed the month-long period in which he would have been able to halt its passage to expire without incident.

While a legal challenge is said to be likely, its unclear whether it would have enough support in the heavily Democratic city to overwhelm support for the measure.

Other states, including Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, and Florida, have preemptively passed measures to prevent similar laws from being passed in their own cities.
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For decades now, federal government and their cohorts in law enforcement have been carrying out theft of the citizenry on a massive scale. Were not talking about taxes, but an insidious power known as Civil Asset Forfeiture (CAF).

The 1980s-era laws were designed to drain resources from powerful criminal organizations, but CAF has become a tool for law enforcement agencies across the U.S. to steal money and property from countless innocent people.

No criminal charge is required for this confiscation, resulting in easy inflows of cash for law enforcement departments and the proliferation of abuse. This phenomenon is known as policing for profit.

As TFTP has reported numerous times, the amount of money stolen by law enforcement in America each year is larger than the amount of money stolen by actual criminal burglars.

When police surpass the criminal accomplishments of those they claim to protect you from, there is a serious problem. Weve seen horrible instances of criminal cops using this legal doctrine to rob everyone from grandmas to musicians, and in fact, we have even reported on cops stealing tens of thousands of dollars from an orphanage and a church. Seriously.

While weve reported on countless incidents of asset forfeiture over the years, it is rare that we find out where all this cash ends up. However, a report out of ProPublica and WBUR attempted to shine some light on where that money goes, and what they found was rather shocking.

The Boston Police department has been robbing citizens of their cash  many of whom were never accused of a crime  to buy surveillance technology off the books, to spy on citizens.

As their report points out, an August investigation by WBUR and ProPublica found that even if no criminal charges are brought, law enforcement almost always keeps the money and has few limitations on how its spent. Some departments benefit from both state and federal civil asset forfeiture. The police chiefs in Massachusetts have discretion over the money, and the public has virtually no way of knowing how the funds are used.

Boston cops have stolen so much money that they are secretly buying more expensive gear to seemingly get better at stealing money. According to the report:

[I]n 2019 the Boston Police Department bought the device known as a cell site simulator  and tapped a hidden pot of money that kept the purchase out of the public eye. A WBUR investigation with ProPublica found elected officials and the public were largely kept in the dark when Boston police spent $627,000 on this equipment by dipping into money seized in connection with alleged crimes.

Because this spy equipment was bought with funds stolen from citizens, not even the Boston city council knew police had it.

Boston city councilors interviewed by WBUR said they werent aware that the police had bought a cell site simulator. Councilor Ricardo Arroyo, who represents Mattapan, Hyde Park and Roslindale, said, I couldnt even tell you, and I dont think anybody on the council can necessarily tell you  how these individual purchases are made.

Only because ProPublica obtained the documents, does anyone know the department is using stingray devices to spy on citizens. So much for transparency.

For those who may be unaware, a cell site simulator or stingray is a suitcase-sized device that mimics a cell phone tower, which allows it to gather locations and data of all nearby mobile phones. This violation of constitutional rights is usually justified under the war on terror meme, although government is finding increasingly diverse uses.

Although a search warrant is required to use these devices, courts often side with cops to allow their use under exigent circumstances so police rarely have to get a warrant. In fact, Boston went years without acquiring a single warrant.

The fact that the Boston PD is acquiring these constitutionally questionable devices and not even telling the city council that they have them is worrisome at best and criminal at most.

State Rep. Jay Livingstone, who represents parts of Boston and Cambridge, told WBUR that it is this kind of covert police spending is exactly why more oversight is needed.

Police chiefs just have these slush funds they can do whatever they want with, Livingstone said.

Indeed.

Cops using stolen money and secretly acquiring spy gear should shock most, unfortunately, however, it is not isolated to Boston. Last May TFTP reported on the Chicago PDs use of stolen money to secretly purchase stingrays as well as spy drones.

For a long time, law enforcement has been extremely secretive about their acquisition and use of this particular kind of technology, Kade Crockford, who heads the Technology for Liberty program at the ACLU of Massachusetts said, adding that stingray technology is extremely invasive.

Currently, California is the only state with regulation in place to prevent departments from using money stolen through asset forfeiture to secretly acquire this spy tech. Predictably, however, it is not stopping them and a department in Vallejo was busted doing that very thing.
Dr. Danny Avula, who was named state vaccination coordinator a year ago, said he has taken on other responsibilities in the Virginia Department of Health and returned to his position as director of the Richmond City and Henrico County health districts. (Steve Helber/AP)

RICHMOND  Dr. Danny Avula, who has overseen Virginias vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, has stepped down from his position.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that Avula, who was named state vaccination coordinator a year ago, said he has taken on other responsibilities in the Virginia Department of Health and returned to his position as director of the Richmond City and Henrico County health districts. Avula said the job switch was his decision.

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Christy Gray, the Virginia Department of Healths Director of the Division of Immunization, will now oversee vaccinations in Virginia.

When Avula was tapped by Gov. Ralph Northam to lead the vaccination effort, he made a three-month commitment. Avula said he ended up staying on for much longer and began transitioning out of the role during the fall. Recently, he has assumed the title of state vaccination liaison, focusing on partner development and media relations.

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A year ago, Virginia was behind other states in vaccine distribution. Now Virginia is ranked ninth in percentage of residents fully vaccinated.

I think Virginia has done a phenomenal job  our vaccination numbers certainly support that, Avula said. Id love to see higher numbers in our pediatric population, and I think the presence of omicron will drive some more uptake there.

As of Thursday, 5.8 million Virginians have been fully vaccinated, or 68%. Among them, 2 million have received a booster.

Among children ages 5 to 11, 33% have received at least one dose, and 71% of adolescents ages 12-15 have done so.

Avulas job change was never announced by the health department or Gov. Ralph Northams administration.
Shortly after Heather Stefanson won a narrow victory over fellow Progressive Conservative leadership candidate Shelly Glover last October, she gave an interview to a reporter with The Canadian Press in which she attempted to assure Manitobans that she was prepared to continue the provinces pandemic battle.

Shortly after Heather Stefanson won a narrow victory over fellow Progressive Conservative leadership candidate Shelly Glover last October, she gave an interview to a reporter with The Canadian Press in which she attempted to assure Manitobans that she was prepared to continue the provinces pandemic battle.

As noted in the article, Stefansons brief time as Manitoba health minister coincided with the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic this province had seen  well, up until then. Manitoba doctors had been pleading for the government to impose tighter public health restrictions as the third wave began last spring, only to see those pleas fall on deaf ears. As the third wave evolved, Manitobas intensive care units were soon overwhelmed, forcing the province to ship dozens of patients out to ICUs in other provinces, with some dying outside of Manitoba.

Sun readers will recall that, outside of one very poorly conducted media conference that betrayed the fact that she was ill-prepared for the role, Stefanson the health minister was virtually invisible throughout that health-care disaster.

When the CP reporter asked her how she would avoid a similar situation as premier, Stefanson suggested her governments ongoing efforts to expand intensive care capacity and the signing of a collective agreement with the Manitoba Nurses Union would help "towards the recruitment and retention of nurses."

That was the plan she was banking upon. Nearly 10 weeks on, its clear that strategy has not worked as she had hoped.

Now, as we watch a potential health-care disaster unfold before our eyes yet again, we are witnessing a conscious decision by the premier not to show leadership when the province needs it most.

The omicron variant of COVID-19 has been ripping through the Canadian population for weeks, prompting both Quebec and Ontario governments to ramp up health restrictions this past week. Quebec in particular has watched the number of patients in emergency rooms nearly double in the past week, and ICU beds are filling up.

"At this rate, hospitalizations could reach 3,000 within the next few weeks," Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube told a news conference Thursday, just as the province announced 415 more people were admitted to hospital with the virus in one day. There were 1,953 hospitalizations Thursday, according to a CTV News report.

Manitobas infection rates are still ramping up. On Friday, our province broke new single-day case count records by posting 3,265 new COVID-19 cases. Of the new cases, 2,168 were in Winnipeg, where the test-positivity rate has reached more than 52 per cent. The rest of the province stands at 44.4 per cent.

Note also that as of Friday there were 34 COVID-19 patients in ICU, up from 33 Thursday, and 297 total patients hospitalized with the virus.

The anti-vaccination crowd and those in the retail business industry dont like having government directives force them to close under any suggested code red health restrictions  truth be told, we dont love it either. Nevertheless, businesses in Manitoba, particularly in Winnipeg, are having to close down without restrictions in place anyway, simply because their workers are getting sick and going into isolation as the omicron wave engulfs more and more Manitobans.

Schools divisions in Manitoba, including Brandon, are having to plan for massive numbers of teachers, students and other staff being absent from the classroom both before and after Jan. 17 when in-class teaching resumes.

And health-care workers  nurses, doctors, aides and support staff  are also falling victim to the virus, leaving hospitals and emergency wards gasping for staff across the province. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority told CBC this week that people who receive home-care services may see those visits cancelled as a number of workers getting COVID-19 or being forced to self-isolate causes a staffing shortage.

Police and emergency services in Winnipeg are also feeling the effects of absent officers, with the local police chief having declared a state of emergency earlier this week.

And at least 10 northern Manitoba First Nations are now under lockdowns or travel restrictions, with some having declared states of emergency due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in their communities.

Yet instead of holding a press conference on a day that set COVID-19 case number records, the province chose instead to send out a press release late Friday afternoon from Health Minister Audrey Gordon to say that the current ineffectual crop of prevention orders would be extended for three weeks "while the province continues to gather data and monitor the impacts of the omicron variant."

By all accounts, this is an emergency situation, one that desperately requires someone from the province to show they have a plan  someone to get in front of the cameras and provide reassurance that the government has a firm hand on the tiller.

Unfortunately, what weve got is a premier who seems to dislike the requirements of the very job she skillfully maneuvered herself into. Instead of "listening to Manitobans" as per her recent mantra, Stefanson seems to be heeding the advice of her political strategists to keep out of the public eye and avoid providing a media soundbite that might be used against her in the future by political opponents.

And that lack of visible leadership is clearly hurting this province.
An editorial published in the Sun earlier this week (Province owes explanation, Jan. 5) pointed out that the number of new COVID-19 cases in the province has increased dramatically, as have the number of Manitobans who have been hospitalized because they are suffering severe symptoms caused by the virus.

FILE Premier Heather Stefanson

An editorial published in the Sun earlier this week (Province owes explanation, Jan. 5) pointed out that the number of new COVID-19 cases in the province has increased dramatically, as have the number of Manitobans who have been hospitalized because they are suffering severe symptoms caused by the virus.

The test positivity rate has exploded beyond 40 per cent  which is very likely an understatement because of testing delays  and the number of patients in intensive care units has also increased beyond normal numbers.

Having set out those facts, the editorial asked the question many Manitobans are asking: why is Manitoba not in code red right now?

On Tuesday, Premier Heather Stefanson defended the provinces refusal to move from the current code orange  restricted level to code red  critical status, saying: "Case numbers are on the rise but case numbers maybe mean something different with this variant."

"Its all about What does this mean to our hospital numbers?" she added. "What does this mean for our ICU numbers? We need to keep laser-focused on that."

At the same news conference, deputy chief provincial public health officer Dr. Jazz Atwal told reporters that "Its an evolving situation ... We dont have crystal balls. Were doing the best we can with the information and the resources we have to try and keep Manitobans safe, and to ensure that were able to partake in those activities that we enjoy."

He said that Manitoba wont move to code red unless its absolutely necessary.

Lets unpack all that, starting with the provinces own criteria for moving to code red status (found online at gov.mb.ca/covid19/prs/system/red-critical.html). They read as follows:

Red: Critical  The province would consider applying this alert level if:

 Extensive community transmission of COVID-19 is occurring and is not contained.

 There are widespread outbreaks and new clusters that cannot be controlled through testing and contact tracing.

 The virus is being transmitted at levels that public health and the health system deem concerning or critical.

We have clearly met each of those tests. There is widespread, uncontrolled community transmission throughout the province. New clusters are materializing by the hour, and our capacity for testing and contact tracing has been overwhelmed.

With a test positivity rate of approximately 40 per cent, the virus is being transmitted at a level that puts our health-care system in severe jeopardy of imminent collapse.

Dr. Atwal claims the public health department doesnt have "crystal balls," that the situation is rapidly evolving and that they are doing the best they can with the information and resources they have.

Anybody who has been paying attention during the pandemic knows those claims are 100 per cent hogwash.

The Stefanson government and its public health doctors dont need crystal balls to predict the future. They have constant access to modelling data that looks at the current situation and predicts what may happen in the coming days and weeks. The modelling is constantly updated as new information emerges.

Beyond that, the four COVID waves have each hit Manitoba weeks after they hit other provinces. That gives us the ability to learn from the experiences of those provinces and make plans before those waves arrived here.

In other words, there is nothing about the omicron variant that is taking anybody in Manitoba by surprise. In December, we saw what was happening in B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan. We saw the terrifying trends in Ontario and Quebec. We knew exactly what was coming to Manitoba.

If Stefanson, Atwal and their team really believe they are doing the best they can with the information they have, they should have read a newspaper. Weve been warning about the likely impact of the omicron variant on our health-care system for at least four weeks.

Having said all of that, lets cut through their bullcrap and acknowledge whats really going on here.

The only reason we arent in code red right now is because the Stefanson government doesnt want us to be. They have cynically calculated that the political risk of doing something  for example, stricter capacity limits for businesses  is higher than the risk of doing nothing.

Thats something to be laser-focused on when you are in line for your COVID test.

 deverynrossletters@gmail.com

 Twitter: @deverynross
Another cheating service operator who has spruiked his services to international students on Facebook, claiming he has helped students at Australian Pacific College (APC), says he can provide assessments for $70 to $90. He has warned students on the Facebook private group Brasileiros em Sydney that they risked being reported to immigration authorities if they fail to submit their assignments. Brazilian student Rebeca Fattori attended Nortwest College. The Herald has contacted international students in the group who discussed Australian colleges based on their relaxed attendance requirements. There is no suggestion the students engaged in cheating. Some students in the Brasileiros group have discussed a preference for APC because it was flexible with attendance. One student said she studied marketing at APC and didnt have to attend classes. However you have to submit assignments and the only thing they check is plagiarism, she said in Portuguese. Another said she did not take the course seriously and enrolled to secure her visa.

Brazilian student Rebeca Fattori who attends Nortwest College in Sydney said many international students were looking for colleges that were chill with attendance. Life in Sydney is not cheap, so we have to work, she said. A spokesman for Nortwest said attendance monitoring was not necessary of mature-age students who were required to demonstrate academic progress to fulfil visa conditions. He said Nortwest provided a minimum workload of 20 hours with trainers either face-to-face or online. Lectures were recorded available at all times. Nortwest used software for the detection of cheating and assessment tasks were changed annually. We have detected plagiarism from time to time, usually amongst the students, the spokesman said. Those students are marked as failed and are required to resubmit their work at additional fees to them. We do not have resources to monitor third-party services providing cheating services. A student who has returned to Brazil after studying at ILSC, an English language school in Sydney, Nathalia Mulezini, said many students who are unable to get work holiday visas had enrolled in courses to fulfil visa requirements. You just have to make sure you are sending your assignments on time and once in a while you must show up there, she said.

Loading The courses are strong and some of them a bit hard, but you can find a lot of the content on the internet which helps and the teachers arent very strict. Its a cheaper way to stay legal in the country and to work. An international student who attended ILSC in 2019, who did not want her name published, said many students were doing courses only to keep [their] visa and because migration agents had recommended particular colleges because they get commission for enrolling people there. The Herald contacted ILSC for comment. The Herald has previously reported that some agents who recruit students in Australia are getting commissions of up to 50 per cent and additional cash bonuses as high as $300,000.

Brazilian student Welington Bernardes, who is studying leadership and management at APC, said he needed to attend his course twice a week. He said his main reason for doing the course in Sydney was to fulfil his visa requirements. A spokesman for APC said VET colleges were not required to report on attendance, which APC monitored. They reported on student progress. I know that a lot of people can deduce that more attendance leads to more learning, but thats not the case, the spokesman said. Its a mindset we need to move away from ... Mere attendance does not indicate engagement. The spokesman said plagiarism was a problem faced by all education providers. He said his college had contacted companies that had promoted cheating services to students seeking the removal of all of our assignments from their websites.

Another private college operator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said he wanted the federal government to clamp down on colleges that do not require students to complete adequate face-to-face hours because they were giving the sector a bad name. At our colleges we have online classes with a live teacher and student attendance is taken. We are as strict as we can be, he said. The operator said online cheating was difficult to monitor. Oscar Ong, national president of the Council of International Students Australia, said better regulation of contract cheating was needed. In addition to attendance, institutions should look into other ways to monitor student progress in their courses, so that support can be provided in time before they fail their courses and have to repeat, he said.

VET courses were required to offer a minimum of 20 scheduled contact hours per week to international students. More flexible attendance has been allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but education providers were required to document assessment standards. Loading International Education Association of Australia chief executive Phil Honeywood said the pandemic had exacerbated a fight for international students who had managed to stay in Australia. In a minority of cases, the need for some colleges to keep their doors open, has led to a lack of focus on quality provision, he said. Ravi Singh, managing director of Global Reach which represents Australian universities in south Asia and president of the Association of Australian Education Representatives in India, described some private vocational and education and training providers as visa factories where the courses are just to enable the visa onshore at relatively low cost.
Maryboroughs entire central business district has been evacuated after floodwaters damaged the temporary levee bank designed to keep the town safe.

The Mary River was expected to peak at 10.5 metres at about 10pm on Sunday  just short of the 10.7-metre peak following Tropical Cyclone Oswald in 2013.

The temporary blue levee was built in Maryborough on Saturday in anticipation of Sunday evenings 10.5-metre flood peak. Credit:Fraser Coast Regional Council

On Sunday morning, authorities expected about 80 premises to be affected, but the situation escalated early in the afternoon, prompting an emergency declaration from police and an urgent warning from Fraser Coast Regional Council.

All premises within the Maryborough CBD now have to be evacuated, the council posted to Facebook.
Victorias case numbers on Sunday were higher than those in NSW for the second day in a row, with NSW recording 30,062 cases. However, NSW reported its deadliest day since the pandemic started, with 16 deaths from the virus, with 1927 people in hospital with COVID-19 in that state. Long queues at a Bourke Street testing site this week. Credit:Chris Hopkins Mr Weimar said around 9000 of the positive rapid antigen tests reported on Sunday were recorded on Saturday, with the rest of the 22,051 positives taken earlier in the week. Weve seen another good day in terms of reporting through our online portal, Mr Weimar said. It really helps to not only build a complete picture of how COVID is moving through the Victorian community, but crucially allows us to help you get care and support should you need it.

Weve seen an increasing daily rapid antigen test results related to the same day and I expect over the coming days, (the bulk of) the test results will relate to the day that the test is actually taken and come back as positive, he said. Private clinic Melbourne Pathology, which closed its PCR testing sites to the public earlier this week to deal with a backlog, sent text messages on Saturday informing test patients their samples could not be processed. Your COVID-19 PCR sample is no longer suitable to be tested and no result can be provided, the text messages said. If currently symptomatic, assume you are positive and arrange rapid antigen or repeat PCR swab confirmation as appropriate. Mr Weimar said the Department of Health had been in contact with Melbourne Pathology, and agreed there was little utility in analysing tests older than seven days.

He apologised to the more than 7000 people who had been informed by the pathology provider that they would not be receiving their PCR test results. I would encourage anybody whos still symptomatic in that cohort and are still concerned to please come forward and get another PCR test and work with us, Mr Weimar said. He said he believed Melbourne Pathology had made the right strong and bold decision. Melbourne Pathology was one of four private pathology labs which closed its testing centres from Tuesday, along with 4Cyte, ACL and Dorevitch, to process a backlog of tests. The providers run a total of 54 testing sites in Victoria, with 4Cyte accounting for 41.

Delta variant picked up in less than 20 per cent of new Victorian cases Health authorities say that more than 80 per cent of positive cases are now likely the Omicron variant of concern, with the remainder likely still the Delta strain. Were seeing Omicron significantly displacing delta here within Victoria, Mr Weimar said. That figure is up from 76 per cent of positive cases being Omicron which was reported by the Department of Health last weekend, and related to samples taken from positive cases over the Christmas period. Victoria now has 146,863 active cases, with more than 83,993 PCR test results were returned across Saturday.

Around 16 per cent of Victorians have received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. No change to school return: Allan Loading Acting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said that there were no planned changes for students returning to school in Victoria. Our focus here in Victoria is a return to school plan, which vaccination is part of, she said on Sunday.

We also do ... need to make sure that we are doing this safely - whether its about school settings, work settings or our broader health settings. We are obviously very mindful of the epidemiology of the day, the case numbers and the pressure on our health system in terms of what common-sense measures we have taken or may need to take into the future. She said there had already been more than 35,000 bookings for children aged five to 11 years old to receive the vaccine in Victoria, with that cohort able to be inoculated against COVID-19 from Monday. To parents who might be concerned about being able to secure an appointment for their children, I really want to emphasise and assure those parents that there are currently 46,700 available for those aged five to 11 years, she said. Ambulance response times worsen as students and volunteers fill paramedic shifts As Victorias COVID-19 situation deteriorates, surf lifesavers, students and other volunteers are filling hundreds of paramedic shifts every week in Victoria in a crisis measure to deliver emergency care.
A $20 million trial program has helped more than 1000 women and men on temporary visas in Australia escape violent homes in its first 10 months of operation.

The federal government pilot, run by the Red Cross, offers up to $3000 to people on temporary visas for accommodation, medical or other support they need to leave an abusive relationship.

A program run through the Red Cross to help temporary visa holders experiencing domestic violence escape the relationship has supported more than 1000 people. Credit:Alamy

Since March, 945 women, 59 men and four others have used the program. More than half of those helped were on bridging visas and another 12 per cent were on family or partner visas.

Encouraged by its early success, the government extended the trial by a year in the May budget and set up a similar scheme for all domestic violence victims in October. The broader program, via UnitingCare, offers escaping-violence payments of up to $1500 in cash and a further $3500 to cover things like rental bonds or school fees to help anyone leaving a violent relationship.
Australia has locked in its purchase of more than 120 tanks and other armoured vehicles from the United States, at a cost of $3.5 billion, as part of a major upgrade of the armys fleet.

The commitment to buy 75 M1A2 main battle tanks indicates the government is committed to an advanced fleet of armoured vehicles despite the focus in recent years being on other major acquisitions such as submarines, jet fighters and long-range missiles amid the rise of China.

Australia will purchase 75 new M1A2 Abrams tanks. Credit:US Army

Defence Minister Peter Dutton will confirm the upgrade on Monday after the US government approved the potential purchase last year.

The tanks will replace the armys 59 Abrams M1A1s, which were bought in 2007 but have not seen combat.
Bryan, OH (43506)

Today

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies and light rain after midnight. Low 49F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies and light rain after midnight. Low 49F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Newport News Mayor McKinley Price unloads donations for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank during the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Food Drive on Jan. 18, 2021. (Courtesy/Brian Arndt with the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank)

Newport News Mayor McKinley Price is gearing up for his annual food drive to help restock the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.

The food bank has experienced an 18% decrease in donations while serving a record number of people in need of food since the beginning of the pandemic.

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Price hosts the annual food drive in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Its the second-largest annual food drive for the food bank.

The COVID pandemic changed the face of hunger in our community, as many who had not needed support in the past found themselves struggling to feed their families, Price said in a news release. Every donation, regardless of the size, makes a difference.

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The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank distributed more than 1.7 million pounds of food  1.4 million meals  from July to December. In that time, the food bank and its partner agencies served 3,671 households and reached 10,259 people, according to the release.

The food drive is in its sixth year. Last years food drive received a record number of donations  enough to provide about 61,000 meals for Peninsula residents.

The food drive will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 17 at 2401 Aluminum Avenue in Hampton.

Price will be joined by U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, state Del. Marcia Price, Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan and Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew.

Leading up to the food drive, drop-off boxes will be available at the following locations:

Newport News City Hall 2400 Washington Ave.

City Offices at Fountain Plaza Two in City Center at 700 Town Center Dr.

Newport News Tourism Office at 702 Town Center Dr.

Newport News Visitor Center at 13560 Jefferson Ave.

Denbigh Community Center at 15198 Warwick Blvd.

Brittingham-Midtown Community Center 570 McLawhorne Dr.

Doris Miller Community Center at 2814 Wickham Ave.

Courthouse Way Community Center at 14302 Old Courthouse Way

Riverview Gymnastics Center at 125 City Farm Rd.

Businesses, groups or places of worship interested in collecting items to support the food drive should call 757-926-8403.

Jessica Nolte, 757-912-1675, jnolte@dailypress.com
Adani Power Mundra (APMuL) and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (GUVNL)  which were in a legal battle since 2010  reached an out-of-court settlement with APMuL agreeing to relinquish compensation from GUVNL and will not terminate the power purchase agreement (PPA).

While the compensation amount was not disclosed in the court order, it is estimated to run into thousands of crores.

GUVNL filed a curative petition with the Supreme Court in September 2021 asking for a review of the apex courts 2019 order that favoured Adani. In the recent order dated December 4, the apex court noted that the two parties have reached a settlement.

According to the settlement, APMuL will not claim any compensation from GUVNL and also not terminate the PPA. Adani Power signed a PPA in 2007 with GUVNL for supply of 1,000 Mw at Rs 2.35/unit from its power project at Korba in Chhattisgarh, based on coal supply from Naini coal block.

The block was allocated to Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), which had agreed to supply 4 million tonnes of coal a year to APMuL. In 2007, APMuL told GUVNL it would supply power from its Mundra project in Kutch, Gujarat, instead of from Chhattisgarh, since GMDC was lagging in coal output.

However, despite repeated reminders to the Gujarat government, GUVNL and GMDC, the coal supply did not start, APMul had claimed.

Due to this, APMuL terminated the PPA with GUVNL. Adani said that the agreement for supply of power was based on the assurance given by GMDC. GUVNL held that APMuL should have supplied power, irrespective of whether it got the coal or not.

Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission and Appellate Tribunal of Electricity both termed the PPA termination as illegal. In 2019, however, the Supreme Court decided Adani Power Mundra was right in terminating the PPA as it could not get its coal supply on time.

In the fresh order, the Supreme Court permitted placing of the settlement deed and disposing of the curative petition filed by GUVNL last year.

According to the settlement, APMuL will also agree with GUVNL on the methodology reworked for payment of energy charges to the power unit for generation and supply of electricity under the PPA.

On the other hand, Gujarat, which was  till November last year facing a coal crisis, continues to purchase power from the Mundra generation units of Adani Power and Tata Power at double the rate of the PPAs, according to data from Western Region Load Despatch Centre. Currently, Gujarat is buying power from Mundra units at Rs 4.5 per unit.

Adani Power and Tata Power have been in constant tussle with Gujarat and four other states over the compensation amount due to inflated imported coal prices.


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has filed a legal challenge at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against the Competition Commission of Indias (CCI) suspension of the US e-commerce giants 2019 deal with Future Retail (FRL). has challenged the order on at least five grounds, and the matter is likely to be listed this week, according to the sources.

Parallelly, Amazons Indian unit has approached the Supreme Court against a halt on an arbitration case against Future Retails (FRL) asset sale to Reliance Industries (RIL).

Last year in December, the suspended Amazons 2019 deal worth Rs 1500 crore with Future Retail (FRL), citing the companys alleged deliberate design to suppress information about the scope and purpose of the deal. The antitrust regulator had imposed a penalty of Rs 200 crore on to be paid within 60 days of receipt of the order.



In its 57-page order, the competition watchdog said it considered it necessary to examine the combination afresh, given that the two players were known in the online marketplace and offline retailing and had contemplated strategic alignment between their businesses. It had said for the intervening period the approval provided in 2019 shall remain in abeyance.

However, according to people familiar with Amazons strategy, when the firm submitted the document to CCI, it clearly mentioned that the companys investment in Future Coupons was a strategic investment as the government at some point in time may allow investment into the multi-brand retail sector in the country. Amazons legal team is expected to make the argument that there was no misrepresentation of facts and all the information had been clearly mentioned.

CCI does not have authority to unwind the deal approval post 12 months. The 'abeyance' wont be applicable. CCI either had to approve or revoke the deal within 12 months, said a person familiar with Amazons strategy. Also, it would be contended that CCI did say that all information was there but Amazon should have emphatically pointed out FRL.

A query sent to Amazon related to this development remained unanswered till the time of going to press.

It would also be contended that Future Coupons which was a joint applicant and a beneficiary post receiving funds from Amazon is now a complainant and seeking cancellation of the deal post receiving the money and using it, said the person familiar with Amazons strategy.

This issue goes back to August 2019, when Amazon acquired 49 per cent stake in Future Coupons, the promoter entity of FRL (Future Retail), for around Rs 1,500 crore. One year later, in August 2020, Future Group struck a $3.4-billion asset-sale deal with Reliance Industries (RIL).

In October 2020, Amazon had sent a legal notice to Future for striking a deal with RIL. It alleged that Futures $3.4-billion asset sale deal with RIL breached an agreement with Amazon. It cited its non-compete agreement with the Kishore Biyani-led chain. The deal specified any disputes would be arbitrated under the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) rules. The same month, October 2020, Amazon got a favourable ruling for its plea in SIAC against the deal.

In November 2020, Future moved the Delhi High Court (HC) against Amazon, alleging interference by the US firm in the deal with RIL. Since then, Amazon has been fighting a legal battle with FRL to stop Futures $3.4-billion deal with RIL.

In August last year, the Supreme Court (SC) had ruled in favour of Amazon, upholding the Singapore emergency arbitrator award against the Future-Reliance deal as enforceable in India. But in a major relief to Future Group, the SC stayed proceedings before Delhi HC in September last year, ordering no coercive action. The court also directed the National Company Law Tribunal, CCI, and the Securities and Exchange Board of India to not pass any final order in relation to the dispute for four weeks.

In November last year, the SC extended by two weeks the time granted to CCI by Delhi HC to take a decision with respect to the show-cause notice issued by it to Amazon over the deal with Future Group.

However, this year, the Delhi High Court (HC) on Wednesday stayed the arbitration proceedings in relation to Future Groups 2019 deal with Amazon before the Singapore tribunal. This is a major relief to Kishore Biyani and his retail group Future. A division Bench also stayed the order of the single judge who had refused to intervene in the matter, dismissing the pleas filed by the two subsidiaries of Future Group on Tuesday. The single judge of the HC had denied interfering in the ongoing arbitration proceedings before the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC).

However, legal experts said the order has created a 'conflict of laws' situation, defeats the sole crux of the contractual arrangement, and may dissuade foreign from entering the Indian market.





"The (Delhi) high court single bench has passed order Under section 227 which can't be heard by divisional bench legally and has to be heard by SC only. Thereby creating grounds for appeal," said a person familiar with Amazon's strategy.

"Second they injuncted tribunal to stop hearing an arbitration which was underway on the very same day. Unheard of and creates a poor image of the country when an ongoing international commercial arbitration is stopped midway into a session."
The government, in accordance with the Centre's policy, has said that a COVID-19 patient under home isolation will be considered discharged after seven days without having taken a second test, provided the person did not get fever for three consecutive days.

Issuing a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for home isolation on Saturday, the and Family Welfare Department said the country and the state are witnessing a third wave of the pandemic, possibly due to the latest detected variant of coronavirus, Omicron.

"Patients under home isolation will stand discharged and end isolation after at least 7 days have passed from testing positive subject to the conditions that there has been no fever for three successive days and they shall continue wearing masks," it added.

The patients will, however, continue to be under home quarantine for seven more days, the SOP stated.

"There is no need for re-testing after the home isolation period is over. Asymptomatic contacts of infected individuals need not undergo COVID test but should monitor his or her condition in home quarantine," the document said.

The guidelines asserted that the majority of the new cases are either asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms and such cases usually recover with minimal interventions, and may be managed at home under proper medical guidance and monitoring.

"The telemedicine and home-based medical care system has been strengthened across the state considering the possibility of large numbers of COVID-positive cases in the state," it added.

The SOP also said that all the confirmed cases which are not experiencing any symptom and have oxygen saturation of more than 93 per cent at room air may be considered as asymptomatic cases.

"Such cases should have requisite facility at their residence for self-isolation... A caregiver should be available to provide assistance 24x7," it added.

The caregiver should ideally be someone who has completed his COVID-19 vaccination schedule with both doses, the SOP added.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing a press meet on Friday, had said that his government, this time, is encouraging people to undergo home isolation if their condition is not serious.

The state will provide them a kit with all medicines free of cost and tele-counselling services by doctors will be made available regularly, he had told reporters.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With 18,802 fresh cases of Covid-19 reported in on Saturday, the state sank deeper into a crisis, as capital Kolkata clocked a cumulative weekly positivity rate of over 55 percent ending Friday, government officials said.

The overall tally, since the pandemic erupted, has gone up to 17,30,759.

The state's positivity rate also rose from Friday's 26.34 per cent to 29.60 per cent, portending a grim battle against the disease ahead, with the Gangasagar fair, a huge congregation of common people and seers having begun today.

The Calcutta High Court had on Friday given the go-ahead for the fair, an annual event, which is once in a lifetime pilgrimage for many Hindus, but ordered enforcement of strict guidelines to check the spread of the disease.

It ordered setting up a committee which may recommend to the state a ban on entry to Sagar Island if there is any violation of health safety norms. The court also directed the government to take a decision to declare the Sagar Island, where the annual fair is held, a notified area, a move that will empower the state to take additional measures for safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of the pilgrims.

The fair will conclude on January 16.

The city on Saturday recorded 7,337 fresh cases of the infection while neighbouring North 24 Parganas reported 3,286 new cases. In Howrah, there were 1,483 new cases, while Paschim Bardhaman reported 1,006.

There were 19 Covid-19 deaths in Bengal, including seven in Kolkata, officials said.

Since Friday, 8,112 patients have recovered and gone home. So far, 16,48,821 people have recovered from the disease in .

However, the the number of active cases has gone up by 10,671 since Friday to 62,055.

Meanwhile, a study conducted by the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics has found that 71.2 percent of those afflicted with COVID-19 in West Bengal are infected with the variant.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Niraj Bishnoi, the alleged mastermind and creator of the 'Bulli Bai' application, has revealed that he had the habit of hacking into and defacing the websites of schools and universities of both India and Pakistan, police officials said on Saturday.

They also said that Bishnoi has disclosed during interrogation that he was also in touch with the person behind the Twitter handle @sullideals, the alleged creator of the 'Sulli Deals' app that was hosted on GitHub in July last year.

The Delhi police had arrested 21-year-old Bishnoi from Assam and claimed that it has solved the case which relates to hundreds of Muslim women being listed for "auction" on the "Bulli Bai" app on the Github platform.

A resident of Jorhat who studies computer science engineering in Bhopal, Bishnoi is the fourth person to be arrested for their alleged involvement in the app. The other three, nabbed by Mumbai Police, include a 19-year-old woman from Uttarakhand, also alleged to be a prime accused in the case.

The claim of Bishnoi being in touch with the creator of the 'Sulli Deals' app is being verified. Further technical analysis is being done and forensic examination of devices is underway, police said.

"During interrogation, Bishnoi has revealed that he has the habit of hacking and defacing websites. He has been learning it since he was 15-year-old. He had hacked or defaced various websites of schools and universities of India as well as of Pakistan. His claims of hacking websites," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations) K P S Malhotra said.

Bishnoi has an inclination towards the Japanese animated gaming character 'GIYU'. He had created various Twitter handles using the word and used one such account to challenge the law enforcement agencies to nab him, police said.

He had earlier created various Twitter handles-- @giyu2002, @giyu007, @giyuu84, @giyu94 and @giyu44.

The account @giyu44 was created by the accused on January 3 to discredit the arrests made by the Mumbai Police in the case and to throw an open challenge to law enforcement agencies to nab him.

A day before his arrest, he had tweeted, "You have arrested the wrong person, slumbai police."



"Lmao only one guy was ever involved and that's me. You pajeets arrested a follower of that acc with sikh dp, who had nothing to do with the app and didn't tweet anything wrong. Do you have even the slightest bit of shame slumbai pulis?" Bishnoi had said.

Police said Bishnoi has further disclosed that he was in touch with the persons arrested by the Mumbai Police and used to chat through Twitter.

He had never met those persons and even did not have their contact numbers. He also disclosed that he was using the Twitter account of Shweta, arrested by the Mumbai Police, they said.

Bishnoi is trying to delay the investigation and not cooperating. He had also tried to harm himself twice and also threatened to commit suicide, police claimed.

Due care is being taken care of him in custody. His medical examination has been conducted and he is stable and unharmed. This may be due to his mental condition or maybe he wants to delay the investigation, police officials said.

Later, the police, in a statement, said that during social media monitoring, it came to notice that two websites were claiming that they had interviewed Bishnoi hours before his arrest.

"It is clarified that accused Niraj Bishnoi was disturbed after the arrest of three of his followers namely Vishal, Shweta and Mayank Rawal. He wanted to divert the attention of the media by claiming that Vishal and Shweta were innocent.

"To propagate this fact, he had created the Twitter account @giyu44 and started sharing the screenshots of the code creation and the email accounts used by him for creating the code on GitHub," according to the police statement.

Bishnoi had received mail from GitHub on the email account used by him, as a policy measure of GitHub, that they had received an information request from a law enforcement agency, it said.

"To support his claim of creation of the 'Bulli Bai' app and to prove the innocence of earlier arrested accused he had shared the login details, email details and screenshots with one Shubham Sharma and on Twitter also.

"Bishnoi had intentionally divulged the details with Sharma and on Twitter to gain publicity. He had shared only partial details to support his claim of the creation of the app. He communicated through VPN with them also, so that he could not be traced. He was challenging the law enforcement agencies to nab him," the police said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
on Sunday reported 1,673 fresh cases pushing the aggregate to 6,94,030 while the toll rose to 4,042 with one more fatality.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) accounted for the most number of fresh cases with 1,165, followed by Medchal Malkajgiri 149 district, the bulletin said, providing details as of 5.30 PM today.

It also said 330 people recovered from the infection in the last 24 hours. The cumulative number of recoveries till date was 6,76,466.

The number of active cases surged to 13,522, the bulletin said.

Over 48,000 samples were tested today and the total number examined till date was over 3.01 crore.

Meanwhile, the third dose (Booster Dose) of COVID-19 vaccine will be administered to the frontline workers, people above 60 years of age and healthcare workers, an official release said.

Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao said all those who are eligible should get vaccinated, it said.

He appealed to people not to move around in groups, especially during the Sankranti festival and try to remain indoors and celebrate by taking precautions.

The CM reiterated that the state government is geared up to face any situation and is well-equipped to face the .

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi Police has arrested a man believed to be the creator of "Sulli Deals" app from in Madhya Pradesh, officials said on Sunday.

This is the first arrest made in the "Sulli Deals" app case, police said.

Hundreds of Muslim women were listed for auction on the mobile application with photographs sourced without permission and doctored.

Accused Aumkareshwar Thakur (26) did his BCA from IPS Academy in and is a resident of Newyork City Township, they said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (IFSO) KPS Malhotra said during preliminary interrogation, the accused admitted that he was a member of a group on Twitter and the idea to defame and troll Muslim women was shared there.

"He had developed the code on GitHub. The access of GitHub was with all the members of the group. He had shared the app on his Twitter account. The photos of the Muslim women were uploaded by the group members," the officer said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that the national capital is expected to report 22,000 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday. He further said that there is no need to panic citing the comparative statistics with the second wave in the country.

Delhi reported 20,181 new COVID-19 cases during the last 24 hours, the highest since May 5 last year, said the State Health Department on Saturday. The city has also reported 513 cases of variant so far.

Addressing a presser after recovering from COVID-19, Kejriwal said, "Yesterday, nearly 20,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Delhi, today, it is expected to rise to 22,000 cases. The cases are rising daily which is a matter of concern. But there is no need to panic."

Presenting the comparative data of the number of COVID cases in the city at present as against in the second wave, he said that when 20,000 cases were reported in a day during the second wave, 341 deaths were reported as against 7 deaths now.

"In the second wave in April-May, 2021, nearly 20,000 cases were reported in Delhi on May 7, 2021. 341 deaths were reported then, but yesterday when the city reported the same number of cases, only 7 deaths were reported. Almost 20,000 beds were occupied then, but only 1,500 beds are occupied in Delhi now," he said.

"So the people are not having the need to hospitalise themselves this time. Lesser number of deaths are being reported too. I have presented this data so that you understand that there is no need to panic. There is a need to be responsible," Kejriwal added.

Talking about the possibility of imposing lockdown in the city, he said that the Government does not intend to impose lockdown in the city.

"We do not want to impose any lockdown in the city. There will not be lockdown if you follow COVID appropriate behaviour. We do not intend to impose lockdown at the moment. We want to impose the least restrictions so that the people can earn their livelihood," the Chief Minister said.

Kejriwal further said that in the DDMA meeting scheduled to be held on Monday, the Government will review the current situation with the experts.

"We have a meeting of DDMA tomorrow. We will review the current situation with the experts on what needs to be done further. We are also getting the support of the Centre," he said.

Meanwhile, India reported 1,59,632 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the daily positivity rate in the country to 10.21 per cent, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday.

According to the Health Ministry, a total of 3,623 cases of the variant of have been reported in India so far. The number of recovered patients from the variant rises to 1,409.

Maharashtra accounts for the highest number of cases (1,009), followed by Delhi (513) and Karnataka (441).

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Deposits in bank accounts opened under the Jan Dhan scheme, launched about seven and half years ago by the government, have crossed the Rs 1.5 lakh crore mark.

As per the latest finance ministry data, the total balance in over 44.23 crore Pradhan Mantri (PMJDY) accounts was at Rs 1,50,939.36 crore at December end, 2021.

PMJDY, the Mission for Financial Inclusion, had completed seven years of implementation in August last year. It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address on August 15, 2014.

As per the finance ministry data, of the total 44.23 crore accounts, 34.9 crore were with the public sector banks, 8.05 crore with regional rural banks, and the rest 1.28 crore with private sector banks.

Also, 31.28 crore PMJDY beneficiaries were issued RuPay debit cards. It may be noted that the number of RuPay cards and their usage has increased over time.

As per the data, 29.54 crore were held in rural and semi-urban bank branches. Nearly 24.61 crore account holders were women as of December 29, 2021.

During the first year of the scheme 17.90 crore PMJDY accounts were opened.

As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guideline, there is no requirement of maintaining minimum balance in Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts, including .

Depending upon transactions carried out by a Jan Dhan account holder, the balance in any can vary on a day-to-day basis, and may even become zero on a particular day.

As of December 8, 2021, the total number of zero balance accounts was 3.65 crore, which constituted about 8.3 per cent of the total Jan Dhan accounts, the government had informed Parliament last month.

Objectives of the government's flagship scheme include ensuring access to financial products and services at an affordable cost.

Benefits like scholarships, subsidies, pensions, and COVID relief funds are credited to the bank accounts, including Jan Dhan Accounts, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Highway 12 leading onto Hatteras Island is covered with sand after Hurricane Dorian hit the area in 2019 in Mirlo Beach. (Mark Wilson/Getty)

The storm-swept beaches of the Outer Banks will soon be replenished with millions of tons of sand from the Continental Shelf.

The Dare County Board of Commissioners, at the years first meeting Jan. 3, hired a Louisiana company to pump sand from offshore onto the beaches of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills. Exact dates havent been set, but work is scheduled to begin this summer and be completed by the end of the year.

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The county and four towns are working together to widen just under 12 miles of shoreline as part of a plan to add sand to depleted beaches every five years. The last renourishment project was completed in 2017.

Dare commissioners awarded the $28.9 million contract to Weeks Marine for the work on the northern Outer Banks, along with a $25.8 million bid to another contractor for two projects on Hatteras Island, widening a 2.5-mile section of beach in Avon known for ocean overwash flooding, and maintenance on a 2019 nourishment project in Buxton.

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In Avon, more than a million cubic yards of sand will be placed along the oceanfront from about 3,000 feet north of Avon Pier to Due East Road, about a mile away. Its the first time Avon will undergo beach nourishment, and the project will initially widen the shoreline by about 100 feet.

The county awarded the bid for both Hatteras Island projects to the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., the same company that completed nourishment in northern Outer Banks towns in 2017. The bid price includes the cost of mobilization and demobilization, dredging, placement, grading and environmental protection required under federal and state permits.

The Buxton beach nourishment project, done once before in February 2018, includes 2.9 miles of shoreline from north of Buxton to the beachfront near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Maintenance renourishment of this area is scheduled for the summer of 2022.

A combination of funds will be used for Hatteras Island renourishment.

Dare County is establishing an Avon tax district to pay for its part of the projects, charging an extra 40 cents per $100 of value on homes on the oceanside of N.C. 12 and an additional 10-cent tax for other properties. Avon property owners will pay about half the local project cost, while the Dare County Beach Nourishment Fund, which is funded with occupancy tax on lodging, will pay the other half.

The Town of Nags Head is planning a separate beach restoration project to replace sand lost during 2019s Hurricane Dorian, with a start date this summer and continuing into fall. The Nags Head Board of Commissioners last week awarded a $11.5 million bid to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co.

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The project will place sand on 4.45 miles of beach in south Nags Head, from Jennettes Pier and stretching south to the town limits abutting Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Nags Head is creating four additional municipal service taxing districts to pay for the beach nourishment, bringing the towns total municipal service districts to six.

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Because beach nourishment maintains a healthy and attractive recreational beach, protects infrastructure like roads, water lines, sewage systems, electrical services, and beach accesses, while also protecting properties on and adjacent to the oceanfront, every Nags Head property owner realizes benefits, Mayor Ben Cahoon said.

Last year, the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management granted Dare County access to up to 6.6 million cubic yards of sand from the Outer Continental Shelf to restore 11.6 miles of beaches.

Outer Banks beaches drive about $1.4 billion in tourism spending each year, with the year-round population of about 37,000 swelling to 225,000 to 300,000 at times during summer months.

But more frequent and powerful storms along the coast, coupled with sea level rise, have led to greater demand for offshore sand to restore and protect coastal communities and habitats, BOEM officials said.

Kari Pugh, karipugh@icloud.com
A student from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has been offered the annual package of Rs 49 lakh by a company to work in India during the process, an official said on Sunday. This is the highest annual package offered during this session's final at this institute which has seen an 18 per cent rise compared to the last time.

The institute has successfully completed the final placements of 572 participating candidates from the two-year flagship Post Graduate Program (PGP) and the five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM), an official release said.

Over 180 recruiters, including more than 30 new ones, offered prestigious roles to students of IIM Indore's 2022 batch.

The average package stood at a record-breaking Rs 25.01 lakh, witnessing an increase of 6% as compared to the previous year, the release said.

The top 100 students bagged packages averaging Rs 37.95 lakh and this average for the top 200 students' compensation stands at Rs 32.75 lakh, it said.

The institute's median package also increased by 6.6% to reach a record Rs 24.09 lakh.

The highest package (during the final of this session at IIM Indore) offered on the campus was Rs 49 lakh.

At IIM Indore, our endeavour is to be a contextually-relevant business school with world-class academic standards.. The exceptional placement drive we witnessed this year is a result of our constant efforts and hard work, said Prof Himanshu Rai, Director, .

During the placement, the employers who offered the highest 31 per cent job offers to students are from the counselling sector. Besides, 20 per cent of job offers are given in the finance sector, 18 per cent in sales and marketing, 16 per cent in general management and 15 per cent in the information technology and analytics sector.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
For the first time in seven months, recorded over 100,000 cases on January 6, 2022. As several parts of the country witness a surge due to the variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, two indicatorseffective reproduction number (R) and doubling timesuggest a further increase in cases in the coming days.

The reproduction number is a measure of transmissionthe average number of people infected by one infected person. The government announced on January 5 that the R is 2.69 and this is higher than the R during the second wave. That is, each Covid-19 patient is infecting 2.69 others, on average.

If the R of a disease is greater than one, it means that the number of cases is growing fast and can cause an epidemic. If the R is equal to one, the disease is growing slower but is still dangerous and many could contract it. If the R is lower than one, that is, one person infects fewer than one other person, on average, then the disease will slowly die out.

Doubling time is the number of days taken for cases to double. India's doubling time fell from 3,684.4 days on December 27, 2021 to 454.9 days on January 6, 2022.

During this period, there was a corresponding eighteen-fold increase in daily new cases.

We analyse the trends for these indicators in states which are reporting over 500 new cases daily, and highlight the exponential growth in states with very high R-values.

Reproduction number

Based on the estimates for the period of December 29 to January 2, Sitabhra Sinha, professor of computational biology and theoretical physics at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, calculated an R value of 1.96 for . "This is certainly larger than what I have estimated during the height of the second wave,'' he said, adding, "the highest R was during March 9 to April 21, 2021. At that point, it was 1.37".

The difference between the R announced by the government and the one calculated by Sinha is because of the higher errors in estimation due to fluctuations in data which are likely to occur when cases have just started rising, Sinha explained. "In reality, people don't immediately figure out that they are infected; there is a lag between actual occurrence of infection and time of reporting, which leads to data fluctuation." In addition, when you only consider a short time period, such as a week, there are larger estimation errors, he said. "We are focusing on a very very small part of the curve at present, and we might not be looking at the true trend, but overestimating or underestimating."

The R would be revised after considering cases over two weeks, he said. "Even though they are approximate, quick estimations are very important for deciding what actions need to be taken, like issuing fresh guidelines for localised quarantine, travel and so on."

Several states like Bihar, Jharkhand and Delhi have a high R, Sinha's calculations show. Some of these states also have low vaccination coverage (see chart 2).

Doubling time

Maharashtra had the highest number of daily cases as of January 6, at 36,265, followed by West Bengal at 15,421, and Delhi at 15,097 respectively. These three states account for 57% of all new cases in .

The doubling time in Delhi has been decreasing gradually since November 27, whereas in West Bengal, the drop has been sudden, since December 27, 2021.

In Maharashtra, doubling time has been fluctuating since November 2021 until December 16, 2021 when it started falling. Since then, daily cases have risen from 877 to 36,265.

Kerala is an exception to the national trend: It has seen a gradual decline in the number of daily cases through November and December. Daily cases by the end of December were a third of those recorded in early November (see chart below). Cases have seen an uptick from January 04, 2022.

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat also reported over 4,000 cases on January 6, 2022.

Bihar & Jharkhand among states which have high R-values, are likely to see a surge

Bihar's doubling time started to drop from December 21, while Jharkhand's started falling on December 15. These states, as we said, also have a high R and a relatively lower vaccination coverage, indicating a potential surge.

Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have also seen an uptick in cases beginning December 28, 2021.
reported 159,632 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, as the variant of the continues to spread rapidly in the country, nudging several state governments to impose fresh restrictions.

India's richest state, Maharashtra, said on Saturday it would close swimming pools and gyms from Monday while schools and colleges have been closed till Feb 15 after daily cases in the state jumped to over 41,000.

The state government has said only fully vaccinated people will be allowed into private offices while limiting the capacity to 50% of the total workforce.

In the neighbouring state of Gujarat, authorities have extended night curfew hours and cancelled leave for all healthcare personnel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation later on Sunday, according to government sources.

The health ministry reported 327 new deaths, taking the official death toll since the start of the pandemic to 483,790.

Total infections stand at 35.52 million.

(Reporting by Nupur Anand; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The COVID-19 tally in reached 8,01,326 on Sunday with the detection of 2,039 cases, while the toll increased by one to touch 10,537, an official said.

The recovery count stood at 7,83,947 after 234 people were discharged from hospitals during the day, leaving the state with an active tally of 6,842, he said.

Indore and Bhopal, the state's two biggest and worst coronavirus-hit cities, saw 621 and 484 fresh cases respectively in the past 24 hours, the official said.

With 68,698 samples being examined during the day, the number of tests in MP went up to 2,42,97,958, the official added.

A government release said 10,56,24,700 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far in the state, including 32,076 on Sunday.

figures in MP are as follows: Total cases 8,01,326 new cases 2039, death toll 10,537, recovered 7,83,947, active cases 6,842, number of tests so far 2,42,97,958.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A new variant Deltacron has emerged in Cyprus which has a similar genetic background to the Delta variant, as well as some of the mutations from Omicron, and experts say that it is not something to be worried about at the moment, a media report said.

In total, 10 of the mutations from were found in the 25 samples taken in Cyprus. 11 of the samples came from people who were hospitalized due to the virus, while 14 came from the general population, reported Jerusalem Post citing Cyprus Mail.

Dr. Leondios Kostrikis, the head of the laboratory of biotechnology and molecular virology at the University of Cyprus, said that the frequency of the mutation among hospitalized patients was higher and could point to a correlation between the new variant and hospitalizations.

Kostrikis also emphasized that the variant has a similar genetic background to the Delta variant, as well as some of the mutations from .

The new variant was not something to worry about at the moment, said Cyprus's Health Minister Michalis Hadjipandelas on Saturday.

The minister also expressed pride in discovering the new variant.

Hadjipandelas said the groundbreaking research and findings of Dr. Kostrikis' team make us proud of our scientists. The minister also underlined that this research puts Cyprus on the international map when it comes to health matters, according to Jerusalem Post.

So far, the scientific name of the new variant has not been announced.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid the Omicron-spurred third Covid wave, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chairing a high-level review meeting on Sunday, called for accelerating vaccination in the 15-18 age group in mission mode and ensuring adequate health infrastructure in districts.

The review meeting, held to take stock of the countrys Covid preparedness, came on the day India registered around 160,000 cases and the daily positivity rate crossed 10 per cent.

India has given the first dose of the Covid vaccine to 31 per cent the adolescents aged 15-18 years so far within seven days. The prime minister said even as Covid cases were rising, non-Covid health services should not be disrupted.

Leverage telemedicine to ensure availability of health-related guidance to people in remote and rural areas, he said. Ensure effective usage of masks and physical distancing measures as a new normal to control the spread, Modi said.

Modi said there was a need for continuous scientific research in testing, vaccines, and pharmacological interventions, including genome sequencing, given that the virus was evolving continuously.

He asked the officials to hold a meeting with chief ministers to discuss state-specific scenarios, best-practices, and the public health response.

Delhi logged 22,751 cases and a positivity rate of more than 23 per cent on Sunday. Mumbai saw a slight decline with 19,474 cases on the same day.

Modi also said vaccination coverage through precaution doses, which become available from Monday, for health care workers and front line workers should also be taken up in mission mode. He was apprised of predictive scenarios of peak cases in the current wave.

As cases see a rapid rise, around 400 staff members of Parliament are reported to have tested positive over the past five days.



With the Budget session just a few days away, reports said 65 staffers of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, 200 of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, and 133 of allied services tested positive during January 4-8 during regular tests.

Four Supreme Court judges and almost 5 per cent of the courts staff have tested positive, according to a PTI report.

Modi said intensive containment and active surveillance should continue in clusters reporting higher cases and the required technical support be provided to states in such areas. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday will meet state health ministers to take stock of the Covid situation and preparedness.

The Delhi government on Sunday said it did not plan to impose any lockdown if people wore masks and maintained the social distance. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the next plan of action would be decided on Monday.

In Delhi, on May 7 last year, which fell during the second wave of the pandemic, 20,000 cases with 341 deaths were reported. Stressing the lower virulence of Omicron, Kejriwal said on January 8, with a similar number of cases, 17 deaths were reported in the city.

On the same day, around 20,000 beds were occupied in Delhi while on January 8, the number was 1,500.

With several Covid clusters developing in parts of Tamil Nadu, the state is likely to come up with fresh regulations after a review meeting on Monday. Almost 60,000 police officials were deployed in Tamil Nadu to ensure that Sunday lockdown was implemented properly.

According to a news report, Karnataka Health Minister Sudhakar K said the third wave was expected to peak in mid-February in the state. The number of Covid cases rose by 12,000 in Karnataka on Sunday. Of those, more than 9,000 were in Bengaluru.

Inputs from Shine Jacob and Deepsekhar Choudhury
The (ICG) apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat with ten crew members in Indian waters in the Arabian sea off the coast, it said on Sunday.

The boat, named 'Yaseen,' was intercepted by the ICG vessel 'Ankit' during the operational patrol on Saturday night.

When the crew members of the boat failed to justify their presence in Indian waters after being questioned, the ICG ship apprehended it, the ICG said in a release.

The boat tried to flee towards the Pakistani waters, but due to the quick response by the ICG ship, it was made to stop and apprehended, said the ICG.

Around 2,000 kg fish and 600 litres of diesel were seized from the boat, the ICG said, adding that the boat is registered at Keti Bandar in .

The apprehended boat, with the ten crew members, is presently being towed to Porbandar for detailed investigation and joint interrogation, it said.

" ship 'Ankit' during an operational patrol at the Arabian Sea apprehended a Pakistani fishing boat 'Yaseen' along with 10 Pakistani crew, operating in Indian waters during the intervening night of January 8, 2022," the ICG said in a release.

During the initial boarding, PFB Yaseen registered at Ketibandar was found in possession of approximately 2000 kgs of the fish catch along with 600 litres of diesel, the ICG added.

Sometimes, Pakistani fishing boats cross the notional international maritime boundary and enter Indian waters during fishing expeditions. There has also been a rise in cases of such boats being used to smuggle contraband drugs through the coast.

The had on September 15 last year apprehended a Pakistani boat with 12 crew members in the Indian waters off the coast.

On December 20, a Pakistani fishing boat with six crew members on board and carrying 77 kg of heroin worth around Rs 400 crore was apprehended in the Indian waters off the Gujarat coast by the ICG in a joint operation with the state Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS).

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Paying tributes to the 10th Sikh on his birth anniversary, Prime Minister on Sunday said his life and message give strength to millions of people.

Modi said he will always cherish the fact that his government got the opportunity to mark his 350th Parkash Utsav (birth anniversary).

He tweeted, "Greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Ji. His life and message give strength to millions of people. I will always cherish the fact that our Government got the opportunity to mark his 350th Parkash Utsav. Sharing some glimpses from my visit to Patna at that time.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Prime Minister on Sunday greeted everyone, especially the Indian diaspora on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Greetings to everyone, especially the Indian diaspora on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Our diaspora has distinguished itself all over the world and has excelled in different spheres. At the same time, they have remained connected to their roots. We are proud of their accomplishments."

On January 9, the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is observed to strengthen the engagement of the Indian community overseas with the government and reconnect them with their roots. It is celebrated to mark the contribution of the Indians living abroad in the development of the land of their ancestors.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan will address a virtual youth Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas conference on 'the role of Indian diaspora' with regard to innovation and new technologies.

January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since, in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, had returned to from South Africa, on this day, and led the country's Freedom Struggle which changed the lives of Indians forever.

Started in 2003, these conventions provide a platform to the Indian community overseas to engage with the government and the people from the land of their ancestors, for mutually beneficial activities. These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.

--IANS

ssb/dpb

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Several states imposed fresh restrictions to check the COVID-19 surge and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation at a high-level meeting on Sunday as cases continued to rise with 1,59,632 new infections reported, the highest in 224 days.

The prime minister called for ensuring adequate health infrastructure in districts, boosting vaccine drive for adolescents in mission mode and continuing the public campaign focused on COVID-appropriate behaviour as they were critical in the battle against the pandemic.

From Monday, the country would start administering precaution dose of COVID-19 vaccine to healthcare workers, frontline workers including personnel deployed for election duty and those aged 60 and above with comorbidities.

Prime Minister Modi said that a meeting with chief ministers will be convened to discuss state-specific scenarios, best practices and public health response, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

Most states and Union Territories, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi, have already announced night curfew and other restrictions in the wake of the imminent third wave.

The Himachal Pradesh government on Sunday banned social and religious functions till January 24. It also prohibited any gathering of more than 100 people for indoor and 300 people for outdoor academic, sport, cultural and political events, according to an order.

Attendance of staff at state government offices was capped at 50 percent. The restrictions, however, will not be applicable to emergency services.

The Rajasthan government announced the closure of schools in municipal areas till January 17, a Sunday curfew and restricted market timings and occupancy at restaurants and movie theatres.

A one-day complete lockdown was enforced across Tamil Nadu and most roads and other public places wore a deserted look.

Suburban and other train operations, bus and other public transport services including the Metrorail in Chennai were suspended.

Chief Minister M K Stalin had earlier ordered fresh curbs which included state-wide night curfew between 10 PM and 5 AM with effect from January 6.

Puducherry government also announced that all schools conducting offline classes for students from classes 1 to 9 will remain shut from Monday.

Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said the state government will gradually bring curbs at places of worship and other sites, including liquor vends, that attract crowds to control the pandemic.

He, however, said that even as cases are rising, hospital bed occupancy and oxygen demand remain low.

"When these start rising, we will enforce stricter restrictions," he added.

On Saturday, when Maharashtra reported over 41,000 new COVID-19 cases, the state government decided to prohibit movement in public in groups of five or more from 5 AM to 11 PM. Further, no movement will be allowed in public from 11 PM to 5 AM except for essential services, a government circular had said.

However, people continued to gather in large numbers at places like the Juhu beach.

On Sunday, the state government revised the COVID-19-related restrictions for gyms and beauty salons, allowing them to operate at 50 percent capacity from January 11.

The state government has announced closure of schools and colleges till February 15. The government had also decided to cap the attendance at marriages and social, religious, cultural or political gatherings at 50.

In the national capital, which was under weekend curfew, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said there is no plan to impose a lockdown as of now and that there will be no need for it if people wear masks.

Rising COVID-19 cases are a matter of concern but there is no need to panic. Very few people are getting hospitalised. Wearing mask is very important," he said.

The national capital has been seeing an uptick of daily cases in the last few days, mainly triggered by the Omicron variant of the infection.

"There will be no lockdown if you continue to wear a mask. There is no plan to impose lockdown as of now, Kejriwal, who was also infected but has now tested negative, said at a virtual press conference.

According to Union health ministry data updated at 8 AM on Sunday, a total of 1,59,632 new infections were reported, the highest in 224 days, while the active cases increased to 5,90,611, the highest in around 197 days.

On May 29 last year, India had logged 1,65,553 infections in a day during the deadly second wave.

India logged 552 new cases of Omicron, taking the total tally of such infections to 3,623 across 27 states and UTs so far.

Out of the total Omicron cases, 1,409 people have migrated or recovered.

Maharashtra has recorded the maximum number of 1,009 Omicron cases so far followed by Delhi at 513, Karnataka 441, Rajasthan 373, Kerala 333 and Gujarat 204.

The death toll climbed to 4,83,790 with 327 fresh fatalities, the data stated.

The active cases comprise 1.66 percent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate decreased to 96.98 percent, the ministry said.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,44,53,603 while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.36 percent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive have exceeded 151.58 crore.

In an unprecedented step, the Election Commission had on Saturday banned public meetings and rallies in poll-bound states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa in view of the COVID-19 situation.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Roundup: Kazakhstan eyes post-riot restoration as situation stabilizes

Xinhua) 09:02, January 09, 2022

Security forces stand guard in front of the city hall in Almaty, Kazakhstan on early morning of Jan. 5, 2022. (Xinhua)

Tokayev urged the restoration of administrative and public facilities in the largest city of Almaty and other regions hit by the terrorist attacks.

NUR-SULTAN/MOSCOW, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan will pay special attention to normalizing life across the country as chaos caused by days of violent protests is easing.

At a government meeting on Saturday, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged the restoration of administrative and public facilities in the largest city of Almaty and other regions hit by the terrorist attacks.

The president asked the prosecutor general, chairman of the National Security Committee, and acting ministers of internal affairs and defense to continue efforts to pacify the perpetrators.

Security forces beef up security checks at the entry and exit point of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan on Jan. 7, 2022. (Photo by Kalizhan Ospanov/Xinhua)

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) peacekeepers working in the capital city of Nur-Sultan have allowed part of Kazakhstan's law enforcement officers to redeploy to Almaty for the "counter-terrorist operation" there, Tokayev said.

In a phone conversation on Saturday, Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed that leaders of the CSTO member states will hold a videoconference in the next few days to discuss the unrest in Kazakhstan.

Tokayev informed Putin of the latest developments, noting that the situation is stabilizing. He also thanked Kazakhstan's partners from the CSTO, particularly Russia, for their assistance.

The presidents exchanged opinions on the measures being taken to restore order in Kazakhstan.

Later, Putin had phone calls with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to discuss the Kazakh tensions and the organizing of the CSTO summit.

Screenshot taken on Jan. 6, 2022 shows soldiers boarding a military transport aircraft at the Chkalovsky airfield on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia. (The Russian Defense Ministry/Handout via Xinhua)

Also on Saturday, Tokayev relieved Azamat Abdymomunov, who was the deputy secretary of Kazakhstan's powerful Security Council.

This came after Tokayev dismissed Karim Masimov, who was chairman of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, on Wednesday. He was detained a day later on suspicion of high treason.

The Commonwealth of Independence States (CIS) Executive Committee said in a statement on Saturday that "the bandits" prepared in advance for the mass demonstrations in order to destabilize the situation in Kazakhstan, and that they had received support from abroad.

The CIS Executive Committee fully supports the measures taken by the leadership of Kazakhstan and the CSTO countries to restore law and order, its Chairman Sergei Lebedev said in the statement.

Local residents stand shoulder to shoulder with police officers in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Jan. 8, 2022. (Website of Nur-sultan city hall/Handout via Xinhua)

Violent protests sparked by fuel price hikes have been rocking Kazakhstan for several days, leading to multiple deaths and many injuries. A total of 4,404 people have been reportedly detained across the country.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
Recent court rulings about Virginia laws regulating charitable gaming and games of skill, such as this shown on June 18, 2018, in Virginia Beach, contribute to an uncertain future for groups, such as local American Legion posts, which depend on charitable games to fund outreach programs. (L. Todd Spencer)

Roger Kelly is commander of American Legion Post 327 in Norfolk. (HANDOUT)

Over the past two years, Americans have been confronted with unprecedented challenges and have responded with tremendous generosity and compassion, especially around the holidays. You might not always see it in the news, but Virginians have risen to the challenge.

Veterans in Virginia have been at the forefront of giving back. Having defended our freedoms overseas, veterans continue to find ways to strengthen their communities once theyre back home. They are especially attuned to these needs during the pandemic, when its challenging for many people to get back to normal.

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Tony Vaughn is commander of American Legion Post 5 in Norfolk. (HANDOUT)

Our local American Legion posts have taken a leadership position in the effort to help in these difficult times, not only around the holidays but throughout the year.

Members of Norfolks American Legion Post 327 and Post 5 and their auxiliaries, comprised of veterans and their families, give their time and financial resources to advance programs that support veterans and active-duty service members. We also help individuals in the community who need a helping hand.

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The holiday season is a prime example of when we try to make a real difference. Through our Angel Tree initiative at Post 327, our post and auxiliary members worked to make Christmas dreams come true for the children of homeless veterans and some active-duty families in need. Through a program at the Hampton VA Medical Center, we went through the kids wish lists to spread Christmas cheer to these children. At Post 5, we actively collected toys and clothes for local kids in need.

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Right before Christmas, we delivered toys and clothes for distribution to children here in the Tidewater. This is just one example of the many ways the American Legion and our auxiliaries give back to the community. Over Thanksgiving, Post 5 donated Thanksgiving baskets, and held a clothes and toy drive. Post 327 made financial contributions to the Norfolk Police Department, Norfolk Sheriffs Office and the Alzheimers Association.

Year round, we support programs that help children and youth, such as through our donations of more than 100 backpacks to elementary school students in Norfolk last year. We work to help veterans in need get the necessities they need for daily life. At Post 327, we help active-duty servicemembers and their families get through difficult times by helping them buy diapers, formula, food and other household items. At Post 5, we partner with the USO to provide items for care packages that are sent overseas.

One of the main ways we pay for these generous activities is through state-regulated charitable gaming conducted by our posts, which is the oldest form of regulated gaming in Virginia.

The charitable gaming we conduct is legal and approved by the state. It raises funds that help our posts members and their families, as well as thousands of Virginians in our region. Speaking solely on behalf of the posts we lead, without Virginias laws permitting charitable gaming, there is no doubt our posts would have to severely cut back, or possibly end, many of our charitable donations described above.

Sadly, last year in the Virginia General Assembly, well-paid lobbyists for a few huge international casino companies launched an attack on our legal ability to raise revenues through charitable gaming. Even worse, for over the last five years, illegal gaming machine companies operating what are known as gray machines have severely cut into our revenues. These illegal machines operate outside the law in a gray area of the law.

Virginias charitable gaming laws help support our posts and raise funds for programs that support thousands of Virginias veterans, students, children and families. While so many other forms of gaming, legal and illegal, are being allowed to expand in Virginia, as leaders of Posts 327 and 5 we call upon the General Assembly to defend regulated charitable gaming in this coming legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly  and allow our members to continue to give back to our veterans and the community.

Roger Kelly is commander of American Legion Post 327 in Norfolk. Tony Vaughn is commander of American Legion Post 5 in Norfolk. Their views reflect the stance of their individual posts.
Even after a decade of the Gadgil report and the subsequently appointed High-Level Working Group Dr. K. Kasturirangan Committee report for remedial steps for protection of ecology of the Western Ghats, implementation of the report to conserve the fragile mountain ranges is still a far cry from the actual circumstances.

In the latest notification on December 31, 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change amended the (Protection) Rules, 1986, extending the deadline to notify the new rules till June 30, 2022, due to the Covid pandemic.

Prior to that, while responding to a plea before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on December 2, 2020, the Union Ministry submitted that the Covid-19 situation has persisted and indicates rising trends in the majority of the States. Despite best efforts, the working in the respective states, including the holding of public consultations and meetings, has been adversely affected, it said.

In this situation, some state governments are yet to provide the information required for finalisation of the Notification of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). That information is also pending from the states in the context of other Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) draft notifications, the Ministry said responding to the plea filed by petitioner Goa Foundation's execution application in the matter on December 22.

Notably, the last few years in Kerala, where the cover nearly 56 per cent of the total geographical area, has been facing repeated natural disasters including landslides and flood situations.

Rapid climate changes have also been witnessed in the neighbouring Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and other states sharing the mountain ranges. Notable recommendations of Kasturirangan report

Dr. Kasturirangan had recommended an ESA of 59,940 sq.km which prohibits development activities in the ecologically sensitive area spread over Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

However, the draft notifications, issued from time to time, have considered area of 56,824.7 sq.km, thereby excluding an area of 3114.3 sq.km falling in Kerala. In Karnataka, nearly 20,668 sq.km of the ESA area covers 1,576 villages.

The report recommends a complete ban on mining, quarrying, setting up of red category industries and thermal power projects. It also stated that the impact of infrastructural projects on the forest and wildlife should be studied before permission is given for these activities.

The Ministry said that some exclusion was made in 2013 itself at the request of Kerala. The said area primarily pertains to the Idukki region where landslides and natural disasters have been witnessed in recent years. Therefore, such areas shall also have to be considered for purposes of Eco-Sensitive Area. However, to bring such an area under ESA, a fresh draft notification is required to be issued so as to seek public comment, it said.

Protests from various states

During a virtual meeting on the implementation of the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats, chaired by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Labour Bhupender Yadav on December 4, 2021, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had said that declaring the Western Ghats as an ESA would adversely affect the livelihood of the people in the region.

During the meeting, Bommai "strongly" presented his state's stand.

He drew the attention of the participants to the fact that the state cabinet had decided to oppose the Kasturirangan report.

The decision had been taken after exhaustive discussions with people of the Western Ghat region and officials.

Karnataka has the distinction of being one of the states with extensive forest cover.

"Our government has taken extreme care to protect the biodiversity of Western Ghats. People of the region have adopted agriculture and horticultural activities in an eco-friendly manner.

"Priority has been accorded for environment protection under the Forest Protection Act. In this background, bringing one more law that would affect the livelihood of the local people is not appropriate," Bommai had said.

The Kasturirangan report has been prepared based on the satellite images, but the ground reality is different, the Chief Minister claimed.

In Kerala, in the recent past, the issue stirred political, religious, and social resistance and the environmental issue turned ugly with the Church leaders backing the protesting farmers in high ranges of the state.

Recently, Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) president Cardinal Mar George Alencherry wrote to Yadav urging him to extend the final notification on implementation of the Kasturirangan report and give the state time to redraw the geo coordinates.

--IANS

jw/ksk/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
has clamped night curfew and has decided to close physical classes in all educational institutions after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired the COVID-19 review meeting in Lucknow on Sunday.

"In view of developing situation due to COVID-19, night curfew has been imposed in every district of between 10 pm to 6 am. Physical classes have also been suspended in all educational institutions till January 16. Classes in online mode can continue. However, scheduled examinations can be conducted," reads the official release.

The Chief Minister also passed instructions for the district administration to monitor the situation and ensure necessary resources for the curtailment of the virus.

"Monitoring committees and Integrated Covid Command Centres should be fully operational. Separate numbers should be issued for home isolation, monitoring committees, ambulance and teleconsultation," reads the release.

"Teleconsultation facility should also be made available to the people by deploying a panel of doctors in every district. Medicine kits should be made available to the people as per their needs. Adequate availability of life-saving drugs needed during the treatment of Covid-19 should be ensured," it added.

In the meeting with the officials, Yogi Adityanath also directed that special attention should be given to patients with co-morbidities, the elderly and the children suffering from infection. If they are infected, there should be continuous monitoring of their treatment process. Medicine kits should be made available to them immediately.

Monitoring committees should be functional in villages under the leadership of Pradhan and in urban wards under the leadership of councillors. Monitoring committees should run a door-to-door program to prepare the list of unvaccinated people so that they can be motivated and encouraged for vaccination.

reported 6,411 new cases of COVID-19 during the last 24 hours, said the State Health Department on Saturday.

As per the health department, a total of 2,20,496 samples were tested during the last 24 hours. Of these, 1,22,733 are samples tested via RT-PCR kits. A total of 9,44,29,513 samples have been tested so far, added the health department.

Of the 6,411 new cases, 867 cases were reported from Lucknow, 1,141 from Gautam Buddh Nagar, 636 from Meerut and 683 from Ghaziabad.

During the last 24 hours, 171 people recovered from the infection, taking the total recoveries in the state to 16,88,395.

There are currently 18,551 active COVID-19 cases in the state, out of which 18,184 are in home isolation.As per the state health department, a total of 18,83,107 COVID-19 vaccination doses were administered on Friday, including 4,85,490 vaccination doses to children aged 15-18 years of age.

A total of 13,11,71,604 beneficiaries above the age of 18 have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccination, which is 88.98 per cent of the eligible adult population. On the other hand, 7,77,02,415 people above the age of 18 have received their second dose of vaccine, which is 52.71 per cent of the eligible adult population.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Total outstanding dues owed by electricity distribution companies (discoms) to power producers rose 4.4 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,21,030 crore in January 2022.

owed a total of Rs 1,15,904 crore to power generation firms in January 2021, according to portal PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification And Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators).

On a sequential basis also, total dues in January increased from Rs 1,15,462 crore in December 2021.

The PRAAPTI portal was launched in May 2018 to bring in transparency in power purchase transactions between generators and .

In January 2022, the total overdue amount, which was not cleared even after 45 days of grace period offered by generators, stood at Rs 1,01,357 crore as against Rs 99,650 crore in the same month a year ago. The overdue amount stood at Rs 99,981 crore in December 2021.

Power producers give 45 days to to pay bills for electricity supply. After that, outstanding dues become overdue and generators charge penal interest on that in most cases.

To give relief to power generation companies (gencos), the Centre enforced a payment security mechanism from August 1, 2019. Under this mechanism, discoms are required to open letters of credit for getting power supply.

The Centre had also given some breathers to discoms for paying dues to in view of the COVID-19-induced lockdown. The government had also waived penal charges for the late payment of dues.

In May 2020, the government had announced a Rs 90,000-crore liquidity infusion for discoms under which these utilities got loans at economical rates from Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC Ltd.

This was a government initiative to help remain afloat. Later, the liquidity infusion package was increased to Rs 1.2 lakh crore and further to Rs 1.35 lakh crore.

Discoms in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu account for the major portion of dues to gencos, the data showed.

Overdue of independent power producers amounted to 54.56 per cent of the total overdue of Rs 1,01,357 crore of discoms in January 2022.

The proportion of central PSU in the overdue was 22.43 per cent.

Among the central public sector gencos, NTPC alone has an overdue amount of Rs 4,298.32 crore on discoms, followed by NPCIL - KUDANKULAM NUCLEAR POWER PLANT at Rs 2,745.21 crore, DVC at Rs 2,447.83 crore and NLC India at Rs 2,206.86 crore in January 2022.

Among private generators, discoms owe the highest overdue amount of Rs 26,648.56 crore to Adani Power, followed by Bajaj Group-owned Lalitpur Power Generation Company at Rs 4,966.09 crore in the month under review.

The overdue of non-conventional energy producers like solar and wind stood at Rs 19,651.15 crore in January, 2022.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Britain's Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan will launch free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations during a visit to New Delhi starting on Wednesday, the UK government said on Sunday.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) said the schedule for the two-day visit to India will include bilateral talks between Trevelyan and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday, when they are expected to discuss a range of issues including green trade and the removal of market access barriers for both UK and Indian businesses.

Both ministers are then expected to confirm the launch of official negotiations on a new UK-India .

"The UK and India are already close friends and trading partners, and building on that strong relationship is a priority for 2022, said Trevelyan.

"I will be using my visit to drive forward an ambitious trade agenda which represents the UK's Indo-Pacific tilt in action and shows how we are seizing global opportunities as an independent trading nation," she said.

"This is just the start of a five-star year of UK trade, forging closer economic partnerships around the globe and negotiating deals that work for businesses, families and consumers in every part of the UK, she added.

On Thursday, the UK minister will join Goyal to co-host the 15th UK-India Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) to review how businesses in both countries are benefiting from existing market access commitments under the UK-India Enhanced Trade Partnership agreed last May by Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and Narendra Modi.

The DIT said the UK Trade Secretary is expected to meet several Cabinet ministers to discuss closer bilateral cooperation, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.

"This highlights the ongoing wider strategic importance of the UK-India bilateral relationship which extends beyond trade, the DIT said.

On Wednesday, Trevelyan will meet staff at the New Delhi site of British manufacturing firm JCB to talk about how manufacturing and engineering firms could hugely benefit from the UK-India trade deal. The company are dubbed a UK export success story, having been in India for over 40 years and employing over 5,000 people in country.

Later that day, the UK minister will also attend a Defence Industry roundtable hosted alongside Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar to promote future UK-India defence collaboration and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

According to latest DIT figures, total trade in goods and services between the UK and India was GBP 23.3 billion in 2019, making India the UK's 15th largest trading partner. Indian investment in the UK supports 95,000 jobs across the country, with 15,000 new jobs created by Indian investment in the last three years.

A trade deal could help increase this further and will play a key role in our ambition to double trade with India by 2030, the UK government said.

It added: India is one of the world's biggest and fastest growing economies and a bold new deal would put UK businesses at the front of the queue to export to India's growing middle class of a quarter of a billion consumers.

"India is set to become the world's third biggest economy by 2050, with a bigger population than the US and EU combined.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The highest package offered on campus stood at Rs 49 lakh this year even as the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore concluded the final placement process for its two-year flagship Post Graduate Program (PGP) and 5-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM).

Placing all of the 572 participating candidates from the two programmes, saw the average package also rise by six per cent compared to last year to stand at Rs 25.01 lakh.

The top 100 students bagged packages averaging Rs 37.95 lakh and for the top 200 students compensation averaged Rs 32.75 lakh. The institutes median package also increased by 6.6 per cent to reach a record Rs 24.09 lakh.

A total of over 180 recruiters offered roles to IIM Indores batch of 2022, including more than 30 new recruiters. Of these, consulting domain led the pack at 31 per cent of offers, followed by finance (20 percent), sales and marketing (18 per cent), general management (16 per cent) and IT/Analytics (15 percent).

In consulting domain, elite recruiters included Accenture Strategy, Acuvon Consulting, Avalon Consulting, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Deloitte, Everest Group, Ernst & Young, Infosys Management Consulting, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Redseer Consulting, among others.

Sales & Marketing domain witnessed a significant number of new companies at the campus including but not limited to Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited, Asian Paints, Bajaj Auto, BMW, Cisco, Country Delight, Dabur, Diageo, Grasim Paints, GSK Pharma, Hero MotoCorp, Hexaware, L'Oreal, Marico, More Retail, MX Player, Samsung, Tata Steel, Titan, Whirlpool, Xiaomi.

Recruiters for finance roles included Avendus Capital, Bank of America, Barclays, Credit Suisse, CRISIL, D.E. Shaw, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, HDFC Bank, HSBC, ICICI Bank, Indus Valley Partners, JP Morgan Chase & Company, Morgan Stanley, Nomura, Piramal Group, and Yes Bank, among others.

Companies offering IT & Data Analytics roles included Amazon, American Express, Capgemini Chrysalis, Cipla, Cognizant, EXL, General Electric, Google, IBM, IQVIA, MakeMyTrip, Matrimony, NPCI, Paytm, PharmEasy, PhonePe, Shopee, Unacademy, Walmart, Wipro and ZebPay, among others.

Whereas general management, HR, and operations roles were extended by firms like ACT Fibernet, Amway, Axis Bank, Biocon, Capgemini ELITE, Garena, Indus Towers, Jindal Steel Works Limited, Kotak Mahindra Bank, L&T, Mahindra, Max Life Insurance, OYO, Reliance Industries Limited, Salesforce, Tech Mahindra, Times Internet and Udaan, among others.

Commenting on the placements, director Himanshu Rai stated that the were a result of the institute's endeavor to be a contextually-relevant business school with world-class academic standards.
As Covid-19 infections are rising sharply amid the third wave of the pandemic and the in five states due in March, have cancelled their physical rallies and have turned to digital modes to reach out to the voters.

The parties are planning digital rallies in the election-bound states and also to reach out to the people via social media platforms.

Congress social media head Rohan Gupta says: "Our preparation is ready, we will arrange virtual rallies and will reach out to people through Zoom, Google meet, Facebook, WhatsApp and other such platforms."

The Congress was the first party to cancel all the rallies and switch to virtual mode. The party will fix LED screens at important places and organize rallies where the interface will be minimal.

The Congress is on an overdrive in the poll-bound states and its social media campaign has begun with the party's team setting up control rooms in Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Manipur.

The team constituted for each state has already moved to the respective state capitals and has started focusing on the work, trying to be ahead in the social media campaigns of various parties.

Gupta said: "Our campaign is handled by the party volunteers and we have not outsourced it. We are way ahead of other parties including the BJP and the AAP."

Other are also switching to the digital mode. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the BJP is prepared to hold virtual rallies.

Talking to the media, Shekhawat said the Election Commission will decide the guidelines for rallies and the BJP will follow them.

"The BJP is ready for virtual rallies. We held virtual rallies during the West Bengal assembly polls. During the first and second wave of Covid when all the went into hibernation, the BJP was active at the booth level through virtual platforms," he said.

The BJP has trained 8,000 workers who will be social media warriors in each division and has divided the state in about 2,000 divisions in Uttar Pradesh. The party will focus on the people who have been the beneficiaries of its social schemes and each worker will be given a specific task.

All the political parties have asked their social media wing to gear up for campaigning. The Samajwadi Party has started a website to reach out to people, where it will webcast virtual rallies of important leaders.

The social media department has trained office-bearers in the states at the booth level and armed them with the latest techniques. It will also focus on countering any misinformation campaign on the social media at the source itself to curb its spread.

The BSP, which has less presence in the digital space, has also hired a team of technical workers and social media volunteers and is taking the help of experts to reach out to people.

While this time the social media will be the biggest tool there is speculation about huge spending on the platforms but sources in the political set up say that it is very less compared to the conventional rallies.

--IANS

miz/bg/ksk/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader on Saturday claimed that the party will emerge victorious in the upcoming and said that voters of poll-bound states were waiting for a long time to give a chance to Arvind Kejriwal's governance and remove the existing betraying governments.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Sisodia said, "Not only AAP, but the voters of poll-bound states were waiting for a long time to give a chance to Arvind Kejriwal's governance and remove the existing betraying governments. February 14 has historically been lucky for anyway."

Notably, on February 14, 2020, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal along with his cabinet members took the oath to office.

The Election Commission on Saturday announced poll dates for five states with Uttar Pradesh going for seven-phase assembly election from February 10, Manipur to go for two-phase election from February 27 and Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand to face on Februrary 14.

The counting of votes in all states will take place on March 10.

The poll dates were announced by Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra at a press conference here. With the announcement of poll dates, the model code of conduct has come into force.

The Election Commission of India today said not more than five persons at a time will be allowed for door to door campaign in a place ahead of polls in Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Uttar Pradesh in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on this, Sisodia said, " is preparing both for a virtual and door-to-door campaign. I'd like to remind people of Punjab that even a vote for Congress means voting for BJP. This is the political dynamics seen in Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and now in Chandigarh. So, don't fall into that trap."

Speaking on BJP's "chakka jam" against Delhi Government's new excise policy, Sisodia said, "BJP always had a link with alcohol mafia. Illegal alcohol was sold at many places by BJP. With Chief Minister Kejriwal's schemes, stopped about Rs 3500 crores of money from being stolen. So, it looks like BJP is in pain.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Countdown began for Assembly elections on Saturday in where new entrant and among others will be taking on the ruling .

The Election Commission of India (ECI) earlier in the day announced that election to all 40 Assembly constituencies in the coastal state would be held on February 14. With the announcement, the model code of conduct came into force. The state has 11 lakh-odd eligible voters.

The BJP, Congress, Forward Party (GFP), Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), AAP, Trinamool Party (TMC), and NCP are the main political parties in the fray. Local outfit Revolutionary Goans is also expected to make impact with its sizable following.

But it is the entry of the Mamata Banerjee-led which has roiled politics in the BJP-ruled state for the past one year.

Another challenger to the is the Aam Aadmi Party. Political strategist Prashant Kishor pushed the to focus on after its resounding victory in West Bengal last year. The party has announced pre-poll alliance with the MGP, one of the oldest surviving political parties of Goa.

The GFP and have also announced pre-poll alliance, while Nationalist Party is still searching for allies. The BJP, notably, will face the polls without any pre-poll alliance. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday told reporters that the saffron party was confident of winning the election based on its performance and popularity. The saffron party would, however, miss Manohar Parrikar, who died in March 2019. Parrikar had played a crucial role in consolidating BJP's power in Goa.

During 2017 election, Congress had emerged as the single largest party winning 17 seats, but the trumped it by cobbling together a coalition with smaller parties. By the end of 2021, Congress was left with only two MLAs after it faced a barrage of resignations besides en-masse defection of ten MLAs to the BJP. Two of its MLAs joined the TMC. BJP which had won 13 seats in 2017 polls currently has 27 MLAs.

Goa Forward Party which had won three seats is left with two MLAs while MGP, which too had won three seats has only one legislator left.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Following the announcement of the Assembly poll dates in five states, the (MCC) came into immediate effect and several cities in were quick in implementing it as they removed the hoardings and posters of political parties.

Lucknow Municipal Corporation was seen removing hoardings installed by political parties soon after the announcement of Assembly election dates by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Among other guidelines, the MCC bars the political parties from announcing policy decisions.

" (MCC) comes into effect immediately from announcement of the schedules. Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation of the MCC guidelines. Any violation of these guidelines will be strictly dealt with", said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra.

To conduct free and fair elections, the MCC lists that hoardings with achievements of the government will not be put up and have to be removed. It also prohibits political parties from advertising in print, electronic and other media containing achievements of the government.

Varanasi was also quick in implementing the MCC as posters of political parties were removed quickly. Noida and Aligarh followed the suit.

Swetabh Pandey, Circle officer Civil Line-Aligarh, said, "With regard to implementation of Aachar Sanhita (MCC), in the next 24 hours, all banners, posters and wall printing will be removed in the district. The work is been done by officials of Municipal Corporation with the help of police personnel."

Assembly polls in will be held in seven phases from February 10 to March 7 to elect a 403-member legislative assembly.

The seven-phase election in the state will be held on February 10, 14, 20, 23, 27 and March 3 and 7.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
With power shuttling between the and the Congress every five years in Uttarakhand, the ruling faces the challenge of repeating its government for a second consecutive term when the state goes to polls on February 14.

The challenge is only stiffened by an anti-incumbency worsened by the fact that the party in power gave three chief ministers to the state in less than five years, changing two of them in quick succession despite storming to power with a huge mandate in 2017.

The change of two chief ministers within just a few months has led the incumbent to face the charge of frittering the mandate it got in 2017 and causing political instability in the state.

It had won 57 of 70 seats in the 2017 Assembly polls, making the most of the Narendra Modi factor while the Congress won 11 and independents two.

The presence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the fray as the other challenger also makes the poll scene different this time for both the Congress and the BJP.

Though most seats are likely to see straight contests between the BJP and the Congress, AAP may also make the contest triangular on a few.

However, unlike its formidable opponents, the party does not have much of an organisational base in the state, which may work to its disadvantage.

The Kranti Dal (UKD) which had spearheaded the movement for a separate state is also trying to regain lost ground this time.

Led by Kashi Singh Airi, the UKD had given its support to the BJP to form a government under the leadership of Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri in 2007 but drew a blank in the 2012 and 2017 Assembly polls.

The BJP is seeking another term in the name of development projects like the reconstruction of Kedarnath, Char Dham all-weather road and Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his poll rallies has described the decade as that of Uttarakhand, saying infrastructure projects underway in the state will boost tourism in a big way and generate large-scale employment opportunities.

The BJP, which has set itself a target of winning more than 60 seats this time, is also banking on the appeal of a young and fresh face in Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

To make all equations favourable, the BJP government also withdrew the Char Dham Devasthanam Board Act to pacify agitating priests.

However, the party has not formally made him a chief ministerial candidate. But, there are enough indications that Dhami, who was brought in as a replacement for Tirath Singh Rawat, could be given the top job again if the party is re-elected to power.

Dhami has been on a project unveiling spree ever since he took over.

"The party is fully prepared to go to the polls and confident of winning more than 60 seats this time," state BJP president Madan Kaushik said.

State BJP leader Manveer Singh Chauhan said both the central and state governments have done a lot for and he hopes people will bless the party once again.

Congress sees a chance for itself as it feels the jinx of the power ball swinging from one end to the other in the bipolar politics of can work in its favour.

The Congress campaign head and former chief minister Harish Rawat is making change of two chief ministers in quick succession by the BJP a major issue apart from rising prices and unemployment.

Making full use of the social media in the time of coronavirus to drum up support for the party, Rawat has been telling people that the BJP has failed on all fronts.

"With the announcement of the poll dates, the time to bid adieu to the BJP draws near," Rawat said.

"The BJP has let down people of the state by giving three chief ministers in five years. Give us a chance, we will bring back our old policies and make the state prosperous," Rawat said.

However, Leader of Opposition in Uttarakhand Assembly Pritam Singh and Congress leader Devendra Yadav are opposed to Rawat's projection as the chief ministerial face.

AAP on the other hand is asking voters to give it a chance as they had tried both the BJP and the Congress for 20 years.

AAP's national convener Arvind Kejriwal has also been offering freebies like 300 units of electricity to every household, jobs to youth and an unemployment allowance of Rs 5,000 to them till they get their jobs, free pilgrimage to the elderly and a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 to all women.

As Uttarakhand has a large representation in the armed forces, Kejriwal has projected a retired Army man, Col Ajay Kothiyal, as the party's chief ministerial candidate.

He has been promising to bring the Delhi model of development to Uttarakhand by giving a boost to education and health facilities in the state.

Though the single-phase polls in Uttarakhand were announced on Saturday, the major parties in the fray have been in poll mode for quite some time.

While Modi, Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh have addressed several poll rallies for the BJP in the state over the past a couple of months, Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi have addressed one poll rally each in Dehradun.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Gov. Ralph Northam waves to the crowd gathered at the State Capitol building in Richmond at his inauguration ceremony on Jan. 13, 2018. (Stephen Katz)

Ralph S. Northam is the 73rd governor of Virginia.

Four years ago, Virginians put their trust in me to lead Virginia as the 73rd governor.

I promised you then to make the best decisions I could for you. Every day, my team and I have worked to make our commonwealth work better for you and your families, no matter who you are or where you live.

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And the data prove that over the past four years, we have done that.

We have attracted four times as much economic investment  $80 million  as any previous governor, bringing more than 103,000 jobs to Virginia. Companies want to be in Virginia  from global powerhouses such as Amazon and Micron to pharmaceutical innovators to manufacturers. Every new job means another Virginian who can provide for their family.

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We prioritized prudent and stable budgeting. We set aside record amounts in our reserve funds and kept our valued AAA credit rating.

Our strong economy has allowed us to make generational long-term investments in Virginias future. Weve upgraded major interstates, modernized the rail system and committed $2 billion to get broadband into every community by 2024.

Weve also raised teacher pay more than 10%, increased funding for at-risk students, added school counselors, and weve proposed more state funding than ever before for school construction and renovation. Weve expanded early childhood education, funded free community college for certain degrees, and made college more affordable.

We have put a record amount of funding into cleaning the Chesapeake Bay, and Virginia is ahead of many other states when it comes to committing to clean energy and a cleaner environment.

We expanded Medicaid, giving more than 600,000 Virginians access to health care during the pandemic. Our response to COVID has always followed the science and as a result Virginia has done well compared to other states. We have been in or near the top 10 states for vaccination rates  doing better than many other large states and every one of our southern neighbors. Vaccines, paired with masking and people continuing to be cautious, have helped keep our COVID numbers per capita among the nations lowest over these long months.

And weve worked to support veterans, helping get the benefits theyve earned while easing the transition to civilian life, and encouraging businesses to hire veterans.

At every turn, weve looked for ways to help people. And now, we are leaving this commonwealth better than it was when we came into office.

Today, Virginia does a better job of treating people right. Its more welcoming, more open, more fair and equitable.

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Today, Virginia helps people who need it  whether they need health care, or cleaner water, or to keep a roof over their head during a global pandemic.

Today, Virginia recognizes the wrongs of the past, and works to reckon with and rectify them.

And today in Virginia, everyone has greater access to opportunity  the opportunity to get what you need to build the life you want to live, where you want to live it.

We are leaving a strong and healthy commonwealth, one that treats everyone right, takes care of people when they need it, and provides opportunity for everyone to thrive.

Four years seems long when youre looking ahead  but not when youre looking back. As Pam and I pack up to move back home to Norfolk, it seems like we just got to Richmond. I am incredibly proud of what weve gotten done in that time.

We have accomplished the things I set out to accomplish  steering this state in a prudent manner, investing wisely for our long-term needs, and creating more opportunities for our communities and our people to thrive.

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Daywatch Weekdays Start your morning with today's local news >

My Cabinet and staff have worked selflessly and tirelessly for four years to make Virginia stronger and more forward-looking than it was when we took office.

I thank them.

And I thank you, Virginia.

Every single day of the past four years, my team and I have tried to live up to that trust. And every day, I have felt so proud, and grateful for you, Virginia. Ive seen your strength and resilience, your kindness, your generosity. It is you, more than anything else, that makes Virginia the best state in the best country in the world.

It has been the highlight of my life to serve you. As a past governor rightly said, there is truly no higher honor, than to serve as governor of the commonwealth of Virginia.

I will forever be proud, and grateful. Thank you.

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Ralph Northam is the 73rd governor of Virginia.
Chief Minister on Saturday welcomed the announcement of dates for Assembly in five states - Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand and said that the Bharatiya Janata Party will get an absolute majority in the upcoming polls.

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "I welcome the announcement by the Election Commission. Out government delivered what we promised, even though some things take time. We will get the absolute majority."

Voting for the 60-seat assembly will be conducted in two phases on February 27 and March 3, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Saturday.

The poll panel said the counting of votes will be conducted on March 10.

The ECI on Saturday announced the schedule for the upcoming Assembly in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, and Uttarakhand.

According to the ECI, six districts of Manipur will go to the polls on February 27, while voting in the other 10 districts will be held on March 3.

After the 2017 Assembly polls, a coalition of BJP, National People's Party (NPP), Naga People's Front and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) formed the government, which is presently led by Chief Minister .

The tenure of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, which consists of 60 members, is scheduled to end on March 19, 2022.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(UPI), one of the most used payments platforms in the country to make peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions and peer-to-merchant (P2M) transactions, faced downtime on Sunday for several hours due to intermittent technical glitch.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which operates UPI, put out a statement on their twitter handle saying, Regret the inconvenience to users due to intermittent technical glitch. is operational now, and we are monitoring the system closely.

Sources said, was operational after 5 PM on Sunday. There were multiple level hardware failures which is why UPI faced downtime.

Aggrieved users of UPI, who were unable to make payments through UPI, took to social media to complain about the same.

More than 100 million transactions take place on the UPI platform everyday worth thousands of crores. In December, UPI reported a record number of transactions in a month since its inception with more than 4.5 billion transactions, amounting to Rs 8.26 trillion.

In CY21, UPI had processed more than 38 billion transactions, amounting to Rs 71.59 trillion. In 2021-22 (FY22) so far, it has processed more than 31 billion transactions, surpassing the transactions processed in 2020-21 (FY21). In FY21, the platform processed around 22 billion transactions.
Political turmoil has compounded the completion of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Pipeline, also known as Trans- pipeline incompletion for three decades.

The major gas pipeline project is known as for Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India--has yet to be completed despite being "in progress" for the past three decades. During this time has seen the collapse and establishment of various governments, according to Tolo News.

Also, Afghanistan Deputy Prime Minister Adbul Salam Hanafi met with Turkmenistan's Deputy Foreign Minister Wafa Khadzhiev on Saturday and discussed bilateral co-operation including restarting the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India project in Afghanistan.

Earlier, the leaders of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and India in 2010, 2015 and 2018 discussed .

The latest meeting over was held in 2018, in which several other projects including electric power facilities, a railway, and fiber optics were inaugurated, according to Tolo News.

TAPI was expected to be inaugurated in 2020 but the construction of the project has remained unfinished so far despite the promises of funding by the Asian Development Bank, according to Tolo News.

The TAPI project, which has an estimated price tag of USD 10 billion in 2018 endeavours to bring 33 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas to energy-starved South Asia for 30 years via a 1,800-kilometer pipeline that will stretch across Afghanistan.

TAPI was expected to be inaugurated in 2020 but the construction of the project has remained unfinished,

After Turkmenistan was separated from the Soviet Union in December 1991, it sought to develop economic projects and transfer its most valuable resource to South Asian nations such as Pakistan and India through Afghanistan as originally envisaged under the TAPI project.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
saw its first cases in the community, igniting a mass testing blitz in the northern city of Tianjin as the country strives to maintain its zero-tolerance approach to Covid in the face of more transmissible variants.

The two cases in the port city were confirmed as being by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, after its local branch completed the genome sequencing, CCTV reported. The infections were from the same transmission chain but officials have yet to establish if the strain is the same as imported cases reported earlier in Tianjin, according to the report.

Chinas commitment to its Covid Zero policy has seen it restrict movements and implement mass testing and other measures in cities spread across the country. Further outbreaks raise the risk of new lockdown measures that could disrupt production and shipping in an economy already battling weak consumption and a property market slump.

Tianjin first reported the two cases late Saturday and neither of the people, one of whom is a child, have traveled outside of the city in the past 14 days. The government announced that it will start mass testing from 7 a.m. Sunday, in order to effectively prevent the further spread of the omicron variant, state news agency Xinhua reported.

China, which is set to host the Winter Olympics in Beijing next month, has been determined to maintain Covid Zero even as cases spread and other countries adopt policies of living with the virus. The recent flareups, while small compared to cases, are fueling the most protracted stretch of infections in since the virus first emerged in Wuhan two years ago.

The southern technology hub of Shenzhen is discouraging people from leaving after reporting two infections, the eastern metropolis of Zhengzhou required all residents to be tested and Xian in the northwest has confined most of its population of 13 million to their homes since before Christmas.

reported 92 new local cases on Saturday, which compares to 90,000 in New York state.

While cases have continued to crop up, until the weekend China hadnt seen local transmission of the omicron variant.
A meeting on lifting sanctions was held in the Austrian capital of Vienna on Saturday with the participation of experts from and other remaining parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran's Foreign Ministry reported.

Negotiations at the level of heads of delegations also continued bilaterally and multilaterally on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the ministry's report.

In the last two days, intensive talks aimed at reviving the Iranian nuclear pact, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, have been held at various levels and in different forms, it added.

According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, mechanisms are on the table in the Vienna talks for the issue of guarantees for the full implementation of a possible deal, and there are discussions about the details of such mechanisms.

Another important issue is the verification of lifting sanctions in such a way that can benefit from the removal of sanctions in an effective, practical and verifiable manner, it said.

Tasnim also reported that a checklist of US actions in the Vienna talks is being prepared.

--IANS

int/shs

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
reports compiled by the US Capitol Police in the days before last year's insurrection envisioned only an improbable or remote risk of violence, even as other assessments warned that crowds of potentially thousands of pro-Trump demonstrators could converge in Washington to create a dangerous situation.

The documents underscore the uneven and muddled that circulated to Capitol Police officers ahead of the January 6 riot, when thousands of Donald Trump loyalists swarmed the Capitol complex and clashed violently with law enforcement officers in their effort to disrupt the certification of the results of the 2020 presidential election.

The reports in particular show how the police agency for days grievously underestimated the prospect of chaotic violence and disruptions.

The contradictory intelligence produced by law enforcement leading up to the riot has been at the forefront of congressional scrutiny about the January 6 preparations and response, with officials struggling to explain how they failed to anticipate and plan for the deadly riot at the Capitol that day.

The shortcomings led to upheaval at the top ranks of the department, including the ouster of the then-chief



though the assistant chief in charge of protective and intelligence operations at the time remains in her position.

There was, according to a harshly critical Senate report issued last June, a lack of consensus about the gravity of the threat posed on January 6, 2021.

Months following the attack on the US Capitol, there is still no consensus among USCP officials about the intelligence reports' threat analysis ahead of January 6, 2021, the report stated.

The conclusions of the daily intelligence reports have been described in congressional testimony and in the Senate report. But the AP on Friday evening obtained full versions of the documents for January 4, 5 and 6, marked as For Official Use Only, of last year.

On each of the three days, the documents showed, the Capitol Police ranked as highly improbable the probability of acts of civil disobedience and arrests arising from the Stop the Steal protest planned for the Capitol.

The documents ranked that event and gatherings planned by about 20 different other organisers on a scale of remote to nearly certain in terms of the likelihood of major disruptions.

All were rated as either remote," highly improbable," or improbable, the documents show.

No further information has been found to the exact actions planned by this group, the January 6 report says about about the Stop the Steal rally.

The Million MAGA March planned by Trump supporters is rated in the document as improbable, with officials saying it was possible that organizers could demonstrate at the Capitol complex, and that though there had been talk of counter-demonstrators, there are no clear plans by those groups at this time.

Those optimistic forecasts are tough to square with separate intelligence assessments compiled by the Capitol Police in late December and early January.

Those documents also obtained by AP, warned that crowds could number in thousands and include members of extremist groups like the Proud Boys.

A January 3, 2021 memo, for instance, warned of a significantly dangerous situation for law enforcement and the general public alike" because of the potential attendance of "white supremacists, militia members and who actively promote violence."



Unlike previous post-election protests, the targets of the pro-Trump supporters are not necessarily the counter-protestors as they were previously, but rather Congress itself is the target on the 6th," the report states.

Adding to the mixed intelligence portrait is a January 5 bulletin prepared by the FBI's Norfolk field office that warned of the potential for war at the Capitol. Top Capitol Police leaders have said they were unaware of that document at the time.

FBI Director Chris Wray has said the report was disseminated through the FBI's joint terrorism task force, discussed at a command post in Washington and posted on an internet portal available to other law enforcement agencies.

Capitol Police officials have repeatedly insisted that they had no specific or credible intelligence that any demonstration at the Capitol would result in a large-scale attack on the building. Despite scrutiny of intelligence shortcomings inside the agenda, Yogananda Pittman, the assistant chief in charge of intelligence at the time of the riot, remains in that role.

The current police chief, J. Thomas Manger, defended Pittman in a September interview with the AP, pointing to her decision when she was acting chief to implement recommendations made by the inspector general and to expand the department's internal intelligence capabilities so officers wouldn't need to rely so heavily on intelligence gathered by other law enforcement agencies.

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Iran's Foreign Ministry has blacklisted 51 more US individuals for their "roles" in the assassination of former military commander Qasem Soleimani.

In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry said the new list of sanctioned American individuals, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and former National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, was in line with implementing Iran's law on "combating human rights violations and the adventurous and terrorist acts of the US in the region", reports Xinhua news agency.

"The designated persons, as the case may be, have taken part in decision-making, organising, financing, and carrying out the terrorist act or have otherwise justified terrorism which is a threat to the peace and security through supporting such egregious terrorist attack," it said.

Former US President Donald Trump and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, among others, were previously listed to be sanctioned for the same reason, according to the statement.

A US drone strike on a convoy killed Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, along with an Iraqi militia commander near Baghdad Airport on January 3, 2020.

In a public address here on January 3 to mark Soleimani's second death anniversary, President Ebrahim Raisi said that Trump and Pompeo must be "prosecuted for their criminal activity" through a fair mechanism, warning Iran's revenge in case those involved in and behind the "criminal act" are not punished.

--IANS

ksk/

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The office of Kazakhstan's president said Sunday that about 5,800 people were detained by police during protests that developed into violence last week and prompted a Russia-led military alliance to send troops to the country.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's office said Sunday that order has stabilized in the country and that authorities have regained control of administrative buildings that were occupied by protesters, some of which were set on fire.

The Russian TV station Mir-24 said sporadic gunfire was heard in Almaty, the country's largest city, on Sunday but it was unclear whether they were warning shots by law enforcement. Tokayev on Friday said he had authorized police and the military to shoot to kill to restore order.

Almaty's airport, which had been taken by protesters last week, remained closed but was expected to resume operating on Monday.

Protests over a sharp rise in prices of LPG fuel began in the country's west on Jan. 2 and spread throughout the country, apparently reflecting discontent extending beyond the fuel prices.

The same party has ruled since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Any figures aspiring to oppose the government have either been repressed, sidelined, or co-opted and financial hardship is widespread despite Kazakhstan's enormous reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium and minerals.

Tokayev contends the demonstrations were ignited by terrorists with foreign backing, although the protests have shown no obvious leaders or organization. The statement from his office on Sunday said the detentions included a sizable number of foreign nationals, but gave no details.

It was unclear how many of those detained remained in custody on Sunday.

The former head of Kazakhstan's counterintelligence and anti-terror agency has been arrested on charges of attempted government overthrow. The arrest of Karim Masimov, which was announced Saturday, came just days after he was removed as head of the National Security Committee by Tokayev.

No details were given about what Masimov was alleged to have done that would constitute an attempted government overthrow. The National Security Committee, a successor to the Soviet-era KGB, is responsible for counterintelligence, the border guards service and anti-terror activities.

Authorities say security forces killed 26 demonstrators in this week's unrest and that 16 law-enforcement officers died.

At Tokayev's request, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states, authorized sending about 2,500 mostly Russian troops to as peacekeepers.

Some of the force is guarding government facilities in the capital, Nur-Sultan, which made it possible to release part of the forces of Kazakhstani law enforcement agencies and redeploy them to Almaty to participate in the counter-terrorist operation, according to a statement from Tokayev's office.

In a sign that the demonstrations were more deeply rooted than just the fuel price rise, many demonstrators shouted Old man out, a reference to Nursultan Nazarbayev, who was president from Kazakhstan's independence until he resigned in 2019 and anointed Tokayev as his successor.

Nazarbayev retained substantial power as head of the National Security Council. But Tokayev replaced him as council head amid this week's unrest. possibly aiming at a concession to mollify protesters. However, Nazarbayev's adviser Aido Ukibay said Sunday that it was done at Nazarbayev's initiative, according to the Kazakh news agency KazTag.

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Myanmar's military has planned to further extend its ceasefire with ethnic armed groups until the end of 2022, according to a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the State Administration Council and commander-in-chief of Defense Services, announced the move during a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Last year, the military announced the extension of a five-month suspension of military operations from October 1, 2021 to February 28 this year, in order to enable effective efforts to combat Covid-19 nationwide and boost the peace process in the country.

So far, 10 ethnic armed groups have signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with the government since it was initiated in October 2015.

Hun Sen, whose country this year holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, discussed with Min Aung Hlaing a number of bilateral and regional issues of common interest and concerns during a two-day visit to Myanmar, Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said.

declared a state of emergency after President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, along with other officials from the National League for Democracy, were detained by the military on February 1, 2021.

The state power was transferred to Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing after the declaration of the state of emergency.

--IANS

int/shs

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Victor Escobar decided to die and to do so publicly, becoming one of the first Latin Americans to end their life without suffering from a terminal disease, under a ground-breaking court ruling in Colombia.

Hours before dying on Friday, 60-year-old Escobar celebrated what he called victory in his two-year battle with a lung ailment that left him unable to breathe on his own.

"Little by little, it becomes everyone's turn. So I do not say goodbye but rather, see you soon. And little by little we will end up with God," Escobar, who is a practicing Catholic, said in a video sent to news organizations.

He died in the city of Cali with doctors present, his lawyer said on Twitter.

The last footage of him alive shows him smiling and surrounded by family. He was sedated and then given a lethal injection.

Colombia depenalized assisted death in 1997, and in July 2021 a high court expanded this "right to dignified death" to those not suffering from a terminal illness.

It is the first Latin American country to take the step and one of the few in the world, and did so despite being mostly Roman Catholic. The church categorically opposes and assisted suicide.

"I was already feeling sick. I felt like my lungs did not obey me," Escobar told AFP in October as he waged the final chapter of his legal battle.
In this Sept. 19, 2019, photo, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler speaks about President Donald Trump's decision to revoke California's authority to set auto mileage standards stricter than those issued by federal regulators, at EPA headquarters in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

In building his cabinet in recent weeks, Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin has tapped some impressive individuals willing to serve the commonwealth.

They include former state Attorney General Richard Cullen, a Richmond insider who will help the new administration find its footing, experienced business executives to advance the new governors economic policy goals, and Norfolks Shep Miller, chosen to lead the Department of Transportation so critical to this region.

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Then theres Youngkins selection of Andrew Wheeler to lead the Department of Natural and Historic Resources.

Wheeler previously served as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the Trump administration, but its what he did with that power that makes him unacceptable for Virginia.

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Under Wheelers direction, the EPA betrayed its mission to ensure that Americans enjoy clean air, water and soil, that regulations to protect those resources are driven by science and judiciously enforced, and that human and environmental health take precedence in decision making.

Instead, his EPA unabashedly served as a subsidiary of business interests, repeatedly favoring the interests of Wall Street over those of Main Street.

Wheelers EPA moved to freeze the implementation of stricter vehicle emissions standards that would make cars more fuel efficient and reduce carbon dioxide contributing to global warming, though EPA staff found doing so wouldnt make cars or gas more affordable.

In his first act as EPA administrator, Wheeler weakened the rules regarding disposal of coal ash, the hazardous waste produced by coal-fired power plants that can seep into aquifers and contaminate drinking water. That would have been terrible for Virginia communities were it not for stricter regulations approved by the General Assembly in 2019, affecting sites in Chesapeake and Prince William, Chesterfield and Fluvanna counties.

And Wheelers EPA rolled back provisions of the Clean Water Act, a gift to massive agricultural operations and oil and gas companies. That limited protections for waterways and narrowed the options of Native American tribes seeking to prevent the use of their land for pipeline construction, even when those projects threaten drinking water supplies.

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The governor-elect apparently believes thats the sort of steward Virginia needs for its natural resources, fragile ecosystems and critical waterways. For Hampton Roads, where so much of the economy depends on working the land and water, or enjoying our picturesque environment, this appointment is deeply worrisome.

DNHR oversees the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, which is critical to commercial fishing and oyster operations, and integral to Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts. And it oversees the Department of Environmental Quality, which ensures the safety of drinking water and has a hand in fighting bay pollution.

Say this about Wheeler: In testimony before Congress, he said, I believe that man has an impact on the climate. The lowest possible bar to clear, we know, but its a step ahead of Youngkin, who said at a Norfolk State University gubernatorial forum last year, I dont know whats responsible for climate change, in all candor. Im a pretty smart guy, but Im not that smart.

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But its one thing to believe that humans affect the climate  a fact backed by mountains of evidence  and quite another to use thoughtful regulation to limit that impact and protect threatened coastal communities such as those in Hampton Roads.

Wheeler has acknowledged humans effect on the climate, but casts doubt about its scope. As EPA administrator, he sidelined scientists whose work reflected the scientific evidence that only a sharp reduction in atmospheric greenhouse gasses can spare the world from a point of no return on global warming.

Hampton Roads cannot afford short-sighted leadership for its future. It cannot abide by those who have little concern for its air, water and soil. And it should not accept those who insist that economic needs trump all others.

There are plenty of administration posts that give voice to business interests and Youngkin would be wrong to turn DNHR into another. The governor-elect should find someone serious about this important work. Andrew Wheeler is not that person.
The Biden administration and U.S. allies are discussing possible export controls on Russia, including curbs on sensitive technology and electronics, to be imposed if President seizes more of Ukraine, a person familiar with the discussions said.

While no decisions have been made, the trade restrictions could apply to exports from the U.S. to and possibly to some foreign-made products, according to the person. Also being considered are measures to deprive of microelectronics made with or based on U.S. software or technology, the person said.

As President Joe Bidens administration steps up its rhetoric against the Kremlin ahead of a series of talks involving next week, the scenarios would seek to leverage U.S. dominance in technology to hit Russias military, civilian sectors and technological ambitions.

The impact could range from aircraft avionics and machine tools to smartphones, games consoles, tablets and televisions, the person said. Under some actions, Russia could face export controls as stringent as those for Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria, according to the person.

Meanwhile, Russia said on Sunday it would not make any concessions under U.S. pressure at talks this week on the Ukraine crisis and its demands for Western security guarantees, and that there was a risk they might end quickly.

Talks are due in Geneva, Brussels and Vienna but the state-owned RIA news agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying it was entirely possible that diplomacy could end abruptly after a single meeting.

"I can't rule out anything, this is an entirely possible scenario and the Americans... should have no illusions about this," he was quoted as saying.
The is open to discussions with on curtailing possible future deployments of offensive missiles in Ukraine and putting limits on US and NATO military exercises in Eastern Europe as part of strategic talks to begin next week, a senior Biden administration official said.

But, the official said any agreements on either matter would be contingent on removing threats to Ukraine and that no decisions would be made without the consent of Ukraine or NATO.

The official also said there was no chance the US would reduce its military presence or arsenal in Eastern Europe as has demanded.

The US official's comments, made to reporters on condition of anonymity in a White House-organised telephone conference call on Saturday, were the first to suggest a willingness to compromise on issues tangential to Ukraine.

They came as senior US and Russian diplomats prepare to meet in Switzerland on Monday.

Russia has demanded binding promises that NATO will not further expand eastward and that the US will remove troops and weapons from Eastern Europe in exchange for reducing its expanded troop presence on the Ukrainian border and dropping threats to intervene there.

The US and NATO have rejected those demands out of hand, but have signalled a willing to explore compromises on related issues.

We think we can at least explore the possibility of making progress with the Russians, the official said, referring to Monday's Strategic and Security Dialogue between the US and Russia in Geneva.

He added, though, that "there will be no firm commitments made in these talks.

Monday's meeting will be followed by discussions between Russia and NATO members on Wednesday and with a broader European audience on Thursday.

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North Atlantic Treaty Organizations' military commitments may prove costly for US strategic interest as Washington may be entangled in conflicts in .

Many of America's so-called allies are major liabilities rather than assets to US foreign policy. Indeed, they are potential snares, ones that can entangle America in unnecessary military confrontations, according to National Interest magazine.

In too many cases, the "allies" that Washington touts are small, weak, often militarily useless dependents. Worse, some of them are on bad terms with more powerful neighboring states, writes Ted Galen Carpenter for the National Interest.

constitutes a system of collective security, whereby its independent member states agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party.

Earlier, the US along with took part in military operations in Afghanistan and in Libya under the United Nations Security Council-mandated mission.

However, NATO's strategic fixation on Russia might complicate US interest in as many of the member countries such as the Baltic nations are militarily weak.

Meanwhile, the current tension between Moscow and Kiev has increased Washington's attention.

Washington's security relationship with Kiev goes far beyond arms sales. Over the past five years, US forces have conducted multiple joint exercises with Ukrainian units.

Further, Washington also has successfully pressed to include Ukraine in the alliance's war games.

Earlier, in April last year, US President Joe Biden assured Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Washington's "unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression."

On the other hand, Baltic nations are vulnerable dependents that could trigger a war between NATO (primarily the United States) and Russia, according to the 2016 RAND corporation think-tank report.

As a result of NATO's expanded membership and mission, the has acquired a worrisome number of both types, according to National Interest.

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Black & Veatch collaborated with Shiok Meats for the conceptual design and layout of their first-of-a-kind advanced research and development facility for cultivated seafood, officially opened by Singapores Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms. Grace Fu in November.

The new facility will help Shiok Meats, the worlds first cultivated crustacean company, scale-up production of cell-based crustacean meat products, targeting commercialization by 2023.

Building the Mini Plant is a big milestone for us. Our production facility, which is due in the next 18 months, will be an extension of this Mini Plant in terms of engineering design and foundation. This new facility allows us to scale the cultivated seafood production gradually and strategically to ensure a comprehensive manufacturing model and top-notch products, said Dr. Sandhya Sriram, Group CEO & Co-founder, Shiok Meats.

Reshaping our food system will require massive change. We are proud to assist Shiok Meats in achieving this important milestone in transforming the future of food, said David Ziskind, Director of Engineering at Black & Veatch NextGen Ag. Innovation and sustainability are core to our engineering and construction solutions as we help companies bridge the gap between science, research and development, engineering, and commercialization to bring new food products to market, at scale. Were excited to support Shiok Meats in their scale-up efforts to create better and more sustainable food by leveraging biotechnology to enhance global food security.

Market innovators, like Shiok Meats, are edging closer to creating clean and sustainable seafood products that provide a much-needed additional and alternative source of protein for rapidly growing and increasingly affluent consumers, particularly in Asia. Were proud to partner with companies like Shiok Meats who share our passion for creating a more sustainable planet and guide them through early technology readiness levels to full commercialization, said Hoe Wai Cheong, President, Asia Pacific and India Markets, Black & Veatch.

Black & Veatch provides emerging companies and established manufacturers with end-to-end services from early-stage design and innovation to turnkey facility design. The company is equipped to handle every stage of the project lifecycle from process and development to engineering through the design and construction of a pilot scale or commercial manufacturing facility. The company serves sectors including traditional food and beverage as well as future-food technologies like controlled environment agriculture, alternative proteins and aquaculture.

Click here to download a supporting image.

Editors notes

According to the 2021 Engineering News-Records (ENR) Sourcebooks rankings, Black & Veatch is among the Top 10 companies in 19 categories. The rankings reflect the engineering, procurement, consulting and construction companys success in anticipating client shifts to zero carbon power, greater water system resilience and better use of data around the globe.

About Shiok Meats

Shiok Meats is the first cultivated seafood and meat company in Southeast Asia and the first cultivated crustacean (shrimp, lobster, crab, crayfish) company globally to bring sustainable, healthy, cruelty-free, and delicious cultivated meat to the world. Follow Shiok Meats on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @shiokmeats for the latest news.

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is an employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure assets. Our revenues in 2020 exceeded US$3.0 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and on social media.

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In 2011, China decided to pilot carbon trading in selected regions including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, though most carbon credits are issued free of charge. Photo: VCG

Shenzhen plans to create a carbon market fund to better manage the local governments income from selling carbon credits, as authorities around China heed the national call to slash emissions.

The proposed move by the southern metropolis, where a pilot carbon market has been operating for several years, comes as plans for a national carbon market are trending toward a more market-oriented and regulated track. More broadly, China, the worlds largest carbon emitter, is figuring out how to meet its ambitious pledge to top out greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

The Shenzhen fund will manage the money generated from selling carbon emission quotas, with investments focusing on the construction of the citys carbon market and projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a draft plan (link in Chinese) released by the Justice Bureau of Shenzhen on June 10. The draft, based on the citys carbon emission trading plan issued (link in Chinese) in March 2014, is open for public comment until July 11.

By setting up such a fund, revenue from selling carbon credits can be used solely for environmental-friendly purposes, rather than incorporated into general government fiscal revenue.

The fund will try to raise more private capital to support the carbon market, according to a note accompanying the draft plan.

Carbon trading is considered an effective tool to combat climate change, as it requires polluters to pay for any emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases that they produce beyond a set limit. This creates a strong financial incentive for businesses to conserve energy and reduce their emissions. Under this kind of system, the government gives or sells companies a limited number of carbon credits, also known as emissions certificates, which allows them to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases.

In 2011, China decided to pilot carbon trading in selected regions including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, though most carbon credits are issued free of charge. Under the pilot, the chosen regions currently sell about 5% of the quotas, an analyst told Caixin (link in Chinese).

Shenzhens new fund could help pave the way for a similar fund linked to the nationwide carbon market, which will be up and running by the end of June, and initially only include the state-dominated electricity generation sector.

After an initial stage in which most credits will be issued for free under the nationwide carbon market, the proportion of paid-for credits will gradually increase, according to a March 30 draft plan (link in Chinese) released by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

Read more

In Depth: Chinas Carbon Trading Market Hobbled by Unanswered Questions

To keep in line with provisions in the March draft, Shenzhen also plans to set an absolute cap on the amount of carbon that can be emitted under the scheme, according to its draft plan.

The cap, in line with international practice, can help expand the proportion of paid credits and impose greater restrictions on carbon-intensive industries, analysts said.

Contact reporter Luo Meihan (meihanluo@caixin.com) and editor Joshua Dummer (joshuadummer@caixin.com)

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Warangal: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday hit out at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi in Telangana and said that the day is not far when Owaisi's name along with Nizam's name will be forgotten forever in the same manner as Article 370 was scrapped in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a program in Warangal in support of teachers and unemployed youth, the Assam Chief Minister said, "The way Article 370 was scrapped, Ram Mandir's construction began...here also Nizam's name, Owaisi's name will be forgotten forever...that day is not very far."

Sarma said that the history of India says that Babur, Aurangzeb, and Nizam cannot live long.

"The history of India says that Babur, Aurangzeb, and Nizam cannot live long. I am sure that the legacy of Nizam will come to a complete halt and a new culture based on Indian civilization will emerge," said Himanta Biswa.

He further said that people believe in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and they want to make Telangana a new state.

"The love and support of people inspire me to come again in Hyderabad. I will come back in 2023 when the BJP government will take oath in the state. People have belief that with the support of PM Modi they will make a new state," said the BJP leader.

Sarma said that from May 1 to May 10 Assam government will give jobs to one lakh people as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the election campaign.

Slamming the Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao for not providing jobs to the people in the state, he said, "My state is a small state. Telangana's GDP is 9 lakh crore and Assam's GDP is 3.5 lakh crore. But we are working much more than Telangana. During the election campaign, our BJP leaders said that in one-year our government will give one lakh employment to the people in Assam, but people forget after the election like KCR forget his promise of giving two lakhs jobs. Today I am saying to KCR he should watch the news and see that from May 1 to May 10 I will give jobs to one lakh people in Assam. We will fulfill our promise."

"Whenever a dictator becomes Chief Minister or Prime Minister, an emergency-like situation arises in the country... We have to keep fighting and it will result in the creation of a new Telangana. Dictatorship will not work here," he added.

Telangana BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP National President- OBC Morcha Dr K Laxman and others also present at the event.

Taking to Twitter he had earlier said that the people of Telangana are fed up with the misrule of the TRS government and are yearning for a change.

"The enthusiastic reception at Hyderabad proved how the people of Telangana are fed up with the misrule of TRS government and are yearning for a change," he said.

Earlier today, Assam Chief Minister reached Hyderabad and was received by BJP Telangana President Bandi Sanjay Kumar.

"Humbled by the rousing welcome I got at Hyderabad airport. While BJP Telangana President Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar ji received me inside the airport, thousands of BJP Telangana Karyakartas lined up outside chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," he said in a tweet.
Can a Christian flag fly at City Hall? The Supreme Court will have to decide
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Photo: The Canadian Press Flood waters surround a farm in Abbotsford in November. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

The massive floods in British Columbia in November 2021 demonstrated the devastation that natural disasters can cause in Canada.

Prior to 2010, it was rare for annual insured losses from natural disasters in Canada to exceed $1 billion, but now insured losses of $3 billion are not uncommon.

Canada is expected to become wetter, stormier, warmer and to experience more severe connective storms and wildfires. The Insurance Institute of Canada forecasts that annual insured losses could increase to $5 billion within the next 10 years.

Private insurance plays an essential role in supporting the resiliency of communities by providing financial compensation for losses that aid in recovery. Insurance company Munich Re notes that, after accounting for per capita income, countries with greater insurance coverage are more resilient to natural disasters.

However, insurance works best protecting households and communities against idiosyncratic low-frequency, high-severity events. As extreme weather events become more common, relying on insurance alone to protect Canadians against severe weather is not sustainable. It is critical that an integrated and holistic approach to mitigate and manage losses from natural disasters is developed.

Communities and property owners need to be partners in reducing losses by undertaking mitigation activities to reduce the severity of wind, water and wildfire events. However, the largest role falls upon all levels of government to protect Canadians against the impact of catastrophic weather events.

To create more resilient communities, governments need to invest in mitigation, adaptation and risk-prevention activities. Climate change, expanded development and population growth have resulted in the need for updated risk assessments, especially up-to-date flood maps.

In high-risk areas, future development must be prohibited, and governments should buy out existing properties. Better flood maps will enable governments to purchase high-risk properties before a devastating flood, and the land could be transformed to help minimize flooding in adjacent areas.

To withstand future extreme weather events, building codes and standards need to be revised. Whether its new construction of buildings or infrastructure, retrofitting property or repairing property after a loss, building codes need to be forward-looking.

After an extreme weather event, a province or territory may declare the event to be eligible for disaster assistance, with funding available from the province via Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). DFA is available to property owners and communities for losses that are not covered by insurance companies  DFA does not pay for losses for which insurance is reasonably and readily available.

Prior to the flooding events in both Calgary and Toronto in 2013, Canadian homeowners could not buy insurance for overland water damage, but now most insurers offer some level of flood insurance, except in very high-risk areas. This introduces inequity among homeowners  those who live in the highest risk areas cannot purchase insurance and therefore can receive DFA after a loss, but those living in moderate to high-risk areas where insurance is reasonably and readily available may not be able to afford coverage and therefore not be eligible to receive DFA.

Because the term reasonably and readily is not well-defined, ambiguity exists regarding who can receive DFA and who cannot. If the limitations around DFA are not fully understood by property owners, or if governments do not clearly define reasonably and readily, the incentive to purchase flood insurance is reduced.

Property owners need information regarding the value of purchasing flood insurance and insurers can provide important information about how to mitigate losses from flooding.

Furthermore, owners need to be counselled very carefully on the consequences of not purchasing flood coverage, and the provincial and territorial governments need to remain committed to not pay DFA for losses that could have been insured.

The private insurance market, which has an important role to play in financing losses from natural disasters, has its limitations. The risks associated with some properties exceed the appetite of insurers and some perils have the potential to cause losses too large for the Canadian insurance market to cover.

To achieve sustainable flood insurance coverage, a public-private partnership is needed, whereby the governments role is to support an insurance risk-sharing pool for high-risk properties that, otherwise, would not be able to purchase coverage. This will help reduce the reliance on DFA and provide information to homeowners regarding the risk they face.

Governments also have an important role in providing a safety net for very large losses. The industry guaranty fund, the Property and Casualty Insurance Compensation Corporation, has determined that a catastrophic loss exceeding $35 billion in insured losses would overwhelm the Canadian insurance industry and require government intervention. Such intervention could take the form of providing a layer of insurance coverage for catastrophic losses, or a liquidity or solvency backstop.

Ultimately, insurance and adaptation will not solve the problem of severe weather losses. We need to commit to sincere and strong action on climate change to reduce the frequency and severity of weather events. Some of the tools discussed here  insurance, strengthening building codes, effective mitigation and creating public private partnerships  can be leveraged to build a more resilient society.

Anne E Kleffner receives funding from SSHRC, Alberta Finance. Mary Kelly receives funding from SSHRC and is a director at Heartland Farm Mutual Insurance Company.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: The Canadian Press Debris at the scene where a Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran, Jan. 8, 2020. Canada and its allies are being urged to aggressively reach into the Iranian government's pocket and seize assets to compensate for the regime's downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 two years ago.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Ebrahim Noroozi

Canada and its allies are being urged to aggressively reach into the Iranian government's pocket to find assets to compensate for the regime's downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 two years ago.

That includes a call to use U.S. President Joe Biden's new high-profile ambassador to the world's international aviation watchdog  Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who heroically landed a plane on water outside New York City more than a decade ago  to spearhead that effort.

The Washington-based Foundation for Defence of Democracies says the U.S. should target the money Iran collects from international airlines for using its airspace for overflights.

It says Sullenberger has a part to play in his new role as the newly appointed American representative to the Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization.

At issue is how to compensate families and loved ones of the Jan. 8, 2020 tragedy that saw Iran's Revolutionary Guard shoot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 shortly after it took off from Tehran airport.

All 176 people on board were killed, and the majority had links to Canada.
Photo: The Canadian Press Paramedics arrive to pick up a patient at Verdun hospital Tuesday, January 12, 2021 in Montreal. Quebec City's main hospital network, called CHU de Qu?bec-Universit? Laval, says it will reduce by half its surgeries and medical appointments starting Wednesday.

Hospitals in several parts of Canada are straining under the weight of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, with Quebec hospitalizations reaching an all-time high on Sunday and Ontario's admissions to intensive care units surging past the 400 mark.

New Brunswick's hospitals also hovered near their highest levels since the pandemic began, with 79 people in hospital, one in five of whom are in intensive care.

Dr. Bob Bell, former CEO of the University Health Network and Ontario deputy health minister from 2014 to 2018, says Canada is in good company when it comes to seeing its health-care system tested by COVID-19.

Bell says every Western country dealing with Omicron has a strained hospital system right now, but Canada has a lower tolerance for measures like death than places like the United States so will pursue lockdowns and restrictions sooner.

Quebec hospital admissions leapt 140 on Sunday to 2,436, and the added pressure has prompted several hospitals across the province to delay surgeries and medical appointments.

Ontario reported 2,419 patients hospitalized due to the virus on Sunday, down from Saturday's count of nearly 2,600 -- though the province notes not all facilities share data over the weekend.

Bell warns that stressed hospitals can also be a symptom of inadequate "upstream" care like access to family doctors, home care and community care.

"The hospital is the canary in the coal mine in many ways for health system challenges," he said.
- Mercer used a fourth quarter run to pull away from the Chattanooga Mocs Saturday afternoon at Hawkins Arena in Southern Conference womens basketball action to win 69-52 in the Southern Conference opener for both teams."I'm so disappointed for them, head coach Katie Burrows said after the game. They battled, they really, really gutted it out the best that they could. That's the difference between having seniors on the court and having freshmen on the court. You know [Jaron] Dougherty just decided she was going to take it over.All but one of those shots that she hit in the fourth quarter were contested. It's just something that she's always been able to do really well."The Mocs, missing starters Abbey Cornelius and Brooke Hampel along with reserve Lara Habling for the game due to illness, held close and even took the lead from Mercer in the third quarter. However, a strong fourth quarter momentum by the Bears put the game out of reach for the Mocs.Mercer outscored the Mocs 9-4 to start the fourth, pushing the lead to 57-46 with 8:04 left in the game and got seven points late in the fourth to widen the lead to 69-50 with 2:32 to play.The game started with Mercer opening up a 12-2 lead before the Mocs responded with an 8-2 run to make it a four-point game at the end of the first. The Bears started the second with a 6-2 advantage, but Chattanooga answered with six straight points to cut the lead to 20-18 midway through the period.The Mocs kept it close and, with nine points from Amaria Pugh, trailed 32-27 at the half. Chattanooga saw its first lead of the game late in the third. Pugh started the 9-0 run with a layup to make it 38-32 with 5:39 to play in the frame. The Mocs got the ball back on a turnover by the Bears and Destiny McClendon drained a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 38-35 at the 4:35 mark.Addie Grace Porter, with one of her team-best four steals, sent the ball down the court to McClendon for her third 3-pointer of the game tying it up 38-38 with just under four minutes to play in the quarter.Porter made one of two free throws to cap off the run and give Chattanooga its first lead of the game. A jumper from Karsen Murphy made it 41-39 and she would tie it up less than a minute later with one of two free throws at 42-42 with 1:51 remaining in the third.Mercers Erin Houpt hit a pair of daggers to close out the third and Mercer led by six heading into the final quarter.Pugh was 8-of-12 in the game and led UTC with a season-high tying 17 points. McClendon was 3-of-5 from beyond the arc for nine points and Porter had eight points, a career-best five assists and four steals. Leah Jones, making her first collegiate start, pulled down a career-high nine-rebounds in nearly 30 minutes on the court.Five Mercer players landed in double figures led by 19 from Dougherty who had nine in the fourth quarter. Amoria Neal-Tysor scored seven in the fourth and had 12 points along with Erin Houpt who was 4-of-8 from deep. Nigeria Harkless dropped in 11 and Shannon Titus had 11 points as well along with a team-high seven rebounds.Mercer outrebounded the Mocs 38-28 but scored just eight points on 12 offensive boards while UTC had seven points on nine offensive rebounds. In the paint, the Mocs edged the Bears 28-22 and had a 15-4 advantage from its bench. Both teams scored 17 points on turnovers. UTC had 18 and Mercer had 16.The Mocs fall to 2-14 overall and 0-1 in league play while the Bears improve to 8-5 on the year and 1-0 against the conference.Chattanooga will take on Samford Monday, Jan. 10 in a rescheduled game that was originally slated for last Thursday. It was cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols within the Samford program. The game is set to tip off at 7:00 p.m.
A woman at the Surfs Up Car Wash at 407 Signal Mountain Road said she was behind another vehicle in the car wash on an automated track system. She said the car in front of her appeared to get a flat tire and stopped moving along the track. The woman said the track kept pushing her vehicle, even after shutting it off in attempts to not get pushed into the car stopped on the track in front of her. However, the track system continued to push her vehicle along the track and into the rear of the car stopped on the tracks. The officer was unable to make contact with the owner of this vehicle due to them no longer being on scene upon arrival and dispatch unable to make contact. However, both the woman and the other owner of the vehicle involved filled out statements for the management of the car wash. The general manager had already been made aware of this incident and was attempting to get video footage as well as the insurance information for the business to give to the woman and the owner of the other involved vehicle. The officer observed very little damage to the womans vehicle. Damage consisted of very small and light scratches on the front bumper. The officer was unable to observe damage to the other involved vehicle due

to it leaving before police arrived.

* * *

An employee from EPB called police regarding one of their guide wires that had been cut on a pole at 2715 Belle Arbor Ave. This is an ongoing issue and has occurred at several locations around Chattanooga. An investigator responded to the scene and viewed that two guide wires had been cut. The estimated cost to repair these guide wires is $1,000. The investigator canvassed the area looking for witness or leads.

* * *

The owner of Swaffscapes told police that while his lawn care truck was in the parking lot of Fiesta Mexican Restaurant at 4021 Hixson Pike, someone stole two Stihl blowers off the back of the truck. He says the locks securing them were cut.

* * *

An officer was observing traffic while parked at the Bethlehem Center, 200 West 38th St., where there was a party going on in the community center. The officer saw a dark blue SUV headed west on 38th in front of the community center at a very high speed and could hear the engine revving as they increased speed. The officer caught up to the vehicle at 278 Water St. where it appeared to be attempting to hastily park facing the wrong way (against traffic). The officer activated emergency equipment and, while taking up a position behind the vehicle, it pulled out and sped off while ignoring police lights, pedestrian traffic in the area, as well as ignoring traffic control devices. It was last seen heading east on West 38th Street at an increasingly high speed. The officer headed west on West 38th Street. The vehicle was registered to Enterprise. The investigation is pending further suspect information.

* * *

An officer saw a gold Chevy Malibu on Williams Street with an Alabama tag that was not on file. The VIN returned out of Tennessee and was not stolen. The vehicle had a five-pointed crown with the word 'queen' on the left side of the rear window and a 'Motor City Auto Sales' sticker on the back hatch left side.

* * *

Police responded to 500 North Germantown Road where a black four-door sedan was facing south in the northbound lane. It was later identified as having lost its driver-side tire (no lug nuts located). That tire rolled down the hill and struck a mans vehicle in the front passenger-side panel. The struck vehicle was unoccupied at the time and parked in the driveway, facing south. Both people requested to handle outside of a crash report but asked that it be documented. No injuries were reported and the first vehicle was towed via personal tow.

* * *

Police found an unoccupied Hyundai Elantra on Wilson Street that had a Tennessee tag that returned to a Mercedes-Benz. Police checked the VIN and found the vehicle to not be stolen. There were no signs of illegal activity in plain view within the vehicle.

* * *

Police responded to vandalism at La Quinta Inn at 7051 McCutcheon Road. A woman said she came down from Indiana to bring her kids to Tennessee to see her ex-husband. They were around each other the whole day and towards the end the ex-husband and wife got into a disagreement about him being on his phone while being around his kids. The ex-husband then left with the womans keys. Their daughter chased after him and retrieved the keys. The ex-husband left with their son and later returned him to the hotel they were staying at. The woman and her daughter got a ride back to their hotel and the woman noticed that her car had damage to the drivers side. It appears that someone had taken a key and scratched her car removing the paint. The woman believes that her ex-husband was the one who keyed her car but due to not witnessing him doing it and no camera footage no warrants can be filed at this time.

* * *

An officer was traveling south at 2400 Williams St., which is a one-way street. When the officer began slowing for the posted stop sign at West 25th and Williams Street, the officer saw a black Chevrolet Equinox attempting to turn north onto Williams Street. Police initiated emergency equipment blue lights in an attempt to tell the driver that Williams Street is a one-way street. The officer saw the driver was a black male with long dread locks who was wearing eye glasses. The driver proceeded to drive around the police vehicle with its lights on and continue in the wrong direction on Williams Street. The driver then pulled into the Motel 6 parking lot at 2440 Williams St. The officer followed the vehicle into the parking lot with emergency lights still on. The driver continued all the way around the hotel parking lot, making a loop, continued south on Williams Street, then west onto West 25th Street at a high rate of speed. The officer turned off emergency equipment and did not pursue the suspect. The TN tag displayed on the car does not come back to the Chevrolet Equinox it was displayed on, but a blue Volkswagen Tiguan. If the driver can be identified he will be charged with traveling the wrong direction on a one-way road and felony evading.

* * *

A man on East Brainerd Road said he had been in a verbal argument with his girlfriend who was no longer on scene. Police didn't see any marks on the man and he denied anything physical had occurred. Police cleared the scene with no further police action taken.

* * *

A man on Oak View Drive who wanted to remain anonymous said he heard a male and female having a verbal altercation. The caller said he could hear the female yelling at the male saying, "hit me b----." The caller said the female then walked into the garage, grabbed an item, and then struck the man's vehicle and continued yelling at him. The two people then went back inside the residence before police arrived on the scene. Police attempted to make contact with them, but no one answered the door.

* * *

A woman called police and said her Nissan had been damaged in the parking lot at 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. near Party Fowl. The woman said while she was attempting to park her Nissan in a parking space, the front passenger corner of her vehicle made contact with an unoccupied black Ford Escape. The woman said she called to report the incident to police and waited at the scene until the driver of the Ford returned to the vehicle. The woman said the driver of the Ford said he did not want a report because there was no damage to his vehicle and left the scene. The woman said there were no injuries.

* * *

An officer on East 11th Street was flagged down by a woman saying that her sister was having a problem with her boyfriend. The sister was sitting in the back seat of the car so the officer went around to talk to her. She did not want to call the police but she spoke with the officer. She said that she got into an argument with him and he walked off. She was glad he walked away but upset that he took a Walmart bag with two coloring books in it with him. She pointed him out. The officer told her that he would go get the bag and bring it back to her. The officer spoke to the boyfriend and told the same story and gave the bag to the officer to give to her. The officer and the man finished talking and the officer turned to take the bag to her and found she had left in the car with her sister. The officer gave the bag back to the man and left.
Only largescale testing can assess the situation. The government hospitals are busy administering the Covid-19 vaccine and are not able to conduct any type of test, said a senior ASHA worker.  Representational image/PTI

Visakhapatnam: Dengue cases have been increasing rapidly in the city and Agency areas, overshadowing the good news that fewer cases of malaria were reported. In the first week of the New Year, 20 dengue positive cases have been registered.

According to health department officials, 8,989 blood samples were collected from suspected dengue patients last year and of whom 1,212 tested positive. There were 603 positive cases in the city, 191 in peripheral urban areas, 363 in rural areas and and 55 in tribal areas.

In 2020, 1,084 blood samples were collected and of them 219 tested positive. The city registered 118 positive cases, peripheral urban zones 22, rural areas 68 and tribal areas just seven.

Last year we collected six times more samples than the previous year and the positivity rate has been less at 18.6 per cent. This year we will collect more samples to assess the situation in the city, said incharge district medical and health officer Dr K. Vijayalakshmi.

She denied reports that the dengue cases being treated at private and corporate hospitals were going unreported. There were three designated labs in the district  one each at King George Hospital, Narsipatnam and Araku  and testing cannot be concealed.

Para medical workers said people were swarming the private and government hospitals with complaints of fever and body pain.

Only largescale testing can assess the situation. The government hospitals are busy administering the Covid-19 vaccine and are not able to conduct any type of test, said a senior ASHA worker.

A senior doctor said the health department should increase testing for both dengue and Covid-19.

The incidence of malaria has come down in Visakhapatnam district. The agency areas in particular registered 36 per cent fewer cases in 2021 compared to 2020.

According to available data, 6.12 lakh blood samples were collected in 2020 and of them 1,183 tested positive which includes 1,152 positive cases in the agency areas.

In 2021, 7.20 lakh samples were collected and of them 841 positive cases were reported. The agency registered 734 positive cases of the 4 lakh samples collected.
1883 is already resonating with Yellowstone fans. The Western drama features Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as two of the leads, and the husband-and-wife duo in the show are also married in real life. McGraw discussed what its like working with his wife on the set  and he also talked about the moment when Hills character had to slap him during a scene. Heres why he said it felt like she let go of 25 years of pent-up aggression with the slap.

Who is Tim McGraws character to John Dutton in 1883? What about Faith Hills character?

Faith Hill as Margaret and Tim McGraw as James in 1883 | Emerson Miller/Paramount+

1883 follows the Dutton family as they embark across the Great Plains to settle in Montana, and it takes place prior to Yellowstone. Fans of Yellowstone know the Dutton family, but Tim McGraws character is new the universe. McGraw plays James Dutton, the great-grandfather to Kevin Costners John Dutton in Yellowstone. Faith Hill plays Margaret Dutton, John Duttons great-grandmother.

Everythings about his family, McGraw said of his character to NBC. He certainly has these dreams and expectations of what he wants and where he wants to settle his family down. They come from Tennessee, he fought in the Civil War, and he didnt like any of that, and he didnt like what happened after reconstruction. So, I think part of that was his driving factor to just get out of there and find a fresh place. I think he was trying to outrun some memories and trying to outrun some trauma.

Tim McGraw talked about working with Faith Hill  and her slapping him

Faith Hill told NBC she and Tim McGraw were given the chance of a lifetime to work together in 1883. But a few scenes to film were more difficult than others. One scene of the show despicts Margaret slapping James  and Hill really did lay her hands on McGraw for the scene.

We had this scene where she has to slap me, McGraw told People. And according to McGraw, Hill didnt hold back. I was expecting a finger slap but it was a paw to the jaw, he added. There was 25 years of pent-up aggression going on! When you see it on screen, you realize it was a genuine hit.

McGraw also spoke about the slap with Rachel Lindsay via Extra. She walloped me quite well, he added. I knew she was going to slap me. Its like, Alright, Im your husband, we dont have to fake this, you can go ahead and hit me. I can take it. I didnt know it was going to be 10 takes of it. You had to get different angles.

The actor said it was easier to film 1883 with his wife by his side

The 1883 cast | Emerson Miller/Paramount+

During his interview with Extra, Tim McGraw noted having Faith Hill with him the whole time was truly a blessing.

It wouldve been a tough, tough situation to spend five months away from home, working six days a week, long hours, up before dawn, home after dark, and not be with your wife, McGraw added. That wouldve been tough. To be together, period, is great. But to work together is incredible.

McGraw promised a few more surprises along the way with 1883, so fans can look forward to a lot more to come!

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RELATED: Why Yellowstone Creator Taylor Sheridan Told 1883 Star Sam Elliott Youll Hate Me at the End of This Thing
90 Day Fiance has no shortage of drama and shenanigans. But, amidst the messiness, the show sometimes produces genuine and beloved couples. One such beloved couple from the hit TLC show is Loren and Alexei Brovarnik. Though some fans initially had doubts about the couple lasting, the pair is now one of the most popular pairs from the hit TLC show. So much so, in fact, that The Powers That Be have given them a spinoff show called Loren and Alexei: After the 90 Days. Lets take a look at what we know about this latest spinoff from the franchise.

90 Day Fiance stars Loren and Alexei Brovarnik now have their own spinoff show, Loren and Alexei: After the 90 Days | TLC/YouTube

Loren and Alexei first debuted on 90 Day Fiance

Loren Goldstone and Alexei Brovarnik first debuted on the third season of 90 Day Fiance. The pair initially met when Loren, a native of New York, went on a Birthright trip to Israel. According to the official website of Birthright Israel, the organization offers free trips to the country for young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 32.

While Loren was in Israel, she met Alexei, who was working as a medic, and they began dating. When things became more serious, Alexei moved to America and they all lived with Lorens parents. Thats so the pair could save money to buy their own home. Eventually, the couple married and moved to Miami.

Today, the pair are happily married and have two children.

They became very popular thanks to Pillow Talk

During the pandemic, it became very difficult for television production companies to shoot a lot of shows. 90 Day Fiance was no exception. So, many of the couples  including Loren and Alexei  began filming themselves. Many of them, as well, began starring in at-home spinoffs of the franchise. This, of course, included Loren and Alexei. The couples popularity soared after they began starring in Pillow Talk.

Fans couldnt get enough of Loren and Alexeis hot takes on the couples of the show. And, when Loren announced her second pregnancy, fans were delighted to watch her new bundle of joy growing, too. (Occasionally, the couples first child, Shai, would make special guest appearances on Pillow Talk!)

What is their After the 90 Days spinoff show about?

Now, the couple has their own 90 Day Fiance spin-off show called Loren and Alexei: After the 90 Days. In a sneak peek of the first episode, which premieres on Jan. 10, Lorens parents squabble with Alexei about his trip to Israel. Alexei left his pregnant wife and child behind to just do whatever he wanted. And this does not sit well with Lorens father.

I think it was a very selfish move on Alexs part to leave his wife and child, he said. I understand he had to go to the wedding, I got it. But to extend it out just to have a vacation  it wasnt work. It wasnt deployment. It was a choice.

Well just have to tune in to the latest episode of this 90 Day Fiance spinoff to see how things all turn out.

RELATED: 90 Day Fiance: Everything You Need to Know About David and Annie: After the 90 Days Spinoff
Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2 premieres on Jan. 9, and the new episodes will bring Eren Jaegers story one step closer to its conclusion. The animes final season promises to tie things up with another epic battle  this time, with the fate of humanity on the line. The stakes are high, and fans are eager to dive in. So, when do new episodes of Attack on Titan come out on Funimation and Crunchyroll?

Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2 airs on Sundays in the U.S.

Attack on Titan Season 4B key art | Hajime Isayama/Kodansha

RELATED: Attack on Titan Season 4: All of the Titan Shifters and Who Holds Each Power

Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2 kicks off on Jan. 9, and new episodes of the final season will drop every Sunday from there on out. According to Decider, Studio MAPPA has confirmed that there will be a total of 12 episodes in this upcoming outing. That means fans can expect new content well into March.

The second chapter of season 4 will pick up with Marleys army arriving at Paradis Island just in time for Eren and Zeke to put their euthanization plan into effect. It seems Reiner will attempt to stop them  and he could have help from some of the Eldian army if the trailer is anything to judge by.

The coming episodes are likely to decide the fate of both nations and maybe even humanity as a whole. When can fans expect them to drop on platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation?

When do Attack on Titan episodes drop on Funimation and Crunchyroll?

NEWS: Here's the Exact Time Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2 Begins!



MORE: https://t.co/g1JIeM0BI9 pic.twitter.com/b5FAzj8IRv  Crunchyroll (@Crunchyroll) January 8, 2022

RELATED: Attack on Titan Creator Hajime Isayama Shared His Relatable New Years Resolution for 2022

According to Crunchyroll, new episodes of Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2 will arrive on its platform at 12:45 p.m. PST (2:45 CT and 3:45 EST). That means viewers throughout the U.S. can look forward to an afternoon release every Sunday. The release time will be the same for Funimation.

So, now that fans know when they can look for new content, what should they expect from Eren, Armin, and Mikasa in the coming installments?

Will season 4 part 2 end Eren Jaegers story?

With just 12 episodes listed for Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2, fans have to wonder how the anime will close Eren Jaegers story. Thus far, the adaptation has stuck closely to Hajime Isayamas manga series. And although the trailer doesnt suggest any major deviations, 12 installments dont seem like enough to work through the source material.

The footage teases a major battle on the horizon, as well as some answers about Ymir Fritz. It doesnt give away much beyond that, leaving fans to wonder if there could be more planned beyond Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2. Theyll have to stay tuned to see how things play out. Either way, it looks like more action and drama are a given.

RELATED: Attack on Titan: 5 Reddit Theories About Season 4 That Are Actually Pretty Convincing
The hit Starz series BMF is a crime drama centering around real-life brothers Demetrius Big Meech Flenory and Terry Southwest T Flenory. Demetrius Lil Meech Flenory Jr plays his father on the show.

Demetrius Lil Meech Flenory Jr. | Derek White/Getty Images

Executive producer Curtis 50 Cent Jackson decided before the project was ever picked up that Lil Meech was the only person who could play the role because no one else fit. 50 Cent did, however, make the young man prove he deserved it.

Big Meechs story

BMF is the story of the Black Mafia Family, a notorious American drug network run for over a decade by two brothers. Big Meech and his brother Southwest T sold cocaine in high school before setting up a distribution network throughout the U.S.

According to The Sun, Big Meech was born in Cleveland, Ohio in June 1968. Along with his younger brother Southwest T, he set up BMF. The cocaine distribution network sold to many states like Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee.

The brothers had a falling out in 2001 and Terry moved to Los Angeles to run a solo operation. Both brothers were convicted of running one of the largest drug trafficking and money laundering rings ever in Michigan in 2008. They were sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Big Meech will be released early in 2028 since the United States Sentencing Guidelines made amendments 782 and 788 to update all drug offenses that took place prior to November 2014. Big Meech was also spotted doing charity work in October 2021 to help in his efforts to get out early, according to The Sun.

Like life or death

In a recent interview with XXL, Lil Meech explained how important his BMF role is to him.

This is like life or death for me, I feel like thats how serious I take it  not even more so with the job itself, just so with me telling the story right because hes still in jail  he got taken away from me so young and missing my whole teenage childhood, so, its like, I want people to know the real him and thats all he wanted people to know was the real him.

Lil Meech went on to explain that people have their thoughts and opinions of his father, but they dont know the real Big Meech.

He says that 50 Cent is both his big brother and mentor. Lil Meech explained 50 Cent guided him the entire way through and helped him at a time no one else believed in him. Even before his father knew he could play the role.

Lil Meech explained that he just wants to make his father proud.

No one else could play Big Meech

50 Cent has always been very passionate about the project. He made many key decisions about the production before the project was ever greenlit. One of those decisions was that Lil Meech would play his father on the show because no one else fit.

While 50 Cent had that in mind, he didnt just give the young man the role. He made him earn it. While Lil Meech looked like his father and his fathers story was of great importance to him, he had no acting experience.

Wanting to ensure that Lil Meech at least had some foundational acting before taking the role, 50 Cent insisted he take acting classes for two years. Lil Meech described the experience as intense with classes five days a week, sometimes more than once a day.

Once the classes were complete, Lil Meech then had to audition for the role. He explained that he was aware the production could easily have gone with someone who already had acting experience who looked nothing like his father. Lil Meech wanted to show everyone that he knew what he was doing, and his efforts have paid off.

RELATED: BMF: Demetrius Lil Meech Flenory Jr. Revealed the Moment He Found out His Dad Is Big Meech
Cobra Kai Season 4 faced Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) with another opponent from his past. The whole series is about his adult rivalry with childhood bully Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). Thats exacerbated when John Kreese (Martin Kove) returns into the picture. Now hes even got to face Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) again and some things havent changed.

Ralph Macchio | Netflix

Macchio participated in an online Q&A following the premiere of episode 1 of Cobra Kai Season 4 on Dec. 28. He said even after 30 years, he still has one struggle with Griffith. Cobra Kai Season 4 is now streaming on Netflix.

Thomas Ian Griffith didnt shrink between Karate Kid III and Cobra Kai Season 4

The Karate Kid Part III took place one year after the first movie. So Macchio was still playing Daniel LaRusso at 18 or 19 just after high school. Griffith was playing Terry Silver as a middle aged man, a Vietnam veteran friend of Kreese. Both Griffith and Macchio were about 27 when they made the film. In Cobra Kai Season 4, both the actors and the characters are older, but one thing hasnt changed.

.@ralphmacchio explains how @CobraKaiSeries and the original Karate Kid film keep finding ways to be a cultural phenomenon. #LSSC pic.twitter.com/cZGFhdSjkw  The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) January 5, 2022

RELATED: Cobra Kai Season 4: Creators Address Anthony LaRusso (Griffin Santopietro)s Shocking Storyline

Standing across, hes still tall, Macchio said at the Q&A, imitating craning his neck. Hes still taller than hell. Theres no way to look cool when youre looking at a guy like this all the time. Im doing my best.

Cobra Kai Season 4 fixes one of Macchios problems with The Karate Kid III

Macchio has expressed regrets about The Karate Kid Part III. It was a bit of a retread of the first movie, with Daniel defending his All-Valley Karate Tournament title against a new challenger. The studio wanted another sequel, so it didnt feel as special. However, Cobra Kai creators Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg and Josh Heald like The Karate Kid Part III and have drawn on it for storylines before.

RELATED: Cobra Kai Season 4: Jacob Bertrand Was Nervous About 1 Major Change to Eli Moskowitz/Hawk

Evil times manipulative times evil is Terry Silver. And in the heightened version of how The Karate Kid 3 was made and his character, whats so beautiful about what Thomas does, and a lot of our characters from the original franchise coming back, everyones knocking it out of the park. Credit to the actors 100% but credit to Jon, Josh and Hayden, and the writing staff of this show to add colors and different shadings and dimensions and depth to these refined characters. Thomas is playing a refined version of the Terry Silver that is not as black and white as he was back in the day. I think that speaks to Cobra Kai and what were able to do. Ralph Macchio, Cobra Kai Season 4 premiere Q&A, 12/28/21

William Zabka met Thomas Ian Griffith for the first time

Zabka was not in The Karate Kid Part III although he has said he met with director John G. Avildsen about possibly returning. In season 1, Johnny doesnt even know who Silver was. So Cobra Kai Season 4 was their first encounter.

I had never met him even until he was on set outside my trailer, Zabka said. We said hey for the first time and it was an instant connection. Like, Hey man, welcome here. How are they keeping us apart? He said, We need some scenes together. Im like, I think ones coming, and then one comes. Hes awesome and this character, in the show, hes the most of the black and white. Hes still nuanced but hes clearly dangerous to the point of youre worrying this needs to be dealt with swiftly if possible which is great for us. Up til now its been the rivalries and the intensity has gone up 10 notches.

RELATED: Cobra Kai Season 4: Demetris All-Valley Karate Weapons Competition Was Originally Completely Different, Gianni DeCenzo Says
Jedidiah and Katey Duggar are expecting their first child. The pregnancy announcement for the Duggar family was overshadowed by Josh Duggars trial and the ongoing drama inside the Duggars Springdale, Arkansas, compound. Now that Josh has been convicted and things have quieted down, Duggar family followers have turned their attention to the couple. A gender reveal video suggests that Jed and Katey arent the only Duggars expecting a new baby. Some are theorizing that they arent even the only Duggars expecting a little boy, based on the reaction of family members present for the event.

Jed Duggar and Katey Nakatsu revealed they are expecting a boy

Its a boy for first-time parents Jed Duggar and Katey Nakatsu. The couple, who wed in a surprise ceremony in April 2021, uploaded their gender reveal party footage to YouTube. Their announcement breaks up a long string of Duggar granddaughters.

Jedidiah and Katey announced their pregnancy via Instagram in September 2021. They didnt share an exact due date. Instead, the couple revealed that baby boy Duggar will arrive in the spring. Family followers think an April 2022 arrival seems most likely.

Duggar family followers theorize that more Duggars are expecting sons

The Duggar kids largely appear to be following in their parents footsteps. So far, most adult children have married young and started families in short order. Each year, the number of Duggar grandchildren in the family grows substantially. But the additions havent been even. The Duggar family has had a baby girl boom over the past few years.

The Duggar family | Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

The last male grandchild born in the Duggar family was Garrett Duggar, Joseph and Kendra Duggars first child. Since then, 11 girls have been added to the family, including Josh and Anna Duggars youngest child, Madyson Duggar. Technically, Jedidiah and Kateys announcement should have been a big deal to the family. After all, they are breaking up the long streak of girls with a new baby boy. But Duggar family followers noticed that the Duggar family had decidedly muted reactions.

While there have not been any additional pregnancy announcements from the Duggar camp, family followers think Katey isnt alone in her pregnancy. In fact, some believe the familys muted response suggests other Duggar family members will welcome boys into the family soon.

So which Duggar family members could be pregnant?

While the entire Duggar family wasnt present at Jedidiah and Kateys gender reveal party, more than a few of Jeds siblings and their spouses were on hand. For example, the camera panned around the park to show Lauren Swanson and Kendra Caldwell.

Lauren is married to Josiah Duggar, and Kendra is married to Joseph Duggar. Both, according to some Duggar family followers, might have been sporting baby bumps. Lauren and Josiah share one daughter, 2-year-old Bella Duggar. Joseph and Kendra are parents to three children.

According to Duggar Data, several other Duggars are overdue for pregnancy announcements, based on a prediction model. Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth, for example, are due to announce another pregnancy. They welcomed their daughter, Evelyn Forsyth, in August 2020. John David Duggar and Abbie Burnett are overdue for an announcement, as well. Who will be the next Duggar to announce a pregnancy is still anyones guess.

RELATED: Meet Hannah Wissmann: Jeremiah Duggars Bride-to-Be Is a Social Butterfly With a Surprising Occupation
Wesley Snipes will always be Blade to fans of the original film trilogy. The Blade franchise opened doors for Marvel superheroes and made it possible to view Black people as superheroes. However, with all of the fame he experienced during that time, he also faced legal troubles that dogged him including huge debt to the IRS.

In an attempt to pay off his debt, Snipes challenged then-comedian and TV host Joe Rogan to a fight. Recently, Rogan revealed his plans for the fight. According to the podcast host, it seems like Snipes bit off more than he could chew.

Wesley Snipes challenged Joe Rogan to a fight for a quick payday

TV personality Joe Rogan in 2005 | Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc.

Snipes and Rogan had a back-and-forth argument in 2005 for unclear reasons. However, Rogan has always had an issue with actors talking about their work as if theyre saving lives. One of the actors with whom Rogan took issue was Snipes, who was under investigation for tax evasion.

Snipes challenged Rogan to a cage fight that would air on TV. As Rogan told Mens Journal, Snipes hoped to make a quick buck to alleviate his enormous IRS debt. However, the expert kickboxer wasnt about to let Snipes win the fight. Rogan trained religiously for five months straight, only for Snipes to back out at the 11th hour.

Rogan speculates that Snipess decision not to go ahead with the fight mightve had something to do with the fact that Snipes did his research and realized Rogan was an MMA expert. The now-podcast host said, He realized I was going to choke the s**t out of him. Rogan was convinced that all he had to win the fight was to grab that guy and choke the f***ing life out of him. Pretty extreme.

Snipes went to jail for tax evasion

Snipes was a big deal during the late 90s and early 2000s. He constantly appeared in movies, with Blade setting him up as a bankable actor. Between 1999 and 2004, when Blade enjoyed commercial success, Snipes took home about $40 million.

However, the actor failed to pay taxes during this period, which put him under investigation. As Newsweek reports, the actor owed the IRS $23.5 million in debt. Snipes was charged with one count of conspiring to defraud the U.S. and one count of helping make false claims for payment against the U.S.

Snipes was further charged with six counts of failing to file his federal income tax returns when due. The star offered to pay about $842,000 but received a three-year prison sentence. Snipes showed up at the McKean Federal Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania in 2010 and got transferred to an adjacent minimum-security facility, where he stayed until April 2013.

Wesley Snipes has since struggled to return to the spotlight

After his incarceration, Snipes had trouble reclaiming his spot as an A-lister. It didnt help that he earned a terrible reputation of being difficult to work with during his time filming the Blade trilogy. Reports indicated that Snipes even tried to choke Blade: Trinity Director David Goyer, according to CBR.

Snipes, however, denied all rumors. Since his release, hes had a few roles, including Dolomite Is My Name, The Expendables 3, The Recall, and Coming 2 America. On the other hand, Rogan has enjoyed an extremely successful career with his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience.

Celebrity Net Worth estimates Snipes net worth to be around $10 million. Rogans net worth is 10 times this at around $100 million.

RELATED: Blade: Wesley Snipes Was Apparently a Nightmare to Work With Behind-the-Scenes
Recent Josh Duggar news has less to do with his trial and more to do with his future. In April 2021, Josh was arrested on suspicion of downloading and obtaining child sexual abuse material. In December 2021, Joshs trial found him guilty of the crimes, and hes now in an Arkansas jail awaiting sentencing. Recent reports suggest the Duggar family, among others, can send Josh gift packages involving food. Heres what they can send  and one of the foods is a beloved Duggar favorite.

The Duggar familys recipes and favorite foods caused a stir over the years

The Duggar family visits Extra at their New York studios | D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Extra

The Duggar family made headlines long before the Josh Duggar news hit the media in 2021. When Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar had their TLC shows, 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On, they shared their way of life with the cameras. And they showcased their famous family recipes, like tater tot casserole, and favorite snacks.

Over the years, the Duggars made it known they adore pickles. The Duggars love pickles, Jessa Duggar once said on Counting On.I think it probably started that when my mom is pregnant she craves pickles, that is the one thing. Every time we see her eating pickles we say Are you pregnant?

They enjoy pickles so much they even give and receive them as gifts. Additionally, they love Pringles and beef jerky.

Almost all of us like pickles, but each one likes a different kind, Michelle Duggar explained. Same with the Pringles and the beef jerky. Christmas is the one time of year when every child gets their favorite flavor of each treat.

Josh Duggar news: The Duggar family can send Josh gifts of food while hes in jail

Josh Duggar | Washington County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Recent Josh Duggar news notes the Duggar family can send Josh gifts while he stays at the Washington County Jail in solitary confinement. According to The Sun, the jail ATM website is accessible for anyone who wants to send Josh gifts. The website has various care packages available to send  and they involve food.

The site notes the care packages start at $22 each, and each package contains a different type of food item or snack. The Salty Care Package has Doritos, chips, Cheetos, buffalo pretzel pieces, and more. The Sweet Care Package contains candies like Three Muskateers candy bars, Snickers, M&Ms, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Jolly Ranchers, and more.

The Soup Lovers Care Pack for $30.95 contains several different types of Ramen packets as well as saltine crackers. The A.M. Delight Care Pack that goes for $44 contains instant coffee, cappuccino, bagels with cream cheese, mini donuts, Pop-Tarts, and more.

The Big Deal Care Pack goes for $109 and includes various meals, candies, and snacks.

It seems Josh might be the most interested in the Meal Deal Care Pack that goes for $44, though. This care package contains three dill pickles (a Duggar favorite) in addition to a lasagna pouch, a taco filling pouch, saltine crackers, tortilla shells, and more.

When does Josh Duggars sentencing happen after his guilty verdict?

Josh Duggar's legal team reportedly sought a 10-day extension to file a new motion in his case. Get the latest details ahead of his sentencing.https://t.co/KessCDjfkS  In Touch Weekly (@intouchweekly) January 7, 2022

Josh Duggar remains in the Washington County Jail while he awaits sentencing. People reports probation officials had to create a pre-sentence report prior to sentencing. That took about 30 days after the trial to create.

Then each side will have two weeks to study the report and to make objections, Clay Fowlkes, acting United States attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, explained. Then, after that report is issued, studied, all the objections are filed, thats when well really start thinking about what our sentencing recommendation to the court is going to be.

Judge Timothy Brooks told Josh hell likely receive his sentence by April 2022. Josh may face up to 20 years in prison or $250,000 in fines.

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RELATED: Josh Duggars Trial: Will His Appeal Allow Him to Evade Prison Time?
Little People, Big World stars Zach Roloff and Tori Roloff recently moved out of Oregon. And this came as a particular shock after Zach talked at length with Amy Roloff and Matt Roloff about potentially purchasing Roloff Farms. Recently, Tori took to Instagram to answer fan questions. And she answered a fan who asked why she and Zach didnt buy a portion of Roloff Farms after all the discussion on the show.

Is Roloff Farms for sale? Both Zach and Jeremy Roloff considered taking over the property

Amy Roloff and Matt Roloff from Little People, Big World | Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC NewsWire

Zach Roloff told Matt and Amy Roloff he wanted to purchase Amys portion of Roloff Farms. Amy moved off of Roloff Farms after her divorce from Matt, and Matt seemed open to the idea of selling part of the farm to one of their kids. During the filming of Little People, Big World, Zach made it known he was interested. And his wife, Tori Roloff, also seemed on board.

One thing Tori and me talked about, weve talked about maybe we can move in here, Zach told his parents on the show. Maybe we can be the ones that take over the farm, buy the place.

Not only was Zach interested in taking over Roloff Farms, but Jeremy Roloff, his twin, seemed interested as well. Jeremy doesnt film with the show anymore, but Amy and Matt explained to the cameras that he and wife Audrey Roloff had interest in the farm.

Little People, Big World star Tori Roloff answered a fan about not buying Roloff Farms

#LittlePeopleBigWorld star Tori Roloff shares insight into why her husband, #ZachRoloff, and his twin brother, #JeremyRoloff, are no longer moving forward with their plans to buy their family's Roloff Farms.https://t.co/PKSahIMfLo  In Touch Weekly (@intouchweekly) January 6, 2022

While Zach and Jeremy Roloff seemed ultra-interested in purchasing a part of Roloff Farms, neither of them did. I know most of the kids were happy to get off the farm, I dont think they will ever completely go back, to be honest, which is a shame because Matt wanted them to take over, a Little People, Big World insider told The Sun.

More recently, Tori Roloff took to Instagram to answer fan questions, according to Reddit. A fan asked, What happened to Zach and Jeremys desires of wanting to buy Roloff Farms? It disappeared.

To that, Tori answered, It definitely didnt. Some things just dont go according to plan. But it all worked out for us.

Another fan asked, Is taking over the farm still on the table?

Tori answered, Nope. Were loving this little slice of heaven.

After reading Toris responses, fans questioned how serious Zach and Jeremy were about owning the property to begin with.

Regardless of what either Jeremy or Zach says, neither seems to have [the] ambition to actually operate the farm, a Reddit user noted. I question what they planned to do other than live on it.

Theres gotta be more to the story  and they just dont want to say, another fan wrote. Jeremy and Matt I bet butt heads a lot. But Tori and Zach moved to another state, which I found interesting. I guess time will tell what happens eventually.

Where did Zach and Tori Roloff move to?

#LPBW's Tori Roloff announced and husband Zach Roloff are expecting baby No. 3 following the couple's move to Washington! https://t.co/paU5VsMe6C  In Touch Weekly (@intouchweekly) November 17, 2021

Zach and Tori Roloff moved from Oregon to Washington, and Tori posted about the move to Instagram.

We said goodbye to our sweet, cozy, unique, and very green house in Portland yesterday!! Tori wrote. We have had so many beautiful memories in that house including bringing our sweet bean home from the hospital, countless gatherings, and just a whole lot of love.

According to the New York Post, the new home contains four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and it also came with two acres of land. The couple bought the house for nearly $1 million.

Tori promised Little People, Big World fans she and Zach would stay on the show despite their move. Fans of the show can expect to hear about the new house. And now that Matt Roloff still owns all of Roloff Farms, well be curious to see what happens to the property in upcoming seasons.

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RELATED: Little People, Big World Season 23 and 24: Amy Roloff and Chris Marek Said They Signed Up for 2 More Seasons
Queen Elizabeth II has had to think about her own demise more than most people as what happens after her reign is discussed often. The line of succession to the British throne dictates that Prince Charles will take over for the monarch upon her death. The Prince of Wales is the longest-serving heir apparent in British history and while he doesnt publicly make remarks about the possibility of his mother abdicating, one of his staffers reportedly did and their comment infuriated the queen.

Queen Elizabeth II reacting after her horse fails to win the Epsom Derby | Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images

The palace has shot down rumors that Queen Elizabeth will retire

Given her advanced age and news of a hospital stay in 2021, there has been more chatter than ever about Queen Elizabeths health and if shell step aside and hand the crown over to her son. The palace though has insisted that wont happen.

Not only did the queen make a promise on her 21st birthday to reign as long as she lives saying: I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service, abdicating because of ones age isnt done.

Therefore, unless she is physically or mentally incapable of holding her position, Charles wont be king until his mother takes her last breath.

Queen Elizabeth II attends a ceremony to mark her official birthday at Windsor Castle | Toby Melville  WPA Pool/Getty Images

RELATED: Queen Elizabeth II Reportedly Unhappy With Prince Charles Plan for Her Home After She Dies

What Prince Charles staffer said about the queen abdicating

Because the queen takes her duty seriously its in incredibly poor taste for anyone in the household to joke about her stepping down and how the prince would react to it. But one of Prince Charles aides reportedly didnt get the memo and that really angered the monarch.

Royal author Robert Jobson wrote about what took place in his book Williams Princess.

In November 1998, a person never identified was responsible for a spectacularly misguided attempt to burnish Charles reputation and enforce his position as heir to the throne, Jobson wrote (per Express).

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles arriving at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting | Jonathan Brady/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

He continued: [It] led instead to the queens ire, necessitating an embarrassing climbdown on the part of her eldest son. The queen was appalled to read that a St. James Palace aide had asserted that Charles would be privately delighted if his mother were to abdicate.

If true, this was a delight the prince would have been better keeping to himself. But the source of the information was a supporter of Charles who no doubt genuinely believed himself to be speaking in the Prince of Wales best interest.

Jobson added that the queen was not happy at all about the comment explaining: This was an act of treachery as far as the queen was concerned. Livid, she telephoned Charles who was on an official visit to Bulgaria. He knew nothing about it but agreed with his mother that a joint statement should be issued in which Charles would stress his abiding admiration and affection for the queen. Prince Charles insisted that if any of his staff had been guilty, heads would roll.

According to Jobson, Charles wasnt able to figure out who said it though and no one was hung out to dry.

RELATED: Prince William and Kate Middleton Will Hit Bump in the Road Once the Queen Dies and Prince Charles Is King, Expert Says
The Bangladeshi boat with crew being handed over to the Bangladesh Coast Guard by the Indian Coast Guard at the sea. (DC Image)

Kolkata: The Indian Coast Guard on Sunday successfully repatriated a Bangladeshi fishing boat Allahar Daan alongwith 20 Bangladeshi fishermen.

The boat and it's crew was handed over by ICGS Sarojini Naidu to the Bangladesh Coast Guard Ship Shadhin Bangla at the international maritime boundary line.

The boat was reported adrift at sea due to engine breakdown and was sighted by the Indian fishermen, the ICG (North East) regional headquarters stated while adding, "The Indian fishermen displaying humanity provided necessary assistance to the boat and towed the distressed boat to Paradip on December 26."

The incident highlights the importance given by Indian fishermen to help mariners/ fishermen at sea in distress irrespective of nationality thereby forming an important link in ensuring safety of life at sea.

The ICG in coordination with Marine Police at Paradip provided shelter to the boat and its crew on humanitarian grounds. The crew were reported to be safe and healthy.

The ICG not only provides solace to fishermen and mariners in distress but also provides humanitarian assistance.

Such operations highlights the coordinated response between Coast Guard agencies of India and Bangladesh demonstrating mutual commitment for safety of fishermen at sea and further strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries, it said.
Several actors from Netflixs hit series Squid Game have become international stars in the past few months.

For example, HoYeon Jung, who plays North Korean defector Kang Sae-Byeok (also known as Player No. 067), now boasts over 20 million followers on Instagram. She is learning a lot about fame, and she recently shared one important lesson she picked up.

HoYeon Jung | Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

HoYeon Jung was a model before her big break in acting

Before Jung became an actor, she spent many years as a model. She started modeling as a teenager and even appeared on Koreas Next Top Model in 2013. Jung also worked in the U.S. and Europe, walking the runway for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Oscar de la Renta.

She told Teen Vogue that she pivoted toward acting when she felt that her modeling career was slowly declining.

I started to worry about what I should do when I had no job at all, Jung admitted. I started to think about my next steps and thats when I figured maybe it could be a good idea to start acting.

She added, Back then, it was only one of the options that I was considering, and I wasnt really serious about it, but as I started my career overseas, I had a lot of alone time in airplanes, hotels and I had nothing to do but watch movies, Netflix series, or read books. I felt that urge to express myself on screen.

Jung began taking acting lessons whenever she was in South Korea. It didnt take long before she got the opportunity to appear in Squid Game, which was her first professional acting gig.

HoYeon Jung reveals 1 important lesson she has learned about life and fame

RELATED: Squid Game: HoYeon Jung Explains I Cried in Front of My Friend out of Fear and Her Transition Into Acting

Jung became an international star overnight, and she has been adjusting to life in the intense spotlight.

In a new interview with Vogue, Jung shared that she has learned a valuable lesson about the ups and downs of her career. During the periods of lows, Jung was working on different ways to improve herself, such as learning English, training her posture and voice, broadening her worldview through art and film.

Getting farther away from other peoples gaze let me find what I wanted again and gave me time to study it, she shared. Whats important in life is not when your career is up, but when your career is down and how you spend that time. Thats something I learned.

How HoYeon Jung is staying grounded amid international fame

RELATED: Squid Game: What Is HoYeon Jungs Net Worth After Netflix Success?

Its easy to get caught up in the world of celebrity and entertainment. However, Jung is trying to stay humble amid her newfound fame.

She told Teen Vogue, I never expected this sort of thing to happen so I think the biggest emotion that Im feeling is that I just cant believe it. What Im trying to do is Im trying to see people that are very close to me so that I can stay [grounded] and I dont get carried away because of this.
The Incredible Dr. Pol star Dr. Jan Pol knew practically all of his life that he wanted to become a veterinarian. For his son Charles, who is an executive producer on the Nat Geo Wild program, its been just as clear that the calling to serve as a vet was most decidedly not for him.

Heres what Charles had to say on the topic.

The Incredible Dr. Pol stars Charles Pol, Diane Pol and Dr. Jan Pol attend a 2013 National Geographic Channel event | Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Dr. Pol is the only veterinarian in the family

In his memoir Never Turn Your Back on an Angus Cow, Dr. Pol explained that he received his veterinary degree at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. While college was free to anyone, there was a catch to this generous educational system.

In the Netherlands, if you graduated high school you were entitled to go to college, he said. We paid only room and board; there was no tuition. But because of that system, they made the school very, very hard to weed out people. On my first day, there were three hundred new vet students sitting more than one to a seat in the classroom built for one hundred people. By the second year, more than half of them were gone. Of the dozen friends I started with, only two of us made it into a regular animal practice.

Charles Pol explained recently why he decided not to be a veterinarian

During a recent Facebook Live event with the shows fans, Charles was asked about everything from whether Dr. Brenda had retired to questions about his growing family, and for advice about pets. One fan took the opportunity to ask when he knew he didnt want to be a veterinarian.

I knew from an early age, Charles said, that this is a profession that you have to have a passion for.

I didnt have the same kind of passion that I saw in my dad, so I knew that that probably wouldnt be right for me. While I love being a part of veterinary medicine, while I love helping my dad and working with animals on a daily basis, I never really wanted to go that far and become a vet because I didnt have the passion for it.

According to Dr. Pol, in a conversation with the Tribune News Service, Charles passion was in television: He had a friend at Nickelodeon and Charles said, If you want to make a reality show, you should make one with my dad. Hes a veterinarian. He does large animals. Hes in the Midwest, and theres been nothing like that on TV. And hes a CHARACTER.'

Dr. Pols memory of Charles vocational decision

In his memoir, the veteran veterinarian recalled he and his son were the same age when each made their decision regarding veterinary medicine.

Just like I can remember the day when I decided I wanted to be a vet, Charles can remember the day he knew for sure he didnt want to be a vet, he wrote. We each happened to be about 12 years old when we made those decisions.

Dr. Pols sons resolution was sealed, his father recalled, on a late-night call during a blizzard to a horse in labor and in distress. The veterinarian brought his son along on the slippery drive. When they arrived at the farm, the horses foal was already dead but it still had to be pulled out of the animal.

I put chains on it and yanked it out, Dr. Pol wrote. And thats when the smell that had been trapped inside burst out in one, big foul wave. Oh my goodness, was it terrible. I looked at Charles and his face turned white and he tried hard to hold it in; then his whole body shook just a little, and then that was it. Out it came  Thats the day Charles decided that he wasnt going to be a vet.

RELATED: The Incredible Dr. Pol: Heres Why Dr. Jan Pol Wont Watch His Own Show
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Mother Teresa's charity no longer banned from receiving foreign donations in India

Indias government has restored the license of Mother Teresas charity to receive and spend overseas funds for its work in the country less than two weeks after blocking the Catholic group from receiving foreign donations. Licenses of many other Christian groups remain revoked.

The Ministry of Home Affairs reversed the ban on the Missionaries of Charity on Friday, Vatican News reported. The charity founded by the Albanian-Indian Catholic nun runs orphanages and schools for abandoned children and relies heavily on foreign donations to carry out its mission.

We never expected that our registration could be cancelled but it happened, Sunita Kumar told the Union of Catholic Asia News agency. We are happy that the restoration of our license happened without much delay."

On Christmas Day, the government agency announced that Missionaries of Charity no longer met eligibility requirements under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act because the charity was found to have adverse inputs when its renewal application was reviewed.

About a week before Christmas, police in the western state of Gujarat began investigating the charity after officials filed a police complaint under the states anti-conversion law, alleging the nuns were forcibly converting girls.

Police filed the case for allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments and luring young girls toward Christianity in a shelter home the charity runs in Vadodara city, The Indian Express reported at the time.

The police complaint said the charitys Home for Girls in Makarpura area was forcing girls to read the Bible and pray with the intention of steering them into Christianity.

A spokesperson from the charity had denied that it was involved in any religious conversion activity.

We have 24 girls in the home. These girls live with us and they follow our practice as they see us doing the same when we pray and live, the spokesperson said. We have not converted anyone or forced anyone to marry into Christian faith.

Founded by the famed Roman Catholic nun in 1950 in Calcutta, the charity runs orphanages, schools for abandoned children, soup kitchens and other charitable operations. The organization serves the poorest of the poor, irrespective of social class, creed or color.

We deliberately choose to show Gods concern for the poorest and the lowliest, remaining right on the ground, while offering immediate and effective service to those in need, until they can find someone who can help them in a better and more lasting way, the website notes.

Bishop M. Jagjivan, the moderator of the National Christian Council, an organization representing Indias Christian community, told The Wall Street Journal last month that Indias government has increasingly rejected foreign-funding approvals for Christian groups, forcing many faith-run organizations to shut.

On Jan. 1, 2022, the interior ministry published a list of more than 6,000 nonprofits whose FCRA registrations had been deemed to cease, many of which are Christian groups, including the Catholic organization Salesians of Don Bosco.

These NGOs can no longer receive any foreign contribution. They can also not utilize what they have already received, said the list.

In 2017, Christian child sponsorship organization Compassion International, which helped 147,000 children in India, ceased operations in India after being blocked from receiving foreign funding. Over 100 members of U.S. Congress wrote a letter to Indias interior minister calling for Compassion International to be allowed to receive foreign funds.

In 2020, the Indian government banned six other Christian groups from receiving foreign funds: New Life Fellowship Association, Evangelical Churches Association of Manipur, Ecreosoculis North Western Gossner Evangelical, and Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Believers Church, a network founded by Gospel for Asias K.P. Yohannan, and three other associated organizations were blocked from receiving foreign funds in 2017.

Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, Indias government has increasingly tightened rules on foreign funding of non-governmental organizations, many of them religious.

While Christians make up only 2.3% of Indias population and Hindus comprise about 80%, there has been an uptick in radical Hindu nationalist attacks on religious minorities and prosecution of anti-conversion laws.

Several Indian states, including Gujarat, have passed anti-conversion laws, which presume that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to lure them into converting to Christianity.

While some of these laws have been around for decades, no Christian has been convicted of forcibly converting anyone to Christianity. These laws embolden Hindu nationalist organizations to make false charges against Christians and conduct mob attacks.

The watchdog group Open Doors USA, which monitors persecution in over 60 countries, reports that Hindu radicals often attack Christians with little to no consequences.

Hindu extremists believe that all Indians should be Hindus and that the country should be rid of Christianity and Islam, an Open Doors fact sheet on India explains. They use extensive violence to achieve this goal, particularly targeting Christians from a Hindu background. Christians are accused of following a foreign faith and blamed for bad luck in their communities.

For Indias Christians, 2021 was the most violent year in the countrys history, according to a report. At least 486 violent incidents of Christian persecution were reported in the year.
This week in Christian history: Quaker founder dies, Lutheran Synod president ordained

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance.

Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births, notable deaths and everything in between.

Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while other happenings might be previously unknown by most people.

This week  Jan. 9 to Jan. 15  marks the anniversary of Fabian becoming pope, the ordination of the first president of The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod and the death of the founder of the Quaker movement.

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New year, new perspective

We all know that the New Year is a good time to evaluate our life and set goals for the year to come. Have you resolved to do anything in 2022? If not, I would encourage you to make one commitment this year that could have a tremendous impact on your own happiness.

With this in mind, take a minute, close your eyes and picture this  an 8 by 8 foot, dirt-floor shack made of sheet metal. No electricity. No running water. And, eight occupants.

I was confronted with this reality on a recent trip to Kenya. The home belonged to Selin, a widow living in the Mathare slum  the third-largest slum in Africa and the sixth largest slum in the world. Selin had taken in 7 orphaned children after her husband passed away. Her biological children had all died from illness before they turned 5. Selin worked hard, earning $2 a day washing clothes to provide for her new family.

Now, take a moment to imagine your home and circumstances. Does your bathroom have running water? Is your refrigerator filled with food? Do you have a car or cars in your driveway? Do you have a mattress, pillow and clean sheets to sleep on? Most likely, you answered yes to all of these questions.

The stark differences in these two living situations should mean vastly different levels of joy and contentment, right? Not necessarily.

Despite little resources, harsh living conditions and much tragedy in her life, Selin seemed quite content when I met her. Her heart was overflowing with compassion and gratitude for her children and her life. On the other hand, most Americans I know are not content, always wanting more, bigger and better. According to a study conducted at The University of Chicago, Americans are more unhappy today than they have been in 50 years. Just 14% of American adults say they are very happy'. COVID-19 is to blame for some of the current discontentment, but not all of it.

As the global director for World Challenges Mercy Ministries program, I witness the paradox of people who have little, experiencing joy, happiness and contentment quite frequently. My regular trips overseas to support widows and orphans remind me of the basic needs they have that often go unmet. Yet, this doesnt seem to impact their joy.

My recent trip to Kenya, got me thinking, How are those living with less experiencing more joy? What can we do to experience more ourselves? How much is enough for us? I believe the answer is found both in science and Scripture.

Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist and professor of psychology at Yale University, said in an interview on the "Today" Show, We think treating ourselves  self-care  is the way to happiness, but science tells us its really about being others-oriented and helping others. Santos, whose research has been featured in numerous scientific journals, also said that practicing daily gratitude can boost your mood.

Biblical truths found in Scripture communicate a similar message. Proverbs 11:25 says, A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. We also read in Proverbs, The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor (22:9 NIV). I believe that God commands us to love and help others not only because thats how his kingdom works but because he understands the joy it brings to those who do so. The revelation is that life is not about what you have. Instead, its about who you are and what you do.

We see this same truth in Selins story as well. When confronted with the death of her husband and children, rather than harbor anger and grief, she decided to help orphaned children living in the slum. This act of kindness gave her purpose and joy.

By all accounts, America is the richest country in the world. However, it seems we are putting our focus on the wrong things  more stuff, nicer things, and ultimately us, us, us. But, in reality, we have much more than we need. So, when will we realize this and shift our focus to helping others? I believe this mentality is the key to a joy-filled life.

As we continue into 2022, I encourage you to set some new resolutions and focus on being other-oriented rather than self- and stuff-focused. If you do, you are bound to experience more contentment and happiness in 2022!
California shuts down church preschool for not enforcing mask mandate

Pastors, politicians and families gathered outside a church preschool in San Diego County to protest against California shutting down the school for violating the states COVID-19 mask mandate. The church claims its being targeted by regulators.

Foothills Christian Church Preschool in El Cajon was a scene of protest Friday as Republican State Sen. Brian Jones, the citys Mayor Bill Wells and area pastors gathered along with parents to protest the states decision to close the school for not masking the 3 to 5-year-old children.

Additionally, preschool director Tiffany McHugh was suspended from working with children.

The preschool, which has been shut down by the California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing since Dec. 10, has over 100 kids and has been in operation for six years.

David Hoffman, who senior pastors the church with his brother, Mark, claimed during the demonstration that state representatives visited the daycare over 11 times in the last several months. The visits began after a complaint from a parent.

Our church used to have a great preschool here, he said. We had over 100 students, and we had a waiting list ... so large that we were in the process of expanding our preschool.

Several months ago, this church, this preschool became a target by the Department of Social Services. Basically, what it boils down to is they were not happy with how many of our children did not have masks on, he claimed. They came here, they visited. They found a few other violations, which our director rectified in 24 hours. But the state kept coming back, 11 times. ... Seven of those times were from 9 a.m. in the morning to 6 p.m. that night.

What were they doing all that time? he asked. Looking through our files. ... They are looking at these files over and over and over again to try to find any violation they could. ... Its harassment, its intimidation.

Hoffman said that on three separate visits, state representatives interviewed children without parental consent. On Nov. 15, the church was told it was doing better. On Dec. 7, Hoffman said that the church received a facility evaluation.

They couldnt really find anything wrong except that not enough kids had masks on, Hoffman said. I want to read this to you: There were disinfectants, cleaning solutions, poisons and other items that posed a danger to children. I defy anybody to go into this building right now and find poisons.

The senior pastor alleges that the violation was from a time one of the teachers used a Clorox wipe to wipe down a table, and authorities say she didnt lock the cabinet.

On Dec. 10, a state representative and a law enforcement officer showed up to close down the daycare without prior notice to families, Hoffman added.

All she kept saying to me over and over again is that this shutdown is because we are concerned about the health and safety of these children, he said.

Now you have all these families that dont have anywhere to take their kids.

The Department of Social Services pointed CBS 8 toward legal documents claiming that the daycare and McHugh failed to ensure all employees wore a mask while indoors and didnt encourage students 2 years of age and older to wear a mask. The state also alleges that McHugh prevented officials from inspecting the facility, which allowed employees and students time to put on their masks.

The Department of Social Services had been visiting the school for inspection since last September.

During the protest, McHugh said she was shocked the state suspended her from working with children. She told CBS 8 in an interview that the school is going up against a lot of parents that dont want their children to be masked" and young children who pull off their masks.

Sen. Jones said during the demonstration that in his 20 years of office, the situation involving the daycare is the single most upsetting situation I have ever had a government agency put down on my constituents.

These people arent here for the politicians, Jones said of the demonstraters. These people are here for [McHugh], this morning.

Tiffany, what they have done to you is wrong, Jones said to applause. I believe it is unconstitutional and it violates every founding principle of this country and even this state. All these people are here for you. They support you and they trust you.

Jones told KUSI News that the states action is an overreach of the state government and regulatory agencies.

This is the caring part of the government and what theyve done is a cruel and unusual punishment to  100 families, Jones said.

Parent John McGovern told the outlet that Tiffany McHugh is a wonderful director. We feel our children are safe in her care.

Foothills Christian Church has appealed the closure and a hearing has been scheduled for next Friday.
The warship has been built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore and its construction propelled India into a select group of countries having capabilities to build state-of-the-art aircraft carriers. (Indian Navy photo)

New Delhi: India's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant began another set of sea trials on Sunday to carry out complex manoeuvres in high seas ahead of its planned induction in August.

The 40,000-tonne aircraft carrier, the largest and most complex warship to be built in India, successfully completed a five-day maiden sea voyage in August and underwent 10-day sea trials in October.

"The IAC now sails to undertake complex manoeuvres to establish specific readings of how the ship performs in various conditions," Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said, adding various sensor suites of the ship would also be tested.

The warship has been built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore and its construction propelled India into a select group of countries having capabilities to build state-of-the-art aircraft carriers.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited the ship recently in Kochi.

"After two successive high profile visits  the President and Vice President of India  within a span of less than two weeks, IAC Vikrant is heading out for the next set of sea trials," Commander Madhwal said.

"Both dignitaries, having reviewed the progress, had conveyed their satisfaction and expressed their best wishes to all the stakeholders involved in the project," he added.

While the maiden sea trials were to establish propulsion, navigational suite and basic operations, the second sea trial witnessed the ship being put through its paces in terms of various machinery trials and flight trials.

"The ship in fact was out for 10 days proving its sustenance in the very second sortie. Various seamanship evolutions were also successfully cleared during the second sortie," the Navy official said.

Several scientists from the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, a DRDO facility based at Visakhapatnam, are witnessing the third phase of sea trials of Vikrant.

The warship will operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters.

It has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1700 people, including specialised cabins to accommodate women officers.

Vikrant has a top speed of around 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles, officials said.

The IAC is 262 metres long, 62 metres wide and it has a height of 59 metres. Its construction began in 2009.

The warship has been built by Cochin Shipyard Limited(CSL).

India currently has only one aircraft carrier -- INS Vikramaditya,

The Indian Navy has been focusing on significantly bolstering its overall capabilities in view of China's growing efforts to increase its military presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Indian Ocean, considered the backyard of the Indian Navy, is critical to the country's strategic interests.

"That the ship has been able to carry out basic flying operations from its very first sortie itself is a landmark in Indian warship construction history," Commander Madhwal said.

"Despite surging COVID cases in the country and the resultant challenges, the combined teams from multiple organisations associated with the project are upbeat and committed to meet the timeliness," he said.
UK girls' school association bans trans-identified biological boys from enrollment

An association of 25 girls schools in England and Wales has adopted a new policy to maintain the institutions single-sex status by refusing admissions to trans-identified biological male students.

The Girls Day School Trust updated its policy on gender identity last month, saying its committed to single-sex education for girls, and, therefore, admissions to the schools are based on the prospective students legal sex as recorded on their birth certificate.

Applications from students who are legally female but who identify as trans or non-binary will be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis, the policy states. Single-sex schools present a particular context for transgender students. There may be cultural challenges involved in a trans student who does not identify as a girl attending a school which deliberately tailors its ethos and educational approach to cater specifically for girls.

The policy argues that admissions policies based on gender identity instead of sex recorded on a students birth certificate would jeopardise the status of GDST schools as single-sex schools under the act.

For this reason, GDST schools do not accept applications from students who are legally male, the policy stresses. We will, however, continue to monitor the legal interpretation of this exemption.

GDST Chief Executive Cheryl Giovannoni said in a statement that its member schools are able to operate a single-sex admissions policy, without breaching the Equality Act 2010 on the basis of an exemption relating to biological sex.

Under current laws and guidance, the GDST believes that an admissions policy based on gender identity rather than the legal sex recorded on a students birth certificate could jeopardise the status of GDST schools as single-sex schools under the act, Giovannoni maintains.

Teacher and trans campaigner Debbie Hayton wrote an op-ed for the UnHerd titled A Win for Common Sense at The Girls Day School Trust.

As the law stands, children in the UK cannot acquire a Gender Recognition Certificate which means they cannot change their legal sex, Hayton wrote. So that means that there is no question about girls schools excluding girls who choose to identify as boys: they are still female legally as well as biologically. Trans-identified girls are not being turned down.

The group being excluded are boys who identify as girls, but not because of their gender identity, Hayton continued. One only needs to look as far as the Equality Act 2010, which allows single-sex schools to refuse to admit pupils of the opposite sex. ... Those boys remain legally male and therefore ineligible.

Headteachers in the United Kingdom have called on the Department for Education to frame national guidance on transgender issues to be published as education leaders are struggling to cope, according to The Telegraph.

It is a really big issue and the lack of formal guidance for schools is something that we are concerned about, Julie McCulloch, director of policy at the Association of School of College Leaders, was quoted as saying. This issue has grown quite rapidly over the past few years and it certainly feels like something that has become much more common. It is increasingly something that almost all schools are having to think about, but particularly single sex schools.

In 2017, when the gender identity issue was becoming more prominent in the U.K. and the number of children referred to gender identity clinics was on the rise, a major school guide announced that it would rate schools based on how transgender-friendly they are.

Sally-Anne Huang, the headmistress of the private James Allens Girls School in south London, said at the time that she would no longer be calling her students girls to avoid potentially offending pupils who were questioning their gender.

I try not to say girls, [but] when you have been teaching for 20 years, it is very hard not to say girls, she said, according to The Sunday Times.

Some critics have, however, warned that pushing trans issues on young people risks leaving them confused.

Chris McGovern, a former adviser to the Department for Education, warned in 2017 that people are making a career out of encouraging children to question gender at an age when they need to be left to be children.

When teachers raise these issues children can become confused or unhappy and traumatized by it, he said.
Atheist group demands Pelosi drop prayer from Jan. 6 vigil

A prominent atheist group has demanded that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi drop a planned prayer vigil at a congressional event remembering the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter of complaint to Pelosi on Monday, urging the Democratic House leader to drop the prayer part of the event, calling it an improper marriage of state and church.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits government actors from using their position to endorse a religious message. Use of your office to promote the prayerfulness of what should be a uniting and secular event sends a message that your office prefers religion over nonreligion, wrote FFRF Co-Presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker.

As Speaker of the House, your letter announcing the official prayer vigil encourages your colleagues to likewise mix their personal religion with their governmental duties.

The atheist group leadership went on to claim that the event unnecessarily appears to tie patriotism with piety and argued that the Jan. 6 riot was fueled by Christian nationalism.

One of the goals of the insurrection was to unite church and state, and the insurrectionists clearly also believed God was on their side, they continued.

Government-sponsored religious events are inherently divisive and have no place in our secular democracy. This prayer vigil should be canceled.

On Dec. 30, Pelosi released a Dear Democratic Colleague letter, in which she laid out a list of activities being held to commemorate the anniversary of the Capitol riot.

These included an event that would feature testimonials, a moderated conversation about the event, a moment of silence on the House floor, and a prayer vigil on the Capitol steps.

These events are intended as an observance of reflection, remembrance and recommitment, in a spirit of unity, patriotism and prayerfulness. All events will be live-streamed, so that members can watch and participate from their districts, read the letter, in part.

The patriotism and courage of our members as we prepare for this difficult day is an inspiration, for which I sincerely thank you.

In addition to the events endorsed by Pelosi, large numbers of churches and other groups plan to hold their own vigils and gatherings in remembrance of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. While some people were allowed to enter the building and meandered around, others stormed the building.

Many of these events, such as the vigil planned by the First Congregational Church of Williamstown, Massachusetts, will be done to denounce Christian nationalism.

In a letter urging other churches to join them, the First Congregation Churchs leadership argued that the Jan. 6 riot showed the extent to which religious faith was being exploited to fuel anti-democratic violence.

"[W]e will hold a one-hour public protest to denounce this linkage of faith with the anti-democratic forces that continue to foster division, white supremacy, and authoritarianism in our country right now, stated the church.

Even before Jan. 6, 2021, our church had grown concerned with the misuse of religious language and symbolism to advocate for political extremism. Employing the cross or figures of Christ to justify threats or to condone coercion contradicts our conviction that Christ is the Prince of Peace and our guide toward reconciliation with each other.

Other groups, such as the Pro-Trump organization, Look Ahead America, will be hosting vigils on Thursday in support of those who entered the Capitol building on Jan. 6 of last year.

The group will also remember Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed Air Force veteran who was shot dead when she tried to enter the House chamber where members of Congress were sheltering during the protests. The officer who shot her was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

January 6th is the one-year anniversary of the beginning of our governments immoral and unconstitutional political persecution of hundreds of our brothers and sisters who exercised their First Amendment rights to seek redress of grievances on January 6th, stated LAA Executive Director Matt Braynard last month.

Around the country and even around the world, we invite our supporters to host these vigils to raise awareness of our governments betrayal of these citizens and our fundamental values to perpetuate the phony insurrection narrative.
Conservative leaders oppose Biden judicial nominee over affiliation with Southern Poverty Law Center

Conservative groups are slamming one of President Joe Bidens judicial nominees for her work on behalf of a company that has likened organizations that oppose abortion and same-sex marriage to hate groups.

In a letter to the leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin of the Family Research Council and more than two dozen leaders of conservative organizations expressed opposition to the presidents nomination of Nancy Abudu to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Specifically, they raised concerns about her employment with a disreputable organization that has no business being a feeder for positions to any judicial office not even of a traffic court  let alone the second-highest court system in the United States.

Ms. Abudu currently serves as the strategic litigation director for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a corrupt organization infamous for its decades-long managerial corruption and notorious for unscrupulously designating its political opponents as hate groups or extremists, they wrote.

For example, the SPLC has labeled the Family Research Council, which opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, an anti-LGBTQ extremist group.

These destructive accusations have done real harm to many people. In the first conviction under the post-9/11 District of Columbia terrorism statute, the convicted terrorist was shown to have been motivated by the SPLCs hate group designation and related identifying information, they added.

The pro-life activists recalled the incident in question, where the perpetrator used the SPLCs hate map to target the Family Research Council (FRC) and two other nearby groups in August 2012 for having beliefs supporting traditional marriage.

While no one was killed in the plan to commit mass murder, the gunman who sought to carry out an attack on the socially conservative think tank did shoot and critically wound FRCs unarmed building manager who subdued him while wounded.

The shooter-domestic terrorist told the FBI that the source of his information was the SPLC. Worse yet, over the past decade, the SPLC has targeted an increasing number of policy groups with whom it has policy disagreements. Any group that disagrees with the SPLC about positions it advocates is deemed to be evil and worthy of destruction.

A footnote in the letter includes a 2007 quote from an SPLC official who stated that our aim in life is to destroy these groups, completely destroy them.

After noting that the SPLC labeled human rights activist and outspoken critic of female genital mutilation Ayaan Hirsi Ali as an anti-Muslim extremist and included future Republican presidential candidate and African American Dr. Ben Carson on its 2014 extremist watch list, the letter detailed Abudus relationship with the organization and called her judgment into question.

The letter also detailed the 2019 firing of SPLC founder Morris Dees and the resignation of other company leaders following allegations of racial discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Explaining how Abudu joined SPLC in February 2019, when published articles attesting to the sleazy corporate culture at the SPLC were readily available, the pro-life leaders suggested that her acceptance of a position there demonstrated that she clearly did not look, or if she did learn about the toxic racial and sexual climate at the SPLC  she did not care about it.

Abudus acceptance of a senior litigation management role inside Americas largest political defamation factory disqualifies her from any position in which she would be expected to serve as an impartial arbiter of facts and law, they concluded. Furthermore, Abudu had no problem accepting a senior position at the SPLC when it was still being run by Morris Dees and Richard Cohen. She clearly lacks the temperament to be a federal judge with a lifetime appointment.

The White House first announced Bidens intention to nominate Abudu to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, which is based in the southeastern U.S., on Dec. 23, 2021.

In a statement, the Biden administration touted the historic nature of Abudus nomination, primarily emphasizing her potential to become the first African American woman judge ever to sit on the Eleventh Circuit, the second woman of color ever to sit on that court, and only the third African American judge ever to sit on that court.

While the Biden administration praised Abudu as extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution, the letter spearheaded by Boykin proves that her nomination faces significant conservative opposition. In a Senate evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, at least one Democrat would have to join all Republicans to block Abudus nomination.

Nearly a year into his presidency, Biden has confirmed 40 federal judges to the bench. As White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain pointed out in a tweet, the president has appointed more than double the number of judges in his first year in office than former President Donald Trump, who made judicial appointments a centerpiece of his 2020 presidential campaign.

Now we are at 40 judges confirmed in 2021! https://t.co/4qLGT2rJXF  Ronald Klain (@WHCOS) December 18, 2021

Biden still has a long way to go to match the number of judicial appointments made by his predecessor, who appointed 245 federal judges to the bench, including three Supreme Court justices, during his four years in office.
Pandemic of obsolete talking points

Omicron is now the dominant coronavirus variant across the country, responsible for 95.4% of new cases last week, according to CDC data. President Biden's talking points have yet to catch up. "There's no excuse," he said Tuesday, "no excuse for anyone being unvaccinated. This continues to be a pandemic of the unvaccinated, so we've got to make more progress."



Did he skip a briefing or something? As early as Dec. 20, the CDC warned, "anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don't have symptoms." That sounds like vaccinated Americans can not only catch the new variant, but spread it! Since then, new cases have simply skyrocketed. "Lots and lots of people who were previously infected and also lots and lots of people who are vaccinated are now getting Omicron," remarked Stanford Professor of Medicine Jay Bhattacharya.

Of course, the notion that various COVID shots offered complete immunity to the virus never enjoyed scientific confirmation. As early as February 2021 (even before the vaccine was generally available) priority groups were already experiencing "breakthrough" cases, where vaccinated persons tested positive for COVID. Through the end of April, 10,262 "breakthrough" cases had been reported, which the CDC admitted was "likely a substantial undercount." Although what these cases "broke through" was never specified (perhaps the vaccine's effectiveness, or a barrier of scientific ignorance), it should have been obvious by late spring that the virus had torn a yawning cavity clear through it.

In fact, the CDC has tacitly acknowledged for months that vaccinated people can still get infected. Thus, they authorized booster shots in September (because two doses were not enough). They recommend vaccinated people should still wear a mask (or two), although cloth masks provide little protection (because the vaccine's protection is evidently insufficient). And with the rise of the new Omicron variant, even the protection against infection vaccines did provide appears to be greatly reduced.

But President Biden, who wore a mask while getting his own booster shot in September, has repeated his anti-factual talking point often enough to convince himself it's true. "You're not going to get COVID if you have these vaccinations," he said in July. The "pandemic of the unvaccinated" became a preventable tragedy in August. Then in September, it turned personal when President Biden accused unvaccinated Americans of prolonging the pandemic. "We've been patient, but our patience is wearing thin," he said. "And your refusal has cost all of us." The refrain hardened into vaccine mandates in October, and expanded to children in November while growing steadily more implausible.

"It's very irresponsible at this point in the pandemic to stigmatize people who are vaccinated or unvaccinated," noted Dr. Bhattacharya. By this point, most unvaccinated Americans have natural immunity from previous infections. But neither vaccination nor natural immunity appears to protect people from catching the Omicron variant. They reduce the risk of severe illness, but not an infection. Leveraging the shot as a political wedge serves "no discernible purpose as far as public health goes," he said. Instead, it "undermines confidence in public health and reduces the ability to provide ... trustworthy information that people will take seriously."

Last year, President Biden entered office pledging to swiftly end the pandemic. Now, a new variant evades every tool we have yet devised. But Omicron is also milder, with 29% lower hospitalizations for adults. "The disease now is defanged," said Bhattacharya. Governments should be "telling people about tools to get back to normal life." We can't abolish COVID, but we can live with it. Insisting upon complete abolition is folly.

Originally published at the Family Research Council.
Ransom paid for all missionaries kidnapped in Haiti but gang was divided on release: family member

A family member of several of the formerly kidnapped Christian Aid Ministries missionaries in Hait said a ransom had already been paid for their release but the gang refused to set everyone free before the remaining 12 managed to escape.

There had been a ransom agreement reached with the hostage-takers, and to my understanding that ransom was actually delivered the Sunday night that my wife and son and the other lady were released, Michigan resident and missionary, Ray Noecker, told MLive in an interview published Monday.

The final 12 of 17 missionaries reportedly staged a daring escape from the clutches of the 400 Mawozo gang in Haiti last month while their kidnappers were busy making sure their phones were charged, WZZM reported. The daring escape of the 12 missionaries on Dec. 15, after two months in captivity, came just 11 days after the release of three others on Dec. 5, including Noeckers wife, Cheryl, and his 6-year-old son, Sheldon. His four other children, Cherilyn, 27; Courtney, 18; Brandon, 16; and Kosandra, now 14, were among the Dec. 15 escapees.

Two weeks prior to that, the gang released the first two of the missionaries, reportedly for medical reasons.

While he doesnt know how much money was paid and who paid for the release of the missionaries, Noecker insisted that payment was made for the entire group kidnapped on Oct. 16.

The ransom agreement was for the entire group but there was some division within the gang so they were not able to release all of them at that time (Dec. 5), Noecker said. So that would be one of the reasons the gang would have told the group that were in captivity that they were being released because of the sores, the medical condition of my wife and the other lady.

A source with knowledge of the first two releases told The Miami Herald that no ransom was paid even though the 400 Mawozo gang leader, Wilson Joseph, had threatened to kill all the missionaries if his gang didn't receive $1 million each for their release.

Christian Aid Ministries previously shared how the group of kidnapped missionaries repeatedly plotted and prayed about their escape and waited for the right signs from God.

During a luncheon and prayer vigil celebrating the safe return of his family at West Michigan Research Center, Noecker explained in a WZZM report how rain opened up a window for four of his children and the other missionaries to escape on Dec. 15.

Noecker, who was preparing for a day of teaching pastors when the missionaries were abducted, explained that the guards who watched them at night usually gathered around an extension cord to charge their phones.

Heavy rains on the night of their escape put the cord under water and forced the guards to move the charging of their phones to the opposite side of the building, opening the door for their eventual escape.

Last month, CAM spokesman Weston Showalter said once the missionaries were away from the hostage camp, they moved toward a mountain feature identified as a landmark and journeyed Northwest under starlight.

With Gods help, protection, and leading, they quickly made their way through the night. They walked for possibly as much as 10 miles, traveling through woods and thickets, working through thorns and briars. One of the hostages said, Two hours [of the walk] were through fierce brambles. We were in gang territory the whole hike, Showalter noted. The moon provided light for their path. During times they werent sure which way to go, they stopped and prayed, asking God to show them.

Noecker said when he was first reunited with his entire family after the kidnapping he yodeled.

I just started yodeling, he recalled.

On Sunday, just days after the missionary and his family returned to West Michigan, their community came out to thank God and celebrate their safe return.

"We just want to celebrate what God did," Pastor Ryan Vanderzwah said. "We prayed and He answered."

Despite the kidnapping in Haiti, Noecker told WZZM that if God calls his family to go back and minister there he plans to answer that call.

"God calls us to minister to the hurting people," he said. "So that would be why we went as a family, because there was a need and an opportunity to make a difference in peoples lives."
Frank Rebelo lined up the upgrades well before he boarded his Caribbean cruise: the dining package that would let him eat at high-end restaurants, the beverage package that would keep the drinks flowing. But after contracting covid-19 and isolating in a designated cabin, he had to order off the room service menu: turkey sandwich, pizza, burgers and three choices for dessert.

"They were like, 'We're going to give you the minimum you need to survive,' " said Rebelo, 54, who owns a small trucking company and works as a DJ while splitting his time between Tijuana and Las Vegas.

His nine-night voyage on the Norwegian Getaway late last month went awry after a coronavirus surge sent cases soaring to record heights on land and at sea. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cruise lines sailing in U.S. waters reported 5,013 coronavirus cases between Dec. 15 and Dec. 29, about 30 times more than the total from the previous two weeks.

On Dec. 31, the CDC escalated its travel warning for cruises to Level 4, advising against cruise travel even for the vaccinated. By that time, it was too late for Rebelo and thousands of others to heed the message.

Although passengers must follow strict rules to cruise - with the vast majority of people onboard vaccinated and everyone required to test negative - infections have slipped through. As positive cases mount, passengers and crew have coped with less-than-ideal accommodations. Many interviewed by The Washington Post reported long waits for service, hours without water, bare-bones food and confusion over when and who to test - even as most ships maintain their course.

For customers such as Rebelo, waiting on room service when they paid for premium options can feel like an indignity. For crew, quarantine can be even more difficult - even without getting sick.

One crew member on Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas, who did not want her name published because she is still employed by the company, said she was sent to "soft quarantine" after having contact with someone who tested positive. That means she was allowed to work but required to spend the rest of her time in her room.

She said one day she found her lunch outside her door as workers were fogging the hallway with cleaning chemicals. She decided not to eat the food.

"One night my dinner was like just a box of rice. Nothing else. Not even a roll or a vegetable," she said. "Just rice. I was like, cool, glad I have a box of Pop Tarts in my room."

A former member of the cruise director staff on Oasis, Ovation and Harmony of the Seas said he tested positive for coronavirus recently and was served food in quarantine that seemed inedible to him. He declined to have his name used because of concerns about endangering future job prospects.

He provided pictures that showed a rotting orange; a small seafood salad in a box with a slice of watermelon; and a box with a scoop of white rice, a hard-boiled egg and a paltry pile of corned beef hash.

"It would be different if I worked for, like, a construction company that doesn't know anything about how to prepare food," he said. Royal Caribbean did not address questions about meals it provides to quarantining crew members.

Aboard the Norwegian Encore, however, passenger Kelly Araujo said she and her mother took solace in room service deliveries. The 18-year-old student at Duke University said she could order anything available from the dining rooms to her quarantine room. She ate lava cake with a molten chocolate center every night.

Araujo and her mother spent four days in a windowless room without seeing sunlight. They would nap, watch TV or scroll online, losing track of the hours.

"It just felt like one really, really, really long day," Araujo said. "Even when we'd wake up, we would do the same thing the next day."

During part of a three-week sailing on the Seabourn Ovation, Barry Kluger was exiled to the quarantine floor. The 68-year-old retired public relations executive missed his wife, he said, getting to see her only when she would visit a balcony near his and talk to him through an opening in a wall. Kluger, who was vaccinated, boosted and previously infected, had an asymptomatic case. He spent most of his lonely days online, posting updates about his quarantine on social media. On New Year's Eve, he wore a tux, ordered champagne and rang in 2022 with his wife over Zoom.

Kluger said the crew, to their credit, did their best to entertain him. The cruise director brought him trivia and board games. His meals, although served on disposable plates, looked elaborate: Two ginormous shrimp on a bed of greens and dollops of sauces, grilled prawns with roasted autumnal vegetables, an assortment of mussels and octopus over yellow rice.

"Cruise lines didn't create covid," he said. "Everyone's trying to feel their way through it."

Araujo, the college student who enjoyed nightly lava cake, said within three days of her family's Norwegian sailing, her mother started feeling nauseated. The family thought it was motion sickness at first.

"When we tested positive, it was like they didn't know what to do," she said of the company. "It was like they had not thought that anyone was going to test positive."

Araujo, whose father tested negative, said staff told her she and her mother were the only people to test positive, but she wondered how many other guests carried the virus without getting a test. Initially, her family was told they would disembark together on the U.S. Virgin Islands. Instead, they stayed on and split up so she and her mother could quarantine.

On the Norwegian Getaway, Rebelo said he had to argue to receive a test after he developed a cough and chills.

"They grilled me," Rebelo said. "They did not want to know. If you were firm with them, and I was, they came up and tested."

He said he and other infected passengers on the Dec. 27 cruise tried to provide information about their close contacts on the ship, but "they would not take it down." The ship's next sailing was canceled.

In response to questions about his claims, Norwegian sent a link to its protocols, which say the company has "various contact tracing methodologies to identify and notify those who may have been exposed."

Rebelo said the cruise companies are promoting their safety precautions before people board but should be doing more before they return to land. The CDC doesn't require disembarkation testing for fully vaccinated passengers.

"You've been cruising around in this petri dish for 10 days," he said. "Shouldn't you have to test before you can go back on land?"

Graphic designer Mike Ratliff, 33, found out his 4-year-old daughter had contracted covid because she had to get tested before the end of the cruise on the Harmony of the Seas, as Royal Caribbean requires for unvaccinated kids on trips that are five nights or longer.

His daughter had been feeling a little tired and had a cough, but he said those symptoms didn't seem out of the ordinary, especially several days into a busy cruise.

Then Ratliff found out she was positive. He thought the rest of his group - three older kids, his wife and parents, all vaccinated - would have to isolate because everyone had been exposed.

But Ratliff said only he had to isolate because he took his daughter to get tested; his wife had to persuade staff to let her join with their 6-year-old son because she did not want to be separated from her ill, youngest child. No one else in the group was tested on the ship.

He said his father even followed up with officials on board to make sure they didn't need to quarantine or get tested. According to Royal Caribbean International spokeswoman Lyan Sierra-Caro, passengers identified as a close contact less than 24 hours before to the end of the cruise are supposed to quarantine but are not tested on board.

During the day and a half left of the Western Caribbean sailing, Ratliff started documenting his experience with videos on TikTok, calling the account "Cruising With Covid."

"5-Star Service" he wrote on one video where he got what sounded like a busy signal as he tried to reach room service for food and water.

"This is absolutely awful," he says.

Sierra-Caro said passengers are provided with free bottled water and room service.

Ratliff said it took at least an hour to reach room service, and then another hour to get food delivered. After the first meal, he said, he made the mistake of throwing out empty water bottles, realizing too late that there was no way to collect water from the sink to drink. His efforts to get more water sent to the room were fruitless before dinner, which he said arrived nearly three hours after they ordered it and was "super cold."

After Ratliff and his wife drove their four kids home from Central Florida's Port Canaveral, everyone in the family got sick. His parents tested positive, but his immediate family didn't even bother getting tested.

While Ratliff said his family knew cruising came with risk of covid, he was disappointed with the way they were treated after his daughter tested positive.

"It was just frustrating that they weren't able to meet basic needs," he said. "We're still a guest on the ship that we paid money to be on."

Even though some shows and events got canceled because of staffing issues, Ratliff said it was a good cruise early on, with stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan.

"We had a good time up until we didn't," he said.

David Beyer, a 68-year-old travel adviser from Colorado, tested positive Dec. 30, eight days after boarding the Celebrity Equinox for the "ultimate Southern Caribbean cruise."

Beyer developed a slight cough before he woke up "not feeling good at all." After waiting hours for a test and results, he relocated from his cabin to an isolation room a couple of floors down.

The new room was a "stripped-down" version of the original, Beyer said, with just a bar of soap in the shower, no tissues and no bath mat.

"If I'd had hair I needed to shampoo, I would've been [out of luck]" he said. "Thank goodness I'm bald."

His husband, Don McCleary, kept their original room because he had tested negative; McCleary said he planned to get tested again this week because he had covid symptoms.

Until the ship returned to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 3, Beyer passed the time talking on the phone, playing games on his cellphone, watching TV and gazing at the sea from the balcony. He was able to order from the dining room menu, though the process to obtain the lukewarm food that arrived in paper boxes left a lot to be desired.

"Sometimes I was dialing upward of nine to 10 times to get through," he said. "I think it was just so many people they were just overwhelmed, and it took a long time."

After a Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Reflection, Elizabeth Seguin is stuck in quarantine in Miami for two weeks before she can make it home to Quebec. The 23-year-old disembarked on Jan. 2 for a trip that was supposed to be a respite from lockdown in the cold Canadian province.

Within her group of three families, eight people tested positive on the ship, Seguin said. She wishes she knew how many passengers in total were infected.

"We would hear the announcement every morning, like, 'It's New Year's Eve. I hope you have a good new year,' " she said, "and that kind of sucked, because we were stuck and couldn't participate in all of that."

Still, Seguin said she thought it was just as safe on a cruise as it would be in plenty of environments on land.

"When you go to a hotel, they don't ask for your vaccination, they don't ask for negative tests," she said. "If you go to a concert, or you go to a festival, you can still get covid."
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden announced last month that the federal government will buy half a billion COVID-19 rapid test kits and distribute them free to people to use at home. But despite high public demand for tests, it will still be several more weeks before these kits are available to be shipped, White House officials said.

DOES THE GOVERNMENT HAVE THE TESTS?

Not yet. This week marked the close of an initial bidding period for test manufacturers to apply to the departments of Defense and Health and Human Services for contracts to make the tests. The first contract, worth $51.6 million, was awarded Thursday and a second for 13.3 million tests was assigned Friday. Additional contracts will be signed in the coming weeks, officials said. All 500 million kits will not arrive at the same time. They will be delivered in batches over months.

WHEN WILL THE TEST KITS BE DELIVERED?

The federal government is expected to get delivery of the first batch of tests over the next week or so," according to White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients. Americans will start receiving them in the coming weeks he added.

MY DRUGSTORE DOESNT HAVE ANY TESTS. HOW CAN I GET A FREE KIT FROM THE GOVERNMENT?

Youll go to a new government website to request a kit, but the site wont be operating until after the first batch of test kits has been delivered to the government. Were obviously not going to put the website up until there are tests available, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said last month.

The Postal Service will handle fulfillment and shipment of tests to Americans doorsteps, officials said.

WHICH HOME TEST WILL I GET?

It's unclear. But Psaki noted that the Food and Drug Administration has approved several different brands of rapid home tests that are currently on the market. While they are packaged differently and may use slightly different procedures, officials said, their mechanisms of detection and effectiveness are generally the same.

WILL I BE LIMITED TO ONE TEST OR CAN I REQUEST MULTIPLE?

To be determined. Officials are also working on policies for how frequently people can request a free test. That's expected to come with a new focus on educating Americans about best practices for when they should take a test.

WHY IS BIDEN BUYING THESE TEST KITS?

It represents an acknowledgement by the president that the administration needs to do more to increase access to COVID-19 testing, which is an important tool to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

In cases where infected people show symptoms or not, testing is the only way to find out if they have the virus so they can avoid being out and about and potentially spreading disease.

Demand for test kits soared as the holidays neared and people grew eager to test themselves and their families before traveling and as the easily transmissible omicron variant spread rapidly in just a few weeks to become dominant strain in the U.S.

Biden's promise of 500 million test kits is in addition to the administration's earlier pledge to send 50 million rapid tests to community health centers across the country.

HOW MUCH WILL THE PROGRAM COST?

The purchase will be paid for with money from the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill Biden signed into law in March, the White House said. The exact cost will be known soon.

IS THERE ANOTHER WAY TO GET A TEST KIT FOR FREE

Starting Jan. 15, private insurers will be required to cover the cost of at-home testing, the same way they cover the cost of PCR lab tests. People will have the option of buying tests at a store or online, then seeking reimbursement from their health insurance provider. Those with public health insurance through Medicare or Medicaid, or without insurance, will be directed to the forthcoming website to order tests or to community health centers in their area offering free testing.

WILL THE GOVERNMENT PROGRAM MAKE IT HARDER FOR ME TO FIND A TEST AT THE DRUGSTORE?

White House officials say the government tests are coming from new manufacturing capacity and should not interfere with existing supplies that drugstores, health clinics and state governments are relying on.

These are additional tests," Zients said, made possible by the fact that the FDA has authorized many new ones in the last few months. So, theres a lot more capacity for rapid tests.
Laura Leonard was thrilled to get time off work to visit her mother in Connecticut over the holidays.

The trip was supposed to be quick, just four days during New Year's weekend, but after months on the front lines of the pandemic as a case worker at a Chicago-area hospital, she was eager for a break. Then, 90 minutes before her scheduled Jan. 3 departure back home, Southwest Airlines canceled the flight.

It cost nearly $500 to get back to Chicago - two days later and on another airline. During the mad scramble to return home, she considered renting a car and driving 900 miles. The $680 price tag was just too much.

Like thousands of passengers who planned holiday trips, Leonard became caught in an epic travel meltdown in its third week that has forced the cancellation of more than 28,000 flights since the first signs of trouble on Christmas Eve, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. What began as a pandemic-related challenge quickly snowballed into a multitiered test - coupling the uncertainties of omicron with the more familiar headache of winter weather.

"I just wanted my time off. I wanted to enjoy it," Leonard said. "But this is - it's upsetting and I don't know. I've never gone through anything like this and I am just so bummed."

The disruption for airlines and travelers is on track to become the most severe since more than 56,000 flights were canceled in a single week at the outset of the pandemic, when people didn't want to fly. A triple whammy of robust demand for holiday travel, staffing shortages triggered by a surge in coronavirus cases and bouts of wintry weather at airline hubs has ushered in one of the worst periods for air travelers in years.

More than two weeks later, the surge in daily flight cancellations has shown no signs of abating: Some airlines have announced schedule cuts through the end of the month as they fight to recover.

The ferocious speed with which the omicron variant has spread took the nation by surprise, but there's some evidence airlines could have been better prepared. Flight cancellation data shows one carrier, American Airlines, has seen significantly less disruption than others, a record it attributes to changes made during a lengthy ramping-up process that included its own meltdowns last year.

While the number of scrubbed flights has been the biggest obstacle for travelers, it's not the only disruption. About one-third of flights nationwide that have taken off in the past two weeks have been late, with the average delay topping 50 minutes on some days, according to FlightAware.

Then there are the hundreds of suitcases and bags still to be claimed at airports - some that didn't follow passengers onto connecting flights; others that were lost when passengers were rerouted through different airports after their original flights were canceled. At Reagan National Airport, an American Airlines hub where more than 85% of flights were canceled Monday, baggage claim was filled with unclaimed bags.

American said in a statement that "residual winter storm impacts, icy roads and aircraft deicing conditions inhibited our recovery efforts," adding that it is working to reunite passengers with their luggage.

Olivia Graham considered herself fortunate: her American Airlines flight landed Dec. 22 in Columbus, Ga., with no problem, but her luggage didn't. More than two weeks later, she doesn't know where her suitcase is. It was last spotted in Charlotte.

"They say they're looking but with no progress after two weeks," Graham said. "I just don't know what to do."

American said it is looking into the whereabouts of Graham's bag.

Despite the protracted spell of chaos, industry watchers say a meltdown that left fuming travelers stranded at airports is unlikely to have a lasting effect on airlines' recovery from the pandemic. They say the same dynamics that have pushed demand for travel to near pre-pandemic levels in recent months will continue well into the new year.

"There remains tremendous pent-up demand for air travel, be it leisure, long-haul international or business, which will fill seats, driving our positive industry outlook," Jonathan Root, a senior vice president at Moody's Investors Service, wrote in a report this month.

Helane Becker, an airlines analyst at financial firm Cowen, said while the course of the pandemic is hard to predict and new variants could pose fresh challenges, people are ready to move beyond the pandemic.

"People have had it with covid," she said. "They're sick of hearing about it. They're sick of talking about it."

For many, that will manifest itself in more travel.

Since the start of the pandemic, about 50,000 airline employees have left the industry through retirements or voluntary buyouts. When passenger demand began ramping up last spring, airlines scrambled to bring back workers. But a tight job market made recruiting more difficult, and gaps remain even as thousands of new employees have been hired.

Becker said the ability of airlines to stabilize service and continue adding capacity will be dictated by their ability to shore up staffing levels.

FlightAware data shows that while recent disruptions have been severe - exacerbated by the unknowns of the omicron variant - bad weather has caused comparable problems for airlines in the past decade. In February last year, when Texas was in a deep freeze, airlines recorded 16,000 cancellations in one week. The week Hurricane Sandy struck in October 2012 saw almost 20,000 canceled flights. Winter storms in January 2011 prompted 19,000 cancellations.

Even so, it's of little solace to those caught in the chaos.

After visiting family in Maryland for Christmas, Zari Warden, 18, was ready to return to Seattle for the new college semester. But when she woke up Dec. 28, she learned her flight on Alaska Airlines was canceled as the carrier grappled with lingering effects of a snowstorm two days earlier.

"We already figured that the flight was going to be canceled because so many other flights had been canceled," Warden said. "It wasn't a surprise - it was just trying to figure out how to go from there."

Warden's father called the airline but couldn't get through to an employee - a common refrain from stranded travelers. After three days, they gave up and bought a ticket for a Jan. 4 flight on United Airlines.

That flight was delayed an hour because baggage crews were shorthanded amid a coronavirus outbreak, but Warden made it home at last.

The first inkling of holiday travel trouble was a Dec. 21 letter from Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Ed Bastian, who asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to cut its recommended isolation time after airline employees test positive for the coronavirus. Over the next few days, several airlines announced cancellations because of rising cases among their workforces as the omicron variant began to surge.

Delta, United and JetBlue Airways were among those that canceled flights on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Then came the weather. The day after Christmas, a storm socked Seattle with more snow in a single day than in all of 2020. It crippled the operations of Alaska Airlines, which is headquartered in the city.

In the days that followed, bad weather hit the Upper Midwest as airlines scrambled to staff flights and keep enough workers critical to other functions, such as handling baggage.

FlightAware cancellation data illustrates how in the days that followed, individual airlines suffered at different times over the weeks as storms hit various parts of the country.

Southwest rode out the first several days of industry disruptions with minor effects, only to scrub about 2,000 flights in the first four days of 2022 as snow rolled through its hubs in Chicago, Denver and Baltimore. Southwest has extended a program that offers bonus pay to employees through Jan. 25.

"Our focus is to stabilize the operation as we work through winter storms, while navigating the national COVID-19 spike to maintain sufficient staffing, so that we can offer a more reliable schedule as soon as possible," said Southwest spokesman Brian Parrish.

Alaska Airlines, still struggling in the aftermath of the December storm, first urged customers to defer travel through Jan. 2, then announced it would cut its schedule by 10 percent through January to get back on it feet.

"We're at our best when we are safe, reliable and caring," Alaska said in a statement. "And right now, we need to build more reliability back into our operation as we deal with the impacts of omicron and during a time when guests generally fly less."

One carrier has suffered consistently since late December: SkyWest Airlines has canceled more than 4,000 flights, according to FlightAware. The airline runs shorter routes for major airlines on smaller planes.

Becker said larger carriers tend to cancel their smaller regional flights more quickly because it's less disruptive. Regional airlines also tend to operate in more challenging areas with less support for remedies like de-icing.

In a statement, SkyWest said it had faced the combined effects of coronavirus cases, quarantined employees and bad weather.

"Given the ongoing surge in COVID cases and related sick calls, we've been working with each of our major partners to proactively reduce our January schedules for the remainder of the month to ensure we're able to adequately staff our remaining flying as we work to recover in the coming weeks," the company said.

Becker said the different experiences reflect varying strategies in the industry over the holiday period. American and Southwest faced high-profile meltdowns earlier in 2021 and Becker said they adopted a more conservative approach afterward.

One major carrier has ridden out the past two weeks with minimal disruptions. American Airlines has only canceled about 3 percent of its flights since Christmas - far fewer than its competitors, according to FlightAware.

David Seymour, American's chief operating officer, attributed the lower numbers to work that began as the carrier sought to rebound from the first year of the pandemic. That effort hit hurdles early on - with American facing waves of cancellations in June and October - but Seymour said the airline recruited staff, brought back those who were on leave and offered incentives to employees who agreed to work extra hours.

Seymour said American built a December schedule it could adequately staff. The airline couldn't predict the rise of the omicron variant, but had built in a buffer in case of the unexpected, Seymour said.

Still, several American customers said that while their flights operated as scheduled, they ran into other difficulties the carrier still has yet to resolve.

Nikki Mckenzie, of Los Angeles, said the airline bungled the reservation she and her husband had booked in Ecuador, charged a fee to rebook it, then lost their luggage, forcing them to spend a week with only what they packed in their carry-ons.

"You feel like you're screaming into a void and no one cares," she said of attempts to reach customer service employees. Late Friday, after inquiries from The Washington Post, American said it found Mckenzie's suitcase and made arrangements to have it delivered.

Seymour said the airline is expecting a strong summer with rising demand for travel. But as recent weeks have shown, he said, the pandemic could present surprises.

"What the country feels, we're going to feel," he said.

Henry Harteveldt, an aviation analyst with Atmosphere Research Group, said airlines are hoping the country moves beyond the worst of omicron by the middle of February.

"Airlines want to be ready to capitalize and be ready for what I suspect will be a very, very strong spring and summer travel season," he said.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has granted bail to an interior designer who was arrested in connection with the deaths of three people, including two models, in a car accident which allegedly resulted as he was chasing them in his four-wheeler.

Justice Gopinath P, while granting the relief to Syju M Thankachan, said that prima facie and for the purpose of considering his entitlement to bail, the provisions of Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) may not be attracted even if all the allegations against the accused interior designer were true.

According to the prosecution, investigation in the case has revealed instances of various other crimes, including those under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, committed by the accused and the CCTV visuals, including those of traffic cameras, show the manner in which he caused the accident.

Thankachan was arrested in the case on November 27, 2021.

Ancy Kabeer (25) and Anjana Shajan (24) had died in the fatal crash on November 1 last year.

A third passenger, in the car, succumbed to his injuries a few days later. The driver, who escaped with injuries, was later arrested and is the first accused in the case.

Thankachan is accused of stalking the models from a bar and later intercepting their car at Kundannoor in Kochi city. Later, the women sped away in their car to avoid him and he allegedly chased them in his vehicle, police had said.

The state urged the high court that he may not be granted bail as he was very wealthy and influential and granting him the relief may not be conducive for his successful prosecution.

It also told the court that if it was going to grant him the relief then stringent conditions may be imposed on him.

Thankachan's lawyer told the court that the driver of the car which met with the accident was in a highly inebriated condition and this alone could be the reason why he lost control of the vehicle and not because the accused was chasing them.

The court, thereafter, granted Thankachan bail subject to his executing a bond for a sum of Rs one lakh with two solvent sureties each for the like amount.

It also directed him to appear before the Investigating Officer of the case on every Monday and Saturday at 9 AM and not to leave the local limits of Ernakulam District without permission from the jurisdictional court.
Students at Johnson High School spent class time sitting in an auditorium on Friday because classes were without a teacher or a substitute. NEISD spokesperson Aubrey Chancellor says there were 672 teachers out district wide today, January 7, and the district has been unable to find substitutes for 300 positions. This has been a growing problem at school districts across San Antonio as COVID cases continue to rise.

Chancellor says she didn't know how many of the absent teachers have COVID-19 since they classify their time off under personal or family illness, but she knows the wave of absences came after winter break.

The students are sent to the auditorium, Chancellor says, and are given any work that was planned for the day but are not taught.

She says NEISD has had trouble finding substitutes since the beginning of this school year, the first time Texas schools brought back in-person learning since the pandemic started in March 2020.

Chancellor says it's been mentally taxing on staff.

"Its tough," she says. "Every time our employees think there is going to be a little bit of hope  that we're going to turn a corner  theres another challenge."

Superintendent Sean Maika emailed a statement to parents this afternoon talking about teacher shortage. Maika says that the district welcomes parents who want to volunteer, adding that they will be added to schools based on their skills.

But he reiterated the district's need for substitutes and included a link where one could apply.

"We have increased substitute pay and are in desperate need of subs who know this school district, our communities and most importantly, love helping children," Maika says.

Still, parents are concerned with the teacher absences and its effect on their children. Jeremy Polen's daughter attends Johnson High School. She sent texts to a group thread with Polen and his wife notifying them that her history class and others were sent to the auditorium instead of a classroom, adding that they were not being taught or doing work.

Classes ranged from English, math, history, or science. Chancellor says the size of the classes vary but did not give details on the numbers of students. There are 755 seats in the auditorium.

Polen says in an emailed statement that sending students to an auditorium during the spread of a highly contagious variant of COVID-19 was very concerning to his family.

NEISD follows Texas' executive orders and only recommends face masks while encouraging cleanliness and social distancing when possible.

"All we are asking as parents is to be informed about what is going on at school but it doesnt seem that communication is timely," Polen says. "But I also understand what the administration is going through and I know its difficult."
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The ED also contended that the power of arrest was vested in the ED authorities as mentioned in Section 19 of the PMLA and not subject to the procedure prescribed in the CrPC.  DC Image

HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court reserved judgment on petitions filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), challenging the decision of the ED special court, which rejected the remand of Madhucon Group director Kamma Srinivasa Rao, who is allegedly involved in defrauding banks of huge amounts, and Kancharla Srihari Babu, who is allegedly involved in the Insurance Medical Services (IMS) scam.

The special court had rejected the remand on the ground that the accused had not been served the Section 41A Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) notices before they were taken into custody by the ED officials.

As the issue in the two matters was similar, the ED objected to it before the High Court stating that it was not required to follow the CrPC. It argued that the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was a different statute. The PMLA provisions would apply, and not those of the CrPC.

The ED also contended that the power of arrest was vested in the ED authorities as mentioned in Section 19 of the PMLA and not subject to the procedure prescribed in the CrPC. It also submitted that the authorities under the PMLA were not police officers, and the statements recorded by them were, therefore, admissible in evidence. Counsel for the ED argued that with the decision of the special court, the accused persons went scot free.

Whereas, the accused persons argued that the principles laid down by the Supreme Court in Arnesh Kumar Vs. State of Bihar would apply in respect of the power of arrest in any case and on any investigating authority.

The decision in Arnesh Kumar has been rendered in the context of the power of arrest without a warrant by the police under Section 41 of the Cr PC. Principles laid down by the Supreme Court are to be of universal application, and should be applied even while deciding whether or not to arrest a person under Section 19 of the PMLA.
Florida, US (34429)

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Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 69F. Winds light and variable..

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Oklahoma City, OK (73106)

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A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low around 45F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph..

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A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low around 45F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph.
HYDERABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called BJP Telangana president Bandi Sanjay over phone and inquired about the political developments in the state.

BJP sources said the Prime Minister spoke to Sanjay for over 15 minutes. The Prime Minister hailed the Telangana unit's relentless fight against the anti-people, anti-farmer and anti-employee policies of the TRS government, sources said. The Prime Minister had special words of appreciation for Sanjay's 'fighting spirit' for his recent agitation against GO 317 demanding justice to state government employees and teachers in transfers.

The Prime Minister called upon the party's rank and file to continue agitations against the wrongdoings of the TRS government until it was voted out of power in the 2023 Assembly polls and replaced by the BJP. The Prime Minister extended complete support of the BJP's national leadership to the party's Telangana unit in its fight against the TRS government.

Sanjay is learnt to have briefed the Prime Minister about various agitation programmes that were undertaken by the BJP in the state over the past few months over the issues concerning people, farmers, employees etc and about the programmes that the party wanted to undertake in the coming days.

Sanjay also explained to the Prime Minister about how the TRS government resorted to his arrest in Karimnagar last week to obstruct his 'deeksha', and the manner in which his office was ransacked using welding cutters, water cannons and smashing of furniture and other valuables in his office misusing the police force.

Sanjay told the Prime Minister that the employees and teachers were extending complete support to the BJP's protests against GO 317 and the party would step up protests until the government withdrew the GO 317 and halted transfers of employees and teachers.

He informed the Prime Minister that the recent visits of BJP president J.P. Nadda, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chhattisgarh former chief minister Raman Singh and Union ministers had boosted the morale of the party leaders and cadres and encouraged them to intensify agitations against the TRS government.

Sanjay thanked the Prime Minister for calling him and for extending complete support of the party's national leadership to the Telangana unit in its fight against undemocratic, corrupt and family-rule of the TRS government. He expressed confidence in BJP dethroning the TRS from power in upcoming Assembly polls.
Claremore, OK (74018)

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Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Damaging winds, large hail and possibly a tornado with some storms. Low 48F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Damaging winds, large hail and possibly a tornado with some storms. Low 48F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Cleburne, TX (76033)

Today

Mostly clear this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low near 65F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

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Mostly clear this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low near 65F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
We have had mobile technology in our lives since the early 1980s and like most of us, we could not see a world without having one and the convenience it brings us. The question we should ask ourselves is if you left your wallet at home or your cell phone which one would you absolutely go bac
Interview: RCEP brings new economic opportunities to region, says Lao business leader

Xinhua) 09:05, January 09, 2022

Daovone Phachanthavong, the vice executive president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, speaks in an interview with Xinhua in Lao capital Vientiane, Jan. 7, 2022. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

By Chanthaphaphone Mixayboua, Zhang Jianhua

VIENTIANE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, could bring great economic development opportunities to the region, and the agreement is very beneficial for Laos, said Daovone Phachanthavong, the vice executive president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).

Being part of the agreement would provide more market opportunities for Laos to expand production for export and promote the tourism sector, the LNCCI official told Xinhua in an interview here on Friday.

"Laos is very fortunate to build a community with a shared future with China and sign the RCEP agreement," said Daovone.

"With the opening of the Laos-China Railway, Laos has become an important node on the China-ASEAN land corridor. The lion's share of the railway transportation of goods between China and ASEAN will pass through Laos, which can greatly promote the economic development of Laos."

RCEP, taking effect on Jan. 1, groups 10 ASEAN members namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.

The entry into force of RCEP has provided Laos with the best cooperation opportunities in terms of personnel exchanges and business exchanges, and deepened the interconnection between Laos and other ASEAN member countries.

Daovone said, "RCEP and the Laos-China Railway can effectively reduce the cost of commodity trade. It will help support our economic growth by stimulating new investment and providing greater market access for Lao products. More and more commodities from Laos can be exported to other ASEAN countries."

Daovone has been engaged in the business of logistics and trade with Chinese companies since 2002 and his business has expanded to more than 10 industries so far.

"After the agreement takes effect, it can reduce intra-regional trade costs and transportation prices. The cost of our export products is much lower than before," said Daovone.

"RCEP can also bring more employment channels to the people in the region."

Laos-China Railway has transformed Laos from a land-locked country into a land-linked country, through which the country has achieved interconnection with China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and other countries, said Daovone.

Meanwhile, RCEP, covering nearly a third of the world's population and gross domestic product, is a mega trade pact that aims to break down trade barriers and promote investment.

"I believe that the ASEAN economy will definitely have better development in the future," said Daovone.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  President Rodrigo Duterte appealed to the faithful to continue praying for the country in his message for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Sunday.

"Faith is the conviction of things that we hope for, even if unseen. Although we may not be able to take part in the usual Traslacion activities that have marked the celebration for centuries, let us keep on demonstrating our faith by praying for our country's recovery and for humanity's complete healing, especially from the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," the President said.

The President earlier appealed for the cancellation of physical gatherings related to the feast as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.

The Traslacion, or grand procession of the Black Nazarene, was https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/1/5/Traslacion-Black-Nazarene-Feast-2022.htmlcancelled again this year. It was also cancelled last year.

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church) would also be closed from Jan. 7 to 9. Masses would be livestreamed.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  At least 80% of Filipinos are hoping the country is already past the "worst" phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The figure is up by over 40 points from 38% in September last year, breaking the previous record of 69% in November 2020.

Majority of those who expressed hope "the worst is behind us" came from Mindanao with 83%, Metro Manila with 82%, and Balance Luzon with 81%. Visayas had 75%.

People fearing "the worst is yet to come," on the other hand, dropped from 60% to only 19%, the SWS said. This garnered the highest response in Visayas at 24%, followed by Metro Manila at 18%.

The survey, however, was conducted before the holidays, from Dec. 12 to 16, when new COVID-19 cases in the country were only averaging between 200 and 400 per day  far from the thousands it is seeing now.

The study also found 88% of Filipinos are "a great deal or somewhat worried" that anyone in their immediate family might get infected with COVID-19. This is slightly down from 91% in September.

The SWS noted worries about contracting COVID-19 have always been "much greater than [those] about catching previous viruses," namely Ebola, Swine Flu, Bird Flu, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

Conducted through face-to-face interviews, the non-commissioned survey was equally distributed to 1,440 adults in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao. The poll had sampling error margins of 5.2% for these areas, and 2.6% nationwide.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  The government on Sunday said it will increase the availability of beds in Metro Manila and nearby provinces in response to the surge in coronavirus cases.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said that upon the recommendation of the national COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force, more beds will be made available for infected patients in NCR Plus areas, which include Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.

The country has been logging record-breaking numbers of new infections and positivity rates in recent days, hitting 28,707 fresh cases on Sunday  its highest-ever single-day count. The positivity rate, or the percentage of infected people out of all tested on the same day, also climbed to an all-time high 44%.

Meanwhile, telemedicine capacity outside Metro Manila will be raised to help decongest hospitals feeling the strain of rising admissions, Nograles said.

The National Task Force Against COVID-19 has also been directed to expand the capacity of temporary treatment and monitoring facilities where needed, and remove referral quotas from hospitals.

Only those requiring hospitalization will be prioritized by emergency operations centers, based on the IATF's recommendations. Nograles reiterated the government's advice for mild or asymptomatic patients to just isolate at home, but he added local government units should still be able to provide them with services such as telemedicine and immediate referral to health facilities if necessary.

READ: What you need to know about COVID-19 home isolation and quarantine

The official added that there will be intensified active case finding and contact tracing efforts, especially in NCR Plus. RT-PCR testing capacity will also be increased in these areas by ensuring all laboratories are operational seven days a week. The IATF has recommended that senior citizens and people with comorbidities be prioritized for testing.

Finally, the National Vaccination Operations Center is directed to increase vaccination rates outside NCR as soon as possible, Nograles said.

Latest government data show the country's total COVID-19 case count has jumped to over 2.96 million. Active cases, or currently ill patients, have reached over 128,000 from just around 21,000 a week ago.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  The Land Transportation Office said its central office in Quezon City will temporarily halt operations beginning Jan. 10, Monday, after several personnel contracted the coronavirus.

In a statement on Sunday, the LTO said the main office will be closed for disinfection procedures after the majority of employees who interact with clients have either tested positive for COVID-19 or have been tagged as close contacts.

Earlier, several other Metro Manila branches of the agency have also been closed due to the rising number of infections among personnel.

With more suspended operations, the LTO reiterated it is extending the validity of all student permits, drivers licenses, conductors licenses, and medical certifications set to expire in the next few months.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  Vice President Leni Robredo is calling on the government to hasten the issuance of guidelines for the use of home antigen test kits as the countrys COVID-19 testing capacity is being stretched.

Sa ibang bansa, ina-allow na nila yung home testing. Kapag masyado natin inistriktuhan yung testing, nagko-congest [ang laboratories], Robredo said in her weekly radio show on Sunday.

[Translation: In other countries, home testing is already allowed. If we will become strict with testing, laboratories will be congested.]

The Vice President also said there were reports of delays in the release of test results due to backlogs in laboratories, and once the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of home antigen test kits, these would speed up testing.

So napakahalaga ng antigen test. Yung mga may pambili, pwede na makabili. So sana madaliaan na yung paglabas ng regulation nito, para yung mga tao hindi na magsiksikan [sa testing centers], she added.

[Translation: Antigen test is important. Those who can afford, they can just purchase one. So Im hoping that the guidelines for the regulation for this will be immediately released to prevent congestion in testing centers.]

The FDA is accepting applications for Special Certification for COVID-19 home test kits. All the antigen tests currently approved by the FDA are only administered by healthcare professionals in laboratories.

The Department of Health is expected to release the guidelines for the use of home test kits on Jan. 17.

Robredo also renewed her call for mass testing amid the uptick in COVID-19 cases.

Ang dami ngayong asymptomatic. Kung hindi mo ma-test yung asymptomatic, umiikot siya ng hindi niya alam na nakakahawa siya. Mahalagang ang testing kasi ito ang magiging basis kung kailangan mo mag-quarantine o mag-isolate, she said.

[Translation: Many are asymptomatic. If you will not test them, they will just roam around unaware that they are infecting other people. Testing is important because this will be the basis if you need to quarantine or isolate.]

She noted that the government should have already tested many people when the infections started to rise.

Dapat sana nung may uptick na ng number of cases, nag-test na ng test para na-contain na. Eh hindi, pahirapan na yung testing ngayon, added Robredo.

[Translation: They should have tested many people as they can when there was already an uptick in cases. Right now, we are already having problems in our testing.]

On Saturday, the country broke its highest single-day tally of infections with 26,458 new cases recorded.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said the government should coordinate with pharmaceutical firms and drug stores to address the shortage of paracetamol and other over-the-counter medicines.

Dapat basic yun na dapat available, na dapat yung pamahalaan nakikipagugnayan na sa pharmacists, drug store owners, at drug companies kung paano mape-prevent itong pagkukulang na ito, Robredo said in her weekly radio show on Sunday.

[Translation: These are basic things that should be available. The government should already be talking with pharmacists, drug store owners, and drug companies on how to prevent this shortage.]

There were reports of people lining up in pharmacies for over-the-counter medicines for flu-like symptoms but went home empty-handed.

The Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry earlier denied that there was a shortage of paracetamol and other medicines for flu.

Kahit mag-statement tayo na hindi nagkakaubusan, syempre experiential yun, Robredo said.

[Translation: Even though we released a statement denying the shortage, its experiential.]

Meanwhile, the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines said there are no price hikes amid shortage of paracetamol.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday said hotels found violating quarantine protocols must be penalized.

In her weekly radio show, Robredo said quarantine hotels should be responsible as they were accredited by the Department of Tourism.

So ang tanong ko, bakit siya nangyayari? Kapag nangyari, kailangan talaga i-penalize yung hotel, she said. The mere fact na ina-accredit kayo ng DOT, partner kayo ng pamahalaan to make sure yung naka-quarantine sa inyo ay hindi lalabas sa inyo until hindi sila nagkaroon ng negative RT-PCR test.

[Translation: My question is, why did it happen? The hotel should really be penalized. The mere fact that the DOT accredited your establishment, it means that you are the governments partner to make sure that everyone who is quarantined in the facility will not be able to go out until they have a negative RT-PCR test result.]

Robredo added that there should be a standard policy among hotels in handling returning Filipinos.

Kaya tayo may quarantine protocols, kasi gusto natin ma-contain. Kaya dapat sinusunod ito. Hindi ko lang maintindihan, bakit nalulusutan? she said.

[Translation: We have quarantine protocols because we want to contain the spread of the virus. Thats why we should follow these. But I still dont understand why some escaped?]

Last week, charges were filed against two returning Filipinos from the United States who skipped the mandatory quarantine.

The Makati City government shut down the Berjaya Makati Hotel for alleged quarantine protocol breach involving one of the two returning Filipinos.

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the deployment of at least two policemen in every quarantine hotels following reports of quarantine breach.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  The country on Sunday received a fresh batch of over 2.7 million Pfizer coronavirus doses donated by the United States.

The shipment, containing 2,703,870 shots, was coursed through the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility.

This brought to around 213.4 million the total number of vaccine doses delivered to the Philippines, according to Wilben Mayor, head of the National Task Force Against COVID-19s sub-task group on current operations.

He added that of the cumulative count, 62.7 million are from Pfizer, including 22.7 million donated by other nations through the COVAX facility and 40 million procured by the national government.

Nationwide, the task force said a total of 111.9 million doses have been administered as of Jan. 7.
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Its the most popular Jewish holiday of the year. Though the fastest-growing and perhaps soon to be the largest sector of American Jewry is the one demographers call Jews of no religion, Passover is still the one holiday that is widely observed. Surveys show that more of those who identify as Jewish  regardless of their belief in God or Jewish law, willingness to be affiliated with organized groups, synagogues and movements, or feel any sense of Jewish peoplehood  attend a seder than those who take part in any other act of observance.
Danville, IL (61832)

Today

Periods of rain. Rain becoming heavy at times overnight. Low 56F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch..

Tonight

Periods of rain. Rain becoming heavy at times overnight. Low 56F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
Bazaar.af scored 44 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 9 Apr 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

The total number of people who shared the bazaar homepage on Delicious. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the bazaar homepage on Twitter + the total number of bazaar followers (if bazaar has a Twitter account). This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the bazaar homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if bazaar has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the bazaar homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. The total number of people who shared the bazaar homepage on StumbleUpon.

Basic Information

PAGE TITLE          DESCRIPTION     ()       KEYWORDS                   OTHER KEYWORDS new ad,



The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The title found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE Persian UTF-8Persian DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache/2.2.16 (Debian) (PHP/5.3.3-7+squeeze14) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux

Type of server and offered services. Operative System running on the server. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) The language of bazaar.af as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Character set and language of the site.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for bazaar.af by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

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Classiopen.com scored 40 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 8 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

The total number of people who shared the classiopen homepage on StumbleUpon. The total number of people who shared the classiopen homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the classiopen homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the classiopen homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if classiopen has a Facebook fan page). This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the classiopen homepage on Twitter + the total number of classiopen followers (if classiopen has a Twitter account).

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PAGE TITLE Free Classified Ads United States, Cars, Motorcycles, Real Estate, Jobs, Relationship. Publish Your DESCRIPTION Free Classified Ads United States, Cars, Real Estate, Jobs. Classified Ads. Publish Your Free Ad Now! ClassiOpen KEYWORDS Free Classified Ads United States, sell, buy, ads, products, new, used, jobs, opportunities, freelancers, car, real estate, shows, lectures, courses OTHER KEYWORDS



The title found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE English UTF-8English DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER Apache/2.2.22 (Unix) mod_ssl/2.2.22 OpenSSL/0.9.8e-fips-rhel5 mod_auth_passthrough/2.1 mod_bwlimited/1.4 FrontPage/5.0.2.2635 PHP/5.2.17 (PHP/5.2.17) OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux

Character set and language of the site. Type of server and offered services. The language of classiopen.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Operative System running on the server.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for classiopen.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

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Webaf.biz scored 40 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 10 Jan 2013, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the webaf homepage on Twitter + the total number of webaf followers (if webaf has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the webaf homepage on Delicious. The total number of people who shared the webaf homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the webaf homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if webaf has a Facebook fan page). The total number of people who shared the webaf homepage on StumbleUpon.

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PAGE TITLE  DESCRIPTION  KEYWORDS , , , ,  OTHER KEYWORDS



The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The title found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE XHTML 1.0 Transitional CHARSET AND LANGUAGE Japanese UTF-8Japanese DETECTED LANGUAGE Japanese Japanese SERVER Apache OPERATIVE SYSTEM Linux Linux

Operative System running on the server. Type of server and offered services. The language of webaf.biz as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Character set and language of the site.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for webaf.biz by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

Facebook link

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Corsicana, TX (75110)

Today

Mostly clear skies early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms late. Low near 70F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Mostly clear skies early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms late. Low near 70F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Sue B. Donnelly, 87, of Crossville, passed away at her home on April 26, 2022. She was born on May 18, 1934, in Crossville, Tennessee, daughter of the late James T. Brandon and Clara (Hamby) Brandon. Sue was the owner of Boats and Harbors and of the Baptist Faith. She is survived by her chil
Jean Cherni dreamed of being a writer.

Her dream came true in 2004 when she started writing a column for the New Haven Register called Senior Moments. She continued the column for 14 years, sharing her life with her audience  from the passing of her husband, Val, to struggles with aging and her adventurous trip to South Africa to meet giraffes.

Cherni, a beloved mother, died Monday at 93 after battling a six-month-long illness.

Daughter Marianne Manilov said she had encouraged her mother to write a few columns and send them to local newspapers, which is how she first cemented her role as a columnist.

It was one of her great joys to meet these incredible people who are living senior moments and to be in the community and talking to people, Manilov said.

Rick Sandella, the former features editor of the Register, said the paper was lucky to have Cherni.

She would have made a helluva columnist for any of the New York dailies, said Sandella. She served an often underserved audience in most newspapers, and I know she was appreciated by readers each and every Sunday in our Life/Style section.

Sandella said she taught him a valuable lesson: Squeeze all the toothpaste you can out of the tube.

Her energy and inquisitive nature would put most 40- and 50-year-olds to shame, Sandella said.

Her daughter agreed.

She really just loved joy and reached for more and more of the experience of life, Manilov said.

Jean was born in 1928 in Harrisburg, Pa., to parents Walter and Hettie Bashore. She grew up in New York before leaving for college in Iowa. She moved back to New York and then began a job in the fashion industry.

Then she met Val, an engineer. The couple dated for three years, including a breakup when Val would not get married. The couple eventually was married in the early 1950s.

Together, they moved to Chicago and soon after had sons Michael and Stephen. Val then was offered a job in Japan to work on developing the countrys first nuclear power plant.

The family moved to a small village in Japan called Tokai-mura, where they lived for four years. While there, Val built a small test nuclear plant, but officials did not select his design, and a later accident in the village was unrelated to his work there, Manilov said.

Meanwhile, Jean became fluent in Japanese and immersed herself in the culture, her children said. The love for Japanese culture would continue throughout her life, with one of her last meals being a Japanese dinner.

Michael Cherni said living in Japan was one of the first and most important memories he has of his mother.

My brother and I were not well received in Japan, he said. We tried going to school there and it did not work out. My mother took to tutoring us. It wasnt until the third grade that we went to an American school.

Jean took to Japanese culture, from flower arranging to cooking, Michael Cherni said. She also loved art, the theater and traveling across the globe.

We all loved her tremendously, Michael Cherni said. Shes a very strong woman, very independent, ahead of her time.

After returning to the United States, Jean worked in real estate. In the 1980s, she was offered a job as a regional trainer for Century 21 in New Haven. A few years later, the couple moved to Branford.

In her 70s, Jean Cherni established her own business, Senior Living Solutions, where she helped people looking to downsize by referring them to reliable real estate agents. She then worked with the Pearce Company, where she started a special program for seniors planning a move.

Still working and writing in her late 80s, Manilov finally convinced her mother to trade her job for a long-desired trip to South Africa, including a trip to a boutique hotel called Giraffe Manor.

Cherni had been fascinated with giraffes since childhood, her daughter said. She was tall for her age and sometimes felt awkward, so she admired how giraffes  despite being gangly  looked beautiful when they ran, she said.

She saw a giraffe and started to cry, Manilov said. She was kissing the giraffe. Theyre dangerous!

After returning from that trip, Jean looked for a new place to live and fell in love with Portland, Ore. She found a place in Portland controlled by the residents that was near museums, restaurants and more.

Aging was hard for Jean, her daughter said. As she got older, she experienced a few health problems including having her hips replaced and breast cancer in her 80s, but otherwise she was relatively healthy, her daughter said.

Until June 2021.

Jean developed breathing problems and was having issues with her knees. Her heart was failing, which ultimately claimed her life. Jean entered hospice around Christmas, her daughter said. But she still went to the beauty parlor and dinners with friends as recently as Dec. 30.

She was very much reaching for that last dinner and reaching for the last museum visit, that last exhibit on Egypt and that last Japanese meal or that last moment with friends, that last donation, Manilov said.

There were plans for Jean to participate in death with dignity, a law allowing terminally ill people in Oregon to end their lives through the voluntary self-administration of a lethal dose of medication prescribed by a physician, but her declining health came suddenly, Manilov said.

Her intake for the process was set to begin just days after her passing.

When Jean and Manilov began discussing her death, Jean told her daughter she was not going to go easily.

She said, When I used to play when I was your grandmothers child, she would always say to me, its time to stop playing, and I didnt want to stop playing, and I think thats how Im going to go out, Manilov said. And that is how she went out.

christine.derosa@hearstmediact.com
Maria Escallon, an assistant professor of anthropology, came to the University of Oregon in 2016 while pregnant with her daughter. She made use of the Vivian Olum Child Development Center until its closure in March of 2020 due to COVID-19.

Escallon and her husband, an assistant professor of landscape architecture and environmental studies at UO, spent the next 18 months homeschooling their daughter, splitting time between teaching and research responsibilities and care responsibilities.

While UOs care facilities are slowly rebuilding their capacity to accommodate pre-pandemic volumes of children safely, they face struggles with hiring and retention, as well as paying attention to the mental and emotional health of both staff and those they care for, Rachel Jefferson, director of the Co-Op Family Center, said. Meanwhile, UO community members who spend more time giving care face career setbacks with little support, Escallon said.

Jefferson said the Co-Op was closed from August to November of 2020.

We did a soft opening, so we had less hours, less staff, less kids, less classrooms at the beginning, and we've slowly been growing ourselves back, she said.

Aside from the school-age aftercare program returning next term, all six programs are running with limited hours and lower enrollment. While the Co-Op can normally accommodate up to 85 children in a day, it currently serves between 50 and 60, Jefferson said.

Escallon said finding care in Eugene is always difficult, and COVID-19 made it even harder. She said she is just hearing back from care options in Eugene she contacted when she was pregnant five years ago.

Caregivers have a lot more to weigh when it comes to care facilities due to COVID-19. She said she held off on re-enrolling her daughter at Olum for several months due to safety concerns.

Jefferson, also concerned for safety, said the Co-Op can only accommodate as many children as staff can safely and appropriately support, and the Co-Op continues to struggle with staffing and hiring.

For a full year there were only two admin doing the work of four in our office and now we have three during the work of four, Jefferson said. I'm personally the new director but I'm also still being the pedagogy coordinator. We have absolutely no access to substitute teachers.

The lack of substitute teachers and appropriate staffing can be an issue because taking time off for illness is essential for everyones safety, Jefferson said.

A shortage of qualified caregivers continues to pose unique challenges for the universitys child care centers, UO spokesperson Kay Jarvis said in an email. The university continues to seek qualified caregivers and we are speaking with our families and staff, in search of interim solutions in an effort to continue providing this vital service to our students and employees.

Jefferson said the Co-Op needs two more lead teachers and two more teaching assistants to get to a point where increasing enrollment would be feasible.

Aside from the numbers, many staff members are tired.

We're seeing a lot of challenges around children that are having a hard time and presenting that through challenging behaviors in the classroom, which then can be overwhelming for the staff, Jefferson said. They need more support and more training, which we're trying our best to do.

Supporting staff through hiring and training comes at a cost, though, and the Co-Op has not been operating in the black many months out of the year, Jefferson said, and is not in the financial position to hire positions with benefits. Plus, the wage the center could offer is not competitive for the skill level of the job.

The annual salary of an early childhood assistant at Olum is around $28,600, according to the UO Office of Institutional Research.

UO has expanded its efforts to retain and recruit full-time, part-time and student positions in the midst of staffing shortages being experienced across the country, Jarvis said in an email. These efforts include offering bonuses for qualified applicant referrals, retention bonuses, and pay increases.

Through Early Learning Division grants, the Co-Op has begun to offer bonuses to staff. The most recent ELD grant applied to bonuses lasts until April, and the team is still weighing whether an overall raise would be better than a bonus, even though theyre not sure they could fund higher salaries after April.

We're looking to try to support people in individualized ways as well as kind of across the board bonuses, Jefferson said.

Last summer, Escallon started a caregiving campaign to advocate for caregivers at UO  whether they work in care facilities or not  to be considered as a distinct group with specific needs who were impacted in distinct ways by COVID-19.

She said the lack of support for caregivers is a social issue, as caregivers are often women of color, and caregivers will struggle to progress their careers at the university without support. Often, when new responsibilities are added to professors, their research suffers because there is less accountability for research than for teaching or leading departments.

Already in the field, women and caregivers are not submitting papers and producing reports and writing as much as men, for instance, she said. They're diminishing their capacity or their ability to submit new grants and fellowships.

Thats what happened to Escallon. She is on the tenure track and had to extend the clock for maternity leave as well as COVID-19.

You lose money in the sense that you're not getting a raise, and then that costs you in retirement forever, she said.

In the study, Escallon chose 10 universities across the United States that have made at least one big policy change due to COVID-19. She said she found that most of them decided to do a one-year extension of the tenure clock and a few granted COVID-19 funds, some more successfully than others. She found none of the large policy changes addressed the structural inequities caregivers face. They are one-off changes to respond to a moment of crisis.

At some point, most people in life are caregivers for somebody, she said. It could be a parent, it could be a loved one, could be a neighbor. It doesn't have to be biological. I think it's such a large issue that is missing from the discourse in the narrative of inclusion and diversity in the university so far.
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It reached the pinnacle  or nadir, depending on your point of view  with Danny Boyles Olympic Opening Ceremony.

The glamorous nurses danced, their youthful patients bounced joyously and the whole world saw how much the British loved their NHS.

Indeed, as Sir Keir Starmer told the nation last week, its nothing less than our patriotic duty to love our NHS.

This is the Great NHS Paradox. The Defenders of the NHS claim it is the jewel in the crown of our national services. They hold it up as an example of what it truly means to be great and to be British. Yet they tell us on an annual basis that it is falling apart and not fit for purpose

The 1945 Labour Government was led by titans who took the spirit of collective sacrifice generated by the war and turned it into the National Health Service for which we are so thankful today, he claimed.

And when its presented like that, who would dare argue? How can mere mortals quibble with the giants of 45? Much better that we all doff our caps, express gratitude, and go on our way.

Well, someones going to have start quibbling. Because our ongoing deification of the NHS is whats ultimately going to destroy it.

Look, for example, at the way the NHSs stoutest defenders have been frantically uprooting the goalposts during the course of the Omicron crisis.

A month ago the new strain of the virus was set to bring unprecedented death and chaos to the wards.

According to the latest statistics from NHS Providers, adult critical bed occupancy is at 75.2 per cent, its lowest level since the start of the winter reporting window, and lower than this time last year (79.5 per cent), as well as compared with two years ago (82.4 per cent). University Hospital, Coventry is seen above

Dame Jenny Harries, head of the UK Health Security Agency, warned that it represented the most significant threat since the emergence of Covid. Sages modelling grimly predicted a peak of 6,000 fatalities a day by mid-January.

The Defenders of the NHS immediately took to the barricades. New restrictions needed to be put in place right away. A circuit-breaker lockdown should be introduced. The NHS had to be safeguarded, regardless of cost.

Then the picture changed. It became clear that South Africas health experts had been right all along. Omicron was indeed milder.

The data had not, as Sir Chris Whitty claimed, been over-interpreted. The predicted wave of deaths failed to materialise. And while hospitalisations rose, they remained well below the peaks seen earlier in the pandemic.

At which point the Defenders of the NHS changed their story. Yes, Omicron was milder. But it was infecting huge numbers of NHS workers. Their absence was bringing the service close to collapse. Just look at what was happening in London, they argued.

So we did. And while pressure mounted, the NHS in the capital was able to absorb it. Staff absences actually fell. As, finally, did admissions. At which point the Defenders of the NHS changed tack once more. OK, London may have just about coped, they conceded, but wait and see what happens in the rest of England.

So, again, lets do that. According to the latest statistics from NHS Providers, adult critical bed occupancy is at 75.2 per cent, its lowest level since the start of the winter reporting window, and lower than this time last year (79.5 per cent), as well as compared with two years ago (82.4 per cent).

Pressure has increased on the ambulance service, but the number of A&E diverts are similar to last year. Overall, bed occupancy rates are described as relatively stable.

All of which points to a service under strain. But not one teetering on the brink of collapse  though its very hard to judge, given that the Defenders of the NHS tell us its about to collapse every winter. A&E faces worst ever winter, top doctor warns (Guardian, 2015). NHS hospitals facing toughest winter yet, say health experts (Guardian, 2016). NHS faces even worse winter crisis than last year, watchdog warns (Guardian, 2017). Hospitals in race to combat toughest ever winter crisis for NHS (Guardian, 2018).

This is the Great NHS Paradox. The Defenders of the NHS claim it is the jewel in the crown of our national services. They hold it up as an example of what it truly means to be great and to be British. Yet they tell us on an annual basis that it is falling apart and not fit for purpose.

Every one of us can recite an experience of receiving exceptional treatment at the hands of the NHS. And every one of us has had an experience where the NHS has treated us, or those we love, with contempt

Throughout the pandemic, we have been instructed to follow the data and the facts. But now Omicron is being weaponised to make a broader political point about the state of the NHS.

So the Defenders of the NHS will dispense with all that, and quickly return to cloaking the saintly service in myth, anecdote and hyperbole.

Take the debate surrounding NHS funding. How many times have we all heard the words Whatever happened to that extra 350 million a week for the NHS we were going to get after Brexit? Photos of Boris standing next to his battle-bus are routinely trotted out as evidence of his populist mendacity.

But those pictures were taken in 2016. According to the Kings Fund, in 2016-17 the Department of Health and Social Care budget was 137.4 billion.

In 2021-22 it had risen to 159 billion in real terms  and on top of that was an additional 22 billion of Covid-related emergency funding.

So not an additional 350 million a week, but 423 million a week.

Whatever happened to the NHSs Brexit money? It got invested in the NHS. At which point the Defenders of the NHS shrugged and carried on telling everyone the evil Tories were starving it of cash anyway. But to even point out that fact is sacrilege. In fact, to express anything other than ritualistic adoration for our perennially hard-working NHS staff is to commit a thought crime.

Which is why no senior politician would dare. There is cross-party agreement that to do anything other than bow down at the foot of the NHS altar is to embark on the fast track to political oblivion.

And Lord protect the foolish politician who attempts even the most modest NHS reform. The Home Office is often regarded as the graveyard of careers. But of the 31 men and women who have been Health Secretary since the end of the Second World War, not one has gone on to be Prime Minister.

So we continue to obediently genuflect to our great health deity. We do our civic duty, and applaud the work of our NHS carers. And in many cases its well earned.

But in a significant number of cases its not. Every one of us can recite an experience of receiving exceptional treatment at the hands of the NHS. And every one of us has had an experience where the NHS has treated us, or those we love, with contempt.

I remember the time I was in hospital and watched the man next to me being wheeled out for his operation, only for him to be wheeled back an hour later because the procedure they were about to perform was meant for another patient.

I can still feel the anger when I had to fight to get a terminally ill relative pain relief in their last 24 hours of life. And the casual tone of the hospital operator as they informed me another relative who had gone in for a routine appointment had been taken to the emergency resuscitation unit.

We all have stories like that. But its not the done thing to voice them. So we continue to chant Keir Starmers mantra of gratitude. And place the blame for any problems on underfunding and Mrs Thatcher.

This morning the Defenders of the NHS are worried. Omicron isnt playing out as many of them hoped. Not enough of us are dying. Too few of us are occupying the emergency wards. The underfunded, criminally neglected, soon-to-be-privatised health service isnt collapsing in the way they warned it would.

Of course, all that may still happen. But then, if it does, surely that would be even more reason to have an open discussion about whether throwing ever greater amounts of public money at the imploding monolith is the answer.

Sir Keir is wrong. Its not our patriotic duty to cherish the NHS. Its our duty to have an honest debate about how the NHS can cherish us.
The Duchess of Cambridges 40th birthday portraits are a departure from her usual official images. For many years in the Kate-sphere, the emphasis has always been on the family, the down-home, the sporty and the wholesome.

Who could forget the charming Christmas cards with William and the children, everyone in those darling heritage woollies, doubtlessly picked out by her own impeccably tasteful hand?

Elsewhere there has been toasting marshmallows on the beach at Holkham, smiling in country casuals on the cover of Vogue and even perching on a farm gate in a pair of jeans to mark her 38th birthday.

The images, taken by glossy magazine favourite Paolo Roversi, pay homage to the classic royal portraiture of yesteryear without being mere pastiche

Modesty has always been Kates watchword and ever-so-humble her signature style. If anything, she is a spotlight shirker, preferring to be seen in a supportive role at her husbands side.

In the royal hen house, she never wanted to be the golden egg, sizzling amid the omelette of attention. Shes just not that kind of chick.

However, these new photographs for the National Portrait Gallery show something entirely different.

For the first time in an official image, the duchess gives a somewhat imperial preview of the woman she will one day become, first as a Princess of Wales and then as a Queen. For once, this is about her future, not her past.

The images, taken by glossy magazine favourite Paolo Roversi, pay homage to the classic royal portraiture of yesteryear without being mere pastiche.

As a keen student of photography herself, one imagines this is exactly what the duchess ordered.

The majesty and linear simplicity once favoured by court photographers such as Julia Margaret Cameron, Dorothy Wilding and Cecil Beaton lives on in these timeless shots  the lighting is bright, the shadows are soft and the goddess gowns are perfect.

For the first time in an official image, the duchess gives a somewhat imperial preview of the woman she will one day become, first as a Princess of Wales and then as a Queen. For once, this is about her future, not her past

Yet although the images are laden with symbolism and portent in time-honoured tradition  a touch of tragedy and history in Dianas pearl drop earrings and sapphire engagement ring  the duchess somehow manages to be formal, but not forbidding.

She looks out at the world with a happy and confident gaze, unlike the unfathomable expressions of the queens that came before.

Good for her, because we all know that in the near and far future, the Duchess of Cambridge does not have her problems to seek.

From now onwards, she must navigate a tricky path towards a destiny she was not born to, nor ever sought to claim  and she must also do her best to safeguard that future for her children.

And it has befallen her to do all this at a perilous time for the House of Windsor.

The death of the Duke of Edinburgh, the gradual withdrawal of the ageing Queen, the disgrace of the Duke of York. None of this is helpful. Then of course there is Harry and Meghan.

The sudden flight of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to America two years ago might have improved their mental health and joint bank balance, congratulations all round.

However, there is no doubt that it has left enormous implications for the Cambridges, saddling them with a heavier burden than before, emotionally and constitutionally.

Yet you would never guess this from the ever-sunny countenance of Kate, nor her gesture at Prince Philips funeral when she packed away her own feelings inside her Jimmy Choo velvet clutch and encouraged the two brothers to talk together.

All three gowns worn for the photographs were designed by Alexander McQueens Sarah Burton, who made the duchesss wedding dress and other outfits for major engagements.

Perhaps the most arresting image is the one of the just-a-little-bit Disney Duchess in the one-sleeved red dress  a dramatic look that somehow manages to combine soft curves with structure and strict tailoring. And its got pockets! How practical and thrilling.

Some of these images come adorned with the fluttering ribbons and soft ringlets befitting a Victorian lady who might have a fit of the vapours if someone put the milk in first  but dont be fooled.

The sudden flight of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to America two years ago might have improved their mental health and joint bank balance, congratulations all round. However, there is no doubt that it has left enormous implications for the Cambridges, saddling them with a heavier burden than before, emotionally and constitutionally. Yet you would never guess this from the ever-sunny countenance of Kate, nor her gesture at Prince Philips funeral when she packed away her own feelings inside her Jimmy Choo velvet clutch and encouraged the two brothers to talk together

I like to think that underneath the ruffles and dimples lurks a duchess of steel, a woman not to be trifled with.

For an indication of the strength within, one only has to recall the Duchess of Cambridges glacial demeanour at Westminster Abbey back in March 2020, her little red hat set to battle stations as she completely froze out the Sussexes, who were making their last public appearance as royals.

If it really was a game of thrones between the two warring duchesses  recollections may vary  then surely victory is hers?

For then and now, the Duchess of Cambridge has become one of the Royal Familys greatest assets.

Somehow she manages to juggle being a private person with a huge public role, while raising a young family, making her marriage work and getting everyone out the door on a Saturday morning with neatly combed hair and polished wellies, Prince William included.

She has help, of course she does, but all this relentless dedication to perfection says something about her, this ordinary girl from Bucklebury who has taken her place in the wonderful, terrible saga of the British monarchy for the last 11 years and somehow thrived.

Unlike so many others who have breached the royal ramparts she is not a soul adrift nor a basket case, she is a triumph.

And along with a milestone birthday, that is something worth celebrating, too.
Damien Hirst is facing increasing pressure from his neighbours in the Cotswolds to renovate his 3 million country pile.

The Turner Prize-winning artist, who shot to fame in the early 90s after his pickled shark piece was exhibited at the Saatchi gallery, bought 124-acre Toddington Manor back in 2005, but has yet to fully restore the property.

The artist, now 56, pledged to renovate it and turn it into a family home and space for his personal art collection.

However, 17 years later, Hirst, who is said to be worth around 282 million, has made little progress and the property is still surrounded by scaffolding and plastic sheeting.

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Artist Damen Hirst, who is said to be worth around 282 million, is under increasing pressure from neighbours to get building work complete on Toodington Manor in the Cotswolds

The manor, which Hirst bought in 2005 for 3 million, sits in 124-acres of land in Toddington, Gloucestershire - but locals aren't happy at the lack of progress

The artist, now 56, pledged to renovate it and turn it into a family home and space for his personal art collection (pictured before)

MailOnline has contacted Damien Hirst for comment.

His furious neighbours will be holding a parish council meeting this week in a bid to see whether they can force him to move ahead with the promised restoration work.

Toddington parish councils chairman, Nigel Parker, told the Guardian: 'We want to see what can be done, if anything at all.

'It is one of the biggest eyesores in the area. People are fed up with it.

'Damien Hirst has had this property for 17 years now, but it is still clad in scaffolding and tarpaulin, and as far as we can tell there is no restoration in sight.'

Councillor John Evetts, chair of Tewkesbury councils planning committee, added: 'I work in restoration and conservation and I think it could cost 50m to restore and still not be finished...It appears he has just abandoned it or got bored with it.'

The 124-acre manor was designed and built by Charles Hanbury-Tracy, for himself, in 1840

The 124-acre manor was designed and built by Charles Hanbury-Tracy, for himself, in 1840. By 1894, he was forced to sell it through poverty.

It was bought in the early seventies by retired businessman David Wickens who ran it as a 5,000-a-year school for foreign students.

After the school closed, the building stood empty for 20 years, falling into disrepair.

In 2004, there were plans to turn the manor into a hotel, but local residents waged a campaign to prevent this, and the property was sold to Hirst and his then-partner, Californian designer Maia Norman, a year later.

Hirst shot to fame in the early 90s, after his pickled shark was exhibited at the Saatchi gallery, bringing him notoriety in the art world, which subsequently made him very wealthy

One of Hirst's most famous pieces - this diamond-encrusted skull - was reportedly sold for around 50 million

However, when the couple, who share three sons, split in 2012, work on the property reportedly started stalling.

Since then, neighbours have spoken out about the manor, which they have branded an 'eyesore' and a 'blight on the countryside'.

In addition, Toddington Manor has been deemed 'at risk' by Historic England, which says it wants to 'encourage the owner' to continue restoration works.

Speaking about the building in 2018, a spokesman for Hirst's company, Science Ltd, said: 'Damien has always recognised that the restoration would be a 'lifetime's work' and due to a number of other projects - including the opening of Newport Street Gallery in London and his Treasures show in Venice - work at Toddington has been on hold.'
Over the many years Ive written about beauty, Ive never understood the snobby claim that costly cosmetics are superior.

This is sometimes the case, but its often not  meaning that, even if youre a rich gal, it pays to be a cheap date in certain areas.

Like all sane shoppers, especially in penniless January, I scrimp in some places so I can splurge in others. High/low beauty is about getting the best bang for your buck.

A company such as Procter & Gamble has a lot to spend on research. This tech may be headed into its ritzy SK-II label first, but it will also filter down to Olay, which is flogged on such an epic scale that prices remain low. If you long for Lancomes mascaras, take a look at Maybelline, also owned by LOreal.

Some product genres do merit the spend, such as foundation, concealer and scent.

UK-based beauty columnist Hannah Betts recommends a selection of cosmetics for beauty on a budget (file image)

Last years LOreal True Match Tinted Serum (13.99, superdrug.com) is apparently an exception to this rule, receiving rave reviews for its sheer, long-lasting finish  but its impossible for me to say, because its palest version makes me look like the actor George Hamilton.

Those of us who fail to fit into the bog-standard shades are not well-served by budget skin coverage.

Besides, good foundations are so outstanding as of late that I would rather save in other ways and spoil myself here. After all, I dont want a passable complexion, I want sensational gleam.

Similarly, Zaras eau de parfums formulated by Jo Malone are worth a look. Im told the breakaway hit is Magnificently Dubai (15.99 for 40ml, zara.com), a saffron, nutmeg and leather blend.

However, I dont intend to purchase something online that I havent sniffed in real life. Id rather invest in a scent I know I adore from an online discounter, or save my pennies up for something sublime.

If this sounds precious, rest assured that there is nothing I will not do to secure a bargain elsewhere.

Despite being deluged by fancy free stuff, my shelves are bulging with finds from Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets.

Budget beauties include: Simple, Dove, Johnson & Johnson, Olay, Nivea, LOreal, Garnier, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, CeraVe, The Body Shop, Rimmel, Bourjois, Elf, Kiko Milano, Batiste and Mitchum. I often seek out a buy-one, get-one-free deal on these to boot.

Aldis Lacura range is full of devious dupes, and the supermarket is about to start selling a 3.99 gua sha massager (aldi.co.uk).

Aromatherapy Associates less costly sister brand, Aroma Active Laboratories, is also a cracker. I cant get enough of its Rich Soothing Universal Repair Cream (10, boots.com) and Sleep Salt Soak (15), Epsom salts laced with calming valerian, lavandin, ylang ylang and buddha wood.

Urban myth once held that all mascaras, eyeliners and eyebrow pencils were made in the same Eastern European factory. Not true. However, these are realms in which budget offerings can be just as good as their upmarket rivals.

Hannah Betts (pictured) said cleanser does not need to have expensive added benefits, as it stays on the face for seconds before being sent off down the drain

Cleanser does not need to have expensive added benefits, as it stays on the face for seconds before being sent off down the drain.

CeraVes new Micellar Cleansing Water (10, lookfantastic.com) removes grime without upsetting the skin barrier, unlike more abrasive options. It is also enriched with the fatty ceramides that our skins start to lack in middle age.

Use Skin Proud Clear Skin Microfibre Cleansing Pads (12.95 for two, asos.com) and you wont even require cleanser.

Im sporting Q+A Superfood Facial Oil (now 6, hollandand barrett.com), beneath LOreals Revitalift Filler SPF 50 Day Cream (19.99, boots.com) plus cold-weather classic Eucerin 10 Per Cent Urea Body Lotion (14, boots.com), and very happy I am, too.

May I also recommend the Pot o Wonder  not merely a cheap trick, but free. Simply pool the dregs of all your old face creams and serums together to make a super-charged, magic elixir.

Dont mix retinol with vitamin C or alpha hydroxy acids, or niacinamide with vitamin C, but otherwise let rip. The best cream money cant buy.

RACE YOU TO IT!

The gloom-dispelling MAC Viva Glam X Keith Haring limited-edition lipsticks are inspired by the late New York graffiti artists primary palette. Behold: Red Haring, a suits-everyone red; St Marks Yellow, a frosted canary; and Canal Blue, a velvet matte that looks sensational sheered down with lip balm. maccosmetics.co.uk Shop

MY ICON OF THE WEEK

PHILIPPINE LEROY-BEAULIEU

Emily In Paris star Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (pictured), 58, takes D+ For Care Collagen & Spirulina supplement

The Emily In Paris star, 58, is a juice and intermittent fasting fan. She takes D+ For Care Collagen & Spirulina supplement (75.25, dplusforcare.com) and loves Koreas ZQ-II Moisturizing Amino Acid Cleanser, Cliniccares X3M EGF Refresh Serum (38, skincity.com), and La Fervance Eclat Extraordinaire (163, lafervance.com). She also uses a gua sha stone and a derma roller daily.

COSMETIC CRAVING

I rely on skin-brightening classic Dr Hauschka Revitalising Day Lotion (25, drhauschka.co.uk, right) at all times of year. However, its simple, organic nourishing formula is particularly soothing in January, when skin feels parched and overloaded. Botanical extracts and oils stimulate natural moisture production, while apricot, carrot and St Johns wort get grubbily grey skin glowing. Shout out as well to Dr Hauschkas four face treatments: the Hydrating Cream, Revitalising, Soothing and Firming Masks (14 for 12.5ml each). I cant really tell them apart, but I love loading them on as salve for a tight, red, rash-ridden winter complexion. drhauschka.co.uk Shop

FIVE MOOD ENHANCERS
On and off our screens, we have been hooked by legal battles. In New York, theres the trial of Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrews bid to get Virginia Giuffres claims against him dismissed.

Over here, the UK courts most expensive-ever divorce settlement for Princess Haya, ex-wife of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed.

Why does the public enjoy a court drama so much? The costumes? The wigs? The hierarchies? Or, the conclusiveness of it all?

Charles Dickens knew the power of a legal plot to drive a gripping drama. One of his most satisfying classics Bleak House revolves around the long-running case of Jarndyce v Jarndyce. One of U.S. fictions best-loved classics, Harper Lees To Kill A Mockingbird, has Southern lawyer Atticus Finch as its adult hero. A recent favourite legal thriller is the often amusingly skewering The Appeal by Janice Hallett, one of last years biggest debuts.

Patricia Nicol reveals a selection of the best books featuring courtroom dramas - including Strong Poison by Dorothy L Sayers (pictured left) and Appeal by Janice Hallett (pictured right)

A defence QC, preparing an appeal, asks trainees Charlotte and Femi to review materials relating to a murder trial. Wanting new eyes on the evidence, he does not initially reveal who the victim is or the person convicted. In a fresh take on the epistolary form, the evidence is told entirely through emails, phone messages and transcripts. The action revolves within the competing egos of a local amateur theatrical group.

Sienna Miller, Rupert Friend and Michelle Dockery star in an upcoming Netflix adaptation of Sarah Vaughans gripping contemporary courtroom drama Anatomy Of A Scandal. Miller will play Sophie, the wife of government minister James, accused of rape; Dockery, Kate, a prosecuting barrister.

From the golden age of detective fiction, Strong Poison by Dorothy L Sayers is a classic. It begins with detective novelist Harriet Vane on trial for the murder of her former lover. A fresh trial is ordered when the jury cannot agree a verdict. Admirer Lord Peter Wimsey, believing her innocent, offers his detecting skills to the defence team.

Enjoy these gripping tales of legal thrills and spills.
The Treeline

Ben Rawlence Jonathan Cape 20

Rating:

Trees are on the move, apparently. Where once a crisp line ran around the top of the world marking the place where pines and spruces ran out and the ice began, now everything is scrappy and random.

Global warming means that the tundra is in retreat and the treeline is racing north at the rate of hundreds of feet a year. Areas that have been white for millennia are gradually growing green.

You might think that this doesnt matter much, unless you happen to be a polar bear whose home keeps shrinking.

In his lyrical and passionate book, Rawlence puts on his walking boots to go in search of the frozen norths most environmentally and culturally significant trees

Green, after all, is the colour of regeneration and the boreal forest, which stretches across the globe in a line linking Canada, Alaska, Siberia, Greenland and northern Scandinavia, is often described as the lung of the world.

Having more rather than less of it is surely a good thing? Not so, explains Ben Rawlence  or rather, not necessarily.

For starters, it means that slightly lower latitudes are losing out.

Where once Scotland was at the northerly treeline, above which it was too cold or too high for pines to grow, in less than a hundred years it may find itself below the southern limit of that range.

And when the pines start to disappear from Caledonia  the Roman name for northern Britain, which means wooded heights  then so will a whole ecosystem of plants and animals, not to mention the humans whose livelihood depends on them.

In his lyrical and passionate book, Rawlence puts on his walking boots, thermal vest and two pairs of gloves to go in search of the frozen norths most environmentally and culturally significant trees.

The Treeline is a sobering, powerful account of how trees might just save the world, as long as we are sensible enough to let them

In addition to pine in Scotland, he encounters birch in Scandinavia, larch in Siberia, spruce in Alaska, poplar in Canada and rowan in Greenland.

In each case he discovers that the trees are the starting point and presiding guardian of a teeming mosaic of species, encompassing everything from microbes to ravens to arctic foxes.

It is a lovely image, but ominous too. For if something happens to the root and branch of this ecosystem, then the trickle-down effects go further and wider than we could possibly imagine.

Take the birch, which has grown in Finnmark, northern Norway, for millennia. Traditionally it has been used by the indigenous Sami people to make tools, houses and medicine.

More than this, the hardy little scrapper (it even grows a downy coating to protect it from the chill) shelters fungi and insects central to the food chain, while its roots bind and heat the ground below.

Now, though, this quick-growing tree is galloping northwards over the tundra, obliterating the grazing grounds of the reindeer on which the Sami depend.

The out-of-control birch has become a kind of pest. In 2013, and again in 2017, thousands of reindeer died of starvation and some herders lost up to a third of their animals.

The future is bleaker still: The Sami will need to find another lifestyle, one government forester tells Rawlence bluntly.

Not everyone is quite so gloomy.

In Greenland, where the problem is one of too few rather than too many trees, Rawlence meets Professor Jason Box, a climatologist who has set up Greenland Trees.

The not-for-profit initiative allows American and European scientists coming to study the region the chance to offset their carbon footprint by planting up to 130 new conifers a day. Before too long Greenland will be green again.

Among the local people, though, the mood is less optimistic. Rawlence speaks to Ellen, a Greenlandic farmer who doubles as the village schoolmistress.

She laments the fact that the winter ice is now so uncertain that it is no longer safe to use a snowmobile (people have drowned in recent years when driving along the frozen fjord).

She also mourns the way that ancient craft knowledge is almost obsolete. The sealskin boots that are part of her national costume can no longer be made at home: the winter winds are insufficiently cold to cure the sealskin and turn it white.

Instead, people are resorting to shop-bought fabric. This is how the world ends. In a myriad of tiny tragedies.

While Rawlence is excellent at describing nature in general and trees in particular  everything from roots that look like bunched muscles under skin to the sprawling limbs of the balsam poplar  his style is less suited to humans.

In particular he has an odd habit of offering cliches about peoples eyes. Theres the scientist whose penetrating black eyes burn with a fire, and folklorist Margaret whose irises flash the same colour as the half-night of midsummer midnight.

Someone elses light eyes twinkle with the snow and ice of the tundra, and finally theres Rebecca, whose blue eyes contain the steady glow of the seeker.

But if you can get past these patches of slack writing, then The Treeline is a sobering, powerful account of how trees might just save the world, as long as we are sensible enough to let them.

Sex Cult Nun

Faith Jones HarperCollins 16.99

Rating:

Faith Jones isnt the first person to write an expose of the notorious Children of God cult, but hers is a different perspective. She grew up in the hippy evangelist movement that was founded in California in 1968 by her grandfather, David Berg.

By the time Jones was born in Hong Kong in 1977, its membership had grown to more than 10,000 disciples across 170 countries and it was already attracting negative publicity: along with accusations of financial chicanery and physical and mental coercion, there were allegations of drugs, hypnotism and kidnapping.

Berg would preach in favour of polygamy and sex with minors, spending decades on Interpols wanted list. After his death, his anointed heir, Joness half-uncle, would murder his nanny and then kill himself.

Faith Jones (above) isnt the first person to write an expose of the notorious Children of God cult, but hers is a different perspective

Joness childhood was spent largely on a commune in a tiny village on the island of Macau, where she and her half-siblings formed their own singing troupe and helped their parents run a farm and riding stables.

She recalls these early experiences in the present tense, offering up a childs-eye view of guava fights and tree-climbing with her best friend.

This same innocent perspective  a far cry from the books lurid title  underscores the more sinister, downright harrowing aspects of life in the cult that by then was calling itself The Family International.

Every minute of the day is scheduled and her father delivers beatings with a paddle bearing the words Rod of God. Sex pervades their religious literature.

Women are expected to sleep with well-heeled outsiders in order to net followers and cash donations for the Family, and Jones sometimes accompanies her mother on these Flirty Fishing trips.

One of her first colouring books features explicit content and when, aged four, she stumbles upon her parents in bed together, her mother uses it as an opportunity to impart a graphic sex education lesson.

Jones isnt much older when an uncle takes her into his room for the first time.

As an adolescent she spends time in Japan, Thailand and Kazakhstan.

A brief, largely traumatic sojourn in the US gives her a taste of mainstream schooling and ignites a love of learning that will eventually save her, leading to glittering degrees and a high-powered career as a lawyer.

She is 23 when she finally leaves the Family. I feel like Im falling into a black hole and watching everything I thought I knew turn into wispy nothingness, she writes.

Realising that her childhood was taken from her, that she was violated, she still has a long journey ahead but her resilience doesnt falter.

The book closes in 2020, as Jones, now in her 40s, takes to the stage to deliver a TEDx talk.

Ironically, theres more than a touch of the guru about her as she expounds on a Eureka moment that, she claims, has enabled her to distil our fundamental moral philosophy, the DNA of our legal system, morality and human rights into a single simple diagram that I can teach to a curious eight-year-old.

If that sounds like a stretch, there are observations here whose relevance, at a time when cancel culture (surely just another form of fundamentalism?) is taking over public life, extends far beyond Joness own compelling quest to turn trauma into strength.

As she notes of her attempts to unravel years of indoctrination, if a belief is true, you dont have to protect it  questioning it deeply only reveals more and strengthens it.

Hephzibah Anderson

Invisible Child

Andrea Elliott Hutchinson Heinemann 16.99

Rating:

In 2012, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Andrea Elliott met Dasani, an 11-year-old black girl, living in a homeless shelter in New York.

All ten of Dasanis family shared one room infested with hungry mice and cockroaches; the newborn baby was kept warm with a hairdryer, and the children never went to the bathroom at night for fear they would be assaulted.

Dasani, a precocious child, parented her other siblings because her mother, Chanel, and stepfather, Supreme, seemed unable to.

Elliott's doggedness in following the life of Dasani (above, with New York Public Advocate Letitia James) over eight years makes for a compelling read

The investigation made the front page of the New York Times for five days running.

400 children were removed from homelessness shelters as a result, and Dasani  named after the bottled water her mother couldnt afford to buy  held the bible at City Hall when the new mayor Bill de Blasio was sworn in, promising reform of the welfare system.

Journalism is often criticised for highlighting peoples crises and then leaving again with no thought as to what happens after.

Whats fascinating about Invisible Child  which Barack Obama has named as one of his books of the year  is Elliotts doggedness in following the lives of Dasani, her parents and siblings over the next eight years through homeless shelters, schools, therapy sessions and the courts.

The twists and turns, and moments of hope, mean that the book remains a compelling read.

The key moment is when Dasani is offered a way out. A bright student and talented athlete, she wins a place at the Milton Hershey boarding school, an establishment for poor students set up in the Pennsylvanian countryside by the chocolate tycoon.

It offers all the discipline, privilege and opportunities her previous chaotic life lacked (if Hershey students do well, they are given $80,000 towards a college scholarship).

But these new advantages mean that she finds herself distanced from her family, which starts to fall apart. Is that a price Dasani is willing to pay?

Its hard not to feel frustrated with her parents, who move in and out of addiction programmes, and fritter away an inheritance. There is also a grim inevitability about what happens to Khaliq and Papa, Dasanis brothers.

But Elliott shows how difficult it is for a family negotiating a welfare system that is inefficient, inflexible and at times appears institutionally racist. Public money could clearly be better spent keeping the family together.

And Mayor de Blasio, for all his promises, seems little more effective than his predecessor Mike Bloomberg in fighting homelessness.

But at the end of the book, there is a remarkable feeling of hope as, despite some disastrous choices, Dasani becomes the first in her family to graduate from high school and starts pondering college applications.

There are no easy happy-ever-afters here in Elliotts tale, but what shines through is the strong bond between the family that survives.

Glenda Cooper
Ive lived my life in fear of secrets being exposed. Not any more

My Christmas went from bad to worse. My friend who was supposed to come for lunch on Christmas Day emailed to say she was so worried about Covid that, even if I took a test, she wouldnt sit inside. Let me remind you I live in North Yorkshire. I had already ordered food from Riverford.

Then the ex, who I was supposed to be seeing in London, texted to say he had just had the booster and wasnt feeling well. As someone who has always been a rebel, and given he never goes anywhere, I told him Im surprised he rolled over.

How has this become a go at me?

It hasnt. Its the issue of the day. You dont go on public transport. You dont exercise and you smoke. Id be more worried about getting lung cancer.

When I started this column 22 years ago I was reticent and self-preserving. I wanted readers to like me. To show off: my first column was about buying spangled jeans in Dolce & Gabbana. I didnt, at first, write about the fact I lied about my age. That Id had a breast reduction. I hid my money troubles for years. I told my managing editor I was going to be made bankrupt, but not my readers; I was too ashamed.

But then I thought, well, I shouldnt be writing a column unless I tell you the unpalatable bits, too. So I told you I only had 3 in my account. I told you I dont think women should have IVF on the NHS: youre not ill, youre just unlucky. I wrote I was sexually assaulted in primary school. I wrote about animal cruelty, meaning my house was shot at.

I chronicled what it was like to lose everything. I wrote that Gracie my collie destroyed my furniture, nipped a walker (who then tried to blackmail me) and killed my cat. Just before Christmas 2021, I revealed I hadnt been sober at Christmas for two decades.

I think its important I tell you something else. I have not had a Covid vaccine in any shape or form. I had Covid early on and recovered after two days. If Im going to be in a room with people, I have a PCR test. I did book a vaccine, but it was during the time I was suffering badly from vertigo. I wasnt allowed to drive, and the vaccine centre was, crazily, 20 miles away in the middle of the moor. I was terrified of my vertigo attacks and read the vaccine could exacerbate it. I also believe that flimsy bits of dirty cloth dont prevent transmission. As a deaf person, masks interfere with my hearing  anything near my hearing aids makes them whistle. Masks on others mean I can no longer lip read.

I wrote an email to my friend who now wont come for Christmas lunch, saying she needs to live her life, not cower in fear. Then I deleted it. What she does is up to her.

Then my ex sent this: Lets kill all the anti-vaxxers. Win-win.

I replied: Ive not had a vaccine and Im not going to. I am anti-vax for me.

Wed had a row the last time he came to see me in North Yorkshire. He was unable to complete a short dog walk due to what looked like a slope.

I had told him off for continuing to smoke, meaning his arteries are constricted in his legs, making walking painful. He was so angry that I said he should stop smoking and at least be able to walk, he called me the C-word and stormed off on a long drive back to London, while tired.

How is that more responsible than me not getting jabbed? You can kill someone with your car. You can die from a stroke.

All of which makes me wonder how many couples have split up, friendships shattered and jobs lost because of your medical status. Ive lived my life in fear of secrets being exposed. Not any more. Not any more.

8 1/2 Stone, Liz Jones's debut novel, is available as an audiobook on Amazon and Audible. Coming soon to Spotify, Apple Books and all usual outlets

Contact Liz at lizjonesgoddess.com and stalk her @lizjonesgoddess

Everyones talking about Liz Joness Diary: The Podcast! 

Join Liz and her trusty (long-suffering) assistant Nicola as they dissect her weekly YOU magazine diary and delve into the archives to relive the bust-ups, betrayals, bullets and much more in this brilliant podcast. Theyre outspoken, outrageous and utterly hilarious. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and mailplus.co.uk
From the dress that captivated a prince to the standout designs she champions today, Kate has become our most important royal influencer. And, says Laura Craik, the best is yet to come

If someone said Duchess of Cambridge to you, what would be the first image that popped into your mind? Mine would be of a smiling woman in a red coat, with bouncy chestnut tresses worn in loose waves. Of the 745,392,041,583,610,584 photographs in existence,

Im not sure why its a red coat that first springs tomind, but for whatever reason, thats the archetype. Red is her colour. So, too, are royal blue, bottle green and fuchsia, but a red coat is seared most vividly in my memory as the quintessence of Kate.

Actually, no. A red coat is the quintessence of the Duchess of Cambridge. The quintessence of Kate is something else entirely. I like to think its the sheer, strapless dress she modelled in a student fashion show at the University of St Andrews in 2002 (see page 19); the dress that, legend has it, first prompted Prince William to turn to his friend and whisper, Wow, Kates hot! I have modelled in a student fashion show. I didnt wear a sheer, strapless dress. Had anyone suggested so, Id have run, screaming and traumatised, to my dorm. This is why Kate married a future king and I didnt.

In the intervening years, reams have been written about her fashion sense, with furious conjecture about whether it is good or bad. This misses the point. You may not like her raffia wedges, her cut of jean, her choice of shift dress, but you cannot criticise her fashion sense. Aged 20, she had the fashion sense to shuck on a see-through dress that grabbed the attention of a prince.

Whether its sexist to conflate wearing a see-through dress with bagsying a prince is a moot point: the fact remains Kate was far from the only undergraduate at St Andrews whod set her cap at William  but she was the one who piqued his interest. The point being that Kate has always known how to use fashion to achieve a desired effect. Its just that the nature of the effect has changed  greatly  along the way. Now shes no longer seducing a prince but a picky public. If you think her LK Bennett shoes are too pedestrian, her Bretons are unimaginative and her choice of eveningwear should be more adventurous, thats your prerogative. Style is subjective. Fashion sense is not. Fashion sense means knowing how to wear the right clothes at the right time for the right outcome. In this, Kate rarely fails.

Comparisons with Diana were inevitable, but they were also unfair

In the 20 years since she came into the public eye, this has rarely prevented people from opining that shes failed. Had her 19-year-old self known that her eventual destiny would be to have her clothes, footwear, hairstyle and beauty choices picked over by a nation of perennially dissatisfied vultures, perhaps she would have taken to the catwalk in a bin bag.

Take, for example, her state visit to New York in 2014. Five months pregnant and dressed in a smart coat by the British label Goat, she was greeted by a child at the Northside Center for Child Development with a scathing Youre not Elsa. Out of the mouth of babes came a pronouncement that deftly sums up the Duchesss dilemma: what, exactly, should a princess look like?

Its a question shes been exploring ever since marrying Prince William in 2011. Frozen mania may have abated since 2014, but for many people  and not just children  the archetypal princess is still a pretty, slightly otherworldly creature, forever scattered with rhinestones. Throughout her 30s, the prevailing criticism of Kate was that she lacked sparkle: that her outfits were mumsy, dowdy, frumpy and bereft of the magic that Diana so effortlessly conveyed. While comparisons with Diana were an inevitable part of Kates destiny, they were also rather unfair. Diana was an icon. Anyone would suffer by being compared to her.

Diana was a rule-breaker, whose flouting of convention won her few allies within the Royal Family. From the very beginning, it was clear that Kate was cut from a different cloth. She has assiduously obeyed rules of protocol as if her happiness depended on it. Which it probably does. Like many first-born children, Kate is a pleaser. If her wardrobe choices lack sparkle, its surely because she is all too aware of how they are scrutinised for price and provenance. Whether she is attending a sporting event, a school, a church, a cenotaph, an awards ceremony, a film premiere or a climate-change conference, her clothes are carefully chosen to toe a diplomatic line.

As she has grown into her public role and been accorded more royal duties by the Queen, her style has evolved to become more assured. If her early and mid-30s saw her stick somewhat doggedly to mid-market British brands such as Reiss, Boden, Whistles, Beulah, Hobbs and LK Bennett, her late 30s have seen her less stymied by price sensitivities, and more willing to experiment with colours and shapes. Its a bit like when a person starts a new office job: she might begin wearing smart, unremarkable shift dresses and practical shoes, only to replace them with more interesting apparel as her wages, confidence and status grow.

Today, Kate attends informal engagements in dresses by designers such as Emilia Wickstead and Alexander McQueen, showing the same support of British labels as she always has, only with fewer concerns about their price tag. For state events, she will confidently wear custom-made gowns and jewels fit for the occasion. As she should. She is a duchess, after all. Only in Britain would people carp about the cost of her clothes. Besides, Kate is fastidious about rewearing her favourite garments in a manner that makes their cost-per-wear quite reasonable, not least given the publicity they generate for the brands concerned.

As shes grown into her role, her style has become assured

After some research, I realised that the reason shes seared in my memory as wearing a red coat is because she has reworn her trusty red Catherine Walker, LK Bennett, Alexander McQueen and Armani coats on multiple occasions. Even her evening gowns have been recycled  most recently, a pale lilac plisse dress by Alexander McQueen, first worn to a Bafta event in Los Angeles in 2011, then reworn (with a different belt) for the first Earthshot Prize Awards last October. This sustainably minded way of dressing is undoubtedly something she will carry forward into her next decade.

finding her sparkle in more Jenny Packham, 2013 and 2021

As she celebrates her 40th birthday, Ive been thinking about Sheer Dress Kate, and how she was necessarily subsumed by Nice Dress Catherine. I like to think the free spirit that rocked up on a catwalk in a black bandeau bra and matching knickers still lurks beneath the Jenny Packham swag. And I would say to that creature: dont decide that, just because youre 40, you have to bury the girl you were. Forty is a milestone for anyone, but for women it can feel particularly charged. When I typed Why is turning 40 into Google, it automatically generated the words so depressing? Googling this phrase led me to Quora, and a series of threads with titles like: Today I turned 40 and have been crying all morning and What made your 40th birthday less depressing? The truly depressing thing? That these threads had been initiated by female users.

The truth is that being 40 is exactly like being 39, minus the pressure of your 30s passing. That whole life begins at cliche is a load of tosh, and never more so than when you attempt to apply it to a duchess with three children and a job for life. As for what we can expect Kate to wear in her 40s, I think it will evolve rather than radically change. Kates role forced her to adopt a smart, measured, conservative way of dressing long ago. Whatever the stereotypical ideationof your 40s looks like, she embraced it ten years prematurely.

With her favourite labels and silhouettes firmly in place (I bow to her devotion to the accentuated waist despite giving birth to three children), her 40s will likely see her experimenting with increasing confidence. A long-time fan of Alexander McQueen, shell likely embrace the slightly more adventurous silhouettes from designer Sarah Burtons oeuvre, though shell probably still avoid any directional prints, knowing that plain colours are more suited to her public role.

Shell continue to take her lead from the Queen and employ tailoring in strong block colours that make a powerful impact on formal visits. Shell remain loyal to the British designers shes loved throughout her 30s  Jenny Packham, Erdem, Emilia Wickstead  but likely add some up-and-coming ones into the mix. Shell continue to fly the flag for British fashion, and while she would no doubt balk at the idea, the fact remains that she is Britains most powerful royal influencer, as evidenced by numerous studies. Her global reach is unparalleled and has done wonders for the profiles and sales of countless brands. The Edinburgh-based handbag brand Strathberry was only launched in 2013, but Kates patronage has helped it grow exponentially.

Kate often recycles outfits with a clever change of accessories  as shown here when she wore this Alexander McQueen gown to a Bafta event in 2011 and again for the Earthshot Prize Awards last October, switching her belt

Beauty-wise, shell continue to display that flawless skin whose hue never seems to change, be it January or July. And no, lets not even conjecture whether shell have any work done. Thats her business, but given how sprightly her parents look (mother Carole is 66; father Michael is 72) its fair to say that Kate has youthful genes.

Her thick, glossy princess hair is currently being worn as long as it has ever been. I predict a bob in her mid-40s, but that she will still be a fan of bouncy waves. To paraphrase Diana, there are three of them in their marriage: Kate, William and a pair of curling tongs.

In British label Goat during a visit to a childrens centre in New York, 2014. Taking centre stage at Wimbledons Centre Court in Emilia Wickstead  one of her favourite designers  July 2021

Shell also embrace a softer silhouette. As she relaxes into her 40s, perhaps the olive dress she chose to wear for the familys 2021 Christmas card is a portent of whats to come. Kate has always dressed to please: her next decade will see her also dress with pleasure, embracing fashion for its own sake, but always in a way thats sustainable. Sustainability will become a cause even closer to her heart, and shell still continue to dig out favourite coats, suits and dresses from the past.

Just maybe not that dress.
A week tomorrow, the board of global investment trust Bankers will confirm the final quarterly dividend that shareholders will receive for financial year 2021.

Although the payment in monetary terms will be small  probably 0.55 pence per share  it will mark another year of dividend growth (of around one per cent) for the 1.6 billion trust.

With 55 years of annual dividend increases then behind it, Bankers will be on a par with City of London as the investment trust with the longest record of dividend growth.

'It's a modest dividend increase,' says Alex Crooke who has been overseeing the trust for the past 19 years.

'But in being cautious now, it means we can be more generous with our dividends next year. We've been living through lots of uncertainty.'

Both City of London and Bankers are trusts that are run by investment managers at Janus Henderson.

What separates them, apart from having different managers at their helm (Job Curtis runs City of London), is that City of London is focused on the UK stock market while Bankers spreads its wings further afield.

Over the past decade, Bankers has been steadily reducing its holdings in the UK  from 50 per cent to below 20 per cent of the portfolio  with the biggest remaining UK stocks being RELX, Diageo, Lloyds and AstraZeneca.

The result is that its largest asset allocation is now in North America (35 per cent) while the trust's top 10 holdings are all listed in the United States.

It also has key geographic positions in Europe, Japan and the rest of the Pacific region.

Although Crooke is the trust's manager, he doesn't pick the individual stocks, of which there are 165.

His role is to determine the allocation of assets under the trust's bonnet  he then gets Janus Henderson's regional equity teams to run the money allotted to them.

He also decides how much money the trust should borrow if he wants to increase its exposure to stock markets  new borrowings were taken out last year at an attractive interest of two per cent. The overall results are satisfactory, if not spectacular.

Over the past year, total returns are around 10 per cent. 'Any year when you are generating a return of 10 per cent or more is a good one,' says Crooke.

Over the past three and five years, returns are 64 per cent and 93 per cent respectively.

Crooke is optimistic about the year ahead, although he says he would be surprised if investor returns exceed 10 per cent. 'Between five and 10 per cent is what I am expecting, better than investing in fixed interest.'

The best market value, he says, is to be found in Asia and Japan  underperforming markets in 2021.

The trust's shares, currently priced at just above 1.20, stand at a small discount to the value of the underlying assets.

Total annual charges are low at 0.5 per cent and the trust's stock market ticker and identification code are respectively BNKR and BN4NDR3.

The annual income it generates for shareholders is equivalent to around 1.7 per cent  modest, but growing.

'Bankers is diverse, has holdings across the world, and is more cautious than some of its peers,' says Crooke.

This is demonstrated by the fact that over the past five years, some rival global trusts such as Scottish Mortgage and Monks (both managed by Baillie Gifford), have delivered far superior returns.

Compared to these, Bankers is a steady Eddie. A suitable investment for first-time investors and for those happy to hold long-term and enjoy the rising stream of dividend payments.
The UK division of fertiliser giant CF Industries  which hit headlines last year when a factory shutdown threatened to cut off Britain's CO2 supplies  paid out a 4.5million dividend to its US parent group just three months before receiving a bailout from the UK Government.

The payout has been disclosed in the most recent accounts for CF Industries (UK), which closed both its UK plants in September due to the sharp rise in gas prices.

The closures in Billingham, Teesside, and Ince, in Cheshire, triggered an intervention from Ministers, who stepped in to provide CF Industries with a three-week taxpayer-funded subsidy worth tens of millions of pounds to prevent a carbon dioxide (CO2) supply crisis.

Dividend: The payout has been disclosed in the most recent accounts for CF Industries (UK)

CF Fertilisers produces about 60 per cent of the UK's commercial CO2 needs, such as fizzing drinks, packing fresh food and salads, and nuclear power.

The Government said its arrangement with CF Fertilisers, the details of which have remained secret, enabled the immediate restart of CO2 production. George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, admitted the cost was likely to rise to many millions of pounds and 'possibly tens of millions'.

Following the end of this short-term partnership, an industry-led agreement was reached in October.

A letter from Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng that month said the CO2 industry and CF Fertilisers reached a commercial accord to enable the company to continue operating in the 'medium term' while gas prices remained high.

The Government said this would allow the Teesside plant to 'continue to operate'.

However, CF's US holding company was less upbeat in November when it said it expected the Billingham facility to maintain operations 'through at least January 2022'.

Management at CF Industries highlighted among 'going concerns' a number of 'severe but plausible downside scenarios' given the continued energy crisis, according to the documents filed last month.

In the worst case projection, it predicted that its Billingham plant could face a three-month shutdown, while its Ince facility could remain closed for the 'foreseeable future'.

Despite the caution, CF Fertilisers UK said in its accounts it could continue to pay dividends for the coming year. CF Fertilisers' UK-based revenue fell from 358million to 321million in its latest financial year. Its US parent is worth $12billion (9billion).

When contacted by The Mail on Sunday, CF Industries declined to confirm whether it would continue beyond this month or if an agreement was expected to be reached with Ministers.

A spokesperson said: 'CF Industries continues to negotiate with our industrial gas customers to extend CO2 offtake and pricing agreements.'

The US holding company has been bank-rolling its UK subsidiary in recent months via an established 75million credit facility, while an additional 25million loan was put in place in late October.

The latest report reveals that CF Fertilisers UK has so far tapped 50million of funds from the 75million pot, while also making use of the entire secondary facility. The company's most recent withdrawals amounted to 23million in November.

Some 20 per cent of CF Industries' staff are employed in the UK.
Andrew Tinkler, the former chief of Stobart, is set to reignite a legal fight with his former employer as he alleges directors at the aviation and energy group were deliberately dishonest during a court battle.

A High Court trial is expected to proceed in which Tinkler will attempt to set aside a previous judgment on the basis that it was obtained by fraud.

Tinkler alleges former Stobart chief executive Warwick Brady and ex-chairman Iain Ferguson, both of whom have since left the former FTSE250 group, provided false evidence.

Legal fight: A High Court trial is expected to proceed in which Andrew Tinkler will attempt to set aside a previous judgment on the basis that it was obtained by fraud

His claim includes allegations that Stobart purposefully withheld documents and that key witnesses lied under oath.

It is argued new evidence proves there was an 'orchestrated plan' to remove him. Tinkler, previously backed by disgraced financier Neil Woodford, relies on previously undisclosed messages that emerged in a separate legal case.

It is the latest in a bitter boardroom battle over Stobart, now called Esken, that led to Tinkler's controversial sacking in 2018. His departure was followed by a court dispute one year later that found he had breached his duties to the firm.

Tinkler wants to overturn this ruling and recoup the 1.3million in fees he paid to the company. He also wants Esken to cover his 4.4million legal bill from 2018.

A spokesman for Esken said: 'We won't comment on the case but the company is strenuously defending the claim.'

Tinkler was also contacted for comment.
Kimberly-Clark, the US owner of Kleenex, is cleaning up its carbon footprint by using a Scottish windfarm to power its UK factories.

The Texas-based personal care giant has signed an agreement with renewable energy firm Octopus, which will supply green electricity from an onshore windfarm at Cumberhead in South Lanarkshire.

Thinking outside the box: Kleenex owner Kimberly-Clark has signed an agreement with renewable energy firm Octopus, which will supply green electricity from an onshore windfarm

Once the 75million windfarm is complete next year, it will supply 80 per cent of the electricity at Kimberly-Clark's three UK factories and fully power its two main distribution centres.

Octopus is funding construction through its London-listed investment fund, Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust.

The power purchase agreement is the first for Kimberly-Clark outside the US.

The firm, whose brands also include Andrex and Huggies, called it a 'significant step' in decarbonising its UK operations.
A young woman walking her dogs along Umina Beach on the New South Wales Central Coast spots a blackened human jaw holding eight white teeth sticking out of the sand.

Police are called to the scene and later establish the bone belonged to a boy aged no more than 15 who appeared to have died about a decade earlier.

No missing person report filed nationwide fits the discovery, no human remains found elsewhere match the jaw and no frantic loved ones have ever come forward.

The grisly find begs a disturbing question: could a teenager really disappear in Australia without anyone noticing, or authorities ever being informed?

That is part of the mystery of the mandible discovered by 20-year-old Toyah Evans on June 11, 2020 that detectives and scientists are trying to solve.

A blackened jaw found on Umina Beach on the NSW Central Coast in June 2020 appears to have come from a boy aged about 15 who died a decade earlier. But the find matches not previously found human remains or any missing person reports. The jaw is pictured

Umina Beach had been almost empty and the tide was receding when Ms Evans and her mother saw the jaw amid detritus washed up by a recent storm. The pair immediately realised the significance of their discovery and took the bone to police. Umina Beach is pictured

The jaw was found near the entry to Ocean Beach Caravan Park and about 200m south of Umina Beach Surf Club. This picture was taken by Toyah Evans who found the bone

There is nothing to suggest foul play at this stage but nothing to rule it out.

Investigators want to establish where the jaw came from, where it had been for 10 years, how it got to Umina beach and why it was so well preserved.

The story of this mystery jaw is told in the latest episode of State Crime Command, the official podcast of the NSW Police Force. It is hosted by journalist Adam Shand and titled Lost At Sea: The Black Bone.

Umina Beach had been almost empty and the tide was receding when Ms Evans and her mother saw the jaw about 1.30pm amid detritus washed up by a recent storm.

The pair immediately realised the significance of their discovery and took the bone to Woy Woy police station.

'We placed it in a doggie bag just to make it secure and safe from further damage,' Ms Evans said at the time.

'It was a very grim discovery, but I was more thrilled with the fact that it could possibly help someone with solving a missing persons case.'

'We placed it in a doggie bag just to make it secure and safe from further damage,' Toyah Evans said. 'It was a very grim discovery, but I was more thrilled with the fact that it could possibly help someone with solving a missing persons case'

Police searched the beach and surrounding sand dunes but found no further bones or anything to indicate where the jaw had come from. It had been raining heavily the day before the jaw was found and five storm water drains empty into Umina Beach

Detective Senior Constable Rodney D'Bras from Gosford did not initially expect the find to become one of the biggest mysteries had had investigated in his 32 years on the force.

'We don't often have just human remains or human bones found lying around on the beach,' Detective Senior Constable D'Bras told Shand.

'My first thought was usually when these things happen it's left over from a barbecue or something like that, just a bone tossed out.

'My first reaction was, OK this is some sort of toy, or say medical model or something that's been made up for a purpose.

'But then yeah, when they came back to me and said, bang, this is human, that's oh wow, OK. I've never seen a bone like that.'

The jaw was found near the entry to Ocean Beach Caravan Park and about 200m south of Umina Beach Surf Club.

Six teeth had been lost post mortem but forensic odontologist Dr Phil Kendall determined two more had been surgically removed before death. Dr Kendall believed those teeth were likely extracted, along with two upper molars, due to extensive decay

While a typical 15-year-old's lower jaw should contain 14 teeth - 12 visible and two unerupted - the Umina mandible had eight (six visible and two wisdom teeth)

Considering it might have washed up from the ocean or been exposed by recent heavy weather, police searched the beach and surrounding dunes for further bones but found none.

Forensic anthropologist and archaeologist Penny McCardle examined the jaw and quickly realised police had formed two misconceptions.

Old maritime tragedies in the area ruled out Police had wondered whether the jaw might have come from 20-year-old kayaker Ryan Sainty who drowned in Brisbane Water just north of Umina Beach in June 2010. Some of Ryan's remains had been found minus a jaw but DNA and dental records confirmed the Umina bone did not come from him. Detectives even looked at the 1898 sinking of the paddle steamer SS Maitland with the loss of 27 lives north of Umina and that of two small craft, the Joyce and the Syd, which went down with 11 on board in 1948. DNA testing was carried out on descendants of some of those casualties without success. Advertisement

'There were actually two reactions,' Dr McCardle told Shand. 'One was it's really old. And the other one was, well, it was burnt. Both were incorrect.'

Dr McCardle said the jaw's blackness was not a reliable indicator of its age and that a bone could take on the colour of soil or sand in which it had been buried.

'Normally, when we find bone, it's either white - it's been exposed to the sun - or it's brown, taking on the colour of the dirt.'

'I've excavated ancient remains up to 800 years old that have been in really good condition and yet looked at more recent ones that are in so much worse condition that may be only a few years old.'

Police looked for sand or soil around Umina Beach that could have caused the jaw to be so blackened but no significant deposits of such matter were found nearby.

It had rained heavily the day before the jaw was found and storms had lashed the region in the first half of 2020.

Detective Senior Constable D'Bras had to consider the jaw might have made its way into the ocean via one of five stormwater drains that empty into the beach.

'It was likely to have been buried or protected from the elements somehow or somewhere,' he told Shand.

'So that would suggest that it's either being buried in the soil there, or you know perhaps kept in storage somewhere and preserving it in that good condition.'

Investigations also revealed dredging of the Ettalong Channel in Brisbane Water had led to 76 tonnes - 50,000 cubic metres - of sand being dumped on Umina and Ocean beaches since 2018.

DNA testing determined the jaw came from a male who forensic anthropologist Dr Penny McCardle initially estimated was likely a teenager but could be aged from 10 to his early 20s. Further analysis indicated the male was about 15 years old. Dr McCardle is pictured

DNA testing determined the jaw came from a male who Dr McCardle initially estimated was likely a teenager but could be aged from 10 to his early 20s. Further analysis indicated the male was about 15 years old.

The condition of the bone suggested it had come from someone who died about a decade earlier and it had been under water for only a relatively short time.

Dentist and forensic odontologist Dr Phil Kendall attended an autopsy of the jaw at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital and has examined its well-preserved teeth.

'The first thing is it's sort of small in size by normal standards,' Dr Kendall told Shand.

'The position of the wisdom teeth and the development of the roots of the wisdom teeth indicate that the person is a 15-year-old. Well, give or take a year.'

While a typical 15-year-old's lower jaw should contain 14 teeth - 12 visible and two unerupted - the Umina mandible had eight (six visible and two wisdom teeth).

Six teeth had been lost post mortem but Dr Kendall determined two more had been surgically removed before death.

Dentist and forensic odontologist Dr Phil Kendall attended an autopsy of the jaw at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital. His findings have helped bring police closer to identifying the jaw

Dr Kendall said there were no signs in the jaw of any dentistry apart from two extractions and estimated those molars had been taken out three or four years before death. An X-ray of the jaw is pictured

Dr Kendall said the first permanent molars on either side of the jaw had been extracted and the second and third molars had moved forward to fill the space.

The absence of those teeth was important and could help lead to identifying the dead teenager.

Podcast opens police work to the public The State Crime Command podcast is unique in the world of law enforcement - a partnership between media and police designed to elicit information from the public on live cases. Working with crime author and podcaster Adam Shand, the NSW Police Force has been producing podcasts on a wide range of cases from arson and missing persons to suspected homicides for the past two years. The NSW Missing Persons Registry has also included the podcast in its standard operating procedure for long term cases. Advertisement

'The fact that they're missing indicates that they were damaged in some way,' Dr Kendall said. 'There must have been some reason for taking them out.'

Dr Kendall noted the second left molar - which would have been in the teenager's mouth for only about three years - had significant decay.

That suggested the first molars, which emerged about age six, had probably been in an even worse state.

'My theory is that all the first molars were decayed, and they were taken out,' Dr Kendall told Shand. 'I'm guessing that the person certainly had a neglected mouth.

'They would not have spent a lot of time at the dentist.'

That lack of dental care raised the possibility the dead male was from a low socio-economic background.

Dr Kendall said there were no signs in the jaw of any dentistry apart from the extractions and estimated the first molars had been taken out three or four years before death.

'That is because the teeth behind have moved forward, fairly rapidly,' he said. 'And it's also a fair bet that the upper teeth were taken out at the same time because the spaces have closed quickly.

'If the upper teeth had been left behind... these teeth on the bottom would not have moved forward as quickly as they did.'

Dr Kendall's estimates meant the four teeth would have been extracted when the patient was about 11.

He expected the surgery would have been done under general anaesthetic and the patient was likely admitted to a public hospital sometime around 2006.

If that was the case there should be records of the operation and X-rays that could identify the jaw.

The story of the mystery jaw features in the latest episode of State Crime Command, the official podcast of the NSW Police Force. It is hosted by journalist Adam Shand and titled Lost At Sea: The Black Bone. Shand is pictured left with his dog Teddy conducting research

Dr Kendall had a further observation about the jaw: from its relatively heavy weight and its structure he thought the owner might be at least part Indigenous.

Police have been double-checking missing persons records in case the mandible came from an individual whose remains were located without a jaw bone.

'Well, it is possible,' Detective Senior Constable D'Bras said. 'Sometimes things are missed...

'If we look through all the missing person cases, there are sort of a few that do fit that profile that we have eliminated so far.

'But there is a considerably long list of missing persons where we don't have, say DNA or dental records, whatever, to conduct comparison with.'

It is expected another round of forensic analysis will reveal features such the jaw owner's likely hair and eye colour as well as his ethnicity.

As he awaits the results of further DNA testing, Detective Senior Constable hopes someone will recognise what is known of the jaw's owner and come forward.

It is expected another round of forensic analysis will reveal features such the jaw owner's likely hair and eye colour as well as his ethnicity. Detective Senior Constable hopes someone will recognise what is known of the jaw's owner and come forward. Umina Beach is pictured

Shand has an open mind about the jaw's origins and is hopeful the case can be solved.

'Right now, no theory carries more weight than the rest,' he says on the podcast.

'The bone could have come to Umina from the ocean, from dark mineral sands further afield, or to the beach via Umina's stormwater system.

'It could have been revealed by a storm or simply placed on the beach by someone who wanted it to be discovered.

'There is nothing to say the individual has anything to do with the Gosford area at all.'

Anyone with information that may lead to the identification of the jaw bone is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Lost at Sea: The Black Bone can be heard by downloading the free Listnr app here or via Apple podcasts here. A new episode on the jaw will also be available soon.
Emporia, KS (66801)

Today

Thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 44F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms early, then cloudy skies after midnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 44F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
The mother of the missing seven-year-old New Hampshire girl last seen in 2019 led an emotional vigil for her daughter Saturday as authorities continued to search the family home where she was last seen.

Crystal Sorey, the mother of Harmony Montgomery, held a candlelight vigil in Manchester near the residence where she was last seen alive as friends and family gathered and prayed for the girl's safe return.

Harmony, who is blind in one eye, vanished in late 2019 when she was five but her disappearance wasn't reported until late November.

Her drug-addled father and her step-mother have both been arrested on lesser charges.

Adam Montgomery, 31, was charged with counts including failing to have Harmony in his custody and Kayla Montgomery, 31, was charged with welfare fraud on suspicion of obtaining $1,500 in food stamps from December 2019 to June 2021 for Harmony at a time when the girl was not living with them.

Sorey, long since separated from Montgomery, said she last saw her daughter during an Easter 2019 FaceTime call.

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Crystal Sorey (picture) last saw her daughter Harmony during FaceTime call in 2019

Police in Manchester, New Hampshire have been searching for seven-year-old Harmony Montgomery, who is blind in one eye, after learning she hasn't been seen since 2019

Friends and family hold hands and pray for Harmony's safe return during Saturday's candlelight vigil

The candlelight vigil was held for Harmony near the home where she was last seen

Sorey explained that she lost custody of Harmony in July 2018 because she was a drug addict, and she said that Montgomery also had struggled with substance abuse problems.

She claims she has repeatedly tried to track her little girl down since then but in court filings obtained by DailyMail.com the Manchester Police Department said it was not contacted until November 18 of last year.

Despite no leads in the search for Harmony, Sorey said she still believes her daughter is safe.

'I don't feel like she's gone. I just don't feel that in my heart,' Sorey told NBC Boston. 'Like, I don't feel like I lost her. And a mother knows, a mother knows if your baby's here or not. I know she's here.'

A Manchester Police officer fly a drone for an extended period of time over Harmony's last known location

Manchester police are seen exiting the Manchester home where Harmony lived with a large brown paper evidence bag from the scene

Manchester Police Detectives collect evidence from the home of Harmony's dad

A 'Bring Harmony Home' poster was seen at a candlelight vigil held for the seven-year-old on Saturday

Sorey, wearing a sweatshirt with an image of her daughter in a blue dress, even sent a message to her daughter just in case she was watching, telling her she won't quit searching for her.

'Hi, baby. If you can see me and hear me, I want you to know that I never stopped looking for you and I won't stop fighting until I find you, okay? You stay strong and mommy's right here fighting for you. I love you!'

On Saturday, authorities were seen searching Harmony's last known residence in Manchester, state Attorney General John M. Formella, Hillsborough County Attorney John Coughlin and Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenber said.

Details were not released but two men were seen leaving the home with a large piece of equipment used to detect and map out areas underground and find voids beneath concrete, Patch.com reported.

This aerial photo shows police searching the backyard of a house in Gilford Street, Mancheste, on Sunday as part of an investigation into the disappearance of seven-year-old Harmony Montgomery

Harmony's father and stepmother have been arrested on charges related to her well-being

Crystal Sorey had lost custody of Harmony in 2018 because of her drug addiction (pictured together)

Manchester Police officers flew a drone for an extended period of time over the property, and later flew a second time.

They were also seen exiting the home with a large brown paper evidence bag from the scene.

The current homeowner is cooperating with authorities but not involved with the case.

'Due to the ongoing investigation, no additional information will be released at this time,' New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said in a statement. 'Officials ask the public to respect the privacy of the current residents  and to stay off of their property as the investigation continues.'

Harmony's father and stepmother have been arrested on charges related to her well-being. Adam and Kayla have three kids together but have since separated.

The two have pleaded not guilty and Adam Montgomery remains behind bars.

Police first became aware Harmony might be missing when they received a call from Sorey in November. She had been trying to locate the girl for months, police said.

Police said they had made contact with Adam Montgomery and other family members by the end of December. An affidavit said police told him Harmony 'had not been physically observed in over two years and that we had concern for whether or not she was still alive.'

Police are still requesting help from the public in locating Harmony, Formella said in a statement.

Anyone with information can call 603-203-6060, he said.

Manchester police have also said a reward for information that helps find Harmony has grown to $94,000 from local donations, WMUR-TV reported.
A woman once dubbed the 'Hollywood Madam' for running a Los Angeles prostitution ring in the mid-1990s is leaving her southern Nevada home after one of the parrots in her exotic bird collection was shot in the leg with a BB gun.

Heidi Fleiss - known for her luxury escort business that once serviced the likes of actor Charlie Sheen - claims someone shot one of her macaws on Christmas Eve and is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprit.

Fleiss, 56, is very angry about the attack on her beloved Chuey, a five-year-old parrot, and wants the shooter to be punished to the full extent of the law.

'I want to castrate him, I want them to get the death penalty for shooting my little Chuey, who was just flying around doing nothing  and they shoot her,' she told the Pahrump Valley Times. 'I want them to have the death penalty because everyone in the subdivision knows her and they love her.'

The former madam plans to leave Pahrump, the high desert community about 60 miles west of Las Vegas where she has lived for the past 15 years, in wake of the incident.

She has purchased a property in the Ozarks area of Missouri and aims to relocate her exotic bird collection there by the end of February.

Former 'Hollywood Madam' Heidi Floss is leaving her Pahrump, Nevada home after her five-year-old parrot Chuey was shot in the leg with a BB gun on Christmas Eve. Fleiss is pictured walking out of the Love Ranch brothel, in Pahrump, with Ron Jeremy 2018

Fleiss discovered Chuey's injuries on the afternoon of December 24 after the bird flew home to her Fort Churchill property off North Highway 160.

'When [the bird] came home in the late afternoon, she fell and that's when I noticed there was something wrong with her leg,' she said.

She wanted to rush Chuey to the veterinarian straightaway, however the office was closed for the holidays.

Fleiss took the bird to the vet on December 27 where she learned Chuey had suffered a fractured and crushed leg.

'He took an X-ray and he showed me someone shot it with a pellet gun, and her leg is fractured and crushed,' she explained.

'What kind of a sick f**k would shoot her while she was flying with her brother? It's going to be a horrible surgery for her.'

Fleiss (pictured) is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter

Fleiss runs a sanctuary for exotic birds. She plans to relocate her collection to a 50-acre forest property in the Ozarks area of Missouri next month

She contacted Nye County Animal Control officers about the shooting and even kept the pellet that a veterinarian removed from the bird's leg as evidence.

Fleiss, who has owned Chuey since the day she was born, speculates the shooter was likely an out-of-towner visiting for the holidays because everyone in the community 'knows they're my birds and they really enjoy them.'

She said she has loved raising her birds in Pahrump but needs to leave the community for their safety.

'I hate to go, but it's not fair to the birds to put them through this,' Fleiss said.

'My birds will be out of here by the end of February. I think the best moments of my life have been here with my birds, watching them fly and explore and seeing them have freedom from years of sitting in cages.'

She continued: 'It's really been an incredible experience and I've had some of the best times of my life here  but unfortunately, the worst.'

Fleiss claims the decision did not stem from just one isolated incident, but instead from several occasions in which her birds have been in danger.

Fleiss claims the decision to relocate did not stem from just one isolated incident, but instead from several occasions in which her birds have been in danger

'Last month has been so tragic for my birds because someone's pet bobcat got into the house and there was a massacre. You know, there's so many people here with no respect for anything,' she said.

Earlier last year, one of her birds - a macaw called Miller - went missing. Fleiss believed he had been stolen and offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to his return.

She received a call from a man days later who provided information with the bird's location, KPVM reported. She contacted police and authorities helped her make contact with the caller.

The caller lead her to the home of Lisa Huggins, where Miller was found sitting in a cage. Huggins, who was charged in connection to Miller's disappearance, claimed she found the bird stuck in a fence at a park in the area, rescued it and took it home.

However, witnesses said Huggins' account of the incident never took place and she instead stole the bird from Fleiss' property.

The self-described bird keeper has since purchased a 50-acre forest near the Little House on the Prairie Historical Museum in Missouri and plans to relocate exotic bird rescue sanctuary there next month.

Fleiss (pictured in 1995) is known for running a Los Angeles prostitution ring in the mid-1990s that serviced high-profile clients including actor Charlie Sheen

Fleiss (pictured in court in August 1993) was arrested in June 1993 and charged with five counts of pandering. A jury found her guilty of three counts, however, her conviction was overturned in 1996

Fleiss earned the nickname 'Hollywood Madam' after she amassed a ring of 500 women whose escort services were earning her about $300,000 a week.

She entered the sex work business in 1987 at the age of 22 after her filmmaker boyfriend introduced her to Madam Alex, a 'procuress to the stars'. According to the Hollywood Reporter - which interviewed Fleiss in 2018 for the 25th anniversary of her arrest - the now-bird keeper worked as one of Alex's call girls and 'quickly absorbed the business'.

By 1990, she had launched her own prostitution service, only recruiting high-end talent that who were 'clean-cut and perfect, [like] she was born and raised in Beverly Hills.'

Her girls would charge clients about $1,500 a night, of which Fleiss would receive 40 percent. She was also said to carry an infamous red 28-page Gucci planner that was her 'black book containing the names of her famous clients'.

However, her business didn't last long. The other prostitution leaders, including Madam Alex, were working with Los Angeles police to take her down, offering up lists of her clients on a weekly basis.

Fleiss (left) is pictured with her ex, Tom Sizemore (right), at the 30th AFI Life Achievement Awards in Hollywood in 2002

Fleiss (right) is pictured at the Humane Society's Rescue Los Angeles Gala in 2017 with Andrew Weinstein (left)

Fleiss was arrested in June 1993 and charged with five counts of pandering. Her case went to trial and Sheen testified that he had spent $53,000 a year on her services.

She was convicted on three counts of pandering and sentenced to three years in prison. Her conviction was overturned in 1996.

However, she did spend 20 months in federal prison after being convicted of federal tax evasion.

Fleiss moved to Pahrump, a town of less than 40,000 people, shortly afterwards.

She was a close friend of Dennis Hof, owner of several legal brothels in Nevada and star of the HBO adult reality series Cathouse.

Hof ran for state Legislature in 2018. He fashioned himself as a Donald Trump-style Republican and won the election despite having been found dead a month earlier after celebrating his 72nd birthday.
The man who bought Kyle Rittenhouse an assault-style rifle when he was only 17 has accepted a plea deal to avoid conviction on the two felony counts he was facing.

Dominick Black, 20, of Kenosha, has agreed to plead no contest to contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a non-criminal citation. He had faced two felony charges of delivering a dangerous weapon to a minor, resulting in death.

Black allegedly purchased the assault rifle Rittenhouse used to kill two people and wound a third during August 2020 protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In November, a jury found the now-18-year-old not guilty, based on his claim of self-defense.

On Friday, Black's attorney and assistant district attorney Thomas Binger reached and filed a proposed plea agreement, which suggested Black would plead no contest to a pair of citations and pay a $2,000 fine, and the felony counts would be dismissed.

His plea hearing is scheduled for Monday morning. However, Judge Bruce Schroeder - who presided over the Rittenhouse trial - could still reject the deal or possibly dismiss the original felony counts based on his ruling about the minors-with-firearms law in the Rittenhouse case.

Dominick Black (pictured), who faces charges for purchasing the assault-style rifle Kyle Rittenhouse used at the Kenosha protest, has has agreed to a plea deal

Black was 18 when he purchased a rifle for Rittenhouse in May 2020 at a hardware store in Rusk County. Rittenhouse, then a minor, was too young to legally purchase the weapon himself.

The teen went on to fatally shoot Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, during a protest in Kenosha over the shooting of a black man, Jacob Blake, by a white police officer.

Black was charged in November 2020 with two counts of delivering a dangerous weapon to a minor, resulting in death. The charges related to Rosenbaum and Huber's deaths, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

However, the status of Black's charges remained up in the air after Schroeder agreed to throw out one of the charges against Rittenhouse - that he unlawfully possessed a firearm as a minor.

The defense convinced Schroeder that an exception in the law allows 17-year-olds to possess rifles and shotguns, or at least left the law too vague to be enforceable.

Rittenhouse (pictured left on Aug. 25, 2020) traveled to Kenosha during a protest that broke out after a white Kenosha police officer shot Jacob Blake, a black man, in the back last summer

Rittenhouse (pictured on Aug. 25, 2020) said that he went from his home in nearby Antioch, Illinois, to Kenosha to protect property from rioters but that he acted in self-defense after he came under attack and feared for his life

Black (pictured left, testifying during Rittenhouse's trial) faced two felony charges of delivering a dangerous weapon to a minor, resulting in death after Rittenhouse used the weapon to fatally shoot two people. In November, a jury found Rittenhouse not guilty, based on his claim of self-defense

Black's attorney, Anthony Cotton, is hopeful Schroeder will accept the negotiated plea agreement, adding that his client 'already testified under oath as to all the factual basis'.

The now-20-year-old, who was in Kenosha with Rittenhouse, was the first witness to testify in acquitted teen's trial.

Black testified that he and Rittenhouse went to downtown Kenosha to help protect a car dealership after vehicles were burned the night before.

He told the jury he thought nobody would start trouble if they saw him with his assault-style rifle. He also said Rittenhouse helped give medical aid and put out fires.

During his testimony, Black described the chaos of the night. He said he was on the roof as protesters hurled gasoline bombs and rocks at the business.

Black said he heard gunshots but didn't know Rittenhouse was involved until the teenager called and said, 'I shot somebody, I shot somebody.'

According to the plea agreement, Black (pictured in court in November) will plead no contest to a pair of citations and pay a fine, and the felony counts would be dismissed. However, Judge Bruce Schroeder could still reject the deal or possibly dismiss the original felony counts based on his ruling about the minors-with-firearms law in the Rittenhouse case

The charges against Black related to the deaths of Joseph Rosenbaum (left), 36, and Anthony Huber (right), 26. Rittenhouse fatally shot Rosenbaum with an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle after Rosenbaum chased Rittenhouse across a parking lot and threw a plastic bag at him. Moments later, as Rittenhouse was running down a street, he shot and killed Huber

Afterward, Black said, Rittenhouse was 'freaking out. He was really scared. He was pale, shaking a lot.'

He said Rittenhouse told him that he acted in self-defense because 'people were trying to hurt him.'

Black also testified that he helped convince Rittenhouse to turn himself into police following the riot. He also said, in hindsight, Rittenhouse should not have been armed that night.

Ultimately, Rittenhouse was acquitted of all charges, including first-degree intentional homicide, in the deaths of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber and the wounding of Gaige Grosskreutz.
NHS medics have started wearing purple ribbons to signal their opposition to Sajid Javids order that all healthcare staff must have a Covid jab.

A Twitter account called NHS100k, which has 16,000 followers, has posted pictures of nurses, radiologists and vascular scientists all wearing purple bows in defiance of the Health Secretary in the past week.

The account says: So many wonderful healthcare staff are showing solidarity and uniting together in support of stopping these mandates.

It retweeted a picture of nurse Hannah Gardner, who said: Good enough through the pandemic on the front line for two years, but soon to be sacked for not wanting the Covid jabs just yet. My body, my choice. Wearing my purple ribbon with pride.

NHS medics have started wearing purple ribbons to signal their opposition to Sajid Javids order that all healthcare staff must have a Covid jab. Pictured: NHS staff in Sheffield on January 6

The account was co-founded by Jay Weston, 30, an emergency medical technician from Cheshire. He told The Mail on Sunday that he and group of paramedics chose purple as a neutral colour to encourage discussion between staff who feel isolated for choosing not to receive a vaccine.

From April, NHS medics will need to have had at least two Covid jabs to go to work if their role involves direct contact with patients, unless they have an exemption. The requirement will also apply to those working in general practice, private hospitals, community services, and any other health or care organisation regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

Latest figures show more than 91 per cent of NHS workers have been jabbed with two doses, but more than 90,000 staff are still unvaccinated.

On Friday, Dr Steve James, a consultant anaesthetist at Kings College Hospital in South London, confronted Mr Javid over compulsory jabs saying: I do not want to have a vaccination.

PROTEST:A picture, shared on Twitter, shows a healthcare worker wearing a purple ribbon

Yesterday, fellow NHS professionals distanced themselves from Dr James, who also runs a Breathlessness Clinic on Harley Street where he charges 250 for a 30-minute consultation.

Dr David Nicholl, a consultant neurologist, said: If an individual like that worked for me they would be suspended pending an investigation. Obviously when you have over a million people working in the NHS you will invariably have some people who have crank views, but equally patients have to be able to trust their doctors to interpret data.

The data are overwhelming that vaccinations are safe and stop people ending up in ITU.

Dr James could not be contacted for comment.

Another nurse is seen sporting a purple bow on her clothing

Unvaccinated doctor challenges Sajid Javid over compulsory jabs for NHS staff and tells him he doesn't want a vaccine because he 'has had COVID, and feels protected by antibodies' after working in ICU for years

Harry Howard for MailOnline

A doctor has spoken to the Health Secretary about his refusal to be vaccinated despite working in intensive care since the start of the pandemic.

Steve James, a consultant anaesthetist at King's College Hospital in London, who has worked in the ICU since early 2020 treating Covid patients, told Sajid Javid why he did not believe in vaccination.

In a video released by Sky News, the doctor told Mr Javid: 'I had COVID at some point, I've got antibodies, and I've been working on COVID ICU since the beginning.

'I have not had a vaccination, I do not want to have a vaccination. The vaccines are reducing transmission only for about eight weeks for Delta, with Omicron it's probably less.

'And for that, I would be dismissed if I don't have a vaccine? The science isn't strong enough.'

A doctor has spoken to the Health Secretary about his refusal to be vaccinated despite working in intensive care since the start of the pandemic. Steve James, a consultant anaesthetist at King's College Hospital in London, who has worked in the ICU since early 2020 treating Covid patients, told Sajid Javid why he did not believe in vaccination

The Health Secretary politely expressed his disagreement and urged the public to get boosted during his visit.

He said: 'I respect that, but there's also many different views. I understand it, and obviously we have to weigh all that up for both health and social care, and there will always be a debate about it.'

But he took a parting swipe at the doctor, saying the government were taking advice 'from people who are actually experts'.

Mr James said he did not believe Covid-19 was causing 'very significant problems' for young people, adding that his patients in the ICU had been 'extremely overweight' with multiple other co-morbidities.

He said the Health Secretary did not seem to agree with him but had listened to his opinion.

'I wouldn't say he agreed with me,' he said. 'I had the feeling he was listening.'

In December, MPs approved mandatory vaccinations for NHS and social care staff by April this year.

According to the latest data, more than 90 per cent of NHS staff have had at least two doses of a coronavirus vaccine and more than 60 per cent have had a booster jab or third dose.

During his visit, Mr Javid said he wanted to thank NHS workers across the country for 'the amazing work they've been doing throughout this pandemic but particularly during these current challenging times'.

The Health Secretary politely expressed his disagreement and urged the public to get boosted during his visit. Above: Mr Javid with Dr James and another medic during his tour of Kings College Hospital

But Mr Javid also warned hospital admissions were rising and that the NHS was facing a 'rocky few weeks ahead'.

He said: 'We are in a stronger position than we were last year thanks to the vaccinations and the testing, we have boosted more people in this country than in any other country in Europe, we've got more antivirals per head than any other country in Europe, we're testing more people per head than any other country in Europe.'

He added: 'The best thing anyone can do if they haven't already is get boosted or get your first or second jab if you haven't had one.'

During the visit he said the intensive care unit for Covid patients had an estimated 70 per cent of patients unvaccinated and that this was a 'reminder to us all' of the importance of vaccination.
Scientists who warned Britain could face 75,000 Omicron deaths unless more restrictions were imposed, now say winter Covid deaths will be substantially lower than originally feared

The scientists who warned that Britain had little option but to impose severe restrictions or face tens of thousands of deaths from Omicron were last night in retreat.

First, modellers who advise the Government said winter deaths from the highly transmissible variant would be substantially lower than they had originally believed, then Independent SAGE, a group of Left-leaning scientists who have pushed for lockdowns, distanced themselves from the need to impose further curbs.

Before Christmas, epidemiologists at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine produced a series of dire scenarios in which they warned Omicron could lead to between 25,000 and 75,000 deaths by the end of April.

But one of its leading modellers said last night he believes the true figure will be far lower, mainly due to Omicron being less lethal than originally feared.

The scientists who warned that Britain had little option but to impose severe restrictions or face tens of thousands of deaths from Omicron were last night in retreat (stock image)

Dr Davies said that since mid-December he and his team had been in constant communication with senior civil servants and government scientific advisers, discussing emerging data that pointed towards Omicron having lower severity than originally feared, and the implications this could have for policy

Tory MP William Wragg, a member of the partys Covid Recovery Group, said the U-turn provided evidence that many in the scientific community had been too gloomy about the threat from coronavirus.

Once again, it appears that certain scientists and experts so quick to spread gloom and panic at the arrival of Omicron are having to come to terms with a reality that is far from the catastrophe they were predicting, he said.

It all shows that Boris Johnson and his Cabinet were right to avoid condemning us to another lockdown with the dismal effects on peoples livelihoods and liberties.

The School of Hygienes team built its original models  published on December 11  on the assumption that Omicron was as naturally lethal as the Delta strain, meaning it would kill the same proportion of unvaccinated people who had not been exposed to Covid before.

Dr Davies argued that while South African doctors were already finding Omicron appeared to be less severe, the reports were anecdotal so the School of Hygienes supposition was a reasonable assumption to make at the time.

Over the past month, however, considerable evidence has built up that Omicron is less dangerous. This includes statistical studies by Imperial College London, Edinburgh University and the UK Health Security Agency, as well as research from South Africa and Denmark. Laboratory studies have also found Omicron is less adept at infecting the lungs.

Dr Davies said the December model had assumed that once a patient ended up in hospital with Omicron, their chance of needing intensive care and dying was the same as with Delta  which has proved to be incorrect.

Tory MP William Wragg (pictured), a member of the partys Covid Recovery Group, said the U-turn provided evidence that many in the scientific community had been too gloomy about the threat from coronavirus

We now know that doesnt seem to be at all the case, as people are ending up in hospital with Omicron, but they are not requiring critical care [to the same extent as with Delta], he said. The deaths number will come down very substantially [compared with original estimates].

Since December 1, there have been 5,090 Covid-related deaths reported across the UK  although 1,107 of those have been in the last four days alone.

Defending the School of Hygienes pre-Christmas model, Dr Davies said: Its clear that our understanding of Omicron has changed substantially in the last two weeks.

He stressed that his team produced scenarios, not forecasts, adding: I dont want them to get an unjustified bad rap because people use them in a way they werent meant to be used.

Meanwhile, Independent SAGE said further restrictions were not now thought necessary.

The measures we need now are less a matter of restriction than providing the communications, protections and support necessary to reduce infections and shorten the crisis we now face, it said.

One measure it controversially keeps pushing is remote learning at universities and colleges, urging teaching online until the end of February.
One-in-four Brits have already broken a New Years resolution to stop boozing, just over a week into 2022.

A poll of 1,500 from all over the country found 24 per cent had fallen off the wagon.

The most common resolutions after drinking which have been ditched since January 1 were: joining a gym  22 per cent; lose weight  19 per cent; and maintaining a positive attitude  18 per cent.

One-in-four Brits have already broken a New Years resolution to stop boozing, just over a week into 2022

Geordies were most likely to have broken a no booze promise, with four-in-ten confessing that they had already imbibed.

Seb Livingstone, 34, of Newcastle, said he broke his resolution on January 3 after a pal invited him round for a dinner party.

The healthcare worker said: To be honest it was quite a relief as I know Id never have made it through the whole year.
Among Mary Onuoha's most prized possessions is the small gold cross she has worn around her neck every day of her life since childhood, a symbol of this 61-year-old nurse's devout faith.

'Every time I look at it, I think of Jesus, His love, how much He loved me, and the need for me to love Him back,' she says.

Few could fail to be moved by the sincerity of those sentiments, even if they do not share them. Nor, you may think, could this small and discreet symbol of her belief possibly offend.

Alas, Mary's employers at the south London hospital where she worked as a theatre practitioner for 19 years took a different view, and in recent years she was repeatedly asked to remove the cross, a present at her baptism.

Mary Onuoha's small gold cross is a symbol of the 61-year-old nurse's faith. 'Every time I look at it, I think of Jesus, His love, how much He loved me, and the need for me to love Him back,' she says

She won a case against Croydon NHS Trust on the grounds of harassment, victimisation, direct and indirect discrimination, and unfair dismissal dismissal

Mary was told that the necklace 'harboured bacteria', but she believes she was targeted for displaying a symbol of her Christian faith  even though many colleagues were allowed to sport other items expressing their religious beliefs, be they turbans, hijabs or bracelets.

On one occasion a manager even called her away from her nursing duties in an operating theatre in the middle of surgery to discipline her for wearing it  potentially risking patients' safety, she claims.

When she refused to take it off, Mary was moved to clerical duties and became subject to what she describes as a sustained campaign of bullying that left her unable to work.

Having been signed off with stress, last October she brought a legal case against Croydon Health Services NHS Trust on the grounds of harassment, victimisation, direct and indirect discrimination, and constructive and unfair dismissal.

Last week her case ended in victory when employment judge Daniel Dyal found that Mary had been constructively dismissed in a way that was both unfair and discriminatory.

He said the trust had created a 'humiliating, hostile and threatening environment' and that when Mary complained, the response had been 'offensive and intimidating'.

It is a vindication, albeit a bittersweet one, for Mary as she believes the case exposes the hostility and discrimination experienced by many Christians in the workplace, a view shared by the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey.

Here, in her only newspaper interview, she tells The Mail on Sunday: 'This has always been an attack on my faith. My cross has been with me for more than 40 years. It is part of me, and my faith, and it has never caused anyone any harm.

'At this hospital there are members of staff who go to a mosque four times a day and no one says anything to them.

'Hindus wear red bracelets on their wrists and female Muslims wear hijabs in theatre. Yet my small cross around my neck was deemed so dangerous that I was no longer allowed to do my job.'

It is a turn of events that has astonished a woman who believed she was coming to a free country when she arrived in Britain from Nigeria in 1988 to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.

'I am a strong woman, but I have been treated like a criminal,' she says. 'I love my job, but I am not prepared to compromise my faith for it, and neither should other Christian NHS staff in this country.'

It is clear that what Mary has endured runs deep. A proud, softly-spoken woman, she finds it hard to relate the events of recent years, and her voice falters frequently as she tells of her experience.

The Christian faith was at the heart of the Nigerian village where Mary was raised, the eldest of ten siblings in a loving family. And it was there that a family tragedy set her on the path to becoming a nurse.

'When I was 15 my beloved two-year-old brother died of measles,' she recalls. 'I was so sad that there wasn't the medical care available for him that could have saved him at that time in the area where I lived. This made me passionate about caring for people and about medicine.

'I was determined to help my mother and make sure it did not happen again.'

Mary moved to the UK with her husband Charles, settling in South London, where the couple have lived ever since with their family and where Mary qualified as a nurse.

In November 2001, she started to work at Croydon University Hospital, employed latterly as a theatre practitioner, a nursing role performed primarily in the operating theatre and providing pre- and post-operative care. Her cross was sometimes concealed by her scrubs, but was visible on other occasions.

However, it never attracted comment until 2014, when the theatre manager at the time asked her to remove it on health-and-safety grounds. 'I refused and said words to the effect of 'What about hijabs, turbans and kalava bracelets?',' Mary recalls. 'She said she would get back to me but did not do so.'

A year passed without further incident until, in late 2015, a matron asked Mary to wear a longer chain to conceal the cross under her uniform. 'Again, I asked why I should hide my faith while others were allowed to show their own,' Mary says. 'She did not take the matter any further.'

It was the first of many similar incidents, with a succession of managers asking her to conceal or remove her cross, deeming it a health-and-safety risk. If not, Mary was told, the matter would face 'escalation'.

Mary Onuoha at the South London Employment Tribunal Building Croydon in October

Mary continually refused. 'It felt like bullying,' she says.

Then, in November 2016, Mary was attending a patient in surgery when her manager came in to the operating theatre and ordered her into a side room, saying she needed to discuss her necklace.

'I said 'I cannot leave the patient', but the manager insisted,' Mary says. 'I was so embarrassed. Theatre is a pressured environment, and I was astonished that senior staff were prepared to potentially endanger a patient's life in order to intimidate me to remove it.'

It was the start of what Mary says she can only describe as an ongoing campaign of intimidation by senior hospital managers, during which she was subjected to an investigation into her conduct.

By November 2018, she was suspended from clinical duties and instead assigned clerical work and told that security would be called if she attempted to enter a theatre area while still wearing her cross.

Effectively, she was ostracised. 'I am a strong woman, but this was demeaning to me and caused me a lot of stress,' she says. 'It was degrading.'

Of course, there will be some who think the simplest thing to have done was remove it  but that is not to reckon with the depth of Mary's faith.

'People did say to me, 'Why don't you just remove your necklace?' But I know that if I did, I would feel as if I had compromised, that I would have stepped back from my faith,' she says.

'I don't want to be a lukewarm Christian. I love my job, but God comes first.'

Nonetheless, by June 2020 the stress had become too much and Mary was signed off work by her doctor. Two months later she resigned, effectively forced out of a job she loved. For months afterwards she was unable to work, though she has now found a new job. 'I never thought I would ever be in a situation like this, but I was determined to get through it,' she says.

She was equally determined to hold her employers to account  and last week her courage was vindicated by Judge Dyal who, in a damning ruling, said that the dress-code policy was applied 'in an arbitrary way' and with 'no cogent explanation' why plain rings, neckties, hijabs and turbans were permitted, but a cross necklace was not.

Pictured: Mrs Onuoha says she has worn the gold cross as a reflection of her faith for 40 years

Her financial compensation will be determined at a later hearing.

For Mary, it is the principle that really matters  a welcome and long overdue boost for Christian freedom. 'I am so pleased that the tribunal has defended freedom to worship God,' she says. 'I know there are other Christians across the country experiencing similar issues to me  and I hope this encourages all of them to be courageous.'

It is a sentiment echoed by Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, who supported Mary in her legal battle.

'The courts have finally admitted that the cross is a Christian symbol in a crucial ruling that protects a Christian's right to express their faith in the workplace,' she said.

'The tribunal has found that the cross is not just a piece of jewellery or a fashion accessory, but ruled that it is a symbol of Christianity and it is of central importance to the faith of many Christians.

'This victory has, however, been achieved at a high price. Many Christians in the NHS and other workplaces have had to hide their crosses and Mary had to persevere through two years of incessant harassment by her managers.'

A spokesman for Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said: 'We would like to apologise to Mrs Onuoha. It is important that NHS staff feel able to express their beliefs, and that our policies are applied in a consistent, compassionate and inclusive way.'
The forecaster used by the BBC has backed down in a 'weather war' between two respected meteorology firms over the conditions people can expect this winter.

The company, DTN, has revised its prediction that Britain would have a 'cold, dry and calm winter', bringing it closer to that of forecasting rival the Met Office's prognosis of a much milder picture.

Experts suggested the U-turn would embarrass the BBC, which ditched the Met Office as its weather provider in 2019.

John Hammond, who worked for both the BBC and the Met Office and now co-runs the forecasting agency Weathertrending, said: 'There was huge disagreement between the winter forecasts.

The forecaster used by the BBC has backed down in a 'weather war' between two respected meteorology firms over the conditions people can expect this winter. The company, DTN, has revised its prediction that Britain would have a 'cold, dry and calm winter', bringing it closer to that of forecasting rival the Met Office's prognosis of a much milder picture. (Above, a woman runs past a cherry blossom tree already in bloom in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, on January 1)

The first few days of January in central England were the warmest since 1772, according to the Government-owned Met Office. (Above, swimmers take part in a New Year's Day swim in New Brighton, Wirral)

'Some were confident of cold and dry, while others were backing mild and wet.

'I know which side I'd rather be on. Winter has been mild so far.'

The average UK temperature in December was 1.1C above normal, with 90 per cent of the average rainfall, and New Year highs of 16C.

The first few days of January in central England were the warmest since 1772, according to the Government-owned Met Office.

Mike Kendon, of the National Climate Information Centre, said: 'We have seen less of the cold weather you'd expect at the start of winter. December will be remembered for unseasonable warmth.'

Experts suggested the U-turn would embarrass the BBC, which ditched the Met Office as its weather provider in 2019

DTN, formerly MeteoGroup, said in its original long-range prediction: 'Rain and winds will likely be below average. But because it will be cold, there will be more wintry precipitation days than usual.'

Renny Vandewege, vice-president of weather operations at DTN, admitted last night the firm's outlook had altered. 'We've kept this winter a little more mild than the initial forecast,' he said.

'The polar vortex has been a little stronger than initially indicated and when that happens it tends to lead to a more mild winter.

'We still believe there could be stretches of cold weather, especially in the last half of winter, but as a whole, we are anticipating around average temperatures.'

DTN forecaster Donal Considine said: 'Our forecast went for a different story from the Met Office.

'December had some mild conditions and after this week's cold snap, above-average temperatures are favoured next week in an Atlantic flow.

'After a possible brief cold spell, above-average temperatures and wet and windy conditions are expected later in January.'

The winter forecast is regarded as the most important of the year because it informs preparations by businesses including those in the energy, transport, retail and aviation sectors.

But the disagreement between DTN and the Met Office meant TV channels, businesses and industries that pay for the forecasts were divided over what to expect.

The Met Office is standing by its prediction. Its original November to January forecast said: 'A mild three-month period is more likely than a cold one.'

Its outlook for January to March says: 'Westerly or south-westerly winds are more likely, meaning a greater chance of mild, wet and windy weather. There is a reduced chance of a cold period as a whole, but impacts from cold weather are still possible.'
Morrisons is to become the first British supermarket to scrap use by dates on milk in a victory for The Mail on Sundays campaign to slash food waste.

The company will switch to best before dates on 90 per cent of milk bottles and cartons from January 31 to encourage customers to bin it only when it smells off  and see the date as no more than a guide to freshness.

The move  which the MoS called for last year in our War On Food Waste campaign  will put other supermarkets under pressure to do the same.

The company will switch to best before dates on 90 per cent of milk bottles and cartons from January 31 [File photo]

While the switch may seem a subtle distinction, the difference is significant.

Under food safety rules, supermarkets put use by dates on meat and other products that pose a health risk if consumed after a certain date.

The best before label, by contrast, is for food or drink that is safe to consume after the date on its label, even if it no longer tastes fresh.

An MoS investigation last year revealed households were throwing away perfectly good food and drink worth as much as 900 million each year because supermarkets routinely put misleading labels on fruit, vegetables and dairy items.

Morrisons will remove use by dates on own-brand British milk and that from Danish supplier Arla, which together account for 90 per cent of its sales

Milk is the third most wasted food and drink product in the UK, with 490 million pints going down the drain each year. It also has the largest carbon footprint of any food and drink due to the farming involved in production.

One litre can account for up to 4.5kg of CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere  the equivalent of driving the average petrol car for 16 miles.

University of Chester research found that milk from Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons kept in a fridge at 4C was safe to drink seven days after its use by date.

Morrisons will remove use by dates on own-brand British milk and that from Danish supplier Arla, which together account for 90 per cent of its sales.

New packaging will tell customers how they can tell if their milk has spoiled, including sniffing it.

Many producers have introduced Look, Smell, Taste, Dont Waste labels urging consumers to check if milk has turned sour  but until now no major supermarket has taken such a step.

Ian Goode, senior milk buyer at Morrisons, said: Good quality, well-kept milk has a good few days life after normal use-by dates, and we think it should be consumed, not tipped down the sink. Generations before us used the sniff test  and I believe we can, too.
Former Labour Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson was pictured with Jeffrey Epstein in his Paris home a year after the billionaire financier had been charged with sex crimes.

The previously unseen photograph, which has been published by The Sun, shows Tony Blair's former spin chief with Epstein as he blows out candles on a birthday cake.

The photo was reportedly taken inside Epstein's apartment in Paris's Avenue Foch in August 2006.

This was after Epstein had been formally charged with soliciting a woman for prostitution in August 2006.

Whilst police at that point had uncovered evidence he had abused underage girls, a US grand jury refused to indict Epstein on charges of sexual relations with minors.

He eventually pleaded guilty to procuring a child for prostitution in 2008 - after he was pictured with Lord Mandelson.

However, before the image was taken, news articles had alleged that the tycoon had engaged in sex acts with minors.

There is no suggestion that Lord Mandelson was aware of the allegations about Epstein at the time the image was taken.

Former Labour Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson was pictured with Jeffrey Epstein in his Paris home a year after the billionaire financier had been charged with sex crimes

The previously unseen photograph, which has been published by The Sun , shows Tony Blair's former spin chief at a party for the convicted paedophile (pictured above in 2005)

A source told The Sun: 'This demonstrates how astonishingly close Peter Mandelson was to Jeffrey Epstein, even as his crimes were being exposed.

'Peter undoubtedly has questions to answer over this.

'It also shines a light on the cosy relationship Jeffrey, Ghislaine, Prince Andrew and Peter shared during this period.'

Lord Mandelson is seen in the photograph with a glass of wine in front of him. He is wearing a partially unbuttoned shirt.

Lord Mandelson has been approached for comment by MailOnline.

Lord Mandelson is seen in The Sun's image smiling alongside Epstein as he watched him blow out candles on a large birthday cake at his apartment (pictured) in Paris's Avenue Foch

At the time, he was the European Commissioner for Trade and went on to serve as Business Secretary in Gordon Brown's government.

The politician had been introduced to Epstein by Ghislaine Maxwell, who also introduced Prince Andrew to the the billionaire financier.

Maxwell was found guilty last month of trafficking young girls to Epstein for him to abuse them.

In 2011, after Epstein had been convicted of child sex charges, it emerged that Lord Mandelson featured in the financier's 'little black book' - a contacts file of powerful figures from the worlds of royalty, politics, business and celebrity.

Prince Andrew's accuser Virginia Roberts claimed to have remembered seeing Lord Mandelson at the financier's town house in New York.

Prince Andrew and Lord Mandelson also previously worked together, when the Duke was a special representative for trade and investment. Above: The pair in 2007

Andrew and Lord Mandelson also previously worked together, when the Duke was a special representative for trade and investment.

In 2019, an acquaintance of Lord Mandelson said he had met Epstein on 'nor more than five or six occasions'.

Lord Mandelson stepped down as a Member of Parliament in 2004 after twice resigning from the New Labour government, including following a financial sleaze probe.
Two of Australia's most eminent health experts are locked in a war of words over when children should go back to school during to Omicron surge.

Professor Kerryn Phelps, a doctor and former Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney, posted an alarming video to her social media warning parents not to send their kids back to school.

'As a doctor this really disturbs me,' she said after announcements NSW would in-person resume classes in January.

'Sending children back to the classroom in the peak of a pandemic makes absolutely no sense.'

Australia's former deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth posted a blunt three-word dismissal of her position in response to her video on Twitter.

'Ignore this individual,' he wrote.

Nick Coatsworth posted a three-word dismissal of a doomsdayer doctor who said Australia's children aren't safe to go back to school until everyone over the age of five is vaccinated

Dr Phelps said Queensland 'sensibly' announced it had 'no intention' of sending children back to school immediately, while condemning NSW for moving forward with sending back kids on day one of the first term.

'Classrooms are crowded and most are poorly ventilated. Primary school children are mostly unvaccinated and there are supply issues with the vaccine,' she said.

'That means most children will not be vaccinated before the start of term. The longterm implications of even mild infections for a child, including long Covid, are still largely unknown.'

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Sunday announced the start of school would be delayed by two weeks until February 7 after Omicron peaked.

Dr Phelps said case were 'expected to continue to rise' and infected children would result in unwell teachers and caregivers.

'If children become sick, their caregivers have to stay home from work during the isolation period. If caregivers become sick, who looks after the sick children?' she asked.

'With the high numbers of Covid in NSW, many teachers may have Covid or become close contacts and there will be fewer teachers available to work in classrooms.

'There will be logistical problems getting all teachers to get a third dose before the start of term.'

Dr Coatsworth instead said the priority must be keeping schools open and not further stunting the educational growth of Australia's children.

'The starting point is keeping children at school and starting the term as plan. All subsequent actions flow from that,' he said.

'Hybrid learning or remote learning needs to be resisted by Australian parents. There is no justification for it.'

Dr Coatsworth issued a simple three-word reply to Dr Phelps' sentiments on Twitter on Saturday night, urging Australians not to listen to the advice

Dr Coatsworth, who was in charge of Australia's vaccine rollout, instead says the world is on the verge of using Omicron to bounce back from the nightmare of the last two years

Dr Phelps called for the delaying of classes returning, saying an outbreak in schools could have significant ramifications.

'This announcement is not about keeping people safe, it's a recipe for chaos,' she warned.

'All school children will need to wear masks and the role of rapid antigen testing will need to be increased.

'Return to primary school classrooms should be delayed until vaccination levels are optimal and mitigation measures are completed, and this wave of the pandemic has passed.'

Dr Coatsworth, who was in charge of Australia's vaccine rollout, instead said the world was on the verge of using Omicron to escae the nightmare of the past two years.

'We will live our lives again as part of the incredibly social and incurably optimistic human species that thrives on this planet,' he wrote in an op-ed for the Sydney Morning Herald last week.

'2022 will be the year the pandemic ends. It could even be sooner than we think.'

Top doctor Kerryn Phelps (pictured) has unleashed an unprecedented attack on the NSW Government over their handling of the Omicron crisis in a no-holds-barred video

Dr Coatsworth said the human race emerged from countless pandemics throughout history - and it would make us stronger and more capable of managing the next one.

He was the face of Australia's vaccination programme rollout when it first began, and he said the massive widespread uptake would be key to our future.

He hailed the way the Australian public rallied to the cause and got vaccinated to protect themselves and the community.

'The virus itself has also helped us,' he said. 'It has evolved into a definitively milder illness with a complete uncoupling of case numbers and hospitalisations.'

'The evidence for this emerged from South Africa very early in the Omicron wave and now has been validated around the world to the point of being conclusive.'

Dr Phelps said she and her colleagues were stunned by NSW health minister Brad Hazzard's admission that modelling predicted 25,000 cases a day by the end of January

Dr Phelps last month blasted NSW Premier Dom Perrottet's decision to axe almost all Covid restrictions with case numbers soaring as 'unfathomable' and followed the state's 'appalling' decision to let Delta rip earlier in the year.

'The political decisions by the NSW government to even drop the no-brainer requirement of masks just reeks of indifference to the suffering it will cause,' she said.

'This is not freedom. This is denial. It will not keep us all safe.'

Dr Phelps said she and her colleagues were stunned by NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard's admission that modelling predicted 25,000 cases a day by the end of January.

'It is some weird form of cognitive dissonance that sees a government ease safeguards in the same week as exponential growth in case numbers starts to explode,' she said.

A Chemist Warehouse in Sydney is sold out of rapid antigen tests as they become increasingly necessary for navigating the pandemic for Australians

NSW recorded 16 Covid-related deaths overnight as new cases drop to 30,062 with a further 44,155 identified in Victoria.

While cases appear to have significantly dropped in both states, true numbers are likely far higher than what is being reported, particularly in NSW where the results of rapid antigen tests are not yet included in tallies.

In NSW, just 98,986 people got tested on Saturday with 83,993 in Victoria, compared to 116,915 and 89,513 a day earlier.

For many young people across the nation, it's been 'business as usual' as they enjoy the holiday period

Cases in Victoria more than doubled this weekend after residents were given the ability to lodge the positive results they received on the at-home testing kits.

NSW will have a similar experience from Wednesday, when residents are encouraged to upload their positive at-home result to Service NSW.

Chief health officer Kerry Chant said on Friday even then, cases are likely to remain 'underestimates'.

Mr Perrottet doubled his order of urgent rapid antigen tests to 100 million to reduce huge PCR lines and make up for chronic shortages in pharmacies.

The tests - some of which will arrive this week - will be distributed to essential workers and vulnerable communities.

'This will ensure supplies are provided to the most vulnerable in our community, and ensure they have immediate access to support and health advice as needed,' the premier told Sunday Telegraph.

'It will also provide greater confidence to businesses and the community.'

Covid is now so widespread doctors in at least three hospitals in NSW are reportedly treating every patient as if they have the virus even if they have tested negative

Further details of the deal are expected to be shared later on Sunday.

As of Sunday, there are 1,927 people being treated in NSW hospitals for Covid across the state, with 151 in ICU.

Daily new cases dropped 33 per cent overnight, but testing rates are also dropping amid clinic closures and hours-long wait times.

Covid is now so widespread doctors in at least three hospitals in NSW are reportedly treating every patient as if they have the virus even if they have tested negative.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was accuse of 'agitating' by the EU today after she warned Brussels she is prepared to unilaterally override parts of the post-Brexit agreement on Northern Ireland.

Ms Truss said she will suggest 'constructive proposals' to her EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic this week during their first face-to-face talks.

But she said she is 'willing' to trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol, which would suspend parts of the treaty designed to prevent a hard border with the Republic, if a deal cannot be struck.

Her remarks, in a newspaper interview, were criticised today by Joao Vale de Almeida, the bloc's ambassador to the UK.

He told Sky News's Trevor Phillips on Sunday: 'We've heard this before from the Government, so we're not surprised. We are not too impressed.

'We still believe it's not very helpful that we keep agitating the issue of Article 16. I think what we should focus on - at least that's where we are focused on - is trying to find solutions for difficulties in the implementation of the protocol.'

The Foreign Secretary was handed responsibility for the negotiations after Lord Frost resigned as Brexit minister last month.

Ms Truss is hosting Mr Sefcovic, a European Commission vice-president, at the Chevening country retreat afforded to the Foreign Secretary when he visits on Thursday.

Ms Truss said she will suggest 'constructive proposals' to her EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic this week during their first face-to-face talks

Her remarks, in a newspaper interview, were criticised today by Joao Vale de Almeida, the bloc's ambassador to the UK.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, she said it is her 'absolute priority' to resolve the 'unintended consequences' created by the protocol to maintain peace in Northern Ireland.

'When I see Maros Sefcovic this week for our first face-to-face talks, I'll be putting forward our constructive proposals to resolve the situation.'

The current issues are 'myriad and manifest', she argued, citing issues such as bureaucracy on sending parcels between Northern Ireland and Britain and problems procuring kosher food.

'I am prepared to work night and day to negotiate a solution,' Ms Truss continued.

'But let me be clear, I will not sign up to anything which sees the people of Northern Ireland unable to benefit from the same decisions on taxation and spending as the rest of the UK, or which still sees goods moving within our own country being subject to checks.

'My priority is to protect peace and stability in Northern Ireland. I want a negotiated solution but if we have to use legitimate provisions including Article 16, I am willing to do that.'

Her comments were welcomed by DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who is due to meet Ms Truss this week.

'She is right that unionists do not consent to the protocol and we need the Government to follow through on their commitment to safeguard the Union and protect Northern Ireland's place in the UK Internal Market,' he tweeted.

Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie also welcomed Ms Truss's latest comments as a 'way forward in dealing with trade issues with the EU'.

However, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood condemned threats to invoke Article 16 as being 'as tired as the DUP and Sinn Fein threats to collapse Stormont'.

'It solves nothing, it helps nobody, it will only make things worse,' he said.

Ms Truss is hosting Mr Sefcovic, a European Commission vice-president, at the Chevening country retreat afforded to the Foreign Secretary when he visits on Thursday

Last week, Mr Sefcovic warned that 'the foundation of the entire deal' brokered between the UK and the EU would be jeopardised if Ms Truss takes the drastic step.

'This is a very distracting element in the discussions. You try to achieve something together and - bam - there's the threat of Article 16 again,' he told German newspaper Der Spiegel.

'It touches on the fundamentals of our relationship.

'The Northern Ireland Protocol was the most complicated part of the Brexit negotiations, and it is the foundation of the entire deal. Without the protocol, the whole system will collapse. We must prevent that at any cost.'
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Former President Donald Trump's niece Mary (pictured), who wrote a book about her family called 'Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man' in 2020, is buying a Manhattan apartment for $7million

Former President Donald Trump's niece Mary Trump - one of the few members of the Trump extended family to oppose his re-election - has purchased a $7million apartment in New York City.

Mary Trump, 56 - who sold nearly a million copies in preorders of her 2020 memoir Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man - will own the pricey unit at a luxury building in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood.

The unit is located at 565 Broome Street and designed by Pritzker Prize-winning Italian architect Renzo Piano.

The nearly 2,250-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and was sold by the developer, records show.

Marc Palermo of Douglas Elliman was the listing agent, according to StreetEasy. He couldn't be reached for comment.

The 30-story structure provides sweeping views of the city and the Hudson River.

Italian real-estate firm Bizzi & Partners Development developed the project with Aronov Development and Halpern Real Estate Ventures. Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick bought a penthouse in the building for around $36million in 2018.

The apartment is located at 565 Broome Street in Soho (design above), designed by an Italian architect. Uber co-founder Travis Kalacnik bought a penthouse unit in the building in 2018

The $7million apartment features luxurious views of the Manhattan's skyline, just under four miles from her uncle's famous Trump Tower

The website for the building says: '565 Broome SoHo's luxury condominium residences mark a culmination within that neighborhood's evolution, providing easy access to all of those amenities, even as it serves as a quiet retreat amidst the neighborhood bustle'

President Donald Trump spoke during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by on January 6, 2021

Mary Trump - who followed up her memoir with 2021's The Reckoning: Our Nation's Trauma and Finding a Way To Heal - has yet to comment.

A trained clinical psychologist, Mary Trump is the daughter of the ex-president's older brother, Fred Trump.

The book ruffled feathers by claiming that her uncle's lying was a way of life for the Trumps, led by her grandfather (and Donald's father) Fred.

The president, back when still using Twitter, denounced the memoir.

'Mary Trump, a seldom-seen niece who knows little about me, says untruthful things about my wonderful parents (who couldn't stand her!) and me, and violated her NDA,' Trump wrote in 2020. 'She's a mess! Many books have been written about me, some good, some bad. Both happily and sadly, there will be more to come!'

Mary remains a regular fixture on liberal cable news channels like MSNBC.

Following the release of 'The Reckoning,' Mary Trump said in interviews that it's time for the media to start describing the Republican Party and the former president as 'fascist'.

'Still arguing about whether or not to call Donald a fascist is the new version of the media's years-long struggle to figure out if they should call his lies lies,' Mary writes.

Video courtesy of Carolina Bravo

Italian real-estate firm Bizzi & Partners Development developed the project - which features indoor parking - with Aronov Development and Halpern Real Estate Ventures

The luxury building features two 30-story towers connected together that look out onto the city and New Jersey

The roughly 2,250-square-foot unit has three bedrooms and was sold by the developer, records show. It was designed by an award-winning Italian architect

The amenities inside 565 Broome - available to see in a video on the building's YouTube page - includes a full-service gym for residents

An outdoor roof patio includes a place to relax and take in the view of Manhattan along the skyline of the Hudson River and New York City

Just one of the bathrooms inside the units at 565 Broome, which features a walk-in shower and a separate bathtub

She said just Thursday she thinks her uncle is 'feeling the walls close in' from the Congressional panel investigating the January 6 riot.

The niece of the former president spoke with MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell just moments after Representative Liz Cheney told CNN the committee was 'looking at' whether Trump's 'action or inaction constituted a crime.'

Mary Trump then said that her uncle may be waiting for the hammer to fall on him from both the committee and the Department of Justice.

'I don't want to overstate this, because we've seen Donald get away with so much, but even he at this point must be feeling the walls close in,' Mary, who has long been one of her uncle's highest profile critics said: 'If he has any sense, he would feel that way.'

She added that she believes the committee is doing 'an extraordinary job of putting the pieces together.'
A high-profile Labour woman who lost her seat 'thanks to Jeremy Corbyn' should be the candidate to end his Commons career, it was suggested last night.

Party insiders say that one of several female MPs who lost in the disastrous 2019 election would be Labour's best choice to stand against the former leader in his North London stronghold, Islington North.

Mr Corbyn is currently barred from standing as the Labour candidate in the next General Election because of a bitter antisemitism row with Sir Keir Starmer.

Corbyn supporters want him to stand as an independent, sparking fears among Labour moderates that he could win in a seat he has held since 1983 and where he has a thumping 26,188 majority.

But the moderates are looking to Corbyn critics who crashed to defeat 'thanks to Jeremy' to take revenge by standing as the official Labour candidate.

The Mail on Sunday understands that they include former Islington councillor Mary Creagh, who angrily confronted Mr Corbyn shortly after she lost her Wakefield seat as part of the Tories' conquest of Labour's Red Wall.

Ms Creagh was filmed challenging the then leader in Portcullis House at Westminster after seeing him pose for photographers with young people as she was clearing out her office.

The Mail on Sunday understands that they include former Islington councillor Mary Creagh (pictured), who angrily confronted Mr Corbyn shortly after she lost her Wakefield seat as part of the Tories' conquest of Labour's Red Wall

She said later that she 'couldn't understand why he was posing for photos when in my view he should be apologising' over the election defeat and its consequences.

Ms Creagh told the BBC: 'I wondered why he was smiling and joking when I was in the House of Commons making my staff redundant before Christmas.'

She added: 'It was his leadership and his failure to tackle antisemitism [and] bullying in our party that led to this defeat.'

She also said that she had demanded to know why she had faced the threat of deselection in her Wakefield seat even as the general election campaign was getting under way.

Sources say that fellow Corbyn critic Ruth Smeeth, who lost her Stoke-on-Trent North seat, has also been named as a potential candidate. On election night, Ms Smeeth branded Mr Corbyn a 'disgrace' who was not fit to lead any party and should 'spend more time on his allotment'.

She also claimed that the then leader had been 'at best a bystander' to antisemitism and 'at worst culpable and directly involved'.

Allies of Mr Corbyn hit back last night to defend the former leader and insist he had been treated 'disgracefully' by his successor Sir Keir and his team.

Allies of Mr Corbyn hit back last night to defend the former leader and insist he had been treated 'disgracefully' by his successor Sir Keir and his team

They also said Mr Corbyn, 72, had 'a very good chance' of winning if he stood as an independent  not least because Left-wing allies would flock to support his campaign.

However, other Labour sources confidently predicted Mr Corbyn would lose in Islington North, pointing out that although he has friends in senior posts in the local party, Left-wingers were in the minority.

Mr Corbyn, who currently sits as an independent MP, was stripped of his Labour membership and the party Whip after saying that antisemitism in the party had been 'dramatically overstated for political reasons' after an equalities watchdog report looking into the issue under his leadership.

He was later reinstated as a party member after clarifying that antisemitism concerns were not 'overstated' but he was not given back the Whip.

Asked if she intended to apply for the Labour nomination in Islington North, Ms Creagh said she had 'no plans to stand as an MP'.

Friends of Ms Smeeth said she had suffered vicious attacks from far-Left activists over criticising Mr Corbyn's failure on antisemitism and that she would be reluctant to put herself into a new confrontation with his supporters.

Mr Corbyn was approached for comment.
Under current rules second home owners can paying council tax by qualifying as small businesses as well as receiving business rates relief

Second-home owners who 'pretend' to let their properties out to holidaymakers face a tax crackdown from Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove.

The Mail on Sunday can reveal Mr Gove is threatening to hit them with new bills which could run to over 1,000 a year, to stop them abusing a tax loophole.

His officials say the crackdown will benefit destinations including the Lake District, Devon and Cornwall by encouraging tourism.

Under current rules, second-home owners in England can avoid paying council tax by saying they intend to let their properties out to other holidaymakers and so qualify as small businesses.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove is threatening to hit them with new bills which could run to over 1,000 a year, to stop them abusing a tax loophole

However, the vast majority of the 65,000 such 'holiday lets' in England can also then benefit from business rates relief of 100 per cent depending on the properties' value.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) also says that there is currently 'no requirement' to produce evidence that a second home has actually been let out  not just left empty.

But in a tax change set for April next year, home owners will have to prove they are let for at least 70 days a year or be forced to pay council tax instead.

As Mr Gove's officials pointed out yesterday, the move would protect 'genuine' small holiday letting businesses and ensure second-home owners paid a 'fair' contribution towards public services.

Mr Gove's plans come after a consultation launched in 2018 and threats last year by the Treasury to close the loophole.

But in a tax change set for April next year, home owners will have to prove they are let for at least 70 days a year or be forced to pay council tax instead. Pictured: St Ives is one the England's most sought-after second home towns, according to a study by Lakeshore Leisure Group

According to reports, the number of holiday lets in England has been increasing year on year from 50,960 in 2019 to 65,000 now.

The Covid pandemic is said to have fuelled the trend, as London and other city dwellers sought to escape to the countryside.

But the move has also been branded 'an easy way to save on tax' as any property with a rateable value of 12,000 or less is effectively exempt from paying business rates.

DLUHC officials confirmed yesterday that 97 per cent of the existing 65,000 holiday lets fell into that category.

Last week, North Devon Tory MP Selaine Saxby suggested the surge in second homes in her area was 'unsustainable'. She told the Commons: 'The time is now to address the imbalances in the housing market, before the lights go out.'

Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron, whose seat covers much of the Lake District, said that in the area 'the majority of properties are now empty for most of the year'.

Levelling Up Minister Chris Pincher replied: 'We have committed to close the loophole in the business rate system.'
A teacher has been banned from the classroom after she was found to have funded suspected jihadis and spread Islamist propaganda.

Miriam Sebbagh, 52, sent a string of payments to suspected terrorists and 2,500 to an Islamist connected to Anjem Choudary's banned Al-Muhajiroun group.

Ms Sebbagh, a teacher at Hunwick Primary School in County Durham, was arrested in 2017 on suspicion of terror offences.

She was not charged with any offences but in 2020 counter-terrorism police seized 4,670 in 'terrorist cash' from a safe after proving it was funding for those she knew were involved in terrorism.

Miriam Sebbagh, 52, sent a string of payments to suspected terrorists and 2,500 to an Islamist connected to Anjem Choudary's (pictured) banned Al-Muhajiroun group

Counter-terrorism police in the North East 'maintained a high level of concern regarding Ms Sebbagh's state of mind, the opinions which she espoused and her actions within the teaching arena', a teacher misconduct panel report said.

She also made 'numerous' other payments to individuals, charities, overseas accounts and crowd-funded donation sites. The panel banned her from teaching, primarily for the 'protection of pupils'.

Ms Sebbagh was suspended as soon as Hunwick school was informed of the allegations and then formally dismissed in October 2018, headteacher Stuart Joyce told the BBC.
Thousands of essential workers will be permitted to leave Covid close contact isolation to prevent crippling supply chains across NSW.

The state had its deadliest day since the pandemic began with 30,062 cases and 16 deaths on Sunday, up from a previous tally of 15 deaths on two days in September.

The number of new infections is expected to be far higher than reported as the results of rapid antigen tests are not yet included in the final tally.

The state government reintroduced a raft of new rules that will remain in place for three weeks in an attempt to kerb spiralling cases.

Essential workers in the food, logistics and manufacturing sectors will be allowed to leave their close contact isolation if they don't have any Covid symptoms.

Essential workers in the food logistics and manufacturing sectors will be allowed to leave isolation if they are not experiencing any Covid symptoms (pictured, a Woolworths employee)

NSW Health announced the changes on Sunday after Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant signed off on the new rules, hoped to alleviate pressure on supply chains

Workers will only be eligible to leave if their employee decides their absence from work poses a high risk of disruption to the delivery of critical services or activities.

NSW Health announced the changes on Sunday after chief health officer Kerry Chant signed off on the new rules, hoped to alleviate pressure on supply chains.

Premier Dominic Perrottet explained employees must return a negative rapid antigen test before returning to work and undergo daily testing during an update on Sunday.

'Those orders were signed off this morning and we believe it will ease the pressure on supply and distribution networks, particularly for those essential areas across our state as we move through the next few weeks,' the premier said.

'The NSW Government has announced a range of precautionary measures to provide additional support for the health system and community ahead of an anticipated peak in Covid cases later this month,' a tweet from NSW Health read.

According to a statement from the NSW Government, workers exempt from the isolation period must fit a certain criteria and follow Covid-safe practices.

Thousands of essential workers will be allowed to leave close contact isolation in the face of crippling supply chain issues across NSW (pictured, empty shelves in a Sydney supermarket)

The state recorded its deadliest day since the pandemic began with 30,062 cases and 16 deaths on Sunday, up from a previous tally of 15 deaths on two days on September 29 and September 30 (pictured, customer sit outside a cafe at Bondi Beach)

Workers will only be eligible to leave if their employee decides their absence from work poses a high-risk of disruption to the delivery of critical services or activities

Workers must be unable to work from home, wear a mask and comply with risk-management strategies put in place by their employer, including the use of rapid antigen tests.

Any worker who leaves isolation and later tests positive for the virus must return to self-quarantine. Emergency services workers are also exempt from isolation rules.

According to the state government, the decision was made to ensure the state had access to essential goods, amid widespread shortages.

Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres reiterated that no workers who tested positive to the virus would be sent back to work.

'And that's about shoring up our food distribution, food manufacturing supply chains, to make sure that all of those things that we see in our supermarkets and across the general economy can continue to function,' he told reporters.

Workers must be unable to work from home, wear a mask and comply with risk-management strategies put in place by their employer, including the use of rapid antigen tests

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (pictured) announced the state has purchased an additional 50 million rapid antigen tests on top of the 50 million already on their way

Mr Perrottet announced the state bought an additional 50 million rapid antigen tests on top of the 50 million already on their way.

He said the vital tests would be rolled out across NSW, 'particularly in those areas where there are vulnerable people'.

Positive rapid antigen tests will be logged on the Service NSW app by mid-week to aid the counting of daily cases, and for those with underlying conditions.

NSW Health said public health orders would be updated next week to include a requirement that people report their positive rapid antigen test to link people with Covid-19 to health support and advice.

The premier said those who had a positive RAT and then sought a PCR test will not be required to register their result as they would already be connected to NSW Health through the PCR test process.

The self-test kits would be crucial to return students to school at the end of this month with back-to-school plans currently being finalised.

'This will be a core part of the plans getting kids back in the classrooms. We are completely committed to doing that,' the premier said.

Mr Perrottet (centre) met with frontline health workers at Nepean Hospital on Sunday

Essential workers in the food logistics and manufacturing sectors will be permitted to leave their close contact isolation if they return a negative Covid test and are asymptomatic (pictured, a delivery truck seen at a Coles supermarket in Sydney)

The premier said 100million rapid antigen tests would be rolled out across NSW, 'particularly in those areas where there are vulnerable people' (pictured, a shopper in Sydney's CBD)

'That is exactly the focus of the NSW Government. It is crucial that kids are back into school on day one and that is our focus and we'll be raising those plans with the Federal Government at National Cabinet later this week.

'And we will, once we've finalised those plans, we will release them to the public so that parents right across the state can have confidence that they've been able to ensure that kids are back on day one.'

The suspension of non-urgent elective surgery has been extended into February to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system and staff members.

Singing and dancing will be prohibited in hospitality venues, entertainment facilities, and major recreation facilities until January 27.
The Policing Minister has hit out at the not guilty verdicts handed to the 'Colston Four' who threw a statue of slave trader Edward Colston into Bristol Harbour in 2020.

Rhian Graham, 30, Milo Ponsford, 26, Sage Willoughby, 22, and Jake Skuse, 33, were prosecuted for pulling the statue down during a Black Lives Matter protest on June 7 2020 in Bristol while a huge crowd was present.

The prosecution said it was 'irrelevant' who Colston was and the case was one of straightforward criminal damage, but the defendants were acquitted by a jury at the city's Crown Court on Wednesday.

Policing Minister Kit Malthouse (pictured) has hit out at the not guilty verdicts handed to the 'Colston Four' who threw a statue of Edward Colston into Bristol Harbour in 2020

The Sun reports Kit Malthouse blasted the decision to clear the four people involved in toppling the statue of criminal damage.

When asked for his opinion on the decision, Malthouse said he disagrees with it, adding: 'I respect the jury made this decision. I wish they made a different decision but they didn't.'

Amid claims that the verdict had created a vandals charter, Attorney General Suella Braverman is considering referring the acquittal to the Court of Appeal so the law can be 'clarified for future cases'.

Braverman said the verdict is causing 'confusion' and she is 'carefully considering' whether to use powers which allow her to seek a review so senior judges have the chance to make clear what the legal implications of the case are.

Rhian Graham, 30, Milo Ponsford, 26, Sage Willoughby, 22, and Jake Skuse, 33, were prosecuted for pulling the statue down during a Black Lives Matter protest on June 7 2020 in Bristol while a huge crowd was present

Meanwhile, Bristol mayor Marvin Rees told Sky's Trevor Phillips on Sunday that not all anti-racism work is done with a 'banner and a T shirt and a megaphone' as he defended the city's record in tackling racism.

'Some of it's done by looking at housing policy, looking at affordable homes, looking at what we do around making sure people are fed, making tweaks to our mental health system, looking at the number of magistrates we get and going out and recruiting,' he said.

'Stuff that we've done over the last few years that has not hit the headlines, that has not brought tens of thousands of people onto the street - but led just a few years ago to 11 of 33 new magistrates in Bristol coming from black and Asian backgrounds.'

Mr Rees, the first black mayor elected in the UK, said the acquittals were 'less significant' for the city than for the defendants.

'In the lives of the four individuals it is incredibly significant because their futures faced a bit of a fork in the road in some ways.

'For the work on race inequality in Bristol much more widely, it is less significant because when we're tackling race inequality, we are looking at those underlying drivers of political and economic inequality.

'The verdict itself doesn't actually touch on those very real and immediate issues."

Mr Rees added that 'symbolic acts', such as toppling Colston, should not be a replacement for 'real substantial systemic change'.

The prosecution had said it was 'irrelevant' who Colston was and the case was one of straightforward criminal damage, but the defendants were acquitted by a jury at the city's Crown Court on Wednesday

'It's one of the warnings I make all the time that we have to be careful about symbolic acts and mere events perhaps being substituted for acts of real substantial systemic change,' he said.

'Make no mistake about it, I don't like the idea of the statue being up in the middle of the city and I'm glad it's not there.

"I think that the debate around our history, who we choose to celebrate as a country, is important.

"At the same time, symbolic acts, while they are important, if they begin to take the place of acts of political and economic policy and real substance become a problem.'

The verdict prompted a debate about the criminal justice system after the 'Colston Four' opted to stand trial in front of a jury and did not deny involvement in the incident, instead claiming the presence of the statue was a hate crime and it was therefore not an offence to remove it.

The acquittal cannot be overturned and the defendants cannot be retried without fresh evidence, but Section 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1972 allows the Attorney General, following a submission from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), to ask a higher court to clarify a point of law.

It is not a means to change the outcome of an individual case.

Colston, a 17th Century merchant, made a fortune trading slaves but went on to donate so much money to philanthropic works in Bristol that his name appeared throughout the city on streets, schools and a concert hall.

Suella Braverman (pictured) said the verdict is causing 'confusion' and she is 'carefully considering' whether to use powers which allow her to seek a review so senior judges have the chance to 'clarify the law for future cases'

The Government wants to increase the maximum sentence for damage to memorials or statues from three months to ten years, but experts fear it could lead to more acquittals.

Human rights barrister Adam Wagner said: The changes are an open invitation to ten times more Colston-type trials.

All of the cases for damaging public monuments would be in front of a jury at Crown Court because the sentence would be raised to ten years so we will see a lot more of this.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk delayed the school year by two weeks after Covid cases skyrocketed to 18,000.

The state's health department confirmed there are now 402 people in hospital fighting Covid, with 22 in intensive care and five on ventilators.

Queensland started including rapid antigen results in daily numbers, picking up many cases that weren't counted in previous days.

Ms Palaszczuk said the school year would start on February 7 as concerns mounted over sending children back to the classrooms.

'The projections are at the moment that NSW and Victoria will reach their peaks before Queensland,' she said

'Queensland will face its biggest test over the next two weeks.'

Remote learning will begin for Year 11 and 12 students from January 31.

Queensland 's Covid cases skyrocketed to 18,000 on Sunday as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed the school year would be delayed an extra two weeks

Ms Palaszczuk also confirmed the new school year would be pushed back two weeks to February 7 as concerns mount over sending children back to the classrooms

Ms Palaszczuk called an emergency state disaster meeting on Sunday to discuss the damage done by wild storms that have thrashed the state this week, as well as Queensland's response to increasing infections.

Schools will remain open from January 24 as originally planned but only for vulnerable kids or children of essential workers.

'It's sensible and reasonable to keep kids home from school during this time,' the premier said.

'Delaying the start of school is a common sense measure which is particularly important for 5 to 11-year-olds who will be eligible to be vaccinated from tomorrow (10 January).'

Teachers will get full pay in the extended period classes are delayed and will not have to take leave for the two weeks schools are not in session.

They will use the time to prepare their lessons for a shorter term one, and for Year 11 and 12 teachers, to adapt the first week for remote learning.

Ms Palaszczuk said cases would peak over the last week of January and the first week of February.

'The decisions that we have taken today will enable children to still get their full learning, but it will mean that parents can be confident that their children will not be going to school during the peak of this wave,' she said.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the decision was a regrettable one and they would have 'loved nothing more than to have face-to-face learning' but the government couldn't justify sending kids back.

She also refused to rule out further delays. 'I don't think there's guarantees now for anything,' she said.

Ms Palaszczuk called an emergency state disaster meeting on Sunday to discuss the damage done by wild storms that have thrashed the state this week

The state confirmed there are now 402 people in hospital fighting Covid, with 22 in intensive care and five on ventilators

It is the fourth consecutive day the state has recorded new infections north of 10,000, largely due to the online reporting of positive rapid antigen tests.

Victorian began including its rapid tests in daily figures on Saturday, with cases rising from 21,728 to 51,356 as a result.

'Queensland Health will use your information for outbreak control and contact tracing use,' the state's health body said on its website.

'We won't use your information for any other purpose unless authorised by law.'

There were 4,320 positive rapid antigen test results included in today's statistics.

It is the fourth consecutive day QLD has recorded new infections north of 10,000, largely due to the online reporting of positive RAT tests

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said all critical workers were allowed to leave isolation to work if they were asymptomatic, tested negative, were vaccinated, and commuted via private transport.

She designated health, teachers, freight and logistics, utility, agriculture and fishery workers as 'critical' employees.

'I'm sure employers will be working with their staff to ensure that only those who are able to come to work, who meet the criteria, who are close contacts, come to work,' Ms D'Ath said.

The health minister said businesses must to inform officials of their list of critical workers so they could keep track of the potential spread of the virus, but the demand for stock in supermarkets meant allowing people to work was crucial.

'Those businesses will have to submit to government the list of critical essential workers. It doesn't need an approval process and they do not need to wait until they've sent us that list to start operating,' she said.

'We have empty shelves in supermarkets right now because of the number of people in the community who are positive, but importantly, how many people have to quarantine because they are a close contact.'

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said all critical workers are allowed to leave isolation to work if they are asymptomatic, test negative, are vaccinated and leave via private transport

A record 16 NSW residents died with Covid as new cases drop 33 per cent to 30,062 with far fewer tests conducted.

Victoria, which passed NSW with a massive spike to 51,356 on Saturday, dropped 13 per cent to 44,155 on Sunday with four deaths.

While cases appear to have significantly dropped in both states, true numbers are likely far higher than what is being reported, particularly in NSW where the results of rapid antigen tests are not yet included in tallies.

In NSW, just 98,986 people got tested on Saturday with 83,993 in Victoria, compared to 116,915 and 89,513 a day earlier.

Cases in Victoria more than doubled this weekend after residents were given the ability to lodge the positive results they received on the at-home testing kits.

NSW will have a similar experience from Wednesday, when residents are encouraged to upload their positive at-home result to Service NSW.

Chief health officer Kerry Chant said on Friday even then, cases are likely to remain 'underestimates'.

For many young people across the nation, it's been 'business as usual' as they enjoy the holiday period
Alec Baldwin insisted Saturday that he was complying with the investigation into the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins nearly a month after detectives obtained a warrant for his phone, insisting that it is a lengthy 'process that takes time' for out-of-state police departments to obtain the device.

'Any suggestion that I am not complying with requests or orders or demands or search warrants about my phone, that's bulls**t, that's a lie,' the beleaguered actor said in a video message posted on Instagram.

Baldwin, 63, said authorities in New Mexico, where the shooting occurred, are coordinating with authorities of New York, where Baldwin lives, in order to obtain the phone, adding that it was a lengthy process and that 'someone from another state can't just say "give me your phone."'

'They can't just go through your phone and take your photos or your love letters to your wife or what have you,' he said.

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Alec Baldwin refuted claims that he wasn't cooperating with authorities in an Instagram video on January 7

A Santa Fe judge approved a search warrant for his phone after a request from Detective Alexandria Hancock, who has been granted access to his texts, call records, contacts, photos, videos, and geolocation data

'Of course, we are 1,000 percent going to comply with all that. We are perfectly fine with that,' Baldwin said.

Detectives in New Mexico obtained a warrant for Baldwin's phone on December 16, as they search for evidence concerning the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie Rust, in which Baldwin was starring.

A lawyer for Baldwin has not responded to Dailymail.com's requests for comment as to why the actor has not yet handed over his cellphone to authorities.

The Santa Fe Sheriff's Office and New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney's Office are 'actively working' with the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, New York, and Baldwin's lawyers to get any materials on the phone pertaining to their investigation, according to a press release.

Baldwin lives in Manhattan with his wife, Hilaria, and their six kids. The couple also has a home in Amagansett in the Hamptons.

Hutchins (center), a 42-year-old cinematographer, died after being shot by Baldwin during a rehearsal in New Mexico on October 21

Halyna Hutchins, 42 (left), was fatally shot in October. Pictured: Her husband, Matthew, 48, top right, and their 9-year-old son Andros

In the five-minute-long Instagram video, Baldwin lambasted 'right-wing rag sheets' and 'people who are going to hate,' noting that the left-leaning New York Daily News had run a front-page story about the death of film giant Sidney Poitier while the Rupert Murdoch-owned New York Post ran a cover story about authorities in New Mexico working with police on Long Island to get Baldwin's phone for their investigation, a story that he called 'lies and bulls**t and nonsense.'

The actor said he aimed to 'set aside all the hate' and the 'January 6th of it all' in 2022.

He opened the Instagram story with a bizarre tale about a young woman who allegedly handed him a Splenda packet reading: 'You are 100 percent true. Thanks for the laughs, good sir. Cheers to a new year. Love you' while he was out at a restaurant with his daughter Carmen, his Hamptons pal David Nugent and Nugent's daughter.

He called the hand-off of the encouraging packet 'nothing short of a miracle.'

He opened the Instagram story with a bizarre story about a young woman who allegedly handed him a Splenda packet reading: 'You are 100 percent true. Thanks for the laughs, good sir. Cheers to a new year. Love you.'

The set of Rust, at the Bonanza Creek Ranch outside of Santa Fe where the shooting occurred

Alec Baldwin is seen on October 21, after speaking to investigators about the fatal shooting

Baldwin was brandishing a Colt gun during a rehearsal for the low-budget Western being filmed near Santa Fe in October when it discharged a live round, killing Hutchins.

The warrant said the phone could provide evidence, citing various text messages and emails sent to and from Baldwin regarding the film's production.

Investigators have not filed criminal charges over the tragedy, and have refused to rule out charges against anyone involved, including Baldwin.

Baldwin ran to Think Coffee to grab a cup of java the day after authorities in New Mexico had a search warrant approved, and the outline of his cellphone was visible in his pocket

They are gathering information about the 'Rust' production going back even before the start of filming.

Baldwin was both the star and a producer of the western.

In his first major interview since the shooting, Baldwin said in December he had been told the gun contained no live ammunition, and had been instructed by Hutchins to point the gun in her direction as she prepared to film the scene.

Baldwin told ABC he does not feel guilty for Hutchins' death, adding that he had started cocking the gun when the bullet fired, but did not pull the trigger.

'The best way, the only way we can honor the death of Halyna Hutchins is to find out the truth. That's what I'm working towards, insisting on, demanding,' Baldwin said in his Instagram post. 'That the organizations involved in this investigation do everything in their power to find out what really happened, that's all that matters.'
A woman's corpse found covered 'only in a blanket' in a shopping cart last September may have been the first victim of the 'shopping cart killer,' a Washington, DC, man accused of killing four other women by luring them on dating apps to hotel rooms before murdering them and carting their bodies to nondescript locations.

Anthony Eugene Robinson, 35, is charged in the murders of two women whose bodies were found in a parking lot in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in November and suspected of killing two women whose remains were found in a wooded area of Alexandria in Fairfax County last month.

Those murders followed the killing of 40-year-old Sonya Champ, who was discovered near Union Station in the nation's capital on September 7 by a passerby who alerted police.

In a press briefing on Friday, Fairfax County Police Maj. Edward O'Carroll said he suspects Robinson killed the woman.

'We believe this may be Anthony Eugene Robinson's fifth victim,' O'Carroll said. 'This is based on digital evidence that puts him in the same vicinity around the time of the victim's disappearance. It's sad and tragic.'

Anthony Eugene Robinson of Washington D.C., 35 (pictured), has been charged with killing two women in Harrisonburg and dumping their corpses in a parking lot. He is suspected of killing two additional women, whose bodies were found near Alexandria, and another woman whose body was found near Union Station on September 7

Sonya Champ of Washington D.C., 40 (pictured), may be the fifth victim of the 'Shopping Cart Killer,' who police suspect is Anthony Eugene Robinson, 35

The remains of Cheyenne Brown, 29, and Stephanie Harrison, 48, were found in a wooded area on the 2400 block of Fairhaven Avenue in Alexandria near this shopping cart (pictured) on December 15

Champ's mother, Norma Hairston (pictured), said she is 'at peace with it now because now [she] knows what really happened to [her] daughter'

Champ's mother, Norma Hairston, said she is 'at peace with it now because now [she] knows what really happened to [her] daughter.'

'I heard about it early today and Im still comprehending everything,' Hairston told WUSA9. 'Its bringing back the memories.'

She described Champ as a 'sweet person' who was introverted, but loved being around family and helping others.

O'Carroll also said Friday that the killer's two potential victims found in Alexandria had been positively identified as pregnant mother-of-one Cheyenne Brown of Washington D.C., 29, and Stephanie Harrison, 48, of Redding, California.

Police initially believed Brown to be one of the victims based on a distinctive tattoo described by her family, but were awaiting DNA confirmation.

Both Brown and Harrison's bodies were found on December 15 near the Moon Inn in a wooded area on the 2400 block of Fairhaven Avenue in Alexandria. O'Carroll said at an earlier press briefing that Robinson had taken the women to the hotel after matching with them on dating apps.

The bodies of Cheyenne Brown (left), a 29-year-old pregnant mom-of-one, and Stephanie Harrison, 48, of Redding, California, were found in a large plastic container together near Alexandria on December 15

Police said Robinson would meet his victims on dating sites and then take them to the Moon Inn Hotel in Fairfax County (pictured), before doing 'unspeakable things' to them

During a search of the hotel, police found a red shopping cart nearby and recalled that the killer had used a shopping cart to transport victims' bodies. Near the shopping cart was a large plastic container that held the remains of the two women.

O'Carroll said that Robinson was the last person to be seen alive with Brown after the two had matched on the Plenty of Fish dating app. Police also believe that Robinson used the Tagged app to lure prospective victims. Cellular data also placed Brown and Robinson at the same location the night of her disappearance on September 30.

Brown was last seen leaving her home in the 200 block of 36th Street in the Southeast section of DC at around 3pm September 30.

Her family said the 29-year-old, who has a seven-year-old son, was pregnant with her second child at the time of her disappearance.

After police announced Robinson's arrest in late November in connection with the deaths of Redmon and Smith, Brown's family became concerned that she had been harmed by him as well.

Browns cousin, Jonathan Willis, told NBC Washington prior to the discovery of her remains that he believes Robinson was the man who was with Brown in her home about 10 days before she disappeared.

'My heart is broken,' Nicadra Brown, Cheyenne's mother, told The Washington Post. 'Just the thought of my baby not being here is devastating. Its like a bad dream I just want to wake up from.'

Receipt records show that they stayed together at the Moon Inn on the same day, and that Robinson had stayed at the hotel on at least five other occasions, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said at the Friday press briefing.

Robinson was initially charged in connection to the killings of two women found dead from blunt force trauma on November 23, found near each other in an open lot at the intersection of Route 33 and Interstate 81 in the commercial district of Harrisonburg in Virginia.

Both women - Allene Elizabeth 'Beth' Redmon of Harrisonburg, 54, and Tonita Lorice Smith of Charlottesville, 39, had matched with Robinson on dating sites then met with him at a hotel.

Video surveillance and cellphone records connected him with the two women, according to the Harrisonburg Police Department.

Robinson was arrested in late November and charged with two counts of murder stemming from the deaths of Tonita Smith, 39 (left), and Allene Redmon, 54 (right) who were found near each other in a parking lot in Harrisonburg on November 23

Investigators believe that both women's corpses had been transported to the scene in a shopping cart.

Police did not say whether the victims were sexually assaulted, but Davis stated bluntly during the press conference that the suspect did 'unspeakable things with his victims.'

Redmon, a mother of two and a grandmother, had vanished sometime around October 24. Her last sighting was in the downtown area of Harrisonburg.

Smith, a mother of six, had last been seen on November 14 in the 300 block of 10 1/2 Street near Charlottesville. Her mother reported her missing on 19.

Smith was the aunt of Sage Smith, a 19-year-old from Charlottesville who went missing in November 2012. Erik McFadden, 29, a person of interest in that case, was supposed to be interviewed by the police but vanished in 2019.

Thus far, Robinson has been charged with two felony counts of first-degree murder and two felony counts of concealing, transporting or altering a dead body.

Louis Nagy, his attorney, said that he is not commenting on the charges or new allegations.

Smith was a mother of six and the aunt of Sage Smith, 19, who went missing in 2012

Robinson is currently being held in the Rockingham County Adult Detention Center, and is awaiting trial on the Harrisonburg homicides. Fairfax County police said there are additional charges pending in that case.

'Thankfully, he's incarcerated and it gives us the ability to work backwards while he's still not out there killing,' Davis said.

'The fact that he is awaiting trial in Harrisonburg, Virginia, allows us to continue to build our probable cause to charge him eventually here in Fairfax County.'

'The challenge is identifying other victims.'

Davis said Robinson has lived in multiple locations along the East Coast in recent years, including in New York. Police have met with members of surrounding police departments to see if any missing persons cases could be attributed to Robinson.

They are also urging are anyone who connected with Robinson on dating apps to come forward as part of their investigation.

'We believe there are survivors out there,' Davis said. 'We remain very determined to continue to dig deep and get to the bottom of this.'
An Asian father of two who was repeatedly kicked in the head during a hate crime attack, leaving him in a coma, has died eight months after the brutal beating by a homeless career criminal in crime-plagued New York City, the NYPD said.

Yao Pan Ma, 61, died on December 31 after the April assault by Jarrod Powell, 49 - who has been arrested 15 times since 1988, the NYPD said.

The Big Apple reported nearly 474 hate crimes through November of last year - a 96 percent increase from 2020 during the same time frame when there were 242 such attacks.

Out of the 474 hate crimes, 127 attacks were against Asians - a nearly five-fold increase from the 28 attacks against Asians in 2020.

Yao Pan Ma, 61, (pictured in April) died on December 31, eight months after he was attacked

Ma was collecting cans in April 2021 in East Harlem when Jarrod Powell, 49, attacked him and stomped on his head at least six times, leaving Ma in a coma

His death has been ruled a homicide.

Powell was taken into custody at Ward's Island men's homeless shelter just days after the attack in April and was initially charged with second-degree murder and two counts of assault.

He was arrested after another resident at the shelter recognized him.

His charges have not been upgraded with the homicide charge, police said.

He is due back in court on February 10.

Ma, a Chinese immigrant, was left in critical condition and placed in a medically induced coma after his head was stomped at least six times while he was collecting cans.

'When I saw him in the hospitalhis face, I cried. I still cry,' his wife Baozhen Chen said in April. 'I hope he wakes up and talks to me and gets better and comes home. It's really hard to believe.'

Police sources also said at the time that Ma suffered a cerebral contusion and facial fractures. Photo of his battered face showed him hooked up to medical gear in the hospital.

Ruth Howell, 64, Ma's neighbor, described the couple as 'two peas in a pod.'

'It is so sad. They were like two peas in a pod. They were always together,' Howell told the New York Post on Friday.

Powell has been arrested 15 times since 1988 and called the footage of the attack 'a whole lot of bulls**t' and he claimed Ma attacked him first

Powell in court in June

'It angers me. He was out there trying to make a few dollars to help his family. You expect him to come home, not for this to happen.'

Howell also said she wants Ma's attacker to spend 25 years to life for leaving Chen alone.

'She is a good person. That shouldnt happen to her,' Howell told the New York Post.

Ma was pushing his cart and collecting recyclables in Harlem to help his family make ends meet after losing his job as a dishwasher during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ma was 'minding his business with his shopping cart,' witness Armetha Knight, 37, told the New York Daily News.

Ma and his wife, who have two adult children, moved to New York from China's Guangdong province in 2019 looking for better work opportunities, Chen told the Daily News.

The entire attack was caught on video, which Powell said was 'a whole lot of bulls**t' and that Ma attacked him first.

Powell was paroled in May 2012 after he served more than five years for felony assault, according to records. He was also conditionally released by parole In 2000, after serving about two years on an attempted assault conviction.

According to WABC, Powell had allegedly kidnapped a 23-year-old woman from an apartment in the Staten Island borough of New York City on January 25, 1998 before sexually assaulting her.

He was charged with kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, sexual misconduct, and sexually assault but it was not immediately clear if he those were the charges he was reportedly serving time for when he was paroled in 2000.

Powell was arrested again for subway fare evasion eight times between July 2002 and December 2004 before he was busted again for assault twice at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in February 2006, WABC reported.
Victoria's Covid commander has warned rapid antigen tests will not be 'handed out like lollies' amid major changes to the state's testing system.

Jeroen Weimar said Victoria's approach to testing would remain a 'controlled and clinically managed process' during a Covid-19 update on Sunday.

The state recorded 44,155 new Covid cases and four deaths as Mr Weimar reminded residents health authorities are not collecting data 'for the hell of it'.

Victoria this week began including results from rapid antigen tests done at home in daily case tallies, which accounted for 22,051 of Sunday's new infections.

Victoria's Covid10 Commander Jeroen Weimar (pictured) has warned rapid antigen tests will not be 'handed out like lollies' amid major changes to the state's testing system

Jeroen Weimar said Victoria's approach to testing would remain a 'controlled and clinically managed process' during a Covid-19 update on Sunday (pictured, a Sydney health worker)

Mr Weimar explained that when people present to testing facilities a decision is made on whether they would be offered a PCR or rapid test.

The decision was made after considerations of the person's close contact status and whether they had symptoms.

'We're not opening up palettes of rapid antigen tests and handing them out like lollies,' Mr Weimar told reporters on Sunday.

'We are asking people who have symptoms and recording basic data. This is still a controlled and clinically managed process.'

Last week, the PM agreed to provide low income earners, welfare recipients and pensioners with 10 free RATs over a three-month period (pictured, a health worker in Melbourne)

A nationwide shortage of rapid antigen tests has placed mounting pressure on state and federal governments to improve chaotic testing systems.

Following an emergency cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison Australians will no longer need to seek a PCR test if they test positive on a rapid antigen test, and should count themselves as Covid positive.

He also agreed to provide low income earners, welfare recipients and pensioners with 10 free RATs over a three-month period to be collected from pharmacies.

All Australians who are deemed close contacts or who have symptoms will still be able to access PCR tests from testing clinics, with Mr Morrison stating 'they have always been free'.

A nationwide shortage of rapid antigen tests has placed mounting pressure on state and federal governments to improve chaotic testing systems (pictured, people queue for tests)

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About 30,000 of the self-test kits were handed out to visitors to Victorian test sites on Saturday, as health officials increasingly rely on the data the devices provide.

Mr Weimer acknowledged a shift in the way states were testing for the virus and said it was due to the highly infectious nature of the Omicron variant.

'It's a very different type, it moves in a very different way. It has a far higher attack rate and we've seen some numbers that frankly we wouldn't have dreamt of even two or three months ago,' he said.

'That's why we've made a significant and bold step into the rapid antigen testing space across the whole country.'

Mr Weimar said the new data gave health authorities a better understanding of how people were managing their symptoms and were accessing care.

'We're not collecting data for the hell of it,' he said bluntly.

'We're collecting the data to ensure that people who have got a positive rapid antigen test result can access clinical support and relief that they need.'

Cases in Victoria, which passed NSW with a massive spike to 51,356 on Saturday, dropped 13 per cent to 44,155 on Sunday with four deaths.

Cases in Victoria, which passed NSW with a massive spike to 51,356 on Saturday, dropped 13 per cent to 44,155 on Sunday with four deaths (pictured, a health worker administers a test)

Infections more than doubled this weekend after residents were given the ability to lodge the positive results they received on the at-home testing kits.

NSW will have a similar spike from Wednesday, when residents are encouraged to upload their positive at-home result to Service NSW.

Meanwhile, 752 Covid patients are in hospital with 104 in intensive care, 23 of whom require ventilation. Four people died overnight with the virus.

Victoria's vaccination program for children will start this week with more than 46,000 appointments available ahead of a return to campus in a few weeks time.

Mr Weimar called for people to get their booster shot, as just 16 per cent of Victorians aged 18 and over were triple-vaccinated.
A Queensland town has been ordered to evacuate the entire CBD immediately as walls of water surge towards it.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour issued the warning to all residents in Maryborough's CBD in a post to Facebook on Sunday afternoon.

'There has been a failure in the stormwater system under the barricade. People should evacuate from the CBD immediately,' he wrote.

The storm water system has failed in the town, nearly 300km north of Brisbane, prompting the urgent evacuation order accompanied by flooding sirens.

It is understood the storm water system has failed in the town of Maryborough located nearly 300km north of Brisbane (pictured, stormwaters rising in a Woolworths in Maryborough)

The Fraser Coast Regional Council has issued an urgent warning for residents to evacuate 'all premises' inside Maryborough's CBD (pictured, floodwaters in Maryborough Woolworths)

The Fraser Coast Regional Council told residents to evacuate 'all premises' inside Maryborough's CBD .

'The gates underneath the recently installed levee have been damaged, and as a result the CBD will now bear the full impact of the flood,' the council said.

'Police are providing assistance with the emergency evacuation and we urge people to stay out of the CBD.'

The council warned streets in the surrounding areas would be affected and predicted the rising floodwaters would reach 10.5m by 6pm on Sunday.

The walls of water prompted Queensland Police to make an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act.

Police have responded by establishing exclusion zone including parts of Adelaide Street Kent Street, Lennox Street, Alice Street, and Richmond Street.

The map image reveals a Bunnings store, a KFC and McDonalds, a Chemist Warehouse and a Commonwealth Bank branch to be affected by floods.

'Businesses and residents within the exclusion area have been door knocked and advised to leave for higher ground as soon as possible,' police advised.

Dramatic photos of the local Woolworths show two escalators completely submerged in brown floodwater and the store completely devoid of light.

The evacuation comes after a man died and a teenage girl still unaccounted for as ex-tropical cyclone Seth delivers a final deadly deluge to Queensland.

The 22-year-old man from the Sunshine Coast died after his ute was swept into floodwaters at Kanigan in Gympie, north of Brisbane, on Friday night.

Crews recovered his body 16 hours later, but the whereabouts of a 14-year-old girl are unknown after a Toyota Camry was washed away at nearby Booubyjan.

A man has died and a teenage girl still missing as a deadly deluge triggered by a powerful new cyclone continues to batter large parts of Queensland (pictured, floodwaters near Goomeri)

While rescue crews recovered the body of a man, 22, 16 hours after his ute was swept into floodwaters later the whereabouts of a 14-year-old girl still remain unknown (pictured, floodwaters around Goomeri, northwest of Brisbane)

The girl and a 40-year-old man were able to escape from the vehicle, but the teenager was then washed away and a desperate search ensued.

The man, who was found by first responders desperately clinging to a tree, was taken to Bundaberg Hospital in a stable condition.

Rescuers were forced to suspend the rescue operation late on Saturday night after wild conditions hindered their efforts, the Courier Mail reports.

Residents were warned to brace themselves for more wild winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms to be delivered by a developing tropical low - to be named Tiffany if it develops into a category one cyclone, as predicted.

The Mary River in Maryborough broke its banks on Saturday and continues to rise, isolating thousands with the local Woolworths carpark largely underwater and to remain closed until Thursday.

The Lamington Bridge was completely submerged and cut off access to Tinana from Maryborough, as residents strip supermarket shelves across the region.

The Mary River at Maryborough (pictured) continues to rise isolating thousands of locals with the carpark of the local Woolworths almost completely submerged

A house is seen surrounded by floodwaters from the Mary River in the town of Tiaro, nearly 200km north of Brisbane, on Sunday morning

Areas in Queensland's Wide Bay and Burnett, Fraser Coast and Gympie region have been lashed with rain after ex-Cyclon Seth crossed on Friday morning

Emergency crews were forced to provide first aid services from a makeshift station on a sporting field, as dramatic photos show cars totally submerged.

A manual reading by the Bureau of Meteorology recorded the Mary River at 8.8m at 4.50am on Sunday, in contrast to the average minor flood level of 5m.

Among the dramatic scenes, a bull shark was spotted by residents swimming in the flooded Queens Park in Maryborough with a small grey fin appearing in the debris.

The video, captured by local Judi Ellis, comes as children have been sighted playing in the floodwaters at the park as the QFES issuing a stark warning on Saturday.

'We often talk about the dangers lurking in flood waters, well here is the proof! A small bull shark has been spotted in flood water at Queens Park, Maryborough,' the tweet read.

'With children on school holidays it is a timely reminder of how dangerous flood waters can be.'

Ex-cyclone Seth dumped a 'surprise' 673mm of rain in just 24 hours on Marodian, a community northwest of Gympie on the Fraser Coast.

Meteorologists were shocked to observe the thunderstorm cell bearing down on the area and delivering relentless rain from Friday night into Saturday morning.

Most parts of the state were battered with continuous rain over 12 hours from Friday into the early hours of Saturday morning.

We often talk about the dangers lurking in flood waters, well here is the proof!



A small bull shark has been spotted in flood water at Queens Park, Maryborough.



With children on school holidays it is a timely reminder of how dangerous flood waters can be.



 Judi Ellis pic.twitter.com/WiCqGwHzRB  Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) January 8, 2022

Residents have been warned to brace themselves for wild winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms triggered by Cyclone Tiffany (pictured, damage to the Bruce Highway)

The weather system dumped a 'surprise' 673mm of rain in just 24 hours on Marodian, northwest of Gympie on the Fraser Coast (pictured, a Queensland rainfall chart)

Most parts of the state were battered with continuous rain over 12 hours from Friday into the early hours of Saturday morning (pictured, cars are submerged near Goomeri)

Mt Kanigan recorded 142mm of rain in just an hour to 11.30pm on Friday night while Mt Seaview was lashed with 51mm in the 45 minutes to 8.09pm on Saturday.

The deluge is expected to continue to thunder down on the Mary River region northwest of Gympie in a final blow from ex-tropical cyclone Seth.

The weather system landed on the Fraser Coast and moved inland triggering major flood warnings for the Mary River at Tiaro and Miva.

Clayton's Towing continued operations early on Saturday morning and posted to social media the heavy rain had cut off multiple major roads.

'The highway north of Gympie, between Curra and Tiaro is closed. Flooding, major road damage in Gootchie Creek Area, vehicles have been washed off roads, properties flooded. Avoid this area, Gympie north is copping massive rain falls,' the post read.

'Wide Bay Highway closed, Burnett Highway Tansy, Ban Ban Springs areas are also flooded and closed. Highway at Apple Tree Creek is also flooding now.'

Parts of the Bruce Highway at Curra and Booyal have been damaged and sunk underwater by the deluge forcing its closure at Tiaro at 7am on Sunday.

The Burnett, Carnarvon, Castlereagh and Leichhardt highways are also among the 80 roads closed due to devastating floodwaters.

The QFE has received more than 140 requests for SES assistance from residents in flood-affected areas near Gympie and Maryborough (pictured, Maryborough SES members)

Clayton's Towing continued operations early on Saturday morning and posted to social media the heavy rain had cut multiple roads (pictured, damage to the Bruce Highway)

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said between 9am on Friday and 2:30pm on Saturday, 38 water rescues were performed (pictured, overflow at Gutchy Creek)

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said between 9am on Friday and 2.30pm on Saturday, 38 water rescues were performed across the state.

During the same period, the service received more than 140 requests for SES assistance from residents in flood-affected areas near Gympie and Maryborough.

At 6pm on Saturday, the QFE warned residents in Far North Queensland to prepare for potential heavy rain, strong winds and localised flooding.

'Bring inside loose outdoor items and secure items that cant be moved. Ensure your emergency kit is well stocked and you have prepared a Covid-Ready Kit,' it said.

Wide Bay and Burnett residents were ordered to stay at home unless travel was absolutely necessary due to the dangerous weather.

The 670mm deluge in Marodian on Saturday night was the most severe downpour recorded in living memory.

The Gympie Regional Council on Saturday morning issued an emergency alert for all residents in its local government area warning of possible major flooding.

Major flood warnings are still in place for Maryborough, Miva and Tiaro this morning while a moderate flood peak is expected at Gympie.

At 6pm on Saturday, the QFE tweeted to residents in Far North Queensland to prepare for potential heavy rain, strong winds and localised flooding (pictured, Nambour SES members)

The Gympie Regional Council issued an emergency alert for all residents in its local government area warning of possible major flooding (pictured, damage on the Fraser Coast)

The 670mm deluge experienced by the community of Marodian on Saturday night, was the most severe recorded in living memory (pictured, a resident measures water on her property)

Showers were seen to subside on Saturday afternoon but not before they delivered 650mm at Mt Kanigan, 523mm at Glenwood and 464mm at Brooyar.

Meteorologist predict ex-tropical cyclone Seth will fade and move inland on Monday or Tuesday, however they warned the worst may not be over yet.

Modelling suggests a high chance of a cyclone forming in the Coral Sea by Tuesday, with a tropical low developing east of Cape York Peninsula early on Sunday.

The new threat is emerging over the Gulf of Carpentaria, with a monsoon stretching more than 1,000km.

A cyclone watch has been established for the weather system that will be named Tiffany and will likely to be labelled a category one cyclone.

While the cyclone may bring heavy winds and rain, it is expected to pass through Queensland away from densely-populated areas.

While residents in Cairns and the further south could be affected, the southeast will finally receive some reprieve from wild weather caused by ex-tropical cyclone Seth.
Dan Andrews has extended his controversial pandemic powers by three months in response to the Omicron outbreak.

Laws passed by the Victorian Parliament late last year allow him to announce a health crisis at any time and assume unprecedented powers.

The Victorian premier said on Sunday the extension of the declaration was a direct response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

'As part of Victoria's continued response to the global coronavirus pandemic, Premier Daniel Andrews has extended the pandemic declaration to apply to the state of Victoria from 11.59pm Wednesday 12 January for three months,' a statement read.

It advised that in making the declaration the premier was satisfied on reasonable grounds there was a serious risk to public health in Victoria.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured) has extended his pandemic management bill by three months in response to the spiralling Omicron outbreak throughout Victoria

The Victorian premier said on Sunday the extension of the declaration was a direct response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 (pictured, pedestrians in Melbourne)

This risk included the rapid spread of the Omicron variant which led to significant cases never before seen throughout the state.

'The Omicron variant means there are significant challenges ahead of us. The third dose vaccine rollout, and our children five to 11 year-old vaccination blitz will give us the strongest chance of meeting this challenge,' Mr Andrews said.

'Extending the pandemic declaration ensures we are able to put the measures in place to slow the rate of transmission and protect the community's health and our health system.'

The controversial laws give the premier power to declare a pandemic for an unlimited period of time even if there are no cases of the virus.

If a new variant of Covid arises, the state government could announce pandemic orders 'by decree' to confine Victorians in their homes once again.

In announcing the extension, the Acting Chief Health Minister noted Omicron had become the dominant strain of Covid-19 and accounted for 75 per cent of cases.

The controversial laws give the premier power to declare a pandemic for an unlimited period of time even if there are no cases of the virus (pictured, shoppers in Melbourne)

In announcing the extension, the Acting Chief Health Minister noted Omicron had become the dominant strain of Covid-19 and accounted for 75 per cent of cases (pictured, pub-goers in Collingwood)

He also noted the rise in hospital and ICU admissions that came amid no indication the state had reached the peak of its Omicron wave.

'After the initial pandemic declaration, which lasted four weeks, subsequent extensions can last for up to three months,' the statement read.

Health Minister Martin Foley has the power to make 'any order' he deems 'reasonably necessary' including lockdowns, vaccine mandates and masks.

The extended declaration will also mandate the formation of the Independent Pandemic Management Advisory Committee to advise on pandemic response.

Under the new laws the premier has the power to declare a pandemic for three months an unlimited number of times.

The current state of emergency laws require a parliamentary vote to extend them every 12 months - but the new laws have no time limit.

The health minister can sign off on public health orders instead of the Chief Health Officer, a role currently held by Brett Sutton.

The laws give Health Minister Martin Foley has the power to make 'any order' he deems 'reasonably necessary' including lockdowns, vaccine mandates and mask-wearing

New cases in Victoria, which passed NSW with a massive spike to 51,356 on Saturday, dropped 13 per cent to 44,155 on Sunday (pictured, young women in Melbourne)

This gives the health minister the power to enforce lockdowns, shut down businesses, restrict movement, require masks, ban public gatherings, and enforce quarantine and isolation - powers currently held by the unelected CHO.

The new laws state a person can be fined up to $21,909 for a breach of an order.

This could include not wearing a mask, breaking a movement limit, attending an illegal protest or a gathering, refusing to get tested or failing to show ID.

Businesses can be fined up to $109,044 for breaking rules which may include failing to make sure customers check-in or show proof of vaccine status.

In addition, there is a new aggravated offence for breaches that 'cause a serious risk to the health of another individual'.

These can be punished with a $90,870 fine and two years in jail. An example given in the bill is someone going to work when they are infectious and should be isolating.

Businesses can also be guilty of an aggravated offence, with a maximum fine of $454,350 if, for example, they refuse to obey a lockdown and encourage customers to also flout the rules.

The new emergency laws state a person can be fined up to $21,909 for a breach of an order (pictured, a student receives a rapid antigen test from a health care worker in Melbourne)

Cases in Victoria more than doubled this weekend after residents were given the ability to lodge positive results from rapid antigen tests (pictured, a pedestrian in Melbourne)

The bill also states that a pandemic order such as a lockdown or a vaccine mandate 'may apply to, differentiate between or vary in its application to persons or classes of person'.

This allows the Government to select who it wants to apply the order to, including people who have been at a certain event, who live in a certain area or who have a certain type of job.

The Government can discriminate based on 'presence in a pandemic management area; participation at an event; an activity they have undertaken; their characteristics, attributes or circumstances,' the bill says.

It also allows the Government to lockdown unvaccinated people only.

The Opposition has previously labelled the laws an 'assault on democracy' and branded Mr Andrews a 'dictator' - however they passed late last year.

New cases in Victoria, which passed NSW with a massive spike to 51,356 on Saturday, dropped 13 per cent to 44,155 on Sunday.

Cases in Victoria more than doubled this weekend after residents were given the ability to lodge the positive results they received on the at-home testing kits.

There are currently 752 Covid patients are in hospital with 104 in intensive care, 23 of whom require ventilation. Four people died overnight with the virus.
Ibrahem Hamze (pictured) has been warned by police he is a target in bloody gang war

The warring Hamzy and Alameddine clans will be the subject of some of the toughest police orders in the country in an effort to prevent more bloodshed following multiple shootings.

One of the last members of the Hamzy gang still standing, Ibrahem Hamze, has reportedly been approached by detectives in recent days warning him he is a target.

The feud boiled over again last week after Hamze's cousin, Ghassan Amoun, was gunned down outside a Sydney beauty parlour.

Serious crime prevention orders were placed on both gangs in 2020 which granted police broad powers to monitor and restrict members' movements.

Some have expired with detectives preparing to re-apply for extensions in the Supreme Court while new orders for additional players are likely to be sought, reports The Sunday Telegraph.

The orders effectively confine members of the rival networks to their homes with some voicing concerns about whether this provided protection or made them 'sitting ducks'.

'Ibby' Hamze hugs a mourner at a burial service for his brother Bilal, gunned down outside Kid Kyoto restaurant, which was closely monitored by NSW Police in June 2021

Ibrahem Hamze sinks to the ground by his Bilal's grave, surrounded by his family members

Ibrahem Hamze has a minor criminal history but is understood to be a target based on close family links to the Hamzy network.

As well as his cousin Amoun, his brother Bilal Hamze was shot dead in June 2021 outside a Sydney CBD restaurant, while another relative, 18-year-old Salim Hamze, was gunned down on October.

In August 2021, police said they stopped an attempt on Ibrahem Hamze's life when they stopped a stolen Mercedes they allege was on the way to execute him.

Salim Hamze (pictured), 18, was gunned down in a ute along with his father Toufik out the front of a Guildford rental property in October

Samuel John Rokomaqisa, 31, has been charged over that incident.

Detectives are still hunting for the cold blooded killers who gunned down Amoun, who is underworld kingpin Bassam Hamzy's brother

The 35-year-old was shot dead in a brazen daylight execution at about 1pm on Thursday, as he sat in a BMW outside an apartment building in Western Sydney.

Amoun, who is the younger brother of Brothers for Life founder Bassam Hamzy, was getting into his luxury BMW when he was shot twice in the head

Ghassan Amoun (pictured) was gunned down in broad daylight on Thursday less than a year after police told him he was a marked man, and 'next' on the list to be executed

Amoun, a high-ranking organised crime lieutenant, had been flagged as the 'next target' in Sydney's bloody gang war between the two clans.

He was set upon by a man 'wearing dark clothing' who had his face covered in what investigators called a 'quite obviously targeted' attack.

A second assailant is then thought to have picked up the triggerman in a Mini Cooper before speeding off and eventually setting it alight in a neighbouring suburb.

Detectives returned to the crime scene on Friday morning and attended a house to collect CCTV footage from a security camera.

The house owners said they believed their cameras would have only captured their front yard but that police were keen to get any footage they could find of Amoun's possible assailants in the street.

Pictured: The taped off scene in South Wentworthville where police and paramedics rushed to the scene around 12.45pm on Thursday to find Ghassan Amoun fatally shot in the road

The Lady Laser salon, where Amoun had been visiting in the moments before his execuction, remained closed on Friday morning.

Staff who were working at a massage parlour next door when the shooting occurred were 'traumatised', the owner said.

The long-running feud between the waring crime clans has been going on for years, as Bassam Hamzy continues to call the shots from his Goulburn Supermax prison cell after being sentenced for murder.

Mejid Hamzy (right), the brother of jailed Brothers for Life gang founder Bassam (left) was gunned down outside his home at Condell Park in October last year
Eric Adams supports legislation that will allow 800,000 non-citizens to vote in municipal elections in New York City as early as next year.

So-called 'Dreamers' will have access to the ballot box after the new mayor of New York City allowed the bill to automatically become law on Sunday.

Opponents have vowed to challenge the new law, which the City Council approved a month ago  but unless a judge halts its implementation, New York City is the first major U.S. city to grant widespread municipal voting rights to non-citizens.

More than a dozen communities across the U.S. already allow non-citizens to cast ballots in local elections, including 11 towns in Maryland and two in Vermont.

Adams defended himself Sunday against criticism from members of his own party claiming that he did not support the legislation.

'No, I did not change my mind,' Adams told CNN's Jake Tapper on the State of the Union program. 'I supported the concept of the bill.'

'The one aspect of that I had a problem with and I thought was problematic, was the 30-day part, of being in the country for 30 days, was the place that I had questions,' he clarified. 'And I sat down with my colleagues. I'm a big believer in conversation. We have to start talking to each other, and not at each other. And after hearing their rationale and their theories behind it, I thought it was more important to not veto the bill or get in the way at all, and allow to build a move forward.'

New York City Mayor Eric Adams allowed legislation to automatically become law on Sunday that will give 800,000 non-citizens access to voting as early as next year and defended that decision on CNN's State of the Union

CNNs Jake Tapper slams New York City Mayor Eric Adams for allowing non-citizens to vote in his city.



"What do you say to all the people who went through the process  the difficult process  of becoming an American citizen?" pic.twitter.com/oW5ffrx54Q  RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 9, 2022 Twitter Privacy Policy

'In New York City, just Brooklyn, for example  47 per cent of Brooklynites speak a language other than English at home when I was the borough president,' the new Democratic mayor said. 'And so I think it's imperative that people who are in a local municipality have the right to decide who's going to govern them. And I support the overall concept of that bill.'

Under the new law, non-citizens still wouldn't be able to vote for president or members of Congress in federal races, or in the state elections that pick the governor, judges and legislators.

Rather, the measure would allow non-citizens who have been lawful permanent residents of the city for at least 30 days, as well as those authorized to work in the U.S., including 'Dreamers,' to help select the city's mayor, city council members, borough presidents, comptroller and public advocate.

With Adams' decision to not veto and allow the bill to become law, the Board of Elections must now begin the process of drawing an implementation plan by July, including voter registration rules and provisions that would create separate ballots for municipal races to prevent non-citizens from casting ballots in federal and state contests.

It's a watershed moment for the nation's most populous city, where legally documented, voting-age non-citizens comprise nearly one in nine of the city's 7 million voting-age inhabitants. The movement to win voting rights for non-citizens prevailed after numerous setbacks.

'Dreamers' are young immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children who would benefit from the never-passed DREAM Act or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows them to remain in the country if they meet certain criteria.

The first elections in which non-citizens would be allowed to vote are in 2023.

'We build a stronger democracy when we include the voices of immigrants,' said former City Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, who led the charge to win approval for the legislation.

Rodriguez, who Adams appointed as his transportation commissioner, thanked the mayor for his support and expects a vigorous defense against any legal challenges.

New York City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez speaks during a rally on December 9 on the steps of City Hall ahead of a City Council vote to allow lawful permanent residents to cast votes in elections to pick the mayor, City Council members and other municipal officeholders

Adams recently cast uncertainty over the legislation when he raised concern about the monthlong residency standard, but later said those concerns did not mean he would veto the bill.

While there was some question whether Adams could stop the bill from becoming law, the 30-day time limit for the mayor to take action expired at the stroke of midnight.

Adams said he looked forward to the law bringing millions more into the democratic process.

'I believe that New Yorkers should have a say in their government, which is why I have and will continue to support this important legislation,' Adams said in a statement released Saturday night. He added that his earlier concerns were put at ease after what he called productive dialogue with colleagues.

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio had similar concerns but did not move to veto the measure before vacating City Hall at the end of the year.

Opponents say the council lacks the authority on its own to grant voting rights to non-citizens and should have first sought action by state lawmakers.

Some states, including Alabama, Arizona, Colorado and Florida, have adopted rules that would preempt any attempts to pass laws like the one in New York City.
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After days of massive increases in cases, the United States showed dramatic decreases, although experts maintain that it's likely we haven't hit the peak yet.

On Saturday, the US recorded 378,692 new COVID cases, well down from the 900,832 recorded on Friday - though reporting of cases is often inaccurate on the weekends.

Still, the decrease comes after the nation's four highest caseload days since the start of the pandemic were all recorded in the past week.

Deaths also slowed down on Saturday to 659, down from Friday's 2,615, which was a 22 percent increase from week-ago levels on a rolling-average basis, but still well below the peak a year ago.

Hospitalizations are rising quickly towards record highs, though new data from New York suggests that many hospital admissions with COVID are now incidental, with patients testing positive for the virus after hospitalization for unrelated complaints.

Meanwhile, Connecticut is asking nursing homes to accept COVID-19-positive patients discharged from hospitals - despite the risk posed to elderly patients and the high death toll at facilities in the Northeast during the early months of the pandemic.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health urged such facilities should to take in patients discharged from a hospital 'regardless of COVID-19 status,' according to a memo dated Jan. 6.

More than 80 percent of nursing homes in the state are reporting positive cases among residents or staff.

Nursing homes should have enough wiggle room to refuse patients, but Governor Ned Lamont said that any nursing home that refuses a patient is responsible for finding one that can care for them.

A total of 4,340 residents and staff have died from COVID-19 in Connecticut since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the COVID Tracking Project.

The state of Connecticut is asking nursing homes to take in COVID-positive transfers. Governor Ned Lamont (pictured) says that any facility that can't take in a patient is responsible for finding one that can

More than 80 percent of nursing homes in the state of Connecticut are reporting positive cases among residents or staff

While significant, that's well below the 7,969 and 14,450 deaths in neighboring New Jersey and New York, respectively.

Most experts believe infections will continue to increase in the US for the next few weeks before the Omicron surge peaks in late January, with Dr. Anthony Fauci saying that the US will likely record more than 1 million cases daily on a regular basis in coming weeks.

'It's still surging upward... I would not be surprised at all if we go over a million cases per day,' Fauci told WNBC-TV on Friday. 'I would hope that by the time we get to the fourth week in January -- end of the third week, beginning of the fourth week  that we will start see this coming down.'

Though Omicron appears less likely to cause severe illness and death than prior strains, the widespread infections could force some five million Americans to stay home from work in the coming days, Andrew Hunter, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics, told the Wall Street Journal.

Illness-related staff shortages have already hobbled a number of industries for weeks, driving more than 1,000 daily flight cancellations for 13 straight days, and the coming surge in COVID sick leave could further hammer businesses that don't allow for remote working.

In Britain, the number of daily cases fell for a third day in a row - a sign the worst of the Omicron wave may be over. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show there were 146,390 new positive tests over the last 24 hours, down 18.5 per cent on the previous week's figure of 179,637.

Experts hope nationwide numbers will continue to follow London's trajectory of rapidly falling cases and now hospitalizations. A similar trend was seen Omicron ground zero South Africa, which saw a sharp peak in cases before infections quickly dropped off.

It marked the biggest week-on-week fall since the start of November, well before the supermutant strain sent cases soaring across the country. But the number of people dying with the virus continued to increase today, with 313 fatalities recorded  up 103 per cent on last week's number.

The surge may have been slightly overinflated due to less deaths being recorded on New Year's Day last weekend. Fatalities usually follow trends in case numbers around two weeks later due to the time it takes for the virus to take hold. Covid hospitalizations in Omicron hotspot London fell 31 per cent to 310 on January 6, the latest date regional data is available for.

New York hospitals admit nearly HALF of 'covid' patients were admitted for other reasons Under pressure from Governor Kathy Hochul, hospitals in New York have disclosed that nearly half of their so-called COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized were admitted for other reasons. Of the roughly 11,500 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in the state, COVID was not included as one of the reasons for admission for 43 percent, according to data Hochul released on Friday. In New York City, the rate was even higher, with 51 percent of current COVID patients classified as 'with' COVID, as opposed to 'for' the virus. In patients 'with' COVID, they were hospitalized for unrelated reasons, such as injuries in a car crash, but tested positive for the virus on the routine screening administered to all new patients and were subsequently reclassified as COVID admissions. Advertisement

As infections surge, the nation watches closely for signs of a peak, which still appears to be several weeks out.

The University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation forecasts that infections will peak in the final days of January, when they predict some 38 million Americans will be actively infected with COVID.

In South Africa, where Omicron was first identified, infections have fallen sharply off their peak in mid-December. In the UK, which is a few weeks ahead of the US in the Omicron surge, infections are still rising despite hopes of a peak in London.

The number of people in the UK hospitalized with COVID-19 rose to 18,454 on Thursday, more than double the figure two weeks earlier.

Meanwhile in the US, the current explosion of Omicron-fueled coronavirus infections in the U.S. is already causing a breakdown in basic functions and services.

In New York City, employee shortages are causing delays in trash and subway services, and diminishing the ranks of firefighters and emergency workers.

Airport officials shut have down security checkpoints at the biggest terminal in Phoenix and schools across the nation struggle to find teachers for their classrooms.

'This really does, I think, remind everyone of when COVID-19 first appeared and there were such major disruptions across every part of our normal life,' said Tom Cotter, director of emergency response and preparedness at the global health nonprofit Project HOPE.

'And the unfortunate reality is, theres no way of predicting what will happen next until we get our vaccination numbers - globally - up.'

First responders, hospitals, schools and government agencies have employed an all-hands-on-deck approach to keep the public safe, but they are worried how much longer they can keep it up if infections keep rising.

In Kansas' Johnson County, paramedics are working 80 hours a week. Ambulances have frequently been forced to alter their course when the hospitals they're heading to tell them they're too overwhelmed to help, confusing the patients' already anxious family members driving behind them.

When the ambulances arrive at hospitals, some of their emergency patients end up in waiting rooms because there are no beds.

Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Hospital, said when the leader of a rural hospital had no place to send its dialysis patients this week, the hospital's staff consulted a textbook and 'tried to put in some catheters and figure out how to do it.'

Medical facilities have been hit by a 'double whammy' of rising hospitalizations and staffing shortages, he said.

The number of COVID-19 patients at the University of Kansas Hospital rose from 40 on December 1 to 139 on Friday. At the same time, more than 900 employees have been sickened with COVID-19 or are awaiting test results - 7 percent of the hospital's 13,500-person workforce.

'What my hope is and what we're going to cross our fingers around is that as it peaks ... maybe itll have the same rapid fall we saw in South Africa,' Stites said, referring to the swiftness with which the number of cases fell in that country. 'We don't know that. That's just hope.'

In downtown Boise, Idaho, customers were queued up outside a pharmacy before it opened Friday morning and before long, the line wound throughout the large drugstore. Pharmacies have been slammed by staffing shortages, either because employees are out sick or have left altogether.

Pharmacy technician Anecia Mascorro said that prior to the pandemic, the Sav-On Pharmacy where she works always had prescriptions ready for the next day. Now, it's taking a lot longer to fill the hundreds of orders that are pouring in.

'The demand is crazy - everybodys not getting their scripts fast enough so they keep transferring to us,' Mascorro said.

In Los Angeles, more than 800 police and fire personnel were sidelined because of the virus as of Thursday, causing slightly longer ambulance and fire response times.

In New York City, officials have had to delay or scale back trash and subway services because of a virus-fueled staffing hemorrhage.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said about one-fifth of subway operators and conductors - 1,300 people - have been absent in recent days. Almost one-fourth of the city sanitation department's workers were out sick Thursday, Sanitation Commissioner Edward Grayson said.

'Everybody's working round the clock, 12-hour shifts,' Grayson said.

The city's fire department also has adjusted for higher absences. Officials said Thursday that 28% of EMS workers were out sick, compared with about 8% to 10% on a normal day. Twice as many firefighters as usual were also absent.

In contrast, the police department saw its sick rate fall over the past week, officials said.

At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, two checkpoints at the airport's busiest terminal were shut down because not enough Transportation Security Administration agents showed up for work, according to statements from airport and TSA officials.

At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (seen last month), two checkpoints at the airport's busiest terminal were shut down because not enough Transportation Security Administration agents showed up for work

Meanwhile, schools from coast to coast tried to maintain in-person instruction despite massive teacher absences.

In Chicago, a tense standoff between the school district and teachers union over remote learning and COVID-19 safety protocols led to classes being canceled over the past three days.

In San Francisco, nearly 900 educators and aides called in sick Thursday.

In Hawaii, where public schools are under one statewide district, 1,600 teachers and staff were absent Wednesday because of illness or pre-arranged vacation or leave.

The state's teachers union criticized education officials for not better preparing for the ensuing void. Osa Tui Jr., head of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, said counselors and security guards were being pulled to go 'babysit a classroom.'

'That is very inappropriate,' Tui said at a news conference. 'To have this model where there are so many teachers out and for the department to say, `Send your kid to a classroom that doesnt have a teacher, whats the point of that?'

In New Haven, Connecticut, where hundreds of teachers have been out each day this week, administrators have helped to cover classrooms.

Some teachers say they appreciate that, but that it can be confusing for students, adding to the physical and mental stress they're already feeling because of the pandemic.

'We've already been tested so much. How much can the rubber band stretch here?' asked Leslie Blatteau, president of the New Haven Federation of Teachers.

Teacher Stuart Abram holds a sign in support of the Chicago Teachers Union walkout before a CTU caravan Wednesday, the first day that classes were canceled amid the union dispute over COVID-19 safety measures

On Friday, the Supreme Courts conservative majority appeared skeptical of the Biden administration's authority to impose a vaccine-or-testing requirement on the nation's large employers.

The court seemed more open to a separate vaccine mandate for most health care workers.

For the first time in the pandemic, seven Supreme Court justices decided to wear masks while hearing arguments, a nod to the soaring case levels in the Omicron surge.

An eighth justice, Sonia Sotomayor, a diabetic since childhood, didn't even appear in the courtroom, choosing to remain in her office at the court and take part remotely.

Two lawyers, representing Ohio and Louisiana, argued by telephone after recent positive COVID-19 tests, state officials said.

But the COVID circumstances did not appear to outweigh the views of the courts six conservatives that the administration overstepped its authority in its vaccine-or-testing requirement for businesses with at least 100 employees.

'This is something the federal government has never done before,' Chief Justice John Roberts said, casting doubt on the administration's argument that a half-century-established law, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, confers such broad authority.

Roberts and Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett probably hold the key to the outcome in both cases, as they have been more receptive to state-level vaccine requirements than the other three conservative justices.

Barrett and Kavanaugh also had tough questions for Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the administration's top Supreme Court lawyer.
A senior Cabinet minister broke ranks today to back a cut to the Covid quarantine period to five days.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said taking two days off the current seven-day isolation period would be 'helpful' in getting the UK back on its feet as Omicron rattles through the population.

Schools and other sectors are under huge pressure as the spring term starts with warnings over a lack of staff due to the high number of infections sweeping across the UK.

It has prompted calls, now backed by the senior minister, to follow the US example and cut the isolation period down to keep society and the economy running.

In an interview with the Sunday Times Mr Zahawi said the UK was 'witnessing the transition of the virus from pandemic to endemic'.

He added: 'The UK Health Security Agency have said they want to review it, so we will stick to seven days, but if they review it and say they will bring it down to five days that is even better for me, it's even more helpful.'

He doubled down on the idea on Sky's Trevor Phillips on Sunday programme today, saying: 'It would certainly help mitigate some of the pressures on schools, on critical workforce and others.

'But I would absolutely be driven by advice from the experts, the scientists, on whether we should move to five days from seven days. What you don't want is to create the wrong outcome by higher levels of infection.'

He added: 'I hope we will be one of the first major economies to demonstrate to the world how you transition from pandemic to endemic, and then deal with this however long it remains with us, whether that's five, six, seven, 10 years.'

Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said in response that Scotland is not considering further reducing its quarantine period.

Mr Zahawi's comments came after the UK passed 150,000 Covid deaths. It is the seventh country to pass the milestone - following the US, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Peru.

It came as it was reported free lateral flow tests are set to be axed as the Government prepares the country to live with coronavirus without ongoing restrictions.

Boris Johnson is set to announce the measure within weeks, the Sunday Times reported, with free tests limited to high-risk settings such as care homes, hospitals and schools, and to people with symptoms.

But Mr Zahawi has insisted there are no plans to end universal free lateral flow tests following criticism over reports the move was being considered.

He told Sky's Trevor Phillips on Sunday 'they will continue to be available for free'.

'I saw that story this morning, which I was slightly puzzled by because I don't recognise it at all. This is absolutely not where we are at,' he added.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said taking two days off the current seven-day isolation period would be 'helpful' in getting the UK back on its feet as Omicron rattles through the population.

Free lateral flow tests are set to be axed as the Government prepares the country to live with coronavirus without ongoing restrictions

Treat Covid like the FLU: Ex-chief of vaccine taskforce calls for 'new targeted strategy' Coronavirus should be treated like the flu and Britain's mass jabs programme should be scrapped after the booster campaign is complete, the ex-chief of the UK's vaccine taskforce has said. Dr Clive Dix, who was chairman of the government agency from December 2020 until April, called for a return to a 'new normality' and a volte-face on the approach throughout the pandemic. He said the country needs to learn to manage the disease rather than focus on halting the spread of the virus amid hope the Omicron variant is even less severe than the flu. The latest vaccination figures showed that 22,526 first dose jabs, 32,455 second doses and 207,801 booster jabs were delivered on Friday. It brings the total number of people to have received at least two doses of a vaccine to 47,632,483, whilst 35,273,945 have received a booster jab. It comes as Britain's daily Covid figures fell for the third day in a row on Saturday, official data showed in a sign the worst of the latest wave may be over. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show there were 146,390 new positive tests over the last 24 hours, down 18.5 per cent on the previous week's figure of 179,637. It marked the biggest week-on-week fall since the start of November, well before the supermutant strain sent cases soaring across the country. But the number of people dying with the virus continued to increase, with 313 fatalities recorded  up 103 per cent on last week's number. Advertisement

Labour's shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said 'lateral flow tests have got to remain free whilst we have huge numbers of cases on a daily basis'.

Speaking on the BBC's Sunday Morning programme, Ms Reeves said: 'The proposal today that lateral flow tests are no longer going to be free - these are absolutely the wrong policies and the wrong approach at the wrong time.

'The best way to stop further restrictions, and I do not want to see further restrictions to our life and to our economy, is to ensure that people can test and test regularly to stop passing on the virus.

'That's why we believe that those lateral flow tests have got to remain free whilst we have huge numbers of cases on a daily basis.'

More than 6billion has been spent on mass testing using lateral flow devices.

They have been seen as a key way of suppressing the virus and have given confidence to people to safely mixed with their loved ones, particularly around Christmas as cases of the Omicron soared.

But the Sunday Times report suggested there is concerns in Whitehall over their costs.

A senior Whitehall source told The Sunday Times: 'I don't think we are in a world where we can continue to hand out free lateral flow tests to everybody for evermore.

'It's likely we will move to a scenario where there is less testing but where we have a capacity to ramp it up if necessary, such as in the winter.'

The head of the NHS Confederation has said Omicron should not be used as a 'political touchstone' and strategy should be based on the scientific evidence,

Matthew Taylor said he was not 'ideologically opposed' to reported Government plans to scrap free lateral flow tests in most settings if there was data to support the decision.

He added, though, that 'future shocks' were possible given that the Omicron strain had not been anticipated before it began to spread rapidly across the UK.

Asked about the proposals, reported in the Sunday Times, Mr Taylor said: ?'If the the science suggests that's okay, if we do have a strategy which is properly thought-through that says that we can live with this virus because it's reached a stage where it's no longer severe, (I'm not) ideologically opposed to that, but let's make sure we follow the evidence.'

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned Mr Johnson that axing universal free lateral flow tests would be an 'utterly wrongheaded' approach to dealing with coronavirus.

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government had not signed up to the move, but if Mr Johnson was 'really considering this' it would be 'utterly wrongheaded'.

'Hard to imagine much that would be less helpful to trying to 'live with' Covid,' she tweeted.

She questioned what would happen to funding for UK nations for testing under the Barnett formula if the Westminster Government went ahead with the move, adding: 'Testing so vital, we'd have to consider continued funding but it would then come from existing budgets.'

Scottish Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has said Scotland is not considering further reducing its quarantine period.

The Department of Health and Social Care is yet to comment, but a Government source disputed the report and said it was too early to say what the future holds for free lateral flows.

A Government spokeswoman did not address whether access to free tests will be scaled back in the future, and instead said: 'Everyone can continue to get free tests and we are continuing to encourage people to use rapid tests when they need them.

'Testing continues to play an important role in helping people live their day-to-day lives, keep businesses running and keep young people in school.'

Despite case rates hitting record highs after the emergence of Omicron, hospitalisation and deaths have not followed the same trajectory, with this being attributed to vaccination and the new strain being believed to be less deadly.

Professor Mike Tildesley, a member of the Government's Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M), said on Saturday that the variant is possibly the 'first ray of light' in Covid-19 becoming endemic and easier to live with.

'The thing that might happen in the future is you may see the emergence of a new variant that is less severe and, ultimately, in the long term, what happens is Covid becomes endemic and you have a less severe version,' he told Times Radio.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned Mr Johnson that axing universal free lateral flow tests would be an 'utterly wrongheaded' approach to dealing with coronavirus

'It's very similar to the common cold that we've lived with for many years.'

It comes after figures showed that more than 150,000 people have now died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic nearly two years ago.

More than 150,000 people have now died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic nearly two years ago.

Boris Johnson recognised the 'terrible toll' of coronavirus on the UK after official figures showed a further 313 deaths were reported in the Government's daily data on Saturday, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 150,057.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the toll was a 'dark milestone for our country'.

Jo Goodman, a co-founder of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign, said the official figure of 150,000 coronavirus deaths being recorded was 'yet another indictment of the Government's handling of the pandemic'.

Professor Andrew Hayward, who sits on the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said the total passed on Saturday, when an additional 313 deaths were announced, was an 'absolute tragedy' made worse because 'many of them were avoidable if we had acted earlier in the first and second wave'.

With a total of 150,057 deaths by that way of measuring, the UK became the seventh country to pass the milestone, following the US, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Peru. It means it is also the first in Europe.

But separate figures from the Office for National Statistics show there have now been 174,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

The new deaths were announced as the NHS continues to face significant strain from the Omicron variant and record high cases, though death rates are not as nearly as sharp as earlier in the pandemic because of vaccines and the new strain being believed to be milder.

Scientists also believe that Omicron could be less deadly even than the flu, meaning the pandemic could now finally be coming to an end.

MailOnline analysis showed Covid killed one in 33 people who tested positive at the peak of the devastating second wave last January, compared to just one in 670 now. But experts believe the figure could be even lower because of Omicron.
The daughter of the former president of Kazakhstan splashed her 220 million fortune on an 18m luxury jet and an 8.75m mansion in London during a spending spree after moving her fortune out of the country.

Aliya Nazarbayeva, 41, purchased the home in Highgate, north London, with the aim of obtaining British residency, and a Challenger Bombardier jet after instructing two financial advisors to transfer money into offshore trusts and companies from Lichtenstein to the British Virgin Islands.

The spree, which also included the acquisition of a $14m property in Dubai, took place in 2006.

However, the spending has come to light after Ms Nazarbayeva fell out with the two financial advisors - accusing them of dishonesty, misappropriation of funds, conspiracy to defraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment, The Sunday Telegraph reports.

She is the youngest daughter of Nursultan Nazarbayeva, 81, Kazakhstan president for 28 years to 2019, whose family is widely believed to have retained power despite his stepping down three years ago.

It comes as dozens have died and public buildings across Kazakhstan have been ransacked and torched in the worst violence experienced by the former Soviet republic in 30 years of independence.

Aliya Nazarbayeva purchased an 18m Challenger Bombardier luxury jet and an 8.75m mansion during a spending spree in London

Former Kazakhstan president Nursultan Nazarbayev (right) and Ms Nazarbayeva pictured together at a wedding in Spain in 2004

Protesters take part in a rally over a hike in energy prices in Almaty on January 5 over a hike in fuel prices

The unrest has been fuelled by public anger over Mr Nazarbayev and his family amassing a huge fortune while the vast majority of Kazakh residents struggle to get by amid a hike in fuel prices.

It had been rumoured that Ms Nazarbayeva sought to travel to Dubai with her father as he tried to flee the civil unrest and that she may use the property in London as a secure base.

She is best known for modelling designer jewellery, promoting her clothing brand and owning a beauty spa in Almaty.

Ms Nazarbayeva, though, sued the two financial advisors for 165m in London before the case was settled in a confidential agreement.

The family have long had financial links to the UK.

Last year, British police lost a High Court bid to force Mr Nazarbayevs daughter and grandson to detail how they found the cash to buy three properties worth 80million in London.

His son-in-law, meanwhile, also paid a 15million for Sunninghill Park, Prince Andrews former marital home, in 2007  3million over the asking price despite five years languishing on the market.

Ms Nazarbayeva claims to have transferred $312 out of Kazakhstan after telling advisors it would be 'dangerous' to keep her fortunate there, according to High Court documents.

They also include claims from her wealth manager that she was a 'politically exposed person'.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair (L) greets Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev (R) in Downing Street, London November 16, 2000

Ms Nazarbayeva purchased a home in north London with the aim of obtaining residency in the UK

Ms Nazarbayeva disclosed to Malik Ishmuratov she had 'sold some shareholdings', 'receiving approximately $325m', in 2006.

Mr Ishmuratov subsequently introduced her to Denis Korotkov-Koganovich, another Kazakh wealth manager based in London.

Two years later, Mr Ishmuratov advised Ms Nazarbayeva to start the Alsarah Foundation in Lichtenstein and, by June, she had 'agreed orally' to entrust $150m in capital to the pair.

Mr Koganaovich then made several transfer totalling $312m to a company registered in the BVI.

However, when Ms Nazarbayeva's relationship with the wealth managers broke down, she lodged a 165m claim against them, which has been settled in a confidential agreement.

She claims the advisors had not followed her instructions, allegedly profited above their agreement and invested her money in transactions she had rejected.

However, the pair denied the allegations and insisted they acted in her interests at all times.

A spokesperson for Mr Ishmuratov and Mr Korotkov-Koganovich said: 'The unfounded allegations against Mr Ishmuratov and Mr Korotkov-Koganovitch were denied, the claim defended, and an amicable settlement was reached.'

It comes as Tony Blair has faced renewed criticism over his dealings with the countrys regime.

Mr Nazarbayev's authoritarian regime faced international criticism for human rights abuses and in 2011 Sir Tonys consulting business Tony Blair Associates (TBA) took on a contract to advise the Kazakh government.

The controversial deal saw Sir Tony face accusations that he had helped Mr Nazarbayev to spin a massacre which saw security forces kill at least 14 during a protest over wages.

The former British prime minister advised the Kazakh leader on how to deal with questions from the Western media about the 2011 shootings, and suggested passages to be inserted into a speech Mr Nazarbayev was giving at Cambridge University in 2012.

In a letter, he said: These events, tragic though they were, should not obscure the enormous progress that Kazakhstan has made.
Critics call Joe Biden's foreign policy an epic failure with ignoring the UK with its pitch for free trade deal since entering office.

The US under his administration has failed on the world stage, and he famously avoided Vladimir Putin in the Geneve Summit. In front of cameras, he had several gaffes like dozing off in the COP 26 and getting savaged for not taking the trade deal offered by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Fallen from grace

Nile Gardiner, a former aide to ex-UK PM Margaret Thatcher and specializes in the foreign analysis, did not cut the lashing in an all-out critique, reported the Express UK.

The US leader, according to him, has led Washington downhill. In 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan after the failure of Biden to comprehend the danger. He was more eager for a historic photo-op.

Former US President Donald Trump was partial to Brexit and would mention a free trade agreement with long-time US ally Britain.

The planned agreement would be forgotten when the Democrat defeated him over alleged controversial circumstances. The White House was adversarial to Brexit and meddled in the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Biden, from the start, would be vocal against the US-UK trade agreement, warning Brexit not to jeopardize the Good Friday Agreement.

Nothing good from the 46th President of the US

Gardiner advised on foreign policy to former PM Thatcher and contrasted the performance between the two. Joe Biden's foreign policy failure to lead the west is seen on the world stage, affecting a free trade deal with London.

Read Also: Boris Johnson Flares After Joe Biden Disregards Brexit Britain From Cutting Tariffs to Free Trade Deals

He echoed that the UK-US 'special relationship' is now questioned as Washington has taken sides against Downing Street. It clears the White House has been dangling a carrot but no intent to do something about a deal.

Blames the US president for breaking faith and creating a bad atmosphere for Washington and London.

The British analyst says the two countries have the most prosperous economies; mutually beneficial for the UK and will give America an economic boost. But the momentum is hampered by the president's snub.

He did not end with that; mention the current US administration has no mind of its own. They are echoing and parroting the EU. It's not good getting sidelined by the NIP issues and is a mouthpiece for Brussels.

The president's days are numbered

Gardiner said a bright spot would show itself the US leader will have to reckon to accept a deal when the midterms in November come. A failing economy will destroy him and the Democratic party. Biden is now one of the most unliked presidents in US history, noted the Daily Mail.

Too many voters and supporters, it an utter disappointment as the nation has a bad economic status, and the sure of the pandemic has lashed out to the party members.

According to a new CNBC/Change Research poll with 1,000+ respondents, 56 percent of voters say it is a bad job after assuming office only a year.

In a panic, the Democrats are 44 percent liked from 46 percent last September. April last year, it was only 51 percent due to Biden. In November, the analyst calls a red wave a chance to have the deal the UK wants.

Joe Biden's foreign policy has left out a free trade deal that would be of benefit. Downing Street is optimistic of changes to come after November's midterm elections, Gardiner stressed once the White House is pressured.

Related Article: Joe Biden Abandons Britain in the North Ireland Protocol, Threatens Similar Appeasement in Favor of the EU

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Victoria has very quickly gone from reporting far fewer Covid-19 cases than NSW to far more, but this is because thousands of rapid antigen test results are going unreported because of a bureaucratic delay.

On Friday, Victoria recorded 21,728 new cases, with 38,625 in NSW.

By Sunday, the NSW figure had fallen to 30,062, while Victoria saw a dramatic rise to 44,155 new cases.

Public health medicine specialist Professor Tony Blakely said the state to state variances are likely caused by whether or not rapid antigen test results are formally recorded.

Last week, Scott Morrison told Australians they didn't need to seek a PCR swab test if their rapid test was positive - meaning a positive RAT now means a person is officially infected with Covid.

But NSW has not yet introduced a way to formally contact authorities and let them know about your positive result - meaning thousands of infections will be going undetected and the official case toll won't be accurate.

Epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely has advised people to keep wearing masks to help keep Covid numbers down (pictured, two women walk in Bondi)

Queensland, too, is seeing a spike in figures, up from 10,953 new cases on Friday to 11,174 on Saturday and 18,000 on Sunday.

Both Queensland and Victoria have already set up a system for those who test positive on a RAT to report their result online, meaning their infections numbers are likely more accurate.

NSW premier Dominic Perrottet says a similar system will be available via Service NSW sometime in the next week.

COVID CASE NUMBERS RECORDED ON SUNDAY VICTORIA: 44,155 NSW: 30,062 QUEENSLAND: 18,000 SOUTH AUSTRALIA: 4,506 TASMANIA: 1,406 ACT: 1,039 NORTHERN TERRITORY: 481 WESTERN AUSTRALIA: 1 Advertisement

Professor Blakely said on Sunday that Australia's RAT situation has been a 'debacle' but is now improving.

'Getting the systems over to a rapid antigen test ... places like Victoria now having systems where you can upload your rapid antigen test, that's going pretty well.

'The stocks need to come through to support that though, at the moment that's where our weakness is, we just don't have enough stock in the country for perhaps another 10 days,' he told Channel 10's The Project.

Prof Blakely said recording the numbers of people infected with Covid 'does matter' as it helps experts to project the number of upcoming hospitalisations, but is made more difficult by the increasing use of RATs.

'We are focused on the hospitalisations, but you don't know the hospitalisation number until two weeks after the infection peak,' he said.

'But we can learn at what is happening in New South Wales and now Victoria and know that this thing is explosive, and the lesson remains the same, slow it down.

'Get the masks on, get people working at home, get some density limits so the health service can manage.

'So we can still manage our way through it without the (full) numbers (due to home RATs). But it's unfortunate to not have those numbers to give an accurate projection of what the hospitalisations will be. We have lost that ability a bit now.'

Prof Blakely backed Queensland delaying the start of the new school year by two weeks.

'I think it's quite wise, and the reason being, as Queensland (is) say another week or two weeks perhaps, behind Victoria and New South Wales, and so, they may have peaked by the time the kids go back,' he said.

People queue at a walk-in Covid-19 testing site in Melbourne. Victoria now includes the results of rapid antigen tests in its daily Covid figures

The professor added that NSW and Victoria may not need to delay the return of schools as they may have passed the peak of infections by the time the kids get back.

Prof Blakely, some of whose family members have tested positive to Covid, also backs the advice from Prof Kidd on basic, over the counter medications such as paracetamol, and also disinfectants.

'Get the stuff in place. I learnt a few more things, just a basic, proper disinfectant, something with ammonium, so we can clean the kitchen, so my step son can come down and we haven't contaminated the surfaces.'

He added that it would be 'great to have 10 rapid antigen tests', but they can't leave the house so other people will have to get them for him and his family.

And there is likely to be worse to come, with Australia's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd saying 'It's likely that many of us will test positive for Covid-19 over coming days and weeks'.

'My advice is that you make sure you have some paracetamol or ibuprofen at home. It's important to be prepared because you won't be able to go to your supermarket or pharmacy if you are diagnosed with Covid-19,' Prof Kidd said.
Three girls have not been seen since leaving school on Friday afternoon, amid intensified appeals from the police for information.

Jazmin John, 13, Kyiah Conway, 12 and Nylah Collins, 13, have been missing for more than 40 hours since leaving their school in the Camberwell Green area of South London.

Southwark Police has since launched an appeal to help trace the girls and released their photographs.

Jazmin John, 13, and Kyiah Conway, 12, have been reported missing since Friday afternoon

Nylah Collins, 13, is the third girl who has been reported missing since leaving school on Friday

It is not clear which school they attend or the exact time they were last seen.

A statement on Twitter posted on Saturday evening read: 'We are continuing to appeal for help to find 3 young girls - Jazmin, 13, Kyiah, 12, & Nylah, 13  who have now been #missing for about 30hrs after they left school on Friday.'

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 using case reference: 4627/07Jan.
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New rules for travellers entering England From Friday, January 7, fully vaccinated travellers and those aged under-18 no longer need to take a test two days before travelling to England from countries outside the UK and the Common Travel Area.

As of today, travellers will only have to take a lateral flow test instead of the more expensive PCR test on day two. This test must be purchased from a private test provider - free NHS tests are not allowed

Unvaccinated passengers will need to continue to take a pre-departure test, PCR tests on day two and day eight, and self-isolate for 10 days Advertisement

Rules for testing have been eased for travellers arriving in England today, the Government has announced.

Since Friday, fully vaccinated travellers no longer have to take a pre-departure test before they travel to England.

And as of today, they may take a lateral flow test purchased from a private test provider within two days of arrival rather than the more expensive PCR.

Until now, travellers have been required to take the PCR test before day two and self-isolate while waiting for the result.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the pre-departure test discouraged many from travelling 'for fear of being trapped overseas and incurring significant extra expense', the BBC reports.

The announcement comes after airlines claimed traveller testing was making little impact, with data last week suggesting that one in 25 people in England had the virus.

On Friday, an airline boss said that demand for holidays was returning to pre-pandemic levels after the announcement of the eased restrictions.

The measures will save families hundreds of pounds on not having to buy so many tests and make it much easier to book holidays - and has resulted in a surge in demand among winter sun-seekers and families looking to reunite with loved ones.

PCR tests on average cost around 80 per traveller, compared to 20-30 for a rapid swab, saving families up to 200 on post-arrival tests alone. They could save another 100 in tests taken for entry into the UK.

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2, told BBC Radio Four's Today programme that demand for holidays had now reached similar levels to those seen before the start of the pandemic.

A busy terminal 5 arrivals hall at Heathrow Airport on Friday as passengers arriving back into the UK no longer need to take a PCR test

He said: 'Demand is around pre-Covid levels. Prior to the announcement it was well below, but it has given people the confidence to look for a holiday, that they won't be caught in resorts quarantining. People now want to start thinking about more cheerful things, ie going on holiday.

'There's always a risk that we could have new restrictions but I think the Omicron variant has shown to governments you need to bide your time and look at the science a bit before jumping into lockdown.

'As Professor Whitty said we have to learn to live with this virus, we can't just jump into further restrictions every time we have a new variant - we have to learn to live with it. Hopefully this is the beginning of the end we can get back to some form of normality.

'Our plans for summer 2022 remain the same and we have a bigger programme than summer 2019. Some companies are saying it's going to take two or three years to recover, we are back to above summer 2019 levels.

'I think it's realistic [to be making such preparations], it's optimistic obviously, but after two years of dealing with the virus, we're in a place where we can live with it better.

'People are desperate to get away. It's two or three years since some people have had a holiday, and I think it's very good for health getting away in the sun, lying on a beach, getting some Vitamin D etc.'

Fully vaccinated travellers and those aged under 18 will no longer need to take a test two days before travelling to England

Upon arrival, they will only have to take a lateral flow test instead of the more expensive PCR test on day two. This test must be purchased from a private test provider - free NHS tests are not allowed

Unvaccinated passengers will need to continue to take a pre-departure test, PCR tests on day two and day eight, and self-isolate for 10 days

Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2, told BBC Radio Four's Today programme that demand for holidays had now reached similar levels to those seen before the start of the pandemic

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for tour operator Tui said Mr Johnson's announcement 'has given Brits the reassurance that travel will once again be easier and more affordable'.

She went on: 'We've already seen an immediate and strong uptick in bookings and we now expect summer 2022 bookings to be normalised.

'January is traditionally the busiest month for holiday bookings and demand is yet to reach pre-Covid levels, so we need to see sustained confidence in travel so the industry can fully recover.'

The firm's biggest booking spikes have been for Mexico and the Canaries. Derek Jones, chief executive of luxury travel company Kuoni, said the easing of testing rules 'should be the beginning of the end of Covid as a blocker to international travel'.

Mr Jones continued: 'I predict travel will be 90% back to 2019 levels before the end of spring.

'We're already seeing increased call volumes and inquiries about trips for the year ahead as confidence builds.'

Britons can fly to 16 countries for under 10 this month - including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain.

The cheapest single flights found by MailOnline for this month were 4 from London Stansted to Zagreb with Ryanair, and 5 for both London Luton to Rome with WizzAir and Stansted to Eindhoven with Ryanair. UK tourists can also go from Stansted with Ryanair to Oslo or Krakow for 6, Vienna for 7 and Sofia or Dublin for 8.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement in the House of Commons earlier this week that the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is now so prevalent in the UK that the measure is having limited impact on the spread of the disease.

Flight booking website Skyscanner now expects 2022 will now be a 'bumper bargain year for travel' with prices currently up to 71 per cent cheaper than pre-pandemic for some destinations, compared to the 2019 average.

The company said that in the first hours following Mr Johnson's announcement, Skyscanner saw an 81 per cent increase in visits to the site, week on week.

It said bookings by UK travellers were already up 25 per cent in the week to this Monday compared to the previous week - and the top five summer destinations booked by Britons are Orlando, Malaga, Faro, Alicante and Palma.

Britons can fly to 16 countries for under 10 this month - including Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain

Passengers sit in the international arrivals hall at London Heathrow Airport today after the new testing rules were announced

Passengers walk around the departures area of London Heathrow Airport today after the rules were changed

Flight crew walk through Heathrow Airport today as it was revealed that pre-travel testing requirements will be dropped

Cheapest flights available for Britons this month 4 to Croatia: London Stansted to Zagreb (Ryanair, January 22, 0830-1150, 2h20m)

London Stansted to Zagreb (Ryanair, January 22, 0830-1150, 2h20m) 5 to Italy : London Luton to Rome (WizzAir, January 22, 1020-1350, 2h30m)

: London Luton to Rome (WizzAir, January 22, 1020-1350, 2h30m) 5 to Netherlands : London Stansted to Eindhoven (Ryanair, January 22, 0615-0830, 1h05m)

: London Stansted to Eindhoven (Ryanair, January 22, 0615-0830, 1h05m) 6 to Norway : London Stansted to Oslo (Ryanair, January 22, 1800-2100, 2h)

: London Stansted to Oslo (Ryanair, January 22, 1800-2100, 2h) 6 to Poland : London Stansted to Krakow (Ryanair, January 22, 0840-1155, 2h15m)

: London Stansted to Krakow (Ryanair, January 22, 0840-1155, 2h15m) 7 to Austria : London Stansted to Vienna (Ryanair, January 22, 0830-1135, 2h05m)

: London Stansted to Vienna (Ryanair, January 22, 0830-1135, 2h05m) 8 to Bulgaria : London Stansted to Sofia (Ryanair, January 25, 0635-1135, 3h)

: London Stansted to Sofia (Ryanair, January 25, 0635-1135, 3h) 8 to Ireland : London Stansted to Dublin (Ryanair, January 25, 0530-0745, 1h15m)

: London Stansted to Dublin (Ryanair, January 25, 0530-0745, 1h15m) 9 to Czech Republic : London Stansted to Prague (Ryanair, January 25, 1145-1435, 1h50m)

: London Stansted to Prague (Ryanair, January 25, 1145-1435, 1h50m) 9 to Denmark : London Stansted to Copenhagen (Ryanair, January 26, 0840-1125, 1h45m)

: London Stansted to Copenhagen (Ryanair, January 26, 0840-1125, 1h45m) 9 to Germany : London Stansted to Berlin (Ryanair, January 22, 0730-1010, 1h40m)

: London Stansted to Berlin (Ryanair, January 22, 0730-1010, 1h40m) 9 to Greec e : London Stansted to Athens (Ryanair, January 25, 1545-2115, 3h30m)

: London Stansted to Athens (Ryanair, January 25, 1545-2115, 3h30m) 9 to Latvia : London Stansted to Riga (Ryanair, January 19, 0620-1055, 2h35m)

: London Stansted to Riga (Ryanair, January 19, 0620-1055, 2h35m) 9 to Portugal : London Stansted to Lisbon (Ryanair, January 25, 0620-0910, 2h50m)

: London Stansted to Lisbon (Ryanair, January 25, 0620-0910, 2h50m) 9 to Romania : London Luton to Bucharest (WizzAir, January 22, 1650-2205, 3h15m)

: London Luton to Bucharest (WizzAir, January 22, 1650-2205, 3h15m) 9 to Spain : London Stansted to Zaragoza (Ryanair, January 22, 1245-1555, 2h10m)

: London Stansted to Zaragoza (Ryanair, January 22, 1245-1555, 2h10m) 9 to Sweden : London Stansted to Gothenburg (Ryanair, January 25, 1845-2140, 1h55m) Checked by MailOnline on Skyscanner at about 10am today. Flight arrival and departures times are local. Advertisement

Stephanie Boyle, Skyscanner's global travel industry expert, told MailOnline: 'This news will go a long way towards boosting confidence for travellers who are hoping to visit loved ones overseas or book a holiday in 2022.

'We expect to see a surge in demand from UK holidaymakers following the scrapping of pre-departure testing and self-isolation requirements, especially given the timing which aligns with a traditionally busy time for travel.

'Winter-weary workers returning this week after the festive period tend to want something to look forward to and will be keen to book breaks in the short term as well as planning bigger trips for the summer.'

She added: 'We have more information on what we can expect from a calendar year living with the virus now and many will be planning big trips for the summer when traditionally we have seen fewer restrictions.

'The travel industry has proved its agility and resistance through difficult times and will be hoping for these new simpler rules to remain in place without change to continue the safe and sustained return of travel.'

The current travel testing rules were introduced in November last year amid a global panic over the spread of Omicron - but with the variant now dominant in the UK, many questioned why they remained.

Mr Johnson told the Commons that from this weekend, costly post-arrival PCR tests would be replaced with cheaper rapid swabs for the fully vaccinated.

Travellers must buy the post-arrival lateral flow tests from private providers before returning to England. They cannot use free NHS ones.

Tests which previously needed to be taken within 72 hours of travelling to England have also been axed.

This change came into force at 4am today, whereas the replacement of PCRs with lateral flows post-arrival will come into effect at 4am on Sunday.

The new rules will apply only to those who have been fully vaccinated  which means double, rather than triple-jabbed.

Children aged five to 17 will be treated as fully vaccinated even if they are not, meaning they must also take day two post-arrival lateral flow tests. Under-fives are exempt.

The changes apply only to England, with Scotland and Northern Ireland yet to declare if they will follow suit. In Wales, health minister Eluned Morgan said they would be 'reluctantly' following suit.

Mr Johnson said: 'When the Omicron variant was first identified, we rightly introduced travel restrictions to slow its arrival in our country.

'But now Omicron is prevalent, these measures are having limited impact on the growth in cases, while continuing to incur significant costs to our travel industry.'

The changes come just in time for the travel industry, with January traditionally the busiest period for summer holiday bookings.

A British Airway aircraft comes in to land at London Heathrow Airport yesterday evening as the rule changes were announced

An aircraft comes in to land at Heathrow Airport last night as Boris Johnson announced a relaxing of travel testing rules

Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks to the House of Commons yesterday where he announced changes to the travel rules

What will the new travel rules be for UK tourists? If you qualify as fully vaccinated for travel to England (meaning at least 14 days has passed since your second jab), and you will arrive in England from today (Friday, January 7), you do not need to: Take a Covid test before you travel to England

Quarantine when you arrive in England If you qualify as fully vaccinated and will arrive in England after 4am this Sunday (January 9), you can choose to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR test after you arrive in England. If you take a lateral flow test and test positive, you will need to self-isolate and take a free confirmatory PCR. You must book the test before you travel to England. You can book lateral flows from today. You must take the lateral flow test no later than the end of day two after arriving. For example, if you arrive on a Monday, this would be by the end of the Wednesday. You cannot use a lateral flow until after 4am this Sunday. Before this time, you must use a PCR test after arrival. The fully vaccinated rules also apply to children aged 17 and under, people taking part in an approved vaccine trial, and people who are unable to have a vaccination due to medical reasons. Click here for more details Advertisement

Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association trade body, said: 'This is a long- overdue and welcome step back to the pre-Omicron regime. It's clear that the extra measures had little or no impact on the spread on this new variant.'

Shai Weiss, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic, said: 'Travellers can now book with confidence and look forward to reconnecting with loved ones and business colleagues. Meanwhile... vital testing capacity can be reallocated where it is needed the most  in hospitals, schools and crucial national infrastructure.'

Tim Alderslade, chief executive of the industry body Airlines UK, said it would be a 'massive boost' for the sector at a 'critical' time of the year.

'People will now be able to book knowing that - for the fully vaccinated - all emergency testing restrictions have been removed,' he said.

'Today marks an important step towards learning to live alongside the virus, helping passengers and the travel sector look ahead to what will be an all-important spring and summer season.'

EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren also welcomed the move but said the Government needed to go further.

'This will make travel much simpler and easier and means our customers can book and travel with confidence,' he said.

'However, the Government must now urgently take the final step towards restriction-free travel and remove the last remaining unnecessary test for vaccinated travellers so flying does not become the preserve of the rich.'

A spokesman for Heathrow Airport said: 'Although this is welcome news, there is still a long way back for aviation which remains the lifeblood of the UK's economy, supporting millions of jobs in all four nations.'

NHS lateral flow tests cannot be used for international travel, and the tests must be brought from a private provider.

Those who have already brought PCR tests for travelling needs can still use these.

Julia Simpson, chief of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said: 'The removal of pre-departure tests and replacing Day 2 PCRs with more affordable antigen testing will significantly boost the UK travel and tourism sector and help both it, and the whole UK economy recover much faster than expected.'
Finland and Sweden are 'closer than ever' to joing Nato after Russian threats backfired.

Vladimir Putin's demands that the US ban the Nordic nations from the alliance has made their joining more likely in the wake of heightened tensions around Russian troops along the border with Ukraine.

Sweden and Finland have been unaligned with a major military power since the Cold War but Russian rhetoric over an invasion of Ukraine has pushed them closer to Nato.

A Finnish MP told the Telegraph that the country - which borders Russia - was closer to joining the alliance after Russian aggression.

Nato is an alliance of 27 nations formed in 1947 in the wake of fears over a potential war with the Soviet Union in the wake of the Second World War.

Vladimir Putin's demands over Nato membership has backfired in a time of heightened tensions over a potential invasion of Ukraine

Nato officials believe that the countries admission to the alliance would be relatively straightforward due to the Nordic nations already meeting many of the criteria for membership.

US secretary of state Tony Blinken rejected the Russian demands for a ban on expansion of Nato on Friday night.

Mr Blinken said: 'Nato never promised not to admit new members. It could not and would not.'

He also accused Mr Putin of 'gaslighting' the world over his country's military buildup on the Ukranian border.

Sweden's prime minister Magdalena Andersson has talked up her country's partnership with Nato

The US have steadfastly rejected Russian demands for Sweden and Finland to be banned from Nato

Sweden's prime minister Magdalena Andersson has said she talked about 'deepening the partnership between Sweden and Nato' with Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Ms Andersson said: 'In Sweden, it is we ourselves who get to decide on our foreign and security policy and who we choose to cooperate with'.

Finland's president and its prime minister Sauli Niinisto and Sanna Marin have also kept the door open to joining the allaince.

Mr Niinisto said 'Freedom of choice also includes the possibility of military alignment and of applying for Nato membership.'

The US and Russia are holding critical strategic talks as fear over a Ukraine invasion grow

Support for Nato membership has risen to 46 percent in Sweden - up from 17 percent a decade ago, according to the Telegraph.

The Swedish parliament has also voted through a 'Nato option' after the ruling Swedish Democrats switched their position on the alliance.

The option mirrors a similar agreement in Finland which would allow the country to quickly become a member of the organisation if it felt threatened.
TV historian Dan Jones' Tesla has been doubling as a 'four star hotel' for a tech-savvy intruder, who has been breaking into it while it is parked overnight and watching Netflix shows on the inbuilt television.

Mr Jones realised, after months of strange signs, that somebody was breaking into his Tesla Model 3 on January 7 when he discovered an England rugby cap in the luxury vehicle's passenger footwell.

The blue knitted hat with the red rose of the England rugby club was incontrovertible proof that a stranger had been inside the Tesla, given Mr Jones supports Wales.

'That came as insult to injury,' Mr Jones told The Sunday Times. 'There was no more doubt: somebody had been in the car.'

For months, Mr Jones said he had noticed peculiar happenings in his Tesla, such as the battery being depleted in the morning and the seat being pushed far back.

TV historian Dan Jones said he was alerted to the fact his Tesla Model 3 was being used 'like a four star hotel' to watch Netflix, relax and even do drugs after he discovered a left-behind England rugby hat in the passenger seat footwell

On the morning of January 7, Mr Jones found - alongside the England hat - an empty coin bag by the side of the passenger seat and drug paraphernalia in the driveway.

On the back seat, the family dog's bed had been rolled into a pillow, all four lights had been turned on and the passenger seat had been reclined.

Mr Jones said: 'It now falls into place. Somebody's been watching Netflix each night in my car.

'And why not? It's like a four star hotel. It's got comfy seats. You can recline.'

It still remains a mystery, according to the TV historian, how exactly the intruder managed to override the security settings of the Tesla Model 3, controlled by Mr Jones' iPhone, and how he hacked into the family's Netflix account.

Mr Jones subsequently left a note in the Tesla's window, letting the interloper know that he had his hat and asking him to get in touch via text message - but he didn't hear anything back

'If you have that level of technical competence, you would not be living a transient lifestyle. I would be committing crypto-fraud,' joked Mr Jones.

Mr Jones' Tesla was parked each night in front of the family home in Staines-upon-Thames in Surrey.

The family dog, a poodle named Prince, failed to alert Mr Jones and his family to the intruder's presence - although Mr Jones said Prince normally barks when he hears unfamiliar footsteps outside on the gravel.

The cheeky Tesla intruder left a few clues as to their identity in their Netflix viewing history: Peaky Blinders, Suits, The Crown, the American version of The Office and Downton Abbey.

They also got halfway through a horror series, The Conjuring, using the account of Mr Jones' daughter.

For months, Mr Jones had shrugged off strange happenings in his Tesla - such as the battery being depleted in the morning or the seat being pushed far back

'I used to tell her she should not be watching it, and wouldn't believe her when she denied it,' said Mr Jones.

Another clue to the Tesla interloper's identity lies in the fact they had toggled Mr Jones' Netflix into French language.

Mr Jones has tried to get in touch with the mysterious intruder, leaving a note in the Tesla's window that reads: 'I have your hat. If you need it back, text me.'

'We are in general sympathetic to people who are in unfortunate straitened circumstances,' said Jones, whose wife is the co-founder of Beauty Banks, a charity for people in 'hygiene poverty'.

'But nobody texted,' said Mr Jones, joking that perhaps he should have written the note in French.

Mr Jones said he was not 'necessarily keen' on the idea of people doing drugs in his car, however.

'It's basically functioning as a hostel - quite a nice one,' Mr Jones added.
Labour piled pressure on Boris Johnson to act over energy bills today after claiming it would cut bills by up to 600 for the worst off if it was in power.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the party would scrap VAT for a year and impose a windfall tax on north sea producers to tackle the emerging cost of living crisis.

The 6.6 billion plan would include removing VAT on domestic energy bills for a whole year, as well as expanding and increasing the warm homes discount for those most at risk.

Boris Johnson previously used cutting VAT as a reason to leave the EU, but has since opposed it as a 'blunt instrument' that does not help those most in need.

The tax would reduce average bills by 200, with targeted support for low earners, pensioners and the 'squeezed middle' adding 400.

The producers would be forced to contribute 1.2 billion to help fund the proposals, through a year-long increase to their corporation tax of 10 percentage points.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves blamed ministers for creating a 'price crisis' by responding to surging wholesale energy costs with 'dither and delay' as she detailed the plan.

She told Sky's Trevor Phillips on Sunday: 'The Prime Minister was the biggest advocate for cutting VAT on gas and electricity bills during the European referendum. But now when cutting those bills would make more difference than ever, the Prime Minister says no.

'Well, I say that bills can't be paid on broken promises. The Government should honour that commitment that the Prime Minister made to take VAT off gas and electricity prices.

'If this isn't the time to do it, then frankly I don't know when is.'

And she warned that Russian leader Vladimir Putin increasingly had the UK 'over a barrel' due to his control over gas supplies to western Europe.

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves said the party would scrap VAT for a year and impose a windfall tax on north sea producers to tackle the emerging cost of living crisis.

She warned that Russian leader Vladimir Putin increasingly had the UK 'over a barrel' due to his control over gas supplies to western Europe

The Government is under increasing pressure to act, with experts predicting a 50 per cent hike to bills in April, meaning an average household paying about 700 more per year.

Labour says its plan would save most households about 200, while targeted support to low earners, pensioners and the squeezed middle would save them 600.

It would spend an extra 3.5 billion on the warm homes discount, to increase it from 140 to 400 per year, while pledging to double the number of households eligible to 9.3 million.

VAT would also be removed from household energy bills for a year from April, six months longer than Labour has previously called for, at a cost of about 2.5 billion.

Smoothing the costs of supplier failure by removing them from customers' bills would cost 2.6 billion, while a 600 million contingency fund would be established to support energy intensive firms.

As well as the corporation tax rise for North Sea oil and gas producers in 2022/23, Labour said the money would come from a forecast 3.1 billion extra in VAT receipts as a result of rising prices.

The final 2.3 billion required would come from additional North Sea oil and gas receipts forecast, according to the figures used by the party.

Ms Reeves said: 'There is a global gas price crisis, but 10 years of the Conservatives' failed energy policy, and dither and delay, has created a price crisis that's being felt by everyone.'

As well as the temporary measures, she said Labour would work to prevent price hikes by accelerating home-grown renewables and new nuclear.

She also said the party would retrofit 19 million homes to reduce bills and 'reform our broken energy system to stop energy companies playing fast and loose with the rules'.

Separately, Conservative former energy minister Chris Skidmore backed the idea of a windfall tax as Prime Minister Boris Johnson also comes under pressure from his own MPs to reduce bills.

The MP for Kingswood told Channel 4 News: 'A windfall tax - whether you call it that, or you want to call it a carbon tax, I would rather talk about - is how we achieve carbon tax for the future, is absolutely I think the right way to go.'

Experts have warned that the squeeze could be even worse than the credit crunch 14 years ago, thanks to a toxic combination of spiking prices, the looming national insurance hike, and over a million people being dragged into the higher rate of tax.

Experts believe soaring wholesale costs will mean a 50 per cent rise in April when the change to the energy price cap, determined next month, comes into effect.

That would cause an average household on a supplier's default tariff to pay nearly 2,000 per year for their gas and electricity, compared with less than 1,300 today.

Responding to Labour's proposals, a Government spokesman said: 'The energy price cap is currently insulating millions of consumers from high global gas prices. We'll continue to listen to consumers and businesses on how to manage the costs of energy.

'We recognise people are facing pressures with the cost of living, which is why we are taking action worth more than 4.2 billion, and supporting vulnerable households through initiatives such as the 500 million household support fund, warm home discount, winter fuel payments and cold weather payments.'
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Britons lucky enough to be seeing sunshine this morning will have to make the most of it before a washout over the next few days with 19 flood alerts in place and Scotland due to see yet more snow.

And temperatures are expected to plunge to near-freezing at just 1C in the south west of the country.

Forecasters also warned of wet and windy conditions across other parts of England and Wales with parts of the country set for 'very unsettled weather'.

Heavy rain is expected in northern England for the rest of the day and a sunny start to the south of the country will also turn to cloud and rain.

Almost the entire country will see cloud and rain overnight with a risk of fog in the east.

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: 'There are no official ice warnings out at the moment that we have issued but we are sending out a message in general that there is an isolated risk that any wet surfaces along with these showers could lead to icy stretches.

'This is mainly due to the showers that will be feeding in from the west.'

Heavy rain is expected in northern England for the rest of the day and a sunny start to the south of the country will also turn to cloud and rain. Pictured: A calm sunrise at Swanage Beach in Dorset on Sunday morning

Waves crash into the shore just after sunrise over Swanage Bay and pier on a cold morning by the sea on Sunday

One courageous swimmer braves the icy waves and heads to the sea at first light in Swanage, Dorset, on Sunday

Dog walkers head out at sunrise to walk along the beach and make the most of the sun before it turns to rain later today in Swanage, Dorset

Higher areas in Scotland, the Pennines and Snowdonia are also likely to see some snow before the weekend is over.

And the downpours are set to stay in place until about Wednesday when cloud should clear but frost and fog are expected.

The 19 flood alerts cover: Cuckmere River, Exmoor Rivers, Lower Exe area, Lower River Swale, Mid Bristol Avon area, Middle Exe area, River Churnet and River Tean, Rivers Clyst and Culm and their tributaries, River Severn in Shropshire, River Wye in Herefordshire, Severn Vyrnwy confluence, Somerset coast at Porlock Weir, South East Somerset Rivers, Upper Reaches, Tern and Perry catchments, The tidal Rivers Bure, Ant and Thurne, Upper River Ouse, Upper River Tamar, Upper River Wey and West Somerset Streams.

BBC forecaster Christopher Blanchett said: 'Through the course of this evening and overnight, our concern is with ice and there is a Met Office yellow warning in force through west central Scotland and the south.'There is a chance of icy patches almost anywhere and under clear skies temperatures are readily falling away to sub-zero and in rural parts of the north east perhaps minus 6C.'

And NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has issued advice to 'walk like penguins' in the icy conditions to avoid getting injured.

It is urging people to bend their knees loosely, point out their feet slightly, extend their arms at the sides, walk flat-footed- taking short steps, and to keep their centre of gravity over the feet in order to avoid falling.

Huge waves crash into the Plymouth seafront in Devon on Saturday, as strong winds and rain hit the south west of England

The Met Office reports there are currently 10 flood alerts in place, including in areas of Barnstaple, Leicestershire, Bristol and Somerset (Pictured: Rain falls on people punting in the River Cam in Cambridge on Saturday)

Swimmers brave the cold weather as big waves crash into the Plymouth seafront in Devon on Saturday

Rowers make their way along the river Thames in Reading as seagulls take off in the foreground

Linda de Caestecker, Director for Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: 'While it might seem silly to walk or waddle like a penguin, in the context of the wintery conditions we're seeing today, penguins know best.

'If you find yourself out and about in icy conditions, adopting the penguin stance is a really effective way to move without falling.'

Mr Blanchett said the early hours of Saturday morning would see a new weather system arrive.

He added it would be bringing cloud, rain and further snow across the hills, rain for most and will mean something a touch less cold as the weekend begins.

He said: 'Initially very wet on Saturday but that rain clears through apace and for most of the day it is a case of bright sunny spells and rain showers.

'Those showers most frequent in the west, wintery on the hill tops, driest and brightest in the east.'

Temperatures in Scotland are expected to be between 6C and 8C and feeling cold in the brisk west wind .

Maximum temperatures in the South of the UK are forecast to reach around 10C or 11C. In the North of England around about 7C or 8C.
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Dozens of worshippers wearing only loincloths and bathrobes with headbands and facemasks plunged themselves into icy waters as part of a traditional ritual in Tokyo on Sunday, in which they also prayed for an end to the pandemic.

Three women, who donned white robes, and handfuls of men in loincloths chanted, clapped and prayed before bathing in the freezing waters filed with blocks of ice as part of a Shinto ritual at Teppou-zu Inari Shrine.

Similar scenes took place last year during the annual event, which has been scaled down due to the ongoing situation.

Daring dozens: Worshippers wearing only loincloths, bathrobes and facemasks plunged themselves into icy waters in Tokyo

The traditional Shinto ritual - which involves bathing in icy water - takes place every year at Teppou-zu Inari Shrine in Tokyo

Known as Misogi, the ritual comprises bathers entering icy water and washing the whole body for the purpose of purification

This year's event has been scaled back compared to early 2020 when a hundred participants took part in the ritual ceremony

Donned in white robes, loincloths and masks, participants chanted, clapped and prayed before entering the freezing waters

The ritual took place during the coldest month of the year in Tokyo, where temperatures average lows of 3 degrees Celsius

A participant splashes icy cold water into his face as part of the Misogi ritual held on Sunday at the Teppou-zu Inari Shrine

This compares to more than a hundred participants in early 2020, before coronavirus became a global crisis.

The ritual took place during the coldest month of the year in Tokyo, where temperatures average between lows of 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius) and highs of 49 degrees Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius).

Known as Misogi, the ritual comprises washing the whole body for the purposes of purification.

Held on the second Sunday of each year, on this latest occasion the event had the added theme of 'warding off epidemics'

The wider public was not invited to attend the traditional ritual as Japan attempts to curb the spread of coronavirus

The worshippers line up and stop in thoughtful prayer before entering into the the waters filled with large ice blocks

Held on the second Sunday of each year, on this latest occasion the event had the added theme of 'warding off epidemics'.

'I hope that soon the world and coronavirus pandemic calm down and everyone will be able to move freely,' said participant Yoshiko Shibada after completing the Misogi ritual.

Wearing face masks, the participants clasped their hands together and continued to chant and pray in the freezing water

Men and women took part in the ceremony, which is traditionally held to purify the soul and pray for health in the new year

The ceremony took place against the stunning background of the centuries-old Teppou-zu Inari Shrine in Tokyo

Praying for good health: Dozens of participants took to the freezing water to pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic

The participants clench their hands together in front of their stomach and shake them up and down as part of 'spirit shaking'

The purpose of 'spirit shaking' in the ceremony is said to help participants become more aware of their spirits within

The practice involves reciting prayers and incantations that help dispel any impurities from a person's body and mind

In recent days, Japan has reintroduced restrictions on bar and restaurant opening times in three areas as it attempts to stem a surge in coronavirus cases linked to US military bases.

The restrictions have been brought into effect for a month in Okinawa and parts of Hiroshima and Yamaguchi.

Infections have also been on the rise in larger cities, including Tokyo, which reported 922 new cases on Friday - the highest since mid-September.

Participants prayed for an end to coronavirus, which has begun to surge in cities again across Japan in recent weeks

The participants were quite animated as they chanted, clapped and prayed shortly before plunging into the freezing water

The worshippers chanted and made the same movements, including this rowing action, as part of the traditional ceremony

A handful of women worshippers donned in white robes took part in the ceremony, held at the centuries-old shrine in Tokyo

Dozens of participants clasped their hands together and shook them up and down as they took part in the Shinto ceremony

After bathing in the waters, the participants continued to pray for the purification of their spirits and renewed good health

A large block of ice floats in the bathing pool used by dozens of worshippers as part of the purification ceremony on Sunday

The worshippers threw their arms into the air as they chanted prayers and incantations to purify their spirits and body

Worshippers row their arms back and forth as they take part in the traditional purification ceremony in Tokyo on Sunday

Participants took part in the annual ceremony, which has been held for decades at Teppou-zu Inari Shrine in Tokyo

Some of the movements were more similar to exercise than prayer during the centuries-old Misogi ritual held on Sunday

Moment of reflection: This year's ceremony had added poignancy as worshippers prayed to end the coronavirus pandemic

The worshippers took part in 'spirit shaking', which involves moving the hands and arms up and down rigorously in the water

Hands together now: The worshippers focused on prayer as they asked for purification and renewed health in the new year

Dipping a toe in the water: The first of participants tentatively feels the temperature of the icy cold water before entering

Prayer to end coronavirus: This year's ceremony asked for an end to the pandemic as Japan faces a resurgence of the virus

Head down in prayer: One participant takes a moment to reflect before taking a bath in the freezing cold waters in Tokyo

One Shinto believer poses with a child following his traditional bath in the freezing waters during the New Year ritual

Prayer for good health: The participants wore face coverings and headbands with their loincloths for their traditional bath

Dozens of participants followed a ceremony leader at the front and mimicked his chants and movements throughout

Warming thoughts: The traditional ceremony is intended to purify a person's body, mind and spirit for the new year ahead

The prayers were all the more poignant this year as new infections in Japan surged from 200 to 4,000 daily on average

Across Japan, new infections exceeded 4,000 on Thursday, compared with an average of 200 a day last month.

Omicron has now been identified in 80 per cent of Japan's 47 prefectures.
Boris Johnson may have escaped serious censure over the funding of a lavish renovation of his Downing Street flat after it was claimed the MPs' sleaze watchdog will not investigate.

Sources suggested today that Kathryn Stone, the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, is not planning to investigate how the 100,000 project was paid for.

Ms Stone, who faced concerted efforts by the PM to force her from her job last autumn, is said to have decided not to intervene following two other probes.

She has the power to recommend MPs including ministers are suspended from the Commons if found to have breached rules, something that would have been hugely embarrassing for the PM.

But the Sunday Telegraph cited a No10 source as saying it had been informed that she will take no action, falling investigations by Lord Geidt, the ministerial standards adviser, and the Electoral Commission.

Sources suggested today that Kathryn Stone, the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, is not planning to investigate how the 100,000 project was paid for.

Ms Stone, who faced concerted efforts by the PM to force her from her job last autumn, is said to have decided not to intervene following two other probes.

Labour is calling for Lord Geidt (pictured) to explain his conclusions and correct his previous report after bombshell WhatsApps raised fresh questions the so-called 'Wallpapergate' affair

The Prime Minister told Lord Brownlow he was looking into his idea for a new Great Exhibition  and soon afterwards the businessman had a meeting with the Culture Secretary to discuss it

Boris Johnson faced fresh sleaze claims last week after it emerged he had helped advance a pet project of the Tory donor who paid for the Downing Street flat revamp.

The Prime Minister told Lord Brownlow he was looking into his idea for a new Great Exhibition  and soon afterwards the businessman had a meeting with the Culture Secretary to discuss it.

Mr Johnson mentioned the plan in a previously hidden WhatsApp conversation in which he also asked the peer for more money for the lavish redecoration of the No11 living quarters  complaining it was 'still a bit of a tip'.

Although the PM was yet again cleared of breaking the ministerial code over the 'wallpapergate' scandal by his sleaze watchdog Lord Geidt yesterday, he had to make a 'humble and sincere apology' for not giving him the crucial text messages months earlier.

The revelations about his promotion of the proposed event at the Royal Albert Hall  although it never went ahead  have prompted new accusations of 'cash for access'.

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said: 'It appears that Lord Brownlow had access to the Prime Minister and Culture Secretary because he was paying for his luxury flat renovations.

'If so, that is corruption plain and simple. No one should be able to buy access or exchange wallpaper for festivals. Boris Johnson has serious questions to answer.'

The newly unearthed messages mark another twist in the saga first exposed by the Daily Mail almost a year ago.

It told how Mr Johnson and now-wife Carrie had hired top interior designer Lulu Lytle to transform the 'John Lewis furniture nightmare', left by Theresa May, using gold wallpaper costing 840 a roll.

A number of official probes were launched into the secret plans to get a charitable trust, funded by Tory party donors, to pay for the upkeep of Downing Street including the flat.

Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests Lord Geidt concluded in May that Mr Johnson acted 'unwisely' by not finding out who was behind the renovation, but had not breached the ministerial code.

But his judgment was based on the PM's assurance that he had not known about the complex funding arrangements for the 112,549 refurbishment until February.

This was undermined last month when a separate Electoral Commission report revealed Mr Johnson messaged Lord Brownlow in November 2020.

It prompted Lord Geidt to demand answers as to why he had not been told about the WhatsApp messages or that the political funding watchdog had got hold of them.

In correspondence on the 'missing exchange' published by the Cabinet Office yesterday, Lord Geidt said it was 'plainly unsatisfactory'.

No10's explanation was that the PM had to change his phone after a gossip website revealed his number was available online. Lord Geidt said it was 'extraordinary' the Cabinet Office did not simply ask Lord Brownlow for his copy of the texts.

Had he seen them, the adviser doubted whether he 'would have concluded without qualification' that the PM declared his interests in the matter as soon as he could.

Oliver Dowden, then Culture Secretary, spoke to Lord Brownlow and a representative from the Royal Albert Hall on January 18 last year 'to discuss plans for Great Exhibition 2.0'.

Downing Street insisted the plans never developed further.

A long-planned 'Festival of Brexit' will go ahead this year, but it is known as Unboxed and is not related to the Great Exhibition proposal.
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One of the world's most brutal autocrats has announced that he plans to close the 'Gates of Hell'.

Former dentist Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has ordered his ministers in reclusive Turkmenistan to find world experts who can seal off a giant crater that has been burning for half a century.

The methane gas-belching sinkhole Darvaza has been ablaze since Soviet scientists ignited it in 1971.

The scary 230ft-wide crater - permanently on fire - can be seen from miles around.

It is known as the 'Gates of Hell' or 'Mouth of Hell', and is located in the Karakum Desert, about 160 miles north of capital city Ashgabat.

President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has ordered that the 'Mouth of Hell' be extinguished, saying the methane-belching pit dirties the air, while at the same time representing a lost opportunity to capture saleable gas for the impoverished country

The fiery pit, which is 70ft deep and 230ft wide, is located in the Karakum Desert, about 160 miles north of the capital city Ashgabat

The 64-year-old autocrat previously released a video of himself rallying a race car around the burning pit, to quell rumours that he was dead in August 2019 following a month-long absence from public appearances

The eccentric Berdimuhamedov - whose regime's human rights record has been described as 'dire' - has ordered officials to stop the environmental damage caused by the constant blaze.

The health of locals is being hit by the ceaseless fire, he warned.

'We are creating - and will continue to create - all necessary conditions for the development of the colossal hydrocarbon resources of our independent Motherland, in the interests of our people,' he said, explaining his decision to stop the inferno.

In 2010, Mr Berdymukhamedov ordered experts to extinguish the flames, but the 'Mouth of Hell' could not be made to stop burning.

Three years later, the Turkmen leader declared the area surrounding the fiery crater a natural reserve, turning it into a tourist trap, with thousands drawn to the burning 'Mouth of Hell' each year.

The 64-year-old autocrat has previously erected a giant 68ft gold leaf statue to himself, and another to Turkmenistan's most famous dog.

He writes rap songs, is a keen DJ, and takes part in classic car, horse and cycle races which he invariably wins.

In August 2019, the Turkmen president released a video of himself rallying a race car around the 'Mouth of Hell' in response to rumours he was dead after a month-long absence from public appearances.

In 2010, Mr Berdymukhamedov issued an identical order for the fiery pit to be put out, but without success

The 'Mouth of Hell' has been burning since 1971 when it was ignited by bungling Soviet scientists who had been trying to tap natural gas in the area

Ministers have been ordered by Berdimuhamedov - in power for 16 years - to find experts from anyway in the word to ensure that the Turkmen hell freezes over.

The 70ft deep crater ignited when bungling Soviet scientists aimed to tap natural gas in the area.

The upper layers of soil collapsed into an underground cave, opening a large hole filled with gas.

To avoid gas poisoning local people and livestock, geologists ignited it - and it is still burning.

They believed the fire would subside within weeks.

In November 2013, it was found by Canadian explorer George Kourounis that unique bacteria survive at the bottom of the crater despite the roasting temperatures.

The crater is one of Turkmenistan's main tourist attractions but also a cause of environmental blight.
European Union infighting is taking its toll on member states as Putin and Xi are moving pieces on the board to get the best leverage. When Washington needs to give the right leadership, talking to Moscow excluding Brussels from talks has caused problems. China, on the move in the east and west, has discombobulated Europe as well, both Moscow and Beijing are more potent than ever.

Putin, Xi pose a threat to West

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping are turning up the heat on the Western alliance, causing discord and tension within itself.

Ian Shields, a University of Cambridge expert in international relations, made it clear that these leaders are on top of their game. They will see the chinks in NATO then push hard to a breaking point in the west, reported the Express UK.

The bloc's obsession with EU unity has distracted it by the aggression and coercion of these aligned nations. Shields, a former RAF navigator, remarked the group is too involved in internal disputes and total unity. Added there are more immediate challenges like the threat of China and Russia, cited Techno Charger.

Two powerful nations led by two of the most potent heads of state intend to test Western nations and challenge their dominance in the world at large.

How the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will act on the threat of an invasion of Ukraine will be one of interest and challenge for the west due to European Union infighting as it faces Putin and Xi.

Read Also: Putin Gives Ultimatum To Block the Rise of Ukrainian Nazism Which Threatens Europe

Shields cited a divided America or the 'Disunited States of America,' with internal problems of Russia, which is why the Kremlin wants a USSR-style arrangement, even China is managing even with issues as well.

An objective of the bloc should be a more harmonious union and more responsive leadership, as with NATO, noted Ajansev.

The US administration is failing to provide the leadership it had before; even reports point to an inefficient president; it's allowing adversaries to be better.

European Union's internal issues

Problems are causing the bloc to fight amongst themselves, internal quarrels, new German leadership, Emmanuel Macron's tribulations in France; he may avoid running these elections to avoid losing. Bloc members are in the worst way more than ever.

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that Russian aggression on Ukraine is not justified. In January, she went to Kyiv and warned the Kremlin that invasion would be a wrong move and a strategic mistake with no zero cost. Including a call for sanctions to affect Moscow.

Truss spoke in the House of Commons and stated that London would support Kyiv all the way. Join allies to promote freedom in the East of Europe and worldwide.

Condemning what the Kremlins are doing to co-opt democratic states by propaganda and disinformation. Called the supposed threat of Ukraine and NATO provocations as not valid. Accused Russia as aggressive with troops on the border and annexed Crime unlawfully.

Shields said Putin and Xi are sharp and know European Union infighting is a weakness that the influential leaders have seen.

The cost of European Union infighting is that Putin and Xi are savvy leaders who can maneuver and take advantage. The foreign relations expert added that the non-performance of the US is a significant factor too.

Related Article: France, Germany Criticized for Easing Out Ukraine From Talks Due to EU Agenda

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An infant boy handed in desperation to a soldier across an airport wall in the chaos of the American evacuation of Afghanistan has been found and was reunited with his relatives in Kabul on Saturday.

Sohail Ahmadi was just two months old when he went missing on August 19 as thousands of people rushed to leave Afghanistan as it fell to the Taliban.

Following an exclusive Reuters story published in November with his pictures, the baby was located in Kabul where a 29-year-old taxi driver named Hamid Safi had found him in the airport and took him home to raise as his own.

After more than seven weeks of negotiations and pleas, and ultimately a brief detention by Taliban police, Safi finally handed the child back to his jubilant grandfather and other relatives still in Kabul.

They said they would now seek to have him reunited with his parents and siblings who were evacuated months ago to the United States.

Sohail Ahmadi was just two months old when he went missing on August 19 as thousands of people rushed to leave Afghanistan as it fell to the Taliban. Taxi driver Hamid Safi (left), 29, cries as he hands baby Sohail to his grandfather

Following an exclusive Reuters story published in November with his pictures, the baby was located in Kabul where a 29-year-old taxi driver named Hamid Safi (pictured) had found him in the airport and took him home to raise as his own

Pictured: Baby Sohail is handed over to US troops over the perimeter wall of the airport to be evacuated

Baby Sohail Ahmadi is carried by a relative as they leave the house of Hamid Safi

During the tumultuous Afghan evacuation over the summer, Mirza Ali Ahmadi - the boy's father who had worked as a security guard at the U.S. embassy - and his wife Suraya feared their son would get crushed in the crowd as they neared the airport gates en route to a flight to the United States.

Ahmadi told Reuters in early November in his desperation that day, he handed Sohail over the airport wall to a uniformed soldier who he believed to be an American, fully expecting he would soon make it the remaining 5 meters (15 feet) to the entrance to reclaim him.

Just at that moment, Taliban forces pushed the crowd back and it would be another half an hour before Ahmadi, his wife and their four other children were able to get inside.

Hamid Safi, a 29-year-old taxi driver who had found baby Sohail Ahmadi in the airport, holds Sohail as he poses with his wife Farima Safi in his house in Kabul

Farima Safi, wife of Hamid Safi, a taxi driver who had found baby Sohail Ahmadi in the airport, weeps as she feeds Sohail at her house in Kabul

Hamid Safi, a 29-year-old taxi driver who had found baby Sohail Ahmadi in the airport, is kissed by Sohail's grandfather Mohammad Qasem Razawi at his home in Kabul

But by then the baby was nowhere to be found.

Ahmadi said he searched desperately for his son inside the airport and was told by officials that he had likely been taken out of the country separately and could be reunited with them later.

The rest of the family was evacuated - eventually ending up at a military base in Texas. For months they had no idea where their son was.

The case highlights the plight of many parents separated from their children during the hasty evacuation effort and withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country after a 20-year war. read more

With no U.S. embassy in Afghanistan and international organizations overstretched, Afghan refugees have had trouble getting answers on the timing, or possibility, of complex reunifications like this one.

Mohammad Qasem Razawi, grandfather of baby Sohail Ahmadi, holds him at the house of Hamid Safi, a 29-year-old taxi driver who had found the baby in the airport

The U.S. Department of Defense, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment on Saturday.

On the same day Ahmadi and his family were separated from their baby, Safi had slipped through the Kabul airport gates after giving a ride to his brother's family who were also set to evacuate.

Safi said he found Sohail alone and crying on the ground. After he said he unsuccessfully tried to locate the baby's parents inside, he decided to take the infant home to his wife and children. Safi has three daughters of his own and said his mother's greatest wish before she died was for him to have a son.

In that moment he decided: 'I am keeping this baby. If his family is found, I will give him to them. If not, I will raise him myself,' he told Reuters in an interview in late November.

Hamid Safi, a 29-year-old taxi driver who had found baby Sohail Ahmadi in the airport, holds Sohail next to Sohail's grandfather Mohammad Qasem Razawi and a Taliban representative

Safi told Reuters that he took him to the doctor for a check-up after he was found and quickly incorporated the child into his family. They called the baby Mohammad Abed and posted pictures of all the children together on his Facebook page.

After the Reuters story about the missing child came out, some of Safi's neighbors - who had noticed his return from the airport months earlier with a baby - recognized the photos and posted comments about his whereabouts on a translated version of the article.

Ahmadi asked his relatives still in Afghanistan, including his father-in-law Mohammad Qasem Razawi, 67, who lives in the northeastern province of Badakhshan, to seek out Safi and ask him to return Sohail to the family.

Razawi said he traveled two days and two nights to the capital bearing gifts - including a slaughtered sheep, several pounds of walnuts and clothing - for Safi and his family.

But Safi refused to release Sohail, insisting he also wanted to be evacuated from Afghanistan with his family. Safi's brother, who was evacuated to California, said Safi and his family have no pending applications for U.S. entry.

The baby's family sought help from the Red Cross, which has a stated mission to help reconnect people separated by international crises, but said they received little information from the organization. A spokesperson for the Red Cross said it does not comment on individual cases.

Finally, after feeling they had run out of options, Razawi contacted the local Taliban police to report a kidnapping. Safi told Reuters he denied the allegations to the police and said he was caring for the baby, not kidnapping him.

The complaint was investigated and dismissed and the local police commander told Reuters he helped arrange a settlement, which included an agreement signed with thumbprints by both sides. Razawi said the baby's family in the end agreed to compensate Safi around 100,000 Afghani ($950) for expenses incurred looking after him for five months.

'The grandfather of the baby complained to us and we found Hamid and based on the evidence we had, we recognized the baby,' said Hamid Malang, the chief area controller of the local police station. 'With both sides in agreement, the baby will be handed over to his grandfather,' he said on Saturday.

In the presence of the police, and amid lots of tears, the baby was finally returned to his relatives.

Razawi said Safi and his family were devastated to lose Sohail. 'Hamid and his wife were crying, I cried too, but assured them that you both are young, Allah will give you male child. Not one, but several. I thanked both of them for saving the child from the airport,' Razawi said.

The baby's parents told Reuters they were overjoyed as they were able to see with their own eyes the reunion over video chat.

'There are celebrations, dance, singing,' said Razawi. 'It is just like a wedding indeed.'

Now Ahmadi and his wife and other children, who in early December were able to move off the military base and resettle in an apartment in Michigan, hope Sohail will soon be brought to the United States.

'We need to get the baby back to his mother and father. This is my only responsibility,' his grandfather said. 'My wish is that he should return to them.'
A bishop was left stunned when he received a letter - addressed to 'The Lord Bishop and his sexy wife'.

The Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge, 66, received the envelope through his letterbox on Friday containing a late Christmas card from a friend.

Fortunately, both he and his wife H-J Colston-Inge, 52, saw the funny side.

The late Christmas card arrived on Friday with the cheeky address on the front of the envelope

Dr John Inge and his wife H-J Colston-Inge saw the funny side after he had dared a friend to send the card with the joke on the front

The bishop said: 'It was from someone I know and when asked my address, I said 'just send it to the Bishop of Worcester and his sexy wife'.

'I wasn't expecting the instructions to be followed! I was very impressed by Royal Mail when the letter arrived.'

The couple just celebrated their four year anniversary, and when they were engaged a picture of them appeared in the local paper.

Dr Inge said said: 'Someone commented: 'punching above his weight, methinks..'

'I'd have to agree: it would be disloyal not to!

The bishop tweeted the card out and jokingly thanked the Royal Mail

'My wife is a phenomenon in her own right.'

Dr John Inge married H-J at St Katherine's Church in Holt, near Bath, in January 2018.

He tweeted an image of the front of the letter captioned 'Good old Royal Mail. This arrived safely yesterday.' which has been liked over 1,000 times.

'We were both very amused when it arrived,' he added.

'I tweeted it because I like to see fun and informative tweets, not unpleasant ones.'

H-J Colston-Inge speaks fluent Mandarin and run a youth education charity called Engage with China.

The charity aims to promote knowledge about the communist country in British schools and has been called a 'friend of China' by its president Xi Jinping.


An Oklahoma couple was arrested for murder after they allegedly beat a woman to death with a crowbar and had sex in her bed while she was in the next room 'struggling to live'.

Nicholas Johnson, 28, and Brinlee Denison, 25, were charged with first degree murder and larceny of an automobile in connection to the January 4 slaying of Sarah Maguire.

The suspects, who were arrested at a Whataburger in Arkansas, have allegedly confessed to killing Maguire, 29, with Johnson citing jealousy as his motive.

The 28-year-old accused killer claims he was in an 'intimate relationship' with Denison, who was also dating Maguire. According to KNWA, he was introduced to Maguire through Denison and 'jealous of the relationship' between them.

Both suspects are in custody at the Washington County Jail in Arkansas and being held on a $1 million bond for murder and an additional $10,000 for larceny. They will be extradited back to Oklahoma for a future court appearance.

Sarah Maguire, 29, (pictured) was found dead in her Tulsa home last Tuesday after having been beaten to death with a crowbar

Nicholas Johnson, 28, (left) and Brinlee Denison, 25, (right) were charged with first degree murder and larceny of an automobile in connection to Maguire's slaying. The pair has reportedly confessed to her killing

Police were called to Maguire's home in the 3800 block of S. 28th West Avenue around 5.06pm Tuesday for a requested welfare check.

Officers found the 29-year-old lying in her living room, unresponsive, after having suffered 'blunt force trauma to her head and face,' police reported. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed that her vehicle, some personal items and credit cards had also been stolen.

The stolen vehicle was ultimately found in Fayetteville, Arkansas with the suspects sleeping inside it.

Maguire's car was ultimately found on Wednesday at a restaurant in Fayetteville, Arkansas with two people sleeping inside it.

Authorities read Denison and Johnson their Miranda rights and arrested them on complaints of larceny of an automobile and first-degree murder.

The couple allegedly confessed to beating Maguire on the head with a crowbar, fleeing the crime scene in her vehicle and using her credit cards to fund their trip.

During his confession, Johnson claimed Denison was with him during Maguire's murder and had assisted in the planning of her slaying.

Denison and Johnson were arrested on Wednesday at a Whataburger in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The above picture shows officers responding to the restaurant for the arrest

Johnson claims he was killed Maguire (pictured) because he was jealous of her relationship with Denison, whom he was also having an 'intimate relationship' with. He beat Maguire to death with a crowbar and then had sex with Denison in the victim's bed as she lay dying in the living room

He also accused Denison of assisting with the disposal of evidence, alleging she threw the clothes they wore during the murder out of the stolen vehicle as they fled the state.

Johnson also told police he and Denison 'had sex in the victim's bed after the murder,' and 'could still hear the victim in the living room struggling to live, while he was having sex with Denison in the bedroom.'

He added that he knew Maguire was not yet dead when he engaged in sexual activity with Denison.

Additionally, Johnson told authorities Denison was responsible for collecting valuables, including credit cards and various electronics, from Maguire's home after the murder.

Denison is also accused of driving the majority of the way to Arkansas. She also used Maguire's electronics and credit cards to transfer money into the pair's own bank accounts when she wasn't behind the wheel.

The victim's sister, Jamie Maguire, posted a heartfelt tribute to Maguire on Facebook as their family navigates their loss.

Maguire's sister posted a heartfelt tribute to Facebook saying their family is devastated by the 'senseless act of violence,' but 'grateful' the suspects will not 'get away with this horrific act'

'Our family has suffered a devastating blow this week. My sister Sarah has lost her life in a senseless act of violence,' Jamie wrote on Wednesday.

'Please keep our family in your prayers as we navigate through this time. Rest assured justice is being served and we owe our greatest debt of gratitude to the Tulsa Police Department.'

On Thursday, she added: '[The suspects] were arrested and are being charged with 1st degree murder, with no hopes of bonding out.'

'We could not be more grateful that at least we dont have to worry about them getting away with this horrific act. God is good all the time, even in the hard times.'

Maguire's funeral is scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday afternoon, according to her obituary.

Maguire's funeral is scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday afternoon. She leaves behind her beloved dog Chandler, that she referred to as her 'baby,' and several relatives including her parents, siblings and nieces and nephews

The 29-year-old loved softball, wood working, drawing and animals. Her loved ones said she 'always had a project in progress' and was constantly rescuing new pets.

She leaves behind her beloved dog Chandler, that she referred to as her 'baby,' and several relatives including her parents, siblings and nieces and nephews.

'She had the biggest personality and a fiery spirit and always had a smile on her face,' the obituary reads.

'She was the champion for the underdog with the need to see the good in everyone. No matter what she did, she gave it her all and was not afraid of hard work.'
The partner of Australia's Deputy Prime Minister has revealed how their young son nearly drowned at a community park, and how she fears the toddler could have been 'enticed' away from his mother after a comment by a strange man.

Vikki Campion, who shares two sons with Federal MP for New England Barnaby Joyce, said on Sunday she lost sight of their youngest, two-year-old Tom, at Curtis Park in Armidale over the festive break.

She said 'time stopped' when their son disappeared as she feared he could join a long list of missing Australian children, with the names 'Daniel Morcombe' and 'William Tyrrell' racing through her head.

Miraculously, an unknown woman who helped join a frantic search spotted the toddler in a creek and pulled him out, leaving Ms Campion shaken.

But it was the next interaction which left her reeling for days, a strange man who soon approached her and said: 'It doesn't take much to get them to go'.

'It didn't sound sinister until I tucked Tom into dinosaur sheets that night, that could have remained empty, Ms Campion said.

'Did Thomas leave this park he had begged to go to of his own volition or was he enticed?'

Vikki Campion (left) retold the terrifying moment she lost her two-year-old son Tom (third from left) while playing at the park (pictured with partner and Deputy PM Barnaby Joyce and their other child Sebastian)

Writing in the Saturday Telegraph, she explained how she suddenly realised her son was not the boy at the top of a crowded slide, but another boy wearing the same top.

She described how after calling out his name and getting no response, she frantically scanned the nearby road looking for his bright green dinosaur t-shirt, her stomach in knots.

In one terrifying moment he had vanished and thoughts began to race through her head of what could have happened to him.

She said they began to split up and search the park - enlisting the help of some locals, other mothers and grandmothers who had never met Tom but could sense a fellow parent's panic all too well.

And then one of the mothers who was not a local but a visitor found the boy in Armidale Dumaresq Creek, which cuts through Curtis Park, and pulled him out from the water.

In that same creek where a three-year-old girl from a Bangladeshi family had drowned in 2016 after wandering off.

A 2018 coronial inquiry advised the playground be fenced off - with a council investigation also finding the steep drop from the riverbank was a danger.

Instead of the fence, a new $1million playground was built next to the old one - which was also not fenced off.

Tom was playing at the new $1million playspace at Curtis Park in Armidale (pictured) when Ms Campion lost sight of him

Instead the council chose to reduce the water depth and velocity of the creek along with grading the steep drops though civil works - with the waterway still easily accessible by small children, Ms Campion said.

Ms Campion explained how 42 people have drowned in Australia this summer so far, half of whom were children.

'I didn't get your name amid chaos and tears, but to the mum who was "not from here", you stopped my toddler from becoming number 43... thank you,' Ms Campion said.

She added that after the unassuming hero left she was closely watching Tom like a hawk on the play equipment when a man with no children approached her.

When another lady said how scary it would have been for Ms Campion and that she too would have immediately raised the alarm, the man laughed, saying the phrase that later drew shivers down her spine.

A woman who was 'not from around here' found Tom in the nearby creek Armidale Dumaresq Creek (pictured) was pulled him out without injury

She added she would likely not have any definite answers about the unsettling encounter but that she was just grateful to have her boy back.

Her partner Mr Joyce narrowly made it back to Australia just before Christmas after catching Covid on a work trip to Washington DC.

After testing positive for the Omicron strain on December 7 all his meetings in the US were cancelled and he spent the next 14 days holed up in a hotel room.

Mr Joyce said he suffered tiredness and some aching in his legs during the first days of his illness but has felt fine since.

'I got Omicron despite being double vaccinated, but really it was pretty mild,' he told Sunrise.

'I will be home for Christmas and I sum up the trip as could've been better. Obviously arriving here and being locked up in a hotel is not the ideal venue for trying to meet people.'

He described having the virus as like a mild flu.

'It was a couple of days and then the rest of the time I had the virus, they could find the virus on me, but I didn't feel sick and that's one of the frustrations.

'I thought I've got to do something positive, I've turned into a fat s**t so I've been exercising, eating less and drinking very little,' he said.

'I'm trying to make sure I do over 10,000 steps a day. I've done 63km around this unit in the past four days.'

He was finally given the all-clear to fly back just days before Christmas and was able to spend the holidays with Ms Campion, their four-year-old Sebastian, and Tom.
Joe Biden has conducted far fewer press conferences than five of his immediate predecessors in his first year in office and has given less interviews with the media than the six presidents who served before him.

In Year One, President Biden has only given nine formal press conferences  six solo and three jointly with visiting foreign leaders. He has also conducted 22 media interviews.

By comparison, at this point in their respective presidencies Donald Trump conducted 21 press conferences, Barack Obama was at 27, George W. Bush at 19, Bill Clinton at 38 and George H. W. Bush at 31.

Ronald Reagan only held six news conferences in 1981 because his schedule was scaled back early in his first term in 1981 after an assassination attempt.

Reagan did, however, engaged in 59 interviews in his first year as president.

The dismal showing from Biden only furthers speculation that the president is not running the show at the White House, which is fueled by Biden's continued comments during public appearances that his press team doesn't want him speaking to members of the media.

Biden has done just 22 media interviews, fewer than any of his six most recent White House predecessors at the same point in their presidencies.

President Joe Biden has given far fewer press conferences in his first year of presidency than his five predecessors

These interviews included one-on-one sessions with journalists at three of the major television networks, three CNN town halls, an appearance on MSNBC, a trio of regional television interviews via Zoom, as well as conversations with late night host Jimmy Fallon and ESPN'S Sage Steele.

He's given just three print interviews.

Trump did a whopping 92 interviews in his first year in office, more than two dozen of those with right-leaning Fox News. He did also hold lengthy sessions with ABC News, The Associated Press, the New York Times, Reuters and other outlets whose coverage he impugned throughout his presidency.

The White House has fielded requests from media outlets - and complaints from the White House Correspondents' Association - for Biden to do more one-on-one interviews and formal news conferences.

In what's become a familiar scene, Biden lingered after delivering a recent speech on the pandemic as reporters fired a barrage of questions, a few to which he gave answers.

'I'm not supposed to be having this press conference right now,' Biden said at the end of a meandering response that didn't directly answer one question about Senator Joe Manchin killing the $1.75 trillion Build Back Better package.

Seconds later, Biden turned and walked out of the State Dining Room, abruptly ending what's become his preferred method for his limited engagements with the press.

The dynamic between Biden and the media has the White House facing questions about whether Biden, who vowed to have the most transparent administration in the nation's history, is falling short in pulling back the curtain on how his administration operates and missing opportunities to explain his agenda.

Biden often answers a few press questions after his public remarks instead of vying for formal press conferences or media interviews. Here the president departs after speaking on the October jobs report on November 5, 2021

Biden does more frequently field questions at public appearances than any of his recent predecessors, according to new research published by Martha Joynt Kumar, a professor emerita in political science at Towson University and director of the White House Transition Project.

He routinely pauses to talk to reporters who shout questions over Marine One's whirring propellers as he comes and goes from the White House. He parries with journalists at Oval Office photo ops and other events. But these exchanges have their limitations.

'While President Biden has taken questions more often at his events than his predecessors, he spends less time doing so,' Kumar notes. 'He provides short answers with few follow-ups when he takes questions at the end of a previously scheduled speech.'

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has pushed back, arguing that a formal news conference with 'embroidered cushions' on journalists' seats is unnecessary since Biden answers questions several times a week.

But those exchanges often dont allow for follow-up questions, and Biden can ignore questions he might not want to answer.

'Fleeting exchanges are insufficient to building the historical record of the presidents views on a broad array of public concerns. We have had scant opportunities in this first year to learn the presidents views on a broad range of public concerns,' said Steven Portnoy, president of the White House Correspondents' Association and a reporter for CBS New Radio. 'The more formal the exchange with the press, the more the public is apt to learn about what's on the man's mind.'

Psaki also holds daily press briefings, unlike her Trump administration predecessors.

The president has answered questions at 55 per cent of events where he's delivered remarks or an address, more than even two of the more loquacious presidents, Bill Clinton (48 per cent) and Trump (41 per cent).

White House officials pointed to such frequent interactions with reporters as evidence that Biden has demonstrated a commitment to transparency. Officials also suggested that the pandemic has also affected the number of interviews and news conferences in the administration's first year.

'I think that we have been very transparent,' White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. 'I don't think you can just piecemeal and I think you have to look at it as a whole.'

Trump had regular, and sometimes lengthy exchanges, with reporters as a thwapping Marine One awaited him on the South Lawn.

Biden has continued the tradition of 'chopper talk,' a nickname coined by late-night host Stephen Colbert for strained exchanges, though he tends to keep the exchanges brief.

At other moments, Biden has used the exchanges to drive the news cycle.

Asked after a private visit with Pope Francis at the Vatican in October whether they discussed abortion, Biden said it didn't come up. But then he quickly pivoted to asserting that Francis told him he was 'a good Catholic and I should keep receiving communion.' The entire back-and-forth with reporters lasted about a minute.

The administration has put a premium on finding ways to speak to Americans where they are as it tries to maximize the president's limited time for messaging efforts, according to a White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the administration's communications strategy.

To that end, Biden has been interviewed by YouTube personality Manny Mua and went on the 'The Tonight Show' to push his domestic agenda and encourage people to get vaccinated. The White House believes such platforms can help the president more easily reach middle-class workers or young Americans who aren't glued to the cable networks or The New York Times.

Biden has also leaned on celebrities with big social media followings - including actress and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo and Bill Nye The Science Guy - who have done videos with Biden to help bolster his vaccination push and plug his major domestic spending initiatives.

Biden is hardly the first president to look beyond the mainstream media to try to connect with the public.

Former President Barack Obama appeared on Zach Galifianakis's 'Between Two Ferns' to help sell his signature health care law and visited comedian Marc Maron's garage to record an episode on the popular WTF podcast days after the 2015 Charleston church shooting. Obama spoke bluntly about racism in the wide-ranging interview with Maron.

Trump frequently called into Fox News' opinion shows, directly reaching his base without the filter of journalists.

Brian Ott, a Missouri State University communications professor who studies presidential rhetoric, said the scarcity of Biden news conferences and interviews with mainstream news media may help explain why Biden's approval ratings are near historic lows even though most polls show that much of his domestic agenda remains popular with a majority of Americans.

While pop culture and social media offer opportunities to connect with a segment of America, Ott said, the president connecting to the electorate through traditional broadcast and print news outlets - and holding formal news conferences - will be critical to correcting that disconnect.

'The presidency has always been a predominantly rhetorical enterprise,' Ott said. 'You can't drive an agenda without vision casting and part of that has to go through the mainstream press.'
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A pub landlord who lost everything after he was wrongly imprisoned alongside murderers over food safety laws has told how his ordeal saw him receive death threats in prison and also resulted in him suffering a heart attack.

Geoffrey Monks, 67, who ran The Snooty Fox in Kettering, Northamptonshire, was accused of breaking food safety laws when East Northamptonshire Council falsely claimed they found 'mouldy ham' inside the premises in the late 1990s.

The accusations came after local solicitor Jennifer Lawrence entered a dispute with Dr Monks over being served the 'wrong bottle of wine'.

Ms Lawrence complained that she had suffered food poisoning at the upmarket pub, with the ENDC launching an investigation into 'mouldy ham' at the Snooty Fox.

Following six alleged infractions, Dr Monks was hit with the-then largest fine on record for breaching food safety offences - with magistrates ordering him to pay 33,800, which was reduced to 21,800 on appeal.

The pub boss could not afford to pay the fees after losing his businesses and his home, and in 2003 was imprisoned at the maximum security HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes for four months- with his cell adjacent to Soham murderer Ian Huntley.

After vehemently maintaining his innocence for more than two decades, Dr Monks has now been awarded a seven-figure settlement  thought to be about 4 million  by North Northamptonshire council after launching a High Court battle against them in 2019.

Geoffrey Monks, 67, who ran The Snooty Fox in Kettering, Northamptonshire, has been awarded a seven-figure settlement  thought to be about 4 million  by North Northamptonshire council after launching a High Court battle against them in 2019

Dr Monks, who described how he received death threats in prison after rumours began to swirl inside the premises that he worked for MI5, said his cell was next to murderer Ian Huntley.

He told The Sunday Times: 'I saw him [Huntley] shuffling about ... It wasn't a nice time.'

On the night of the row with Ms Lawrence he said she had ordered a bottle of the German white wine Hock before later telling him: 'I ordered a fine Burgundy not this muck.'

He continued: 'All the locals warned me about a certain person that lived in the village, apparently she had had brushes with a lot of them and they had all come off badly.'

Ms Lawrence later claimed she had been diagnosed with food poisoning.

She said she fell unwell after eating pate and drinking wine with a male friend at The Snooty Fox in 1998, but 'never asked for East Northants Council to do anything about it'.

Roger Heath, then-Chief Executive of ENDC, was invited to oversee punishment by the council's environment department and Dr Monks was convicted in 2000.

The pub landlord was ordered to pay 33,800, which was reduced to 21,800 on appeal, but as he could not afford to pay the fine he was sentenced to four months at the Category A prison.

The effect of the prosecutions, and the surrounding publicity, on Dr Monks' businesses was catastrophic and he was forced to sell all three pubs at a loss.

He also sold his home and suffered a heart attack while in prison and has experienced serious health issues ever since.

Dr Monks also said the ordeal left his mother so distressed that she had a stroke and was unable to speak or swallow for the eight years until she 'died suddenly', The Sunday Times reports.

The publican was financially ruined by his prosecution, losing his home and businesses, and was unable to afford legal costs to challenge the rulings until 2019.

Dr Monks sued East Northamptonshire Council, now North Northamptonshire Council after the former went bust in 2018 for 14million after claiming loss of earnings for his three former thriving establishments.

During his High Court action Dr Monks described local solicitor Jenny Lawrence as a 'sexual partner' of former Northamptonshire Council chief executive Roger Heath. Both Mr Heath and Ms Lawrence strongly denied these claims when speaking to MailOnline.

Mr Heath, who would leave East Northamptonshire Council in early 2000s, now works as an independent consultant and most recently ran for political office as a Conservative council candidate in the Tomohun ward of Torquay.

Speaking to MailOnline on Friday, Mr Heath said he was contacted by the council's solicitors in December 2020, telling them he had never had 'any relationship with Ms Lawrence', later claiming he 'had never even met her.'

Speaking to MailOnline on Friday, Ms Lawrence said: 'I have no idea who Roger is I simply do not know anyone at Northants Council sexually or otherwise.'

She said she did fall unwell after eating pate and drinking wine with a male friend at The Snooty Fox in 1998, but 'never asked for East Northants Council to do anything about it'.

'At the end of the meal, I had hardly had anything to drink from the bottle of wine that we'd ordered and I said that I didn't think it was the bottle we'd ordered,' she said.

'We pulled back the napkin that had been wrapped around the bottle and I think it was a Liebfraumilch or something but not what we'd ordered.

'I called over Monks and pointed out that it was the wrong bottle. There was no scene, no nastiness and he certainly didn't throw us out as he has alleged.

'He says that I was part of a conspiracy but it did not happen like that.

'On the Sunday, after dinner, I had the most awful sickness and diahorrea that I've ever had in my life.

The accusations came after local solicitor Jennifer Lawrence complained that she had suffered food poisoning at the upmarket pub

Former Northamptonshire chief executive Roger Heath, 74, (pictured in 2019) was invited to oversee punishment by the council's environment department

Dr Monks, who ran The Snooty Fox (pictured) in Kettering, Northamptonshire, was accused of breaking food safety laws

'By the Wednesday I couldn't work it was so bad and the GP told me to get a sample to him. My son took it to the docs and that went to Kettering General Hospital.

'Several days later, when I was over it, I had a letter from East Northants Council saying I had a notifiable infectious disease.

'It was crazy and the Council wanted to know what I had eaten. I went through what I had eaten and they immediately went to Monks' kitchen at the Snooty Fox and prosecuted him. They didn't even ask me to attend the hearing.

'I am absolutely shattered by the suggestion I had sexual relations with someone from the Council. It's utterly absurd and this has come completely out of the blue.

'I did not think I had done anything wrong and Mr Monks was found to have had two further health and safety breaches which had nothing to do with me at all.

'I was described as being merely the butterfly who flapped her wings. If there is any vendetta it is a vendetta against me by Mr Monks.'

She added: 'The infectious disease was Campylobacter. It was like an ecoli. It can only be picked up from puppy dogs, chickens, dirty barbeques and pate.

'He tried to suggest it was from my barbeque but his insurance paid me out 6,000 for lost earnings as a result of what happened.'

Dr Monks was later accused of having mice and broken glass in his other local venues, The Vane Arms and Samuel Pepys pubs.

But appeal judges remarked that out of more than 7,000 food standards inspections by East Northamptonshire District Council over the course of a decade, just four convictions were made - three of which were against Dr Monks.

Environmental officers suggested Dr Monks carry out 'remedial' actions for the phantom breaches, but this was ignored and the punishment was directly overseen by Mr Heath.

Dr Monks would later claim the local authority launched an 'abusive campaign' against him after winning his appeals against his six convictions for food safety breaches.

Speaking after the trial, Paul Mitchell QC, for Dr Monks, said: 'The evidence against him on each occasion was thin and contradictory.

'He achieved the remarkable distinction of being the defendant to three of only a handful of food safety prosecutions the council had undertaken between 1990 and 2001, during which period it had carried out over 7,000 investigations.'

He went on: 'If that had been proved at trial, then it might well have been established that the abuse of process consisted in ENC's prosecuting Dr Monks because of an outrageous abuse of power by its chief executive: that was the 'vendetta' abuse of process, where the true aim was to punish Dr Monks for offending the mistress, not for serving contaminated food.'

North Northamptonshire's taxpayers are now set to foot the bill for their local authority's infractions in the late 1990s. The council will also offer an apology in open court for their predecessor's actions.

Geraint Thomas, partner and head of the disputes team at Laytons ETL Global who led Dr Monks' claim, insisted the settlement 'provides full vindication for our client more than 20 years after East Northamptonshire Council began its abusive campaign against him.

Dr Monks lost ownership of The Snooty Fox (pictured) and his two other pubs The Vane Arms and Samuel Pepys, as well as his house as he faced financial ruin in the wake of the 'abusive campaign' against him, his lawyers claimed

After losing his businesses and his home, Dr Monks was sent to maximum security HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes (left). His cell was adjacent to Soham murderer Ian Huntley (right), who was awaiting trial at the time

'The impact on his health, finances and wellbeing has been nothing short of devastating, but I hope that today's settlement will enable him at least to begin to rebuild his life.

'It is accepted East Northamptonshire Council's actions caused serious personal injury, loss, and damage to him over a period of more than 20 years, and I sincerely apologise for those actions.'

Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: 'East Northamptonshire Council's decision to prosecute Dr Monks in relation to the Snooty Fox was an abuse of process and should never have occurred.

'It is accepted that East Northamptonshire Council's actions caused serious personal injury, loss, and damage to him over a period of more than 20 years, and I sincerely apologise for those actions.

'I hope that Dr Monks is able to have his reputation restored and that the substantial damages which the Council has agreed to pay to him go some way towards assisting him to move forward with his life.'

Northamptonshire Police have since confirmed they are investigating to determine whether or not criminal offences should also be brought against the council.
Several of New York Citys borough district attorneys took aim at the soft-on-crime policies laid out this week by newly-elected Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.

The 'woke' policies include downgrading burglary, armed robbery and drug dealing from felonies to just misdemeanors - even as the number of robberies in the city soared by 19.4 per cent last week.

Staten Island DA Michael McMahon slammed Bragg's ideas, saying they 'roll out the welcome mat for would-be criminals to commit serious offenses without ever facing any consequences.'

Queens DA Melissa Katz doubled down on her pledge to keep: 'Holding dangerous, violent offenders accountable' in the wake of Bragg's announcement, which she said 'must always be a top priority of my office.'

'We respect the perspective and experience Alvin Bragg brings to his role of Manhattan District Attorney. Since DA Katz took office in January 2020, she has made  and will continue to make  her own changes to break the cycle of crime and incarceration that plagues too many Queens communities, while holding accountable drivers of crime,' a Katz spokesman said.

Several of New York Citys borough district attorneys took aim at the soft-on-crime policies laid out this week by newly-elected Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg (pictured at an Al Sharpton rally on Saturday)

Pictured: Staten Island DA Michael McMahon, left, and Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, right

Pictured: Queens DA Melissa Katz, left, and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, right

In the Bronx, DA Darcel Clark noted her office 'will continue to treat incidences of violent crime with the utmost seriousness and will do everything possible to protect the people of the Bronx from violent criminals,' according to her 'A Safer Bronx Through Fair Justice' policy.

While Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez said he 'believes that every case must receive individualized decision making.'

'We look forward to collaborating with DA Bragg on enhancing fairness and safety across our city,' Gonzalez said when asked about on Bragg's policies, a spokesman for the office offered a diplomatic.'

Meanwhile, Bragg is under fire after his office was accused of 'intentionally omit(ing) all facts' from court documents for a violent theft at a TJ Maxx in Chelsea on Thursday, with an 'assault and robbery recidivist' ending up with a mere shoplifting charge.

Bragg's office is accused of meddling in the court papers of Cristian Hall, 30  who's been arrested 21 times with nine open cases, including robbery with a deadly weapon and assault, the New York Post reported.

The NYPD union claimed that Bragg, who's left wing ideology has come under scrutiny since his election in November, had his office remove key pieces of information from Hall's report, including an alleged weapon he used during the crime.

'We remind you to be hyper-vigilant when reviewing any accusatory instrument prepared by the Manhattan DA's office. Make sure that what you sign is exactly what happened,' SBA President Vincent Vallelong wrote in the email obtained by the Post on Friday.

'I don't think we have to tell you that if you sign something prepared by a Manhattan District Attorney that is inaccurate, they will blame you and prosecute you.'

Vallelong also added that if Bragg 'wants to re-write the penal law, make him own it.'

The Sergeant Benevolent Association's message, which was shared with rank-and-file members of the NYPD, warned that Bragg had an assistant district attorney white-wash court documents related to Hall's shoplifting case at the TJ Maxx store on Sixth Avenue and West 18th Street.

'It has come to our attention that during the processing of a Manhattan shoplifting arrest where the suspect threatened employees with a pair of cutting-shears, the ADA preparing the accusatory instrument intentionally omitted all facts related to the perp threatening the employees with a weapon.'

'Fortunately, the arresting officer had the sense to refuse to sign.'

Bragg had recently claimed his lighter punishments for armed robbery and burglary will 'marry fairness and safety' at an Al Sharpton rally on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Hall was arrested at the store at around 1:30 pm on Thursday, when a store security guard spotted him 'remove several items, including bedding, women's shoes, and bath supply items from the shelves and bypass the store cash registers without paying for the items,' according to a criminal complaint.

This incident comes as crime continues to surge in NYC with a 19.4 percent increase in robberies reported

The SBA accused newly-elected DA Alvin Bragg, pictured, of meddling in the court papers of Cristian Hall, 30, changing a felony robbery charge to a mere shoplifting misdemeanor

The arresting officer wrote in the complaint that the guard said when he approached Hall, 'the defendant displayed a pair of shears.'

He then pointed them toward the security guard and said 'Don't f****** touch me' before exiting the store with the merchandise, according to the complaint.

However, one of Bragg's assistant district attorney's only stated that the defendant stole and possessed stolen property and omitted Hall's threatening use of cutting shears.

The Post reports that the arresting officer refused to sign the petit larceny affidavit, according to an internal NYPD memo.

Former NYC prosecutor Eric Nelson told the outlet that the omission of those details is the difference between a felony second-degree robbery charge, which comes with possible jail time, and a simple misdemeanor for petit larceny.

'It's a big difference. Huge. Especially if he has prior convictions,' Nelson said.

Former NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone also said that the latter sentencing would see the suspect in prison for up to 10 years.

Pictured: TJ Maxx on Sixth Avenue and West 18th St Manhattan - where a violent theft occurred on Thursday, with an 'assault and robbery recidivist' ending up with a mere shoplifting charge

SBA Vincent Vallelong, pictured, warned rank-and-file officers to make sure that 'what you sign is exactly what happened' for anything prepared by the Manhattan DA's office

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell slammed the new policy as she considered it a 'danger' to officers

'The petit larceny would get a desk appearance ticket and fall under Bragg's 'no prosecution memo,' Giacalone said.

The incident comes after Bragg was also slammed by the NYPD's first black female Commissioner Keechant Sewell for his woke policy of downgrading burglary, armed robbery and drug dealing crimes.

The omission of this crucial detail as well as Bragg's decision not to impose 'carceral punishments' and downgrading felonies has been criticized as New York City's crime rate soars, with the number robberies increasing by 19.4 percent over the course of the last week.

Sewell previously voiced her concerns on Bragg's policies which she claims are putting officer's lives 'in danger.'

Bragg sent out a memo to his staff on Monday where he announced he did not want to hand out jail sentences for criminals unless they were deemed guilty of a serious crime or were repeat offenders.

In addition, he also raised concern after he sought to ditch felony armed robbery charges in favor of petty larceny even if a weapon is involved but does not 'create a genuine risk of physical harm.'

Burglaries will also no longer be prosecuted as such if the person steals from a storage unit or outdoor property that isn't connected to a 'living' dwelling, and quality-of-life crimes such as prostitution, turnstile jumping, weapons possession (of non-firearms) and marijuana possession won't be prosecuted at all.
Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, 34, is the youngest sitting senator and one of only 10 to put their financial assets in a blind trust

Freshman Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff wants to ban members of Congress from trading individual stock while in office, a report claimed on Saturday.

The Georgia senator is reportedly looking for a Republican co-sponsor for the Ossoff ethics bill, which would prevent lawmakers and their families from participating in the stock market for the duration of their Congressional term, according to the New York Post.

Ossoff is likely to face powerful opposition within his own party.

Crackdowns on members of Congress trading stock have been opposed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose husband made millions of dollars in individual stock trades just last month alone.

At 34 years old, Ossoff is the youngest sitting senator. He is also one of only 10 sitting members of Congress -- which has 535 voting members -- to put his financial assets in a qualified blind trust, a Congressionally-approved arrangement where a lawmaker transfers control over their assets to an independent entity.

His planned legislation could also reportedly force his colleagues to do the same.

With the exception of the 2012 Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act), which makes it illegal for lawmakers to use non-public information for private profit and requires them to publicly disclose stock and bond transactions within 45 days, there are few guardrails in place on Congress' private dollars.

Pelosi flatly refused to support a ban on legislators' market activity when asked about the issue at a mid-December press conference.

'We're a free market economy,' the Speaker told reporters on December 15. 'They [lawmakers] should be able to participate in that.'

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic multiple legislators faced accusations of profiting off the stock market just before the economy plummeted and upended millions of Americans' lives.

Pelosi spoke out against banning lawmakers from the stock market before her husband, Paul Pelosi, traded thousands of tech stocks

The accusations prompted Justice Department investigations into the financial activity of Senators Dianne Feinstein, James Inhofe and Richard Burr, as well as former Senator Kelly Loeffler. All four probes have since been closed.

As many as 49 legislators and 182 Congressional staffers were found to have violated the STOCK Act by reporting their trades late from January through September 2021, according to a Business Insider report.

The same investigation found that more than 220 other representatives and senators, around 40 percent of Congress, held a combined sum of $225 million in stock assets during 2020.

A similar bill to Ossoff's was introduced in the Senate in March, the Ban Conflicted Trading Act. However, its trading ban only extends to members of Congress and their staff, excluding Ossoff's limits on spouses and other family.

That means if passed, Pelosi's husband, Paul Pelosi, would be able to continue his prolific trading activity.

Two days after Pelosi shot down a ban on trading at her press conference last month, her husband bought stock in Alphabet worth between $500,001 and $1 million. He also bought shares in Disney worth between $100,001 and $250,000.

Three days after that on Dec. 20, he made two separate purchases in Salesforce - one worth between $100,001 and $250,000 and another between $500,001 and $1 million, and one purchase of Roblox worth between $250,001 and $500,000.

Pelosi's periodic transaction report reveals her family is making millions of dollars while she's in Congress

On Dec. 21, he purchased stock in Micron Technology worth between $250,001 and $500,000 and on Dec. 22, there was a purchase of Reoff XX worth $50,001-$100,000.

Over the course of five days, Paul Pelosi purchased stock worth anywhere between $1,750,007 and $3,600,000.

Paul Pelosi has proven himself a prolific stock trader, so much so that social investing app Iris allows users to track their trades and be notified every time he makes a purchase so that they can do the same.

'Every single stock she [Pelosi, through her husband] has bought in the last two years has gone up significantly,' Christopher Josephs, cofounder of Iris, told Yahoo.

And popular Twitter account @NancyTracker, which tracked Pelosi's investments, was banned from the social media network.

Asked about the recent trades, Pelosi's chief of staff and spokesperson Drew Hammill said that they had all been made by the speaker's husband and she did not own any stocks herself. '

The Speaker has no prior knowledge or subsequent involvement in any transactions,' Hammill told DailyMail.com.

'The STOCK Act exists to shine a bright light on trades by Members of Congress. Sunlight is the best disinfectant,' Hammill said.
Kamala Harris' incoming communications director Jamal Simmons donated to Rand Paul's presidential campaign

Kamala Harris' incoming communications director donated to Republican Senator Rand Pauls presidential campaign in 2015, Federal Election Commission filings reveal.

Jamal Simmons gave $250 in June 2015 to Pauls ultimately unsuccessful primary run for president.

The Kentucky senator was first elected to his post in 2010 and launched his presidential campaign in 2015. He dropped out of the race after the Iowa caucuses in February 2016 and was reelected to the Senate that year.

The information about Simmons' contribution comes after he already is off to a rocky start before even assuming his role in the vice presidents office.

Simmons was forced to apologize on Friday for a slew of previous tweets and comments that attacked Joe Biden, the COVID vaccine and spewed right-leaning immigration deportation views.

The two knocks also come amidst a PR nightmare for Harris after seven aides left her office in the months after her disastrous southern border trip in June and reports emerged of her bully mentality and a toxic work environment.

With Simmons hiring, the vice presidents office is hoping to start anew.

In the 2015-2016 election season, Simmons also donated to several Democratic candidates and left-leaning entities.

He gave $500 to Harris run for Senate and another $500 combined donations to two separate Hillary Clinton-aligned groups to back the candidate in her run for president against Trump.

The new Harris aide, however, spent the first day after his hiring was revealed on cleanup duty.

Federal Election Commission filings reveal that Simmons gave $250 to Paul's campaign in June 2015. He also donated to Kamala Harris' Senate campaign and Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign in the 2015-2016 cycle

Simmons made a name for himself as a Democratic political analyst and operative with stints going back to the Bill Clinton administration. News of his hiring brought to light some of his more controversial tweets and statements.

As a pundit I tweeted +spoke A LOT, he tweeted Friday in a quick effort to address his past comments.

At times, I've been sarcastic, unclear, or just plainly missed the mark. I apologize for offending [people] who care as much as I do about making America the best, multi-ethnic, diverse democracy, he wrote.

He added: 'I'll help the Biden-Harris admin w/humility, sincerity+respect.'

One previous tweet touched on the red hot issue of immigration, which Harris has faced criticism for in her role as border czar.

'Just saw 2 undocumented folks talking on MSNBC. One Law student the other a protester. Can someone explain why ICE is not picking them up?' he tweeted back in 2010 amid one of many heated debates over U.S. immigration policy.

President Biden has charged Harris with focusing on the root causes of immigration, forcing her to already contend with political headaches over border crossings.

Chiming in on the issue was former White House aide Stephen Miller, an architect of the Trump Administration's controversial immigration policies.

'I agree with [Jamal Simmons]. If you break into our nation there must be deportation,' he wrote.

Jamal Simmons has been involved in national politics since the Clinton administration, and formerly served as deputy communications director for Al Gore's presidential campaign. He did a segment on a 'Dazed and Confused' Joe Biden as a media commentator in 2019

Simmons tweeted an apology Friday afternoon after some of his old tweets and comments surfaced criticizing Joe Biden, the COVID-19 vaccine and illegal immigrants

Years after the deportation tweet, Simmons ridiculed a 'dazed and confused' Joe Biden for conflating multiple stories while describing a trip to Afghanistan and criticized Donald Trump for pushing a 'janky science vaccine', it emerged on Friday.

Simmons has been brought on during an overhaul of the vice president's office, with her approval rating at a dire 32 percent and with seven staffers quitting since her disastrous border trip on June 25.

The veteran Democratic aide and TV commentator mocked Biden in 2019 for the gaffe during an episode of his politics show for The Hill called 'Why You Should Care.'

'We do this story about once a week!' he quipped. 'Its what you get with Uncle Joe.'

The segment began with a headline that said 'Dazed and Confused,' as he broke down the latest stumble by the former vice president, who had called himself a 'gaffe machine.'

Simmons made the comments at a time when the Democratic nomination was wide open  and long before he would be brought on to try to right Harris' struggling communications operation.

He told of how Biden at a town hall had 'conflated' multiple stories from a trip to Afghanistan. It turned out Biden got the timing wrong, the province wrong, along with key details  the story was about an Army soldier, not a Navy captain.

'This is the God's truth, he says. "My word as a Biden." Turns out, it wasn't God's truth,' Simmons says to the camera.

Simmons also critiqued Harris' run for president after she suspended her campaign, saying she 'pulled back in these very key moments.

He said she 'never quite got comfortable getting out of the pre-planned moments,' and criticized how she failed to capitalize on her early bussing attack on Biden, in another clip unearthed by Fox News. He said she also botched her handling of the fraught issue of Medicare for All during the primary.

Kamala Harris compares January 6 to Pearl Harbor and 9/11 Vice President Kamala Harris compared the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol one year ago to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and 9/11. 'Certain dates echo throughout history, including dates that instantly remind all who have lived through them where they were and what they were doing, when our democracy came under assault,' Harris began. 'December 7, 1941, September 11, 2001 and January 6, 2021.' Harris alluded to civil rights fights of the past century. 'What the extremists who roamed these halls targeted was not only the lives of elected leaders ... what they were assaulting were the institutions, the values, the ideals that generations of Americans have marched, picketed and shed blood to establish and defend.' 'We cannot let our future be decided by those bent on silencing our voices, overturning our votes, and peddling lies and misinformation by some radical faction that may be newly resurgent, but whose roots run old and deep.' Harris then called the U.S. the 'oldest and greatest democracy in the world.' 'I wonder, how will January 6 be come to be remembered?' Harris said. 'Will it be remembered as a moment that accelerated the unraveling of the oldest and greatest democracy in the world? Or a moment when we decided to secure and strengthen our democracy for generations to come?' Democracy was coined by the Greeks in 430 B.C., means 'for the people' and many communities such as Iceland, the Faroe Islands, the UK's Isle of Man, San Marino and Switzerland have had so-called democracies dating back to the ninth and tenth centuries. Advertisement

Simmons also went after former President Donald Trump on his coronavirus response  even calling life-saving vaccines under development 'janky.'

'Trumps fatally ill-managed Coronavirus response seems to have turned voters off to him the way Katrina destroyed Bushs political reputation, but pushing a janky science vaccine into the public for political purposes would turn incompetent culpability into intentional harm, he tweeted.

Urging people to get vaccinated has become a cornerstone of Biden's coronavirus response.

Harris is bringing Simmons into her press shop to replace one of seven staffer's she's lost over the past six months amid her own communications challenges.

Simmons will join the team after communications director Ashley Etienne and chief spokesperson took their leave in November and December.

An official announcement was expected from the White House later on Thursday, sources told The Hill.

Simmons is said to be widely respected in Democratic circles, and his entrance will come as the vice president's office is looking for a reset amid low poll numbers and headlines reporting dysfunction and bitter tension within the office.

Simmons has been involved in national politics since the Clinton administration, and formerly served as deputy communications director for Al Gore's presidential campaign.

A source familiar with the move told The Hill Simmons is expected to 'really change things up.'

Simmons also worked as an aide to former Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla., former Democratic presidential candidate Wesley Clark and was chief of staff former Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick, D-Mich.

He's also worked in media and frequents the cable news circuit.

Harris has now lost at least seven aides since her disastrous southern border trip on June 25 after her director of press operations Peter Velz confirmed Wednesday he is leaving his role with the White House.

Velz's announcement comes in the midst of a staff exodus following reports the vice president is a 'bully' who facilitates a toxic work environment and other reports indicate tensions between the president's staff and Harris'.

'Today is my last day at the White House, and it truly has been an honor,' Velz tweeted on Wednesday. 'I will be forever grateful to Vice President Harris, the incredible Team @VP, and I'm so proud of our work this past year supporting this historic Administration.'

'The White House is an amazing place to work -- you're surrounded by the most selfless, smart, hard-working people everyday doing their best to serve the American people. And it has has been an absolute joy,' he added.

Velz's next job will start later this month at the State Department's Protocol team where Velz says he will still support President Joe Biden and Harris in their meetings with foreign leaders, delegations and international travel.

His announcement comes the day after fellow staffer Vince Evans confirmed his departure from the vice president's office to replace Kyle Anderson as executive director with the Congressional Black Caucus.

Velz (left) made his announcement the day after Vince Evans (right) confirmed his departure from Harris' team

Velz confirmed his departure in a Wednesday tweet after reports emerged toward the end of 2021 that he was eyeing the exits in the midst of a staff exodus from the vice president's office

Velz will work with the State Department on the protocol team starting later in January

He posted a throw back image of hi at the press briefing room podium from 2021 and a more current image in the same pose

Evans and Velz's departures exhibit the reports of a staff exodus coming to fruition amid reports of turmoil in the vice president's office.

At the end of December, Harris' chief spokesperson Symone Sanders left her post.

Peter Velz confirmed Wednesday he is leaving Vice President Kamala Harris' team  making him the seventh staffer to depart since June

It followed the departure of Ashley Etienne, Harris' former communications director, who left in November.

In the aftermath of Harris' botched Central America and border trip, reports emerged that two other aides were eyeing the exits. Harris' former director of advance Karly Satkowiak and deputy director of advance Gabrielle DeFranceschi departed shortly after the trip in June.

Staffers on the VP's advance team are responsible for planning all of her trips, surveying venues for her to visit and working with local officials to prepare venues for media coverage.

At the time of Satkowiak's and DeFranceschi's departure from Harris' team it was not clear why they were leaving  but it did fuel further rumors of workplace tensions.

Rajan Kaur who was Harris' director of digital strategies left her staff in July after opting not to relocate to Washington D.C. from Brooklyn.

Harris' job approval rating is at 32 per cent, according to a new USA Today/Suffolk University poll released Tuesday. While that is a terrible rating, it is a 4 per cent increase from the November poll where her approval was at only 28 per cent.

Evans, in moving on from the vice president's office, will work closely with CBC Chairwoman Representative Joyce Beatty from Ohio.

'I started my career in Washington working for a member of the CBC, so I know firsthand the tremendous leadership and impact this caucus has in Congress and across the country,' Evans said in a statement. 'As we write the next chapter of the CBC story, I am excited for the opportunity to lend my experience and passion for supporting the collective vision of this storied caucus.'

Evans (right) said he is leaving Vice President Kamala Harris' (left) office to become executive director with the Congressional Black Caucus

Velz tweeted his congratulations to Evans on Tuesday

Velz wrote in a tweet Tuesday of Evans' new position: 'Congrats to the absolute KING and MVP of Team VP! Adore this man  one of the best colleagues and friends you can ask for.'

'I'm so happy to see you continue fighting the good fight and go do great things with the Congressional Black Caucus. Love you, [Vince Evans]!' he added along with a picture of them together.

Reports revealed that Velz, currently director of press operations for Harris, has also told those in the vice president's office that he plans to leave.

As Evans joins the CBC, there are already seven members of the 56-member caucus who have said they will not run for reelection in this year's midterms. This includes veteran members and Democratic Representatives Brenda Lawrence from Michigan and Bobby Rush from Illinois, the only lawmaker to ever beat Barack Obama in a political election.

Other CBC members seeking other offices include Representatives Karen Bass from California, Anthony Brown from Maryland and Val Demings from Florida  all Democrats.

As of Wednesday morning, 25 House Democrats announced they will not seek reelection this year as the party tries to hold onto their razor thin majorities in both chambers.

Evans, in his new role with CBC, will function as a chief of staff for one of Congress' most influential caucuses. His duties will include overseeing daily activities and working with members and their top aides to coordinate and implement priorities and legislative agenda.

A Florida native, Evans began his political career as an aide to a Tallahassee city commissioner, was a staffer in the Florida state Senate and served on the senior staff of Florida Representative Al Lawson.

During the 2020 presidential campaign, Evans was Southern political director for Joe Biden and was political director for Harris when she became the vice presidential nominee.

Symone Sanders (left), Harris' senior adviser and chief spokesperson, left the White House at the end of 2021. It came after Ashley Etienne (right), Harris' former communications director, left in November

Officials maintain that Sanders and Etienne's departures were long-planned and not evidence of the reported turmoil.

Further, reports note that Sanders is getting married next year and was never able to go on a proper tour to sell her book, No, You Shut Up, which was published in May 2020.

Sanders, 32, defended her former boss in an interview published Monday in her hometown newspaper Omaha World-Herald, claiming it was the 'honor of her life' to serve Vice President Harris.

'She is someone who I watch every single day bring her full self to work,' Sanders said. 'I watch her challenge her teams, I watch her push us all to be better.

She added: 'I watch her raise issues and perspectives and topics and policy that other people  other folks just weren't thinking about.'

Sanders called the reports and rumors of dysfunction in Harris' office just 'salacious gossip.'

When announcing her departure last year, many took Sanders' exit as further evidence that Harris's office was in disarray, amid headlines of a toxic work environment and an exodus of key personnel.

Some stories, however, pointed the finger at Sanders.

Two unidentified sources told The Hill that the spokeswoman was seen as a rival to Harris's communications director, and that she was the 'voice in numerous blind quotes about friction in the office.'

The Washington Post published a damaging expose in December branding Harris a 'bully' who inflicted 'constant-soul destroying criticism' on her office staff.

The piece - a result of interviews with 18 people connected to the VP - alleges that Harris failed to read briefings they'd prepared, only to turn on them if she was subsequently criticized for being unprepared.

The claims from staff who worked for Harris were published amid confirmed departures of two high level staffers, with two others who are said to be heading for the door too.

'It's clear that you're not working with somebody who is willing to do the prep and the work,' a former colleague told the Washington Post.

'With Kamala you have to put up with a constant amount of soul-destroying criticism and also her own lack of confidence.

'So you're constantly sort of propping up a bully and it's not really clear why.' Harris's staffers

Meanwhile, Gil Duran, who worked with Harris for just five months in 2013 before quitting, said the vice president was 'repeating the same old destructive patterns.'

Writing in his San Francisco Examiner column, he said: 'One of the things we've said in our little text groups among each other is what is the common denominator through all this and it's her.'

'One of the things we've said in our little text groups among each other is what is the common denominator through all this and it's her,' Duran told the Post. 'Who are the next talented people you're going to bring in and burn through and then have (them) pretend they're retiring for positive reasons.'

People familiar with the conversations told Politico that even more 'key members of Harris' orbit' are 'eyeing the exits' and have expressed interest in leaving less than a year into her vice presidency.

Some Democratic allies have urged Harris to embrace the concept of a reset after a rocky first year as vice president, which has been riddled with project failures  like addressing the southern border crisis  and reports of tensions between her team and the president's.

Her poll ratings have tanked, with top Democrats said to be appalled at the idea of her running for president in 2024 should Joe Biden decide not to seek a second term.

Harris' staff are leaving because they're burned out, there are better opportunities elsewhere and they don't want to be permanently branded a 'Harris person,' according to Axios.

Harris tamped down rumors of tension as she addressed Sanders' departure during a gaggle on her trip to North Carolina last month.

'I love Symone,' the vice president said. 'And I mean that sincerely.'

'I can't wait to see what she will do next. I know that it's been three years jumping on and off planes, going around the country ' Harris continued.

Sanders joined President Joe Biden's presidential campaign in 2019.

Harris declined to answer further questions on the wave of departures.

'Well, I told you how I feel about Symone,' Harris said.

During the trip, Harris' personal aide, Opal Vadhan, posted a photo of the VP's team all smiling as they celebrated the birthday of Deputy Director of Advance, Juan Ortega.

'A favorite tradition in the @VP's office is celebrating staff birthdays with cupcakes! Happy Birthday, @JuanoBano!' she wrote.

Harris was in Charlotte, North Carolina to tour a public transit facility and give a speech on the bipartisan infrastructure bill alongside Pete Buttigieg, her rumored competition.

She hugged the Transportation secretary before they both boarded Air Force Two. Buttigieg then took questions from a gaggle of reporters on the plane alone.

Amid poll numbers in the high 20s, some Democrats are pushing for Buttigieg to replace Harris at the top of the ticket in 2024, should Biden choose not to run for a second term.

The White House insists Biden plans to run again, but he will be 82 in 2024.

In November, Harris hit back at claims she is being misused as vice president, saying she doesn't feel like she's being under utilized by Biden and dismissed her low approval ratings which plummeted to 28 per cent in a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll of registered voters earlier this month.

'Polls, they go up, they go down,' Harris said. 'But I think what is most important is that we remain consistent with what we need to do to deal with the issues that we're presented with at this moment.'

No announcement has been made on whether Sanders has lined up another job, sparking questions over the circumstances surrounding her departure.

Harris in recent weeks has battled mounting reports that her office is in disarray, and that her team is frustrated at being handed 'no-win' tasks that don't suit her skillset, such as tackling the 'root causes' of migration behind the recent border crisis.

Asked if the staff departures were prompted by bad headlines for Harris, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that working in the first year of an administration is 'grueling and exhausting.'

'It's natural for staffers who've thrown their heart and soul into a job to be ready to move on after a few years,' she said.

Praising Sanders' work in the administration, Psaki said the spokeswoman 'has charisma coming out of her eyeballs.'

'It's natural for staffers who have thrown their heart and soul into a job to be ready to move on to a new challenge after a few years,' Psaki said.

Sanders traveled frequently with Harris and as a senior adviser helped her juggle a daunting portfolio including the migrant issue and push for a sweeping federal overhaul of election laws.

Harris has suffered plunging approval ratings since taking office, threatening what would normally be an easy path to the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, or 2024 if Biden decides not to seek re-election at age 81.

Amid the turbulence, Sanders has been Harris' top bulldog defender, batting back at claims of internal disarray and tension with the West Wing.

Last month, Sanders was the first to respond to a detailed CNN report in which Harris aides complained that she has been set up to fail, and handed a portfolio that is not commensurate with her historic status as the first woman, and first woman of color, to hold the vice president's office.

'They're consistently sending her out there on losing issues in the wrong situations for her skill set,' said a former high-level Harris aide in the bombshell report.

Sanders fired back in a statement: 'It is unfortunate that after a productive trip to France in which we reaffirmed our relationship with America's oldest ally and demonstrated U.S. leadership on the world stage, and following passage of a historic, bipartisan infrastructure bill that will create jobs and strengthen our communities, some in the media are focused on gossip - not on the results that the President and the Vice President have delivered.'

Amid the turbulence, Sanders (right) has been Harris' top bulldog defender, batting back at claims of internal disarray and tension with the West Wing

An official in the vice president's office pointed out to Politico that Sanders, a former Biden campaign aide, had been working for the administration in some capacity for three years, and said that Biden and Harris had known of her departure 'for a while'.

Etienne's plan to leave was confirmed on November 18.

'Ashley is valued member of the Vice President's team, who has worked tirelessly to advance the goals of this administration. She is leaving the office in December to pursue other opportunities,' a White House official told DailyMail.com at the time.

Both Harris and Biden have vehemently denied that there is any tension between them, denying reports that are mostly based on the accounts of anonymous staffers.

The White House went full throat with their defense of her after a CNN report claimed Biden was distancing himself from Harris because of her sliding poll numbers, while the vice president is said to have felt isolated and frustrated with being given some of the most difficult issues for the administration in her portfolio.

White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain tweeted Harris is an 'incredible leader' and Psaki argued Harris receives more criticism because of her status as a woman of color.

Harris is the country's first female vice president and the first vice president of color.

The president has publicly said he intends to run again, although pundits say that announcing he intends to step down after a single term would turn him into a lame duck leader.

But there has been anonymous chatter among Democrats that, if he does, he should consider replacing Harris.

There's additional speculation that if he doesn't run again, Harris would not be the strongest contender to replace him. Some have suggested Buttigieg would be a better candidate for the nomination.

A Politico/Morning Consult poll at the end of 2021 showed the transportation secretary with a higher favorability rating than both Biden and Harris  whom he led by 12 points.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky contradicted Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's incorrect claim that there are 100,000 pediatric COVID hospitalizations on Sunday.

Justice Sotomayor, a liberal Associate Justice appointed by former president Obama, exaggerated the number of severe COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among children as she attempted to convince conservative Supreme Court justices that President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses should be enforced.

'We have over 100,000 children, which we've never had before, in serious condition, and many on ventilators,' Sotomayor said on Friday.

Walensky contradicted Sotomayor's claim during a segment of Fox News Sunday.

'The number is not 100,000. It's roughly 3500 in hospitals now?' asked host Bret Baier.

'Yes. In fact, what I will say is, while pediatric hospitalizations are rising, they're still about 15 fold less than hospitalizations of our older age or age demographic,' Walinsky answered.

Sotomayor's egregious miscalculation - which can be easily debunked with data reported by the CDC - follows her overly-cautious response to the pandemic, with her choosing to join Friday's hearing virtually.

As of January 8, the number of hospitalization in children in the US is roughly 5,000, while the number of such hospitalizations has not surpassed the 84,000 cumulative since August, 2020.

In the US, COVID-19 deaths are declining, even as Omicron cases have jumped to staggering numbers. The country currently reports more than 59.8 million infections, while the seven-day average for deaths is at just above 1,500 - a decrease from September.

While pediatric hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the US have reached the highest case count ever reported since the start of the pandemic, the Associate Justice's false claim exaggerated figures more than 20 times.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky contradicted Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor's incorrect claim that there are 100,000 pediatric COVID hospitalizations on Sunday

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky refutes Justice Sotomayor's statement that "over 100,000 children" are hospitalized due to COVID, with "many on ventilators":



ANCHOR: "The number's not 100,000. It's roughly 3,500 in hospitals now?"



WALENSKY: "Yes." pic.twitter.com/U0WlauCx3s  Teri Brookins Golembiewski (@teribrookins) January 9, 2022

Walensky also added that the vast majority of children hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated, and often present underlying conditions such as obesity.

She added that the CDC will provide data on 'how many of the 836,000 deaths in the US linked to COVID are from COVID and how many are with COVID.'

Nearly 7.9 million American children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, or more than 1 in 10.

For the week ending December 30, more than 325,000 children were diagnosed with COVID-19, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a 64percent increase compared to the week prior.

Children were 0.00percent - 0.27percent of COVID-19 deaths. About 600 Americans under the age of 18 have died of COVID-19 over the course of the pandemic.

Justice Sotomayor, appointed by former president Obama, exaggerated the number of severe COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among children as she attempted to convince conservatives Supreme Court justices that President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses should be enforced

On Friday, Conservative justices on the US Supreme Court questioned the legality of President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses as the nation's highest court considered a request by Republican officials and business groups to block the policy even as COVID-19 cases grip the nation.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor spotted an apparent contradiction in Ohio Solicitor General Benjamin Flowers case when he said states may be entitled to impose mandates on businesses.

Flowers participated in the meeting remotely after testing positive for COVID-19, adding that his symptoms were 'exceptionally mild.'

He said he was double-vaccinated and had received a booster.

'Vaccines do not appear to be very effective in stopping the spread or transmission,' he said, but added that they do help prevent severe cases.

Sotomayor proceeded to add that Omicron was as deadly as Delta, despite preliminary findings by scientists that that is not quite the case.

'Omicron is as deadly as delta and causes as much serious disease in the unvaccinated as delta did,' Sotomayor, who has served in the court since 2009, said on Friday.

The Supreme Court has been shut to the public for almost two years because of the pandemic

The court heard more than two hours of arguments on Friday. Justice Sonia Sotomayor (front row, far right) took part from her chambers

'The numberslook at the hospitalization rates going up. We have more infected people today than we did a year ago in January. We have hospitals that are almost at full capacity with people severely ill on ventilators. We have over 100,000 children, which we've never had before, in serious condition, and many on ventilators.'

'So it's within the police power to protect the health and welfare of workers, you seem to be saying, the states can do it,' she said.

'But you're saying the federal government can't, even though it's facing the same crisis in interstate commerce that states are facing within their own borders.

The US has reported more than 830,000 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic

'I'm not sure I understand that distinction: Why the states would have the power, but the federal government wouldn't.'

Flowers answered: 'The federal government has no police power.'

Sotomayor interrupted, saying: 'Oh, it does have power with respect to protecting the health and safety of workers.'

Flowers said he disagreed that amounted to a police power.

On Friday, the US recorded 900,832 new COVID cases, second only to the more than 1 million cases recorded on Monday. The nation's four highest caseload days since the start of the pandemic were all recorded in the past week.

New York hospitals admit nearly HALF of 'covid' patients were admitted for other reasons Under pressure from Governor Kathy Hochul, hospitals in New York have disclosed that nearly half of their so-called COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized were admitted for other reasons. Of the roughly 11,500 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized in the state, COVID was not included as one of the reasons for admission for 43 percent, according to data Hochul released on Friday. In New York City, the rate was even higher, with 51 percent of current COVID patients classified as 'with' COVID, as opposed to 'for' the virus. In patients 'with' COVID, they were hospitalized for unrelated reasons, such as injuries in a car crash, but tested positive for the virus on the routine screening administered to all new patients and were subsequently reclassified as COVID admissions. Advertisement

The average daily case increase over the past seven days has been 664,732, a 64 percent increase from a week ago, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. Deaths ticked up on Friday to 2,615, a 22 percent increase from week-ago levels on a rolling-average basis, but still well below the peak a year ago.

Hospitalizations are rising quickly towards record highs, though new data from New York suggests that many hospital admissions with COVID are now incidental, with patients testing positive for the virus after hospitalization for unrelated complaints.

Most experts believe infections will continue to increase in the US for the next few weeks before the Omicron surge peaks in late January, with Dr. Anthony Fauci saying that the US will likely record more than 1 million cases daily on a regular basis in coming weeks.

'It's still surging upward... I would not be surprised at all if we go over a million cases per day,' Fauci told WNBC-TV on Friday. 'I would hope that by the time we get to the fourth week in January -- end of the third week, beginning of the fourth week  that we will start see this coming down.'

Though Omicron appears less likely to cause severe illness and death than prior strains, the widespread infections could force some five million Americans to stay home from work in the coming days, Andrew Hunter, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics, told the Wall Street Journal.

Illness-related staff shortages have already hobbled a number of industries for weeks, driving more than 1,000 daily flight cancellations for 13 straight days, and the coming surge in COVID sick leave could further hammer businesses that don't allow for remote working.

In Britain, the number of daily cases fell for a third day in a row - a sign the worst of the Omicron wave may be over. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show there were 146,390 new positive tests over the last 24 hours, down 18.5 per cent on the previous week's figure of 179,637.

New York City Sanitation Department front-end Loaders wait to to fill a salt spreaders on Friday. Employee shortages are causing delays in trash and subway services in New York, and diminishing the ranks of firefighters and emergency workers

At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (seen last month), two checkpoints at the airport's busiest terminal were shut down because not enough Transportation Security Administration agents showed up for work

Experts hope nationwide numbers will continue to follow London's trajectory of rapidly falling cases and now hospitalisations. A similar trend was seen Omicron ground zero South Africa, which saw a sharp peak in cases before infections quickly dropped off.

It marked the biggest week-on-week fall since the start of November, well before the supermutant strain sent cases soaring across the country. But the number of people dying with the virus continued to increase today, with 313 fatalities recorded  up 103 per cent on last week's number.

The surge may be slightly overinflated due to less deaths being recorded on New Year's Day last weekend. Fatalities usually follow trends in case numbers around two weeks later due to the time it takes for the virus to take hold. Covid hospitalizations in Omicron hotspot London fell 31 per cent to 310 on January 6, the latest date regional data is available for.
The White House has, seemingly, been forced to cancel their plans for the Build Back Better bill after failing to get Joe Manchin on board.

This week, it was also reported that Manchin's proposed $1.8 trillion social spending offer is also off the table. After all, the senator confirmed to reporters that there hadn't been any negotiations since last month's shock announcement.

When asked about the social spending bill offer he put on the table last year, Manchin said he didn't want to talk about it.

"I'm really not going to talk about Build Back Better because I think I've been very clear on that. There is no negotiation going on at this time," he said via Business Insider.

Joe Manchin not interested to discuss BBB, social spending offer

According to Deadline, Manchin's $1.8 trillion social spending offer was supposed to include funding for universal pre-K and an additional tax of the rich. However, the senator didn't have any plans to include an expanded child tax credit as part of the bill.

Just before Christmas Day, Manchin announced that he could not support Biden's Build Back Better bill. He told reporters his decision just 30 minutes after informing the White House.

Reports revealed that Joe Biden's administration tried to contact Manchin hours earlier to continue negotiating with him, but he didn't respond to their call.

Read Also: Joe Manchin Continues To Delay Build Back Better Bill Approval; Democrats To Postpone Voting Until 2022

Despite his decision not to support the Build Back Better bill, White House press secretary Jen Psaki released a statement saying that they will continue to press him to see if Manchin will reverse his position yet again.

In November, Manchin also said that he would vote "no" on Biden's Build Back Better Act because he can't explain it to the people that voted for him in West Virginia then he can't support it.

Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says a vote on BBB will be made

Last week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer revealed that he spoke briefly about the Build Back Better bill while the Senate was on holiday break. He said that there was still a possibility for Biden and Manchin to talk about the latter's participation and cooperation with the bill, according to CNBC.

Schumer also said that there would continue to talk about the Senate Democrats even though they won't take place on the House floor. The Senate minority leader also confirmed his intentions to hold a vote in the Senate on the bill, so they will do so until it gets passed.

Senate Democrats slam Joe Manchin

Other Senate Democrats have also been expressing their frustrations toward Manchin in the past. Sen. Bernie Sanders previously said that negotiations regarding the Build Back Better bill have been dragging too long because of him.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal previously accused Manchin of betraying Biden. She also said that Manchin could no longer say that he's a man of his word because he has been changing his position on the Build Back Better bill for months, according to NY Mag.

Despite all the criticisms, Manchin opposes the Build Back Better bill by saying that he couldn't get to where the other Senate Democrats are.

Related Article: Republican Senate Candidate Herschel Walker Faces Backlash After Criticizing Joe Biden's Social Spending Bill

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Police have released images in the hunt for a woman who tried to lure an eight-year-old boy away from his family to carry out a sex act at a busy London train station.

A woman tried to get the young child to engage in sexual activity on December 22 around 8pm after accosting him sitting with his family at Waterloo station, according to the British Transport Police.

The schoolboy's mother heard the sexually explicit comment the woman made to her son and confronted her, causing the suspect to walk away.

The police have released CCTV images of a woman they would like to question as they might the

The British Transport Police have released an image of a woman they believe could help with enquiries

A spokesman for British Transport Police (BTP) said: 'Officers investigating an incident during which a woman made a sexually explicit comment to a child are releasing CCTV images in connection.

'At just before 8pm on Wednesday December 22,2021, a woman approached an 8-year-old child who was sat on a bench at Waterloo station with his family.

'The woman then made an effort to lure the child away from his family before making a sexually explicit comment to him.

Police believe the woman in the CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation

'The child's mother heard the comment and confronted the woman who then walked away from the victim and his family.

'Officers believe the woman in the CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation.'

Anyone who recognises the woman, or has any information about the incident, can contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 499 of 22/12/21 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Court heard he has taken inspiration from similar murder scene in Breaking Bad

A 'callous' Breaking Bad copycat killer who stabbed a father-of-five in the head before trying to dissolve his body in acid and hide it in a wheelie bin has been jailed for life.

George Knights, 19, was found guilty of murder last June and was sentenced to life in prison on Friday, with a minimum of 23 years for the murder of 38-year-old Stephen Chapman.

Knights had arranged to meet the victim to buy 2,500 worth of cocaine at around 8pm before going to a house party in October 2020 - despite being virtually penniless, a court heard.

After knifing Mr Chapman in the skull with a military-style dagger, the teenager then tried to dispose of his victim's body by covering it in acid and stuffing it in a wheelie bin - leaving it in the conservatory while he went to a house party.

The victim died from a single stab wound from a double-edged military dagger which had been embedded deep into the skull.

Prosecutor Caroline Carberry QC told the court Knights took inspiration from US drugs crime drama Breaking Bad in which the two lead characters dissolve a body in a bucket of acid.

George Knights (pictured), 19, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years for the murder of Stephen Chapman

Maidstone Crown Court heard that Knights was desperate for money and told a friend he planned 'to hurt someone' and rob them of 2,500 - the exact amount of cocaine Mr Chapman had agreed to sell the teenager when they arranged to meet at Knights's home in Rochester, Kent.

After murdering the forklift driver, Knights went partying and bragged that he had killed someone.

A selfie video on his phone also showed him at the huge party with a packet of cocaine in the background.

In the week leading up to the fatal stabbing, Knights also had a tattoo with a snake wrapped around a knife similar to the murder weapon etched onto his neck.

During the month-long trial, the jury heard Knights was a self-styled shares trader who turned his kitchen into a drugs factory to produce amphetamines.

He bought a 300 pill presser from China and stashed sulphuric acid in the kitchen.

Knights also bought and sold drugs and became obsessed with knives - having a dagger, a machete and a knife from the Greek island of Crete in his house.

Detective Superintendent Gavin Moss, the senior investigating officer for the case, said after the sentencing the defendant was 'devoid of human emotion'.

He added: 'Throughout this case Knights has shown no remorse or empathy for his actions.

'He is a callous killer who robbed Stephen Chapman of his life, and on top of this his attempt to dispose of the body deprived Mr Chapman's family of an opportunity to see him for a final time.

'He prevented Mr Chapman from having a future with his family and put them through the ordeal of a trial.

'He has been devoid of human emotion throughout this case and is a clear and obvious danger to the public.

'I'm pleased our investigation has led to his conviction. Knights offending has had a significant impact on his family and nothing will undo this harm but I hope that today's sentencing can offer them a form of closure from this result.'

Judge Philip Statman said no-one will ever know precisely what happened after Mr Chapman arrived at Knights' home in Rochester.

He told the defendant: 'But it was your intention to rob him of the cocaine he was carrying. You are a person who likes to big himself up, some may think a bragger. This was murder for financial gain.

'And after the killing you showed a callous manner when you went to a party and made a selfie.

'When the family of Mr Chapman called you, you demonstrated a callous regard. During the trial I saw no remorse in you although there are some indications now you are having an understanding of the future.'

When police questioned Knights in the wake of the killing he claimed he bought drugs off the victim and was evasive about giving officers his name and address.

The next day a group of people arrived at the house where Knights was living, looking for Mr Chapman, and they called police when they saw the defendant run from the property.

Officers arrived and found blood-stained clothing, a large stash of class A and B drugs and Mr Chapman's iPhone and bank card.

Knights was found at nearby property and was initially arrested on suspicion of drug offences, but could not explain the drugs and blood-stained clothing.

Officers later found the wheelie bin in the conservatory. It had Mr Chapman's body inside, with four empty bottles of sulphuric acid nearby.

Knights was then also arrested on suspicion of murder.

Despite his bid to dispose of the body, detectives were not hindered as they were able to use recent breakthroughs in forensic technology to carry out a thorough post-mortem.

Knights plunged his dad's Royal Marine commando dagger 16cm-deep into Mr Chapman's (pictured) skull before stealing a neighbour's plastic wheelie bin in which to dump and douse the body in six bottles of high concentrate drain cleaner

At court it was also revealed that the Knights had detailed notes of a sinister plan to kidnap 'the daughter of a tycoon' and hold them for ransom.

Lists including names, addresses and phone numbers of his intended victim and her family were found on his arrest, together with a police uniform

Prosecutor Caroline Carberry QC told Maidstone Crown Court that the abduction and ransom plot was 'no idle fantasy', and provided support that Knights poses a high risk of danger to the public.

The teenager was just 18 when he plunged his dad's Royal Marine commando dagger 16cm-deep into Mr Chapman's skull before stealing a neighbour's plastic wheelie bin in which to dump and douse the body in six bottles of high concentrate drain cleaner.

Knights himself told a jury he had been inspired by the gruesome episode from season one of the award-winning Netflix series, and had a ready supply of acid to hand from his own amphetamine-producing business.

The bodybuilder and cagefighting fan had never been in trouble with the police when he fatally stabbed 38-year-old Mr Chapman on October 23, 2020.

But Ms Carberry said there was 'substantial evidence of very worrying behaviour' in his background which had not been heard by the jury at his four-week trial last year.

Detailing the kidnap plot and other threats of violence discovered by detectives, she told the court: 'Notes he had written to himself where he spoke of wanting to knock someone out, the use of insulin to do so, making a Taser, setting up a tracking device and acquiring a police uniform fancy dress costume, which was found in his home at the time of his arrest.

'Other notes included the plot to kidnap and hold to ransom the daughter of a well-known fashion tycoon. That was no idle fantasy because he had taken time to track that daughter, record names and addresses of her family and their real phone numbers.

'And from the statement of his most recent girlfriend, he had told her all about the plot in some great detail.

'There was, of course, no evidence that the plot took place but there was a lot of evidence to suggest clear preparation for a kidnap.

'It certainly had got to the planning stages and demonstrates he was seriously considering using violence towards another person, potentially including kidnap, the use insulin to incapacitate, the use of restraint, gagging, threat and disguises.

'It also demonstrates the danger that he poses to the public.'

Police were able to speak to and alert his intended victim, who has not been publically named.

Knights, who took insulin as part of his steroid-taking cycle, told his pal he could use it to inject his victim as it would 'cause a heart attack and kill without leaving a trace'.

Ms Carberry said it was the prosecution case the 'out of control' teen, who had been using steroids since he was 16, was 'fixated on money' and that the killing of the 38-year-old, who was known as 'Ginger', was 'murder for gain'.

At his trial, his lifestyle was described as 'bizarre and stranger than fiction', focusing on using, making and selling both prescription and illegal drugs.

At court it was also revealed that the Knights had detailed notes of a sinister plan to kidnap 'the daughter of a tycoon' and hold them for ransom. Lists including names, addresses and phone numbers of his intended victim and her family were found on his arrest, together with a police uniform

He even used the name of Breaking Bad's lead character 'Walter White' - who himself made crystal methamphetamine - as a DVLA online account password reminder.

The jury also heard that Knights briefly returned home to take bizarre photos of Mr Chapman with his feet holding the bin lid ajar.

The badly-decomposing body was found two days later, still with the double-edged military dagger in his head, after his desperate family had broken into Knights's home.

During their attempts to find him, the teenager had repeatedly lied to both police and Mr Chapman's pregnant girlfriend about his 'disappearance'.

Knights, who has a dagger entwined with a snake tattooed on his neck, had denied murdering Mr Chapman but was unanimously convicted in June.

Sentencing was adjourned for psychiatric and probation reports after Judge Philip Statman described the killing of Mr Chapman and subsequent concealment and degradation of his body to be 'extremely disturbing'.

Knights, a keen bodybuilder and cage fighting fan who had a dagger entwined with a snake tattooed on his neck (pictured) just days before the killing, denied murdering Mr Chapman on October 23 last year

Referring to the findings of the reports, Ms Carberry said he had shown little remorse and the current risk of 'physical harm resulting in fatal consequences, was high.

She added that the psychiatrist had found no evidence of any mental illness or disorder other than anxiety.

'He concluded George Knights provided a rehearsed and calculated account of events with little emotional involvement,' the prosecutor said.

'He expressed some remorse but continued to minimise his role and justify his actions and demonstrated an inability to understand the severity of his offending.

'In his assessment, George Knights is a dangerous offender.'

The court heard that within minutes of meeting that night, Knights had fatally stabbed Mr Chapman in what was a premeditated plan to 'rob, hurt or kill'.

Giving evidence, Knights, who left school before taking his GCSEs but spoke of wanting to become a 'self-employed stocks and shares trader', said he believed the only way he could 'get rid of' Mr Chapman's body was to copy the infamous Breaking Bad episode.

He told the jury: 'I watched Breaking Bad and in my madness at that point I thought that the only way I could get rid of him was to do what they did in that film. It was the only thing I could think of.

'I looked up on my computer what acid it was and it was sulphuric acid, which is what I had used in an attempt to make amphetamine, and what kind of plastic you have to put it in.

'The wheelie bin was the right plastic. I got it from down the road...I brought it back to the house and put it in the conservatory.

'I put it on its side...Then I pushed and pulled Ginger into the wheelie bin. While I was doing that his shoes came off.

'Obviously I wasn't thinking straight at all. I didn't put a gas mask on or anything like that. I got acid which was already in the house and poured it on top in the bin until I couldn't breathe anymore.

'Then I shut the conservatory doors and I left.....I shouldn't have done what I did but I wasn't thinking rationally at that point in time.'

The court heard that just hours before the murder Knights had written a list headed 'Knife' and including items such as 'Superglue', 'mask' and 'wipes'.

Mr Chapman was said to have been 'helpless in defending himself against a very strong young man armed with a lethal weapon'.

Jailing Knights (pictured) for life with a minimum term of 23 years before he can be released on parole, Judge Statman said his 'callous' efforts to dispose of Mr Chapman's body and his lies to family searching for him were of 'acute concern' as to just how dangerous he was

Jurors were also told that his acid-doused body posed such a public safety risk that firefighters were needed to transport him, still in the bin, to the mortuary at nearby Medway Maritime Hospital.

Furthermore, the post-mortem examination could not be completed despite staff wearing full PPE clothing, including heavy-duty gloves, a respirator and gas mask.

In a sad twist of fate, Mr Chapman's girlfriend Rebecca Leader gave birth to their third child - his fifth - on the first day of Knights's trial.

In a victim impact statement she wrote how her 'world had been turned upside down and her heart torn into pieces'.

At the time of the killing, the couple were saving to get married.

The court also heard that she had the added distress of having to go through the courts to have his name put on his daughter's birth certificate.

Mr Chapman's sister Lisa Chapman spoke of the horror of discovering how his body had been 'folded in a rubbish bin like a piece of filth' and desecrated.

His former partner Louise Prince wrote a statement on behalf of their 14-year-old son, saying she would never forget the look on his face when she told him he would never see the father he 'worshipped' again.

She also told Knights: 'You have torn his world apart. You have broken his heart. You have literally ruined his life. He will never get over this. It will haunt him forever. My sweet boy is broken.

'You have done this to him and for that I will never forgive you. How does it feel that his world has ended but yours still goes on.'

Jailing Knights for life with a minimum term of 23 years before he can be released on parole, Judge Statman said his 'callous' efforts to dispose of Mr Chapman's body and his lies to family searching for him were of 'acute concern' as to just how dangerous he was.

'You were covering up events effectively in a copycat manner of the storyline in the TV series, Breaking Bad,' he told the teenager.

'You were able to make those concerted efforts in order to ensure that the body was desecrated by your further conduct which shows an extreme aggravating feature in this case.

'This callous approach was not something which can be explained away by some degree of anxiety or panic that you had at the time.'
The UK's public health body has been censured by the statistics watchdog over claims that 200,000 people were catching Omicron per day which were not supported by evidence.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is led by Dame Jenny Harries, was rebuked by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) over the figures publicised by Sajid Javid late last year.

Its leader Ed Humpherson said that the claim 'caused confusion and some speculation in the media, which distracts from the message the statistics are conveying'.

The background figures used to make the estimate were published two days later.

The HSA and Health Secretary Sajid Javid were accused of scare-mongering after the gloomy models were shared with MPs on December 14.

His comments, made in a statement discussing the threat of Omicron, sparked immediate confusion over whether the figure was relating to the virus as a whole, or specifically just the super-mutant variant.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which is led by Dame Jenny Harries, was rebuked by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) over the figures publicised by Sajid Javid late last year.

The HSA and Health Secretary Sajid Javid were accused of scare-mongering after the gloomy models were shared with MPs on December 14 (pictured)

Department of Health insiders later confirmed he was correct to imply Omicron cases had hit 200,000 a day.

But in the letter, sent in December but revealed today by the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Humpherson said the statement was 'initially also unsupported by data'.

'This caused confusion and some speculation in the media, which distracts from the message the statistics are conveying,' he added.

'An explanation of the methodology used to arrive at the daily number of infections was published on 16 December. OSR has previously made clear its expectation that data and methods should be made equally available to all before any planned statement is made.

'Transparency of data used to inform decisions is vital to public understanding and public confidence. In this case, the delay between the use of the figure and the publication of the data was unsatisfactory.

In the letter to UKHSA, Ed Humpherson, head of the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR), wrote: "The Secretary of State mentioned an estimate of the daily number of infections of Covid, which was initially also unsupported by data.

This caused confusion and some speculation in the media, which dis tracts from the message the statistics are conveying.

"An explanation of the methodology used to arrive at the daily number of infections was published on Dec 16. OSR has previously made clear its expectation that data and methods should be made equally available to all before any planned statement is made. Transparency of data used to inform decisions is vital to public understanding and public confidence.

"In this case, the delay between the use of the figure and the publication of the data was unsatisfactory."

At the time experts today questioned the pessimistic projection, with one of the country's most eminent statisticians calling the calculation into doubt.

Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, from the University of Cambridge, told MailOnline: 'To get the figure of 200,000, they would need to assume a doubling time of 1.75 days, or a higher starting point.

'It is very frustrating, to put it mildly, that such high-profile and surprising numbers are given without any publicly available justification.'

Professor of medicine and consultant oncologist Karol Sikora added to the criticism, stating the Government was deliberately 'scaremongering' the population into getting booster jabs.

Its alarmist and all part of a deliberate PR ploy to get people the booster, he said.

Its not a bad idea to get the booster, but you could see yesterday the system creaked under the pressure.'
Staff shortages as a result of Covid-19 self-isolation requirements could cost the economy 35billion in January and February, data analysis has shown.

Experts at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) have predicted there will be an 'economic cost' to the country when the absenteeism rate hits the government's assumptions of 25 per cent.

The predicted loss for those two months, which is equivalent to 8.8 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), comes as Boris Johnson faced renewed pressure to act to get Britain back to normal today.

Staff shortages as a result of Covid-19 self-isolation requirements could cost the economy 35billion in January and February. (Stock image)

The latest analysis for The Sunday Times, which takes note of the fact that nearly 50 per cent of the population is working from home, was carried out by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).

Economist at the CEBR Pushpin Singh told The Sunday Times: 'Even with only a peak of 8 per cent, there will be an economic cost.

'Nonetheless, we would expect that most of this would be made up during the rest of the year.'

Today Boris Johnson faced renewed pressure to act to get Britain back to normal with demands that Covid rules and measures designed to slow the spread of the disease be stripped away.

The former head of the UK's vaccine taskforce suggested that coronavirus should be treated more like flu from now on, with booster jabs reserved only for the most vulnerable and at risk, amid signs that the Omicron variant is less severe than previous incarnations.

Dr Clive Dix, chairman of the government agency from December 2020 until April, called for a return to a 'new normality' and a focus on disease management, saying: 'It is pointless keeping giving more and more vaccines to people who are not going to get very ill.

'We should just let them get ill and deal with that.'

A second expert, Dr David Speigelhalter, warned that people 'are going to catch it and might catch it again' and would have to get used to it.

Professor Kevin Fenton, Public Health England's regional director for London, said the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus is thought to have peaked in London over the new year period

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi suggested it would be 'helpful' if the UK followed the US example and only forced people to self-isolate after a positive test result

At the same time, figures within Mr Johnson's own Cabinet broke ranks to suggest that Covid isolation should be slashed from seven days to five to ease a manpower crisis, something Mr Johnson has been resisting.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi suggested it would be 'helpful' if the UK followed the US example and only forced people to self-isolate after a positive test result, rather than after coming down with symptoms.

He also said he hoped that the UK would become one of the first countries 'to demonstrate to the world how you transition from pandemic to endemic'.

It came as Professor Kevin Fenton, Public Health England's regional director for London, said the spread of Omicron in the capital appeared to have peaked over the new year, with case rates were now falling across the city.

Yesterday UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures showed there were 146,390 new positive tests over the last 24 hours, down 18.5 per cent on the previous week's figure of 179,637.

It marked the biggest week-on-week fall since the start of November, well before the mutant strain sent cases soaring across the country.

Covid hospitalisations in Omicron hotspot London fell 31 per cent to 310 on January 6, the latest date regional data is available for.
Obama is throwing her considerable political capital into this year's contentious midterm election cycle -- which could see Republicans retake the majority and bring Biden's agenda to a screeching halt

Former First Lady Michelle Obama is wading into the contentious waters of the 2022 midterm election cycle, urging her fellow Democrats to 'vote like the future of our democracy depends on it' in an open letter published Sunday.

The popular presidential spouse took out a full-page ad in the New York Times via her progressive group When We All Vote where she called on supporters to ramp up pressure on Congress to pass federal voting rights laws.

She also personally signed off on an action plan to 'recruit and train' thousands of volunteers to register voting-age Americans ahead of November's races.

'Weve got to vote like the future of our democracy depends on it. And we must give Congress no choice but to act decisively to protect the right to vote and make the ballot box more accessible for everyone,' Obama wrote.

She opened the letter condemning last year's attack on the US Capitol, when violent Trump supporters attempted to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden's electoral victory, before taking aim at GOP-controlled states that have passed voting security laws.

'One year ago, we witnessed an unprecedented assault on our Capitol and our democracy. From Georgia and Florida to Iowa and Texas, states passed laws designed to make it harder for Americans to vote. And in other state legislatures across the nation, lawmakers have attempted to do the same,' Obama wrote.

The former first lady compared today's partisan battle over the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to past civil rights struggles, including those fought by the eponymous late lawmaker himself.

'This type of voter suppression is not new. Generations of Americans have persevered through poll taxes, literacy tests, and laws designed to strip away their powerand theyve done it by organizing, by protesting, and most importantly, by overcoming the barriers in front of them in order to vote. And now, weve got to do the same.'

The message, published in the New York Times on Sunday as an advertisement, was signed off by 30 civil rights and voting rights groups

She later added, 'As John Lewis said, Democracy is not a state. It is an act. And protecting it requires all of us. Thats why his generation organized, marched, and died to defend the very rights that are under attack today.'

To defend those rights, Obama laid out five goals to complete ahead of the elections that could see Republicans regain control of Congress and bring Biden's agenda to a screeching halt.

'Recruit and train at least 100,000 volunteers throughout 2022 to register and turn out voters in their communities,' the first goal reads.

The other measures include registering one million new voters, organizing 100,000 volunteers to push their senators on voting rights legislation and recruiting 'thousands of lawyers' in all 50 states to combat attempts to curb who can vote.

The letter also commits to educating Americans on how to 'vote safely.'

Thirty organizations including Stacey Abrams' Fair Fight Action, LeBron James' More Than A Vote and the NAACP signed on to Obama's message.

It comes as Democrats' chances of holding on to their slim majority in Congress continue to wane.

The Senate is currently split 50-50 with Vice President Kamala Harris' tie-breaking vote eking out a small edge for Democrats.

House Democrats have a slightly wider majority with 221 in their caucus compared to 212 Republicans.

But so far 25 Democrats have announced their departures at the end of 2022, while just 12 GOP lawmakers have done the same.

Americans gather at Congress' prayer vigil marking one year since January 6. Obama also tied the Capitol riot to voting rights in her Sunday letter

The vigil was open to members of the public, many of whom showed up with signs urging Congress to do more for voting rights in light of the attack on democracy

Recent polls have also indicated public opinion is shifting away from Obama's party.

In an aggregation of generic ballot polls asking voters whether they'd prefer a Republican or Democrat to represent them in Congress, the GOP holds a small edge.

About 42.4 percent of people in FiveThirtyEight's 2022 poll aggregator prefer Republicans to control Congress, while 41.9 percent of respondents chose Democrats.

Meanwhile at least 19 states passed a sum total of 34 election security laws i n 2021, according to the Brennan Center for Justice.

More than 440 bills with provisions that restrict voting access have been introduced in 49 states in the 2021 state legislative sessions, its monthly report notes.

Democrats and left-wing activists accuse Republicans of passing provisions like requiring ID and proof of citizenship to vote in order to make it harder for minority and low-income voters who typically vote Democrat to cast ballots.

This year the GOP has also targeted efforts to expand mail-in voting. Unprecedented expansions to casting ballots by mail were introduced to allow Americans to vote safely during the coronavirus pandemic.

A majority of mail-in ballots in the 2020 presidential election went to Biden.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken does not expect breakthroughs this week in US-Russia security talks, but hopes to find some common ground amid the crisis in Ukraine.

'I don't think we're going to see any breakthroughs in the coming week,' Blinken said Sunday morning on This Week ABC. 'To make accurate progress, it's very hard to see that happening when there's an ongoing escalation  when Russia has a gun to the head of Ukraine with 100,000 troops near its borders, the possibility of doubling that on very short order.'

Blinken argued any progress in negotiations is dependent on actions from both sides, adding that Washington is open to discussing new measures, such as limits on missile deployments and troop exercises in Europe, in hopes the policies would avert prospects for a new Russian invasion of Ukraine.

'There are confidence-building measures, there are risk-reduction measures, all of which, if done reciprocally, I think can really reduce tensions and address concerns,' he stated.

Delegations from the US and Russia will hold talks Sunday night and Monday in Geneva, a move that will kick off a week of diplomacy between Russia and the west over President Vladimir Putin menacing neighboring Ukraine.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken does not expect breakthroughs this week in US-Russia security talks, but hopes to find some common ground amid the crisis in Ukraine

Blinken believes it may be possible during these discussions 'to address whatever legitimate concerns Russia may have'.

However, he reiterated any movement to resolve the issues will have to happen on a reciprocal basis.

'We're going to be able to put things on the table. Russians will do the same ... and we'll see if there are grounds for moving forward,' he told CNN's State of the Union Sunday.

'We're going to listen to Russia's concerns. They're going to have to listen to our concerns. If they're proceeding in good faith, we think we can make progress in addressing concerns on both sides to reduce tensions and deal with improving security.'

Despite being open to hearing Russia's concerns, Blinken does not believe any real progress can be made this week unless Moscow de-escalates tensions on the border with Ukraine.

'It's hard to see making actual progress, as opposed to talking, in an atmosphere of escalation with a gun to Ukraine's head,' he said.

'If we're actually going to make progress, we're going to have to see de-escalation, Russia pulling back from the threat that it currently poses to Ukraine.'

Delegations from the US and Russia will hold talks Sunday night and Monday in Geneva, a move that will kick off a week of diplomacy between Russia and the west over President Vladimir Putin (pictured on Friday in Moscow) menacing neighboring Ukraine

Tens of thousands of Russian troops are gathered within reach of the Ukraine border in preparation for what Washington and Kyiv say could be an invasion (Pictured: Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces on December 25, 2021)

The secretary of state also shut down concerns that officials would be setting a precedent of Putin creating leverage by building up forces on the borders of neighboring countries.

'It's exactly the opposite,' Blinken stated. 'First of all, why are we here? We're here because repeatedly over the last decade, Russia has committed acts of aggression against neighbors  Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine in 2014, and now the renewed threat about Ukraine today.'

'Second, there are large principles at stake that go to the fundamentals of international peace and security,' he added, noting the US will be accompanied by its international partners to make it known to Russia that 'aggression will not be accepted, will not be tolerated.'

As Russia amasses forces on the border of Ukraine, Sec. Blinken says the U.S. is seeking "grounds for progress" during talks.



"But to make actual progress, its very hard to see that happening...when Russia has a gun to the head of Ukraine." https://t.co/MlbVVoYuWH pic.twitter.com/RCXteAJHJm  This Week (@ThisWeekABC) January 9, 2022 Twitter Privacy Policy

Blinken argued the negotiation process is not about making concession but instead 'about seeing whether, in the context of dialogue and diplomacy, there are things that both sides, all sides can do to reduce tensions'.

The secretary also said it remains unclear if Putin has made a decision to take control of Ukraine yet.

'It's clear that we've offered him two paths forward,' Blinken told ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos.

'One is through diplomacy and dialogue. The other is through deterrents and massive consequences for Russia if it renews its aggression against Ukraine. We're about to test the proposition of which path President Putin wants to take this week.'

Blinken, speaking Sunday, said it remains unclear if Putin has made a decision to take control of Ukraine yet. However, he argued progress in negotiations isn't likely when 'there's an ongoing escalation and Russia has a gun to the head of Ukraine' (Pictured: Russian military)

The US and NATO (pictured during a foreign affairs meeting Friday) have said large parts of the Russian proposals are a non-starter, however, Blinken believes some of Moscow's concerns could be addressed

He added: 'If we're seeing de-escalation, if we're seeing a reduction in tensions, that is the kind of environment in which we can make real progress and, again, address concerns, reasonable concerns on both sides.'

Blinken's comments lowering expectations for the upcoming talks echoed Russia's hard line on Sunday that it would not make any concessions under US pressure at talks this week on the Ukraine crisis.

'We will not agree to any concession. That is completely excluded,' Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Moscow Times as he departed for Geneva.

'We are disappointed with the signals coming in the last few days from Washington but also from Brussels.'

The minister also believes it is 'very likely that we will encounter the reticence of our US and NATO colleagues to really perceive what we need.'

Last month Russia presented a sweeping set of demands including for a bar on further NATO expansion and an end to the alliance's activity in central and eastern European countries that joined it after 1997.

The US and NATO have said large parts of the Russian proposals are a non-starter, however, Blinken believes some of Moscow's concerns could be addressed.

He suggested 'there may be grounds for renewing' the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia which the US withdrew from during former President Donald Trump's Administration.

Washington also previously accused Russia of violating the treaty.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the nation will not 'agree to any concession' and is 'disappointed with the signals coming in the last few days from Washington but also from Brussels' (Pictured: Russian military drills)

Russia also sent troops into neighboring Kazakhstan last week after the oil-producing former Soviet republic was hit by a wave of unrest. Its foreign ministry reacted furiously on Saturday to a jibe by Blinken that 'once Russians are in your house, it's sometimes very difficult to get them to leave' (Pictured: Military squads in Almaty on January 5, 2022)

The secretary of state indicated Sunday the US would be willing to address missile deployments and training exercises, but was 'not looking at troop levels,' echoing what a senior Biden administration official said on Saturday.

'There are agreements on the deployment of conventional forces in Europe, on things like the scope and scale of exercises, that, if adhered to reciprocally  that is, Russia makes good on its commitments, which it's repeatedly violated  then there are grounds for reducing tensions, creating greater transparency, creating greater confidence, all of which would address concerns that Russia purports to have,' Blinken explained.

'When it comes to the deployment of forces and troop levels, we're not looking at troop levels. To the contrary, if Russia commits renewed aggression against Ukraine, I think it's a very fair prospect that NATO will reinforce its positions along its eastern flank, the countries that border Russia.'

'But when it comes to, for example, the scope and scale of exercises, things that were dealt with in the conventional forces in Europe treaty that Russia's been in violation of, those are things that we can look at.'

"If we're actually going to make progress, we're going to have to see deescalation, Russia pulling back from the threat that it currently poses to Ukraine," says Secretary of State Antony Blinken on pivotal US-Russia talks slated in Geneva this week. #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/vkFv05x74V  State of the Union (@CNNSotu) January 9, 2022 Twitter Privacy Policy

Tens of thousands of Russian troops are gathered within reach of the border with Ukraine in preparation for what Washington and Kyiv say could be an invasion, eight years after Russia seized the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine.

Moscow denies invasion plans and says it is responding to what it calls aggressive and provocative behavior from the NATO military alliance and Ukraine, its former Soviet neighbor which has tilted towards the West and aspires to join NATO.

Blinken has accused Russia of pushing a false narrative. He said last week: 'That's like the fox saying it had to attack the hen house because its occupants somehow pose a threat. We've seen this gaslighting before.'

Russia also sent troops into neighboring Kazakhstan last week after the oil-producing former Soviet republic was hit by a wave of unrest. Its foreign ministry reacted furiously on Saturday to a jibe by Blinken that 'once Russians are in your house, it's sometimes very difficult to get them to leave'.
Senator Ron Johnson, 66, explained Sunday that he wants to retire from Congress, but is instead running for a third term because 'America is in peril' due to 'Democrats' complete takeover of government.'

The Republican Wisconsin senator noted in a Sunday Wall Street Journal piece that in his 2016 campaign he announced it would be his final term, noting he and his wife, Jane, were looking 'forward to a normal private life.'

'Neither of us anticipated the Democrats' complete takeover of government and the disastrous policies they have already inflicted on America and the world, to say nothing of those they threaten to enact in the future,' he added in announcing his reelection bid.

'Nor did we anticipate the pandemic, the government's failed response to it, the loss of freedom that has resulted, and the tyrannical approach taken by the elites who have created and maintained a state of fear that allows them to exercise control over Americans' lives,' he added.

Republican Senator Ron Johnson said in a Sunday piece that he is running for a third term to represent Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate

'Instead of everyone working to achieve the goal President Biden stated during his inaugural addressunifying and healing Americait feels as if our nation is being torn apart.'

Johnson is vying to hold onto his seat in a swing state that went red in 2016 for Trump, but blue in 2020 for Biden  both times by less than 1 per cent margins.

A staunch ally of Donald Trump, Johnson was first elected to the Senate in the 2010 elections, assuming office in January 2011. In his first-ever reelection in 2016, he thought his mission was done with the election of Trump.

'As I ran for re-election in 2016, we had the prospect of electing a Republican president who could work with a Republican Congress not only to stop the expansion of liberal policies but, we hoped, to reverse some of the damage done during Mr. Obama's administration,' Johnson wrote on Sunday. 'I figured we had an opportunity to put America back on the right path, and I was more than willing to dedicate myself to that worthy effort.'

He says those efforts have now been derailed with the election of President Joe Biden and the Democrat take over of the House and Senate.

'As I travel around Wisconsin and talk to citizens who love our country, I know I am not the only one with grave concerns,' he wrote. 'My message has always been that America is precious, and it is our solemn duty to make sure it survives and thrives for future generations.'

'I believe America is in peril,' Johnson continued. 'Much as I'd like to ease into a quiet retirement, I don't feel I should.'

'Countless people have encouraged me to run, saying they rely on me to be their voice, to speak plain and obvious truths other elected leaders shirk from expressingtruths the elite in government, mainstream media and Big Tech don't want you to hear.'

In his 2016 campaign, Johnson said this would be his final term. In the Sunday piece, he said he cannot retire from Congress while 'America is in peril'

Johnson assured that he would continue to never vote on legislation or act as a senator with the thought of reelection on his mind.

'When re-election isn't your primary motivation, those are easy promises to keep,' he insisted.

'Today, I am announcing I will continue to fight for freedom in the public realm by running for re-election,' Johnson penned. 'It is a decision I haven't made lightly. Having already experienced a growing level of vitriol and false attacks, I certainly don't expect better treatment in the future. For my campaign to succeed, I will need the support of every American who values the truth and refuses to allow lies and distortions to prevail.'

He predicted that Democrats will spend 'tens of millions of dollars' in an effort to 'destroy and defeat me'.

'We cannot let them win,' he wrote.

In his 2010 election, Johnson beat his Democratic competitor by nearly 5 percentage points. In his 2016 reelection, that margin narrowed in a rematch with the same competitor where Johnson won by 3.4 percentage points.
A man has been charged with murder after a father-of-one was stabbed in west London.

Harley-Dee Thompson, 27, will appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Monday accused of killing 46-year-old Dariusz Wolosz.

He faces a further charge of possessing an offensive weapon in relation to the incident in the early hours of Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police said.

Mr Wolosz, a Polish national, is believed to have been attacked following a row with a group of young men on Tavistock Road in West Drayton.

The victims daughter said on social media that the attack happened after her father went to the shops to buy a packet of cigarettes, the Evening Standard reports.

She added: 'I want everybody to remember him as a lovely and warm person even if he was a stranger for you. Love you dad so much.'

The family of Darius Wolosz,46, are 'deeply distraught' following his death in the early hours of last Tuesday

Officers were called to reports of an injured man on the busy High Street in Yiewsley at 12.12am and despite the best efforts of emergency services he was pronounced dead at 12.43am.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as stab wounds to the groin and chest.

Mr Wolosz's family are 'distraught' as homicide detectives from the Met's specialist crime command continue to investigate.

An online fundraiser set up by family friend Gemma Hunt and has already raised over 2,000.

Harley-Dee Thompson, 27, will appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Monday accused of killing Mr Wolosz (pictured)

She wrote: '[Darius'] distraught wife as a result of this horrendous act is now a widow and a single mother left to raise their only child alone.

'I'm sure as a community we can all come together and help this family, who have lost a husband and father so tragically.

'No money in the world could ease their pain but if everyone could donate something to help, it will give them the chance to mourn their loss without the stress and worry of funeral costs and living expenses.'

A 13-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday in connection with the incident has been released on bail to a date in early February.
Scientists in Cyprus have identified a new 'Deltacron' Covid strain in 25 patients that combines the Delta and Omicron variants.

Leonidos Kostrikis, professor of biological sciences at the University of Cyprus, said the strain has a similar genetic structure to Omicron with the genomes of Delta.

His team has identified 25 cases of the hybrid variant so far and it is still too early to assess its impact, Bloomberg reported.

Scientists in Cyprus have identified a new 'Deltacron' Covid strain in 25 patients that combines the Delta and Omicron variants. Pictured: a vaccination queue in Cyprus

Covid infections normally only involve one mutant strain, but in extremely rare cases two can strike at the same time. Pictured: vaccination centre in Nicosia

Out of those identified, 11 of them were in patients already hospitalised with Covid and 14 were among the general public.

Kostrikis said: 'We will see in the future if this strain is more pathological or more contagious or if it will prevail.'

The scientists have sent their findings to GISAID, an international database that tracks viruses.

Covid infections normally only involve one mutant strain, but in extremely rare cases two can strike at the same time.

If these also infect the same cell, they may be able to swap DNA and combine to make a new version of the virus.

Last month, the boss of Moderna warned of a hybrid mutant that he feared would be even worse than the ones currently sweeping across the globe.

Dr Paul Burton, Moderna's chief medical officer, warned of a new super-variant in December

Dr Paul Burton, the vaccine maker's chief medical officer, warned the high numbers of Delta and Omicron made the combination likely.

He told MPs on the Science and Technology Committee that it was 'certainly' possible they could swap genes and trigger an even more dangerous variant.

Researchers have warned that these events, scientifically called 'recombination events', are possible but they require very specific conditions and the coincidence of mostly uncontrollable events.

Only three Covid strains created by viruses swapping genes had previously been recorded, with the virus instead mostly relying on random mutations to make more variants.

A new variant was not triggered over the two months when the Delta strain was outcompeting Alpha through this method.

In one case a recombination event occurred in the UK when the Alpha variant merged with B.1.177, which first emerged in Spain, in late January 2021.

It led to 44 cases before eventually disappearing.

Scientists in California said they had identified another recombination variant in February last year, with the Kent strain merging with B.1.429 which was first spotted in the area.

This new strain also led to very few cases, and quickly disappeared.

Covid mostly relies on random mutations to develop new variants.

These happen when the virus makes copies of itself, and errors appear in its genes.

In most cases these changes are harmless, but occasionally they can trigger an advantage such as being more transmissible or better able to evade vaccines.

It is thought that the Omicron variant emerged in a lingering infection in an immunocompromised person. This allowed the virus to mutate several times to train itself to be better at infecting humans and evading previous immunity.
Fellow Americans, good morning.

Certain dates echo throughout history, including dates that instantly remind all who have lived through them -- where they were and what they were doing when our democracy came under assault. Dates that occupy not only a place on our calendars, but a place in our collective memory. December 7th, 1941. September 11th, 2001. And January 6th, 2021.

On that day, I was not only Vice President-elect, I was also a United States senator. And I was here at the Capitol that morning, at a classified hearing with fellow members of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Hours later, the gates of the Capitol were breached.

I had left. But my thoughts immediately turned not only to my colleagues, but to my staff, who had been forced to seek refuge in our office, converting filing cabinets into barricades.

What the extremists who roamed these halls targeted was not only the lives of elected leaders. What they sought to degrade and destroy was not only a building, hallowed as it is. What they were assaulting were the institutions, the values, the ideals that generations of Americans have marched, picketed, and shed blood to establish and defend.

On January 6th, we all saw what our nation would look like if the forces who seek to dismantle our democracy are successful. The lawlessness, the violence, the chaos.

What was at stake then, and now, is the right to have our future decided the way the Constitution prescribes it: by we, the people -- all the people.

We cannot let our future be decided by those bent on silencing our voices, overturning our votes, and peddling lies and misinformation; by some radical faction that may be newly resurgent but whose roots run old and deep.

When I meet with young people, they often ask about the state of our democracy, about January 6th. And what I tell them is: January 6th reflects the dual nature of democracy -- its fragility and its strength.

You see, the strength of democracy is the rule of law. The strength of democracy is the principle that everyone should be treated equally, that elections should be free and fair, that corruption should be given no quarter. The strength of democracy is that it empowers the people.

And the fragility of democracy is this: that if we are not vigilant, if we do not defend it, democracy simply will not stand; it will falter and fail.

The violent assault that took place here, the very fact of how close we came to an election overturned -- that reflects the fragility of democracy.

Yet, the resolve I saw in our elected leaders when I returned to the Senate chamber that night -- their resolve not to yield but to certify the election; their loyalty not to party or person but to the Constitution of the United States -- that reflects its strength.

And so, of course, does the heroism of the Capitol Police, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, the National Guard, and other law enforcement officers who answered the call that day, including those who later succumbed to wounds, both visible and invisible.

Our thoughts are with all of the families who have lost a loved one.

You know, I wonder, how will January 6th come to be remembered in the years ahead?

Will it be remembered as a moment that accelerated the unraveling of the oldest, greatest democracy in the world or a moment when we decided to secure and strengthen our democracy for generations to come?

The American spirit is being tested.

The answer to whether we will meet that test resides where it always has resided in our country -- with you, the people.

And the work ahead will not be easy. Here, in this very building, a decision will be made about whether we uphold the right to vote and ensure free and fair election.

Let's be clear: We must pass the voting rights bills that are now before the Senate, and the American people must also do something more.

We cannot sit on the sidelines. We must unite in defense of our democracy in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and to our prosperity and posterity.

That is the preamble of the Constitution that President Biden and I swore an oath to uphold and defend. And that is the enduring promise of the United States of America.

My fellow Americans, it is my honor to introduce a public servant with the character and fortitude to meet this moment, a leader whose life's work has been moving our nation toward that more perfect union: President Joe Biden.
A Chinese investment welcomed by Serbia, but defamed by Western media

Xinhua) 09:29, January 09, 2022

-- A steel mill in Serbia has been reinvigorated with the help of a Chinese company.

-- Five years after having been purchased by China's HeSteel Group (HBIS), the steel mill has become the country's second-biggest exporter.

-- The unexpected bond with China has breathed fresh life to the Smederevo factory, not only in production, but also in environmental protection efforts.

BELGRADE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Several years ago, fierce market competition and management problems plunged the Smederevo steel mill in central Serbia into the verge of bankruptcy.

After a Chinese company purchased the mill in 2016, things have changed: thousands of jobs have been saved, and its production capacity and environmental performance greatly improved.

However, such a model of Belt and Road cooperation widely welcomed by the locals has been constantly smeared by the Western media.

Aerial photo taken on Aug. 16, 2021 shows the HBIS Serbia in Smederevo, Serbia. (HBIS Serbia/Handout via Xinhua)

CARELESS MISTAKE OR SMEAR CAMPAIGN

A recent Reuters report, titled "Chinese-owned steel mill coats Serbian town in red dust; cancer spreads," quoted "data from the Smederevo public health body, which a watchdog called Tvrdjava obtained through a freedom of information request and shared with Reuters," saying "the municipality of around 100,000 people reported 6,866 cancer cases in 2019, up from 1,738 in 2011."

And it reached a conclusion: "cancer rates have quadrupled in under a decade," which is a mistake confirmed by Xinhua reporters who verified official data, statements of relevant stakeholders and sources mentioned by Reuters.

The Smederevo public health body confirmed to Xinhua in emails that the statistics used by Reuters "represents the morbidity (illness) of all patients who reported to the doctors in 2019, even those on treatment diagnosed from earlier years," suggesting that the "6,866" cases could include patients registered in 2011.

In other words, the figure is not cancer incidence -- the rate of new cases of cancer in a year, as Reuters intended to persuade its readers to believe.

Smederevo health authorities also insisted that the statistics used by Reuters "cannot be compared/used for analysis."

In 2016, China's HeSteel Group (HBIS) purchased the Smederevo Steelworks for 46 million euros (51.9 million U.S. dollars), and established HBIS Serbia. The plant, which had been losing money for seven consecutive years until then, started to expand production and improve environmental performance.

A Serbian worker (L) talks with a Chinese engineer at a workshop of HBIS Serbia in Smederevo, Serbia, Oct. 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Shi Zhongyu)

Meanwhile, the watch dog, Tvrdjava, as Reuters mentioned is found to have connection with the U.S. Agency for International Development. The Washington-based agency has a bad reputation for interfering in other countries' internal affairs under the White House's instructions, such as plotting regime change in Venezuela.

As part of its efforts to contain China's development, the U.S. Senate adopted the United States Innovation and Competition Act in June, 2021, demanding that the U.S. government "support civil society and independent media" and "train journalists on investigative techniques" to "ensure public accountability related to the Belt and Road Initiative."

However, the U.S. government has taken action before the act is signed into law. Zimbabwe's largest daily newspaper The Herald published a report in September last year, revealing that Washington is funding and training local reporters to write anti-China stories and discredit Chinese investments. Journalists could receive 1,000 dollars for every fake story from the U.S. embassy through its proxy.

LOCAL SUPPORT

For many local residents, the Smederevo steel mill was considered "the pride of Serbia" as it was the only state-owned steelworks in the country.

It was taken over by U.S. Steel Corporation in 2003, and was sold back to the Serbian government in 2012 for 1 dollar as the factory was in deep trouble.

Five years after the establishment of HBIS Serbia, the steel mill has become the country's second-biggest exporter. Data of the Serbian Ministry of Finance showed that in the first half of 2021, the factory's export value exceeded 304 million dollars.

Serbian employees work at a workshop of HBIS Serbia in Smederevo, Serbia, Oct. 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Shi Zhongyu)

Daniel Glavas, a worker of HBIS Serbia, said that tremendous changes have taken place since HBIS' arrival. "At that time, we had no future, and we didn't know what the future would be like. Since the arrival of the new management, we have received guarantees on our positions and salaries."

"The fact that HBIS employs about 5,200 people, that about 20,000 more people work indirectly thanks to the ironworks, and that it is the first exporter in the country tells you enough about how important it is for the state economy and employment rate in our city," Jovan Bec, mayor of Smederevo, told Xinhua.

He stressed that a lot has been done to prevent dust pollution in settlements surrounding the steelworks.

According to the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), the air pollution in Smederevo has been decreasing since the steelworks got its new owner.

The number of days with pollutant levels above the threshold dropped by more than 40 percent in 2020 compared with the year of 2011, and pollutant concentrations decreased on a daily basis, Tamara Perunovic Culic, assistant director of SEPA, told Xinhua in an interview.

The average concentration of PM10 particles dropped from 113 micrograms per cubic meter in 2019 to 76 micrograms in 2020, while the concentration of PM2.5 particles dropped from 75 micrograms per cubic meter in 2019 to 57 in 2020, according to SEPA.

According to HBIS, the figures continued to decrease in 2021: the average daily concentration of PM10 particles was 43 micrograms per cubic meter, while the concentration of PM2.5 particles decreased to 30 micrograms per cubic meter, both of which are below 50 micrograms per cubic meter as requested by the Serbian government.

"Air quality is constantly monitored at two measuring points in (villages of) Ralja and Radinac throughout the year and HBIS bought an automatic measuring station which was handed over to SEPA and placed in the village of Radinac," said the mayor.

Ljubica Drake, general manager of environmental protection at HBIS Serbia, told Xinhua that the top management of HBIS is "surprisingly" dedicated to environmental protection.

"When HBIS first came here in 2016, we mustn't forget that this plant did business in very difficult circumstances," and it was a priority then to put all these environment protection systems into operation, he said.

So far, HBIS has invested 339 million dollars to upgrade its equipment. Its long-term plan "will create true progress in the protection of the environment," Drake said.

Photo taken on May 17, 2021 shows a steelmaking workshop at the HBIS Serbia in Smederevo, Serbia. (Xinhua/Shi Zhongyu)

HBIS Serbia's "presence is important for Smederevo because it provides living and working conditions for many families, gives children the opportunity to go to school, and young people do not leave their hometown but stay in it and realize themselves in all fields of life," Bec said.

For Vladan Mihailovic, executive director for production at the steel mill, the plant's success is admirable. "Can you imagine that? In just 5.5 years, a plant that was just several weeks or months away from being shut down, is becoming one of the best plants in Europe."

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
Two 14-month Labradors have been roaming five schools in Massachusetts to help detect COVID-19 within the premises.

According to reports, Huntah and Duke have been undergoing training similar to narcotic dogs. But unlike the latter, they are not trained to detect drugs.

Jonathan Darling explains how dogs can detect COVID-19

Jonathan Darling, the Bristol County Sheriff Office public information officer, detailed how the two adorable dogs were trained to detect COVID-19.

He said that Huntah and Duke's trainers took a mask worn by a person who tested positive for COVID-19 and then used a UV light to kill the virus. The mask was then cut into small pieces and placed in a plastic bag to imprint its scent on the dogs.

Since COVID-19 causes metabolic changes, which trigger a specific odor, the two dogs are then able to detect the virus.

However, Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick Medical School in the United Kingdom, said that it's still too early to determine whether the COVID-19 sniffing dogs can be used to fight the pandemic in general.

School superintendent calls the dogs' visit a win-win

But even if this is the case, school superintendent Rick Medeiros is confident that the two dogs, which have been brought into the five schools within his district, have been of great help to everyone on the campuses.

"Our number one priority is to safely keep our students and staff in school for in-person learning and we believe this was just one more mitigation strategy to help us reach that goal," he said via CNN.

Read Also: COVID-19 Around the World: How Different Countries Are Dealing With Omicron Surge in January 2022

Medeiros also assured parents and teachers that the dogs wouldn't disrupt the children's learning since Huntah and Duke only come to school once a week.

The teachers do not also ask their students to line up so that the dogs can sniff them and detect COVID-19. Instead, the dogs enter vacant rooms like cafeterias and gymnasiums to detect the scent they were trained to look for.

Other school districts are interested in hiring dogs to detect COVID-19

Darling, meanwhile, confirmed that other school districts had already reached out to him to ask about Huntah and Duke. If Fairhaven and Norton also employ the same strategy, the dogs would have to visit 15 schools weekly.

The officer also revealed that Huntah and Duke enjoy their work. But when they aren't tasked to detect COVID-19 in schools, they are like other dogs that love to give kisses.

He also said that the students and staff love seeing the dogs whenever they are on campus. But according to NBC Boston, some individuals are opposed to having dogs in the school.

Norton Superintendent Joseph Baeta said that the dogs could scare some kids.

Study shows dogs are effective COVID-19 detectors

Meanwhile, the Forensic Center at Florida International University conducted a study on dogs detecting COVID-19. They used data from another research that was conducted in 1993.

The study found that dogs are more than 90 percent reliable in detecting COVID-19 odors, with a very low false positivity rate, according to CBS News.

Related Article: 3 Fugitives Arrested, Detained Without Bond In Connecticut Following an Investigation Into Suspected Animal Cruelty; 7 Abused Pit Bulls Rescued

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Others argue the Department of Public Health measure will worsen the problem

Meanwhile, firefighters in LA are driving sick patients to hospitals in fire trucks because 450 first responders are sick with COVID-19

Staffing shortages woes in California were exacerbated by Governor Gavin Newsom's vaccine mandate put into effect last year

Staffing shortages woes in California were exacerbated by Governor Gavin Newsom's vaccine mandate put into effect last year

About 40percent of hospitals are expected to face critical shortages

About 40percent of hospitals are expected to face critical shortages

tions have spiked almost 500percent in the last two weeks, and hospitalizations are now almost twice as in Christmas

Infec tions have spiked almost 500percent in the last two weeks, and hospitalizations are now almost twice as in Christmas

The Golden State has seen a seven-day average of 15,162 COVID-19 cases, with more than 6 million active cases reported in total

California is now allowing hospitals to force COVID-positive asymptomatic staff to work as the state grapples with a surge of Omicron cases and staff shortages, as Governor Newsom deployed National Guard members to assist at testing sites.

'Hospitals have to exhaust all other options before resorting to this temporary tool. Facilities and providers using this tool, should have asymptomatic COVID-19 positive workers interact only with COVID-19 positive patients to the extent possible,' a statement issued by the California Department of Public Health on Saturday read.

The news sparked outrage among advocates for health workers, who argue hospital staff has carried the weight of the pandemic on their shoulders and are now being put at risk, along with their patients.

'Healthcare workers and patients need the protection of clear rules guided by strong science. Allowing employers to bring back workers who may still be infectious is one of the worst ideas I have heard during this pandemic, and that's really saying something,' Bob Schoonover, President of SEIU California told CBS Sacramento.

Health and human Services Secretary Dr Mark Ghaly said on Wednesday 'some facilities are going to be strapped,' as the Omicron variants spike worsens the situation.

Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed 200 California National Guards members across 50 testing sites across the state and plans to deploy more in the following days.

The Golden State has seen a seven-day average of 15,162 COVID-19 cases, with more than 6 million active cases reported in total. Infections have spiked almost 500percent in the last two weeks, and hospitalizations are now almost twice as in Christmas.

About 40percent of hospitals are expected to face critical shortages. Kiyomi Burchill, a member of the California Hospital Association, said some hospitals have reported as much as one quarter of their staff out for COVID-19.

California is now allowing hospitals to force COVID-positive asymptomatic staff to work as the state grapples with a surge of Omicron cases and staff shortages

Meanwhile, Governor Newsom deployed 200 California National Guards members across 50 testing sites across the state

'In the emergency departments, we do have patients that are literally stacked up 20 to 30 in some of the hospitals, waiting for an open bed that will hopefully be available when we discharge patients,' Chris Van Gorder, president and CEO of Scripps Health, told NBC.

The statement by California Department of Public Health said: 'The department is providing temporary flexibility to help hospitals and emergency services providers respond to an unprecedented surge and staffing shortages,'

'Hospitals have to exhaust all other options before resorting to this temporary tool. Facilities and providers using this tool, should have asymptomatic COVID-19 positive workers interact only with COVID-19 positive patients to the extent possible.'

The guidance will be enforced until February 1, and does not require hospital staff to test negative or isolate before retuning to work.

Staffing shortages woes in California were exacerbated by Governor Gavin Newsom's vaccine mandate put into effect last year, which required health workers to get vaccinated or face termination.

Meanwhile, firefighters in LA are driving sick patients to hospitals in fire trucks because 450 firefighters are sick with COVID-19.

California health case consortium Kaiser Permanente suspended more than 2,000 unvaccinated employees in October.

But many argue that the California Department of Public Health measure will worsen the problem.

'We are very concerned,' Sandy Reding, president of the California Nurses Association told NBC. 'If you have health care workers who are COVID positive care for vulnerable populations, we can spread the COVID virus inside the hospital as well.'

'If we are going to set up for the surge, let's set up protocols to have transmission reduced. Which means not have COVID positive people come to work,' she added.

About 40percent of hospitals are expected to face critical shortages

Staffing shortages woes in California were exacerbated by Governor Gavin Newsom's vaccine mandate put into effect last year, which required health workers to get vaccinated or face termination

Meanwhile, Governor Newsom deployed 200 California National Guards members across 50 testing sites across the state.

Eighteen are in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, local news station KTLA 5 reported.

Cal Guard members joining the sites will be interim clinical staff, while the sites try to hire permanent staff.

'California has led the country's fight against COVID-19, implementing first-in-the-nation public health measures that have helped save thousands of lives,' Newsom said. 'We continue to support communities in their response to COVID by blustering testing capacity.'

More than 6,000 testing sites have been set up by the state, and more National Guard members are expected to join testing sites in the following days.

Cal Guard members joining the sites will be interim clinical staff, while the sites try to hire permanent staff

More than 6,000 testing sites have been set up by the state, and more National Guard members are expected to join testing sites in the following days

The United States has posted its second-highest daily total for new COVID-19 cases, as one expert predicts some 5 million Americans could call in sick in the coming week in a major disruption to the economy and essential services.

On Friday, the US recorded 900,832 new COVID cases, second only to the more than 1 million cases recorded on Monday. The nation's four highest caseload days since the start of the pandemic were all recorded in the past week.

The average daily case increase over the past seven days has been 664,732, a 64 percent increase from a week ago, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. Deaths ticked up on Friday to 2,615, a 22 percent increase from week-ago levels on a rolling-average basis, but still well below the peak a year ago.

Hospitalizations are rising quickly towards record highs, though new data from New York suggests that many hospital admissions with COVID are now incidental, with patients testing positive for the virus after hospitalization for unrelated complaints.

Most experts believe infections will continue to increase in the US for the next few weeks before the Omicron surge peaks in late January, with Dr. Anthony Fauci saying that the US will likely record more than 1 million cases daily on a regular basis in coming weeks.

'It's still surging upward... I would not be surprised at all if we go over a million cases per day,' Fauci told WNBC-TV on Friday. 'I would hope that by the time we get to the fourth week in January -- end of the third week, beginning of the fourth week  that we will start see this coming down.'

Though Omicron appears less likely to cause severe illness and death than prior strains, the widespread infections could force some five million Americans to stay home from work in the coming days, Andrew Hunter, senior U.S. economist at Capital Economics, told the Wall Street Journal.

Illness-related staff shortages have already hobbled a number of industries for weeks, driving more than 1,000 daily flight cancellations for 13 straight days, and the coming surge in COVID sick leave could further hammer businesses that don't allow for remote working.
Officials in Kazakhstan have denied that a controversial 'military biological laboratory' was seized in the recent unrest, which has so far claimed 160 lives since starting on January 2.

It is not clear if the 164 deaths refer only to civilians or if law enforcement deaths are included, but the number - provided by the health ministry to state news channel Khabar-24 - are a significant rise from previous tallies.

Kazakh authorities said earlier on Sunday that 16 police or national guard members had been killed.

Russian media highlighted claims that the US-funded facility near Almaty was compromised, resulting in a possible leak of dangerous pathogens.

The airport, mayor's office and secret services buildings fell briefly into the hands of rioters during a wave of protests backed by shadowy armed cells.

Officials in Kazakhstan have denied claims that a US-funded bio-lab had fallen into the hands of protesters, who briefly took control of an airport, the mayor's office and secret service buildings

Pictures have been released of Kazakh secret services operatives killed in the unrest. Pictured (left to right): Private Daulet Zhuparbekov, 19; Private Meirkhan Bitim, 19; and Junior detective Adil Nurkenov, 29

The bloody riots have resulted in over 160 deaths since their start on January 2. Pictured (left to right) and secret services operatives killed in the unrest: Lieutenant Colonel Dastan Edibay, 39; Captain Zhandos Zhagalbaev, 27; Colonel Andrei Kabdinov, 47; Zhaiyk Adylkan, 22

The secret bio-laboratory funded by the US defence department - which has links to Russian and Chinese scientists - was also compromised in the disturbances, according to social media claims that it was seized.

'This is not true. The facility is being guarded,' said the health ministry which is responsible for the Central Reference Laboratory, in Almaty.

Official Russian news agency TASS had highlighted alleged social media reports that it was taken over by 'unidentified people' and 'specialists in chemical protection suits were working near the lab so a leak of dangerous pathogens could have occurred'.

The laboratory's existence has been controversial and in 2020 the country formally denied that it was being used to make biological weapons.

At the time, the Kazakh government stated: 'No biological weapons development is underway in Kazakhstan - and no research is conducted against any other states.'

It was built in 2017 and is used for the study of outbreaks of particularly dangerous infections.

Dangerous pathogens are stored here, it is reported.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Friday the situation in Kazakhstan had 'stabilised' and that he had authorised police and the military to shoot to kill to restore order

A 'sizable number of foreign nationals' have been detained among the Kazakhstan protesters, leading to questions about where these alleged foreign provocateurs come from

In 2018 there were claims - officially denied - that a new strain of meningitis had leaked from the lab.

The Kazakhs said earlier that no US personnel remain involved in the lab's work, which included the study of Covid.

The furore over the lab came amid growing intrigue over the organisation of the protests that have now subsided after a large Russian force was sent to Kazakhstan.

Reports have cited well-coordinated armed groups alongside protesters against a gas price hike.

Pictures have emerged of guns seized in the riots in which almost 6,000 have been detained 'with a sizable number of foreign nationals among them'.

It is as yet not clear where these alleged foreign provocateurs were from.

Pictures have also been released of Kazakh secret services operatives killed in the unrest.

Pictures of guns confiscated from protesters, almost 6,000 of whom have been detained, have been released

The head of the security service Karim Masimov, a close ally of ex-president Nursultan Nazarbayev, has been detained on suspicion of 'treason' relating to this week's mayhem, and other officials have been purged by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is now seen as dependent on Vladimir Putin for remaining in power.

Russia and allies Belarus have continued to pour troops and equipment into Kazakhstan.

Kazakh authorities said earlier on Sunday that 16 police or national guard members had been killed in the protests that started on January 2.

A total of 103 deaths were in Almaty, the country's largest city, where demonstrators seized government buildings and set some on fire, according to the ministry. The country's ombudswoman for children's rights said that three of those killed were minors, including a four-year-old girl.

The ministry earlier reported more than 2,200 people sought treatment for injuries from the protests, and the Interior Ministry said about 1,300 security officers were injured.

About 5,800 people have been detained by police during the protests that developed into violence last week and prompted a Russia-led military alliance to send troops to the country, the office of Kazakhstan's president said.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's office said the situation in the country has stabilised and authorities have regained control of administrative buildings which had been occupied by protesters.

Russian TV station Mir-24 said sporadic gunfire was heard in Almaty on Sunday but it was unclear whether they were warning shots by law enforcement.

Mr Tokayev said on Friday that he had authorised police and the military to shoot to kill to restore order.

Almaty's airport, which had been taken by protesters last week, remained closed but was expected to resume operating on Monday.

Protests over a sharp rise in prices of LPG fuel began in western Kazakhstan on January 2 and spread throughout the country, apparently reflecting discontent extending beyond the fuel prices.

The same party has ruled Kazakhstan since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Any figures aspiring to oppose the government have either been repressed, sidelined, or co-opted, and financial hardship is widespread despite the country's enormous reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium and minerals.

Mr Tokayev contends that the demonstrations were ignited by 'terrorists' with foreign backing, although the protests have shown no obvious leaders or organisation.

The statement from his office on Sunday said the detentions included 'a sizable number of foreign nationals', but gave no details.

The health ministry said the bio-lab, where dangerous pathogens are reportedly kept, was being 'guarded'

It was unclear how many of those detained remained in custody on Sunday.

The former head of Kazakhstan's counter-intelligence and anti-terror agency has been arrested on charges of attempting to overthrow the government.

The arrest of Karim Masimov, which was announced on Saturday, came just days after he was removed as head of the National Security Committee by Mr Tokayev.

No details were given about what Mr Masimov was alleged to have done which would constitute such an attempt.

The National Security Committee, a successor to the Soviet-era KGB, is responsible for counter-intelligence, the border guards service and anti-terror activities.

Authorities say security forces killed 26 demonstrators in this week's unrest and that 16 law enforcement officers died.

At Mr Tokayev's request, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states, authorised sending about 2,500 mostly Russian troops to Kazakhstan as peacekeepers.

Some of the force is guarding government facilities in the capital, Nur-Sultan, which 'made it possible to release part of the forces of Kazakhstani law enforcement agencies and redeploy them to Almaty to participate in the counter-terrorist operation', according to a statement from Mr Tokayev's office.

In a sign that the demonstrations were more deeply rooted than just the fuel price rise, many protesters shouted 'Old man out' - a reference to Nursultan Nazarbayev, who was president from Kazakhstan's independence until he resigned in 2019 and anointed Mr Tokayev as his successor.

Mr Nazarbayev retained substantial power as head of the National Security Council, but Mr Tokayev replaced him as council head amid this week's unrest, possibly in a bid to mollify protesters.

However, Mr Nazarbayev's adviser, Aido Ukibay, said on Sunday that it was done at Mr Nazarbayev's initiative, according to the Kazakh news agency KazTag.
The country already requires vaccine passports for entry into hospitality settings and large events

Belgium is reported to be currently mulling over new restrictions to tackle to spread of the Omicron variant

Belgium is reported to be currently mulling over new restrictions to tackle to spread of the Omicron variant

marhced through the streets of Brussels to oppose stricter Covid regulations

ople marhced through the streets of Brussels to oppose stricter Covid regulations

Several thousand pe ople marhced through the streets of Brussels to oppose stricter Covid regulations

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Several thousand protesters marched in Brussels on Sunday to oppose anti-coronavirus regulations, as European governments mull tighter rules in the face of the omicron wave.

There was no repeat of the violence that had marred previous, larger demonstrations in the Belgian capital, although police intervened to surround a small group that approached the EU headquarters.

As it marched through the city the crowd - 5,000-strong according to the police - chanted 'freedom, freedom!' and brandished banners denouncing what they called a 'vaccine dictatorship'.

Belgium requires residents to show a Covid certificate to enter bars, restaurants and cultural events, and there have been several recent protests.

Thousands of people took part in a protest against Covid-19 measures in Brussels, Belgium, on January 9 as European governments mull tough restrictions

People hold placards during a demonstration against the Belgian government's restrictions imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus

Although there was no repeat of the violence that had marred previous thee was a large presence of police in riot gear with helmets and shields

On Sunday, health minister Frank Vandenbroucke called, in a television interview, for a parliamentary debate on tighter rules as Belgium see Covid cases soar as the omicron variant takes hold.

'People's minds are changing,' he said. 'A year ago, I was saying: compulsory vaccination is not a good idea, we need to convince people.

'Now, knowing that we really need to vaccinate 100 percent of the population - which was not our idea a year ago, we thought that 70 was enough - we still need some sort of generalised take up.'

This is not an idea that is likely to find much support among the protesters, who carried the flags of a diverse array of political groups, but were united in opposition to compulsory measures.

Members of the Belgian Federal Police stand guard during the demonstration today amid soaring Covid cases because of the Omicron variant

Belgian Federal Police detained a person during the protest. On Sunday, health minister Frank Vandenbroucke called for a parliamentary debate on tighter rules

Mr Vandenbroucke said: 'Now, knowing that we really need to vaccinate 100 percent of the population - which was not our idea a year ago, we thought that 70 was enough - we still need some sort of generalised take up'

People filmed on their phones as police seemed to come from all sides during the anti-coronavirus measures demonstration

Some 5000 people took part in the demonstration to protest against the health pass and measures aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid

'It's a completely absurd crisis management which affects freedoms enormously and which will lead to a Chinese-style system if we let it happen,' said one, who gave her name as Danielle.

Previous marches developed into running street battles with police, who have deployed tear gas and water cannon in recent weeks, but Sunday's ended in relatively orderly fashion amid tight security.

Riot police erected barbed wire barricades across roads leading towards the European Union's headquarters buildings and deployed drones and two water cannon trucks.

Between December 30 and January 5, Belgium recorded and average number of 17,513 new daily coronavirus infections, up 96 percent on the previous week and 169 hospitalisations per day, up 28 percent.

The Netherlands and Austria are also still in lockdown with the Dutch government saying restrictions will remain in place until at least past January 14.
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A survivor of the Brazilian cliff collapse has told how she saw some pebbles start to fall from the top of the canyon moments before the rockface fell on top of two boats carrying tourists at a popular sightseeing spot.

Andreia Mendonca recalled how holidaymakers were taking pictures at the waterfalls in southeast Brazil when part of the canyon collapsed, killing at least ten people and seriously injuring nine.

Mendonca had even told the driver of their boat that she could see some pebbles falling, but he said it 'was nothing'.

The collapse took place near a picturesque waterfall in a canyon located near the popular tourist village of Capitolio, in the southeast of Brazil, on Saturday.

Rescuers recovered three more bodies from the lake on Sunday, raising the death toll to 10 in the disaster that injured more than 32 tourists.

Mendonca, who watched on in horror from her speedboat, told Globo: 'We stopped, took pictures and it was time for everyone to take their place and start to leave.

'I looked up at the rock and some pebbles were falling. I even made a comment to the boat's pilot and he said it was nothing, but just a few pebbles.'

Mendonca continued: 'When I looked again, that huge rock was already falling, that huge piece of rock. I looked at the many boats below and a horrible scene.

'The pilot left as fast as he could get us out of there. Very sad, I never imaged we would witness such a scene.'

Dramatic footage captured the moment a huge slice of the rock wall broke off from the canyon on Furnas Lake and began to slowly fall forward on top of two tourist boats.

Passengers can be heard screaming as the cliffside crashed directly on one of the boats, engulfing the other nearby ship and sending waves and debris flying to the other vessels touring the area.

Andreia Mendonca (left), a survivor of the Brazilian cliff collapse, has told how she saw some pebbles start to fall from the top of the canyon moments before the rockface fell on top of two boats carrying tourists at a popular sightseeing spot (right)

Shocking video captured the moment the cliffside fell on two tourist boats

The crash engulfed the two tourist ships and sent debris flying to the other nearby boats

Relatives of a victim wait outside the Legal Medicine Institute of Passos, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, on Sunday, a day after part of a cliff collapsed and killed at least ten people

Authorities said at least 32 people have been taken to hospital and nine are still recovering from serious injuries in hospital.

The people hospitalized in the accident had broken bones and one was in serious condition in hospital with head and facial injuries.

Video from other boats revealed that that the tourist ships had been worried about the cliffside and were urging the other boats to get away moments before the tragedy.

The passengers could be heard screaming out to the others to move away, with their pleas growing as rocks began chipping and falling away from the cliffside.

Rovilson Teixeira, an experienced boat operator, told the local press he expects more victims to be found. He added that he had never seen anything like this before in the area.

'We are all stunned, nobody knows how many victims, but I can already say that it wasn't just one or two deaths, but many deaths. There are a lot of injured people.

'The place is full of ambulances from all over the region that came to deal with the victims, but nobody can yet process the scale of this tragedy.'

The fire department of Minas Gerais state has deployed divers and helicopters to help find the victims of the tragedy.

Edgard Estevo, commander of the Minas Gerais State Fire Department, said the accident occurred between the towns of Sao Jose da Barra and Capitolio, from which the boats had left.

The collapse took place near a picturesque waterfall in a canyon located near the popular tourist village of Capitolio, in the southeast of Brazil, on Saturday

Firefighters from the Minas Gerais Fire Department carry out a rescue operation after a wall of rock broke from a cliff falling onto several tourist boats

The tourists boats were heard warning each other about the dangers at the cliff as rocks began falling off. Two ships were still close to the cliffside when it came down

The collapse took place near a picturesque waterfall as tourist boats made their way through

The families of the victims embrace on Sunday as they wait to hear for more information from authorities

The collapse, described as 'like a domino', is thought to have been caused by excessive rain. Authorities had warned locals earlier that day to avoid waterfalls in the area, which may have been vulnerable to large volumes of water.

The region has been under heavy rainfall for two weeks, which officials suggest could have loosened the rock face. On Saturday, a dike overflowed at an iron ore mine about 180 miles to the east, cutting off a major federal highway.

Lieutenant Pedro Aihara, spokesperson for the local fire department, said rock collapses in the region are normal - but not on this scale or trajectory.

'Normally the piece of rock slides down from where it is,' he told news portal UOL. 'This time, the structure fell down like a domino and what hit people was the upper part, in a perpendicular trajectory.'

According to local reports, of the victims still in hospital two have exposed fractures, four have light injuries and three are in a grave condition.

Furnas Lake, which was created in 1958 for the installation of a hydroelectric plant, is a popular tourist draw in the area roughly 260 miles north of Sao Paulo. Officials in Capitolio, which has about 8,400 residents, say the town can see around 5,000 visitors on a weekend, and up to 30,000 on holidays.

Earlier last year, the concern was a lack of rain as Brazil experienced the worst drought in 91 years, which forced officials to divert the water flow from the Furnas Lake dam.

The Brazilian navy, which also helped in the rescue, said it would investigate the causes of the accident.

Relatives of victims who died after a wall of rock collapsed on top of motor boats below a waterfall in Capitolio cry on Sunday as they wait for the bodies to be released for burial

Minas Gerais Fire Department helped out with the rescue effort on Saturday

Even in the dry season, in some parts of the lake the movement is so intense that the boats have to take turns to navigate on the lake, said the City Hall press office.

Minas Gerais state Governor Romeu Zema tweeted on Saturday: 'Today we are suffering the pain of a tragedy in our state, due to heavy rains, which caused the loosening of a wall of stones in Lake Furnas, in Capitolio.

'The Government of Minas is present from the beginning through the Civil Defense and Fire Department.

'Rescue work is still ongoing.

'I stand in solidarity with families at this difficult time. We will continue to act to provide the necessary support.'
Pictured: Kristal Bayron-Nieves, 19, who was shot and killed while working at Burger King in Harlem early Sunday morning

A teen girl was gunned down and killed during a robbery while working her shift at a Harlem Burger King - with the killer making off with only $100.

Kristal Bayron-Nieves, 19, was working as a cashier at the Burger King at 116th Street and Lexington Avenue in East Harlem around early Sunday morning when an armed robber entered the restaurant at around 1am.

The gunman pistol-whipped a male customer before punching a female manager in the face.

Bayron-Nieves, who just started the job three weeks ago, gave the robber $100 cash from the drawer, an eyewitness said, according to her mother.

The criminal turned to leave, but turned around again and shot Bayron-Nieves in the torso, according to the New York Post.

The teen was transported to nearby Metropolitan Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

'She didn't deserve to be mowed down while working at a Burger King,' a police source said.

Her family told the Post that she had already requested more security and moving to the day shifts after fearing for her safety when leaving work.

'She is only 19, and she has more than 50 homeless people sleeping in front of the store,' her mother, Kristie Nieves, 36, said in Spanish through friend and translator Nathalie Pagan.

Surveillance photo of the suspect, right, wanted for killing the 19-year-old cashier while robbing the fast food eatery for just $100

Pictured: cops investigate a fatal shooting of a teen working at the Burger King at 116th Street and Lexington Avenue in East Harlem

The body of Kristal Bayron-Nieves is wheeled out of the Burger King early Sunday morning after she was fatally shot in the torso during a robbery

Her mother went on to say she felt particularly torn over her daughter's death after convincing her to continue going to work despite the teen's concerns.

'Kristal said Friday, 'I don't want to go. I'm scared,'' Nieves said.

'I say, 'You have to go and be responsible.' At 10 pm I wake her up to go and tell her, 'You have to go. You have to be responsible. You have to get a better life.''

Pagan added that Kristal's mom 'feels guilty about that. That's what she tells me earlier, that she feels guilty because she wakes her up to go.'

The teen was transported to nearby Metropolitan Hospital, where she was pronounced dead

The robber has yet to be identified or apprehended, according to police as they continue to investigate and canvas the crime scene, pictured above

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell on Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's 'woke' crime policies A January 3 memo sent out by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg was criticized by NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell as it elaborated on his 'woke' crime policy beliefs The memo detailed the idea of reducing sentencing for non-violent crimes such as burglary, armed robbery and drug dealing despite the recent growth in NYC crime Bragg said that he will 'not seek carceral' sentences for criminals, unless they were guilty of murder or a handful of other crimes he deemed serious enough to warrant prison Sewell sent an email detailing her concern over Bragg's ideas as she felt it could put officers as well as the public at risk 'I have studied these policies and I am very concerned about the implications to your safety as police officers, the safety of the public and justice for the victims,' Sewell wrote in the email obtained by the New York Post. Sewell also said Bragg's sweeping changes would cause harm to local businesses already reeling from the pandemic and would 'invite more open-air drug markets and drug use in Manhattan.' She added that the changes could lead to more gun violence as well as exacerbate quality of life concerns 'The new charging policies of the Manhattan District Attorney effectively decriminalizes much of the conduct that New Yorkers are asking the police to address,' she wrote. In addition, Sewell she agreed with Bragg's hopes for more criminal justice reform in the Big Apple, but argued that the NYPD was already making headway through its community based policing. Advertisement

According to family, a young man, who stopped by to see her at the restaurant to bring her a flower almost nightly, was there when she was killed.

'He told us he was there until her last breath,' Pagan said.

'He tells us when he went and walk to the place that he always buy her a flower. He went back, and they open the door to this guy that was dressed like them, in all black.'

Bayron-Nieves reportedly mistook the robber for a delivery man before he punched the restaurant manager and the knocking out the young man there to see her.

Pagan said the teen ultimately gave the thief all the money in the register, about $100 in cash.

'So (the young man) says that the guy turns around and he comes back and shot her,' Pagan said.

'That he turn around like he is going to leave, but he comes back and shoots her.'

'She'd done everything that he say,' she said.

'She give him the money and everything. That she didn't even do nothing wrong.'

The robber, who has yet to be identified or apprehended, was described as a slim male who was wearing dark clothes and a black mask, according to police.

Authorities have since released surveillance video footage of the man wanted in the teen's death.

The fatal robbery comes as New York City's crime rate soars after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's controversial decision to downgrade burglary, armed robbery and drug dealing crimes felonies to misdemeanors.

The number of robberies has since increased by 19.4 percent over the course of the last week.

Meanwhile, former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton lashed out at Bragg, claiming the city's new woke top prosecutor is 'handcuffing the police' as authorities search for Bayron-Nieves killer, while blaming George Soros for Bragg's election.

Current NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell echoed Bratton's claims, and slammed the new policy as she considered it a 'danger' to officers.

Bratton, who said that Soros has 'effectively destroyed the criminal justice system in America,' called Bragg's woke policies of downgrading burglary, armed robbery and drug dealing from felonies to just misdemeanors a 'recipe for disaster.'

'He's well-intended in the sense that he's trying to find a way to address some of the issues of the past,' Bratton said.

'You don't address the issues of the past by effectively decriminalizing just about everything in New York City.'

Pictured: Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg downgraded armed robbery and other crimes from felonies to misdemeanors

Sunday's fatal robbery and shooting incident comes as crime continues to surge in NYC with a 19.4 percent increase in robberies reported

Bratton said newly-elected Mayor Eric Adams has his hands tied in terms of crime while Bragg's office implements its woke policies.

Mayor Adams had promised a return to broken-windows policing after winning on a tough-on-crime approach campaign.

'I don't know how Mr. Adams is going to do that when the DA is effectively handcuffing the police,' he said.

Several of New York City's borough district attorneys also took aim at the soft-on-crime policies laid out this week by Bragg.

Meanwhile, Crime Stoppers is offering $3,500 for the killer's capture as wanted posters with a surveillance photo of the killer could be seen gracing the streets of East Harlem on Sunday.
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Thirty-four people were rescued from a floating chunk of ice that broke away from shore in the bay of Green Bay in eastern Wisconsin on Saturday morning.

The chunk of ice floated about three-quarters of a mile during the rescue and was about a mile from the shoreline by the time everyone was brought to solid ground.

Authorities said the stranded people, many of whom had been ice fishing at the time of the incident, were on the separated ice shove for about 90 minutes. Luckily, no one was injured.

Shane Nelson, a first-time ice freshman who was one of the many stranded in the lake, told WLUK: 'It sounded like, almost, somebody fired a gun out there.'

'We thought it was interesting, got out of our shanty, took a look and people were yelling on the ice "we're separating."'

The Brown County Sheriff's Office suspects the separation was caused by a barge traveling through the bay.

Thirty-four people were rescued from a floating chunk of ice that broke away from shore in the bay of Green Bay in eastern Wisconsin on Saturday morning

The chunk of ice floated about three-quarters of a mile during the rescue and was about a mile from the shoreline by the time everyone was brought to solid ground

Authorities said the stranded people, many of whom had been ice fishing at the time of the incident, were on the separated ice shove for about 90 minutes. Luckily, no one was injured

Deputies were called to the shoreline of Point Comfort in Scott, Wisconsin around 10.17am Saturday after receiving reports that dozens were stranded on a chunk of broken ice.

Aided by local fire departments, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the US Coast Guard, rescuers used two airboats to bring the individuals back to safety.

Lt. John Bain (pictured), of the Brown County Sheriff's Office, said he suspects the separation was caused by a barge traveling through the bay

During the rescue mission, the ice chunk continued to float away from shore, cracking and rapidly deteriorating as the open water pounded at its edges. Despite this, the chunk remained in fairly stable condition, WFRV reported.

The rescue took multiple trips to complete, but by noon all stranded individuals were safely back at shore. Officials initially reported 27 people had been rescued, but later increased the figure to 34.

Authorities attributed the efficiency of the rescue to the hardworking first responders and the use of airboats.

'Their ability to carry up to eight additional passengers aside from rescue personnel and ability to traverse ice and water terrain greatly cut down on the amount of time and risk this rescue took,' the sheriff's office wrote in a press release.

Lt. John Bain, with the Brown County Sheriff's Office, applauded the efforts of the rescuers, noting that the moving ice was challenging.

'We ran into issues with ice breaking up as we were rescuing the people,' he told WBAY.

'I heard reports that the ice had drifted out approximately 2,000 feet from where they originally were. So our ice boat operators indicated that the ice had moved farther each trip that they went back for a rescue.'

Deputies were called to the shoreline of Point Comfort in Scott, Wisconsin around 10.17am Saturday after receiving reports that dozens were stranded on a chunk of broken ice

The rescue took multiple trips to complete, but by noon all stranded individuals were safely back at shore. Officials initially reported 27 people had been rescued, but later increased the figure to 34

First-time ice fisherman Shane Nelson (right), who was on the ice with his friend Robert Verhagen (left) said the ice breaking 'sounded like, almost, somebody fired a gun out there'

Aided by local fire departments, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the US Coast Guard, rescuers used two airboats to bring the individuals back to safety

The lieutenant believes a passing ship mixed with naturally occurring conditions on the ice likely caused the destabilization of the ice.

'A barge may have come through and that may have disrupted the ice,' he said. 'The disruption of the ice along with natural occurring conditions may have led to that.'

He also noted that 'it's always a very dangerous event with the cold water and the weather'.

'The current and the winds, things can change fast, and you're not always aware that they are changing,' Bain explained.

'Were really thankful that all the cooperation and teamwork led to a safe rescue.'

Although the department has ice rescues each year, Bain said Brown County officials have 'never rescued that many people off the ice, at the same time'.

Lt. Jason McAuly, also with the department, said he hopes the rescue serves as a warning and reminder to practice safety on the ice.

'People out on the ice are always encouraged to maintain awareness of the potential deterioration in their surroundings and keep a cellphone or some way of communicating with them in case there is a need to call for assistance,' McAuly said.

During the rescue mission, the ice chunk continued to float away from shore, cracking and rapidly deteriorating as the open water pounded at its edges

Despite it's rapid deterioration, officials said the chunk remained 'fairly stable'
Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois said on Sunday that Donald Trump is a 'symptom' of the anger stoked by right-wing talk radio narratives that profit off of fear and victimization.

Speaking to NBC's Meet The Press, the outgoing GOP lawmaker said the former president's meteoric rise to power came because he was at the right place at the right time.

Kinzinger also claimed Trump's enduring grasp on the party is due in large part to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who paid a visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago club days after denouncing his role in the Capitol riot.

'Did Donald Trump reveal what the Republican party is or change it?' host Chuck Todd asked.

You know, I think it's actually a little of both,' Kinzinger said.

'So, I think, on the one hand, Donald Trump is a symptom of years and years of leaders, you know, profit-driven radio shows, whatever, turning the base into this angry, fearful, you know, victimized group of people.'

He said those talk radio shows, without naming any hosts or titles, convince their viewers that they can 'never get a fair shot or that they're losing 'more and more political power.'

'Keep in mind, Republicans still won just about half of all races,' Kinzinger clarified, before adding: 'But then Donald Trump came along and, I think unintentionally, because I think he just wanted to be, you know, that guy, unintentionally got in front of the wave where people wanted somebody to blow stuff up.'

Kinzinger is one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over the riot

'The problem is leaders have to now interdict this fear and anger cycle and they're not doing it. They're instead hiding.'

Kinzinger is one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over the riot. He along with Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming are the only two members of the GOP appointed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the committee investigating January 6.

Some Republican leaders in Congress have been accused of flip-flopping on their initial reactions condemning Trump and the Capitol riot in order to please the ex-president.

Senator Lindsey Graham famously said 'enough is enough' with Trump when Congress resumed its Joint Session to certify Joe Biden's 2020 victory. Hours earlier rioters were overwhelming law enforcement and shattering glass to enter into the US Capitol.

But hours after Biden's speech last week denouncing Trump's role in the insurrection on its first anniversary, Graham released a scathing statement accusing Biden of 'politicizing' the riot.

And Kinzinger accused McCarthy of lying on Sunday when he recalled the House GOP leader painting the January 2021 visit to Trump's Florida retreat as a mere coincidence.

'January 7th, I'll tell you, within my Republican Caucus, there was a lot of silence, a lot of discussion -- where do we go from here, this was wrong,' he said, describing the immediate fallout after the insurrection.

He said McCarthy told colleagues his January 2021 meeting with Trump (pictured) was a coincidence, though Kinzinger claimed that was a lie

'And something happened two weeks later, which is Kevin McCarthy went to Mar-a-Lago. And it caught everybody off guard, they were shocked.'

He then referenced a photo released by Trump's team after their meeting of the two side-by-side. It was the first official photo of the former president since he left office.

'But in that picture he had with Donald Trump, and I think Kevin had told us something like, "Oh, I just happened to be in Florida and he wanted to meet, so I want as going to meet with him." No, that was an intentional meeting,' Kinzinger said.

He said the meeting 'resurrected Donald Trump back to life.'

'And I think when history looks back, it'll be Kevin's meeting with Donald Trump which actually made him as immediate of a force as it was. He may have come back, but I think that was a very important meeting,' Kinzinger said.

McCarthy and Trump met the month before the ex-president's historic second impeachment trial in the Senate. At the time it was still possible that enough Republicans would come on board to convict him.

Immediately after the riot, McCarthy stood on the House floor and said Trump 'bears responsibility.'

He released a statement following his meeting with Trump calling on Republicans to band together against the 'radical Democrat agenda.'

'Today, President Trump committed to helping elect Republicans in the House and Senate in 2022. A Republican majority will listen to our fellow Americans and solve the challenges facing our nation,' McCarthy said.

'Democrats, on the other hand, have only put forward an agenda that divides us -- such as impeaching a President who is now a private citizen and destroying blue-collar energy jobs.'

News of the meeting first emerged after reports revealed Trump called McCarthy a 'p***y' for placing any blame on him for having a role in last year's riot.
Garret James Smith, 22, was arrested near a January 6 protest carrying a handmade bomb believed to be filled with nails

Police arrested a man as he fled a Capitol riot rally in Florida carrying a backpack containing a homemade pipe bomb, combat helmet, and handwritten action plan.

Garrett James Smith was jailed on his 22nd birthday, on January 6 2022, near a rally being held outside the Pinellas County Justice Center in protest of a local Capitol riot suspect's arrest.

He was chased down by deputies while sprinting away from the rally - ostensibly spooked by something - while wearing black clothing and a black face mask.

Among the contents of his backpack was a black helmet painted with red logos, similar to the headwear worn by protestors in Portland, police said.

His 'direct action' checklist laid out what he intended to carry, including: flammable rags, a gas mask, pepper spray, a multitool pocketknife, a 'survival whistle' and more.

They believe the bomb he was carrying was packed with nails.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said investigators probing Smith's background found no criminal history or social media presence, making him a 'sleeper' suspect - the most worrisome type of people.

'These are the most concerning individuals because there's no opportunity to intervene and thwart their criminal activity until they actually act,' he told reporters during a January 7 press conference.

Smith was jailed on his 22nd birthday January 6 near a rally being held outside the Pinellas County Justice Center in protest of a local Capitol riot participant's arrest

Police obtained a search warrant to search Smith's parents' Oldsmar home, where they found a second handmade pipe bomb, hand grenade-type explosives, nails used in the explosives and duct tape.

He lived with his parents and siblings, and previously spent a few months in Portland, police said.

Although his parents have cooperated with investigators, Smith has plead the fifth.

'Smith refused to give any information, he refused to talk to deputies, and we really have no idea as what his political leanings are , or whether he supported or opposed the protestors at the jail,' Gualtieri said.

'We also don't know exactly what his plan was or why Smith was running away from the protest area when he was apprehended by deputies and before he had an opportunity to detonate the explosive device.'

Smith's 'direct action' checklist laid out what he intended to carry, including: flammable rags, a gas mask, pepper spray, a multitool pocketknife, a 'survival whistle' and more

The sheriff said Smith's vehicle was parked several blocks away and that something likely 'spooked him' before he made it to the rally attended by about 80 people.

'He was running fast and it looked like he was fleeing from something,' Gualtieri said. 'He was prepared to do it, he had his device, he was all dressed. Something happened because it caused him to flee.'

If the device had been detonated, it could have been catastrophic for the dozens of people gathered at the 'peaceful' protest, which was held on the first anniversary of the Capitol riot.

'It could have been very destructive and he could have hurt a lot of people,' Gualtieri said. 'It had a potential to be very harmful to people, and especially with what he had at home.'

Police discovered a pipe bomb inside of Smith's backpack, and later discovered a second pipe bomb and hand grenades inside his bedroom

Among the contents of his backpack was a black helmet painted with red logos, similar to the headwear worn by protestors in Portland, police said

Smith lived with his parents and siblings at the family's Oldsmar home, where police found more explosives

Jeremy Brown, 47, is being held in Pinellas County Jail on federal charges related to the January 6 riot

Police said they discovered M-80 fireworks inside his vehicle.

Protestors were gathered outside the justice center in opposition to the incarceration of Jeremy Brown, 47, who is being held in Pinellas County Jail on federal charges related to the January 6 riot.

Brown, a self-described Oath Keeper, former Green Beret, and one-time congressional candidate, was arrested and charged with entering restricted grounds and possession of unregistered firearms last October. His arrest came after the FBI spotted a Zillow listing for his Florida home said to show a list of flash bangs, which he wasn't allowed to have.

Federal agents searched the 47 year-old's home last month to find a short-barrel rifle, a sawed-off shotgun, more than 8,000 rounds of ammunition, and two hand grenades.

A criminal complaint filed against Brown, notes encrypted chat messages on the Signal app in the weeks leading up to January in which Brown coordinated travel plans to help others get to Washington D.C.

A witness identified Brown to the FBI after photos of him in tactical gear identifying as an Oath Keeper were circulated in the media.

The Oath Keepers is one of the largest far-right antigovernment groups in the country which claims tens of thousands of present and former law enforcement officials and military veterans as members, according to Southern Poverty Law Center.

In a court hearing last month, U.S. Magistrate Judge Sean P. Flynn ordered Brown to remain behind bars citing his threats he made to authorities after they searched his home.

Smith parked his car blocks away from the 'lawful assembly', and was arrested while trying to return to it. Police said his vehicle contained powerful fireworks

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said investigators probing Smith's background found no criminal history or social media presence

Gualtieri said it's not clear why Smith targeted the protest, and added the FBI has been contacted.

Police are now working to determine Smith's 'political and philosophical' motivations as he remains jailed on $300,000 bond.

'This is one of those big mysteries at this point because we have a void of information,' the sheriff said. 'Clearly he was up to no good.'

Smith was charged with three counts of making, possessing, or discharging destructive devices, loitering, and prowling.
A primary school teacher has been banned from teaching after sending thousands of pounds to individuals and groups linked to terrorism.

Miriam Sebbagh, 52, who worked at Hunwick primary school in Crook, County Durham, has been prohibited 'indefinitely' from any classroom by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).

It came after she was found to have made five payments worth 2,500 to a person linked to banned terrorist organisation Al-Muhajiroun (ALM), as well as sending extremist videos promoting violent jihad.

In July 2017, Ms Sebbagh was arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTPNE) but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided there was 'insufficient evidence' to charge her.

Miriam Sebbagh, 52, sent a string of payments to suspected terrorists and 2,500 to an Islamist connected to Anjem Choudary's (pictured) banned Al-Muhajiroun group

CTPNE 'maintained a high level of concern' regarding Ms Sebbagh's state of mind, her opinions and her actions as a teacher, and submitted that her conduct should be considered by the TRA.

A witness statement provided to the panel said: 'Ms Sebbagh initially came to the attention of CTPNE following receipt of financial intelligence, which indicated that she had made several payments to an individual linked to Al- Muhajiroun, which is a proscribed terrorist organisation.

'The investigation identified that Ms Sebbagh sent five payments [of ] 2,500 from her account to the individual.'

A further seven payments totalling 1,310 were made between January 27 and July 5 2016 to an individual who is suspected to have left the UK and join the terrorist group calling itself Islamic State.

In 2017, a payment of 100 was made to an individual believed to have married a suspected ALM member and there was an unsuccessful payment in 2015 to an individual arrested over terrorism offences, the panel was told.

Ms Sebbagh, a teacher at Hunwick Primary School in County Durham, was arrested in 2017 on suspicion of terror offences

Police discovered 4,670 in a safe at her address in 2018 which was intended to fund terror attacks.

The money was forfeited under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 and Ms Sebbagh was also ordered to pay costs of 12,654.

During a police interview on May 8 2018, Ms Sebbagh said she regularly donated to good causes including Muslim charities as part of her faith and denied making payments to those linked to terrorism.

A witness statement to the panel said: 'Despite Ms Sebbagh's assertion that the payments she had made were charitable in nature, the only 'charitable' aspects of those payments were to support fellow extremists whilst under criminal investigation for terrorist-related offences and/or to fund travel to join Isis or others who espouse hate.'

Alan Meyrick, on behalf of the Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi (pictured), made the decision to ban Ms Sebbagh due to the 'seriousness of the allegations found proved against her'

In July 2017, Ms Sebbagh was arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing North East (CTPNE) but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided there was 'insufficient evidence' to charge her. Pictured: Hunwick primary school, where Ms Sebbagh taught

The panel also heard Ms Sebbagh had 'strongly-held views' that violent jihad was the 'correct interpretation of Islamic teaching'.

She had liked a number of pages on Facebook including those of individuals linked to IS, extremist views and hate speech, and had been trying to radicalise a friend with her beliefs about 'violent jihad'.

Ms Sebbagh also sent four 'extreme and concerning' videos to someone, one of which would be classified as a criminal offence to disseminate contrary to the Terrorism Act 2006.

Alan Meyrick, on behalf of the Education Secretary, made the decision to ban Ms Sebbagh due to the 'seriousness of the allegations found proved against her'.

Ms Sebbagh did not attend the hearing, which took place on December 21, and made no admission to the facts presented.
Former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton lashed out at woke newly-elected Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, claiming the city's top prosecutor is 'handcuffing the police' while blaming liberal billionaire George Soros for Bragg's election.

Bratton, who said that Soros has 'effectively destroyed the criminal justice system in America,' called Bragg's woke policies of downgrading burglary, armed robbery and drug dealing from felonies to just misdemeanors a 'recipe for disaster.'

'He's well-intended in the sense that he's trying to find a way to address some of the issues of the past,' Bratton said.

'You don't address the issues of the past by effectively decriminalizing just about everything in New York City.'

Bratton said newly-elected Mayor Eric Adams has his hands tied in terms of crime while Bragg's office implements its woke policies.

Former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton, pictured, lashed out at woke newly-elected Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, claiming the city's top prosecutor is 'handcuffing the police'

Pictured: Manhattan District Attorney-elect Alvin Bragg, a former top deputy to New York's attorney general, speaks to supporters in New York on November 2, 2021 after his election

Mayor Adams had promised a return to broken-windows policing after winning on a tough-on-crime approach campaign.

'I don't know how Mr. Adams is going to do that when the DA is effectively handcuffing the police,' he said.

Bratton added that Hungarian-born philanthropist Soros gave $1 million to Bragg through the Color of Change political action committee.

'If you look at every city in America that has violent crime increases and disorder increaseswhat is the one common denominator?' Bratton said.

'District attorneys, almost all of whom are funded phenomenally by George Soros.'

'Soros and his people have people have figured out how to basically gerrymander the system,' Bratton claimed, saying he has 'effectively destroyed the criminal justice system in America.'

Bratton added that Hungarian-born philanthropist Soros gave $1 million to Bragg, along with district attorneys Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago and Loudoun County

Hungarian-born US investor and philanthropist George Soros, pictured, delivers a speech on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting, on January 23, 2020

Several of New York City's borough district attorneys took aim at the soft-on-crime policies laid out this week by newly-elected Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg.

Staten Island DA Michael McMahon slammed Bragg's ideas, saying they 'roll out the welcome mat for would-be criminals to commit serious offenses without ever facing any consequences.'

Queens DA Melissa Katz doubled down on her pledge to keep: 'Holding dangerous, violent offenders accountable' in the wake of Bragg's announcement, which she said 'must always be a top priority of my office.'

'We respect the perspective and experience Alvin Bragg brings to his role of Manhattan District Attorney. Since DA Katz took office in January 2020, she has made  and will continue to make  her own changes to break the cycle of crime and incarceration that plagues too many Queens communities, while holding accountable drivers of crime,' a Katz spokesman said.

Several of New York Citys borough district attorneys took aim at the soft-on-crime policies laid out this week by newly-elected Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg (pictured at an Al Sharpton rally on Saturday)

Pictured: Staten Island DA Michael McMahon, left, and Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, right

Pictured: Queens DA Melissa Katz, left, and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, right

In the Bronx, DA Darcel Clark noted her office 'will continue to treat incidences of violent crime with the utmost seriousness and will do everything possible to protect the people of the Bronx from violent criminals,' according to her 'A Safer Bronx Through Fair Justice' policy.

While Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez said he 'believes that every case must receive individualized decision making.'

'We look forward to collaborating with DA Bragg on enhancing fairness and safety across our city,' Gonzalez said when asked about on Bragg's policies, a spokesman for the office offered a diplomatic.'

Meanwhile, Bragg is under fire after his office was accused of 'intentionally omit(ing) all facts' from court documents for a violent theft at a TJ Maxx in Chelsea on Thursday, with an 'assault and robbery recidivist' ending up with a mere shoplifting charge.

Bragg's office is accused of meddling in the court papers of Cristian Hall, 30  who's been arrested 21 times with nine open cases, including robbery with a deadly weapon and assault, the New York Post reported.

The NYPD union claimed that Bragg, who's left wing ideology has come under scrutiny since his election in November, had his office remove key pieces of information from Hall's report, including an alleged weapon he used during the crime.

'We remind you to be hyper-vigilant when reviewing any accusatory instrument prepared by the Manhattan DA's office. Make sure that what you sign is exactly what happened,' SBA President Vincent Vallelong wrote in the email obtained by the Post on Friday.

'I don't think we have to tell you that if you sign something prepared by a Manhattan District Attorney that is inaccurate, they will blame you and prosecute you.'

Vallelong also added that if Bragg 'wants to re-write the penal law, make him own it.'

The Sergeant Benevolent Association's message, which was shared with rank-and-file members of the NYPD, warned that Bragg had an assistant district attorney white-wash court documents related to Hall's shoplifting case at the TJ Maxx store on Sixth Avenue and West 18th Street.

'It has come to our attention that during the processing of a Manhattan shoplifting arrest where the suspect threatened employees with a pair of cutting-shears, the ADA preparing the accusatory instrument intentionally omitted all facts related to the perp threatening the employees with a weapon.'

'Fortunately, the arresting officer had the sense to refuse to sign.'

Bragg had recently claimed his lighter punishments for armed robbery and burglary will 'marry fairness and safety' at an Al Sharpton rally on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Hall was arrested at the store at around 1:30 pm on Thursday, when a store security guard spotted him 'remove several items, including bedding, women's shoes, and bath supply items from the shelves and bypass the store cash registers without paying for the items,' according to a criminal complaint.

This incident comes as crime continues to surge in NYC with a 19.4 percent increase in robberies reported

The SBA accused newly-elected DA Alvin Bragg, pictured, of meddling in the court papers of Cristian Hall, 30, changing a felony robbery charge to a mere shoplifting misdemeanor

The arresting officer wrote in the complaint that the guard said when he approached Hall, 'the defendant displayed a pair of shears.'

He then pointed them toward the security guard and said 'Don't f****** touch me' before exiting the store with the merchandise, according to the complaint.

However, one of Bragg's assistant district attorney's only stated that the defendant stole and possessed stolen property and omitted Hall's threatening use of cutting shears.

The Post reports that the arresting officer refused to sign the petit larceny affidavit, according to an internal NYPD memo.

Former NYC prosecutor Eric Nelson told the outlet that the omission of those details is the difference between a felony second-degree robbery charge, which comes with possible jail time, and a simple misdemeanor for petit larceny.

'It's a big difference. Huge. Especially if he has prior convictions,' Nelson said.

Former NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone also said that the latter sentencing would see the suspect in prison for up to 10 years.

Pictured: TJ Maxx on Sixth Avenue and West 18th St Manhattan - where a violent theft occurred on Thursday, with an 'assault and robbery recidivist' ending up with a mere shoplifting charge

SBA Vincent Vallelong, pictured, warned rank-and-file officers to make sure that 'what you sign is exactly what happened' for anything prepared by the Manhattan DA's office

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell slammed the new policy as she considered it a 'danger' to officers

'The petit larceny would get a desk appearance ticket and fall under Bragg's 'no prosecution memo,' Giacalone said.

The incident comes after Bragg was also slammed by the NYPD's first black female Commissioner Keechant Sewell for his woke policy of downgrading burglary, armed robbery and drug dealing crimes.

The omission of this crucial detail as well as Bragg's decision not to impose 'carceral punishments' and downgrading felonies has been criticized as New York City's crime rate soars, with the number robberies increasing by 19.4 percent over the course of the last week.

Sewell previously voiced her concerns on Bragg's policies which she claims are putting officer's lives 'in danger.'

Bragg sent out a memo to his staff on Monday where he announced he did not want to hand out jail sentences for criminals unless they were deemed guilty of a serious crime or were repeat offenders.

In addition, he also raised concern after he sought to ditch felony armed robbery charges in favor of petty larceny even if a weapon is involved but does not 'create a genuine risk of physical harm.'

Burglaries will also no longer be prosecuted as such if the person steals from a storage unit or outdoor property that isn't connected to a 'living' dwelling, and quality-of-life crimes such as prostitution, turnstile jumping, weapons possession (of non-firearms) and marijuana possession won't be prosecuted at all.
State-run bank CEOs pose at the Korea Federation of Banks' headquarters in Seoul, during their meeting with Financial Services Commission (FSC) Chairman Koh Seung-beom in this September 2021 file photo. From left are Korea Development Bank Chairman Lee Dong-gull, Export-Import Bank of Korea CEO Bang Moon-kyu and Industrial Bank of Korea CEO Yoon Jong-won. Courtesy of FSC



By Park Jae-hyuk



State-run banks are set to open more outlets overseas throughout this year, as their CEOs emphasized the necessity of financing Korean companies doing businesses in other countries.



In line with the global trend of nurturing digital finance and shifting toward renewable energies, the banks are especially pushing ahead with establishing subsidiaries and branches in areas that are viewed as international financial hubs and centers of innovative and eco-friendly industries.



Korea Development Bank (KDB) Chairman Lee Dong-gull said in his New Year's address that the bank will convert its Frankfurt office in to a branch, setting up a venture capital desk in Europe.



These measures are intended to gain a foothold in the German financial hub, which has many experts in carbon financing. KDB plans to secure euros through its Frankfurt branch, using the branch for the bank's expansion in Europe's green finance market.



"We cannot achieve industrial conversion by ourselves," the KDB chairman said. "In order to participate in setting global standards, we should strengthen ties with the international community."



He also unveiled the bank's plan to widen its networks throughout Southeast Asia, as part of its efforts to assume global leadership in the financial industry. On a related note, KDB set up a venture capital subsidiary in Silicon Valley last year to invest in Korean-owned companies there.



Export-Import Bank of Korea (Eximbank) CEO Bang Moon-kyu said in his New Year's address that a Singaporean subsidiary will start operations for the bank to improve its capability in sourcing deals from the global market.



Last month, Eximbank's board of directors approved of the bank's investment in its subsidiary to be established in the city state, which has emerged as Asia's leading financial hub that could replace Hong Kong. The new subsidiary will support Korean companies that have tried to expand their presence in Southeast Asia.



"Eximbank should continue to push for changes to become a global financial leader," Bang said.



Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) CEO Yoon Jong-won said in his New Year's address that the bank will open a new outlet in Eastern Europe, coming up with additional measures to satisfy the demand for loans from Korean companies doing businesses overseas.



The state-run lender is considering opening an office in Poland, which has emerged as the global battery production hub, where LG Energy Solution and hundreds of its subcontractors have entered over the past few years. Yoon also visited the country last November.



"We have contributed to the financial hallyu (Korean wave) by establishing a subsidiary in Myanmar and helping the establishment of Saudi Arabia's Small and Medium Enterprises Bank (SME Bank)," the IBK CEO said. "Based on our capability in financing small- and medium-sized enterprises, we will lead K-finance, supporting the Saudi SME Bank and forming partnerships with international organizations."


Virgin Media O2 phone users will not face roaming charges this year after other networks announced the extra fee, which is allowed to be reintroduced because of Brexit.

Three of the UK's biggest networks - EE, Vodafone and Three - will reintroduce roaming charges for customers travelling to Europe later this year.

However, customers on both O2 and Virgin Mobile deals will maintain their inclusive roaming in the region, so they can travel and use their data, calls and texts just as they would in the UK.

All four companies said last year they wouldn't reintroduce fees after Brexit.

Vodafone, EE and Three customers will face roaming charges in Europe this year (File image)

Gareth Turpin, of Virgin Media O2, said: 'We're starting the year by giving our customers some certainty.

'We will not be reintroducing roaming fees in Europe for customers on O2 or Virgin Mobile.

'Unlike all the other major mobile networks who are bringing back roaming fees, we will not be following suit.

'With many Brits now looking to plan a trip abroad, we've got our customers covered and extra roaming charges will be one less thing to worry about.'

The firm said a family of four going abroad for two weeks could see an extra 100 on their bill, based on analysis of rates from other providers.

Virgin Media O2 phone users will not face roaming charges this year after other networks announced the extra fee, which is allowed to be reintroduced because of Brexit

The return of roaming fees follows the UK's departure from the EU, with the bloc having removed the charges for people moving around Europe in 2017.

British customers who joined or upgraded with EE after July 7 2021 face a 2 daily charge for using their data, making calls, or sending text messages in EU countries in March.

The same fee will apply to Vodafone customers who joined the network after August 11 2021, or upgraded or renewed their contract and will start at the end of January.

EE customers able to buy a 30-day Roam Abroad Pass for 10 to avoid mounting costs for using data, texts and calls as they normally would in the UK

Three will bring in the 2 daily charge on May 23, applicable to customers who joined the network or upgraded after October 1 2021.

Both EE and Vodafone will offer alternatives to avoid the fee, with EE customers able to buy a 30-day Roam Abroad Pass for 10 and Vodafone users able to pay 1 a day for an eight or 15-day multipass.

Anti-Brexit Best for Britain group calculated in 2018 the average business customer could expect to pay 778 more per month if the charges were reinstated after Brexit.

The group argued this would put British businesses at a competitive disadvantage over our neighbours, whose workers would pay nothing.

Previously, the only countries to enjoy free data roaming without being part of the EU were those who were part of the single market - such as Norway.

Vodafone, EE and Three were contacted for comment.
A shark has been spotted swimming in a flooded park where children were playing amid warnings other dangers could be lurking in murky water-inundated towns.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services shared footage on Saturday of a bull shark circling through flooded Queens Park in Maryborough, 300km north of Brisbane.

The town went underwater on Saturday after heavy rain lashed the region and the nearby Mary River - home to a bull shark population and crocodiles - broke its banks.

The predator's fin poked above the water as it swam almost invisibly through the murky water and debris near the park's rotunda.

The eerie footage shot by local Judi Ellis sparked warnings for Australians to avoid swollen waterways amid reports children were playing in the flooded park.

'We often talk about the dangers lurking in floodwaters, now heres the proof,' QFES wrote on Facebook alongside the video.

'A small bull shark has been spotted in flood waters at Queens Park, Maryborough.

A bull shark (pictured) has been spotted lurking in the flood waters at Maryborough's Queens Park after the town went under water over the weekend

'With children on school holidays, it is a timely reminder of how dangerous flood waters can be.'

Some locals reported seeing numerous people entering the town's floodwaters.

'We were there earlier and there were three people walking through [the floodwaters] just below knee level,' one woman wrote.

'There was also a bunch of teenagers swimming in the flood waters at queens Park near the pond.'

Others said there were other dangerous creatures known to frequent the river.

'That's not the only thing I'd be worried about in the Mary,' one woman responded,' Lots of crocs in there,' another wrote.

It comes as Maryborough has been ordered to evacuate its entire CBD as walls of water surged towards the town.

Maryborough's entire CBD has been ordered to evacuate after walls of water surged through the town (pictured) on Saturday in the wake of former tropical cyclone Seth

Authorities have issued warnings for people to stay away from flooded areas after children were reportedly playing in the water at Queens Park (pictured)

Authorities expected the river to peak in Maryborough above a major flood level of 10.5m, impacting about 80 homes on Sunday afternoon, after the remnants of tropical cyclone Seth dumped 600mm on the Wide Bay-Burnett region in two days.

A dozen pumps were deployed to drain the city centre, Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said in a Facebook post on Sunday night.

'We now have 12 pumps, each moving about 120 litres a second. We think the flood has reached the peak,' he said in the post.

The levee was protecting the CBD until an underground stormwater valve failed just before 2pm, allowing floodwater to surge up through the drains and into the streets.

Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued an urgent emergency evacuation order for more than 30 inner-city blocks.

One person has already died in the floods, which came after intense rain pummelled the region on Friday and Saturday.

A 22-year-old's body was found in a submerged ute at Kanigan, north of Gympie, on Saturday.

A father and daughter were airlifted to hospital after surviving deep floodwaters for two nights by clinging to a tree in the Gympie region.

Locals stop to watch rising flood water at Goomeri, in the Gympie region

The pair had climbed on to the roof of their car after it began filling with water after becoming trapped between sections of floodwater on Friday night, RACQ LifeFlight Rescue said.

They were swept away by the rising floodwaters but managed to hang on to the tree until the waters subsided on Sunday, suffering exposure, dehydration and insect bites.

Police received 177 calls for help, while QFES have responded to more than 50 water-related incidents and made at least nine rescues.

QFES Deputy Commissioner Mike Wassing urged people not to enter floodwaters or go sightseeing in the flooded town.

'I do want to remind people about the dangers of floodwaters,' he said.

'We've had the shark in the park, we've got contaminated water, you've seen what can occur with roads in the local areas and how dangerous that is.

'Albeit the rain has stopped, the risk remains.'

Meanwhile, a low pressure system in the Coral Sea has been confirmed as a category one tropical cyclone called Tiffany which is expected to cross the Queensland coast on Monday night.

Tiffany will continue to intensify as it approaches the far north Queensland coast, making landfall between Cooktown and Lockhart River.

The tropical cyclone is then expected to move into the Gulf of Carpentaria, potentially intensifying before impacting areas of the eastern Northern Territory from Wednesday.

Earlier on Sunday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said emergency services were readying for the cyclone.
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The cliff that collapsed and killed at least ten people at a popular tourist spot in southeast Brazil has been on the verge of collapse for at least a decade, it emerged today.

A boating expert, who had been sailing those waters in 2012, posted a photo at the time showing a huge crack on the rock face of the canyon that has now collapsed with the caption 'this rock is going to fall down'.

It comes as police confirmed that the death toll has risen to 10 after the rockface fell on top of two boats on Saturday near a picturesque waterfall and revealed that all the victims had been on board the same vessel, named Jesus.

Authorities have been working to identify the dead and divers were searching the Furnas Lake near the popular tourist village of Capitolio, in the southeast of Brazil, on Sunday in case there were more victims, as grieving relatives gathered to bury their loved ones.

Flavio Freitas, a doctor from Sao Paulo and avid sailor, said it has been 'very clear' that the accident would happen.

Freitas had spotted the danger in March 2012 and posted an image at the time showing a visible crack running along the area of the canyon that collapsed on Saturday.

The image has since gone viral and Freitas today said: 'When I saw the footage of the accident, I immediately recognised the spot.

'It's a very well-known tourist area. I remembered I had taken this photograph, so I went back to my album on Facebook.

'At the time I made the comment that this rock would fall. But it's not a premonition or anything like that.

'The crack was very large, the distance of the outcrop from the wall was very noticeable and it was evident there was a chance it would come down. I'm no geologist, but it was obvious to me.'

Flavio Freitas, a boating expert who had been sailing those waters in 2012, posted a photo at the time showing a huge crack on the rock face of the canyon that has now collapsed with the caption 'this rock is going to fall down'

Shocking video captured the moment the cliffside fell on two tourist boats on Saturday, killing at least ten people

Relatives of a victim wait outside the Legal Medicine Institute of Passos, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, on Sunday

Freitas said he believed this this year the outcrop would have been even more unstable because the water level appeared to be lower, exposing more unsupported rockface.

Dramatic footage captured the moment a huge slice of the rock wall broke off from the canyon on Furnas Lake and began to slowly fall forward on top of two tourist boats.

Passengers can be heard screaming as the cliffside crashed directly on one of the boats, engulfing the other nearby ship and sending waves and debris flying to the other vessels touring the area.

Rescuers recovered three more bodies from the lake on Sunday, raising the death toll to 10 in the disaster that injured more than 32 tourists.

Police Chief Marcos Pimenta said there was a possibility that some people were missing following the accident.

The bodies were taken to Passos city, where coroners worked to identify them. The work was difficult because of the 'high energy impact' of the rock on the boaters, said a regional civil police official, Marcos Pimenta. He said one victim had been identified as 68-year-old Julio Borges Antunes.

A survivor of the cliff collapse told how she saw some pebbles start to fall from the top of the canyon moments before the rockface fell.

Andreia Mendonca recalled how holidaymakers were taking pictures at the waterfalls in southeast Brazil when part of the canyon collapsed.

Mendonca had even told the driver of their boat that she could see some pebbles falling, but he said it 'was nothing'.

Mendonca, who watched on in horror from her speedboat, told Globo: 'We stopped, took pictures and it was time for everyone to take their place and start to leave.

'I looked up at the rock and some pebbles were falling. I even made a comment to the boat's pilot and he said it was nothing, but just a few pebbles.'

Mendonca continued: 'When I looked again, that huge rock was already falling, that huge piece of rock. I looked at the many boats below and a horrible scene.

'The pilot left as fast as he could get us out of there. Very sad, I never imaged we would witness such a scene.'

Andreia Mendonca (left), a survivor of the Brazilian cliff collapse, has told how she saw some pebbles start to fall from the top of the canyon moments before the rockface fell on top of two boats carrying tourists at a popular sightseeing spot (right)

The crash engulfed the two tourist ships and sent debris flying to the other nearby boats

Relatives of a victim wait outside the Legal Medicine Institute of Passos, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, on Sunday, a day after part of a cliff collapsed and killed at least ten people

Authorities said at least 32 people have been taken to hospital and nine are still recovering from serious injuries in hospital.

The people hospitalized in the accident had broken bones and one was in serious condition in hospital with head and facial injuries.

Video from other boats revealed that that the tourist ships had been worried about the cliffside and were urging the other boats to get away moments before the tragedy.

The passengers could be heard screaming out to the others to move away, with their pleas growing as rocks began chipping and falling away from the cliffside.

Rovilson Teixeira, an experienced boat operator, told the local press he expects more victims to be found. He added that he had never seen anything like this before in the area.

'We are all stunned, nobody knows how many victims, but I can already say that it wasn't just one or two deaths, but many deaths. There are a lot of injured people.

'The place is full of ambulances from all over the region that came to deal with the victims, but nobody can yet process the scale of this tragedy.'

The fire department of Minas Gerais state has deployed divers and helicopters to help find the victims of the tragedy.

Edgard Estevo, commander of the Minas Gerais State Fire Department, said the accident occurred between the towns of Sao Jose da Barra and Capitolio, from which the boats had left.

The collapse took place near a picturesque waterfall in a canyon located near the popular tourist village of Capitolio, in the southeast of Brazil, on Saturday

Firefighters from the Minas Gerais Fire Department carry out a rescue operation after a wall of rock broke from a cliff falling onto several tourist boats

The tourists boats were heard warning each other about the dangers at the cliff as rocks began falling off. Two ships were still close to the cliffside when it came down

The collapse took place near a picturesque waterfall as tourist boats made their way through

The families of the victims embrace on Sunday as they wait to hear for more information from authorities

The collapse, described as 'like a domino', is thought to have been caused by excessive rain. Authorities had warned locals earlier that day to avoid waterfalls in the area, which may have been vulnerable to large volumes of water.

The region has been under heavy rainfall for two weeks, which officials suggest could have loosened the rock face. On Saturday, a dike overflowed at an iron ore mine about 180 miles to the east, cutting off a major federal highway.

Lieutenant Pedro Aihara, spokesperson for the local fire department, said rock collapses in the region are normal - but not on this scale or trajectory.

'Normally the piece of rock slides down from where it is,' he told news portal UOL. 'This time, the structure fell down like a domino and what hit people was the upper part, in a perpendicular trajectory.'

According to local reports, of the victims still in hospital two have exposed fractures, four have light injuries and three are in a grave condition.

Furnas Lake, which was created in 1958 for the installation of a hydroelectric plant, is a popular tourist draw in the area roughly 260 miles north of Sao Paulo. Officials in Capitolio, which has about 8,400 residents, say the town can see around 5,000 visitors on a weekend, and up to 30,000 on holidays.

Earlier last year, the concern was a lack of rain as Brazil experienced the worst drought in 91 years, which forced officials to divert the water flow from the Furnas Lake dam.

The Brazilian navy, which also helped in the rescue, said it would investigate the causes of the accident.

Minas Gerais Fire Department helped out with the rescue effort on Saturday

Even in the dry season, in some parts of the lake the movement is so intense that the boats have to take turns to navigate on the lake, said the City Hall press office.

Minas Gerais state Governor Romeu Zema tweeted on Saturday: 'Today we are suffering the pain of a tragedy in our state, due to heavy rains, which caused the loosening of a wall of stones in Lake Furnas, in Capitolio.

'The Government of Minas is present from the beginning through the Civil Defense and Fire Department.

'Rescue work is still ongoing.

'I stand in solidarity with families at this difficult time. We will continue to act to provide the necessary support.'

The head of the Applied Geology Division of the Brazilian Geological Service, Tiago Antonelli, said the cliff wall is subject to centuries of erosion and susceptible to rain, heat and cold.

'It's normal to happen in many canyons, even with rocks of that size. But nowadays, with the intensification of tourism, people are starting to get closer to these places and to register these phenomena with their cell phones,' Antonelli said.

Joana Fontez, geology professor at the Federal University of Goias, said there authorities should have been controlling the site to prevent accidents, especially in the rainy season. The boats should have been kept at least one kilometer (0.6 miles) away from the waterfall where the accident happened, she said.
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A father and daughter miraculously survived being washed away by cyclone-induced floods by clinging to a tree for two days.

The pair spent two nights clinging to branches surrounded by deep floodwaters in Gympie in the Wide Bay-Burnett region of Queensland about 1pm on Sunday.

The father explained he and his primary-school aged daughter were forced to evacuate their car when they got trapped and water began filling the vehicle.

A father and daughter miraculously survived being washed away by cyclone-induced floods by clinging to a tree for two days

As they stood on the car's roof, they were swept into a tree which they climbed, the girl's father returning to the car for a rope to tie them tightly to the branches (pictured, the rope used to tie the pair to the tree)

The aftermath of ex-cyclone Seth continues to wreak havoc on the Wide Bay-Burnett region (pictured, emergency services in Maryborough)

As they stood on the car's roof, they were swept into a tree which they climbed, the girl's father returning to the car for a rope to tie them tightly to the branches.

Thankfully, the pair were able to return home after the floodwaters briefly subsided to raise the alarm and be rescued by the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew.

The father and daughter were airlifted to a regional hospital to receive treatment for insect bites, dehydration and sun exposure.

They were just one of a series of dramatic rescues unfolding across Queensland as elsewhere locals battled to save their town after a levee failed.

The aftermath of ex-cyclone Seth continues to wreak havoc on the Wide Bay region, where a record 670mm of heavy rain was dumped in just 24 hours over the weekend.

Conditions will only get worse in parts of the state as a second cyclone - Tiffany - barrels towards the coast.

The major flood emergency has seen 141 requests for SES assistance in the North Coast region from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon.

A 22-year-old's body was found in a submerged ute in Kanigan, north of Gympie, on Saturday after the vehicle was swept away about 7.30pm on Friday.

The major flood emergency has seen 141 requests for SES assistance in the North Coast region from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon (pictured, flooding in the town of Maryborough)

A man has been airlifted to hospital after a large tree fell and crushed his car in the South Burnett region at about 11:30am on Sunday (pictured)

Emergency crews found the man pinned inside his car with the tree still on top of it, working for two hours before the man was finally released (pictured)

Police also hold grave fears for a 14-year-old girl swept away while abandoning a flooding Toyota Camry with a 40-year-old man early on Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, a man was airlifted to hospital after a large tree fell and crushed his car in the South Burnett region about 11.30am on Sunday.

Emergency crews found the man pinned inside his car with the tree still on top of it, working for two hours before the man was finally released.

Paramedics treated him for multiple traumatic injuries, and his wife and passenger for minor injuries, before airlifting the pair to hospital.

Four other motorists were rescued from rising water, two a couple in the North Burnett region who were waved a sheet to attract the attention of rescuers.

The couple's white camper-van had become completely surrounded by water on all four sides during a journey from Airlie Beach to the Sunshine Coast.

Paramedics treated him for multiple traumatic injuries, and his wife and passenger for minor injuries, before airlifting the pair to hospital (pictured, the fallen tree)

Four motorists have been rescued from rising water, two a couple in the North Burnett region who were seen waving a sheet to attract the attention of rescuers

They told rescuers their GPS has directed them off the Bruce Highway - severely damaged in some parts by floods - and onto roads that were quickly going under.

With no phone service or understanding of the weather emergency, the couple were forced to move their van constantly for 24 hours as waters continued to rise.

'We were just so lucky, where we moved to - if we had stayed at the side of the road that night we probably would have been taken away,' the woman told crews.

Another couple taking refuge in their black SUV were also rescued after they turned off the Bruce Highway and quickly found themselves surrounded by water.

On Saturday, dramatic video of the LifeFlight Rescue Sunshine Coast helicopter showed rescuers winching a family of three from their Fraser Coast home.

On Saturday, dramatic vision of the RACQ LifeFlight Rescue Sunshine Coast helicopter was seen winching a family of three from their Fraser Coast home

Meanwhile, residents of Maryborough on the Fraser Coast fought to save their town into the night after a plan was hatched by the local council.

The storm water system failed in the town, nearly 300km north of Brisbane, on Sunday - prompting the urgent evacuation order accompanied by loud sirens.

The $6.03 million levee system, which incorporates a temporary steel wall and a portable pump station was funded by the state government after a series of floods.

The steel wall was erected around the town after heavy flooding in 2011 and 2013.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council told residents to evacuate 'all premises' inside Maryborough's CBD as images of a local Woolworths revealed rising water levels.

'The gates underneath the recently installed levee have been damaged, and as a result the CBD will now bear the full impact of the flood,' the council said.

The storm water system failed in the town at about 2pm on Sunday - prompting the urgent evacuation order accompanied by loud sirens (pictured, the flooded Woolworths carpark)

Rapid Relief Team volunteers have provided catering to emergency services workers and locals displaced by the flooding

'Police are providing assistance with the emergency evacuation and we urge people to stay out of the CBD.'

Council crews have been tirelessly manning twelve large diesel pumps in the towns city centre which can remove about 120 litres of water a second.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour told the Courier Mail he thought the efforts of pumps and generators were 'really going to limit the damage'.

Wide Bay Burnett District Superintendent Michael Sawrey told reporters on Sunday afternoon a stormwater valve had failed which led to CBD flooding.

He said about 20 local businesses in the CBD were impacted by the flooding but this could balloon to 50-70 businesses.

Floodwaters from the Mary River in Maryborough were expected to exceed the major flood level at about 10pm on Sunday, at 10.5m, impacting 80 homes.

Among the dramatic scenes, a small bull shark was spotted by residents swimming in the Maryborough's Queens Park after a grey fin appeared in the debris.

Wide Bay Burnett District Superintendent Michael Sawrey said about 20 local businesses in the CBD were impacted by the flooding but this could balloon to 50-70 businesses (pictured, floodwaters impacting businesses)

The floods are expected to impact about 50-70 businesses in Maryborough (pictured, stormwaters rising in the local Woolworths)

Floodwaters from the Mary River in Maryborough (pictured) were expected to exceed the major flood level at about 10pm on Sunday, at 10.50 metres, impacting 80 homes

The Mary River at Gympie peaked at about 13.6 metres early Sunday afternoon and 19.86 metres at Miva, but was expected to fall below the major flood level overnight.

Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Tiffany has strengthened to a category 2 storm and is just hours from making landfall in far north Queensland, the Bureau of Meteorology is reporting.

'People between Cape Tribulation and Coen, including Cooktown, should complete preparations quickly and be prepared to shelter in a safe place,' the bureau says.

The cyclone which formed in the Coral Sea is expected to cross into Queensland between Cooktown and the Lockhart River sometime on Monday night.

The bureau is warning communities to expect wind gusts of up to 130km/h as the centre of the cyclone makes landfall.

Tiffany was sitting about 190km northeast of Cooktown late on Sunday.

It is expected to bring destructive winds and heavy rain to communities in far north Queensland before moving into the Gulf of Carpentaria on Tuesday and intensifying as it moves towards the Northern Territory coast.

Floodwaters have impacted dozens of homes in Maryborough in the wake of former tropical cyclone Seth (pictured)

The cyclone is expected to cross into Queensland between Cooktown and the Lockhart River sometime on Monday night (pictured, floods in Maryborough)

Tropical Cyclone Tiffany has strengthened to a category 2 storm and is just hours from making landfall in far north Queensland (pictured)

Severe tropical cyclone coastal impact in the Northern Territory is possible on Wednesday or Thursday, the bureau says.

'People in far north Queensland communities will start seeing and feeling the effects of Tropical Cyclone Tiffany as it comes closer to the coast, which means an increased risk of flooding and some localised damage in these regions,' Senior Meteorologist Dean Narramore said.

On Sunday morning, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said emergency services were readying for the cyclone.

'So to all the residents in those areas please be on the lookout, I know that they know how to deal with these events,' she told reporters.

'They're very well prepared and we'll be keeping a very close eye on that.'
Nearly half of all Conservative members believe Rishi Sunak would make a better prime minister than Boris Johnson, a poll has revealed.

The survey of 1,005 Tories found that 46 per cent think the chancellor would win more seats at the next election than the current party leader.

A third of the membership said they think Johnson should even stand down as leader, with four in ten saying he is doing a bad job.

Nearly half of all Conservative members believe RIshi Sunak would make a better prime minister than Boris Johnson, a poll has revealed

The YouGov poll carried out by Sky News took place between December 30 and January 6.

The findings show a marked slump in support for Johnson since a similar poll was carried out in July 2020.

Only a quarter of Tory voters believe he would be more successful than Liz Truss at the next election, with just 16 per cent say he is a better choice than Sunak.

In July 2020, 85 per cent of Conservatives thought Johnson was doing 'well', but that number has now dropped to 61 per cent.

Meanwhile, those surveyed who think he is doing 'badly' have increased from five per cent to 38 per cent.

After the series of Christmas party scandals, voters also do not trust the prime minister, with 39 per cent saying he doesn't always tell the truth.

The survey of 1,005 Tories found they think the chancellor would win more seats at the next election than the current party leader

Despite the growing concerns, he still enjoys a majority of support with 59 per cent saying he should remain as leader, compared to the 34 per cent who want him to stand down.

But a very large minority believe he will not survive to the next election, with 47 per cent saying he won't still be leading the party.

Asked who voters want to replace Johnson, Sunak is the most popular with 33 per cent support, then Truss on 25 per cent, Jeremy Hunt on eight per cent and Michael Gove on six per cent.

A total of 46 per cent believe Sunak would be a better leader than Johnson, with only 16 per cent thinking he would be worse.

Johnson's problems are continuing to mount, and he has now been warned by a Conservative rebel ringleader he faces a massive revolt from his own MPs if he does not end all coronavirus restrictions this month.

Mark Harper, chair of the lockdown-sceptic Covid Recovery Group, also said the prime minister could even face a leadership challenge if the Tories do badly in May's local elections.

Only a quarter of Tory voters believe Johnson would be more successful than Liz Truss at the next election

Johnson suffered the biggest revolt of his premiership last month when 100 backbenchers defied him over Plan B restrictions in a Commons vote.

But Harper warned the rebellion will be even more devastating if the Prime Minister tries to extend the measures - including Covid passes, mandatory mask-wearing, and work from home guidance - beyond January 26.

'I think there will be even more people against it,' he said in an interview with the Financial Times. 'I think the intellectual argument now is even weaker.'

Johnson's authority in his party has been dented by the defeat in the North Shropshire by-election last month when the Liberal Democrats achieved an overwhelming victory in what had been an ultra-safe Tory seat.

That loss compounded the concern triggered by the Conservatives' loss of the former stronghold of Chesham and Amersham to the Lib Dems in June.

Asked by the Financial Times if he thought Mr Johnson would be in trouble if he failed to change and the Tories performed poorly at the local elections, Mr Harper replied: 'I do.'

But he added: 'It's in his hands.'

Mr Harper said colleagues would question if they will be able to hold their own constituencies, adding: 'They will look at polling and consider who is the person best able to help them keep their seats.

'Conservative MPs have asked themselves that question in the past and decided they need to do something about it. Prime ministers are on a performance-related contract.'
New York City Mayor Eric Adams visited the scene of a 'horrific' Bronx apartment blaze that killed at least 19 people Sunday as he endured his first major crisis during his first nine days as the city's top politician.

The deadly fire - believed the worst to hit the city in more than 30 years - injured more than five dozen others, including 13 who were hospitalized in critical condition. It is believed to have been caused by a space heater being used to warm an apartment, with the 19 dead comprising nine children and 10 adults.

Appearing solemn as he spoke to reporters outside the charred building, Adams called the tragedy a 'horrific, painful moment' for the city.

'This is going to be one of the worst fires that we have witnessed during modern times,' he said.

During a press conference, Adams confirmed that the building appeared to be in violation of a law whereby fire doors should automatically close, as heat and smoke were able to pour through the tower's other floors, killing many of those living above the blaze.

He said an investigation will now be launched, and also told of how firefighters had bravely gone into the building despite having no oxygen left in their tanks.

The historic blaze is the latest challenge Adams is tasked with navigating after being inaugurated January 1 as the city's 110th mayor.

Appearing solemn as he spoke to reporters outside the scene of a Bronx apartment fire that killed at least 19 people, New York City Mayor Eric Adams called the tragedy a 'horrific, painful moment'

'This is going to be one of the worst fires that we have witnessed during modern times,' he said

During the past week, he's been chastised by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over a 'low-skill workers' reference, berated by others for hiring his brother as the NYPD's deputy commissioner, and separately forced to 911 after witnessing am assault.

He has also been dragged into a quarrel about newly-elected Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who last Monday instructed his office to downgrade burglary, carrying a weapon and drug dealing from felony charges.

Adams' focus Sunday was on leading the city through the aftermath of the deadly blaze at the Twin Park apartments, a 19-story building on East 181st Street.

News photographers at the scene captured images of firefighters entering the upper floors of the burning building on a ladder, multiple limp children being given oxygen after being carried from the building and evacuees with their faces covered in soot.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro compared the severity of the fire to the Happy Land social club fire, which killed 87 people in 1990 when man set fire to the building after getting into an argument with his former girlfriend and being thrown out of the club.

The deadly fire - believed the worst to hit the city in more than 30 years - injured more than five dozen others, including 13 who were hospitalized in critical condition

Firefighters are pictured rendering aid to a woman injured in the January 9 blaze

News photographers at the scene captured images of firefighters entering the upper floors of the burning building on a ladder, multiple victims being given oxygen after being carried from the building and evacuees and firefighters with their faces covered in soot

According to Nigro, Sunday's fire originated in a duplex apartment spanning the second and third floors, where a space heater was being used to warm a bedroom. Firefighters found the door to the apartment open, he said, which apparently allowed the fire to accelerate and spread smoke upward quickly.

Adams, who said he watched bodies being pulled from the charred building, said his team is now focused on providing support to those affected.

'We're going to do everything we can to bring services on the ground here to give people the assistance they need as we all recover from the trauma from what we are witnessing here in the buildings behind us,' he said.

Adams' hands-on approach to leadership was reflected during his first day on the job, when he called police about an assault in progress.

Footage posted to social media on January 1 showed Adams calling 911 as he passed through the Kosciuszko J stop in Brooklyn on his way to City Hall - and witnessed three men fighting on the street below.

One of the men was seen punching another man on the ground. Later, one of the attackers lifted a victim up and continued to punch him.

'Yes, I'm at Broadway and Kosciuszko and I have an assault in progress,' Adams told officers on the phone as reporters followed the newly sworn-in mayor around town on his first day in office.

'No - assault in progress, not past assault,' the mayor soon clarifies. 'They are fighting each other on the street right now, three males.'

The fight ended and two of the men left by the time two police patrol cars arrived. Officers spoke to the remaining man but stayed in their car, and Adams told reporters he would have investigated more had he been the officer at the scene.

As he made his way to City Hall for the first time on New Year's Day, New York City's new Mayor Eric Adams called 911 about three men brawling on the street

The men were seen in video tackling each other and punching one another in broad daylight

While some praised Adams for his leadership, others have found reasons to criticize him.

Last week, Ocasio-Cortez called Adams out over comments he made during a press conference meant to emphasize the need to get employees back into city offices amid the latest Covid surge.

'My low-skilled workers, my cooks, my dishwashers, my messengers, my shoe-shine people, those who work at Dunkin' Donuts - they don't have the academic skills to sit in the corner office,' Adams said during the conference, fighting for the city to stay open.

Adam's anecdote quickly sparked a firestorm on Twitter, with many criticizing the mayor for referring to such workers as 'low-skilled.'

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called Adams out on his choice of words

The controversy even spurred the mayor to clarify his comments the following day on social media and a televised interview, explaining he used to work such jobs and relied on people spending their disposable income to survive.

Ocasio-Cortez tweeted: 'The suggestion that any job is "low skill" is a myth perpetuated by wealthy interests to justify inhumane working conditions, little/no healthcare, and low wages.'

'Plus being a waitress has made me and many others *better* at our jobs than those whove never known that life,' the self-professed democratic socialist added.

When confronted with the tweet Thursday morning, Adams appeared to laugh the attack off.

'Right now, we are in a society where we have the "words police,"' said Adams, 61, smiling as he spoke.

'Everyone wants to take every term you use and try to make it seem that you want to be offensive.'

Adams (pictured riding a bike to media events) was blasted last week for referring to dishwashers and other service employees as 'low-skilled'

'The suggestion that any job is "low skill" is a myth perpetuated by wealthy interests to justify inhumane working conditions, little/no healthcare, and low wages,' Ocasio-Cortez, colloquially known as AOC, wrote in response to Adams' remark

The mayor faced more criticisms Friday after appointing his younger brother to serve as a deputy NYPD commissioner.

Bernard Adams, who is 56, is a retired cop, just like the 61-year-old mayor, and was a sergeant with the NYPD.

Although the position is a civilian post, deputy police commissioners make about $240,000. It is not known what Adams' salary will be.

The appointment raised eyebrows over possible conflict of interest claims.

'New Yorkers expect that public servants are hired based on their unique qualifications and not because they are the mayor's brother,' Common Cause New York's Executive Director Susan Lerner said to the Daily News.

'It is unclear whether a waiver from the Conflict of Interest Board would be required for this appointment. With or without a waiver, it is troubling.'

The mayor faced more criticisms Friday after appointing his younger brother Bernard Adams (center) to serve as a deputy NYPD commissioner

Adams was inaugurated as New York City's 110th mayor on January 1

Critics pounced on Adams yet again after he endorsed Manhattan's district attorney last week and called him a 'great prosecutor.'

His praise of Bragg came after the prosecutor revealed his progressive new approach to crime, which includes a sweeping new policy to only seek prison sentences for a handful of offenses, and downgrade or dismiss charges for many felony crimes.

The Democrat said offenses like marijuana misdemeanors, prostitution, resisting arrest and fare dodging will no longer be prosecuted.

Bragg has faced backlash from newly appointed NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and police union leaders, who said his policies would endanger the lives of officers and civilians.

Sewell, the city's first black female commissioner, sent an email to NYPD officers saying she was concerned about the effects Bragg's sweeping changes.

'I have studied these policies and I am very concerned about the implications to your safety as police officers, the safety of the public and justice for the victims,' Sewell wrote in the email obtained by the New York Post.

Her comments were out of step with Adams, despite him campaigning to make the city safer by getting tougher on crime.

Newly-appointed NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell (left) has expressed concerns about the policy changes of new Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg (right) , which she said left officers, businesses and the general public vulnerable to crime

Curtis Sliwa, the Republican mayoral candidate who lost to Adams by a landslide, told Newsmax that Adams needed to come down harder on the new DA.

'Beware of Eric Adams who says one thing and then immediately embraces the guy who is advertising: 'come to the borough of Manhattan and commit crime,' he said.

'It's open season.

'That means smash and grabs, that means shoplifting, armed robbery, somebody can put a gun to your head as a tourist and guess what, he gets a desk appearance ticket.

'Eric Adams can't have it both ways.'
One of Australia's top doctors has urged parents to 'leave fear behind' and not worry if they can't book their kids in to get the Covid-19 vaccine before school returns.

Monday marks another milestone in Australia's vaccine roll-out with ages 5-11 now eligible to get the jab as Covid cases surge towards 100,000 daily infections.

Australia's former deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth urged concerned parents who can't get an appointment for weeks to not worry if their kids aren't vaccinated before the start of term one, despite the Omicron surge.

'I wanted to remind parents of that, that this is primarily a disease that affects adults severely and affects children mildly,' he told the Today show on Monday.

Parents are urged to not worry if they can't book a Covid jab for their primary school aged kids before they return to the classroom from late January

'So if you're a parent, as I am, I don't think we need to get concerned about how quickly we get our five to 11-year-olds vaccinated, in particular, do not be concerned if you can't get an appointment before school goes back.

'I don't think I will be able to get an appointment before school goes back. I might for my kids. But I won't be concerned if that's not the case.'

He rejected growing calls for the start of the 2022 school year to be delayed, amid concerns students would contract Covid in the classroom and pass it on family members at home.

'That's absolutely a concern. But it needn't be,' Dr Coatsworth continued.

'The US just released their data on mortality, on death, in fully vaccinated individuals and across an entire community, it's 0.003 per cent.'

'We have got to leave this fear behind and replace it with facts.'

The Australian vaccine rollout finally opened to children aged 5-11 on Monday

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews ruled out a delayed return to the classroom, unlike their Queensland counterpart Annastacia Palaszczuk.

Students in the Sunshine State had their return to school delayed by a fortnight until February 7 as Queensland recorded 18,000 new Covid cases on Sunday.

Years 11 and 12 will spend the first week from January 31 learning from home.

But Dr Coatsworth insisted no state should delay the return to school.

'Every government and medical expert in this country needs to follow the lead of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund, which both state that schools should be the last to close and the first to open,' he said.

'We are not in a situation in Australia that requires a delay to schools opening.'

Dr Nick Coatsworth (pictured on Monday) has urged parents to 'leave fear behind' despite Covid cases surging to record levels

He added parents should be reassured rapid antigen testing will play a vital role in students returning to school with a 'test to stay' strategy implemented in the UK and many European countries.

'That is the only sustainable option, actually,' Dr Coatsworth said.

'If there's a case in the classroom, you test the remaining children, if they're negative on a rapid test, they remain in the classroom because it's a mild diseases in children,

'Because we will gradually vaccinate our five to 11-year-old population, that's going to be a safe thing to do. I do think that all states and territories should take that approach.'
One by one, they took it in turns to light a candle for their lost boy.

Five women united in grief  and fury  over the bestowing of a knighthood on the man they blame for sending their soldier sons to their deaths.

Last week the Daily Mail published an open letter by Carol Valentine, Hazel Hunt, Caroline Whitaker, Caroline Jane Munday-Baker and Helen Perry to the Queen, begging the monarch to revoke the honour awarded to ex-Labour prime minister Tony Blair on New Years Day.

On Saturday they hugged and shed tears as they met for the first time to share stories and light a candle for their brave sons, each killed in Afghanistan before their 30th birthday.

Amid the solemn surroundings of Coventry Cathedral, these mothers in arms spoke about their collective anger that Sir Tony  as they will never call him  had received the highest award in the land.

United in their grief: From left, Caroline Whitaker, Carol Valentine, Hazel Hunt, Caroline Jane Munday-Baker and Helen Perry at Coventry Cathedral at the weekend, each holding pictures of their sons who died in action in Afghanistan. From left: Gareth Thursby, Simon Valentine, Richard Hunt, James Munday and Michael Pritchard

Mrs Valentine, whose son Sgt Simon Valentine, 29, was killed while trying to clear land mines near Sangin in August 2009, said: We may never be able to stop Blairs knighthood, but together we can show the world the devastation he has caused to us and countless other families.

When we come together, it brings us unity, strength and hope. Our boys were once all part of a loyal band of brothers  now its our turn to become mothers in arms to fight for their honour and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

What did Tony Blair get for starting the Iraq and Afghanistan wars? He got a knighthood of the highest order. What did we get? We got to bury our sons.

In the letter the women appealed to the Queen  as a mother and grandmother  to revoke the honour which they say tramples on our sons sacrifices.

Although regularly in contact via social media, the five women had never met all together in person before deciding to drive hundreds of miles from their homes in different parts of the UK to gather at the cathedral this weekend.

Mrs Whitaker, whose 29-year-old son, Sgt Gareth Thursby, was shot dead by an Afghan policeman at a checkpoint in Helmand in September 2012, admitted the bereaved mothers were all members of a wretched club none of them wanted to belong to.

Today was very emotional but hugely significant, she said. We are only a small snapshot of the catastrophic grief suffered by thousands of loved ones because of these wars.

But our message is this. We are not going away, and we will shout from the rooftops to be heard. Tony Blair took our troops and our country into conflicts that we had no business in. It is unjust and immoral for him to be honoured and rewarded for these seismic disasters.

The women met just hours after a petition calling for Sir Tony, 68, to be stripped of the gong passed a million signatures.

They agreed with its founder that the former PM should to do the decent thing and hand back the award in the wake of so much opposition.

Mrs Munday-Baker said: The online petition has now surpassed more than a million signatures and still he stays silent. If he had any decency, he would hand it back, but this man has no shame or compassion for anyone.

Then-Prime Minister Tony Blair meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2005 after he won an historic third term in officer. On New Year's Day he was honoured with a knighthood as part of the Queen's Honours List

Her trooper son, James, served alongside Princes William and Harry in The Household Cavalry and was 21 when his vehicle was blown up in Helmand in October 2008.

Blair is a narcissist who sent our sons to their deaths in a war we should never have been to, Mrs Munday-Baker added.

If Blairs son Euan had been a serving soldier at the time, I wonder if he would have been so committed and passionate about sending his own boy to the front line? Sometimes my head and my heart are broken in a million pieces but when you sit with other mums you remember that you are never alone in your grief.

Mrs Perry, who lost her military police officer son, Michael Pritchard, 22, to a friendly fire incident in December 2009, added: Over a million signatures to see him off and yet he does nothing.

Mrs Hunt said: Every family who has lost a loved one has been betrayed by Tony Blair and his knighthood is the final stab in the back.

Our sons lost their lives for nothing. The world is now a bloody treacherous mess because of the meddling of our then prime minister.

She has already threatened to send back her Elizabeth Cross bestowed on her by the Queen in honour of her son, Richard, who died aged 21 following an explosion while on patrol in Musa Qala in August 2009.

I love our Queen and I dont blame her for this unholy mess, she said.

Her troops love her, and we know she loves and honours them too, but she has been placed in an impossible position over the protocol of honouring former leaders. Blair could save everyone this misery by handing back the knighthood.
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There's nothing like a spot of bracing sea air in the sunshine to lift the spirits.

And maybe that's just what Boris Johnson and his family needed as they headed to the coast away from the pressures of Downing Street.

His wife Carrie posted photos online of children Wilf and baby Romy against a scenic backdrop of the beach at low tide at Thorpe Bay in Essex.

Wearing a red woollen hat and jeans, Mrs Johnson, 33, smiled broadly as she carried her one-month-old daughter in a cloud-patterned papoose.

Meanwhile Wilf, 20 months, enjoyed exploring the puddles in a red dinosaur jumpsuit and playing with the family's dog Dilyn.

In another picture, the Prime Minister's silhouette could be seen in the distance on the beach, wearing his signature beanie hat.

Proud mum: Carrie Johnson holds baby Romy as son Wilf heads off to explore at Thorpe Bay in Essex

Beach pals: Wilf and Dilyn the dog strike matching poses on their trip to seaside in Essex

Wilf was seen sporting a characteristic Johnson hairstyle during the trip to the Essex resort

The pictures showed Carrie, Wilf and Dilyn walking towards the shoreline on a sunny day

Announcement: Carrie holds baby Wilf after he was born in May 2020 for an Instagram announcement introducing him

Newborn: Mrs Johnson's announcement that Baby Romy was born on social media

Love: Carrie holds baby Romy at Chequers while the PM has video calls with her

Fun: Boris enjoys a trip to Peppa Pig World in the New Forest with his son Wilf in November 2021
The policy of obsessive Covid screening of the population using lateral flow tests has lurched into mass hysteria.

Worse, it is tantamount to national self-harm.

Hospitals, transport networks, our postal and rubbish collection services and hundreds of thousands of British businesses are now being crippled because of a mania over checking people for an infection that they may have no symptoms for.

With one million people in isolation last week, everyday life  and the economy  is at risk of grinding to a halt.

The policy of obsessive Covid screening of the population using lateral flow tests has lurched into mass hysteria

And even more worrying, crucial life-saving work is being jeopardised, with more than 40,000 NHS staff unable to attend work for at least two days last week.

At least 10 per cent of staff at many hospitals were on sick leave or in self-isolation. In London hospitals, some 200 military personnel including 40 doctors from the armed forces had to be deployed to ensure wards could be kept open.

As the director of the Royal College of Nursing, Patricia Marquis, has said, the situation is simply not safe.

It is also insanity. The Omicron variant is rampant, spreading through every part of the population, and no amount of self-isolation can halt it. But we also know that Omicron is very mild.

Without any further restrictions being introduced over the Christmas and New Year period, hospitalisations have remained steadily below half the levels seen last winter, when we were in a full national lockdown.

And of those who are admitted into hospital, many fewer require critical care. We know that the vaccines are doing their job and are protecting the vast majority.

While the daily number of new infections may sound alarming, most people with Omicon are experiencing nothing more than cold-like symptoms  if any at all  and yet are still being forced to sign off work for at least seven days.

There is a glimmer of hope, however, with unnamed Whitehall sources hinting at the weekend that the policy of providing unlimited free lateral flow tests to the public has to end.

So far 6billion has been spent on these kits. Think how much could have been saved if tests had only been provided to places where identifying potential infections really matters, such as care homes and hospitals, as opposed to mass DIY testing in the population at large.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi also struck a note of good sense yesterday, when he suggested the seven-day isolation period for people with Covid should be reduced to five. But really, thats the least we can do.

As the former chairman of the UKs vaccine taskforce, Dr Clive Dix, said, Britain now needs a major rethink on its Covid policy, with a move towards treating the virus as similar to seasonal flu.

Our hospitals are under immense pressure  but not from the predicted wave of Covid patients. That has not materialised.

The real harm is done by forcing NHS staff with mild or no symptoms to stay off work.

This crisis is self-inflicted  and one we must act to limit now.

Professor Angus Dalgleish is an oncologist at a London teaching hospital.




By Kang Hyun-kyung







South Korea's kimchi exports last year reached a record-high of $159.9 million with a 19.2 million surplus, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.







It's the first time for the nation to see a surplus in kimchi trade since 2009. South Korea also imports kimchi mainly from China.







According to the agriculture ministry, kimchi exports have grown annually 18 percent in the past five years.







Over the past five years, the number of importing nations has increased from 61 countries in 2016 to 89 countries last year.







The popularity of Korean pop music and dramas overseas is believed to be one of the factors that boosted the growth of kimchi exports as overseas hallyu fans' interest in Korean food has grown.







The agriculture ministry said it would continue to make efforts to increase kimchi exports while putting an equal emphasis on discovering other food and agricultural products that can be exported.


NSW school students will return to class on January 28 while Queensland has delayed the start of the term as the state waits for more children to be vaccinated.

While just over 78 per cent of children aged 12 to 15 in NSW have been fully vaccinated, primary school-aged children - those between five and 11 - will only become eligible for their first dose on Monday.

With a three week gap recommended between jabs, very few will be fully vaccinated when classrooms open their doors amid the nation's biggest outbreak.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has remained firm on plans to reopen NSW schools by the end of the month while Queensland will delay the return to February 7.

NSW school students will return to class on January 28 while Queensland has delayed the start of the term as the state waits for more children to be vaccinated

While just over 78 per cent of children aged 12 to 15 in NSW have been fully vaccinated, primary school-aged children - those between five and 11 - will only become eligible for their first dose on Monday

A further 50 million at-home rapid test kits have been purchased by the state in addition to the 50 million already held in reserve, NSW premier Dominic Perrottet said on Sunday.

The announcement came as NSW reported its deadliest day of the pandemic, recording 16 deaths related to the coronavirus.

There are currently 1,927 virus patients in NSW hospitals, 130 more than the previous day. Of them, 151 are in intensive care with 38 needing ventilation.

There were also 30,062 new infections reported from less than 100,000 conventional PCR lab tests.

NSW is yet to launch a system to report rapid test results, but Mr Perrottet says he's advised the switch will happen by mid-week, at which point case numbers are expected to surge afresh.

The newly-purchased rapid tests would be instrumental in getting kids back to school, he said.

'We are finalising our back-to-school plans at the moment. This will be a core part of the plans getting kids back in the classrooms.

'There will be challenges as we move through the return-to-school program but ultimately we can't let perfection be the enemy of good. We need kids back in class.'

Meanwhile, isolation requirements for more close contacts have been scrapped, in an effort to stem the outbreak's impacts on supply chains. Shoppers have been faced with empty shelves as the crisis hits supermarkets.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has remained firm on plans to reopen NSW schools by the end of the month while Queensland will delay the return to February 7

With a three week gap recommended between jabs, very few primary school children will be fully vaccinated when classrooms open their doors amid the nation's biggest outbreak

Meanwhile, isolation requirements for more close contacts have been scrapped, in an effort to stem the outbreak's impacts on supply chains. Shoppers have been faced with empty shelves as the crisis hits supermarkets

Food logistics and manufacturing staff furloughed as close contacts are now allowed to leave self-isolation to attend work if they have no symptoms.

They also have to wear a mask and comply with risk-management strategies including daily rapid antigen tests.

The new rules apply to critical workers in biosecurity and food safety, the production and manufacturing of food, beverages, groceries, cleaning and sanitary products, and food logistics, delivery and grocery fulfilment.

The Transport Workers Union lashed the changes as reckless, while the Shop, Distributive and Allied union warned authorities to ensure staff did not become the targets of abuse due to food and other shortages.

'There is no doubt that there is a crisis, a shortage of workers in road transport supply chains,' TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine told ABC's Radio National.

NSW is yet to launch a system to report rapid test results, but Mr Perrottet says he's advised the switch will happen by mid-week, at which point case numbers are expected to surge afresh

But he says the decision to relax close contact rules for critical workers is the wrong way to go about fixing the problem.

'Close contacts are more likely now than ever to have the virus because of Omicron and the definition of a close contact.

'The concern is they will be required to work. That means you have people the most likely to have the virus in workplaces.

'We think there is a real danger that this will make matters worse.'

NSW train and bus timetables will also be adjusted from Monday to help provide services while managing staff shortages.
A young boy wearing pyjamas and a dressing gown has been spotted wandering through the streets of North Wales and police have launched a major search.

The youngster was last seen near a Spar store in Flint on Sunday evening.

He was seen wearing a Batman dressing gown and walking barefoot in a CCTV image released by police.

A young boy wearing pyjamas and a dressing gown has been spotted wandering through the streets of North Wales and police have launched a major search

Temperatures in Flint are expected to drop to 5C tonight and police have appealed for help with finding the boy.

A police spokesman said: 'We have received reports of a young boy in Oakenholt alone, he was last sighted near the Spar in Flint.

'The child was wearing pyjamas and a batman dressing gown.

'If you have seen this child, or are aware of who he is, please contact us on 101 or online quoting the reference number B003961.'
An unshaven young man leans back on his bed, puffing at a vape stick as he films himself jauntily talking to a friend on a mobile phone.

During the 20-minute chat, littered with swear words in English and Albanian, he says he hates Britain, loathes our police and wonders if he can give up his expensive addiction to playing poker.

Audaciously, convicted burglar Aleks Vishaj recorded himself on his secret phone in a cell in Londons Wandsworth Prison last March while being held ahead of deportation home to Albania.

The illegally filmed footage was posted on his private social media account  and that should have been the last this country should have seen, or heard, of him.

Today, however, the Daily Mail can reveal that 32-year-old Vishaj has slipped back into Britain, making a mockery of the deportation system the Government has promised to tighten up.

Convicted burglar Aleks Vishaj recorded himself on his secret phone in a cell in Londons Wandsworth Prison last March while being held ahead of deportation home to Albania. He posted the illegally filmed footage onto his private social media account

Last year, Home Secretary Priti Patel signed a new deal with the Albanian government, which pledged to take back its criminal fraternity with no right to be in the UK.

One in seven foreign-born offenders in UK prisons are Albanians.

As Miss Patel said during a visit to the countrys capital, Tirana: I want to speed up the removal of these dangerous inmates to protect the British people.

The Nationality and Borders Bill, which is due to become law this year, contains powers designed to accelerate the deportation of foreign criminals whenever possible.

The disturbing case of Vishajs return is a grotesque symbol of a system that is being shockingly abused.

On New Years Eve, he posted a swaggering video of himself wearing his countrys national costume and celebrating at an east London bar with fellow Albanians as he sang loudly in his home language.

In November, another photo showed him in London surrounded by large red paper poppies placed on trees to mark Armistice commemorations.

The same month, he was pictured in an apartment overlooking the capitals skyline as he lounged on a chair wearing a designer hoodie emblazoned with an image of film icon James Dean.

We were alerted to his illegal return to the UK by security sources in Albania and Britain.

He is thought to have used a fake passport to slip back, by plane or ferry, in September, after entering an EU country using a visa waiver which people in Albania (a non-EU country) can obtain to visit the EU.

Vishajs brazen behaviour is not unusual. We have found other Albanian criminals living openly in Britain despite being previously turfed out of this country.

One, Dorian Puka, is back despite two convictions in London for burglary, and after twice being repatriated by the Home Office.

Dorian Puka (pictured) is back in the UK despite two convictions in London for burglary, and after twice being repatriated by the Home Office

Last week, the 27-year-old posted a photo of himself smiling broadly with a friend in a London pub on social media. Other online images show him recently walking his bull terrier on a steel chain in the capitals streets.

Four months ago, he was pictured outside the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, seemingly unconcerned by the fact he has been barred from Britain.

Puka has a chequered past. Five years ago, he was jailed for nine months for attempting to break into a home in Twickenham, south-west London.

The propertys owner was in France on holiday but spotted him on a webcam and alerted neighbours who called the police.

Pukas DNA linked him to another burglary in the capital a month before where he had dropped a glove.

At his court sentencing in 2016, the judge told him: You have not been in this country for a long amount of time and are, according to your probation officer, an illegal immigrant.

He called for Pukas deportation, which happened in the November that year. But within 12 months, hed sneaked back into Britain illegally and was living in Greenford, just a few miles from the scenes of his burglaries.

He was stopped in Surbiton, south-west London, when a plain-clothes police officer spotted him in a street wearing an expensive watch that he had stolen on the same day.

Back in court, Puka admitted taking the watch and a purse as he was jailed for three years.

Like his compatriot Vishaj, he too illegally used a mobile phone in prison to take photos of himself in his cell with a fellow inmate.

He posted them on social media, where his Albanian followers sent congratulatory messages. One called him a hero and hundreds posted thumbs-up emojis.

In March 2020, after serving his sentence, Puka was deported for a second time to Albania. But he stayed there only a few months before using the visa-waiver system to travel to Germany and then on to Belgium and Holland before returning  inevitably, of course, and illegally  to Britain in December 2020.

Last year, Home Secretary Priti Patel signed a new deal with the Albanian government, which pledged to take back its criminal fraternity with no right to be in the UK

Within days of slipping back, he was pictured on social media standing beside a smart white Porsche in Richmond, south-west London.

According to research by the Mail, he has been here ever since. Such blatant disregard of the immigration system presents a huge dilemma for Britains authorities.

Already, the number of deportations has dramatically declined. In the year of March 2020 to March 2021, there were just 2,420 enforced returns, down from a peak of more than 21,000 in 2004.

'Christian tattoo' reprieve An Iranian sex offender delayed deportation by claiming he had converted to Christianity and had a tattoo of a cross. The 42-year-old, who can only be identified as MM, arrived in the UK clandestinely in 2010. He was refused asylum and brought appeals, but in 2016 he was convicted of two sex assaults and jailed for over seven years. MM was served with a deportation order but claimed his removal would breach his right to private and family life as he had a partner and two sons here. When that failed he changed tack and claimed he would face torture or inhuman and degrading treatment in Iran because he had abandoned Islam for Christianity. An immigration tribunal granted his appeal, but Home Secretary Priti Patel challenged the decision. A ruling from the upper immigration tribunal said: The appellant claimed to have a tattoo of a Christian cross. But it added: There was no evidence of the claimed tattoo. The judge ordered a fresh hearing, which has yet to take place. Advertisement

Albanians are a particular problem. Three decades after the collapse of the Stalinist dictatorship in Albania, 60 per cent of its adult population say they want to leave the country  blaming lack of jobs, corruption and poverty.

Many want to settle in Britain, where there are large communities of Albanians who make life look attractive via photos on social media.

Their apparently lavish lifestyles, with pricey cars and houses, is a great pull, say researchers at the respected Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN).

Unable to travel to Britain without a stiffly regulated UK visa, many Albanians  according to the BIRN  employ well-known illegal routes such as crossing the English Channel by boat or hidden in the back of lorries.

They also smuggle themselves on ferries from Bilbao in Spain to Portsmouth or by using fake identity documents on flights into the UK from Italy or Greece.

Sources say the numbers arriving illegally are so big that at Colnbrook Immigration Removal Centre near Heathrow, 96 per cent of the hundreds there awaiting deportation by the Home Office are Albanian.

Armond Mucmata, an Albanian gangster accused of trafficking young men into the UK before putting them to work at Buckinghamshire car washes as slave labour, is typical.

The 28-year-old was due for release from prison two weeks ago after admitting to conspiracy to breach immigration laws as a key player in a criminal gang.

The judge who sentenced him has applied for his deportation to Albania as soon as possible.

Mucmata was found last September after a manhunt in Sweden, and brought back to serve his time.

He had fled there following a Thames Valley Police raid at a car wash in Milton Keynes in 2018 and was out of the UK for three years.

Detectives said Mucmata, who drives a top-of-the-range Mercedes, was so dangerous he should not be approached by the public.

Investigating officer DC Janey Holmes said: Mucmata was clearly involved in an organised gang bringing people from non-EU countries to work here.

No wonder, perhaps, that the judges want answers about the high number of Albanian criminals that are appearing in court, why they have not been deported and why they keep illegally returning here with seeming impunity.

Another egregious case is that of 41-year-old Lefter Hoxha.

Despite having been deported from the UK for drug-farming, he came back to this country on the back of a lorry to resume his life of crime.

Next, he was arrested and appeared at Durham Crown Court, where he was jailed for three years for growing cannabis plants with an estimated street value of 250,000.

He had tried to hide during a police raid on his home where he was using a sophisticated heating and water system across three bedrooms.

Vishaj pictured celebrating New Years with a friend, holding an Albanian flag, after slipping back into Britain following his deportation

Sentencing him, Judge Ray Singh asked how Hoxha had managed to return to Britain after having been deported and he called for police to liaise with the Home Office to investigate the case which had yet again exposed how dangerously porous the UKs borders are.

The judge called for Hoxhas removal, but added: Frankly, I do not have confidence in the way the deportation system is working at the moment or that that will happen. I want an explanation [from the Government].

Judge Singh had previously warned Albanians who had appeared before him on criminal charges that the streets of Durham and the North East of England are not paved with gold.

Poker player Aleks Vishaj may disagree  particularly considering the video of himself he took on his phone inside Wandsworth Prison.

At one stage, he tells his friend that he has to lower his voice because guards are passing his door. Then a Bulgarian inmate sharing his cell is seen in the video, sniggering at the camera.

Next, Vishaj shows an image to his phone of the roundabout where he was caught by police. F*** them all! he says. I came down and they were waiting for me.

As a result of this arrest, he was removed from Britain at the request of Germany, where he was wanted for two previous house burglaries.

On his release from three months in jail there, he was deported to Albania with the support of the Home Office.

It was then he made his way back illegally to Britain. Clearly, from his provocative posts on social media, he reckons hes beyond the rule of law and here to stay.

Sadly, as this country battles to get rid of foreign criminals, he  and many others like him  are quite right to think so.
Novak Djokovic's treatment by the Australian authorities has left the player and his camp angry, bitter and hugely disappointed.

As the documents submitted by his solicitors have laid out, the grounds for cancelling his entry-visa look dubious at best. It is almost impossible not to conclude that he is being used to score political points by figures in authority.

Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record nine times. He is the tournament's most celebrated competitor. In the past he has had only positive things to say about Australia and even has even contributed to good causes in the country.

Novak Djokovic is being made a scapegoat in Australia and being used for political purposes

When Nick Kyrgios, otherwise a fierce Djokovic critic, acknowledges his mistreatment, you know that something is not right. Rather than afford Djokovic respect, his status is counting against him.

He misstepped in announcing his medical exemption on Instagram before flying to Melbourne, thereby alerting the public and the authorities. There is a school of thought, even in Australia, that none of this would have happened had he not posted.

Let's not forget, just a day prior to Djokovic's arrival, Prime Minister Scott Morrison shrugged off Djokovic's exemption as an issue for the state of Victoria. After the public backlash, Morrison appeared to realise that there was political currency to be earnt.

Djokovic has become a lightning rod of abuse from an Australian public that, quite understandably, has grown frustrated with lockdown measures. And politicians have exploited that sentiment to their own ends.

Revoking the visa of Renata Voracova, the Czech player who had already spent several days in Melbourne on the same medical exemption - and even played a tournament! - looks like an attempt just to cover their tracks.

Djokovic spent another day in his detention hotel ahead of his court case on Monday

Revoking the visa of Renata Voracova looks like an attempt just to cover their tracks

Djokovic's team have said they will not make any statements until the legal process is completed. Although he is not obliged to clear up the details around his exemption, it would be useful for everyone then if Djokovic clarified the dates of his positive Covid test: when was it taken and when did he receive the result.

That would help to clear up much of the speculation around what has almost become a diplomatic incident.

As well as having the support of the local Serbian community protesting in front of his hotel, among the crowd there are people waving are a variety of flags, including Greek, Polish and Macedonian, including widespread international support online.

You can understand his camp's frustration. The Australian Border Force denied that his mobile phone was taken from him - for three hours - but I understand this to be true. He was without his wallet and personal belongings for at least 24 hours.

On what grounds is this reasonable punishment for what appears to be the result of a miscommunication between the authorities involved in granting him an exemption?

Supporters outside Djokovic's hotel. It is quite easy to understand their anger at his treatment

Prime Minister Scott Morrison initially shrugged off Djokovic's exemption as an issue for the state of Victoria

While his case was cleared up, he requested to quarantine at a rented apartment with his travelling companions. That wish was denied and he is now isolating in a refugee hotel where residents have previously complained about maggot-infested food.

He waved from the window yesterday, but one suspects that is just a brave face for the fans. His brother Djordje has described him as tired and stressed out.

In the past 24 hours, the situation has been marginally improved, with Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic saying that Djokovic was delivered gluten-free food, as well as exercising tools, a laptop and a SIM card so that he can contact his family.

Djokovic has endured hardships in the past. In his youth, he lived through NATO bombings of his native Belgrade, taking shelter underground  like many of us  and sleeping in metal beds which had the strange smell of blood once moisture got into them.

For years now partisan crowds have unsuccessfully tried to will Djokovic to defeat. He has also had his fair share of clashes with the media. But this situation is like nothing he has experienced before. He is being subject to global ridicule, and it's little wonder his mother has said that he is unable to sleep.

Djokovic has never expressed opposition to the Covid vaccine, instead saying people should be free to choose whether to get it

Earlier last week, Djokovic had all but given up on being granted the right to defend his title. The political will opposed to him was too strong. But his legal case looks quite promising today. Whatever happens, a lot of public sympathy in Serbia is on his side.

This is a country with a Covid immunisation rate of roughly 50 per cent. There is no real history of vaccine opposition, but many people are concerned by how quickly the various jabs came to market. To an extent they have been influenced by the opinions of a few prominent idiots on social media and even mainstream TV channels.

Personally I find it frustrating. I am an advocate of the vaccine. I am triple-jabbed and understand that it is the best hope for navigating our way through the pandemic. I wish the rate here was much higher.

But I understand it when people say that Djokovic is unfairly being held to account, given that he has never expressed his opposition to the Covid vaccine since the rollout. Instead he has declined to reveal his status and said that everybody should be free to choose whether to get it. He has refused to engage with the subject and is now paying a high price for it.

One would suspect that with a vaccine-mandate at many of the big tournaments, Novak is going to have to engage with the topic soon. Some tough choices are ahead of him.
Norman Jewison and Lee Grant reflected on the late Sidney Poitier's slap scene in the 1967 feature In the Heat of the Night during an interview with People that was published on Saturday.

During the sit-down, the feature's director and leading actress lauded the performer's acting ability and professionalism while working on the feature.

The legendary actor passed away at his home in Los Angeles this past Thursday at the age of 94.

Looking back: Norman Jewison and Lee Grant reflected on the late Sidney Poitier's slap scene in the 1967 feature In the Heat of the Night during an interview with People that was published on Saturday

In the feature, Poitier portrayed Philadelphia police detective Virgil Tibbs, who becomes involved with a murder investigation taking place in Mississippi.

During the much-lauded slap scene, Tibbs visited the residence of plantation owner Endicott, portrayed by Larry Gates, and asked him for any information he could provide regarding the case.

Endicott went on to showcase his racist tendencies and slapped the detective across the face after being questioned.

Tibbs quickly slapped the plantation owner back and left after his adversary made one last racist remark.

Storyline: In the feature, Poitier portrayed Philadelphia police detective Virgil Tibbs, who becomes involved with a murder investigation taking place in Mississippi

In the film: During the much-lauded slap scene, Tibbs visited the residence of plantation owner Endicott, portrayed by Larry Gates, and asked him for any information he could provide regarding the case

He recalled telling the actor that he would have to 'do it fast because it's a total reaction. If you were back in Philadelphia, you wouldn't accept it.'

The late performer was reportedly enthusiastic about the scene and replied: 'Don't worry, the scene will work, and it will be powerful.'

The retired director also spoke about the scene's impact on former South African president Nelson Mandela, who reportedly became interested in the feature after the slap was censored in his country.

Jewison noted that the politician found the scene and became interested in it 'because he felt this would never happen in a film in South Africa.'

Direction: Jewison recalled telling the actor that he would have to 'do it fast because it's a total reaction. If you were back in Philadelphia, you wouldn't accept it'; he is seen in 2017

The director pointed out that the scene became highly influential with viewers of the film regardless of their country of origin.

'And I don't know whether Sidney knew that, but anyway, I think that was when someone said it was kind of a slap that was echoed around the world,' he said.

He added: 'And I think that's one moment in the film that people remember.'

Grant went on to speak highly of the late actor and pointed out that his contributions to the film world were wide-reaching.

Making an impact: The director pointed out that the scene became highly influential with viewers of the film regardless of their country of origin

'He had a sense of morality that went through all of his films, and if you see the fellow Black actors who honored him, it was for being the first, for being the first to break the white bar,' she said.

She also noted that 'Sidney just was a hero...he was the first Black hero in the film world.'

The actress then mourned the loss of her former costar and expressed that he was a guiding light for many American performers.

'I've lost a friend and America's lost a symbol in a way because Sidney was so highly respected,' she said.
Prince Andrews reputation may be taking a battering as he tries to get the US court claim against him thrown out  yet the embattled Duke still has some friends, and few are as loyal as the Earl and Countess of Derby.

Her Ladyship has traditionally even curtseyed to him, an old-fashioned degree of deference certainly not demanded by Royal protocol.

Nonetheless, when hes greeted that way at Knowsley Hall, the couples grand Merseyside estate, Im told that other female guests feel compelled to follow suit  while the men make a gentle bow of the head.

Lord and Lady Derby, who own Knowsley Hall, are very formal when Prince Andrew visits their estate, with Cazzie, pictured right, curtseying - even though this is not demanded by Royal Protocol

Prince Andrew is being sued by Virginia Roberts, pictured centre, in civil court in New York. Prince Andrew denies the allegations

Prince Andrew, pictured, stepped back from public life after the allegations were made public

The gesture may be even more surprising given that the Countess, whom friends call Cazzie, was briefly romantically linked to Andrew before she became engaged to her husband Edward, a former Grenadier Guards officer known as Teddy.

Andrew is said to be delighted by such ostentatious displays of respect. Cazzie is very formal, which is why she does it, one pal tells me. Her friends tend to do what she does.

There is certainly no obligation to show Andrew this level of etiquette which causes mild amusement among their wider circle.

Brought up at the 6,000-acre Audley End estate in Essex, which has been in her family since the reign of Henry VIII, Cazzie is the second of eight daughters of the late, thrice-married 10th Lord Braybrooke.

Because her father had no sons, his title passed to his third cousin twice removed  an internet entrepreneur who lived above a hair salon in Battersea, South London  while, due to a legal quirk involving the family trust, the Audley End estate passed to a female cousin. Perhaps that kind of family history, in part, explains why Cazzie, 58, has persisted with the deference of a vanished world.

The couples spokeswoman tells me the Derbys are on leave and is unable to say whether the curtsey will be ditched from protocol.

But Cazzie is undoubtedly aware of public feeling. Two years ago when a photograph emerged of her, Andrew, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell attending Ascot together in 2000, she issued a statement explaining she had never been friends with Epstein and that her thoughts lie first and foremost with the victims of Epsteins abuse.
Hot on the heels of the warning that Victoria Beckhams loss-making fashion brand needs to be propped up again with a handout from the family coffers, word comes of another setback for Posh.

A judge has ruled that a case against her from ex-employee Kristine Kubiliene will go to court in London next autumn.

Ms Kubiliene, 55, is seeking damages after claiming she developed wrist injuries from working 15-hour days during New York Fashion Week, saying she was in such pain she could barely open her handbag.

Victoria, 47, argues that if Ms Kubiliene was injured, it was due to her own negligence.

Victoria Beckham's fashion firm is being sued in the High Court in London by a former employee who claims she was left in pain after working 15-hour days for the former Spice Girl

Victoria, pictured centre, claims that if Ms Kubiliene was injured, it was due to her own negligence

A white frock coat isnt the most sensible choice of outfit for a graffiti artist, but thats what socialite Alice Naylor-Leyland chose when she went on a spray-paint session.

Thankfully, she wasnt led away in handcuffs  its all legal at the Museum of Graffiti in Wynwood, Miami, where she is on holiday from her Cambridgeshire mansion and Chelsea flat with husband Tom, heir to the 176 million Fitzwilliam land-owning fortune, and their three children.

Earlier, she was delighted to be reunited, above, with an item of luggage that went missing on the flight.

Luckily, Alice had 11  yes 11!  others to make do with

Socialite Alice Naylor-Leyland, pictured, visited Wynwood, Home of Graffiti while wearing a white coat

Alice, pictured hugging an item of lost luggage, greeted the bag after it was returned to her

She was for years a Vogue model and a fixture on the London social scene. But April Ashley, the transsexual trailblazer who captivated Picasso and Elvis Presley and who married the son of a peer, will be buried not in the capital but in her home city of Liverpool.

April died just before Christmas aged 86 and now a friend tells me: She wanted to be with her father Fred.

Their tour announcements are usually tightly orchestrated affairs. So has Sir Mick Jaggers brother Chris let the cat out of the bag by blurting out a suggestion that The Rolling Stones will tour Europe this summer?

Fans have been clamouring for the rockers to perform on these shores once again after their lucrative No Filter tour wrapped up in the United States in November.

Chris posed for this picture outside the Stones Fan Museum in Luchow, Germany, with a BMW Isetta featuring the bands famous lips logo on the bonnet. Posting the image on Facebook, he captioned it with: Examining vehicle for suitability for upcoming Stones Europe tour.
It's nice to hear that not all of Cara Delevingnes fortune goes on building sound-proof bunkers at her mansion in LA.

According to new figures, the 29-year-old  who is Britains highest-paid supermodel  has ploughed more than 350,000 of her own cash into her new charity called Initiative Earth.

The charity has set itself the modest goal of saving the planet by calling on governments to repair damaged eco-systems.

Cara Delevingne, pictured, as put 350,000 of her own cash into her new charity venture

The charity, Initiative Earth will lobby governments to repair damaged eco-systems

They used to be inseparable  two women breaking hearts for England  during their time living in New York in the Nineties.

But while Ghislaine Maxwell, 60, now languishes in jail, I hear her old pal Lucy Clive, 58  the long-time lover of Ghislaines brother Kevin  now devotes her life to helping victims of domestic violence.

Its not just Kevin whos in awe of what Lucy does  its her friends, too, a pal says.

What staggers them all is the fact that it doesnt defeat her or leave her in despair. She sees and hears the most horrific, sickening things. It takes real strength of character.

Geris the business

She lives in splendour in a 15th Century Cotswolds manor house, but Geri Horner isnt idling her life away  the one-time Spice Girl, 49, is immersing herself in three new companies.

One is a property firm Estelle Ward, set up with husband Christian, boss of F1 champions Red Bull.

Another is Falcon Queen Productions, whose purpose is as yet unstated. And then theres Ombi. Its also about horse power, but real, live horse power  looking after racehorse owners.

To think she was once just a wannabe
Vanessa Bryant shared a lovely glimpse into her snowy trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she's spending some quality time with her three daughters.

The proud mom bundled up in a warm coat as she posed with Natalia, 18, Bianka, 5, and Capri, 2 on a photo shared to her Instagram account.

The 39-year-old widow of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant captioned the heartwarming picture, writing, 'I'll love you for now, forever and for always' adding five red heart emojis.

Charming getaway: Vanessa Bryant, 39, shared a lovely glimpse into her snowy trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she's spending some quality time with her three daughters Natalia, 18, Bianka, 5, and Capri, 2

Vanessa looked cozy in a warm winter coat and matching black boots.

She also added some sparkle to her look with gold hoops.

Daughter Natalia showed off her tall model figure as she stood in the middle with her arms around her little sisters.

Proud mom: Earlier in the day the doting mom posted a video as she and Natalia watched over the little ones while they splashed in a hot pool amid the snowy weather

Brave: Bianka and Capri braved the cold weather for a little splash in a hot pool

Winter activities: Natalia also took to the slopes for a snowboarding session

Meanwhile Bianka and Capri looked adorable as they sported matching pink boots.

Earlier in the day the doting mom posted a video as she and Natalia watched over the little ones while they splashed in a hot pool amid the snowy weather.

'Lifeguard duty,' she joked in the caption.

Close family: Vanessa has been posting frequent updates of their fun trip, and shared a snap of herself giving Natalia a smooch on the cheek

Kisses: The mom also placed a loving kiss on her little one, who was bundled up for the snow

Cheeky: The mother and daughter duo had fun as Vanessa playfully stuck out her tongue for yet another picture

Meanwhile Natalia responded writing, 'OMG HAHA I was freezing.'

Vanessa has been posting frequent updates of their fun trip, and even shared a video of Natalia snowboarding.

The loving mom also planted some smooches on her girls.

Having fun: At one point little Capri got into the winter spirit and threw a snowball at her mom

At one point little Capri got into the winter spirit and threw a snowball at her mom.

'You wanna throw it? Okay, throw it. At mama!?' Vanessa joked as the snowball flew towards her.

With yet another try the little girl achieved her mission and Vanessa commented, 'You got me!'

The family has been enjoying their snowy vacation in Wyoming since early January.
Married At First Sight stars Jules Robinson and Cameron Merchant have revealed they've tested positive to Covid-19, following a five-day holiday in the Gold Coast.

On Saturday, Jules took to Instagram to let fans know she had taken ill, confirming she had a running fever with a temperature of 39.4C while driving home from the trip alongside Cam and their baby son Ollie, one.

Jules said she felt 'bloody awful' in her caption, letting her near 750,000 followers know she was 'so sick' with the virus.

Battle: Married At First Sight stars Jules Robinson and Cameron Merchant have revealed they've tested positive to Covid-19, following a five-day holiday in the Gold Coast. Pictured with their son, Ollie

'When your Covid kicks in on your drive home from holidays and your husband takes care of everyone,' Jules wrote.

She then revealed she is currently in isolation in the guest bedroom of the family's house in Sydney.

'10 hours later, 3am home and isolating in guest bedroom, worst 10 hours but my hero hubby made it better,' she added.

Oh no: 'When your Covid kicks in on your drive home from holidays and your husbands takes care of everyone,' Jules wrote. She showed a thermometer with her temp at 39.4C

'P.S. it's bloody awful, like bloodyyyyy awful!!'

She then thanked fans for their support online, saying: 'Thank you everyone for the well wishes.

'We literally ducked and dived from catching it before our 5 day getaway, cancelling things and staying home constantly. I feel its kinda inevitable at the moment, which is an awful thought but life must go on. Stay safe all xx.'

Cam posted a similar sentiment to his own account, adding: 'Unfortunately Covid we couldnt run from you any longer At least you had the decency to allow us to enjoy our trip away. Heres to the next 7 days'

Break: The couple just returned back from five days in Queensland, where it appears they caught the virus while on a mini-break together

He later let fans know he was suffering from body aches from 'hot and freezing' night sweats.

'Last night was fun!' he joked. 'Happy Sunday!'

He also uploaded a photo from a sleepless night with him covered in sweat.

It comes after NSW Health surprisingly recorded less infections overnight with 30,062 new Covid cases.

In NSW, 98,986 people got tested on Saturday.

Aches: Cam let fans know he was chilling out in front of the TV, watching Netflix

As of Sunday, there are 1,927 people being treated in NSW hospitals for Covid across the state, with 151 in ICU.

It is expected this is an underestimate with testing becoming a debacle in the state.

Also, it doesn't include people who have had a 'positive' rapid antigen tests.

Sweats: Cam later let fans know he was suffering night sweats with him saying 'Omicron' day two

Those are due to be shared via Service NSW on Wednesday this week.

Premier Dominic Perrottet revealed on Sunday he'd doubled his order of urgent rapid antigen tests to 100 million to alleviate the burden on the public health system.

The tests - some of which will arrive this week - will be distributed to essential workers and vulnerable communities.

'This will ensure supplies are provided to the most vulnerable in our community, and ensure they have immediate access to support and health advice as needed,' the premier told Sunday Telegraph.

'It will also provide greater confidence to businesses and the community.'




Bae Eun-sim, the mother of a late student activist whose death became a symbol of South Korea's pro-democracy movement in 1987, died Sunday. She was 82.





Bae had been hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction last Monday, and was discharged Saturday. She died at Chosun University Hospital in the southwestern city of Gwangju after collapsing on Sunday.



Bae's surviving family members decided against an autopsy and they will proceed with her funeral in Gwangju, some 330 kilometers south of Seoul.





Bae's son, Yonsei University student activist Lee Han-yeol, died on July 5, 1987, weeks after being hit by a tear gas canister fired by riot police during a rally on his campus in Seoul.





His death sparked wider protests against the iron-fisted rule of President Chun Doo-hwan. The general-turned-strongman seized power through a 1979 military coup and ruthlessly quelled a pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju.





The protests eventually led to the restoration of the direct presidential election system, a decisive turning point in South Korea's democratization.



Chun's longtime friend, Roh Tae-woo, won the election in December 1987. Roh was South Korea's last general-turned-president. Chun and Roh died last year.





Following Lee's death, Bae became an activist herself. She once served as the head of a national association of families who lost their loved ones in pro-democracy protests of the 1980s. Bae was awarded the Moran Medal, the second-highest Order of Civil Merit, in June 2020 for her contribution to the country's democratization.





President Moon Jae-in sent a wreath to Bae's funeral altar set up at Chosun University Hospital. Cheong Wa Dae later announced that Moon visited the altar at around 4:40 p.m. Sunday to pay his respects in person.





Rival political parties were united in commemorating Bae, calling her the mother of South Korean democracy who sacrificed a great deal for the good of the country. (Yonhap)


Abbie Chatfield has unloaded on one of her fellow influencers following an epic Photoshop fail.

The Bachelor star, 26, expressed her disbelief at a post by social media star Alexis Fenton, who had seemingly Photoshopped a product into her hand rather than just holding it.

Abbie delivered her scathing appraisal in the comments section of Instagram snark account Celeb Spellcheck, who had posted the photo pointing out the questionable sponsored post.

Queen bee: Abbie Chatfield (pictured) has unloaded on one of her fellow influencers after an epic Photoshop fail

The product in question were cans of Canadian Club soda and lime alcoholic beverages.

In a since-deleted post, Alexis - who boasts 146,000 Instagram followers - posed with another woman while 'holding' a can of the product.

However many, Abbie included, questioned the legitimacy of the image.

'JUST GO TO THE BOTTLEO. HOW HARD IS IT,' ranted Chatfield, garnering over 1100 likes for the comment.

Whoops! The Bachelor star, 26, expressed her disbelief at a post by social media star Alexis Fenton in which she had apparently Photoshopped a product into her hand rather than just holding it

Quick fix: 'JUST GO TO THE BOTTLEO. HOW HARD IS IT,' ranted Chatfield, garnering over 1100 likes for the comment

Other influencers then proceeded to pile on, including social media star Kurt Coleman.

'[M]akes the ad look like they really like to drink it - not,' laughed the 24-year-old.

Meanwhile, Big Brother star Tilly Whitfeld pulled back the influencer curtain with her bewildered comment.

'The fact that you literally have to get your content approved by the brand before posting and it was given the go ahead I can't,' wrote the 21-year-old.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Fenton for comment.

Did you spot it? Abbie delivered her scathing appraisal in the comments section of a Celeb Spellcheck photo pointing out the questionable sponsored post

Process: Big Brother star Tilly Whitfeld pulled back the influencer curtain with her bewildered comment

Perplexed: 'The fact that you literally have to get your content approved by the brand before posting and it was given the go ahead I can't,' wrote the 21-year-old

Other influencers added their voices to the critical chorus, with non-binary stylist Deni Todorovic asking, 'Who approved this?'

Influencer Emma Hawkins meanwhile demanded, 'But why'?

Shannon Grixti joked, 'Haters will say it's photoshopped'.

Deluge: Other influencers then proceeded to pile on, including social media star Kurt Coleman

Celeb Spellcheck fans also pointed out the logic holes in the original post.

'She couldn't just take a photo with the product? Surely it would have been easier than trying to photoshop it,' wrote one.

Another cracked a joke about the position in which Alexis 'held' her drink, writing 'I thought she was doing a wee in the fake can'.
Will Smith, John Travolta and Jamie Foxx joined the many celebrities making tributes to the late Sidney Poitier when they shared posts with the actor in mind to their respective Instagram accounts on Sunday.

The performers each posted a shot of themselves spending time with the performer and included messages to express their regret about his passing.

The late figure, who was the first Black person and Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, died at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 94 on Thursday.

Expressing their sorrow: Will Smith and John Travolta joined the many celebrities making tributes to the late Sidney Poitier when they shared posts with the actor in mind to their respective Instagram accounts on Sunday

In Smith's photos, he was seen joking around with the highly influential performer, who appeared to be laughing.

The 53-year-old actor also wrote a short message to emphasize Poitier's impact on the world of film in his post's caption.

He described the performer as 'an icon, legend, visionary, and true pioneer. Thank you Sidney Poitier for breaking down barriers, creating the path and making it possible for there to be a Will Smith!'

He added that the late performer's 'legacy is eternal. Rest In Power.'

Having fun: In Smith's photos, he was seen joking around with the highly influential performer, who appeared to be laughing

Affectionate: Travolta, 67, was seen flashing a wide smile while posing with Poitier at an event in his shot

Travolta, 67, was seen flashing a wide smile while posing with Poitier at an event in his shot. He also included a quote from the actor to illustrate the performer's worldly outlook.

The Pulp Fiction actor wrote: 'Sydney once said, 'we must be citizens of the world.' I know he was right.'

And Jamie Foxx shared a three-minute montage of some of Poitier's finest cinema moments with a thoughtful caption about his career achievements and a special moment they shared together when he was nominated for Ray.

The Django Unchained actor used adjectives such as 'infectious' 'impeccable' and 'transcending' to describe him, and said his 'distinctive voice could melt your heart in one moment And shake the rafters to the ground in the next'

Thoughtful tribute: Jamie Foxx used adjectives such as 'infectious' 'impeccable' and 'transcending' to describe him, and said his 'distinctive voice could melt your heart in one moment And shake the rafters to the ground in the next'

Finest hour: The Django Unchained star posted a three-minute montage of some of Poitier's finest cinema moments with a thoughtful caption about his career achievements and a special moment they shared together when he was nominated for Ray

'I experienced that firsthand on the eve of the Oscars where I was nominated for RayI met Mr. Poitier As I stood there shaking ,tears in my eyes He put his hands on my shoulders and said I give you responsibilityThe moment was priceless although he was the biggest and brightest star on the planet he was still willing to teach

'if you got a chance to meet him or just watch him from a far The one teaching he left us was that no matter what color you are, Or where you are fromLIVE FREE!thank you Sidney for the 94 years of strength talent and audacity all wrapped in beautiful black skin REST IN POWER,' he wrote in excerpt.

Smith had also had close encounters on the acting front with Poitier, having previously portrayed a character who falsely claimed to be Sidney's son in the 1993 feature Six Degrees of Separation.

On screen: Smith previously portrayed a character who falsely claimed to be Poitier's son in the 1993 feature Six Degrees of Separation

The film was based on John Guare's play of the same name, which debuted in 1990.

The play itself was inspired by the life of David Hampton, who conned several individuals into believing that he was Poitier's son.

The project follows a con artist named Paul, who charms his way into the home of a wealthy couple and attempts to take advantage of their kindness.

Six Degrees of Separation received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, and Stocking Channard was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her work on the project.
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Harry Jowsey couldn't keep his hands off his new girlfriend Sveta Bilyalova as they hit the beach in Costa Rica on Friday afternoon.

The television star, 24, and the Russian model, 29, were spotted sharing a passionate kisses while taking a dip in the water.

Jowsey decided to forgo a shirt and wore just a pair of light red trunks and a backwards white cap with a green bill.

Lovebirds: Harry Jowsey couldn't keep his hands off his new girlfriend Sveta Bilyalova as they hit the beach in Costa Rica on Friday afternoon

Passion: The television star, 24, and the Russian model, 32, were spotted sharing a passionate kisses while taking a dip in the water

Bilyalova donned a skimpy black bikini that showed quite a bit of her skin including her impressive bosom.

The pair spent some of their leisure time lying with one another underneath a cabana before venturing into the ocean.

Bilyalova and Jowsey didn't just lie there, the duo also shared some kisses while sitting together on the same lounge chair. Bilyalova also spent her time looking through her phone with her faithful boyfriend at her side.

Relaxing together: The two stars laid next to one another on a large lounge bed underneath a cabana

Passionate embrace: Bilyalova and Jowsey didn't just lie there. The two also exchanged passionate kisses while sitting together on the same lounge chair

On her short walk from their cabana to the water, Bilyalova's impressive derriere could be barely contained by her tiny black bathing suit.

While the couple seem very much in love, their relationship is still fairly new.

Before Bilyalova and Jowsey started dating, the Too Hot to Handle star was committed to Francesca Farago who he met on the show.

Holding each other close: Bilyalova wrapped her arms around her her better half in the water

Making their way to the water: Jowsey and Bilyalova didn't spend on their time on land, instead enjoying the cooling blue water as well

Still a fairly new relationship: While the couple seem very much in love, their relationship is still fairly new. Before Bilyalova and Jowsey started dating, the Too Hot to Handle star was committed to Francesca Farago who he met on the show.

Jowsey and Farago's relationship was somewhat fraught over the years with the two breaking up and getting back together after their time on the show.

While they were together in May 2020, Jowsey told Us Weekly that they took a break for eight months after filming of Too Hot to Handle ended.

Jowsey even went as far as to propose to Farago with a Ring Pop before they ultimately broke up about a month later.

Bilyalova and Jowsey started spending time together last month, and the two began to explore their realtionship according to Page Six.
Farmer Wants a Wife contestant Hayley Love has detailed her struggle with acne in an honest post shared to Instagram.

On Sunday, the reality star, 25 - who recently welcomed her first child with her former flame and co-star Will Dwyer - shared before and after photos of her skin struggles from May 2021 until January 2022.

Hayley said she'd visited a skin clinic to help with her condition, after initially believing she would 'never have acne free skin' in her life.

Battle: Farmer Wants a Wife contestant Hayley Love has detailed her struggle with acne in an honest post shared to Instagram. Pictured left in May 2021, and right in January 2022

'May 2021 - January 2022,' she wrote. 'I have struggled with my skin for a very long time and always thought I would never have acne free skin.'

She then revealed she had gone to a clinic after trying to manage the condition herself with some 'pretty heavy products', which she claims was making it '100 times worse'.

'I have only had three treatments in the salon since May 2021 (COVID lockdowns) but was put onto a morning and night routine using the @freshfaceskin at home products. I have done this religiously since my first visit,' she said.

Congratulations! Hayley gave birth last month and is raising Daisy as a single mother

Shock news: In July, Hayley (left) shocked Farmer Wants A Wife viewers when she revealed she was 22 weeks pregnant with Will's (right) child, but said they were no longer together

'My goal was to feel confident enough not to wear makeup and I can happily say I rarely wear it anymore.'

Hayley gave birth last month, and is raising her daughter Daisy as a single mother.

In July, she shocked Farmer Wants A Wife viewers when she revealed she was 22 weeks pregnant with Will Dwyer's child, but said they were no longer together.

The cancer survivor was originally matched with farmer Matt Trewin on the Channel Seven dating show, but he dumped her shortly before the finale.

Single mum: Will is yet to post anything about the birth of little Daisy (pictured)

She went on to briefly date Will and became pregnant with his child, but they split.

Hayley and Will had a short-lived romance after the FWAW finale was filmed in December, and after he'd split from his winner Jaimee, but they ended things around April.

Will later released a statement addressing Hayley's pregnancy in which he vowed to be 'the best dad I can be... when the time comes'.
Ben Affleck has opened up about the now-iconic video of him sadly staring off into space during a press junket interview for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

In a new interview Affleck admitted that though he thought the memes sparked by the video were funny, he is now more concerned about the affects it had on his children.

The six-year-old video - featuring a melancholy soundtrack - shows Affleck, 49, alongside co-star Henry Cavill as they are told that the movie is getting mixed reviews.

And while Cavill launches into a professional response, Affleck turns his gaze down with a look of utter dismay.

The video - which went viral overnight - was quickly turned into a parody, as YouTuber Sabconth added in a collage of negative headlines from review articles, as well as Simon and Garfunkel's song The Sound of Silence.

The actor opened up about the meme and his public perception to the Los Angeles Times, saying, 'I got to a place where [the public perception] was so different from who I am that I just stopped reading and stopped caring.'

Sad: Ben Affleck, 49, has opened up about the now-iconic video of him sadly staring off into space during a press junket interview for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Contemplating it all: The six-year-old video shows Affleck alongside co-star Henry Cavill as they are told that the movie is getting mixed reviews

He went on to say he was concerned about his kids - Violet, 16, Seraphina, 13, and Samuel, 9 - being affected by it. 'But then, as my kids got older and started seeing the internet themselves, thats the difficult part. Even the Sad Affleck meme  that was funny to me. I mean, theres nobody who hasnt felt that way at a junket,' he stated.

'But then my kids see it and I think, Oh, are they going to think their dad is fundamentally sad or they have to worry about me? Thats really tough,' the star added.

The actor also reflected on his early years and how his public image didn't match his private persona.

'I think when I was young, people saw me as somebody who had too much or was successful too easily or looked like some kind of cavalier, insincere, callow frat guy,' he said.

Focused on his kids: The star admitted that though he thought the memes sparked by the video were funny, he is concerned that his kids might worry about him; Pictured with daughter Seraphina and son Samuel in 2019

'That was nothing like how I felt. I felt like this sort of insecure, anxious, overly verbal kid from Boston who had tried to break into this business and was dealing with his own stuff. But there is an interesting thing about how we come off versus who we are,' he revealed.

Affleck recently reflected on playing Batman over the span of several superhero films, naming Justice League as by far 'the worst experience' of them all.

The 49-year-old actor called the filming process 'awful' for a 'confluence' of reasons, and said it made him want to retire from the superhero all together before The Flash came along.

'That became the moment where I said, "I'm not doing this anymore," he confessed to the Los Angeles Times while speaking about the movie  which he called the 'nadir' of his life.

Low point: Ben Affleck, 49, reflected on playing Batman over the span of several superhero films, naming Justice League as by far 'the worst experience' of them all for a 'confluence' of reasons; Affleck pictured 2021 (left) and in 2017's Justice League (right)

The Tender Bar actor spoke candidly about his involvement with the 2017 DC Comics film, and how it was the catalyst for now only taking on projects that make him 'happy.'

'It was really Justice League that was the nadir for me. That was a bad experience because of a confluence of things: my own life, my divorce, being away too much, the competing agendas and then [director] Zack [Snyder]'s personal tragedy [Snyder's daughter Autumn died by suicide in 2017] and the reshooting.

'It just was the worst experience. It was awful,' he continued to say. 'It was everything that I didn't like about this. That became the moment where I said, "I'm not doing this anymore."

Despite his seemingly harsh words, Affleck said that he likely would have shared the same sentiments about 'any' project he took on at that time in his life.

Bad time: 'That was a bad experience because of a confluence of things: my own life, my divorce, being away too much, the competing agendas and then [director] Zack [Snyder]'s personal tragedy [Snyder's daughter Autumn died by suicide in 2017] and the reshooting' he recalled; pictured on set with Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) and director Zack Snyder

Final straw: 'It just was the worst experience. It was awful,' he continued to say of the film, adding that it was the moment he said 'I'm not doing this anymore'; (left to right) Ezra Miller, Henry Cavill, Ray Fisher, Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck and Jason Momoa in the DC Comics film

'It's not even about, like, Justice League was so bad. Because it could have been anything,' he shared.

On top of his divorce from Jennifer Garner following over a decade of marriage, Affleck was also struggling with alcohol abuse  which he then sought treatment for.

Prior to the film he had dropped out of directing and starring in The Batman: 'I looked at it and thought, "I'm not going to be happy doing this," he told the publication.

'It was the point where I started to realize it's not worth it,' he shared, adding that he had then made the poor choice of signing onto Justice League which pushed him over the edge.

Struggling: Affleck had described the period around filming Justice League as the 'nadir' (low point) in his life and career on account of his then ongoing divorce from Jennifer Garner and his substance abuse issues which he later sought treatment for; pictured at the 2017 premiere

In comparison, Affleck then praised his reprisal of Batman in the 2022 film The Flash, calling it his 'favorite' interpretation of the character thus far, adding that the experience was 'really fun.'

'I have never said this  this is hot off the presses  but maybe my favorite scenes in terms of Batman and the interpretation of Batman that I have done were in the Flash movie,' he told the Herald Sun.

'I hope they maintain the integrity of what we did because I thought it was great and really interesting  different, but not in a way that is incongruent with the character. Maybe they will decide that it doesn't work. But when I went and did it, it was really fun and really, really satisfying and encouraging, and I thought, "Wow  I think I have finally figured it out."'
An Australian influencer has described her experience of meeting A-list star Lionel Richie as the 'best ever', after he once invited her and a pal to dinner when they sent him a glass of red wine.

Popular meme queen 'Winnie Blues' shared the story on Instagram last week, after a fan had asked who was the most famous person she'd ever met during a Q&A.

Sharing a picture alongside the Hello hitmaker, the influencer explained: 'My best ever was Lionel Richie! My bestie and I were out for dinner at Nobu and we spied him in the private room.

Epic meeting: Australian influencer Winnie Blues has described her experience of meeting A-list star Lionel Richie as the 'best ever', after he invited her and a pal to dinner when they sent him a glass of red wine

'Naturally, we asked for the waiter to deliver him a glass of red wine. Lionel's manager came out and invited us to join him for dinner.'

While its unknown when the friendly meeting took place, she added: 'We stayed there for HOURS and an hour after close. He was just telling us the most amazing stories. He asked about both our families heaps, and remembered their names!'

She continued: 'He paid for everything and even texted us to say thank you, and that we were welcome to hit him up in LA if we needed somewhere to stay.

'It was the least creepy, genuine interaction ever.'

What a tale! Popular meme queen 'Winnie Blues' shared her story on Instagram last week, after a fan had asked her the most famous person she'd ever met during a Q&A

It comes months after Winnie Blues hosted yet another Q&A with fans, during which a follower offered a five-star review of Zac Efron's bedroom performance.

The anonymous woman allegedly had a brief relationship with the High School Musical star, 34, before he began dating his now ex-girlfriend Vanessa Valladares.

She submitted her unverified story to Winnie, who was hosting a confessions-themed Q&A on Instagram Stories.

The woman claimed she was 'f**king Zac Efron' before 'anybody knew he was even in Australia' - which suggests the alleged romance took place in early 2020.

How lovely! While its unknown when the friendly meeting took place, she added: 'We stayed there for HOURS and an hour after close. He was just telling us the most amazing stories. He asked about both our families heaps, and remembered their names!'

'Let's just say he was all about pleasing the girl,' the woman said, to which Winnie responded: 'Hahahahaha'.

'Genuinely. Hahahah,' she continued. 'When you come up I'll tell you all about it. He's the nicest guy I have ever met.'

While it's unclear exactly when the woman's alleged fling with Zac took place, it must have ended by late June/early July, which is when he started dating Vanessa. The couple split around April.
This year's Love Island is set to be its most diverse yet, as it has been reported that the show's bosses are actively encouraging non-binary Islanders to apply.

The popular ITV2 reality show is accepting applications from those who do not identify as male or female for the 2022 series, reports The Sun.

When asked for their gender on the application form, hopefuls are given the option to put male, female, non-binary, prefer not to say or prefer to self-describe.

Inclusive: This year's Love Island is set to be its most diverse yet, as it has been reported that the show's bosses are actively encouraging non-binary Islanders to apply

They are also asked to state their sexual orientation as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or other.

A TV source told the publication: 'Producers are under more pressure than ever to make this series as woke as possible after it has previously come under criticism for its lack of diversity.

'The move could make the basic rules of the show complicated, as each coupling ceremony separates boys and girls, but they are keen to have a non-binary contestant this year. It's all about inclusivity and breaking down boundaries.'

Diverse: The popular ITV2 reality show is accepting applications from those who do not identify as male or female for the 2022 series, reports The Sun

MailOnline has contacted reps for Love Island for comment.

In the past years the premise of the show has been to split men and women up and for them to then partner with the opposite sex with those left single being dumped from the Island.

The show has been criticised for its lack of inclusivity over the years, and some have called upon bosses to include more diverse cast.

Non-binary: When asked for their gender on the application form, hopefuls are given the option to put male, female, non-binary, prefer not to say or prefer to self-describe

Last year, ITV's director of television Kevin Lygo said: 'Love Island is a particular thing. It's about boys and girls coupling up, so if you want to do it as a gay version or you want to widen it, it is discussed and we haven't yet found a way that would make it suitable for that show.'

Meanwhile ITV commissioner Amanda Stavri said in an interview with Radio Times that featuring same-sex relationships on Love Island would present a 'logistical difficulty'.

According to Stavri, the show's 'format' would present a 'challenge', because the series had to 'give islanders an equal choice when coupling up'.

Last year's series was won by Millie Court and Liam Reardon.
Bindi Irwin has shared a number of stunning photos from her private family album.

In images taken by her photographer brother Robert Irwin, Bindi gave insight into family life as her nine-month-old daughter Grace Warrior spent time with her doting grandmother, Terri.

In one stunning image, Grace was seen sitting on Terri's lap while the Australia Zoo owner stared adoringly towards her.

Too cute: Bindi Irwin has shared private, rarely-seen photos of Grace Warrior as the cute tot spent time with grandmother Terri (left) in photos shared to Instagram on Sunday

Another photo showed the little one being held-up by her father, Chandler Powell, and sitting in her pram with Rosella birds sitting on his back.

A third showed Terri beaming while she pushed little Grace in a pram, while another black-and-white shot saw Grace staring into the distance while sat with Bindi.

It comes after Bindi revealed on Instagram on Friday she now has two tattoos on her left arm and hand, and they are both tributes to her family.

Sweet: In the photo set, Bindi also shared one of Chandler Powell being surrounded by Rosella birds while Grace was sat in a pram

Grandma's love: Terri was seen pushing Grace in her pram at home in one of the photos

She has the words 'graceful warrior' on her inner forearm in honour of daughter.

Bindi revealed the script was inspired by her late father Steve Irwin's handwriting.

'The words I spoke to our daughter as I held her for the first time in my arms were, 'My graceful warrior,' Bindi told her 4.8 million Instagram followers.

'That's how her name was born. This is my dad's handwriting to keep him with me, always. Our dear alligator Daisy is next to these words to represent our conservation work as Wildlife Warriors.'

Charming: A black and white photo also saw an inquisitive-looking Grace staring while sat with her mother

Bindi and Chandler announced their daughter's birth on March 26, just one day after she was born on their first wedding anniversary.

'March 25, 2021. Celebrating the two loves of my life. Happy first wedding anniversary to my sweetheart husband and day of birth to our beautiful daughter,' she wrote on Instagram.

'Grace is named after my great-grandmother, and relatives in Chandler's family dating back to the 1700s.

Talented: The 18-year-old Robert (pictured) is a budding photographer, and took the images on Bindi's account

'Her middle names, Warrior Irwin, are a tribute to my dad and his legacy as the most incredible Wildlife Warrior.

'Her last name is Powell and she already has such a kind soul just like her dad.'

Bindi first met Chandler in 2013, when the American former wakeboarder went on a guided tour of Australia Zoo in Queensland.

The pair married in a surprise ceremony at Australia Zoo in March last year.
Cardi B and another rapper named Cuban Doll exploded into a bitter public feud on Twitter over the weekend.

Back in December 2018 Cardi had split up with her husband Offset as rumors swirled that he was unfaithful to her. One accusation was that he had asked another rapper named Summer Bunni to have a threesome with him and Cuban.

At the time Cuban publicly denied ever having met or spoken to Offset, and in early 2019 he and Cardi got back together.

However in a furious exchange on Twitter this weekend Cuban said Offset was 'tryna f*** me' and she was 'paid to clear his name' by pretending to have no idea about it.

Going at it: Cardi B (left) and another rapper named Cuban Doll (right) exploded into a bitter public feud on Twitter over the weekend

This weekend's argument appears to have begun with a couple of cryptic tweets Cuban posted that Cardi interpreted as being about her.

'I pray a man don't marry me just to cheat on me ... that's next level OD DISRESPECT,' read one of the Cuban tweets in question.

'I could never be inspired by someone I don't listen to . Simple stop trying to force that on me,' vamped Cuban in the other.

Some social media users had been wondering whether Cuban's latest animal print photo-shoot had been influenced by Cardi's WAP look.

Back together: The argument concerned Cardi's 2018 split from her husband Offset, with whom she quickly reunited; the couple are pictured together last month

Cardi cryptically tweeted: 'The fact I got dms of b****es asking me when my tape drops.They be quick to forget but the dms don't!'

'You can't be mad I'm not inspired ... Df that's weird!' Cuban posted onto her own page, seemingly in response to Cardi.

The conflict between them escalated as Cuban decried a 'Bully' who was trying 'to attack me over clothes !' adding: 'This is embarrassing for you over a look b*** this about yo husband @iamcardib.'

Allegations: One accusation was that he had asked another rapper named Summer Bunni (pictured) to have a threesome with him and Cuban

Crying laughing: in a furious exchange on Twitter this weekend Cuban said Offset was 'tryna f*** me' and she was 'paid to clear his name' by pretending to have no idea about it

Cuban also entered Cardi's replies directly and alleged that 'me & you ain't been cool offset was tryna f*** me.'

Cardi then posted screen-grabs of Cuban's two original offending tweets - the ones about not being 'inspired' and hoping not to be cheated on by a husband.

'You started this whole s*** wit these two NOW DELETED tweets being shady about the inspiration and then my husband,' wrote Cardi. 'Now that I respond I'm wrong?

Posting the same screen-grabs again, Cardi added: 'It was never about clothes I never shaded you ...You put these two tweets up and then deleted them and now you talking about I bullied you?'

Darts thrown: Over the course of their Twitter spat Cuban entered Cardi's replies directly and alleged that 'me & you ain't been cool offset was tryna f*** me'

Cardi addressed Cuban's claims about Offset 'tryna f*** me' by posting a screen-grab of an alleged DM exchange between her and Cuban from December 2018.

December 2018 was the month that Cardi and Offset had split and at that point rumors were raging he had requested a threesome with Cuban and Summer Bunni.

'You say all this now, but you said something different when I asked you about it directly,' Cardi wrote over the screen-grab of the DMs. 'Where was this energy then? Don't play tough now. I see we didn't leave looking for clout in 2021.'

During the purported DM exchange Cardi asked: 'Is that threesome s*** true?' and Cuban allegedly replied: 'I never knew about it untill day that's not me texting him if you read the messages.'

Back and forth: Cardi addressed Cuban's claims about Offset 'tryna f*** me' by posting a screen-grab of an alleged DM exchange between her and Cuban from December 2018

Her side: After Cardi posted the screen-grab of her alleged 2018 messages with Cuban, Cuban wrote: 'You asked if the message was real I said it looked faked witch it did'

In the screen-grab that went viral and set off the threesome rumors in 2018, Offset appeared to be shown texting Summer Bunni to whom he wrote: 'I want u and Cuban can u make that happen.'

During Cardi and Cuban's DM conversation about the subject, Cuban said the viral screen-grab of Offset and Summer's alleged messages 'look fake to me.'

In addition to posting the screen-grabs of the her 2018 messages with Cuban, Cardi also posted a clip of a TMZ interview with Cuban also from December 2018.

'No, I don't know him. I never even spoke to him,' Cuban said of Offset in that interview. 'I have never had no conversation with him. He wasn't actually texting me. I'm just caught in the middle 'cause my name in it, you know.'

'Pay me for the promo': Cardi also posted a clip of a TMZ interview with Cuban also from December 2018 and wrote: 'This is you as well'

Fed up: Cuban wrote: 'What is this proving? Who are you trying to convince? Your husband tried to f*** me And IM STILL NOT INSPIRED THE END!'

Over her clip of the old TMZ interview, Cardi wrote: 'This is you as well LIKE I SAID ...Don't try to act victim cause I reply to those deleted tweets you was directing at me.Just tell your label to pay me for the promo.'

After Cardi posted the screen-grab of her alleged 2018 messages with Cuban, Cuban wrote: 'You asked if the message was real I said it looked faked witch it did .. & I still didn't know off set wanted to f*** till it came out ! Cus he was f***ing my friend.'

Cuban also claimed: 'Girl you know I was paid to clear his name,' adding a string of crying laughing emojis for good measure.

War of words: Cardi maintained that 'I never said you were inspired, I personally didn't care,' adding: 'But it's clear it hit a nerve cuz it got your lil Twitter fingers poppin'

Apparently in response to the screen-grab and video clip that Cardi posted on Twitter, Cuban wrote: 'What is this proving? Who are you trying to convince? Your husband tried to f*** me And IM STILL NOT INSPIRED THE END!'

Eventually Cardi got fed up and said: 'First you said the girl was no longer ya friend, then it turned to he was f***in her, now it's he was trying to f*** with you? You can't even keep up with ya own lies. Show me the receipts. You started this yet asking me what does it prove? Honey you need this moment not me.'

Cardi added: 'and I never said you were inspired, I personally didn't care. But it's clear it hit a nerve cuz it got your lil Twitter fingers poppin.'

As the day wore on Cardi announced she was 'deleting those tweets.. its bad for business and Im done helping out the needy.I want to apologize to my fans I know yall get upset when I give attention to germs.'

Still at it: As the day wore on Cardi announced she was 'deleting those tweets.. its bad for business and Im done helping out the needy'

Togetherness: Offset proposed to Cardi onstage in Philadelphia in October 2017 with a ring valued at around half a million; they are pictured in Paris this past September

Three minutes later Cuban remarked on her own Twitter page that she 'Dont need no attention from no rat a** h**.'

Offset proposed to Cardi onstage in Philadelphia in October 2017 with a ring valued at around half a million - only for it to emerge they were already legally married.

Cardi, who released a single called Be Careful amid Offset's cheating rumors, wound up leaving him at the end of 2018 but they soon reconciled.

They share a three-year-old daughter called Kulture as well as a son born this September whose name they have not made public.
Sarah Hyland and fiance Wells Adams were spotted looking cozy as they held hands while taking a leisurely stroll in Los Angeles.

The Modern Family star and the Bachelor in Paradise contestant sported warm attire for the outing, with Sarah rocking a large cream cable knit sweater paired with black tights and boots.

Always fashionable, the 31-year-old American actress also wore a chic black newsboy cap and large reading glasses.

Romantic stroll: Sarah Hyland, 31, and fiance Wells Adams, 37, were spotted looking cozy as they held hands while taking a leisurely stroll in Los Angeles

She held a festive red cup in her hand, most likely trying to keep warm with a hot coffee or tea.

Meanwhile her 37-year-old fiance kept things cool in a cream cardigan over an orange tee-shirt, black trousers and brown boots.

The brunette beauty and her beau started dating in 2017 and got engaged two years later, in 2019.

Cozy: The actress and the Bachelor in Paradise contestant sported warm attire for the outing, with Sarah rocking a large cream cable knit sweater paired with black tights and boots

Prior to becoming involved with Adams, Hyland dated her Geek Charming co-star Matt Prokop for four years.

In 2014, the performer obtained a restraining order against her former boyfriend due to allegations of verbal and physical abuse, and the injunction was later made permanent.

She went on to start a relationship with her Vampire Academy co-star, Dominic Sherwood, in 2015, although they split up two years later.

The actress began dating Adams in 2017, and the two initially attempted to keep their romance under wraps until they went public that Halloween and they went on to become engaged in July of 2019.

Sarah and Wells were set to be married by now, but experienced delays on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In love: Hyland began dating Adams in 2017 and the duo went on to become engaged in July of 2019; Pictured arriving to the 2021 People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California

In November, Hyland  who is immunocompromised  spoke about their current wedding plans, and said that they would be tying the knot eventually in a safe manner.

'So next year?,' she said of a loose projected date in conversation with E! News. 'I don't know. I have absolutely no idea anymore. I would like next year. I know I said last year if we're not getting married next year it's never going to happen, but now I'm saying that about next year.'

'If not, then we're just going to elope,' she continued to say with a laugh. 'I don't even think he knows that. I'm just going to say that. We're just going to fly to Greece! Have a little vacation, get married.'
Unification Minister Lee In-young speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



Unification minister urges North Korea not to miss out on 'golden time'



By Kang Seung-woo



It is the right time to declare an end to the Korean War, as an unprecedentedly favorable environment for the implementation of the declaration has been set up among relevant countries, according to Unification Minister Lee In-young.



In this regard, he also believes the first half of the year could be a "golden time" to make strides in frayed inter-Korean ties and stalled nuclear negotiations between North Korea and the United States, citing a heap of political events in the second half of the year that could disrupt efforts toward Pyongyang-related issues.



Strongly believing such an agreement could serve as a catalyst for negotiations on the denuclearization of North Korea, President Moon Jae-in resurrected his proposal of declaring a formal end to the 1950-53 conflict in a speech at the United Nations last September.



Since then, South Korean and U.S. diplomats have been meeting frequently with each other to discuss the proposal, while National Security Director Suh Hoon also drew support from China following a meeting with top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi in December.



Additionally, accompanied by positive responses from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his powerful sister Kim Yo-jong, President Moon said the four relevant parties have agreed, in principle, to an end-of-war declaration.



The Korean War ended in an armistice between North Korean and Chinese forces and the U.S.-led United Nations Command (UNC), leaving the war technically still ongoing.



"It has been some 20 years since the idea of an end-of-war declaration was first floated, but now is the first time that all four related countries  South and North Korea, the U.S. and China  have agreed 'in principle' and shown positive responses to an end-of-war declaration," Lee said in an interview with The Korea Times at his office in Seoul, Thursday.



"The issue had been mentioned separately by those countries over the years, but since the President's proposal in September, all the relevant parties have concurred on the declaration in principle and in theory," he added.



"In that respect, it is the best time to pursue the end-of-war declaration."



In response to Moon's proposal, Kim Yo-jong described the end-of-war declaration as an "admirable idea," followed by Kim Jong-un who said he did not oppose the declaration itself, although both have urged South Korea and the U.S. to drop their "double-dealing" attitude and hostile policy toward their country first. However, the reclusive state has since remained unresponsive to the matter.



The lasting silence is fueling speculation that Seoul and Washington should offer something to entice North Korea into responding to the end-of-war issue, and the suspension of combined military drills and partial sanctions relief are being mentioned as possible incentives among others.



However, the minister said the end-of-war declaration itself is one of the options available to resolve hostility between South and North Korea and between the U.S. and North Korea.



"The precondition that North Korea has consistently wanted before returning to talks is for South Korea and the U.S. to withdraw their hostile policy," Lee said.



"In that respect, the end-of-war declaration could be a step in the direction toward ending hostile relations between them, and that is why the South Korean government is pursuing the declaration, which could be a gateway to the denuclearization of North Korea."



Some who are critical of South Korea's drive for the end-of-war declaration say it would undermine and destabilize the security situation on the Korean Peninsula by paving the way for the withdrawal of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and the dismantlement of the UNC.



Describing these concerns as a "distorted perception," Lee said even if the end-of-war declaration is signed, the future of the USFK and the U.S.-led UNC along with the alliance between South Korea and the U.S. will not be legally affected.



"I have repeatedly explained that the end-of-war declaration is a significant measure to build confidence between South and North Korea and the U.S., which means that any military changes linked to the USFK or the UNC are not under consideration in our goal and pursuit of the declaration," the minister said.



"Rather, even if the peace treaty is signed and, furthermore, North Korea and the U.S. establish diplomatic ties, the upkeep of American troops here is an issue between South Korea and the U.S. and it has nothing to do with the end-of-war declaration."



He added: "Such concerns are a misunderstanding."





Unification Minister Lee In-young poses during an interview with The Korea Times at his office in Seoul, Thursday. The left picture behind him represents Chonji, the crater lake of Mount Paektu in North Korea, and the right one describes Baengnokdam, the crater lake of Mount Halla on Jeju Island in South Korea. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Josh Duhamel announced his engagement to girlfriend of two years on Audra Mari on Saturday.

The 49-year-old actor popped the question on her 28th birthday, and shared snaps of the beachside proposal, writing 'It's on!!'

The marriage will mark his second and her first. His ex-wife Fergie  who he was married to for nearly a decade  showed her support for the happy pair in the comments.

Fianceed! Josh Duhamel, 49, announced his engagement to girlfriend of two years Audra Mari, 28, on Saturday after popping the question on her birthday

The Las Vegas actor seemed to get a bit creative with the proposal as the pair vacationed in a tropical location.

He asked for her hand in marriage with a message in a bottle that read 'Audra Diane Mari will you marry me?'

After she said 'yes' he shared a snap of the happy moment. 'It's on!! She found a message in a bottle that washed ashore and said YES!!' he captioned the post.

Among the congratulatory comments was ex-wife Fergie who wrote 'Congrats!!!!' with a string of hearts.

Soon-to-be Mrs. Duhamel! The Las Vegas actor began dating the former beauty queen in 2019; pair pictured May 2021

How it started: Josh and Audra were first spotted out together in May 2019  the same month he and Fergie filed for divorce; pictured December 2019

The former pair  who share an eight-year-old son together, Axl  announced their separation in 2017.

The couple had said in a joint statement: 'With absolute love and respect, we decided to separate as a couple earlier this year.

'To give our family the best opportunity to adjust, we wanted to keep this a private matter before sharing it with the public. We are and will always be united in our support of each other and our family.'

Josh and Audra were first spotted out together in May 2019  the same month he and Fergie filed for divorce.

'Josh and Audra met through mutual friends and get along really well. The two have a great time together and are on the same page about what they want their future to be,' a source told ET.

Supportive: Among the congratulatory comments was ex-wife Fergie who wrote 'Congrats!!!!' with a string of hearts

Co-parenting: The former pair  who share an eight-year-old son together, Axl  announced their separation in 2017; Josh and Fergie pictured 2016

The Shotgun Wedding actor had previously opened up about his desire to have more children and how he wanted to find love again following the split.

'I want to have more kids in the next few years. So it's more about finding someone young enough to have kids,' he said on a December 2018 episode of the Armchair Expert podcast.

'It's not as if I'm out there just trying to f**k anything, that's really not who I am. I'm trying to find a girl that I can be with and have a family with, you know?'

Audra, a former beauty queen who is 21 years his junior, had previously dated Property Brothers star Jonathan Scott from 2013 to 2015.
Khloe Kardashian flashed her sensational legs as she covered the latest issue of the UK edition of Cosmopolitan.

The 37-year-old reality TV superstar revealed in the magazine that her sister Kim Kardashian has become her 'PR crisis helper.'

Her remarks ran after her ex Tristan Thompson apologized to her following the birth of a baby he fathered with another woman while he was still with Khloe.

Khloe said of Kim, who has faced her own share of scandals including her sex tape and three failed marriages: 'Shes the PR crisis helper.'

She added: 'Poor girl. Shes really calm and now that she knows all this legal jargon she will say things that make you feel reassured - I dont even know what they mean.'

Kim has spent years studying to become a lawyer and revealed last month that she had finally passed the California 'baby bar' after multiple tries.

'If theres any kind of drama, you talk to her about it,' Khloe said of Kim. 'Shes like: "well figure it out." She comes up with a plan  shes a little wizard like that.'

Making it work: The 37-year-old reality TV superstar revealed in the magazine that her sister Kim Kardashian has become her 'PR crisis helper'

Khloe confessed: 'Either I feel calm or Im like: "Why the f*** arent you more upset! I dont understand why youre so calm about this."'

She revealed that 'I have my days' when it comes to coping with the public scrutiny on her personal life since she became a realty star.

'There are definitely times that Im like: "I dont give an a** about anything." I have this great ability to block everything out. Then I have times where I struggle and I cant drown out the noise, and I get mad at myself for not being able to,' she said.

'Its a vicious cycle. You have to take everyday as it comes. There are definitely times when were like: "Just get these cameras out of our faces!"'

Embattled: Her remarks ran after her ex Tristan Thompson (pictured) apologized to her following the birth of a baby he fathered with another woman while he was still with Khloe

Without bringing up Tristan's new paternity drama, Khloe also cryptically revealed that she had recently taken a more hands-off approach to social media.

'I used to comment a lot more but the last couple of months, Ive been posting and walking away. Its so dark and consuming sometimes. When I dont feel strong enough emotionally, I have to know that and put myself first,' she shared.

'I dont even spend an hour a day on social media. I used to spend more for sure, but Im really good at not being on social media. It scares me.'

Tristan and Khloe, who share a three-year-old daughter called True, have had an on-off relationship for half a decade, repeatedly marked by his serial infidelity to her.

Co-parents: Tristan and Khloe, who share a three-year-old daughter called True, have had an on-off relationship for half a decade, repeatedly marked by his serial infidelity to her

Less than 48 hours before True was born DailyMail.com exclusively broke news of Tristan's alleged fling with New York City strip club bartender Lani Blair.

They remained together then but broke up in February 2019 after Tristan shared a kiss at a party with Kylie Jenner's then best friend Jordyn Woods.

When the coronavirus lockdowns struck Tristan and Khloe moved in together so they could both be with True - and wound up rekindling their romance as well.

Their latest split went public this June as he denied a swirl of cheating rumors - and this month he allegedly welcomed a child with another woman.

Crisis management: Khloe said of her dynamic with Kim: 'Either I feel calm or Im like: "Why the f*** arent you more upset! I dont understand why youre so calm about this"'

DailyMail.com exclusively obtained court documents last month claiming Tristan was having a baby by a woman named Maralee Nichols.

Maralee gave birth on December 1 and released a statement a couple of weeks later along with the first public pictures of her son.

Tristan fired up his Instagram this Monday and confessed for the first time that he is the father of Maralee's new child.

'Today paternity test results reveal that I fathered a child with Maralee Nichols,' he wrote on Insta Stories, apologizing to Khloe and telling her that 'you don't deserve this. You don't deserve the heartache and humiliation I have caused you.'

There's Maralee: DailyMail.com exclusively obtained court documents last month claiming Tristan was having a baby by a woman named Maralee Nichols

'There was never any doubt that Tristan Thompson was the father of Maralee Nichols' baby,' her attorney Harvey Englander later told DailyMail.com.

'Tristan made numerous false and defamatory statements and declarations about Maralee over the past few months, and she is taking his contrite statement today in the context of all of those statements,' he added.

Maralee has said her 'goal' is only to 'raise our son in a loving and private environment' and she has denied 'leaking' any pregnancy stories to the press.

Further she has disputed the idea that she and Tristan were having 'casual sex,' insisting she believed he was single when they first became involved.

Caught out: 'Today paternity test results reveal that I fathered a child with Maralee Nichols,' he wrote on Insta Stories, apologizing to Khloe and telling her that 'you don't deserve this'

Tristan expressed his love for Khloe on social media this March just hours before flew to Houston, where he apparently fathered his new baby with Maralee.

Tristan has claimed in court documents: 'I am certain that if the child is deemed to be my child that the only date of conception was March 13, 2021, because it was my birthday.' Further, he alleged that he and Maralee 'had sexual relations in March of 2021 and at no other time in 2021.'

On the day itself - March 13 - Khloe posted a gushing birthday tribute that seemed to indicate they were together, as she wrote: 'The ones that are meant to be are the ones who go through everything that is designed to tear them apart and they come out even stronger than they were before.'

'I love you soo much KoKo. Let's keep building amazing memories!' wrote Tristan in the comments of Khloe's birthday post.

Making it work: She revealed that 'I have my days' when it comes to coping with the public scrutiny on her personal life since she became a realty star

Hours later he and his then team the Boston Celtics flew to Houston to play against the Rockets in a game that occurred March 14.

Incidentally Khloe first became involved with Tristan when his ex-girlfriend Jordan Craig was still pregnant with his firstborn son Prince, five.

Although Jordan claims she was still with Tristan when he took up with Khloe, Khloe has insisted she thought he was single at the time.
Tina Louise announced her split from Selling Sunset star Brett Oppenheim in December.

And on Saturday, the model showed her ex what he's missing as she posed for a sizzling mirror selfie during a workout at a Los Angeles gym.

The 40-year-old, who hails from Australia but now lives in the U.S., revealed her ample cleavage and washboard stomach in the skimpiest of blue crop tops.

Showing him what he's missing! Tina Louise (pictured), 40, flaunted her ample cleavage and washboard stomach in a skimpy blue crop top and skin-tight leggings during a workout at a Los Angeles gym on Saturday, following her split from Selling Sunset star Brett Oppenheim

Tina teamed the look with skin-tight leggings in a deeper shade of blue, and also drew attention to her heavily tattooed skin in the revealing activewear.

She swept her blonde locks back off her face and opted for glamorous makeup.

It comes after the blonde bombshell broke her silence on her recent split from Brett when TMZ caught up with her on Melrose Avenue last month.

Having her say: It comes after the blonde bombshell broke her silence on her recent split from Brett (pictured), 44, when TMZ caught up with her on Melrose Avenue last month

Tina admitted she wanted to take her relationship with the luxury realtor, 44, to 'the next step' but he wasn't quite ready yet.

Speaking outside her Sugar Taco restaurant, she added the pair remained the best of friends and even planned on spending Christmas together.

'Oh we broke up. It's okay; we're still friends,' she said.

'Well, you know, we were together for eight months, so it got to a point where I wanted to take the next step in the relationship, and he wasn't quite there yet.'

Different paths: Speaking outside her Sugar Taco restaurant, Tina admitted she wanted to take her relationship with the luxury realtor to 'the next step' but he wasn't quite ready yet

When asked if Tina wanted children, she said she 'wasn't sure' and also noted it 'wasn't for her to say' if Brett wanted to have children or not.

'I think maybe the relationship with Chrishell [Stause] and Jason [Oppenheim] may have prompted me to sort of ask more questions with Brett, and then that sort of ended the relationship,' she said.

Before their split, the pair were seen together on several occasions, including when Tina accompanied Brett on a double date with his Selling Sunset co-stars in June.

Case of the ex: Tina, who hails from Australia but now lives in Los Angeles, said they 'remain very good friends' after ending their whirlwind romance of less than a year

Brett, who left the Oppenheim Group last year to form his own brokerage, first went Instagram official with Tina in April.

Prior to their romance, Tina dated TV heart-throb Brian Austin Green, 48.

They became an item in May 2020, shortly after the Beverly Hills, 90210 star confirmed his split from actress wife Megan Fox.

After Tina split with Brian, she was pictured kissing Sean 'Diddy' Combs on a beach in Malibu but they never confirmed they were dating.
Ben Affleck appears to be readying himself for a film shoot, and he's getting up close and personal with the equipment.

The actor and director, 49, arrived at a film studio in Los Angeles where he throughly examined a camera on Saturday.

The Good Will Hunting star wore a gray blazer over a black hoodie and a pair of black pants.

Getting ready for a movie: Ben Affleck appears to be readying himself for a film shoot, and he's getting up close and personal with the equipment

His hair was cut short against his head, and he donned a pair of sunglasses to protect his eyes from the Los Angeles sun.

An acquaintance in a black hoodie stood nearby and watched the movie star fiddle with the camera. He also wore a black hoodie and talked on the phone while watching Ben.

They protected themselves from COVID-19 with white N95 masks which covered their mouths and noses.

Stylish look: His salt and brown hair was cut short against his head, and he donned a pair of sunglasses to protect his eyes from the Los Angeles sun

Checking out a camera: Affleck stood near a car and fiddled with a new camera

Getting up close and personal: The star got an up close and personal look at what the camera could do

Later on, Affleck held a gray and black bag in his right hand as he stood next to a small four-door sedan.

While Affleck still seems to enjoy making movies, he recently dished about at least one film that he couldn't stand making.

He reflected on playing Batman over the span of several superhero films, naming Justice League as by far 'the worst experience' of them all.

The 49-year-old actor called the filming process 'awful' for a 'confluence' of reasons, and said it made him want to retire from the superhero all together before The Flash came along.

'That became the moment where I said, "I'm not doing this anymore," he confessed to the Los Angeles Times while speaking about the movie  which he called the 'nadir' of his life.

Holding a bag: The star was seen holding a gray and black bag in his right hand while standing next to the car

Opening up about his worst experiences: He reflected on playing Batman over the span of several superhero films, naming Justice League as by far 'the worst experience' of them all

The Tender Bar actor spoke candidly about his involvement with the 2017 DC Comics film, and how it was the catalyst for now only taking on projects that make him 'happy.'

'It was really Justice League that was the nadir for me. That was a bad experience because of a confluence of things: my own life, my divorce, being away too much, the competing agendas and then [director] Zack [Snyder]'s personal tragedy [Snyder's daughter Autumn died by suicide in 2017] and the reshooting.

'It just was the worst experience. It was awful,' he continued to say. 'It was everything that I didn't like about this. That became the moment where I said, "I'm not doing this anymore."
Tayla Damir has spoken about her body image battle in an honest Instagram post.

The Love Island Australia star discussed the topic during a Q&A on Sunday, after she was asked by a fan how she 'acknowledged' that she used to restrict her food intake in the past.

Tayla said she 'always knew' she had a 'bad relationship with food', and said it was her fiance Nathan Broad who was the first person to point out her unhealthy habits.

Honest: Love Island Australia star Tayla Damir (pictured) has spoken about her body image battle in an honest Instagram post. Tayla discussed the topic during a Q&A on Sunday, after she was asked how she 'acknowledged' that she used to restrict her food intake in the past

'I always knew I had a bad relationship with food and the way I saw my body,' the reality star wrote.

'No one ever pulled me up on it properly so I just kept going with my bad ways.'

Tayla said it wasn't until Nathan 'called her on her s**t ' that she was able to get the confidence to do better for herself and her body.

'I always knew I had a bad relationship with food and the way I saw my body,' the reality star wrote. 'No one ever pulled me up on it properly so I just kept going with my bad ways'

Explanation: Tayla said it wasn't until Nathan Broad 'called her on her sh*t ' that she was able to get the confidence to do better for herself and her body

'I was so fed up with the voice in my head and knew I had to change something otherwise that voice would probably be my undoing eventually,' she wrote.

'Don't get me wrong, I still have my moments when the voice pops up but instead of internalising it I share what I am thinking and talk through it.'

Tayla said discussing the issue helped her feel like she was 'taking the power back' from the voice.

Results: 'Don't get me wrong, I still have my moments when the voice pops up but instead of internalising it I share what I am thinking and talk through it.'

It isn't the first time Tayla has spoken about conquering her body image issues after winning Love Island Australia.

The star previously spoke about how, after winning the show, it was a low-point for her body-positive journey.

'I remember back to December 2018 and what should have been a high point in my life, was not,' she began the caption, referring to the period after her Love Island Australia win.

'What should have been a high point in my life, was not': Tayla spoke candidly about conquering her body image issues after winning Love Island Australia in 2018

She added: 'I was emotionally drained, far too skinny, malnourished, broken, grieving and investing the remainder of my energy into the wrong people.'

Tayla has previously spoken out about her battle with anxiety and depression.

For mental health support, please call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 in Australia, or call Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK.
Teresa Giudice fired up her Instagram page on Saturday to wish a happy 21st birthday to her eldest daughter Gia.

The Real Housewife Of New Jersey shares Gia and three other daughters with her amicable ex-husband Joe Giudice.

Gia could be seen on Teresa's Instagram page over the weekend celebrating her birthday with girlfriends on a yacht off Miami Beach.

'You are a rare and wonderful soul': Teresa Giudice fired up her Instagram page on Saturday to wish a happy 21st birthday to her eldest daughter Gia

Teresa rang in the special occasion by posting a sweet picture of herself with Gia in which both of them were dressed for a night out.

'To my brilliant and beautiful daughter on her 21st birthday,' gushed Teresa. 'You are a rare and wonderful soul who makes the world a better place.'

She urged Gia: 'Continue to be strong and never stop being YOU!! I am so proud and amazed of the woman you have become. Happy birthday baby.'

In an album Teresa posted to her Instagram the birthday girl was pictured on the yacht preparing to blow out her birthday candles.

Having a ball: Gia could be seen on Teresa's Instagram page over the weekend celebrating her birthday with girlfriends on a yacht off Miami Beach

Details: The Real Housewife Of New Jersey shares Gia and three other daughters with her amicable ex-husband Joe Giudice

Gia was treated to a tiered dessert from Cake Lush and could be see in one of Teresa's pictures surrounded by gal pals.

She and her friends also got to chow down on a sumptuous spread of food by Miami Grazing Company, as seen in a video Teresa reposted on her page.

Teresa meanwhile recently enjoyed a romantic holiday to Cabo San Lucas with her sizzling fiance Luis 'Louie' Ruelas.

It's today: In an album Teresa posted to her Instagram the birthday girl was pictured on the yacht preparing to blow out her birthday candles

Such fun: Gia was treated to a tiered dessert from Cake Lush and could be see in one of Teresa's pictures surrounded by gal pals

The couple, who became engaged this October, rang in the new year at Cabo San Lucas after Christmas at Teresa's New Jersey mansion.

Louie, who co-founded a company called Digital Media Solutions, presented his bride to be with a brand-new Mercedes for Christmas.

He popped the question in Greece with a $300,000 engagement ring, pulling the stops out for an extravagant proposal.

Luxury: She and her friends also got to chow down on a sumptuous spread of food by Miami Grazing Company, as seen in a video Teresa reposted on her page

Teresa has four daughters with her ex-husband and amicable co-parent Joe Giudice - Gabriella, 18, Milania, 15, and Audriana, 13, as well as Gia.

They broke up at the end of 2019 after Joe moved back to his native Italy ahead of a legal decision on whether he would be deported there.

Teresa and Joe were both convicted of fraud and served back-to-back sentences so that one parent at a time could be at home with the children.

Bride to be: Teresa meanwhile recently enjoyed a romantic holiday to Cabo San Lucas with her sizzling fiance Luis 'Louie' Ruelas
Jimmy Bartel celebrated a belated Christmas with his sons Aston, six, and Henley, three, on Sunday.

The retired AFL star, 38, who shares his children with ex-wife Nadia Bartel, 36, posted a series of fun family snaps to his Instagram, while at the farm in Boomanoomana, New South Wales.

Nadia, who celebrated Christmas Day with the boys, took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday to share a sizzling bikini selfie as she lapped up the sunshine, poolside.

Family time: Jimmy Bartel, 38, enjoyed a 'late Christmas get together' with his sons Aston, six, and Henley, three, at the farm in New South Wales on Sunday. Pictured: Jimmy and Henley

Jimmy shared a slew of snaps to his Instagram page of Aston and Henley feeding the animals and enjoying a ride on a horse, with their doting father by their side.

The sportsman's mother Dianne Bennett was part of the family celebration, and looked delighted to be spending time with her grandsons.

'So great to have the family together for a late Christmas get together up at the farm,' Jimmy captioned his post.

Proud father: The retired AFL star posted a series of fun family snaps with his children (both pictured) to his Instagram, while at the farm in Boomanoomana

Farm life: The youngsters enjoyed feeding the animals, which Jimmy captured online

Meanwhile, Jimmy's ex Nadia looked to be enjoying some me-time as she took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday to share footage from her very relaxed day by the pool.

In a mirror selfie, the former WAG showed off her cleavage, toned tummy and bronzed complexion in a red triangle bikini top and black Daisy Dukes.

She teamed the look with an oversized red shirt, left undone, and a blue cap, and styled her caramel tresses loosely around her face and shoulders.

Look at that smile: Aston looked like a natural as he enjoyed riding a horse in the rural surrounds

Adorable: Little Henley looked cute as a button as he got up close with the animals

Lovely: The sportsman's mother Dianne Bennett (pictured) was part of the family celebration, and looked delighted to be spending time with her grandsons

Jimmy's post comes after he debuted his relationship with girlfriend Amelia Shepperd last month, with the announcement also confirming his split from former girlfriend Lauren Mand.

In a post on Instagram at the time, the Geelong great shared a photo of himself kissing Amelia, 31, in front of the Sydney Harbour skyline.

'Happy,' he simply captioned the post, adding a red love heart emoji.

Co-parenting: Jimmy shares Aston and Henley with his ex-wife Nadia Bartel (pictured), 36. They announced their separation in 2019

Red hot: Meanwhile, Jimmy's ex Nadia looked to be enjoying some me-time as she took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday to share footage from her very relaxed day by the pool

Golden girl: The former WAG enjoyed a lazy day by the pool, where she topped up her tan

According to her LinkedIn profile, Amelia worked as the executive assistant to the managing director and chief operations officer of Queensland Rugby League from July 2019 to March 2021.

She recently returned to her home city of Melbourne after spending several years in Brisbane for her job.

According to a well-placed source, Amelia met Jimmy after they began following each other on Instagram.

Moving on: Jimmy debuted his relationship with girlfriend Amelia Shepperd, 31, (pictured together) last month, with the announcement also confirming his split from former girlfriend Lauren Mand

They have reportedly been together ever since he split from Lauren, 32, whom he began dating after his separation from ex-wife Nadia in 2019.

Jimmy and Lauren had been the subject of break-up rumours in December 2020.

Fans noticed it had been months since the sportsman had shared a photo with his then-girlfriend on social media.
Simone Holtznagel and Anna Heinrich headed out to a fancy lunch date on Sunday.

The pair, who have just filmed the new season of SAS Australia together, went to trendy eatery Mimi's in the Sydney beachside suburb of Coogee.

Model Simone, 28, turned heads in silky metallic frock in a bronzed tone, paired with towering heels.

Hungry: Simone Holtznagel (left) and Anna Heinrich (right) headed out to a fancy lunch date on Sunday. Pictured with Ebanie Bridges

Simone wore her blonde hair down around her face and opted for a smoky eye shadow and pink lipstick.

Former Bachelor star Anna, 35, stepped out in a crop top and maxi skirt combo in a dark beige shade.

She added white strappy heels to the ensemble, and had her blonde hair down and worn straight.

Looking good: Simone wore her blonde hair down around her face and opted for a smoky eye shadow and pink lipstick. Anna opted for a natural makeup look with a soft shade of lipstick and grey eye shadow.

Anna opted for a natural makeup look with a soft shade of lipstick and grey eye shadow.

The pals were joined by Australian boxer Ebanie Bridges, who had on a floral frock that showed off lots of cleavage.

She added a pair of brown heels, the flirty length of her mini dress putting her tattooed pins on display.

Looking good: The pals were joined by Australian boxer Ebanie Bridges, who had on a floral frock that showed off lots of cleavage

Each of the trio shared the images to their Instagram, with Anna captioning the set: 'SOS more like it!'

Simone meanwhile wrote: 'THE HUNGER GAMES. Overdue catch up with these babes.'

Alongside the images on her own social media, Ebaine wrote: 'Three blondes are better than one'.
He recently returned home to America after a holiday with his loved ones in Barbados.

And Mark Wahlberg, 50, looked understandably relaxed as he dined with his family at Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica on Saturday night.

The actor could be seen wearing a blue striped jumper with his denim jeans perfectly matching the trim of his top as he walked to his lavish Rolls Royce where wife Rhea, 43, joined him in the front.

In style: Mark Wahlberg, 50, cut a casual figure as he stepped out in a colour-coordinated outfit to Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, California on Saturday night

The Infinite star wore a pair of blue and white trainers in similar hues to his clothing, while he had a gold chain with a cross hanging around his neck.

Mark and Rhea stepped out with their children who were seen in the back seat as they left the eatery.

The couple are parents to daughters Ella, 18, and Grace, 11, and sons Michael, 15, and Brendan, 13.

On a roll: Mark and Rhea stepped out with their children who were seen in the back seat as they left the eatery in their lavish Rolls Royce

The family's outing comes after Mark seemed to sign off on Ella's boyfriend as they got in a joint workout together this weekend.

The star hit the gym with the 18-year-old's beau and called him a 'great young man'.

Marveling at how far he'd come when it came to his daughters and dating, Mark joked that he used to workout 'to keep the boys away' from them.

Family affair: The couple are parents to daughters Ella, 18, and Grace, 11, and sons Michael, 15, and Brendan, 13

The screen star posted a video of he and Ella's boyfriend in his expansive home gym as they rocked matching Municipal T-shirts.

'Alright I used to workout to keep the boys away from my girls, and now I'm working out with the boyfriend. Imagine that,' he said.

He captioned the nine-second video: 'Ella is a lucky girl and I'm a lucky dad! He is a great young man,' to which she commented back 'Luv u dad.'

Bonding: Mark seemed to sign off on his daughter Ella's boyfriend as they got in a joint workout together, and joked it was once unfathomable as he used to hit the gym to keep the boys away

How to date my daughter! 'I wanna know who she's gonna be hanging out with, what his parents are like, all that stuff' Mark had previously said of Ella, 18, possibly dating; Ella pictured September 2021

Seal of approval: 'Ella is a lucky girl and I'm a lucky dad! He is a great young man,' Wahlberg captioned the post

Mario Lopez wrote a play on 'keep your friends close and your enemies closer' in the comment section: 'Heyy keep 'em close. Smart.'

'Imagine having a girlfriend and her dad wakes you up for a 4am workout,' joke a fan as the actor had previously confessed to starting his day the crack of dawn.

The Uncharted star had spoken about the prospect of his daughters dating back in 2017 when Ella was just 14 at the time.

'It's inevitable  at some point, it's gonna happen,' he said on Live with Kelly and Ryan. 'I wanna know who she's gonna be hanging out with, what his parents are like, all that stuff.'

When he was asked if he thought boyfriends would be 'terrified' of him, he admitted with a laugh: 'I would think so.'
Ulrika Jonsson has told how a hero heart specialist became her knight in shining armour long before he was made a Sir.

Professor Shakeel Qureshi, who was knighted in the New Year's Honours, saved her unborn daughter Bo's life after the TV star was told the baby would die.

The paediatric cardiologist was rewarded for his groundbreaking work at London's Guy's Hospital during a career spanning almost 40 years.

Adorable: Ulrika Jonsson has revealed that paediatric cardiologist Professor Shakeel Qureshi saved her daughter Bo's (pictured) life long before he was knighted in the New Year's Honours

Ulrika, 54, has hailed him as 'an amazing man' who gave her hope after another top medic told her that her unborn daughter Bo, now 21, had no chance of survival.

Since then Ulrika and Prof Qureshi have become good friends and 'Shak' was even a guest at Bo's christening.

Ulrika, who used to host hit TV show Gladiators, said: 'I'm over the moon about his award. I texted him on Christmas Day to congratulate him.'

Bo is now 21 and studying to be a Norland Nanny - but in 2000, an Oxford cardiologist told Ulrika that a scan showed her second baby had genetic defects that were 'incompatible with life'.

Incredible: Ulrika hailed Professor Shakeel Qureshi as 'an amazing man' who gave her hope after another medic told her that her unborn daughter Bo, now 21, had no chance of survival

'I was in a state of shock,' Ulrika said. 'I had a blissful first pregnancy and here I was being given this dreadful news.

'I was already in pieces and this woman was telling me Bo had these dreadful conditions and might die at birth, or not even be born.'

Desperate, Ulrika got a referral to Evelina Children's Hospital at Guy's. At the time, it was forging a reputation for pioneering surgery to save babies previously expected to die at birth.

The star said: 'When I walked into the room and met Shak, there was a warmth I have never experienced from another doctor.

'He was calm, compassionate and you felt he really cared. He said Bo faced challenges but didn't have the deadly conditions described by the other doctor.

'She had a serious heart defect but he believed she could be treated and reach her teens. I was just grateful to hear my child had a chance of survival.

'Shak has empathy. He put me at ease but also was honest and said Bo would need three operations by the age of five.'

High achiever: Before they met in 2000, a pregnant Ulrika had been told Bo (pictured), who is now studying to become a Norland Nanny, had 'no chance of survival' due to her genetic defects by an Oxford heart specialist

Bo's heart developed with only three chambers instead of four - a congenital condition known as double inlet left ventricle (DIVL).

She was one of the first children to have surgery for the previously untreatable defect.

Bo still has check-ups once a year but stopped seeing Shak when she turned 18.

Mum-of-four Ulrika said: 'Because Bo was such a high risk, I had her at Guy's. As soon as she was born, she was rushed to paediatric intensive care for her first op.

'Bo adores Shak and looked forward to seeing him as she grew up. Now, she sees an adult cardiologist but misses Shak.

'Bo's biological father left us when she was two weeks old. When Bo had her second op, I was exhausted. Shak made me have blood tests. I was fine but he was insistent I looked after myself.

'He said without me, Bo wouldn't survive, no matter what they did for her.

'Shak has made it clear he will always be there for us, which is great.'

Tragic: Bo has never met her dad Markus Kempen (pictured with Ulrika in 2000) since he left the family following her birth

Bo said: 'I always looked forward to seeing Shak. He's someone you could completely trust with your life. His knighthood is so well deserved.'

Sir Shakeel, 68, has saved many children with non-invasive surgery using tubes and wires to correct heart defects. He said: 'Bo was one of our early successes. She still needs medication and regular checkups as the flow of blood in her heart is not as fast as a person with four chambers.

'We warned her mum she might need a transplant as an adult. She and Ulrika have helped with fundraising.'

Sir Shakeel, the son of a Yorkshire steel worker, should have retired eight years ago but plays such a key role at Guy's that the hospital hasn't been able to replace him.

'They told me I couldn't quit,' he said. 'But I love the job and will carry on for as long as I can.'

Ulrika shares her eldest son Cameron, 27, with her first husband John Turnball and Bo has never met her dad Markus Kempen since he left the family following her birth.

The former weather presenter also has Martha, 17, with ex-husband Lance Gerrard-Wright while Malcolm, 13, is the son of Brian Monet.
An Osstem Implant employee, center, is escorted by police officers into the Gangseo Police Station in Seoul, Jan. 6, after being caught for allegedly embezzling 188 billion won from his company. Yonhap



By Bahk Eun-ji



The investigation into the country's single largest embezzlement case involving an employee at Osstem Implant is widening to look into possible accomplices or involvement of higher-ranking company officials, following his testimony about "slush funds."



On Saturday, a local court issued an arrest warrant for the employee, surnamed Lee, 45, on charges of embezzlement, saying he was likely to flee or destroy evidence.



Lee is accused of manipulating balance sheets so as to embezzle 188 billion won ($156 million) in company funds between March and October last year  which allegedly accounted for 90.81 percent of the dental implant producer's equity.



He allegedly transferred 5 billion won from the company account to his own and then again back to the company account, and repeated this as if testing the firm's accounting inspection system.



As this act was not detected, he then allegedly transferred 48 billion won five times, and 10 billion won once in October.



Based on this, the police suspect he did not commit the crime accidentally but preplanned it.



He allegedly spent 143 billion won of the money in acquiring a 7.62 percent stake in Kosdaq-listed Dongjin Semichem in October, but sold it for 111.2 billion won in October, seeing some losses.



Among the 111.2 billion won, Lee allegedly used 68 billion won to buy 851 gold bars weighing 1 kilogram each and transferred the rest to multiple bank accounts.



The police have found 67 billion won so far, about half of the embezzled money, including 497 gold bars worth 34 billion won at a residence in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, where Lee had been hiding when he was caught on Jan. 5. They are searching for the remainder, including 354 gold bars.





Reporters wait outside of the Seoul Southern District Court, Saturday, during the court's review on whether to issue an arrest warrant for an employee of Osstem Implant charged with embezzling company funds. Yonhap
She's enjoying the desert heat while holidaying in Qatar.

And Naomi Campbell, 51, gave fans a glimpse at an idyllic desert setting as she relaxed at a 'tranquility' camp nestled in the Arab state's golden dunes.

The supermodel, who welcomed her first child in May, looked relaxed as she posed next to a falcon in one unlikely snap, while in another she could be seen enjoying a camel ride.

Captioning her Instagram post on Sunday, she wrote: 'Nature at its BEST, when DESERT & SEA COLLIDE. Blessed day @regencysealinecamp.'

Jet set: Naomi Campbell, 51, gave fans a glimpse at an idyllic desert setting as she relaxed at a camp nestled in the golden dunes on Instagram on Sunday while on holiday in Qatar

Naomi appeared to have the whole camp to herself, with the star sharing the stunning scenery of her surroundings with the sea visible behind her as she stood with the azure waters of the Persian Gulf behind her.

In other images, the catwalk star sat in a large circular wicker seat on the beach.

Earlier this week, Naomi took to Instagram to show off her flexibility as she worked out on holiday.

Posing up a storm: The fashionista looked relaxed as she posed next to a falcon in one snap, while in another she could be seen enjoying a camel ride

Holidaying in style: Naomi captioned her post: 'Nature at its BEST, when DESERT & SEA COLLIDE. Blessed day @regencysealinecamp'

Naomi posed in a yoga split-legged headstand while exercising with fellow model Alton Mason, 24.

Style queen Naomi jetted to Doha to bring in the New Year and it seems she was intent on burning those festive calories with an intense yoga session at the Sheraton Hotel Fitness Centre.

Taking to Instagram, she posted the photos tagging Vishnu Swasthi Yoga and Alton and captioning the post 'Taking time to zen out'.

Natural beauty: Naomi appeared to have the whole camp to herself, with the star sharing the stunning scenery of her surroundings with the sea visible behind her

Fun in the sun: There was hardly another person in sight as Naomi enjoyed her time at the camp in Qatar

Balancing act: The modelling icon sported a relaxed look with yoga pants and a black hoodie, while her instructor Vishnu Prasad watched on while on her break this week

Bit of a stretch: American model Alton managed a Baddha Konasana headstand on a purple yoga mat as he joined Naomi

It comes as the supermodel celebrated her first Christmas as a mother sharing a sweet snap of her family.

She became a parent in May, taking to Instagram to share the news with a photo of her daughter's tiny feet.

'A beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother,' she wrote on Instagram.

'So honoured to have this gentle soul in my life there are no words to describe the lifelong bond that I now share with you, my angel. There is no greater love.'

In September, she discussed her child for the first time during an interview with BBC HardTalk, where she described her as being 'independent and smart'.
Nadia Bartel made the most of a solo weekend as ex-husband Jimmy Bartel enjoyed a 'late Christmas get together' with their two sons, Aston, six, and Henley, three.

The former WAG, 36, shared a sizzling bikini-clad mirror selfie to her Instagram Stories on Sunday as she worked on her tan and soaked up the sun, poolside.

She revealed her cleavage, toned tummy and bronzed complexion in a red triangle bikini top and black Daisy Dukes, teamed with an oversized red shirt, left undone.

Red hot: Nadia Bartel, 36, shared this racy bikini-clad mirror selfie to her Instagram Stories on Sunday as she made the most of a solo weekend

Nadia accessorised with a blue cap and a delicate gold necklace, and styled her caramel locks loosely around her face, that looked to be free of makeup.

'Another day.. another oversized shirt and cap,' Nadia captioned the sizzling selfie.

Meanwhile ex-husband Jimmy, 38, enjoyed a more rural setting as he bonded with their children at the farm in Boomanoomana, New South Wales.

Golden girl: The former WAG enjoyed a lazy day by the pool, where she topped up her tan

Family time: Meanwhile, ex-husband Jimmy Bartel, 38, enjoyed a 'late Christmas get together' with their sons Aston, six, and Henley, three, at the farm in New South Wales on Sunday. Pictured: Jimmy and Henley

The retired AFL star posted a series of fun family snaps to his Instagram, that saw the boys feeding the animals and enjoying a ride on a horse, with their dad by their side.

The sportsman's mother Dianne Bennett was part of the family celebration, and looked delighted to be spending time with her grandsons.

'So great to have the family together for a late Christmas get together up at the farm,' Jimmy captioned his post.

Proud father: The retired AFL star posted a series of fun family snaps with his children (both pictured) to his Instagram, while at the farm in Boomanoomana

Farm life: The youngsters enjoyed feeding the animals, which Jimmy captured online

Jimmy's post comes after he debuted his relationship with girlfriend Amelia Shepperd last month, with the announcement also confirming his split from former girlfriend Lauren Mand.

In a post on Instagram at the time, the Geelong great shared a photo of himself kissing Amelia, 31, in front of the Sydney Harbour skyline.

'Happy,' he simply captioned the post, adding a red love heart emoji.

Look at that smile: Aston looked like a natural as he enjoyed riding a horse in the rural surrounds

Adorable: Little Henley looked cute as a button as he got up close with the animals

Lovely: The sportsman's mother Dianne Bennett (pictured) was part of the family celebration, and looked delighted to be spending time with her grandsons

According to her LinkedIn profile, Amelia worked as the executive assistant to the managing director and chief operations officer of Queensland Rugby League from July 2019 to March 2021.

She recently returned to her home city of Melbourne after spending several years in Brisbane for her job.

According to a well-placed source, Amelia met Jimmy after they began following each other on Instagram.

Moving on: Jimmy debuted his relationship with girlfriend Amelia Shepperd, 31, (pictured together) last month, with the announcement also confirming his split from former girlfriend Lauren Mand

They have reportedly been together ever since he split from Lauren, 32, whom he began dating after his separation from ex-wife Nadia in 2019.

Jimmy and Lauren had been the subject of break-up rumours in December 2020.

Fans noticed it had been months since the sportsman had shared a photo with his then-girlfriend on social media.
Alice, 53, confirmed her separation from the Welsh star, 48, in a series of furious tweets posted on Twitter in January 2021

Bianca, 30, posted a montage of photos of her year on Tuesday - including a snap of her and Ioan holding hands in Nice - which Alice branded 'sick' and 'evil'

Alice has accused Ioan and Bianca of conducting a three-year affair - there is no evidence to suggest Ioan has been unfaithful

Responding to another fan, Alice further lashed out at Bianca, writing: 'Thank you and the recent "shadow picture" in Nice. She wants to put a stake in my heart'

Ioan Gruffudd's estranged wife Alice Evans has dramatically quit Twitter after slamming the actor's new girlfriend Bianca Wallace over a perceived 'lack of empathy'.

102 Dalmations star Alice, 53, announced her split from the Welsh actor, 48, in a series of angry tweets last January, with Ioan subsequently confirming a new romance with Bianca in October.

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But while her Instagram page is still open, Alice set her Twitter page to private before deleting it over the weekend after users of the social media platform expressed their opinions on her situation.

Bold move: Ioan Gruffudd 's ex Alice Evans has dramatically quit Twitter after slamming her actor ex's new girlfriend Bianca Wallace over her 'lack of empathy'

One user wrote: 'She left. She had to close her account. She went too far,' while another person claimed it was her followers who forced her off Twitter.

Earlier in the week, Alice responded to a slew of photos posted by Bianca, which included one of Bianca holding hands with Ioan while on holiday in Nice.

Infuriated, Alice branded the snaps 'sick' and 'evil', adding that it was a 'stake in the heart' to see the images.

Moving on: While her Instagram page is still open, Alice set her Twitter page to private before deleting it this weekend

Fury: Alice Evans slammed Ioan's new girlfriend Bianca Wallace over her 'lack of empathy' for posting a loved-up snap of the new couple this week (Alice and Ioan pictured in 2015)

Alice has previously accused Ioan and Bianca of conducting a three-year affair - there is no evidence to suggest Ioan has been unfaithful.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Alice reposted the photo Bianca had shared, writing: 'YEAH. This has been causing me quite a big amount of stress. I'm so happy for them. It's like one long holiday. It's not that they don't deserve it- I hear B only is on vacay so why should she change.

'It's the hurt - the real pain that this photo causes me.'

Responding to another fan, Alice further lashed out at Bianca, writing: 'Thank you and the recent "shadow picture" in Nice. She wants to put a stake in my heart. I've never seen such a lack of empathy.

Couple: Bianca posted a montage of photos of her year on Tuesday - including a snap of her and Ioan holding hands in Nice - which Alice branded 'sick' and 'evil' and claimed seeing the image was like a 'stake in the heart'

New couple: The actress, 53, confirmed her separation from the Welsh star, 48, in a series of furious tweets posted on Twitter in January 2021- with Ioan moving on with new girlfriend Bianca, 30, in October (pictured)

'Pity, because we could have all been friends if they'd played this right. I have no problems with forgiveness. But this is evil.'

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The 102 Dalmatians actress then revealed Ioan had come to the pair's former marital home in LA to collect his belongings - claiming he told her he had been accompanied by a police officer, but that she suspects Bianca was with him.

She wrote: 'Just got back and Ioan came and took all his stuff. He told me he came with a police officer but several witnesses said he came with a short dark haired woman! Yuk!

'I'll be so upset if she did. Guess I'll never know so I have to just forget it. He definitely said the 'off duty cop' (?) was male.'

Social media: Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, Alice reposted the photo Bianca had shared, writing: 'YEAH. This has been causing me quite a big amount of stress. I'm so happy for them. It's like one long holiday'

Lack of empathy: Alice accused Bianca of wanting to hurt her and branded her 'evil'

Alice then referenced her housekeeper's belief that Ioan was accompanied by Bianca when he visited the marital home, adding: 'Gloria thinks so. He came to her house to get the key, even though I had hired to friends of mine to be there to let him in.

'She thinks there was a woman in the car who didn't get out.'

Mailonline has contacted representatives for Ioan and Bianca for comment.

Claim: The 102 Dalmatians actress then revealed Ioan had come to the pair's former marital home in LA to collect his belongings - claiming he told her he had been accompanied by a police officer, but that she suspects Bianca was with him

Bianca shared a sweet snap with her dog on Tuesday - days after Alice accused her of editing her latest snaps.

The Australian actress posted an image to her Instagram Story as she pouted for the camera and snuggled up to her adorable pooch.

It comes Ioan's ex Alice accused Bianca of editing a bikini snap last week, which she shared on New Year's Eve to reflect on 2021.

Pose:Bianca shared a sweet snap with her dog on Tuesday - days after Alice accused her of editing her latest snaps

In her new snap with her dog she posed up a storm and was wearing a colourful jumper.

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Bianca looked radiant as she opted for minimal makeup while wearing her brunette tresses in a sleek straight style.

The beauty captioned the image: 'Drowning in fluff' as the dog sat on her lap and blocked some of the screen.

Looking good: It comes Ioan's ex Alice accused Bianca of editing a bikini snap last week, which she shared on New Year's Eve to reflect on 2021

It comes after Alice accused her editing a recent bikini snap.

Bianca posted a snap of her in a black bikini among other pictures as she looked back on 2021 which had 'the highest highs and the lowest lows.'

The 'lowest lows' is perhaps in reference to the fallout from the reveal of her relationship with the Welsh actor in October and the backlash faced from his estranged wife Alice.

Taking to Twitter after Bianca posted the snap, Alice penned: 'It's ok Bianca. We believe you. Your "instas" are gorgeous. Which filter is it by the way? I NEED it!'

Eek: Taking to Twitter after Bianca posted the snap, Alice penned: 'It's ok Bianca. We believe you. Your "instas" are gorgeous. Which filter is it by the way? I NEED it!'

Bianca flashed a radiant smile as she showed off her toned figure in a black two-piece while posing at an idyllic beach setting.

While another shot showed two shadows, presumed to be herself and Ioan, holding hands on a beach in Nice, with Ioan having been spotted filming in the South of France in November.

Other images showed Bianca posing for fun, smiley snaps in various locations, including on of her posing topless with a towel on her head.

While another saw her showing a glimpse of her taut midriff in a white crop top.

Drama: The 'lowest lows' is perhaps in reference to the fallout from the reveal of her relationship with the Welsh actor in October and the backlash faced from his estranged wife Alice who claimed Bianca had 'ruined her life'

Captioning her post, Bianca wrote: '2021! A balancing act of a year with the lowest of lows and the highest of highs.

'I am going with what I always say on NYE. As long as you try your best, lead & live life with your heart and never give up on yourself, then that is all that matters.

'Onwards and upwards for 2022.'

A look back: Other images showed Bianca posing for fun, smiley snaps in various locations, including on of her posing topless with a towel on her head

Stunner: While another saw her showing a glimpse of her taut midriff in a white crop top

It follows in the wake of the scorn she faced from her boyfriend's estranged wife Alice, who initially lashed out at their romance and called Bianca 'a b***h who manifested Ioan away from their daughters.'

However, she's since appeared to have changed her tune and recently stated she 'needs to accept' that her estranged husband and his girlfriend 'are besotted' with one another.

The actress has made her split from Ioan extremely public, after their 14-year marriage broke down in January last year, with tensions only further rising when the actor stepped out with Bianca in November.

What a year: Bianca looked happy and content in the plethora of images as she summed up her 2021

Girl's best friend: The actress beamed with happiness as she posed with her dog

Reflections: Captioning her post, Bianca wrote: '2021! A balancing act of a year with the lowest of lows and the highest of highs'

In the wake of their appearance together, Alice, who is in a custody battle over her and Ioan's daughters Ella, 12, and Elsie, eight, took to Instagram once again to send her regards and also reveal she was seeing a rise in her own popularity.

Following the release of images of the couple making their first public outing together, Alice then reflected on how she felt about the shots in a kind message.

In her post, Alice penned: 'Ive been so careful for 20 years. because I wanted a private life. so I looked at them, felt a little embarrassed, also a little warm...

'If theyre that in love then lets try to make it work for them. and I deliberately did not post or mention anything. and no longer intend to...

'Theyre clearly besotted with each other abs i need to accept that. ( Besides, ive never had so many hot guys ask me out on DM Im quite overwhelmed!!!'

Evans is now adjusting to life on her own after he publicly confirmed a new relationship with his Harrow co-star on Instagram, a move she described as 'every woman's nightmare.'

Ioan filed for divorce in March, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason behind their split.

Warmed up: In the wake of their appearance together, Alice, who is in a custody battle over her and Ioan's daughters Ella, 12, and Elsie, eight, took to Instagram once again to send her regards and also reveal she was seeing a rise in her own popularity

In November, Alice claimed Bianca 'ruined her life' in a scathing social media post.

Hitting back at trolls claiming they're defending the actress, the star took to Instagram to share a playful snap, along with a caption claiming Bianca was 'a b***h who manifested Ioan away from their daughters.'

Alice claimed the pair had been embroiled in a three-year affair - which has been denied by a friend of the couple.

Evans and Gruffudd met on the set of 102 Dalmatians in 2000, when Alice was in a relationship with Pablo Picasso's grandson Olivier.

The former couple became engaged six years later after she gave him an ultimatum about their relationship, and they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Mexico in September 2007.

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Gruffudd hasn't publicly addressed the couple's divorce.
Laura Hamilton has touched down in Spain just one day after announcing her separation from husband Alex Goward.

The A Place In The Sun presenter, 39, took to Instagram on Sunday and shared a breathtaking view of where she's staying.

The TV host has jetted to San Pedro de Alcantara in the Costa Del Sol, just 10km from Marbella.

Excursion: Laura Hamilton has touched down in Spain just one day after announcing her separation from husband Alex Goward

Taking a snap of her stunning ocean view, Laura wrote: 'Hello sunshine'.

Laura reportedly split from Alex Goward after reaching 'breaking point' during lockdown when they were forced to spend more time together.

The star first shared the news of their separation with her followers on Instagram on Saturday - admitting it 'wasn't something she ever thought she'd be saying'.

Laura's job means she is accustomed to frequent work trips abroad yet this came to a halt amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which according to The Sun On Sunday, was a part of their marriage breakdown.

'Hello sunshine': The A Place In The Sun presenter, 39, took to Instagram on Sunday and shared a breathtaking view of where she's staying

A friend told the publication: 'Laura is often away abroad travelling with her work on A Place In The Sun, so the couple werent used to spending so much time together under one roof.

'She really wanted to make the marriage work for the sake of the family. She threw her all into saving the relationship, but in lockdown they reached crisis point.

'The pressure of being stuck at home and working under one roof put too much strain on the relationship. It seemed easier in the end just to go their separate ways.'

It was also reported that the pair are 'moving on with their lives' and Laura has been throwing herself into work while friends rally round to support her.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Laura for comment.

Parted ways: Laura reportedly split from Alex Goward after reaching 'breaking point' during lockdown when they were forced to spend more time together

Laura married insurance broker Alex in 2012 three years after they started dating and they share two children, eight-year-old son Rocco and a daughter Tahlia, six.

The blonde beauty penned in her statement: 'This isn't something I ever thought I'd be saying but, after 13 years of being together Alex and I have separated.

'Our children are and always will be our number one priority and we would respect privacy for our family at this time.'

Alongside her message to fans, Laura shared an image which read: 'Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.'

Difficult: Laura's job means she is accustomed to frequent work trips abroad yet this came to a halt amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, a factor, according to The Sun On Sunday, of their marriage breakdown

Upset: The presenter, 39, shared the sad news with her followers on Instagram on Saturday, admitting it 'wasn't something she ever thought she'd be saying'

The TV star turned off comments on her Instagram post, stopping followers from leaving messages underneath.

It comes a day after Laura told fans she was leaving the family home they had shared for nine years.

She posted a video to show how the couple had transformed the property where they brought up their children.

Family: Laura married insurance broker Alex in 2012 three years after they started dating and they share two children, eight-year-old Rocco and a daughter Tahlia, six

Laura explained they had made 'incredible memories' there and admitted 'change can be scary' as she closed the chapter.

'I wish I could say I look like this photo right now but I don't because, since the start of the new year we have been packing up our home ready to move

'Today we close the door and say goodbye to a home that we have loved and enjoyed for the last 9 years -the longest I have lived anywhere in my entire adult life!

'It was a home that we transformed (as you can see in the photos), but MORE importantly it was a home where we created some incredible memories that we will cherish forever

'Change can be scary but you know what is scarier? Allowing fear to stop you from growing, evolving and progressing.

'When it feels scary to jump that's exactly when you jump, otherwise you just end up staying in the same place your whole life, and that I can't do.'

Moving on: It comes a day after Laura told fans she was leaving the family home they had shared for nine years. She posted a video to show how the couple had transformed the property where they brought up their children

The former couple wed in a romantic Surrey ceremony.

Among the guests were Denise Welch, Jayne Torvill, Jeff Brazier, Elen Rivas and Sam Attwater.

The pair are also business partners, running a cafe called Lord Roberts on The Green in Purley together.

The pair: The pair's wedding took place in Surrey surrounded by their celebrity pals including, Amanda Lamb, Michelle Heaton and Jeff Brazier

The split comes after last month Laura revealed she was left feeling suicidal after being bullied during her school years, in an interview alongside her mum Lynn.

The star, who was educated at Kent's Dartford Grammar School For Girls, said she was targeted due to her academic nature and love of school plays.

She told the Things I Told My Daughter podcast: 'I remember being really sad, really really sad. I remember saying, "I don't want to live anymore," which is horrible.

'I remember getting called into the office at school and them saying if I didn't want to come in, I could do it at home.'

Going onto dub her alma mater 'a tough school', she claimed that 'only about four people in the whole year' wanted to work.

Laura's mum Lynn, 67, added: 'She got top of the class again and the teacher called us in and said, "I'm really sorry, I'm not going to be able to put Laura at the top of the class because she's been top of the class for the last however many weeks."'

The property show host went on to admit that the ordeal during the time of her GCSEs 'made her the person she is now' and helped her 'deal with negativity'.

Laura recently detailed the reality of living with the rare autoimmune disease Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP).

'I didn't want to live anymore!' The split comes after last month Laura revealed she was left feeling suicidal after being bullied during her school years, in an interview alongside her mum Lynn

The disease can cause easy or excessive bleeding or bruising with many experiencing purple bruises, as well as tiny reddish-purple dots that look like a rash.

Laura posted the picture of herself showing the bruising by holding her arm up in the mirror before heading out to film in France.

She wrote in the caption of the tell-all post: 'This week I might have posted a few photos in pretty dresses, but this is the reality of what is underneath and what you cant see

'I have had bruising on my arms and my gums have been bleeding. This is ITP.'

Continuing on: 'Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an auto immune disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding. The bleeding results from unusually low levels of platelets  the cells that help blood clot.'

Giving a message to her followers: 'If you are an ITP sufferer my thoughts are with you. Dont let it get you down. Follow your dreams. Anything is possible. There is no need to let it hold you back '

If you have been affected by this story, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org.
Rose Ayling-Ellis and Gioanni Pernice were reunited in a swanky restaurant on Saturday night just weeks after their Strictly Come Dancing win.

The EastEnders actress, 27, and the professional dancer, 31, were crowned the winners of the 2021 series, beating out fellow finalists John Whaite and Johannes Radebe.

The pair went for dinner at London restaurant Gola in Fulham where they enjoyed a glass of wine and pasta.

Reunion: Rose Ayling-Ellis and Gioanni Pernice were reunited in a swanky restaurant on Saturday night just weeks after their Strictly Come Dancing win

Giovanni documented the pair's night out as he shared a video on Instagram of them sitting across from each other while pretending to look annoyed.

'Nice catch up,' the dancer captioned the clip as the pair sat in an awkward silence.

He then shared a clip of Rose about to tuck into her meal and said: 'Happy days, food!'

It comes after Giovanni delighted fans after sharing a sweet new year message to Rose on Instagram.

Night out: The pair went for dinner at London restaurant Gola in Fulham where they enjoyed a glass of wine and pasta

Fans loved the chemistry and friendship that blossomed between the pair, and some couldn't help but speculate that romance could grow between them.

Giovanni did nothing to squash the rumours as he took to Instagram to leave a heartfelt comment to Rose on her latest post.

Rose reflected over the past year with a slew of snaps including selfies with her EastEnders co-stars as well as behind-the-scenes snaps with Giovanni.

She added an inspirational message for her fans, writing: 'Stay afraid, but do it anyway. Whats important is the action.

Sweet: Giovanni raised more than a few eyebrows when he shared a sweet new year message to Rose

Inspiring: She added an inspirational message for her fans, writing: 'Stay afraid, but do it anyway. Whats important is the action'

'You dont have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.

'That definitely what 2021 did for me, the year of growth, discovery and surprises. I cannot wait to see what 2022 would bring.'

Giovanni commented underneath with a simple string of red hearts, sending fans wild in the comments.

One fan wrote: 'Love you both so much! You would make the most perfect couple'.

Reflection: Rose reflected over the past year with a slew of snaps including selfies with her EastEnders co-stars

Champions: She also shared behind-the-scenes snaps with Giovanni

Heartfelt: Giovanni commented underneath with a simple string of red hearts, sending fans wild in the comments

Another echoed: 'I'd actually love you both together. The way you look at each other, always smiling and happy. beautiful both of you.'

'You would make such a lovely couple,' chimed in a third.

It comes after Giovanni announced he will be using a British Sign Language interpreter on his upcoming tour, in a sweet tribute to Rose.

Perfect couple: One fan wrote: 'Love you both so much! You would make the most perfect couple'

Production company Strictly Theatre Co, took to Instagram to proudly announce that Giovanni's show in Glasgow, Hayes and Manchester, would feature a British Sign Language interpreter.

Giovanni's huge tour, This Is Me, will begin on March 1 in Coventry, before wrapping up in London on May 29 in 2022.

His heartfelt gesture follows the pair's emotional silent performance to Symphony by Clean Bandit featuring Zara Larsson, which left viewers in tears.
Tiger King star Masha Diduk (pictured in her mugshot) was arrested in Las Vegas for stealing a candelabra worth $5,000 this past July

Tiger King star Masha Diduk was arrested in Las Vegas for stealing a candelabra worth $5,000 this past July, according to TMZ.

Diduk reportedly took a pricy candle holder from a private dining room at a club located in the Wynn hotel.

The 29-year-old social media personality, best known as Jeff Lowe's 'hot nanny' on the Netflix show, was later captured on security cameras holding the candelabra on her forearm while making her way from the property.

The hotel's security was later able to find the license plate of the car that Diduk had been driving as well as a ticket that she used for valet service.

Further confirmation of her identity was provided through her social media posts.

A duo of images showed the reality television personality posing for a pair of shots while holding one of the club's signature cocktails.

She was eventually detained by the hotel's security team and was booked for grand larceny.

In hot water: Tiger King star Masha Diduk was arrested in Las Vegas for stealing a candelabra this past July, according to TMZ

Caught in the act: The 29-year-old social media personality, best known as Jeff Lowe's 'hot nanny' on the Netflix show, was later captured on security cameras holding the candelabra on her forearm while making her way from the property

Diduk began receiving wide media exposure when became involved with several figures from Tiger King, which premiered on the Netflix streaming service in March of last year.

The model was previously hired as a part-time nanny for former zookeeper Jeff Lowe and his wife, Lauren.

Jeff and Lauren tied the knot in 2017, and welcomed a daughter named Sarah in 2019.

During the show's first season, the pair were seen discussing bringing in a nanny to help care for their baby daughter.

Making it happen: Diduk began receiving wide media exposure when became involved with several figures from Tiger King, which premiered on the Netflix streaming service in March of last year

Jeff expressed that, if they were going to enlist the help of a caretaker, they should look into finding an attractive woman to fill the position.

The former zookeeper announced that he had hired Diduk in a post shared to his Instagram account in March of 2020.

In the shot, the model posed with Jeff and Lauren while spending time at the Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park.

On the job: The former zookeeper announced that he had hired Diduk with a post shared to his Instagram account in March of 2020

Jeff made a point of describing the social media personality as a '#hotnanny' in his post's caption.

Diduk also shared several photos that had been taken at the park to her Instagram account during the time period.

The model later spoke to TMZ and expressed that, despite the public's opinion, she was genuinely serving as the couple's nanny, albeit on a part-time basis.

Descriptive language: Jeff made a point of describing the social media personality as a '#hotnanny' in his post's caption

She remarked that she had met the couple when they took a trip to Las Vegas and that she had been commuting to Oklahoma for her nannying job, which occurred mainly on weekends.

Diduk also defended Jeff, as she felt that he had been wrongly portrayed as an abuser of animals on Tiger King, and expressed that she would not have worked for him and his wife if that were the case.

The media outlet reported that the timing of the nannying job's start coupled with the explosion of Tiger King's popularity was 'suspicious at best.'
Karen Hauer has opened up about her recovery from a knee injury on Instagram on Sunday.

The Strictly star, 39, was forced out of the 2021 finale ensemble performance last month due to the injury.

But the professional dancer detailed her road to recovery on the social media platform, including that she has given up alcohol.

Working out: Karen Hauer, 39, has opened up about her recovery from a knee injury on Instagram on Sunday

Rehab: The professional dancer detailed her road to recovery on the social media platform, including that she has given up alcohol

She wrote in the caption: 'Week 4 of my Knee rehab program. Feeling stronger, focused and more determined than ever. No alcohol, more sleep, good food, more recovery time, amazing physio.'

Alongside the caption was a video of her working out, showing her followers the work outs she does to exercise her knee.

Back in December, Karen posted on her Instagram page a video of her explaining she would not be taking part in the final ensemble routine.

Forced out: The Strictly star was forced out of the final ensemble performance last month due to the injury; pictured 2021

She said: 'So currently I have two things wrong with my knee. So theres a little bit of a tear on my meniscus and then theres also a little cartilage flap behind my knee but theyre very minor so instead of an op I got a knee injection so thats good news.'

She said: 'I mean, I am terrified of injections and needles. I hate needles so Im glad that it happened already.'

Crediting her boyfriend Jordan Jones Williams for being there with her, she continued: 'I pretty much bit off Jordans jacket, but at least Im not going into surgery which is good for now.

'I need to rest for a couple of days and then I start rehab on Monday.'

Sad times: Back in December, Karen posted on her Instagram page a video of her explaining she would not be taking part in the final ensemble routine

On her plans for the next few days, she added: 'Strengthening, conditioning which is something that Im really looking forward to. This is very new to me.

'Im laying in bed and its almost 10am but itll be for my own good.'

Karen watched the Strictly semi-final from home and did not return to the dance floor for the opening performance with her fellow professionals.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, she said: 'It's the first time in 10 years that I've had to be out, that I haven't been in the studio but I'm really happy to be clapping from home.'
John Torode and Lisa Faulkner have opened up about their romance and navigating their blended family.

The celebrity chefs, 56 and 49 respectively, wed in 2019 - the second time for them both after their first marriages collapsed.

And in a new interview with The Sunday Times, the culinary duo got candid about their first encounter, cooking and family, with John admitting there has been a 'black mark' about when the pair met.

'We just really, really like each other!': John Torode and Lisa Faulkner discussed falling in love and navigating their blended family in a tell-all interview with The Sunday Times

The Australian explained how in his version of events, they'd met when Lisa was a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef back in 2010.

Yet unearthed footage from This Morning back in 1996 showed John being introduced as the new chef, while his now-wife was being interviewed on the sofa.

For London-born Lisa, their initial meet on the ITV daytime show had not escaped her memory, as she recalled complimenting one of his dishes and his brusque reply.

Happy: The culinary duo got candid about their first encounter, cooking and family, with John admitting there has been a 'black mark' about when the pair met

She regaled that she thought he was arrogant, but that soon changed when their soon-found friendship after MasterChef developed into something more.

Of how he'd been encouraged to ask the Brookside actress on a date, John divulged: 'I'd separated from my wife [Jessica] which was awful, and I was reluctant to approach Lisa face to face as I didn't fancy the prospect of her saying no, so I wrote her a letter.

'If I'd got no response, it wouldn't matter. Cowardly? S***, yeah. I'm as cowardly as they get.'

John explained that she'd agreed to a date and from there, everything fell into place, gushing that 'we just really, really like each other.'

Mix up: The Australian thought they met when Lisa was a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef, but unearthed footage from This Morning back in 1996 showed John being introduced as the new chef, while his now-wife was being interviewed on the sofa (John pictured December 2021)

Lisa, who was sweetly described as extremely generous, very, very kind and calm' by her husband of two years, explained how they took things slowly due to being married before.

She also quipped he has become 'less arrogant' the longer they've been together, praising her partner's caring and inquisitive side and gushing how they love being in each other's company.

The actress has an adopted daughter, Billie, 16, with ex husband Chris Coghill, while John has four children, Lulu and Jonah with ex wife Jessica, and Casper and Marselle from another relationship.

Second time lucky: Lisa, who was sweetly described as extremely generous, very, very kind and calm' by her husband of two years, explained how they took things slowly due to being married before

Special day: The celebrity chefs wed in 2019 - the second time for them both after their first marriages collapsed

Old times: John has four children, Lulu and Jonah with ex wife Jessica (pictured October 2010) and Casper and Marselle from another relationship

'We're also able to navigate our blended family successfully too, all things considered. It feels very much like a modern family, and everybody bounces off each other. There are certain relationships that are great and certain relationships that at times are not, but that's what sibling relationships are like,' John said.

While Lisa added: 'When the kids were younger, we used to love the movie Blended with Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler because it reminded us of our family.

'Sometimes we all get on, sometimes we hate each other, but no one tends to take anything too personally.'
A leading online safety expert has warned OnlyFans performers like Married At First Sight's Mishel Karen to think carefully about the content they post online.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, says there are 'downstream risks' associated with using subscription-based adult websites due to online piracy.

Ms Inman Grant told The Advertiser that while many creators feel confident having their intimate photos and videos behind a paywall, their content can easily be downloaded and distributed elsewhere without the creator's permission.

Consequences: A leading online safety expert has warned OnlyFans performers like Married At First Sight's Mishel Karen (pictured) to think carefully about the content they post online

Having 'premium' content uploaded on third-party websites for free not only undermines the creator's business model, but it also presents a problem for adult entertainers when they choose to retire from the industry.

'If you are considering becoming an intimate content creator you need to be aware there are downstream risks,' Ms Inman Grant said.

'If you do share your intimate content, whether for a fee or free, it can be difficult to keep control of its distribution. It may end up being posted far more widely than you agreed.'

She continued: 'This can happen on a small scale with subscribers sharing photos, videos or screenshots with friends who have not paid the creator for them. Or it can happen on a larger scale.

'This wider distribution undermines the creator's business model  who is going to pay for something they can get for free?'

Piracy: The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant (pictured in June 2021), says there are 'risks' associated with using subscription-based adult websites due to online piracy

OnlyFans is a subscription-based website where content can range from something as innocent as a suggestive selfie all the way to hardcore pornography.

The UK-based website says it 'works tirelessly to identify and flag up copyright issues and request to remove the copyrighted content... as quickly as possible', but there are still issues with paid-for content being stolen and distributed for free online.

Some of Australia's most high-profile OnlyFans creators include Love Island star Vanessa Sierra, Big Brother VIP's Jessika Power and - perhaps most notoriously of all - former MAFS bride Mishel Karen.

Mishel, a mother of two and grandmother of one, is older than most of her contemporaries at 51, and is also known for performing hardcore acts other OnlyFans models aren't prepared to do.

She is no stranger to online piracy, after one of her 'self-pleasure' videos from last February was leaked then circulated on Facebook after she posted it on OnlyFans.

At the time she was charging fans a $23 monthly subscription fee.

Stolen: Mishel is no stranger to online piracy, after one of her 'self-pleasure' videos from last February was leaked then circulated on Facebook after she posted it on OnlyFans

Racy: Some of Australia's most high-profile OnlyFans creators include Love Island star Vanessa Sierra and Big Brother VIP's Jessika Power (pictured)

Mishel recently made headlines after coming down with Covid-19, saying the virus had left her in agonising pain for a week.

Her diagnosis came several weeks after she participated in a raunchy 'content shoot' with other porn stars in a warehouse on the Gold Coast.

She shared her horrifying experience with Covid on Saturday night in a lengthy Instagram post.

In a short video, the former reality star lay down on her side and mumbled that her entire body 'aches'.

'Every part of my body aches,' she said, adding: 'My fingers ache, my back aches, my legs ache... I can feel my organs aching.'

She went on to describe the symptoms as 'not pleasant' but said she was able to make it through without having to go to hospital.

'Every part of my body aches': Mishel shared her horrifying experience with Covid on Saturday night in a lengthy Instagram post

Mishel, who has been a naturopath for 30 years, used 'natural and homemade therapies' to mitigate her symptoms.

'I am not claiming to be an expert. Even though I have been a naturopath for nearly 30 years and was raised using natural therapies,' she wrote.

'There is nothing that replaces your own beliefs and knowing of what is right for you, ultimately we already know what we need. Or you can speak to your doctor for their advice.'

More the merrier? Mishel's Covid diagnosis came less than a month after she spent the day in a Gold Coast warehouse shooting content with other porn stars (all pictured)

After sharing the various methods and treatments she used to overcome Covid, Mishel admitted she had no choice but to reach for the Panadol when the pain became too severe.

'I will tell you that this was not a pleasant experience. I have not been unwell for some time and dont remember hurting so much from a virus before,' she wrote.

'Even though I dont like using pharmaceuticals, I did cave and used some paracetamol as I found the pain incredibly strong. I really couldnt suppress the pain without it.'

Homegrown: The women, including Australia's biggest OnlyFans star Renee Gracie, spent the day taking racy photos and filming footage for their accounts

Mishel's Covid case came less than a month after she spent the day in a Gold Coast warehouse shooting content with other porn stars for an Australian version of OnlyFans called AussieFans.

The women, including Australia's biggest OnlyFans star Renee Gracie, spent the day taking racy photos and filming footage for their accounts.

Mishel regularly performs hardcore sex acts on her OnlyFans account, some of which include other participants.

X-rated: Mishel regularly performs hardcore sex acts on her OnlyFans account, some of which include other participants

The mum of two recently revealed she'd been raking in between $5,000 and $7,000 per month as an adult entertainer.

She told The Daily Telegraph her main motivation for the X-rated career move was to financially support her family.

'Being a single mum, I have never really had extra cash to do much with or to live an extravagant life, but I just don't want my children to have to struggle to pay bills or be in debt,' she said.

Lucrative: The mum of two (pictured holding a sex toy) recently revealed she'd been raking in between $5,000 and $7,000 per month as an adult entertainer

'Whatever I must do so they can get a deposit or loan, so they can move forward, I will do that,' she added.

Mishel, who used to work as a policy trainer in the police force, recently became a grandmother after her son Sam welcomed a baby boy with his girlfriend.

She's also a doting mum to daughter Eva, who featured on a few episodes of Married At First Sight and now works as a curve model in Brisbane.
Dwayne Hickman, an actor who rose to prominence in the '50s, and later became a CBS executive, has died at the age of 87.

His family named complications from Parkinson's disease as his cause of death.

Hickman is survived by wife Joan Roberts, 69, their son, Albert Thomas Hickman, 29, and a son from a previous relationship, John Hickman.

Rest in peace: Dwayne Hickman, an actor who rose to prominence in the '50s, and later became a CBS executive, has died at the age of 87

The late actor had a career in Hollywood that started at the age of six when he debuted as an extra in Grapes of Wrath.

He also had a spot in the 1948 movie The Boy With the Green Hair.

As a teenager he landed his first role in a TV series with The Bob Cummings Show.

From there he was cast as the lead in The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, which aired 148 episodes on CBS from 1959 to 1963.

Early career: Hickman was the star of The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis from 1959-1963

Hickman went on to attend Loyola University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Economics.

From there it was back to the silver screen, as he joined the casts of How to Stuff a Wild Bikini and Ski Party.

For 10 years he oversaw the creation of shows such as Maude, Good Times, and M*A*S*H while working as a program executive at CBS.

Throughout the '80s-'90s, he sometimes took small roles in shows such as High School U.S.A. and Clueless.

Veteran: The late actor had a career in Hollywood that started at the age of six when he debuted as an extra in Grapes of Wrath

The multihyphenate star met his wife Joan when they costarred in the CBS series Pvt. Benjamin, and they married in 1983.

The couple later co-wrote his autobiography Forever Dobie: The Many Lives of Dwayne Hickman, published by Birch Lane Press.

In 1988 he reprised his role as Dobie Gillis when he produced and starred in the TV movie Bring Me the Head of Dobie Gillis.

Additionally Dwayne directed sitcom episodes - his credits include Sister, Sister; Harry and the Hendersons; and Head of the Class

Professional and personal: Dwayne and his wife Joan Roberts co-wrote his autobiography Forever Dobie: The Many Lives of Dwayne Hickman

Proving he was multifaceted, the performer also showed a knack for painting, and he used oils to create multiple house and landscape series.

His paintings were critically acclaimed, with his use of vibrant colors and intricate detail becoming his signature qualities.

Dwayne's original paintings and prints have been shared in national art galleries and can be spotted in both private and commercial collections.

Memorial plans have not been announced, but funeral services will not be public. Hickman's family has requested that donations be made to The Actors Fund (actorsfund.org) or DreamClub United (dreamclubunited.org), a 501(c) 3 that supports humanitarian programs, including Parkinsons organizations.
A screenshot of Lee Jae-myung Plus, a communications platform operated on KakaoTalk by the Democratic Party of Korea's election committee, posted by a user who claimed the platform staffer sexually harassed her / Captured from Democratic Party of Korea's website



By Kwon Mee-yoo



An online communications worker for ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung drew criticism for making comments about the appearance of a female user, which could be considered sexual harassment.



A post was uploaded to the DPK's online board, last Thursday, by the woman, who used "Lee Jae-myung Plus," a communications platform operated on KakaoTalk by the DPK's election committee to provide direct answers to questions from citizens.



The user said she posted on the platform asking if Lee had the final approving authority for the Daejang-dong development project, in which a newly established small company took charge of the lucrative project in a region of Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, when Lee was the Seongnam mayor.



One of the staff members then answered: "Your name is pretty. Your profile photo is pretty as well. Your name is the same as my favorite webtoon character. I think you are also pretty."



"They can't answer whether Lee is behind the Daejang-dong scandal or not, but brought up my name and appearance instead. I wonder if the best the Lee's election camp can do is judge citizens by their appearance," the user wrote.





Lee Jae-myung, left, presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, poses for a selfie with a citizen while riding Seoul Metro Line 4 from Sookmyung Women's University Station to Chongshin University Station, Friday. Courtesy of DPK election committee
Amelia Hamlin was the picture of holiday bliss while enjoying a lavish island getaway with friends, who joined her for some fun on a sandy white beach.

On Sunday morning, the 20-year-old model shared a slideshow of stunning photos from her dreamy vacation, which included numerous bikini shots.

In one image, the daughter of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna and actor Harry Hamlin could be seen returning to shore after taking a dip in the crystal clear ocean.

Model physique: Amelia Hamlin was the picture of holiday bliss while enjoying a lavish island getaway with friends, who joined her for some fun on a sandy white beach

While rocking a metallic silver swimsuit, Amelia showed off her tiny waist and sun-kissed glow as she took in her breathtaking surroundings.

She accessorized her two-piece with two layered seashell necklaces, a silver bracelet and her wet hair pushed back behind her shoulders.

Later, the ex-girlfriend of Scott Disick enjoyed a scoop of vanilla ice cream while laying out on a lounge chair under a yellow umbrella.

Island girl: On Sunday, the 20-year-old model shared a slideshow of stunning photos from her dreamy vacation, which included numerous bikini shots

Beauty: In one image, the daughter of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna and actor Harry Hamlin could be seen returning to shore after taking a dip in the crystal clear ocean

Gorgeous: As she seemingly remained just feet away from the water at all times, the Paper Magazine cover girl slipped into a white minidress

As she seemingly remained just feet away from the water at all times, the Paper Magazine cover girl slipped into a white minidress.

'Island girl,' Amelia captioned one of the snaps in the low-cut frock over a brown bikini, which showcased her ample cleavage.

Another photo showed her in a black 'Hawaii' t-shirt with an olive green skirt while in a parking lot.

'Island girl,' Amelia captioned one of the snaps in the low-cut frock over a brown bikini, which showcased her ample cleavage

Tan: While rocking a metallic silver swimsuit, Amelia showed off her tiny waist and sun-kissed glow as she took in her breathtaking surroundings

Island life: Another photo showed her in a black 'Hawaii' t-shirt with an olive green skirt while in a parking lot

Her trip comes just over a week after a source told People that she is ready to see someone new after ending her 11-month romance with Scott Disick on September 7.

'She's not opposed to dating someone in the spotlight,' an insider told the outlet last month.

'And age is not a problem for her. She can date someone younger or someone older. It's not a deal-breaker.'

Yum! Later, the ex-girlfriend of Scott Disick enjoyed a scoop of vanilla ice cream while laying out on a lounge chair under a yellow umbrella

Enjoying the single life: Her trip comes just over a week after a source told People that she is ready to see someone new after ending her 11-month romance with Scott Disick on September 7

'She's not opposed to dating someone in the spotlight,' an insider told the outlet last month

The last three months, the 360 Management Model has been 'focusing on herself and is said to be 'in a really good place because of it.'

'It has to be the right person,' the insider added.

'She is taking some time to figure out what she wants in her next relationship but is having fun hanging out with guys and finding something new. She's done with Scott and she'd be fine never speaking to him again and her parents are happy about that.'

Before the 38-year-old father-of-three, Amelia dated Mercer Wiederhorn, the son of FAT Brands CEO Andrew Wiederhorn, for 17 months.
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People Power Party presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol, left, enters the party's headquarters on Yeouido, Seoul, Sunday. Joint press Corps



By Nam Hyun-woo





Main opposition People Power Party (PPP) presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol is rekindling gender conflicts, calling for the abolishment of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.



However, he is still indecisive over what kind of gender policies he will advocate after being elected, facing doubts over his political consistency. Also, criticism is rising that Yoon and the party are exploiting gender conflicts as a tool to win votes.



In a Facebook post uploaded Friday, Yoon pledged "the abolishment of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family," without explaining further. The post was liked by more than 32,000 Facebook users and drew more than 10,000 comments.





This is a captured image of People Power Party presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol's Facebook posting that reads "abolishment of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family." Captured from Facebook



The posting came after PPP Chairman Lee Jun-seok rejoined Yoon's campaign on Thursday, after addressing a monthlong conflict between them. Lee is recognized for his idea that some feminism-based policies discriminate against young men, which helped the party win the April 7 by-elections to select Seoul and Busan mayors after gaining wide support from male voters in their 20s and 30s.



Yoon's pledge to abolish the ministry is in stark contrast to the candidate's earlier approach to gender issues.



In November, Yoon appointed professor Lee Soo-jeong of Kyonggi University, a renowned forensic psychologist who is also described as a feminist, as a standing co-head of his former election committee, and then recruited Shin Ji-ye, former head of the Korean Women's Political Network and a vocal feminist, as deputy head of the Saesidae Preparatory Committee, a sub-organization in his election camp.



At the time, Yoon and Chairman Lee were locking horns over election strategy, thus the candidate's choice was interpreted as an effort to woo young women and centrist voters.






Bhats data compilation - The Chronicle of Communal incidents in the Coastal Districts of Karnataka - based on the communal incidents reported on media, observes that of the 120 incidents, 33 were moral policing by Hindu vigilante groups and 4 by Muslim vigilante groups. (Representational Image/PTI)

Mangaluru: Latest data shows that the number of communal incidents, particularly moral policing, has increased in Coastal Karnataka. According to Karnataka Communal Harmony Forum, Coastal Karnataka (Udupi and DK districts), witnessed over 120 communal incidents in 2021. This is the highest in the last four years.

"This year cases of moral policing have increased notably. I feel this is a move by the saffron outfits to put pressure on the government to bring the Anti-Conversion Law in the state," said Suresh Bhat, member of Karnataka Communal Harmony Forum and PUCL Mangaluru.

Bhats data compilation - The Chronicle of Communal incidents in the Coastal Districts of Karnataka - based on the communal incidents reported on media, observes that of the 120 incidents, 33 were moral policing by Hindu vigilante groups and 4 by Muslim vigilante groups. Interestingly, the number of cattle vigilantisms has decreased from 25 in 2020 to 11 in 2021.

Bhat has compiled some of the major incidents reported by the media under heads like moral policing, incidents related to allegations of religious conversion, cattle vigilantism, hate speech, desecration of places of worship and other communal incidents.

"Members of the Muslim community are being attacked alleging that they are involved in Love Jehad. Christians are targeted alleging they are involved in conversion. Saffron outfits want to make their point that there is a need for anti-conversion law through such incidents. This could be the reason for the increase (in such crimes)," he added.

One of the first moral policing incidents of 2021 was in Puttur, on January 14, where saffron outfit activists disrupted a birthday party at a cafe that was attended by boys and girls of different communities. Within a month, a similar incident was reported at Mudipu near Mangaluru on February 3, wherein Hindu vigilantes questioned and attacked a Muslim boy for accompanying a Hindu girl.

Of the more controversial cases reported over the last year, Mangaluru city police arrested six persons in connection to another moral policing incident at Surathkal on November 16. A female student had requested her collegemate to drop her at her house in an apartment near the college. When the boy and girl had reached the apartment, a group of about 5-6 youths waylaid them and started questioning.

Moral policing by the Muslim vigilante too has been recorded by the Forum. Bhats compilation mentions an incident where a group of five Muslim youths attacked two boys for allegedly talking to a woman of their faith.

Although most of the moral policing incidents happened on the lines of religion, the data also mentions that religious vigilantism, in general, has also seen a rise in the state.

One of the important incidents was reported at Karkala in September, where activists of Hindu Jagarana Vedike barged into a Christian prayer centre, alleging that religious conversion was happening at an event.

In another incident, a person allegedly distributing Christian religious literature to the public was stopped by saffron outfit members and handed over to police in Mangaluru in October.

In this context, the annual 'Trishul Deeksha' program organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts had drawn flak from the public after photos of youth with saffron shawls holding trishul and taking the oath to protect the society from love jihad, terrorism made rounds on social media.
VIJAYAWADA: The huge hike in travel expenditure is putting an extra burden on homebound people in this season of Sankranti festival. Private travel operators are charging exorbitant rates.

While the coronavirus pandemic dampened Sankranti festivities last year, the people are keen on celebrating Sankranti this time due to the easing of the Covid situation. People working in other places and states are returning in large numbers, as usual, to their native places to celebrate the festival.

The Omicron infections are increasing for the past few days. A worry is of a return to the previous lockdown days. Hence, before the situation turns worse, the people are keen on returning to native places and having the celebrations  billed as the biggest harvest festival Sankranti.

According to the reports, nearly 40 lakh people will travel from one place to another to celebrate Sankranti. Many people from Andhra Pradesh work in Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore etc. Further, the locals of north Andhra districts work in Vijayawada, Guntur and other cities and they return to their native places during major festivals Sankranti, Ugadi and Dasara.

The reserved seats in all regular trains are full and a majority of the people are thus opting for buses and cars to reach their native homes. The APSRTC is operating nearly 7,000 buses and private operators around 4,000 services to various destinations in Andhra Pradesh from Hyderabad this Sankranti.

The AP and TS states announced holidays for educational institutions from January 8 to 16 so that the majority of students are returning to their native places.

Commuters Raju and Krishna said the people of AP working in various companies outside the state used to avail holidays for five to seven days this season. As the Sword of Omicron is hanging over peoples heads now, people want to return to their homes to celebrate Sankranti before the virus spread aggravated.

They will start returning to the native places a day before Bhogi. Hence there is a huge demand for buses and cars on January 11, 12 and 13. They complained that private bus operators have largely increased fares by 100 to 150 per cent. They said the RTC is also charging an extra 50 per cent fare for Sankranti special services and appealed to the government to help reverse the situation for the better.

Transport officials said a special drive would be conducted to restrain private buses from charging exorbitant fares.
Accused Aumkareshwar Thakur (26) did his BCA from IPS Academy in Indore and is a resident of Newyork City Township, they said. (Representational Image - PTI)

New Delhi: The Delhi Police has arrested a man believed to be the creator of "Sulli Deals" app from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, officials said on Sunday.

This is the first arrest made in the "Sulli Deals" app case, police said.

Hundreds of Muslim women were listed for auction on the mobile application with photographs sourced without permission and doctored.

Accused Aumkareshwar Thakur (26) did his BCA from IPS Academy in Indore and is a resident of Newyork City Township, they said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (IFSO) KPS Malhotra said during preliminary interrogation, the accused admitted that he was a member of a group on Twitter and the idea to defame and troll Muslim women was shared there.

"He had developed the code on GitHub. The access of GitHub was with all the members of the group. He had shared the app on his Twitter account. The photos of the Muslim women were uploaded by the group members," the officer said.

However, Indore's Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra told PTI, We have come to know only from the media about the arrest of Thakur from Indore by Delhi Police. The Delhi Police have not shared any official information with us in this regard so far.

Mishra also said that the Indore police will consider starting an investigation into the matter after the Delhi Police share with them the official details of the case.

According to police, Niraj Bishnoi, the alleged mastermind and creator of the 'Bulli Bai' application, had disclosed during interrogation that he was in touch with the person behind the Twitter handle @sullideals, the alleged creator of the 'Sulli Deals' app that was hosted on GitHub in July last year.
On September 15 last year, the ICG had in a similar operation caught a Pakistani boat with 12 crew members in the Indian waters off the Gujarat coast. (Representational image/DC)

Ahmedabad: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) apprehended a Pakistani boat with 10 crew members on board in the Indian waters off the Gujarat coast, a state defence spokesperson said on Sunday.

The boat, named 'Yaseen,' was caught by an ICG ship during an operation on Saturday night, the official said.

"The Indian Coast Guard ship Ankit apprehended Pakistani boat 'Yaseen' with 10 crew in Indian waters at Arabian Sea during night ops on 08 Jan. Boat being brought to Porbandar for further interrogation," the official said in a tweet.

On September 15 last year, the ICG had in a similar operation caught a Pakistani boat with 12 crew members in the Indian waters off the Gujarat coast.

There has also been a rise in cases of such boats being used to smuggle drugs through the state coast.

On December 20 last year, a Pakistani fishing boat with six crew members and carrying 77 kg of heroin worth around Rs 400 crore was apprehended in the Indian waters off the Gujarat coast by the ICG in a joint operation with the state Anti- Terrorist Squad.
pedestrian walks past a wall mural featuring illustrations of frontine workers urging citizens to wear masks properly in order to raise awareness about the Covid-19 coronavirus in Mumbai. (Photo: AFP)

Mumbai: Several states in the country has announced fresh restrictions in the context of rising Covid-19 cases. India reported 159,632 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus continues to spread rapidly in the country.

Uttar Pradesh is the latest to announce a night curfew and the state has decided to close physical classes in all educational institutions after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired the COVID-19 review meeting in Lucknow on Sunday.

Maharashtra said on Saturday it would close swimming pools and gyms from Monday while schools and colleges have been closed till Feb 15 after daily cases in the state jumped to over 41,000.

The state government has said only fully vaccinated people will be allowed into private offices while limiting the capacity to 50% of the total workforce.

In the neighbouring state of Gujarat, authorities have extended night curfew hours and cancelled leave for all healthcare personnel.

The Karnataka government has imposed a curfew on weekends and restricted public gatherings to fight the third wave of COVID-19, till January 19. It has also imposed a night curfew and has prohibited all rallies, dharnas, protests, among others.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said there is no plan to impose a lockdown as of now in the city. The CM said that a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) will be convened on Monday to further review the situation and discuss efforts to be taken.

The national capital has been seeing an uptick of daily cases in the last few days, mainly triggered by the Omicron variant of the infection.

However, the DDMA has already imposed a weekend curfew in the city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation later on Sunday, according to government sources.

The health ministry reported 327 new deaths, taking the official death toll since the start of the pandemic to 483,790. Total infections stand at 35.52 million.
There are more than 900 traders dealing with crockery, restaurants, jewellery shops, cloth merchants and wholesalers having shops on the main roads of Madina to Shalibanda, Chatta Bazar, Mahbub Chowk, Lad Bazaar, Patel Market and surrounding areas, and many of them intend to go online. (DC Image/Gandhi)

HYDERABAD: Traders of the Old City who are running in losses due to a drastic fall in their sales are getting cheated as they attempt to take their business online.

Ever since the outbreak of the pandemic, a very large portion of the shopping is being done online and the goods are delivered at the doorstep. Not only branded shops, even smaller kiosks are totally dependent on online business.

There are more than 900 traders dealing with crockery, restaurants, jewellery shops, cloth merchants and wholesalers having shops on the main roads of Madina to Shalibanda, Chatta Bazar, Mahbub Chowk, Lad Bazaar, Patel Market and surrounding areas, and many of them intend to go online.

Many shop owners who do not have knowledge in these matters, were cheated by these fraudsters, Mohammed Idris, who runs Muskaan Garments at Pathergatti said. Most showrooms in Pathergatti and Gulzar Houz and Madina have stopped entertaining them.

Two men approached me stating that they would display my wares online. I offered them tea and snacks. They convinced me by showing a YouTube video on their mobile phone, assuring me that they had been blogging in other states and had earned huge profits for the shops there, said Mohammed Javed, owner of a wholesale garment shop in Madina.

I allowed them to film my material. Before leaving, they demanded Rs 10,000. Finally, they agreed for Rs 3,800 and left after taking my number. Two months have passed and there is no reply from them, Javed said, adding, I did not approach the police as there is no evidence against them.

For the past two years, these businessmen have been complaining that their counter sales have fallen and hiring some genuine bloggers to advertise their products online. Most of the traders got good response to online business as genuine bloggers displayed their products, offered special discounts and provided phone numbers on their YouTube.

Some unknown person recently called me and told me that he was a blogger, but I knew he was a fraud as several people were cheated by these people. They collect whatever they get from the traders and never return. Traders hesitate to lodge a police complaint, said Navid Salman of Noorkhan Bazaar, who runs a food court, Dakhni Dastarkhan.

Victims should immediately lodge a complaint at the local police. Even if they provide any information about these fraudsters, we will take stringent action against them, said Syed Rafiq, South Zone additional DCP.
Despite the government omitting the condition in 2018, the successful students are not getting their degrees registered with the TSMC.  Representational image/DC

Hyderabad: Medical students of the 2017 and 2018 batch are furious at Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) for not registering undergraduate, postgraduate degrees and additional qualifications without completing the mandatory senior residency for a period of one year. The state government had in 2018 revoked the condition, which involved the service at any government institution.

Some of the 2017 batch students have not served the senior residency due to personal reasons. Despite the government omitting the condition in 2018, the successful students are not getting their degrees registered with the TSMC, explained Dr K. Mahesh Kumar, president, Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association. Even though there is no such requirement, those students who are now ready to do senior residency are not provided an opportunity, he added.

Also, Telangana-based students of the 2018 batch who pursued higher studies in other states have been asked to submit an NOC from their respective states to the TSMC. Those students went to other states to pursue their PG and not to practice, hence the question of registration with the respective states medical councils does not arise, said Dr Kumar.

Before the Telangana Medical Practitioners Act was amended in 2018, UG students were required to complete a mandatory rural service while PG students had to do senior residency for a period of one year for permanent registration of their degrees.

Dr Kumar added that TSMCs denial is resulting in vacancies when it was imperative to strengthen the workforce considering the potential Covid-19 third wave.
Hyderabad: Ministers T. Harish Rao, Gangula Kamalakar, Allola Indrakaran Reddy, Talasani Srinivas Yadav and TRS MLAs on Saturday lashed out at Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for his criticism of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao while in Hyderabad on Friday.

They said Madhya Pradesh was no match to Telangana on any parameter. They dared Chouhan to come for a public debate on development programmes and welfare schemes undertaken by TRS and the BJP state governments. They accused Chouhan of 'backdoor' politics as he had toppled an elected Congress government to become the Chief Minister while Rao enjoyed absolute public mandate.

Speaking to the media here on Saturday, Harish Rao asked Chouhan to point out at least one development programme or a welfare scheme being implemented in his state that was better than Telangana. He mentioned several welfare programmes and innovative people-friendly measures launched by the TRS government.

Kamalakar said TRS leaders and cadre were maintaining restraint despite BJP leaders using derogatory and abusive language against Rao and his family members.

"Would he have come out of Hyderabad airport and participated in programmes in the city if TRS had given a call to obstruct him? He could return safely to Madhya Pradesh. We treated him as our state guest. He should realise that a large number of people from Madhya Pradesh are migrating to Telangana for their livelihood as they see no hope during his rule," he said.

Indrakaran Reddy asked Chauhan to first know where Telangana and Madhya Pradesh stand in GSDP. "There is no comparison between Telangana and MP on any issue. I challenge Chouhan to come for a debate on agriculture, welfare schemes, development and prove that MP fares better than Telangana on any one front," he said.

Srinivas Yadav asked Chouhan to realise and accept which state was employee-friendly. MLA A. Jeevan Reddy said BJP national leaders were merely reading the 'script' written by their Telangana leaders.
Extraordinary steps needed to prevent firefighters' death



Three firefighters dispatched to a fire at the construction site of a refrigeration warehouse in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, were found dead on Thursday. The incident occurred barely six months after a firefighter's death in another logistics center fire in June. Firefighters continue to die  the number killed on duty over the past decade totaled 49. There were loud calls for strengthening safety steps whenever an accident occurred but they ended in empty talks. The three firefighters entered dangerous sites scattered with flammable materials and died.



Authorities concerned should immediately find out the root cause of the repeated loss of life and work out extraordinary measures to prevent similar accidents. The warehouse building project was also the site of a deadly accident in December 2020. A concrete ceiling of the building's fifth floor collapsed, killing three workers. That suspended the construction for about a month, but the target date of completion remained the same. The contractor is suspected of rushing the work to make up for the disruption.



Even after the workers' deaths, the supervisor reportedly didn't make a safety check, citing its basic framework construction had been completed. Nothing showed better their irresponsibility and complacency than such an omission. One can't help but ask whether it is appropriate to allow an exception from regular checks faced with a series of serious safety accidents causing casualties. Investigators also need to look into possible loopholes in the localities' standard inspection regulations.



It is foremost to get to the bottom of things, including the fire's cause and overall safety management. Its exact cause is not known yet. However, if the past examples are any guide, poor safety management was often the primary culprit behind fatal accidents. The accident is highly likely to end up as a man-made disaster yet again. Some experts stress improving legal and institutional devices to apply a fire monitoring system. Others propose using cutting-edge technology, such as robots and drones, in fires. The time has long passed for authorities to examine ways to predict the possibility of disaster and cope with unexpected contingencies more effectively.


Amazon.com Inc has filed fresh legal challenges in its long-running dispute with Indian retailer Future Group after the national antitrust agency suspended a 2019 deal between the two sides, leading to a halt in their arbitration, four sources told Reuters on Sunday.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) last month suspended its approval of Amazon's 2019 deal with Future, denting the US e-commerce giant's attempts to block the sale of Future's retail assets to Indian market leader Reliance Industries.

The suspension jolted Amazon as subsequently a New Delhi court halted the arbitration proceedings between the two sides.

Late on Saturday night, Amazon filed an appeal against the CCI suspension decision at India's National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, two of the sources said.

Separately, two other sources said, Amazon also filed a challenge in the Supreme Court against the Delhi court decision in which judges last week that said Future-Amazon arbitration proceedings must remain on hold until Feb. 1 in light of the antitrust suspension of the deal.

Amazon and the CCI did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The filings are the latest in the bitter legal dispute which has embroiled Amazon, Future and Reliance over what is seen as a battle for retail supremacy in India's booming consumer market.

Reliance, run by one of India's richest men Mukesh Ambani, wants to expand its footprint by acquiring debt-laden Future, but Amazon has told India's antitrust body it believes Reliance's consolidated position "will further restrict competition in the Indian retail market".

Amazon has long argued that Future violated the terms of its 2019 deal in deciding to sell retail assets to Reliance. The US company's position has so far been backed by the Singapore arbitrator and Indian courts. Future denies any wrongdoing.

But after the CCI suspended that deal's approval, saying Amazon suppressed information while seeking clearances for the deal, Future has argued Amazon no longer has any legal basis to pursue the dispute.

Both of Amazon's appeals, to the Indian tribunal and Supreme Court, are likely to be heard in coming days, two of the sources said.

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Unified Payment Interface, or UPI, developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) services were reportedly down for over an hour, thus barring users of apps like Google Pay or Paytm from making any transactions.

NPCI said on Twitter that the disturbance was due to "intermittent technical glitch" and that UPI services were now operational. The payments corporation also said they were "monitoring system closely."

Regret the inconvenience to #UPI users due to intermittent technical glitch. #UPI is operational now, and we are monitoring system closely.  NPCI (@NPCI_NPCI) January 9, 2022

Meanwhile, users took to Twitter to flag the glitch and several said that they were unable to make any transactions.

More to follow...

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Congress was suffering from a "guilty conscience" of failing to take up the Mekedatu project during their tenure, and have taken up a political 'padayatra' to fool people, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said Sunday.

He also convened a meeting with senior Cabinet ministers and party leaders to discuss the Mekedatu project, Congress rally and development projects concerning Bengaluru.

"Over the last three years, they. (Congress) hasn't discussed the project anywhere. Now, sensing that elections are close, they have organised a political padayatra. They have a guilty consciousness of not taking up the project. So, to fool people, they have started the padayatra," he said, accusing Congress of lacking concern about irrigation projects of Karnataka.

Recalling that the National Green Tribunal had issued a stay for the project after a delegation of farmers from Tamil Nadu visited Mekedatu, Bommai said that Congress was aware of the consequences of organising an event near the project site. "But politics is more important to them. As a responsible party that ruled the state in the past, Congress should have analysed all the disputes about the case. Then, there wouldn't have been a 'padyatra'," he said.

Also Read  Will walk in small groups: Siddaramaiah on Congress Padayatra

Bommai said that after he became the CM, the state government exerted pressure on the Centre, due to which Detailed Project Report (DPR) moved from Central Water Commission to Cauvery Monitoring Board. "There will be a meeting this month where a decision on the project will be taken. Supreme Court is also hearing a case. We are following it up with our legal team. We are working for environmental clearance too," Bommai said.

He accused the Congress of taking four years to prepare a DPR. Congress did not submit DPR during their tenure, but it was submitted during Congress-JD(S) coalition government, Bommai said.

To a question on Covid-19 violations, he said that a notice has been issued to party leaders. "Officials have informed them in person. We will take action as per law," he said.

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Working hard to implement the weekend and night curfew, city police seized 820 vehicles between 6 am and 8 pm on Saturday.

Added to the 540 vehicles they seized between December 28 and 5 am on Saturday morning, the total number of vehicles seized stands at 1,369 bikes, cars, and three-wheeled vehicles.

Policemen of the west division, which covers jurisdictions of Majestic and KR Market areas, made most seizures with 316 on Saturday, while the south division police seized 147 vehicles.

Also Read | Bengaluru accounts for 92% of Karnataka's Omicron cases, 84% active caseload

Motorists wandering during the curfew on Friday night and Saturday morning argued with on-duty policemen saying they were out for essentials and medicines, but police seized their vehicles on learning that they were loitering while letting those coming out on an emergency pass.

The West division police and BBMP officials conducted swab tests on motorists violating the curfew near the KR Market area.

Home Minister Araga Jnanendra undertook a city tour with Bengaluru police chief Kamal Pant and other senior cops on Saturday to review the enforcement of the weekend curfew.

Jnanendra also interacted with police personnel deployed on the streets and enquired about their health.

Also Read | Marginal increase in Covid tally, Bengaluru emerges as epicentre

At the Goraguntepalya junction on Tumakuru Road, he interacted with essential services workers who were stopped by the police for questioning.

Speaking to reporters later, the minister claimed that there had been a good response to the curfew but said any decision on extending the restrictions would be taken after consultations with experts.

He lauded the police for cracking down on people roaming the streets unnecessarily and asked the public to cooperate with the cops to make everyone safe.

Cops vulnerable to infection

Also Read | Amid Covid surge, testing in Karnataka hit by delays

On the frontline of implementing the curfew, policemen are most susceptible to contracting the Covid infection since they interact with more people. Sixty policemen who had taken both Covid vaccine doses tested positive in the third wave. Fifty-four of them are active, while six returned homes after testing negative.

On Saturday, samples of 30 policemen came back as positive. They had swab tests on Thursday and Friday. Nineteen of those who tested positive are from the west division.

Police stations have been sanitised and preventive measures are being taken. Additional Director General of Police Bhaskar Rao was among those who tested positive for Covid. Rao is under home isolation.

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Members of the global Indian diaspora and citizens in many countries have voiced concern over alleged inflammatory and provocative speeches against Muslims at an event in Haridwar and demanded immediate arrest of those responsible for what they called genocidal hate speech at the conclave.

"Diaspora groups across South Africa, Australia, USA, UK, Netherlands, Germany, Scotland, Finland and New Zealand, representing Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities expressed their rage on Twitter" over the provocative speeches at the Haridwar Dharam Sansad held last month, said a joint statement issued by a group of 28 organisations.

The statement also criticised the government over its failure to arrest those responsible for genocidal hate speech at the Haridwar Dharam Sansad.

"The common call of the global Indian diaspora who initiated the global action was for the immediate arrest of Yati Narsinghanand and the Dharma Sansad speakers, it added.

The organisations which signed the statement included Hindus for Human Rights, Worldwide; International Council of Indian Muslims, Worldwide; India Alliance, Europe; Stichting London Story, Europe; Dalit Solidarity Forum, USA; Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations, USA; Indian American Muslim Council, USA; India Solidarity Germany, Germany; The Humanism Project, Australia; Poetic Justice Foundation, Canada and South Asia Solidarity Group, UK among others.

Also read: CPI(M) finds fault with Opposition parties not talking about anti-Muslim Dharam Sansad

Held in Haridwar from December 17-20, the Dharma Sansad was organised by Yati Narasimhanand Giri of the Juna Akhada, who is already under police scanner for making hate speeches and inciting violence against Muslims.

At the event, several speakers allegedly made inflammatory and provocative speeches, calling for the killing of people from the minority community.

Two FIRs have been lodged against 15 people in the case, including Waseem Rizvi who changed his name to Jitendra Narayan Tyagi after converting to Hinduism recently and organiser of the Sansad Yati Narasimhanand, the head priest of Dasna temple in Ghaziabad.

A five-member Special Investigation Team has been constituted to look into the matter. "We have constituted an SIT. It will carry out a probe. If solid evidence against those involved is found appropriate action will be taken," Garhwal DIG KS Nagnyal had said.

Several Opposition leaders, including those from the Congress and the Trinamool Congress, have condemned what they said was a "hate speech conclave" and called for strict action against those involved.

Also, retired police officers, including former DGPs of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, have written to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami describing the Sansad as a blot on Uttarakhand's long tradition of peaceful coexistence of different religions.

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By James Paton and Antony Sguazzin

As shipments of Covid-19 shots ramp up for billions of people left behind last year, and new vaccines make their way to the public, dozens of countries are struggling to turn supplies into inoculations.

A dearth of immunisation sites in Cameroon, weak communication and Covid denial in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a syringe shortfall in Kenya are among the hurdles complicating rollouts. In Zimbabwe, which initially raced ahead of many peers, complacency and perception of Omicron as less serious slowed the campaign; long vaccine queues have turned into a trickle.

Vaccines, we have plenty, said Agnes Mahomva, coordinator of Zimbabwes national Covid taskforce. Its now about how people view the vaccines and getting them to take the shots.

Starved for vaccines for most of 2021, Covax, the World Health Organization-backed global access programme, is now nearing 1 billion doses in shipments. As the focus shifts to increasing immunisation in poorer countries of Africa and other regions, officials worry that Omicrons rapid spread could spur the emergence of more shot-evading variants.

Immunisation Obstacles

As many as two dozen nations are struggling to use their doses due to supply-chain obstacles, hesitancy and other factors, according to Seth Berkley, head of the vaccine alliance, Gavi, a key Covax partner.

We dont have every dose we need, but we now have a real flow of doses, and what were beginning to see are demand constraints, he said in an interview. We are working to try to solve those problems.

Also Read  Teams must play if 11 players available, AFCON organisers say

A priority is to deliver doses in a more reliable and predictable way. Donated vaccines are arriving with little notice and short shelf lives, making it even harder for stretched health systems. Nigerian health officials, for instance, said theyve managed to use most doses theyve received, but some had expired before they could be used.

They need to be able to see six months down the road when vaccines are going to be arriving to be able to plan much more intelligently, said Orin Levine, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations global delivery programmes. Particularly when youre getting into big volumes.

Access to doses remains a pressing concern after wealthy countries rushed ahead to buy most of the supplies last year, and the Omicron variant could widen the gap as those governments expand booster programmes. Covax has been hurt by export bans and production delays, and some vaccine producers havent honoured their contracts, according to the World Health Organization.

The US government needs to do more to widen global access to highly effective mRNA vaccines, according to James Krellenstein, co-founder of the advocacy group PrEP4All in New York. A report he helped write estimates that 22 billion additional mRNA doses will be needed to slow the evolution of the virus and bring the pandemic under control.

Lessons from success

Until they recognise that global vaccination is imperative to ensuring domestic national security, we will not get out of this pandemic, he said.

Distribution is another significant worry. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is sending international health officials to Morocco and Rwanda to learn from successful roll-outs there, according to Director John Nkengasong. The agency has also assembled a group of former health ministers to advise countries on their campaigns.

In 2022, all our efforts are geared toward the vaccine delivery component, he said. We will see an increased influx of vaccines on the continent, and then the burden will be on everyone to work collectively to increase distribution.

Also Read  Under flood of Omicron cases, Texans scramble to find Covid-19 tests

Achieving that goal wont be easy. Countries need to overcome misinformation spread on social media thats deterring people from rolling up their sleeves, inadequate funding and obstacles in sending vaccines to remote areas. Four countries in Africa -- including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon -- had consistently used less than half of the doses theyve received, the WHO wrote in response to questions in November.

Poor communication

Poor communication about vaccines and where to get them is also thwarting the bid to protect greater numbers of people. About 12 million doses have been administered in Uganda, even though the government has obtained nearly three times as many. Just 3.5 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated.

Sarah Biriyeri, an elderly woman from Kasokwe village east of the capital Kampala, lives just two miles from a government health centre, but said she doesnt know when it carries out vaccinations. I would love to have embraced it because of my age, she said.

Also Read  Omicron scare in Chinas Tianjin close to Beijing ahead of Winter Olympics

At the peak of Zimbabwes vaccination programme, meanwhile, more than 40,000 vaccines were being administered daily. That fell below 17,000 shots on January 5, health ministry data shows.

At a private clinic in Avondale, in the capital Harare, one nurse counted the number of doses stored in a blue cooler box, looked at her watch and told her colleagues that by the end of the day theyd have unused vaccines, again. Its like this daily, just a few walk-ins, said another nurse, who asked not to be named because she isnt authorised to speak to the media. People act like Covid has gone.

Just a handover

Recognising the challenge, the WHO has drawn up a list of 20 countries on the continent that are at high risk of missing the target of vaccinating 70 per cent of their populations later this year, a tall order given just 9.5 per cent of Africas population of about 1.3 billion have been inoculated so far.

Experts are set to be deployed in countries including Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which have a combined population of about 300 million, said Alain Poy, head of the WHOs vaccine preventable disease programme in Africa. The DRC has fully vaccinated just 0.1 per cent of its people, and Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, just 2.2 per cent.

Also Read  Omicron 105% more transmissible than Delta: Study

While the incidence of Covid cases and deaths has been higher in wealthier countries, fragile health systems and poor data collection in Africa suggest that the toll has likely been more severe than reported figures. Excess deaths in South Africa, seen as a more accurate way of assessing Covids impact, are more than triple the official tally, and studies show that just one in 80 Covid cases have been picked up in Uganda.

Countries will need to make it easier for people to get shots, especially for those who worry about losing time and wages, according to Solomon Zewdu, the Gates Foundations deputy director in Africa. The foundation agreed in November to provide about $4 million to help a Kenyan manufacturer more than triple the production of syringes.

In the urgency of trying to get vaccines, the way it was looked at was that it was just a handover: We get as many supplies as we can, we get them to the countries, and then the countries will go ahead and vaccinate, Zewdu said. But thats not the case. Theres still a tremendous amount of resources that need to be implemented to remove all these barriers.

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Texans seeking Covid tests are finding long lines and sold-out pharmacies, as the Lone Star state grapples with a new, Omicron-induced wave of the virus, the largest since the pandemic began.

When asked about their supply of at-home Covid-19 tests, a Walgreens clerk in the area around Houston, the economic capital of Texas, replied: "We're sold out since this morning. You can come back in six days."

At the competitor chain CVS, and elsewhere, the situation is the same. The need for testing is so high that people sometimes have to wait for hours at large, dedicated facilities.

In the far-west Texas city of El Paso, the local ABC television channel reported that the wait to get tested Thursday at one of the city's "mega sites" was between three and five hours.

Also Read  Omicron explosion spurs breakdown of services in the US

The Omicron wave is hitting Texas hard: The state registered nearly 54,000 positive cases on Friday, much higher than the daily peaks of around 20,000 cases in January and September 2021.

The lack of tests has been one of the biggest critiques of President Joe Biden's handling of the pandemic, which his administration has recently doubled down on addressing.

At the end of December, Biden announced the government would send 500 million at-home tests to Americans, and on Friday, the White House said it had taken a major step toward achieving that goal by signing its first contract  worth $51.6 million  with the company Goldbelt Security.

Faced with growing case numbers and demand for testing, local Texas authorities have decided to open more testing sites, such as in San Antonio, where the positivity rate climbed from two to 27 per cent in two weeks, according to the mayor.

In Houston, a city of 2.3 million, officials say they are able to test 30,000 people a day with the help of two additional drive-through "mega sites."

Newly arrived in Texas, Aaron McKenzie manages one of the sites. "I am from the sunny state of Florida," he explained, "and with a team of 75 nurses, doctors, medical technologists, (we are) here performing these nasal swabs on Houstonians."

McKenzie and his team swabbed more than 600 people on Thursday, and 1,000 more every day since. The additional tests will hopefully meet the high demand in Houston, where the positivity rate is currently at 30 per cent, according to McKenzie.

Also Read  UK govt advisers recommended against 4th vaccine dose

Under a gloomy sky Friday morning in Houston, dozens of cars crawled from one registration stand to the next, waiting their turn to get a PCR test without leaving their car.

One driver, Alvaro Ayalla, is showing symptoms of Covid-19. He is worried he will have to miss work replacing home water filtration systems, which requires him to visit a handful of houses each day.

Many people have come with their children, with one father worried because he lacks health insurance.

Another parent, Eunice Chang, told AFP that her son's school wants all students and staff to get tested, "to be safe." She said, "And they do not want the home tests, they want the PCR test."

Chang has been promised results within 48 hours, but many providers miss the deadline, forcing residents to seek out rapid antigen tests, which can cost more than $120.

In Dallas, the long lines for testing and lengthy delays in getting back results have prompted GeneIQ, one of the large labs in charge of testing on university campuses, to say they will hire new employees.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday criticized Kazakhstan's shoot-to-kill order against protesters accused of fomenting unrest, calling for the policy in the central Asian nation to be scrapped.

"That is something that I absolutely reject. The shoot-to-kill order, to the extent it exists, is wrong and should be rescinded," President Joe Biden's top diplomat told ABC Sunday talk show "This Week."

"We have real concerns about the state of emergency that was declared in Kazakhstan," he said, adding that he spoke with Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi on Thursday.

Also Read | 164 people killed in Kazakhstan unrest

"We've been clear that we expect the Kazakh government to deal with protesters in ways that respects their rights, that pulls back from violence at the same time."

More than 160 people have died and 5,800 have been arrested in Kazakhstan following violent riots this week in the energy-rich nation of 19 million people, media reported Sunday citing the health ministry.

The figures, while not independently verified, mark a significant increase from a previous toll by officials who said 26 "armed criminals" had been killed and 16 security officers had died.

In a hardline televised address Friday, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said local and foreign "terrorists" were wreaking havoc in the country, and that "I have given the order to law enforcement to shoot to kill without warning."

He also offered thanks to Russian President Vladimir Putin after a Moscow-led military alliance sent troops to Kazakhstan to help quell the violence.

Blinken said Washington had "real concerns" about why Tokayev felt compelled to call on the Collective Security Treaty Organization, which neighbor Russia dominates.

"We're asking for clarification on that," Blinken told CNN. "But what's imperative now is that all of this be dealt with in a peaceful manner that respects the rights of those who are trying to make their voices heard."

Long seen as one the most stable of the ex-Soviet republics of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is facing its biggest crisis in decades after days of protests over rising fuel prices escalated into widespread unrest.

Protesters stormed government buildings and fought running battles with police and the military, particularly in Almaty, the country's largest city and economic hub.

The unrest raised fears of a destabilisation of Kazakhstan, a major energy exporter and producer of uranium.

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Just a couple of hours after Joe Biden's speech marking the anniversary of the Capitol assault -- in which he warned of dire threats to American democracy -- another scene captivated political observers in Washington.

In the House of Representatives, a minute of silence to remember the shocking events of January 6 attracted an unexpected guest: former vice president Dick Cheney.

Voting had already been completed for the week, so most members had already left town, but a few stuck around for the symbolic occasion Thursday.

On the left, over a dozen Democrats stood with hands on their hearts, silently remembering the violent riot by Trump supporters, who a year ago beat on the doors of the same chamber, attempting to halt the certification of Biden's victory.

Also Read | Trump's 'Truth Social' app likely to launch on February 21

On the right, only two Republicans were present -- the representative from Wyoming, Liz Cheney, and her father, vice president to former president George W. Bush.

After the ceremony, when asked why all other Republicans chose not to attend, the older Cheney -- who in the 1980s held the seat now occupied by his daughter -- responded: "It's not a leadership that resembles any of the folks I knew when I was here for 10 years."

The remarks quickly spread through the political circles: one of the leaders of the American invasion of Iraq, an arch-neoconservative, was denouncing his own party's leadership.

"What Dick Cheney did was remarkable and commendable," Allan Lichtman, a professor at Washington-based American University, told AFP.

With Donald Trump towering over the Republican Party, dragging it farther right, any Republican who stands in opposition will rehabilitate their image with the moderate mainstream to a degree, he explained.

George W. Bush, formerly criticized for his costly "war on terror," has a new reputation as a defender of immigration. Colin Powell, the man who assured the UN that Iraq possessed chemical weapons, was honoured as a brilliant military leader after his death.

In criticising Trump, these men have reset their image, but -- as Lichtman is quick to note -- these "Grand Old Party" retirees have little to lose.

But Liz Cheney, is "jeopardizing her own political career," Lichtman said.

The 55-year-old Republican was first elected to the House in 2016, and quickly rose in rank, gaining a top leadership position in 2019.

A traditional conservative, she was largely supportive of the Trump presidency -- until January 6, 2021.

After the assault on the Capitol, Cheney voted for Trump's second impeachment along with a handful of other Republicans, many of whom announced their retirements.

For any seeking reelection, the former president has promised to support their opponents.

Cheney, who once opposed gay marriage while having a lesbian sister -- a view she has since reversed -- has now transformed into the leading voice of anti-Trump Republicans, a position which has alienated her from her own party.

In May, she was voted out of her House leadership position, to be replaced with a Trump loyalist.

Cheney, who Trump has decried as "disloyal" and a "warmonger," is one of only two Republicans on a House committee investigating the January 6 attack.

Republican leaders have tried to criticise the committee as a partisan witch-hunt, which Cheney's presence undercuts.

Lichtman believes that, in the long-term, Cheney "will be remembered as a clarion -- almost a lonely voice of principle -- within the Republican Party."

The cost she pays may become clear later this year, with Trump backing her Republican primary challenger for the mid-term elections.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday he does not expect breakthroughs in US-Russia security talks this week but hopes to find some common ground amid a crisis in Ukraine.

"I don't think we're going to see any breakthroughs in the coming week," Blinken said on CNN's "State of the Union."

"We're going to be able to put things on the table. Russians will do the same ... and we'll see if there are grounds for moving forward," he said.

Also Read | US vows 'severe response' to any further Russian aggression in Ukraine

He said any progress would depend on actions from both sides in negotiations that Washington hopes will avert prospects for a new Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Any movement to resolve the issues, he said, will have to happen on a reciprocal basis.

Blinken's comments lowering expectations for the upcoming talks echoed Russia's hard line on Sunday that it would not make any concessions under U.S. pressure at talks this week on the Ukraine crisis.

He stressed that progress would be difficult, if not impossible, amid Moscow's large military buildup at its border with Ukraine.

"To make actual progress, it's very hard to see that happening when there's an ongoing escalation, when Russia has a gun to the head of Ukraine with 100,000 troops near its borders," Blinken said on ABC's "This Week."

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By Jason Lim





As the South Korean elections get closer, one must make allowances for seemingly outrageous promises by candidates vying for last-minute votes. Even by that standard, the policy position by Lee Jae-Myung, the presidential candidate for the ruling progressive party, to cover hair loss treatment under public health insurance was a bold move that captured lots of attention.



Ahn Cheol-soo, the perennial political hanger-on who is currently running as a third-party candidate, responded by criticizing Lee on his plans to use the national health coverage for a less than necessary "health" treatment. Instead, he promised to leverage market power to make generic hair loss drugs available for less and prioritize scientific research into hair loss that could even lead to a national export industry to cure baldness across the world.



This was followed by a cryptic Facebook post by Yoon Suk-yeol, the opposition conservative party presidential candidate, who posted the simple phrase, "Shut down the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family." The full connotation of this post is difficult to understand, but you catch the drift if you translate the English name of the ministry to its more literal (and much more loaded) translation of "Ministry of Women and Family."



Basically, one of the leading candidates proposed eliminating the ministry whose primary function is listed as "planning and coordination of women's policy, and improvement of women's status through the enhancement of women's rights."



There was no explanation to his post, but everyone understood it to be a dog whistle to the 20- and 30-something young men in Korea who are seen as the crucial swing vote in the upcoming presidential election in March.



All politics is local. But all politics is also identity politics. The easiest and tried-and-true way to fashion a cohesive fighting force from a very heterogeneous groups of people and have them all pulling in the same direction is to create an effective "us vs. them" framework. The "us" is always the wronged, persecuted, and powerless while "them" is the powerful, entrenched, corrupt, and unfairly privileged group.



In any dynamic society, there are multiple, complex, and overlapping layers of "us vs them" that are always in play and affecting policies in different ways. However, in elections, some "us vs them" issues become more crucial than others due to the depth of the perceived injustices and the corresponding capacity to vote as a bloc by the "us" to redress the wrongs done against "us." For this upcoming presidential election, it seems that the most important "us vs them" is the 20- and 30-something young men versus what they brand as radical feminism in Korea.



Viewed from this context, the hair loss electioneering makes sense. I mean, who would be concerned about hair loss except for young men in their 20s and 30s? Older men have already gone through the five stages of grief over their hair loss and come to terms with it. Also, they will tend to have families to care for and jobs they have to hang on to, which leaves them little time to be concerned about receding hairlines.



However, for young men who have grown up in a Korean culture that unashamedly prizes looks as a competitive advantage, hair loss can be a serious issue having to do with self-esteem and chances for future happiness. It also feeds into the inequality narrative of Hell Joseon, in which only the kids with rich parents can afford to be young, pretty, and handsome while those less fortunate are relegated to face the cruel vagaries of time without any help.



This is an almost inevitable result of the lessons learned from last April's special elections in which Oh Se-hoon retook the Seoul Mayor's seat by receiving 72.5 percent of the vote from men in their 20s. This was a higher percentage than men in their 60s, the traditional support group for the conservative party, who went 70.5 percent for Oh.



For men in their 30s, 63.8 percent voted for Oh. In fact, the ruling progressive party squeezed out a higher percentage of male voters (51.3 percent vs. 45.8 percent) only for the 40 somethings, which is the generation that came out of the democratic activist past of late 1980s and early 1990s.



You don't have to be a political operator to see the obvious picture. 60s and older will vote for the conservative candidate no matter what. 40s and 50s will lean toward the progressive party candidate. Who's left? The 20s and 30s. Within this demographic, the men seem to want to vote with a single voice, and they seem increasingly characterized by a collective, ardent opposition against what they view as unfair victimization of males by the feminist aligned with the progressive powers that be.



This narrative seems especially ironic and discordant in a country that's at the bottom of OECD countries for gender equality, but it is a narrative that's very real and impactful in today's Korea. The candidates are choosing to cater to this narrative in order to win.



I guess we can take small comfort that, whoever wins, Korean men will have fuller heads of hair at the end of the day. K-Hair, anyone?





Jason Lim (jasonlim@msn.com) is a Washington, D.C.-based expert on innovation, leadership and organizational culture.


Uttar Pradesh is in the grip of poll fever. Yatras, inaugurations, announcements, incendiary speeches: its all happening in the countrys most populous state as it inches closer to the crucial Assembly polls, one that the BJP wants badly to win.

Amid all the noise, a crucial player in the state is missing in action: Mayawati. The BSP supremo has not been seen during campaigning, prompting Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah to take a dig at her saying she was afraid.

While there is much speculation on the reasons for her vanishing act, political observers are wondering: is this the end of the road for Behenji? Will the BSP ever make a comeback in UP?

Also Read | Parties turn to virtual rallies amid Covid-19 spike

The BSP's Brahmin face and Mayawati's key poll strategist Satish Chandra Mishra recently claimed that the party will perform better than the 2007 state polls, which it had won with a massive mandate. But facts tell a different story.

The party has decided to go it alone for the upcoming Assembly polls, but the solo march appears pregnant with problems rather than possibilities. What adds to the confusion is the near total silence in the BSP camp with regard to campaigning even as rivals the BJP and SP have hit the roads with 'Jan Vishwas Yatras' and 'Vijay Rath Yatras' across the state.

The BSP is not all quiet. It is holding Brahmin Bhaichara and Budhijeevi (intellectual) conferences; it has added youth firepower to its armour through Mayawati's nephew Akash Anand, who has an MBA from London and is the son of her brother Anand Kumar, and Kapil Mishra, son of Satish Chandra Mishra.

These moves have given it some traction on social media and among youths, but poll battles are not entirely won on social media. At the moment, it looks like a straight contest between the ruling BJP and the main Opposition Samajwadi Party, with the BSP and the Congress watching from the sidelines.

In a reflection of the grim state of affairs, the party has been leaking leaders constantly, and the biggest beneficiary has been the SP. As many as 15 of its 18 MLAs have deserted the BSP and a large number of them were inducted by the SP, which is also aggressively reaching out to Dalits with a new party wing - Baba Sahab Vahini.

BSP supporters, however, are still sanguine about the partys chances and claim that the support base is firm but not vocal. The good times for the BSP seem like ancient history. It was in 2007 that the party won the Assembly polls by bagging 206 seats, as it left the SP and the BJP far behind.

Also Read | Poster wars begin on social media as Uttar Pradesh gears up for polls

The key to its stupendous victory had been its social engineering. It had got the backing of Muslims, Brahmins along with the entire Dalit vote. It had polled 30.5% vote share, its best-ever. But in the very next election in 2012, the partys vote share fell to 25.9%.

Signs of trouble cropped up in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, as the BSP couldnt win a single Lok Sabha seat despite getting around 20% votes of her core Jatav vote bank.

In the 2017 Assembly polls, the party bagged a mere 19 seats but still managed to net nearly 22% vote share. In 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Mayawati decided to change course and align with the SP, but the BSP's vote share was less than 20%. So there has been a consistent decline of nearly 10% votes in the last 15 years and bridging this gap seems a tall task for the BSP.

The atrophy has made many believe that the SP could be the number one choice of Muslim voters. Brahmin voters may primarily stick with the BJP and the Congress, while BSP's Dalit vote bank splinters, with Mayawatis rivals getting a bit of the voter pie.

Despite the setbacks, the BSP has been trying to resurrect itself in other states. In Punjab, after a gap of 25 years, it has entered into an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal and will fight 20 of the 117 Assembly seats.

Also Read | Performance of BJP, Congress will set the tone for 2024 elections

Both parties have indicated that their alliance will continue even for the 2024 general elections. Dalits comprise a huge 31% voting block and Punjab is the home state of Mayawati's mentor and anchor of new Dalit politics, Kanshi Ram.

But political aggression has been found lacking among Dalit voters in Punjab. Moreover, by giving the state its first Dalit chief minister in the form of Charanjit Singh Channi, the Congress seems to have stolen a march on the BSP.

Punjab is the fifth state where the BSP has allied with regional parties, but such alliances havent borne any fruit for the party, be it in Chhattisgarh or Karnataka.

As UP polls draw ever closer, Mayawatis fate hangs in balance. Another loss could deal a crushing blow to the party in the state.

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The CPI(M) would work towards maximising the pooling of "anti-BJP" votes in the five poll-bound states and will support the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh, party general secretary Sitaram Yechury said here on Sunday.

The partys central committee meeting discussed the forthcoming Assembly elections in five states and the objective will be to pool together the anti-BJP votes, the CPI(M) leader said.

"Our primary task would be to defeat the BJP and based on the concrete situation in each state we will adopt appropriate electoral tactics to maximise the pooling of anti-BJP votes, he told reporters after the conclusion of the partys three-day central committee meeting.

Yechury said the Samajwadi Party is the major force fighting against the BJP in Uttar Pradesh and so we will support Samajwadi Party.

Whether there will be any seat adjustment and alliance in UP will be left to the Samajwadi Party, which will have to take the initiative, he said adding, We have declared that we will work for the defeat of the BJP.

Also read: BJP enjoys definite edge in virtual campaigning

Reacting to a query on electoral tie-ups in other states, he said, First, we will have discussions with state units and with Left parties and decision will be taken shortly.

On a possible electoral alliance with the ruling TRS in Telangana, he said it may be decided when elections come. He alleged the BJP and central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been an "all-round failure".

It is total mismanagement of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian economy has actually moved into a recession, there is growing unemployment, price rise, petroleum prices are increasing regularly, the CPI(M) leader said. Yechury again described the electoral bonds scheme as "legalised political corruption."

At this time for Assembly elections, the government issued through the SBI a new tranche of electoral bonds worth thousands of crores of rupees. Eighty per cent of these electoral bonds actually finance and feed the BJP, he claimed.

In this backdrop, we are asking the Election Commission to ensure there is a level-playing field for every contestant in these Assembly elections. Without a level-playing field, the Election Commission cannot fulfill its constitutional mandate of conducting free and fair elections, he said.

The CPI(M) general secretary further said the Election Commission should be vigilant and protect the rights of other parties other than the ruling party in such a situation where the BJP is staring at certain defeat in major states going to polls.

Anybody who violates the Model Code of Conduct, including the Prime Minister himself, must be brought to book in accordance with Election Commissions norms. We expect that the Election Commission will discharge its duties as the Constitution of India mandates the Election Commission to do so, he said.

Reacting to another question on a national-level alliance and association with other political parties, Yechury said in India whenever elections are due these sort of discussions begin over a third front, fourth front or regional parties' front but eventually the government is formed by a front that is formed after the election.

No pre-election front in India can succeed because of the entire diversity that is there in our country, he said, adding that all decisions will be taken state-wise as and when elections approach in that state or when general elections approach in the country.

"Anybody who takes any position against the BJP, we welcome it. How that will translate into an electoral understanding will depend on the situation at the time of elections that will emerge in all the states," the former Rajya Sabha member said.

The situation will be different from state to state... the objective is to defeat the BJP. And after elections, the national formation and the front will emerge, he said.

On the alleged hate speeches delivered at a Dharma Sansad in Uttarakhand's Haridwar, Yechury said the partys central committee strongly condemned it and said the Supreme Court should take suo-motu cognisance of the event and action must be taken.

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A Bangladeshi "cattle smuggler" was killed in BSF firing while several members of the police force were injured in an attack by rustlers in separate incidents in West Bengal, officials said.

A group of 15-20 people were trying to smuggle cattle to Bangladesh at Pannapur in Malda district and they charged towards the patrolling border guards on being challenged on Saturday, a senior BSF official said in a statement.

One of the Border Security Force personnel then fired in self defence, killing one of the attackers while others managed to flee.

The deceased was identified as Maqbool Hussain (25), a Bangladeshi, the BSF statement said.

In another incident, alleged cattle smugglers attacked the police during a raid at Mekhliganj in Cooch Behar district late on Saturday night, Superintendent of Police Anup Jaiswal told PTI.

One policeman suffered serious injuries and needed medical treatment after the attack while a few others received bruises, he said.

Jaiswal said the police arrested six of the attackers.

"Thirty-four cattle heads were seized by our team from them. The raids will continue," the SP added.

The incident triggered political controversy as the BJP blamed the ruling Trinamool Congress for it.

"While the TMC fiercely protests against the Centre's decision to extend jurisdiction of the BSF to 50 kilometres from the international border, the party's support to cattle smugglers emboldens them to attack the state police. Mekhliganj incident is the tip of the iceberg," BJP national vice-president Dilip Ghosh said.

The TMC's Dinhata MLA Udayan Guha said the incident proves that the state police is doing its job.

The Centre last year amended the BSF Act to authorise the force to undertake search, seizure and arrest within a 50 km stretch, instead of 15 km, from the international border in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.

The state assemblies of West Bengal and Punjab have passed resolutions against the notification extending the jurisdiction of the BSF.

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India is not in favour of any third country playing the role of a mediator to help resolve its military stand-off with China, although it has not yet rejected Russias proposal for a trilateral summit among President Vladimir Putin, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Though Moscow is believed to have played a quiet role in making New Delhi and Beijing agree on restarting talks between the military leaders, the Modi Government is opposed to allowing any third country to formally mediate between India and China to resolve the 21-month-long stand-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

A source said that New Delhi had politely conveyed its position to the government of a third country, which had expressed interest to play a more formal role in mediating between India and China.

The military commanders of India and China are likely to meet on January 12 to restart negotiations to resolve the 21-month-long stand-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

New Delhi and Beijing of late agreed to restart negotiations after a three-month-long hiatus. The military commanders of the two nations will meet on January 12 next to hold the 14th round of negotiations. The 13th round of negotiation on October 10 had ended in a stalemate.

Moscow of late proposed a trilateral summit among Putin, Modi and Xi. New Delhi, however, remained non-committal on the proposal from Moscow.

Modi, Putin and Xi had held the second RIC (Russia-India-China) summit on the sideline of the G-20 conclave in Buenos Aires in December 2018  almost 12 years after the then leaders of the three nations had held the first trilateral meeting. They had held the third RIC summit on the sideline of the G-20 meet in Osaka in June 2019.

The summit however could not be held in 2020 and 2021, as the Covid-19 pandemic swept the world and Indias relations with China hit a new low over the military stand-off along the LAC between the two nations in eastern Ladakh.

Putin held a video-conference with Xi less than 10 days after he visited New Delhi on December 6 and had a bilateral summit with Modi.

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Less than 75 per cent of adults in Indias 21 states and union territories are fully vaccinated with Nagaland being the worst at 35 per cent followed by Puducherry (40 per cent), Meghalaya (43 per cent), Jharkhand and Punjab (both 45 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (52 per cent) a week before the first anniversary of one of the worlds biggest adult vaccination campaigns.

Among the southern states, Andhra Pradesh (56 per cent) is the worst, while Telangana (91 per cent) and Karnataka (84 per cent) fare better than Kerala (75 per cent) and Tamil Nadu (64 per cent).

Just about half of the adult population is fully vaccinated in three out of five states that will go to the polls next month. The worst is Punjab where only 45 per cent are fully vaccinated while Uttar Pradesh (52 per cent) and Manipur (51 per cent) are marginally better.

Also Read | Covid surge in India triggers rush for antibody cocktail, but it doesn't work against Omicron

Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have witnessed a massive jump in the number of Covid-cases in the last three weeks.

Uttar Pradesh recorded 14 cases on December 15 but registered more than 7,500 fresh Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Similarly, the number of fresh cases in Punjab rose from 34 on December 15 to more than 3,500 on January 8. The Covid-19 numbers are also on a rise in Manipur, Goa and Uttarakhand.

"Punjab and Uttar Pradesh currently witness doubling of active cases in every two days. I fear that a lot of such cases would lead to hospitalisation or death, said health economist Rijo John, a visiting faculty at the Indian Institute of Management, Kochi who is tracking the pandemic over the last two years.

India began its vaccination campaign on January 16, 2021 with healthcare workers and kept on expanding the scheme by including front line workers, senior citizens, people above 45 years with comorbidities, anyone above 18 years and finally the 15-18 years age group.

"The most vulnerable are the marginal population and those living in rural India as well as the elderly. Reaching out to them continues to be the biggest challenge for the government, T Sundararaman, former Executive Director, National Health Systems Resource Centre in Delhi told DH.

Multiple ministers of the Narendra Modi government last year claimed that India would vaccinate its entire adult population (94.47 crore) by December. This didnt happen as only 67 per cent adults have received two doses so far.

"In hindsight, it is a reasonably good achievement for a low or middle-income country. But the vaccination could have started earlier to save some of the lives that were lost during the second wave, said John.

Ten states administered two shots to more than 75 per cent of their population. They are Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Mizoram, Sikkim and Haryana.

Experts said the adverse impact on other public health programmes was one of the consequences of the excessive focus on vaccination. The government needs to create a parallel system for administering the Covid-19 vaccines rather than disrupting the TB or routine immunisation programmes, said Sundararaman.

Since December-end, the country is witnessing an exponential surge in Covid-19 cases driven by an Omicron-powered third wave. The number of daily new infections crossed the 1.75 lakh mark in the last 24 hours while hospitalisation numbers have begun to rise again.

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Economy on the mend, but inflation may be dampener...
The Aam Aadmi Party has proved that the government can be run honestly and has given hope to the country, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday as he asked his party workers to immediately start canvassing in poll-bound states.

In a virtual address, he instructed his party workers to start door-to-door campaigns showcasing his government's work in the national capital and asked them to follow all Covid-19 safety protocols.

The motive behind the entire exercise is not just to gain power by winning the elections but to bring a fundamental change in the "dishonest and corrupt system, Kejriwal said.

Also Read | Door-to-door campaign, virtual rallies, social media among AAP's priorities in Assembly poll campaign

He also asked his party workers to start campaigning for the elections on social media, saying the AAP government with its work in Delhi in education, healthcare and other sectors has shown that change is possible.

These parties have always told us that it is not possible to contest and win elections honestly, run a government with honesty. The Aam Aadmi Party has proved that elections can be fought honestly and won also.

"'The Aam Aadmi Party has proved that the government can be run honestly. The Aam Aadmi Party's Delhi government has given hope to the country, he said.

The AAP will contest all seats in the state assembly polls in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Goa.

The assembly elections in these four states and Manipur will be held between February 10 and March 7 in seven phases with the counting of votes on March 10, according to the schedule announced by the Election Commission on Saturday.

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In the upcoming five state elections, the Congress has decided to go without declaring the chief ministerial face despite having incumbent face in Punjab as a chief minister.

Sources in the Congress say that it will only be decided after the results and Congress legislative party will decide the new leader with the consent of the high command, except at few occasions the party does not project a chief minister's face.

The Congress leaders in Punjab and Uttarakhand want that Chief Ministers should be projected. Supporters of Harish Rawat, former CM and Navjot Singh Sidhu, Punjab Congress chief want to be projected as Chief Minister's face. But party says it will not take risk to alienate other factions ahead of polls.

Also Read | Govt in Punjab has been outsourced for last 30 years: Sidhu

The Congress faces major challenge of retaining power in Punjab, and to come up with a credible show against the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.

Except in Uttar Pradesh, the party is in direct contest with the BJP in three states, while in Punjab, it faces the Akali Dal-BSP and Aam Aadmi Party.

Though it is not the main challenger in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress wants to be ahead of the BSP in the contest.

The Congress is faced with a crisis in Goa, where almost all the MLAs have deserted the party, the party has three former Chief Ministers -- Digambar Kamat, Pratap Singh Rane but has not decided to project anybody as the face though former Chief Minister Francisco Sardinha is one of the contender for the top post.

Also Read | Punjab Assembly Elections 2022: Major parties in the fray

In Manipur too, the Congress has faced an exodus ahead of the polls. But there Okram Ibobi Singh, the former Chief Minister could be given one more chance if the party comes to power but won't project anybody. The party is paying special attention to the northeastern state and has appointed Jairam Ramesh as the senior observer. In the last elections in Manipur, the Congress could not form the government despite emerging as the single largest party.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is top choice of the party in UP, but it's unlikely that anyone could be projected as CM though party has very less chance in the state compared to other election going states.

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The former national president of the BJP and the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, is considered a skilled strategist of electoral politics. The reason for this is not only the party's back-to-back victories in elections, but also his expertise to assess the voters as well as the leaders and the workers.

This is the reason why not only opponents but also many of his own party leaders go sleepless, when Shah takes over the command of elections. The 'night meetings' of Amit Shah, who is constantly touring Uttar Pradesh, have, once again, created a similar atmosphere in the state.

Shah, after holding election rallies in various districts of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh throughout the day, chooses a particular area and stays there at night to hold meetings with party leaders. BJP leaders term it Shah's 'night meeting'.

Also Read  Parties turn to virtual rallies amid Covid-19 spike

These meetings are the most important agenda of Shah's election campaign. In these meetings, he interacts directly with the in-charge of the Assembly constituency and takes feedback on several matters. Shah, during the meeting, discusses the electoral issues and equations of that particular region, including the caste equations necessary for electoral victory and other prominent polls related topics.

Based on the feedback received from the discussion, Shah then prepares a future course of action and gives necessary instructions to the workers and leaders.

The success of Shah's strategy can be gauged from the results of the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2017 Assembly elections.

This time around too, Shah has been holding meetings and taking ground feedback about the functioning and image of the MLAs, based on which ticket distribution is done. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, tickets of several sitting MPs were cut on the basis of such feedback.

The feedback also focuses on how active BJP MLAs have been and their extension of the benefits of government schemes to the public.

However, not being granted a ticket does not imply inaction, unpopularity or resentment among the voters about a particular candidate. A senior BJP leader said that sometimes, the equation of a particular region or changing electoral issues also affects ticket allotment.

Even in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party had won the election by cutting the tickets of many popular MPs. The party later adjusted many of its former MPs, who were not given tickets, in different roles and is now going to give some of them a chance in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Also Read  Will retain Punjab, capture Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur, play decisive role in UP: Congress

During the recent election tours in Uttar Pradesh, Shah has held such night meetings in Lucknow, Varanasi and Bareilly. Similar meetings are likely to be held in many other parts of the state in the coming days.

In the 2017 Legislative Assembly elections, of 403 seats in the state, the BJP alliance had won 325 seats, with the BJP accounting for 312 seats. In 2022, the party is targeting to form a government for consecutive terms.

As per the party's internal assessment, Yogi Adityanath is still the most popular face as Chief Minister, but there is widespread resentment against the sitting MLAs. In such a situation, the party is considering replacing more than one-third of its current MLAs to end the anti-incumbency atmosphere.

However, a final decision in this regard will be taken only at the party's Central Election Committee meeting in New Delhi. But the feedback received by Shah in the night meetings will play an important role in selecting the candidates.

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Weeks ahead of the Budget Session to commence, close to 400 people working in Parliament House have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past four days prompting authorities to impose restrictions on attendance on officials and staff.

Sources said 200 from Lok Sabha Secretariat, 65 from Rajya Sabha Secretariat and 133 of allied services have tested positive for the virus infection between January 4 and 8.

Following this, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats have reimposed restrictions on attendance of officials and staff. Sources said tests were conducted in Parliament House complex on January 6 and 7.

Also Read: Wear masks, we won't have to impose lockdown in Delhi: Kejriwal

According to the latest directions, only 50% of officials and staff in both the Secretariats below the rank of Under Secretary/Executive officers are required to attend office till the end of this month.

In Rajya Sabha Secretariat, sources said, this constitutes about 65% of the total employees.

Those with disabilities and pregnant women are exempted from attending office. Starting and closing timings of the Secretariats are staggered to avoid crowding while all official meetings will be held virtually.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu reviewed the situation with Secretary General PC Modi and Advisor Dr PPL Ramacharyulu following the surge in cases in Parliament House complex.

Sources said Naidu asked them to take necessary measures to contain the spread of virus among the Secretariat officials and staff ahead of the Budget session which is to begin towards the end of this month.

Naidu also directed that all the around 1,300 officials and staff in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat be tested for Covid-19. The recovery of those infected will be closely monitored and assisted in hospitalisation and treatment if needed.

According to circulars in the first week of January issued by Lok Sabha Secretariat, 50% of officers below the level of Under Secretary and equivalent should attend office by rotation. The working hours may be staggered between 10:00 am to 10:30 am with corresponding office exit timings to avoid rush in commuting as also in elevators and corridors, it said.

"In view of the alarming spike number of cases, all the Officers/Staff attending office are again advised to exercise extreme caution and to scrupulously follow the Covid-19 appropriate behaviour/protocols as brought out inter-a/ia vide Circular No. 32951 dated 4th January,2022, but not restricted to the same, in their own interest and for common greater good," the circular issued on January 7 said.

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Chinese brands shine at CES 2022

Xinhua) 09:44, January 09, 2022

The awards have highly recognized the revitalization of the Chinese consumer electronics brands, whose core technologies, product advantages and innovation capabilities are among the top in the world.

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese consumer electronics brands have won several top prizes at the ongoing 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), shining through the booming era of consumer electronics.

The 2021-2022 Global Top Brands (GTB) Awards Ceremony was held online Thursday during CES 2022, held in Las Vegas from Jan. 5 to 7. Six awards were announced, including top 15 Global Smartphone Brands, top 10 Global TV Brands, and International Innovation Enterprises Brand Award.

Chinese consumer electronics brands shone especially brightly in the fierce competition of GTB this year.

The exhibition area of Chinese electronics giant TCL Technology is seen during the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the United States, Jan. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

TCL NXTPAPER 10s won the "Annual Eye Care Technology Innovation Award," TCL OD Zero Mini LED 8K TV X925 PRO / TCL X12 8K QD-Mini LED TV won the "Mini LED Display Technology Innovation Award," BOE 15.6" FHD ADS Pro Oxide 480Hz won the "Display Innovation Gold Award," Changhong CHIQ Metaverse Q8R MaX won the "A lot &Display Technology Innovation Gold Award," Changhong RGB triple pure laser projector won the "Tricolor Laser Display Technology Innovation Gold Award," TCL NXTWEAR AIR, the smart glasses, won the "Annual Most Innovative Product Award," according to a release posted on the CES website.

The jury conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the participating brands from four dimensions, including market share, corporate strategy and development, brand awareness, product technology and innovation, according to the release.

People visit the exhibition area of Chinese technology company Pudu during the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the United States, Jan. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

"Chinese Consumer Electronics brands have undergone rigorous evaluation, competing with Consumer Electronics brands from all over the world, and stood out on the lists," said the release.

The awards highly recognized the revitalization of the Chinese consumer electronics brands, whose core technologies, product advantages and innovation capabilities are among the top in the world, leading the trend of the global consumer electronics industry, it said.

"The award-winning Chinese companies demonstrated that technologies are contributing to the multi-dimensional development of brands. This has proved that it is the path for development through continuous technological innovation to enrich product functions, expand existing product lines, and drive the diversified growth of brands," said Zhu Dongfang, president of Asia Digital Group.

Visitors tour the Hisense exhibition area at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the United States, Jan. 5, 2022. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

Consumer electronics brands around the world are under great pressure in the shadow of the pandemic. Comprehensive innovation and brand diversification have become the main trend in the development of global consumer electronics brands.

Chinese consumer electronics companies have taken technology innovation to facilitate the diversified development of brands, leading to an overall increase in market share for the Chinese consumer electronics industry.

The CES 2022 kicked off in Las Vegas on Wednesday amid another surge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The world's premier tech show drew more than 2,300 exhibitors, including 800 startups, as well as hundreds of thought leaders.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
A common depiction of Korean women of the mainland doing laundry in the early 1900s Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



It is often said that Jeju Island possesses three things in great abundance  wind, rocks and women. While there is a great deal of truth to the statement, it was not the wind nor the rocks that attracted outside attention  it was the women.





Walter Stotzner's picture of Jeju women and girls at a stream in 1930 Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection

William Franklin Sands, an American adviser to the Joseon government who traveled to the island in 1901, claimed that "on old Chinese or Japanese maps [Jeju was] indicated as the island of women." He perpetuated the notion by titling the chapter of his book dealing with Jeju as "The Amazons."



Judging from the accounts of many of the early Western visitors to Jeju Island, they were not so much voyagers as they were voyeurs  descriptions of the island's women occupy a great deal of their writing. Somewhat surprisingly, the exception was Charles Chaille-Long, the secretary of the American legation in Seoul, who traveled to the island in 1888. His account has very few references to women.



However, when two missionaries traveled to the island in 1899, they described the Jeju women in great detail. According to them:



[The] women of [Jeju] might be called the Amazonians of Korea. They not only do all the work but greatly exceed the men in number, and on the streets one meets three women to one man. This is because so many men are away sailing. The women are more robust and much better looking than their sisters on the mainland."



They also noted that the women seemed to "do the largest part of all the work" on the island:





A Korean woman carries vegetables on the mainland, circa early 1900s. Robert Neff Collection

"Even ox loads of grain are brought to the city market for sale by women. The carrying of the water is also done entirely by the women, who have often to go a long distance to fetch it. For carrying the water they use broad low pitchers set in a basket, which is fastened with strings around the shoulders and carried on the back. I never saw this done anywhere else in Korea as it is considered very disgraceful for a woman to carry anything on her back. I was told by the Koreans whom we had with us, that if on the mainland a man made his wife to do so he would be driven out of the village."



The women were also responsible for much of the island's manufacturing of hats, hair bands and skull caps. The missionaries concluded  "As almost everything is done by the women, there remains nothing else for the man to do but to loaf, and to do them credit they do it well."




The BJP's minority front on Sunday offered a 'chadar' in Piran Kaliyar Sharif praying for the long life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the recent "lapses" in his security in Punjab.

Piran Kaliyar Sharif is the dargah of 13th-century Sufi saint of Chishti Order, Alauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir Kalyari.

Pradesh BJP spokesman Shadab Shams, who went to the shrine to offer the 'chadar', said it was offered by the party's Alpasankhyak Morcha on behalf of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praying for the prime minister's long life and safety.

Also Read | BJP leaders pray for PM Modi's long life after security breach

"Detention of the prime minister's cavalcade on a flyover close to Pakistan border for around 20 minutes was a terrorist conspiracy. He is the flagbearer of the aspirations of 125 crore Indians and endangering his life like this in his own country is something absolutely unacceptable," Shams said.

The incident occasioned the offering at Piran Kaliyar, the BJP leader told PTI.

"We also prayed for a second term in office for the BJP and will revisit Piran Kaliyar along with Pushkar Singh Dhami again once the party is re-elected to power in Uttarakhand after the state assembly polls," he said.

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The Delhi health department has directed all private hospitals and nursing homes to ensure that their health care staff treating non-Covid patients maintain coronavirus appropriate behaviour and are routinely checked for the infection.

The health care workers showing symptoms of Covid-19 should not be allowed to work till their RTPCR report is negative, it said.

The directions come in view of a surge in Covid cases in ICUs, dialysis units and wards of hospitals.

Also Read | With 750 doctors infected, Delhi on tenterhooks amid rising Covid-19 cases

The department said infected health care workers and undiagnosed infected patients are likely the reason behind the spread of the infection in these areas.

Therefore, the authorities of all private hospitals and nursing homes are to ensure that the health care workers treating non-Covid patients, especially in ICUs, maintain Covid-19 appropriate behaviour and are routinely checked for SARS-CoV-2, read an advisory issued by the health department.

It may also be ensured that health care workers have received Covid-19 vaccination as per the guidelines issued by the Union health ministry, the department said.

It has also asked the private hospitals and nursing homes to create an isolation area within intensive care units (ICUs) and wards to manage new patients till their RTPCR report is available.

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A man was arrested by Mumbai Crime Branch from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with the seizure of 24 kilograms of high-quality charas worth Rs 14.4 crore in October last year, an official said on Sunday.

Gulzar Ahmed Khan (40) was held on Saturday after a probe found that he was the prime supplier in this case, he said, adding that the accused was also once arrested by the Worli unit of the Anti Narcotics Cell.

Four members of a family, identified as Bandu Udanshive (52), his wife Clera, daughter Cynthia (23) and son-in-law Jasar Jahangir Shaikh (24), were arrested in October after charas was found in their car in Dahisar.

A probe had found the family was sourcing the contraband from J&K, police said.

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The father of a 26-year-old man, believed to be the creator of the 'Sulli Deals' app and arrested by Delhi Police from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, claimed on Sunday that his son was being framed in the case.

Akhilesh Thakur, the father of accused Aumkareshwar Thakur, told reporters here that he does not know anything about the app concerned and after his son got the BCA degree in 2018, he started web-designing work from home.

He said two Delhi Police personnel in plain clothes came to his house on Saturday afternoon and after identifying his son, they took the latter to the national capital by a flight in the evening.

Also Read | 'Sulli deals' app mastermind arrested from Indore

The police also seized his son's mobile phone and laptop from their house, he said.

Earlier in the day, officials said the Delhi Police had arrested the accused from Indore in Madhya Pradesh. This is the first arrest made in the "Sulli Deals" app case, they said.

Hundreds of Muslim women were listed for auction on the mobile application with photographs sourced without permission and doctored.

Thakur did his BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) course from the IPS Academy in Indore and is a resident of Newyork City Township, officials said.

Delhi's Deputy Commissioner of Police (IFSO) KPS Malhotra said during preliminary interrogation, the accused admitted that he was a member of a group on Twitter and the idea to defame and troll Muslim women was shared there.

However, Akhilesh Thakur said, "I have come to know that on the basis of just one person's statement, my son, who is an IT specialist, has been arrested and taken to Delhi. My son is being framed and defamed."

Also Read | Sulli deals, Bulli Bai case transferred to IFSO

He said after securing the BCA degree in 2018, his son started web-designing work from home on a personal level.

"I am an old-fashioned person. I don't even know how to operate a mobile phone properly. I don't know anything about the 'Sulli Deals' app," said Akhilesh Thakur, who works in a private company.

The father of the accused said he was away in Nagda town of neighbouring Ujjain district when the Delhi Police took his son into custody. He also said the Delhi Police informed about the arrest on Sunday morning and made him to talk to his son.

During the conversation, my son told me that we should not get worried, he said, adding that he would be going to Delhi later in the day to arrange legal help for his son.

Meanwhile, the Indore police on Sunday said their Delhi counterparts have not shared any information with them about the arrest from here.

We have come to know only from the media about the arrest of Thakur from Indore by Delhi Police. The Delhi Police have not shared any official information with us in this regard so far," Indore Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra told PTI.

Mishra also said that the Indore police will consider starting an investigation into the matter after the Delhi Police share with them the official details of the case.

Earlier in the day, Delhi's DCP Malhotra said, "He (Sulli Deals app case accused) had developed the code on GitHub. The access of GitHub was with all the members of the group. He had shared the app on his Twitter account. The photos of the Muslim women were uploaded by the group members."

Investigation has revealed that the accused had joined the group on Twitter by the name of 'Tradmahasabha' in January 2020 using the handle @gangescion. During various group discussions, the members had talked about trolling Muslim women, the police said.

"He admitted that he had developed the code/app on GitHub. After the uproar regarding the Sulli Deals app, he had deleted all his social media footprints," the DCP said.

The Delhi Police said that further analysis of technical gadgets is underway to find out the codes/images related to the app.

Earlier in July, a case was registered by the Delhi Police's cyber cell after it received a complaint about an unidentified group uploading photos of Muslim women on an app.

According to police, Niraj Bishnoi, the alleged mastermind and creator of the 'Bulli Bai' application, had disclosed during interrogation that he was in touch with the person behind the Twitter handle @sullideals, the alleged creator of the 'Sulli Deals' app that was hosted on GitHub in July last year.

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BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi on Sunday hit out at rival political parties claiming that the Samajwadi Party (SP) has to save ground in Uttar Pradesh and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has to save its honour in the upcoming state assembly elections.

He was speaking to reporters at the party office here.

"The SP has to save its ground, while the BSP has save to its honour. The Congress is in the electoral arena to make its presence felt and parties like that of (Asaduddin) Owaisi are in the fray only to set fire," Trivedi said.

"I want to thank opposition parties as they have admitted that they are not capable of taking on the BJP digitally. They used to allege that the BJP is a fundamentalist party but, now, it is clear from their words that the BJP is an advanced party, and one which makes progress," he said.

Also read: UP Elections: Will Priyanka's `women card' fetch votes?

Trivedi also referred to a picture, which was posted on social media by the BJP, featuring SP chief Akhilesh Yadav along with a Kanpur perfume trader, who was recently raided by the Income Tax Department, during a tour of France.

"When action was initiated against those involved in corruption, it came to light that Akhilesh ji was taking benefits of such people... His perfume could be smelled from 'saat samundar' (abroad). The photo was tweeted on May 24, 2015. Akhilesh Yadav should know that just by deleting a tweet, the antics do not get deleted," he claimed.

Yadav, on Saturday, took strong objection to the BJP posting the picture on social media with the claim that the perfume trader was with Yadav during a tour of France.

Yadav said the legal cell of his party will lodge an FIR against the BJP IT cell in-charge for spreading "false propaganda".

"They have shared my picture of France saying that the ittar (perfume) trader arrested in Kanpur is standing along with me. The legal cell of the SP will definitely lodge an FIR against him," he said showing the picture in a press conference.

Also read: Parties turn to virtual rallies amid Covid-19 spike

"The in-charge of the BJP IT cell is spreading lies for money by taking support from Government of India and the Uttar Pradesh government. I will ask my digital team to also use his picture and tell the people that he is the biggest liar," Yadav alleged.

In a joint raid by Income Tax and the GST Intelligence wing, Rs 177 crore cash and a large quantity of gold and silver were recovered from the home of perfume trader Piyush Jain in Kanpur and also from his house and factory in Kannauj. The trader was subsequently arrested.

The saffron party had alleged that Jain has links with the SP. Yadav, however, vehemently denied it.

Trivedi also referred to 'karsevaks' being fired upon by the SP government in Ayodhya, and said, "I want to tell Akhilesh Yadav that no one in the country and the state can forget this dastardly act done by these people."

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Delhi Police on Sunday claimed to have arrested the 26-year-old creator of the 'Sulli Deals' app from Madhya Pradesh's Indore, based on the information provided by a second-year engineering student nabbed in connection with a similar 'Bulli Bai' app.

This is the first arrest in the 'Sulli Deals' app case, which surfaced in June-July last year. The arrested youth, a Bachelor of Computer Applications degree holder from IPS Academy, is claimed to have got the idea from a 'trad' group on Twitter 'Trad Mahasabha', which follows traditional and rightwing ideas.

Both the apps created in a span of six-seven months posted derogatory pictures of over 100 Muslim women and conducted online auctions.

Aumkareshwar Thakur, a resident of Newyork city Township in Indore, was apprehended by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of Delhi Police's Special Cell.

Also Read | My son is being framed, says father of 'Sulli Deals' app creator nabbed by Delhi Police

Special Cell DCP (IFSO) KPS Malhotra claimed that Thakur confessed that he had created Sulli Deal app. The necessary digital footprints in his laptop and in cyberspace are being probed, he said.

Thakur's arrest came after the inputs provided by Neeraj Bishnoi, residing in Assam's Jorhat who is studying in an engineering college in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal who was arrested on January 6 in connection with the 'Bulli Bai' app.

Bishnoi allegedly told interrogators that he used to interact with various virtual identities on social media and used to engage in group discussions. In July last year, Malhotra said a group member shared details about 'Sulli Deals' in a group.

"That was the first time Bishnoi or other group members had heard about the 'Sulli Deals' app on GitHub. The Twitter handle was deleted and it was learnt that after the 'Sulli Deals' uproar, the said Twitter handle and other footprints were erased from various social media platforms... Bishnoi further said the Twitter handle belongs to a person who stays in Indore," Malhotra said.

Also Read | 'Sulli Deals' maker deleted social media footprints to avoid arrest: Police

After technical analysis, a team of investigators went to Indore where Thakur was arrested. During interrogation, Malhotra claimed that he confessed that he had created the 'Sulli Deals' app. The necessary digital footprints in his laptop and in cyberspace are being probed.

He also told the interrogators he was a member of a 'trad group' on Twitter and the idea was shared to defame and troll Muslim women. "He had developed the code on GitHub. The access of GitHub was with all the members of the group. He had shared the App on his Twitter account. The photos of Muslim women were uploaded by the group members," Malhotra said.

Further analysis of the technical gadgets is underway to recover the codes and images related to the 'Sulli Deals' app, he added.

Akhilesh Thakur, the father of Aumkareshwar, said his son was being framed in the case. He told reporters in Indore that he does not know anything about the App concerned and after his son got the BCA degree in 2018, he started web-designing work from home, PTI reported.

"I have come to know that on the basis of just one person's statement, my son, who is an IT specialist, has been arrested and taken to Delhi. My son is being framed and defamed," the father claimed.

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Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that pregnant women and 'divyang' (differently-abled) employees of central government departments have been exempted from attending office in the wake of a sharp spike in Covid cases.

However, they will be required to remain available and work from home, he said.

Officials and staff living in Covid containment zone have also been exempted from coming to office, till the time the containment zone is de-notified, said Singh, who is the minister of state for personnel.

Also Read | Covid: Centre suspends biometric attendance for govt employees as cases rise

He said physical attendance of government servants below the level of under secretary has been restricted to 50 per cent of actual strength and the remaining 50 per cent, will work from home, according to a statement issued by the personnel ministry on Sunday.

Rosters will be prepared accordingly by all departments concerned, Singh said.

However, he said, officials and staffers, who are not attending office and are working from home, will remain available on telephone and through other electronic means of communications at all times.

Delhi on Saturday, recorded seven fatalities due to Covid and 20,181 cases as the positivity rate rose to 19.60 per cent, while the country, according to health ministry data updated on Sunday, reported a single day rise of 1,59,632 cases and 327 fatalities.

In view of the rapid spread of the coronavirus, Singh said that an order has been issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) with the advice that official meetings will be conducted, as far as possible, through video conferencing.

Similarly, personal meetings with visitors are to be avoided, unless absolutely necessary, he said.

To avoid overcrowding on office premises, the minister said, officials and staffers will follow staggered timings that is 9 am to 5.30 pm and 10 am to 6.30 pm.

The DoPT has advised all officers and staffers to ensure strict compliance of Covid-appropriate behaviour such as frequent washing of hands, sanitisation, wearing face mask or face cover and observing social distancing, the statement said.

Proper cleaning and sanitisation of workplace, particularly frequently touched surfaces, should also be ensured, it said.

Singh said that the guidelines issued, according to the DoPT order, will remain in force till January 31.

Regular review will be carried out from time to time and guidelines could be revised accordingly depending on the situation, the statement said.

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From 3.3 per cent on January 1 to 15.5 percent on January 8, the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) of Covid-19 patients in this metropolis has witnessed an exponential increase as the third wave of Coronavirus infections sweep the country.

The number of daily cases which stood at 1,470 on the first day of 2022 increased to 6,186 on Sunday, even as the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) continues to enhance the number of RT-PCR tests every day. While the TPR on January 1 was 3.3 per cent, it rose to 3.6 per cent on January 2, 4.3 per cent (Jan 3), 7.3 pe rcent (Jan 4), 9.6 per cent (Jan 5), 11.5 per cent (Jan 6), 14.2 per cent (Jan 7), and 15.5 per cent (Jan 8).

With the rapid increase in numbers, the beds in private facilities are fast filling up though the government hospitals in the city, which have been augmenting their infrastructure periodically since March 2020, still have a huge number of beds vacant.

Also Read | Third Covid-19 wave in India: A look at worst-hit states

Of the total 13,702 beds available in Chennai, as many as 2,509 were occupied as of Sunday, of which 1,035 were supported with oxygen, and 182 were in the ICU. Doctors and sources in the Health Department told DH that majority of those in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are unvaccinated persons with comorbidities.

Chennai was one of the worst-affected urban centres in the state in the first and second wave of Covid-19 infections, and with the third wave sweeping the city in no time, the GCC is literally burning the midnight oil to bring down the TPR.

The civic body has adopted test, track, and isolate strategy while it has also enhanced the number of testing centres within the city limits and identifying the unvaccinated and administering vaccines to them. The GCC has also launched a dedicated ambulance service to transport Covid-19 patients from their homes to hospitals.

"Cases in Chennai are doubling in less than two days. The spread of this variant is very fast and that is the reason why we have 5,000 cases in the city alone within a week or 10 days of the onset of the third wave. Omicron is the dominant variant in Chennai and elsewhere in Tamil Nadu. We need to be very careful, a senior government official told DH.

Dismissing the suggestions that Omicron wave is mild, doctors told DH that the only saving grace is that the infection is mild among those who had already been down with Covid-19 or double vaccinated. They warn that a significant population is still unvaccinated, and they could be highly vulnerable to the Omicron variant which is highly transmittable.

Public healthcare expert Dr K Kolandaswamy said the right way to interpret the magnitude of the wave is not through percentage but by looking at absolute numbers.

Omicron transmission is quite high but there is an opinion that is being spread that the infection is mild. It is mild only among those who had earlier been infected with Covid-19 or those who are fully vaccinated. 10 per cent of the citys population, which runs into lakhs, is still unvaccinated and they are at high risk. This wave is no less virulent, Kolandaswamy told DH.

Dr J Amalorpavanathan, a member of the State Planning Commission and the man behind TNs robust organ donation system, said while the number of deaths may be less, the collateral damage that the third wave can bring to the healthcare system and several families cannot be underestimated.

To my knowledge, majority of the Covid-19 patients now dont require ventilator and the number of those who need oxygen support is also less (compared to the second wave). But if the number increases exponentially every day, it certainly burdens the health care system and those who man it. It might paralyze the medical fraternity and many families, he told DH.

He also pointed to the fact that a large number of people are still unvaccinated, and they may be susceptible to the Coronavirus. While the virus is highly transmittable, the vaccines also do not provide complete immunity. And partly, we (the society) are also to be blamed because we have been careless, he added.

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The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea on the recent breach in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security in Punjab.

On January, the prime minister's convoy was stranded on a flyover due to a blockade by protesters in Ferozepur after which he returned from poll-bound Punjab without attending the planned events, including a rally.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli is likely to take up the plea filed by an organisation, Lawyers Voice.

The apex court on Friday had directed the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to "secure and preserve" the records pertaining to arrangements made for the prime minister's visit to Punjab when there was a "massive security breach".

Read | Channi claims Centre's 'conspiracy' to impose Prez rule

It had also said the inquiry committees set up separately by the state and central governments will hold their horses and not proceed with their respective inquiries till January 10 when the matter will be taken up again by the court. The bench, however, did not dictate it as part of the order, and had asked the counsels to convey its feelings to the authorities.

The Registrar General of the High Court will be assisted by the Director General of Police, the Union Territory of Chandigarh, and an officer of the National Investigation Agency not below the rank of Inspector General in securing the requisite records from the state government, its police and central agencies, the bench had said.

The plea has sought a thorough investigation into the breach in Prime Minister Modi's security in Punjab to ensure there is no such event in the future.

It has also sought preservation of evidence on security arrangements, court-monitored probe and action against erring officials of the Punjab government responsible for the alleged lapse.

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In a bid to promote heritage tourism in the country's financial capital, the government is working on creating a Swatantra Marg in the historic Grant Road area of Mumbai.

As part of the project, the August Kranti Maidan precinct and Mani Bhavan is being upgraded.

Last week, tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray held a review meeting which was attended by officials of the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Maharashtra Tourism.

Along with Maharashtra Tourism and BMC, we held a review meeting for the upgrade of the August Kranti Maidan Precinct and Mani Bhavan. Were working on civic infra upgrade and adding elements of the Independence Movement into it, making it our Swatantra Marg, tweeted Aaditya, the son of Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Along with @maha_tourism and @mybmc , we held a review meeting for the upgrade of the August Kranti Maidan Precinct and Mani Bhavan. Were working on civic infra upgrade and adding elements of the Independence Movement into it, making it our    Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 7, 2022

The area covers several historical and heritage places like Mani Bhavan, August Kranti Maidan, Pandita Ramabai Girls Hostel, Arya Samaj Mahila Hostel, St Columba High School.

The Gowalia Tank Maidan, now known as the August Kranti Maidan, is the place from where Mahatma Gandhi gave the clarion call of Quit India on August 8, 1942. On August 7, 1942, the All India Congress Committee organised its session under the Presidentship of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, which continued past-midnight into the next day at the Gowalia Tank Maidan, which was located a few metres away from Gokuldas Tejpal House, the place where the Indian National Congress was established in December 1885.

Mani Bhavan, a modest two-storied building on the Laburnum Road in the comparatively quiet locality called Gamdevi, served for about 17 years (1917-1934) as the nerve centre in Bombay (now Mumbai) for Gandhi's activities. It belonged to Shri Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri who was an ardent devotee of Gandhiji and his affectionate host during that period.

It now houses a museum and is visited by a number of dignitaries. It was from Mani Bhavan that Gandhi initiated the Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat movements. Gandhijis association with charkha began in 1917 while he stayed in Mani Bhavan.

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Shinsegae Vice Chairman Chung Yong-jin speaks during his New Year speech via video message on Jan. 3. Courtesy of Shinsegae



By Kim Jae-heun



Concerns are growing over Shinsegae's business with China as the group's vice chairman continues to make anti-communist remarks on social media.



In November 2021 alone, Shinsegae Vice Chairman Chung Young-jin expressed his hatred toward the ideology five times. Most of his comments targeted North Korea, Chung said. But one of his recent posts sparked controversy because he linked a Chosun Ilbo article with a picture of Chinese President Xi Jinping, to which Chung said he had not noticed Xi's face and changed the photo to one of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.



Shareholders of Shinsegae and E-mart are worried Chung's political rhetoric may lead to China's economic retaliation on the company's retail business.



"It is true that Vice Chairman Chung's posts on social media have appealed to young people a lot and he says he has freedom of expression, but he also needs to pay attention to concerns arising over owner risk," an industry source said.



E-mart, the country's largest retailer operated by Shinsegae, pulled out completely from China in 2017, but it is still an important market for Shinsegae International, led by the vice chairman's sister Chung Yoo-kyung. The retailer's duty free business, in particular, relies heavily on Chinese shoppers, so the company's stakeholders are alarmed by the remarks.



JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon also made an offhand comment against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) during his speech in Boston on Nov. 23 last year, and issued an apology to China instantly. Dimon sensed that his casual remark about the CCP could jeopardize his company's business in China.



Chung, on the other hand, seems unlikely to tone down or hide his anti-communist words. The vice chairman has been highlighting his hashtags of "defeat communism" recently, though he said it is irrelevant to China.



"My hashtags target those living above us, not China. Don't try to relate me to China. I have no interest in them. I've learned (in my childhood) that I should defeat communists who are living close to us," Chung wrote on Instagram.



Opinions are divided on his declaration of anti-communist idea. He has been receiving support from those who are against the current government, which stands in the left and hopes to end the war peacefully through talks with North Korea. They are making comments on the vice chairman's Instagram account that they will become patrons of his business by only shopping at Shinsegae and E-mart.



At the same time, leftists say they will boycott products sold by or at Shinsegae.


Two Bajrang Dal leaders were arrested by the Varanasi police for displaying posters with a message that "Only Hindus should visit ghats along the river Ganga".

The two, identified as Rajan Gupta and Nikhil Tripathi were later released on submission of personal bonds of Rs 5 lakh each.

Commissioner of police A. Satish Ganesh said that two persons, who were seen in the photos while pasting posters at ghats, were issued notices under 107/16 of CrPC for breaching peace.

"Both of them were brought to the ACP court in police lines, where they furnished personal bonds of Rs 5 lakh each, after which they were released," he added.

During initial investigation, Vishwa Hindu Parishad senior office-bearers were asked to clarify the status of Gupta, who poses himself as city unit secretary of VHP, and Tripathi, who poses himself as Bajrang Dal city convener.

On January 6, these VHP and Bajrang Dal activists pasted a number of posters banning the entry of non-Hindus on the Ghats.

The posters contained a message that "those who treat the ghats of the Ganga as picnic spots should stay away from ghats of Maa Ganga, as it is a symbol of Sanatan culture."

The posters said that they welcome those who show respect to Sanatan dharma.

These posters were resented by many groups, including Congress leaders and Sajha Sanskriti Manch, who termed it a bid to disturb communal harmony and peace.

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The professional body of medical organisations, Organised Medicine Academic Guild (OMAG), has welcomed the stand of the Election Commission of India to take penal action for violation of Covid-appropriate-behaviour (CAB) during the campaigning of 2022 Assembly elections.

The ECI on Saturday announced the schedule for polls to Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.

OMAG had pointed out that when the elections to five states - West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry - were held in 2021, the CAB went for a toss.

CAB norms for the polling booths and voting were very well implemented even during the last round of legislative Assembly elections in five other states during the year 2021, but the same went for a toss in campaigning, OMAG secretary-general Dr Ishwar Gilada said.

Also read: Parties turn to virtual rallies amid Covid-19 spike

According to him, that had led to a major surge in Covid-19 cases in those election-bound states by up to 3200% resulting in several casualties. OMAG and the entire medical community in the country forewarned the Election Commission to avoid a repeat of 2021, as finally, they have to bear the brunt of managing the overwhelming flow of patients.

OMAG had been advocating through print and electronic media, as well as social media requesting the Election Commission to defer the elections or conduct the same in strictly virtual mode or in strict accordance with the CAB.

"OMAG had also demanded that there should be strict penal provision for violation of CAB under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and the Epidemic Act, 1897 amended as The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020. We are glad that the Election Commission did echo this aspect as well, said Dr Gilada.

Also read: All Assembly election officials to get precautionary Covid doses

The Election Commission has set a timeline of strictly virtual campaigning till January 15 but said the same will be reviewed based on the prevailing situation then.

Looking at the current Covid-19 scenario orchestrated by the Omicron variant, it is anybodys guess that the situation will worsen by the day and will not settle by January 15 or for that matter for the entire January.

"Similarly, the Election Commission directed with all firmness that all the elections-related activities should be in strict accordance with the CAB, in light of the current Covid-19 surge. The commission did not stop there, but put the onus on all political parties and especially the candidates, by asking them to sign an undertaking to that effect, he said.

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Even after a decade of the Gadgil report and the subsequently appointed high-level working group, Dr K Kasturirangan Committee, for remedial steps for protection of ecology of the Western Ghats, implementation of the report to conserve the fragile mountain ranges remains a far cry.

In the latest notification on December 31, 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) amended the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, extending the deadline to notify the new rules till June 30, 2022, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, even prior to that, while responding to a plea before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on December 2, 2020, the Union Environment Ministry submitted that the Covid-19 situation has persisted and indicates rising trends in the majority of the states. Despite best efforts, the working in the states concerned, including public consultations and meetings, has been adversely affected, it said.

Also Read  ESA notification: States have learned no lesson

Some state governments are yet to provide the information required for the finalisation of the notification of the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). That information is also pending from the states in the context of other Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) draft notifications, the ministry said, responding to the plea filed by petitioner Goa Foundation's execution application in the matter on December 22.

Notably, the last few years in Kerala, where the Western Ghats cover nearly 56 per cent of the total geographical area, has been facing repeated natural disasters, including landslides and floods. Rapid climate changes have also been witnessed in the neighbouring Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and other states sharing the mountain ranges.

Notable recommendations of Kasturirangan report

Dr. Kasturirangan had recommended an ESA of 59,940 square kilometres, which prohibits development activities in the ecologically sensitive area spread over Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

However, the draft notifications, issued from time to time, have considered an area of 56,824.7 sq km, excluding an area of 3114.3 sq km falling in Kerala. In Karnataka, nearly 20,668 sq km of the ESA area covers 1,576 villages.

Also Read  Hubballi-Ankola line: The railroad to disaster

The report recommends a complete ban on mining, quarrying, setting up of red category industries and thermal power projects. It also stated that the impact of infrastructural projects on the forest and wildlife should be studied before permission is given for these activities.

The MoEF&CC said that exclusions were made in 2013 at the request of Kerala. The said area primarily pertains to the Idukki region, where landslides and natural disasters have been witnessed in recent years. Therefore, such areas shall also have to be considered for purposes of Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area. However, to bring such an area under ESA, a fresh draft notification is required to be issued so as to seek public comment, it said.

Protests from various states

During a virtual meeting on the implementation of the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats, chaired by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Labour Bhupender Yadav on December 4, 2021, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had said that declaring the Western Ghats as an ESA would adversely affect the livelihood of the people in the region.

He drew the attention of the participants to the fact that the state cabinet had decided to oppose the Kasturirangan report and that the decision was taken after exhaustive discussions with locals and officials.

Karnataka has the distinction of being one of the states with extensive forest cover. "Our government has taken extreme care to protect the biodiversity of Western Ghats. People of the region have adopted agriculture and horticultural activities in an eco-friendly manner. Priority has been accorded for environment protection under the Forest Protection Act. In this background, bringing one more law that would affect the livelihood of the local people is not appropriate," Bommai had said.

Also Read  Karnataka again rejects Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats

The Kasturirangan report has been prepared based on the satellite images, but the ground reality is different, Bommai had claimed.

In Kerala, in the recent past, the issue stirred political, religious, and social resistance and the environmental issue turned ugly with Church leaders backing the protesting farmers in high ranges of the state. Recently, Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) President, Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, wrote to Yadav, urging him to extend the final notification on implementation of the Kasturirangan report and give the state time to redraw the geo coordinates.

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The modest 'mosambi' or sweet lime (Citrus limetta) can now be used to prevent cancer, claim researchers at IIT (BHU), stating that sweet lime peels can be used to remove heavy metals from water to prevent cancer and other life-threatening ailments.

The researchers at the School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT (BHU) have synthesised an eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbent, which can remove toxic heavy metal ions, such as hexavalent chromium, from contaminated water and wastewater.

A study by Dr Vishal Mishra, associate professor, School of Biochemical Engineering, and his student, Veer Singh, has already been published in the international journal Separation Science and Technology.

Also Read  Mangaluru: Mobile cancer detection clinic worth Rs 1.25 crore to be launched

Mishra said that hexavalent chromium is responsible for several types of health problems in humans like cancers, liver and kidney diseases, liver malfunctioning, and skin problems. "This is a new eco-friendly product, synthesised from the Citrus limetta peels biomass. This adsorbent is very effective for removal of hexavalent chromium from wastewater, compared to other conventional methods, and takes less time to separate hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution."

According to Veer Singh, the adsorbent can be easily separated from the aqueous medium after the metal removal process. The researchers have tested the hexavalent chromium removal capacity of this adsorbent in synthetic simulated wastewater and have got satisfactory results. The heavy metal removal efficiency of this adsorbent was also tested for other heavy metal ions, such as lead, copper and cadmium, where the adsorbent proved efficient.

Also Read  EU bans cancer threat chemicals in tattoo ink

Heavy metals have carcinogenic properties that cause cancer of all types.

Explaining the procedure, Singh said, "We collect the 'mosambi' peels, dry them, grind them into granules and then modify it with chitosan, a biopolymer. After this, the peels are put in water and they begin to separate the heavy metals."

He said that in developing countries, water-borne diseases are the major problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year 3.4 million people, mostly children, die from water-related diseases.

According to a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) assessment, 4,000 children die each day due to the intake of bacterially contaminated water. WHO reports that over 2.6 billion people lack access to clean water, which is responsible for about 2.2 million deaths annually, of which 1.4 million are children. Improving water quality can reduce global water-borne diseases.

Cancer due to hexavalent chromium and other heavy metal ions is a severe problem worldwide. A report from the water resources ministry says that a large number of the Indian population drink water with lethal levels of toxic heavy metals.

About the socio-economic aspect of this research, Mishra said that 'mosambi' peels are readily available as fruit waste. Adsorbent synthesis from this and chitosan is a cost-effective and eco-friendly method.

Replying to a question, Mishra said that the research had shown successful results and they now planned to take it to a larger scale and make it cost-effective. He said that clinical trials would begin soon at the lab level and then production scaled up.

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Water enters the city silently every day, all 1,400 million litres of it, then leaves the city silently. This unrecognised feat of engineering that pumps water to a distance of 95 kilometre and then up 300 metres from the Cauvery river, is what keeps the economic engine that is the city of Bengaluru pumping and alive. The livelihoods and the health of its inhabitants depend completely on these waters.

The fiscal health as well as the human resource capabilities of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) also deserves much more attention than it gets. Water tariffs have to reflect the price of its safe collection and treatment after use in the millions of households spread across the city.

The city takes approximately 6.67% of the allocated share of the Cauvery waters to Karnataka but supports about 40% of its population in the basin. After the water is used in the city, a substantial portion of it is treated and sent to the drought-prone districts surrounding it. This used water will fill lakes, recharge groundwater and become available to farmers for irrigation. Eventually, when fully complete, the city can be seen as a generator of water resources for secondary use rather than a net consumer of water.

Also Read | Way out of Bengaluru'srecurring water crisis

Wastewater treatment

The city can learn from Chennai, where wastewater treatment plants generate energy and tertiary treated water fills lakes and is reused to meet potable water needs for Chennai.

The project to refill Hesaraghatta and Thippagondanahalli with tertiary treated wastewater from the Vrishabhavathi valley should be revived and implemented.

A continued focus on improving the sewage network and collecting every drop of sewage without allowing it to flow in storm drains is important. This sewage, when collected and treated, is useful to the need of farmers, fishermen and the city itself.

Apartments in the peripheral suburbs of the city are doing good work with reference to water use. IOT (Internet of things) based smart water metres or even normal water metres, when implemented with volumetric pricing of water, have been shown to substantially reduce water consumption in flats by as much as 40% to 50%. This reduced consumption of water means a reduced burden on wastewater treatment plants in these apartments leading to less dependency on water tankers and thus on borewells. The water utility by-laws now require a set of more than four apartments to have their own water metres too. This is a good measure.

Also Read | Many ways to join the fight against the water crisis

With the accessibility of the piped connection to all households and with a target usage of 100 litres per capita per day, the city will do well to report progress and milestones at both ward level and the city level itself, preferably every month on a dashboard.

Even the partial revival of lakes and good rains of the last year have substantially brought up groundwater tables. Dry borewells are recharged and dire predictions of the city running out of groundwater by 2020 have proved false. More attention to rainwater harvesting and lake revival can mitigate urban floods.

While individual action of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge is increasing, better institutional regulation and management of groundwater is also the need of the hour.

A new project likely to be finished by next year will bring in 775 million litres per day to the city. With this, the water shortage at a city scale should be overcome. Transparency is crucial to a good water supply system.

(The writer is a water conservation expert based in Bengaluru)

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Record rains last year had Bengalurus streets water-logged, houses flooded and sewers overflowing. Harvesting this would have helped the city avert any summer water crisis. A city blessed with an annual average rainfall of 787 mm even without a record year, could have avoided the perennial struggle to meet its yearly water demand of 18 TMCft.

A robust rainwater harvesting system, a foolproof wastewater treatment mechanism and a strong renewable energy network should have left Bengaluru self-reliant in both water and power supply.

The solutions are clear, and yet every summer, both citizens and the government are caught unawares by the water shortage. While citizens have been slow to warm up to rainwater harvesting, the governments response to effectively treat and manage the available water has been sluggish at best.

But there is still a way out  the citys 193 surviving lakes can serve as reservoirs for rainwater. Dr T V Ramachandra, from the Indian Institute of Science Centre for Ecological Sciences, believes that rejuvenating lakes can enable the city to retain its rainwater.

Bengalurus topography that allows an interconnected lake system gives us this option. In the Koramangala-Challaghatta Valley alone, we can store about 5.2 TMCft of water, Ramachandra says.

To achieve this, clearing silt in most lakes and connecting canals is essential. Desilting will enhance the storage capacity of lakes and recharge groundwater with clean water, he says. However, desilting seems to be a half-hearted effort. A case in point is the slow pace of desilting work at the Varthur-Bellandur lakes.

In the 1800s, Bengaluru had 1,452 water bodies with a total storage capacity of 35 TMCft. Taking advantage of the citys topography, an inter-linked lake system was created in an area of 740 sqkm, the citys current spatial extent.

But the dramatic 79% decline in water bodies, aggravated by a sharp fall in green cover from 68% in 1970 to barely 3% now has left the citys once-famed green image in jeopardy. In the last five-and-a-half decades alone, the concretised area has risen by 1,055%, says Dr Ramachandra.

The potential of rain

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) offers a clear way out if the lake storage is smartly executed. Studies have established that about 73% of Bengalurus water demand can be met by efficient harvesting. Of the citys four valleys, the Vrishabhavathi valley has an estimated catchment yield of 7.32 TMCft of water, K C Valley (5.2 TMCft) and Hebbal (4.2 TMCft). The citys total annual rainwater yield stands at about 14.80 TMCft.

Treating 18 TMCft of wastewater generated in the city could yield another 16 TMCft. This means you end up with 31 TMCft, which is a surplus situation. You can be self-sufficient and also give the excess water to the neighbouring districts.

However, there is a problem of implementation for RWH. In a city with an estimated 35 lakh properties, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has recorded only about 1.65 lakh buildings that have installed RWH systems, domestic, commercial and industrial combined.

Having relied entirely on harvested rainwater for over 27 years, A R Shivakumar, a water management advisor to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), sees in this slow progress, a public mindset problem.

By innovating a simple RWH system at his Vijaynagar home, he has demonstrated how up to 2.23 lakh litres of rainwater could be harvested. This is adequate for a family to survive without outside water for a year, he says.

Shivakumar attributes peoples reluctance to the availability of highly subsidised Cauvery water. The BWSSB charges only about Rs 7 for 1,000 litres. There is also a fear of investment. But the infrastructure required for RWH is very simple. Bring the water from the roof by pipes, connect the end to a filter and divert it to a sump.

An underground sump of about 6,000 litre capacity is a standard built infrastructure in any house. Upgrading this to 20,000 litres will help store rainwater for up to seven months. To retrofit, all that is required is a filter. The excess flow could be diverted to a recharge pit, he explains.

Wastewater treatment

Wastewater treatment is also critical to ensure sustainability. But most Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in the city, functioning at low efficiency, have not stemmed the inflow of untreated wastewater into the stormwater drains. On paper, the BWSSBs treatment capacity with 35 STPs stands at 1,523.5 MLD.

A way out could be to replicate the treatment model perfected in the citys Jakkur lake. A constructed wetland there was integrated with an algal pond and a secondary treatment plant. The primary treatment removes large particles from sewage, the secondary one removes the chemical ions and the tertiary treatment takes out the nutrients.

For the last 10 years, the project team led by Dr Ramachandra monitored the lake water quality. In 2005, all the wells near the lake had nitrates which are carcinogens. Today, none of the 300 wells in the vicinity of the lake have nitrates and offer clean water, he says.

Drain remodeling

To stop the sewage inflow into lakes, a massive drain remodelling exercise has been in the process for years. But in the name of remodelling, they are mismanaging. The drains remodelled in the last eight years have narrowed down and concretised the surface, says Ramachandra.

Concretisation completely halts groundwater recharge. This triggers more overland flow during rainfall, leading to frequent floods. This is an unscientific method. This is at the cost of the peoples water rights, he says.

For decades, self-reliance meant digging borewells. While individual wells mushroomed, both the BBMP and BWSSB adopted this as an official policy to quench the thirst of lakhs who settled in the citys newly added areas on the outskirts. BWSSB estimates that there could be around six lakh borewells in and around the city.

Currently supplying 1,470 MLD of Cauvery water daily to the city, BWSSB has proposed to complete the Cauvery Stage-V by March 2023. This, as the Boards Chief Engineer (Cauvery) S V Ramesh informs, will enhance the supply by an additional 775 MLD, catering to the 110 villages integrated to the Bruhath Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in 2007. About 35% of the work has been completed. There was an eight-month delay due to Covid, says the official.

Many farmers have completely given up agriculture and switched to borewells. Tying up with tanker operators, the partnership has turned lucrative for many. Inevitably, the groundwater table has taken a massive hit. The levels have depleted to an alarming 1,000 to 1,200ft. The explosive growth of water tankers, particularly in the outlying villages, is symptomatic of a system exploited much beyond its limits.

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Just a few weeks from now, people of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur will vote to choose new governments. The assembly elections in the in five states is being considered a semi-final before the mother of polls, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will again lead the BJP to seek a mandate for the third consecutive term in power.

A victory for the Modi-led NDA in 2024 will mean a hat-trick for him. It will also mean a hat-trick of defeat for Congress. If, despite all the negative publicity surrounding the Covid-19 and the botched up handling of the year-long farmer agitation, the BJP wins the assembly polls, particularly the one in UP, which sends maximum number of 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha, the Oppositions united campaign will lose steam in the run-up to the 2024 general elections.

This will also be demoralising for the Opposition, particularly the Congress, ahead of the 2023 polls in crucial states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. In 2018, the Congress had a 3:0 victory in all the three then BJP-ruled states. It later lost its government in MP, when its leader Jyotiraditya Scindia walked over to the BJP with his pack of supporters in early 2020.

Also Read | Polls in the time of Covid pandemic

The assembly elections in the five states are poised to take place at a time when the aspirations of the regional parties are on a high with the third consecutive victory of Trinamool Congress in West Bengal in 2021 after which Mamata Banerjees party is making an ambitious bid to emerge as the third force in Goa. It was inducted into its fold Congress leaders, including a former Chief Minister. Delhis ruling party AAP is trying to hard-sell its Delhi mode of governance with free power promise in Goa and Uttarakhand.

The BJP, the ruling party in power in four of the five states barring Punjab, has fallen back on its time-tested personality cult around Modi to win back the states for it, even as the opposition seeks to batter these state governments on the issue of non-performance. The campaign mode with which the BJP took up the issue of the alleged breach of security of the Prime Minister in poll-bound Punjab was a clear indication of the pitch with which the ruling party will project Modis persona in the upcoming assembly polls in five states over the next few weeks. Home Minister Amit Shah made no bones about it when he told the electorate of UP in November that the victory of Yogi Adityanath in 2022 is necessary for the win of Modi in 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Also Read | BJP will win elections in 2022, form govt in 2024: Nitin Gadkari

A divided opposition in UP is giving the BJP some relief. The Samajwadi Party changed its strategy, learning from its experience of previous tie-ups with the Congress for 2017 state polls and with the BSP for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. It has now shunned both the major parties and instead hitched its bandwagon to regional outfits like RLD in western UP and Om Prakash Rajbhars SBSP in eastern UP. The BJP had won 106 of the 136 assembly seats in western Uttar Pradesh in 2017. A good show in the sugarcane belt is key to the BJPs victory in the state.

While the BJPs success in the last three elections since 2014 was its ability to rope in sections of the Dalits and the OBC votes in addition to its Brahmin-Baniya upper caste votes, the SP is trying to widen its MY (Muslim Yadav) support base to include newer caste groups from the extremely backward castes and non-Jatav Dalilts. The Congress-led by Priyanka Gandhi has added a new twist to the tale with its Ladki Hoon Lad Sakti Hoon pitch, promising 50 seats to women and thereby trying to win over this caste neutral constituency, which has overwhelmingly backed Modi since 2014. The ruling BJP has begun chanting the Mandir Mantra. Its senior leaders have spoken of reviving Krishna Janmabhoomi movement in Mathura while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had on August 5 last year carried out an elaborate Ram Mandir Shilanyasa in Ayodhya, inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath corridor on December 13.

Four-cornered contest

In a four-cornered contest among the SP, BSP, BJP and the Congress, a vote share of 30-35% will help any party to form the government. In 2017, BJP won a whopping 312 Assembly seats with nearly 39% votes. The 2019 Lok Sabha polls saw BJP getting nearly 50% votes in UP. In Uttarakhand, a state which was created along with Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh in 2000, the BJP is pinning its hope on Modi-Vajpayee combo, merging the past and the present to march ahead.

Also Read | Congress vital to any 2024 Opposition front govt, Mamata should see the merit: Tharoor

The state is ruled by a political greenhorn, Pushakar Dhami, BJPs third CM in a row in one year. The Congress is banking on its old guard Harish Rawat to come back to power in the hill state. The power has been alternating between the Congress and the BJP in Uttarakhand so far. With Dhami and Rawat both hailing from the dominant Thakur community, Brahmin votes will be a clincher and hence both parties are aggressively wooing the community with doles and temple visits.

In Goa, the Congress is making all attempts to get a majority, but an aggressive Trinamool Congress and the AAP could weaken its fight against the BJP, which is trying to make a hat-trick this time. To woo the Christians who comprise of 25.1% of Goa population, Congress recently latched on to the issue of the Home Ministrys refusal to renew the FCRA registration of the Missionaries of Charity. In 2017, the Congress had missed the power game by a whisker despite emerging as the single largest party. The saffron party had made fast moves and sewed up a coalition while the Congress had struggled for unanimity on a leadership face. The Congress, which had got 17 seats in the 40-member Goa assembly, secured 28.4% votes. BJP had polled 32.5% votes and won 13 seats. In a rude shock to Congress, 10 of its MLAs in Goa later joined the BJP in 2019, shoring up the BJPs number to 27. By this year, the Congress number had shrunk to just two from the 13 it had won.

Also Read | 'Khela Hobe' in 2024; BJP will be defeated across India in LS polls: Mamata

In Punjab, the BJP is facing an altogether new scenario. The three contentious farm laws that had led to the exit of its ally Shiromani Akali Dal from the NDA were withdrawn by the Modi government in December last year after a more-than-a-year-long farmer agitation against it. Modi made the announcement on Guru Nanak Jayanti and soon after this, the BJP and the party floated by former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh announced a tie-up. The Akali Dal for now has a tie up with the BSP, while the Congress has made a Dalit leader Charanjit Singh Channi, the Chief Minister.

The BJP is trying to give a national security angle to the polls saying a state like Punjab cannot be left in some inexperienced hands while there is no end to internal squabbles in the Congress. The Dalits are over 30% of the total population but are not aggressive enough to change the political course. With farm laws gone, post-poll tie-up between the BJP and the SAD cannot be ruled out while the AAP is emerging fast as a force to reckon with after its stunning show of emerging as the single largest party in Chandigarh municipal election in January.

In Manipur, Modi and Amit Shah laid foundation stone for development works worth thousands of crores of rupees. Its Chief Minister N Biren Singh is an import from the Congress. The BJP was repeatedly hardselling is peace pitch in North East but the November ambush on Assam Rifles personnel has given the Opposition the ammunition to target the double engine government claim of the BJP here.

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O King, in your Ram-Rajya, the corpses are flowing along the Ganges, Parul Khakkar wrote in May 2021, as countless bodies of the suspected Covid-19 victims flew down the holy river, with hundreds of them washing up on its banks in Uttar Pradesh. Her poem, titled Shav-Vahihi Ganga and originally written in Gujarati, was translated in Hindi, English and several other languages as it went viral on social media. It was a poignant indictment of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government for its failure to prevent the catastrophe the nation witnessed during the brutal second wave of the pandemic.

A year has not yet turned its circle. Even as the memories of the macabre dance of death have not yet faded, the Holy River is now set to witness the celebration of democracy on its banks. Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand will go to the polls in February and March. So will Punjab, Goa and Manipur.

The assembly elections are being held even as the long shadow of the Covid-19 is still looming large. The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is again spreading fast. The active Covid-19 cases in the country reached 472,169 with 141,986 new cases being detected in the last 24 hours.

Also Read | Don't indulge in hate speeches: EC to political parties

The five poll-bound states are also not being spared as the much-anticipated third wave of the pandemic has already hit the country.

Uttar Pradesh, the largest of the poll-bound states, at present has 12,327 active Covid-19 cases, with as many as 4,103 people being tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the past 24 hours. Punjab and Uttarakhand reported 2,738 and 597 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of active cases to 9,425 and 2,022 in the two states respectively. Goa and Manipur now have 5,931 and 346 active cases, with 1,318 and 30 people being tested positive in the past 24 hours, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

Five of the eight people infected by the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Uttarakhand have recovered so far. Goa reported 19 cases of infection by Omicron, but all of them have recovered. Uttar Pradesh has confirmed 31 Covid-19 cases caused by the Omicron, while six of the infected people have already recovered. Manipur and Punjab reported one and two cases of infection by Omicron, but all of them have already recovered.

Also Read | EC mandates parties to publish why candidates with criminal record selected for polls

Though over 95.8% and 82.39% of the eligible population have been fully inoculated against the Covid-19 in Goa and Uttarakhand, only 52% and 45.6% in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have received both doses of the vaccines. Only 44.8% of the eligible population in Manipur had been jabbed with both the doses. The EC, however, asked the state governments that all the poll-officials in the five states must be administered with, not only the two doses of the vaccine, but also the booster doses.

With strict adherence to social distancing norms being the key to keep the SARS-CoV-2 away, speculation was rife about the possibility of the assembly elections in the five states being deferred.

Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court in fact on December 23 last asked the Election Commission to consider postponing the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh as the third wave of the pandemic was knocking at the door. The EC, however, went ahead and decided to stick to the timeline to hold the assembly polls in all the five states, where the terms of the existing legislative assemblies will end between March 15 and May 14 next. Every Legislative Assembly of every state, unless sooner dissolved, shall continue for five years...and no longer..., Chief Election Commissioner, Sushil Chandra, quoted from the Article 172 (1) of the Constitution of India, as he announced the schedule of the polls on Saturday. He said that postponement of the assembly polls would deny the citizens the right to elect an accountable government of their choice.

Also Read | Parties say ready for polls, urge Election Commission to ensure level playing field

The assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa are not going to be the first elections to be held under the shadow of the Covid-19. The EC had conducted the assembly elections in Bihar in October and November 2020, when the first wave of the pandemic had started to wane. It conducted the voting for the assembly polls in the four states  Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal  as well as the Union Territory of Puducherry in March and April, 2020, even as the second wave of the pandemic wreaked havoc across the country.

The EC had on August 21, 2020, issued a guideline for safely conducting polls at the time of the pandemic. It was however criticized for failing to enforce the norms like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing during campaigning in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry. The Madras High Court on April 26, 2021 observed that the EC was singularly responsible for the second wave of the Covid-19 in the country and that its officers should probably be booked for murder. The EC, however, sought to pass the buck, by pointing out that the responsibility of enforcing the measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic had been assigned to the respective State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), which had not imposed public gatherings under the Disaster Management Act 2005 when the assembly polls had taken place in March-April 2021. Even as the poll-panel issued an updated guideline to conduct elections amidst the pandemic on Saturday, the CEC once again stressed on the role of the SDMAs in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur to enforce the Covid-19 safety measures, including restrictions on holding campaign rallies.

Also Read | EC bans political rallies, roadshows, processions till January 15

The EC cited low weekly Covid-19 positivity rates in Uttar Pradesh (0.24%), Uttarakhand (1.01%), Punjab (2.1%) and Manipur (1.1%) to defend its decision to hold the assembly elections. Goa reported a 13% weekly positivity report, but the CEC attributed it to the New Years Day celebrations and presence of the outsiders in the coastal state.

Akin Hai To Koi Rasta Nikalta Hai...(If you have faith, you will find a way out), Chandra recited a couplet on Saturday, as he spelt out a slew of safety measures  like more polling booths to spread out voters and sanitization of polling booths  to be adopted to minimize the risk of Covid-19 surge during the forthcoming assembly elections. The people of the five states too will have to rely on the EC and hope that its safety measures will work and the Ganges will not have to turn into a Shav-Vahini (carrier of corpses) again.

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The Centre told Parliament in December 2021 that nearly nine lakh Indians, an average of 350 a day, gave up their Indian passports since 2015. In conjunction with several recent reports of Indians doing well in the West  Nasa scientist Swati Mohan, Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, IMFs Geeta Gopinath, other Silicon Valley tech honchos  the news triggered a renewed debate over brain drain and also high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) leaving the country.

It led to political point-scoring, for in October 2021, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told a meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Panaji, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has enhanced the value of the Indian passport.

Nearly 5,000 Indian millionaires, 2 per cent of its high-net-worth individuals, moved abroad in 2020, a report by the Global Wealth Migration Review found. About 16,000 Chinese and 5,500 Russian HNWIs exited their respective countries in the same year.

Also Read | Climate change could cause 216 million to migrate, World Bank warns

The UN World Migration Report 2020 put the number of Indians living abroad at over 17.5 million, the highest in the world. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), India has 3.12 million highly educated migrants working abroad, compared to 2.25 million of China.

However, the trend isnt new.

A 2008 study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organisation found that 54 per cent of doctors who graduated from New Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) from 1989 to 2000 are in the US. It said Indians comprise nearly 5 per cent of doctors in the UK and about 10 per cent in the US. Another research has found that

half of those who topped Class 10 and Class 12 between 1996 and 2015 now live abroad.

The government claims it does not maintain data about the economic and educational status of those renouncing Indian citizenship. The last seven years have not seen any significant uptick in the number of people giving up their passports.

Also Read | UK changes graduate immigration rules

In 2015, 1.41 lakh renounced citizenship, which increased marginally to 1.44 lakh in 2016, dropped to 1.33 lakh in 2017, 1.34 lakh in 2018 and increased again to 1.44 lakh in 2019. Possibly because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the numbers dropped to 85,248 in 2020 and grew a tad to 1.11 lakh until December 2021.

The reasons for those migrating abroad or opting to continue to live there have remained the same  ease of living and opportunities but for a significant addition  urban squalor, pollution and deteriorating healthcare.

Arvind S (name changed), his wife and children, returned briefly to New Delhi two years back. They had lived in Singapore and Shanghai for nearly a decade. The couple wanted to live closer to their parents and educate their children in India. We did read about and bemoan societal fractures. But what convinced us to return abroad was the pollution and healthcare crisis during Covid-19, the couple says.

Arjun, 24, who works with a German interior designing company, recently surrendered his Indian passport. As a German citizen, the government supports me even when I am jobless. I also get to travel and work anywhere in Europe, he says. However, opportunities remain a more robust driver.

Also Read | US agency allows some H-1B visa seekers to re-submit applications

Aastha, a 34-year-old software engineer in the US, says she migrated for further studies and career advancement but is still holding on to her Indian passport and hopes to return someday.

Where do they go?

According to the data that the government tabled in Parliament on December 9, of the 6.08 lakh Indians who renounced citizenship since 2017, 2.56 lakh have taken up American citizenship. Nearly 90,000 took Canadian citizenship, while Australia, New Zealand and western European countries, particularly the UK and Italy, are other favoured destinations. While none took up Pakistans citizenship between 2017 and 2019, there were seven who did so in 2020 and 24 in 2021.

In recent years, neither has the government conceded any worrisome brain drain from India, but statements betray a concern. Harsh Vardhan, the minister for science and technology then, told the Rajya Sabha on March 23, 2021, that the Centre has observed no significant brain drain to such an extent of affecting the developments in science and technology sector.

The minister elaborated a three-pronged strategy the government has adopted to retain the best talent in the country. In a nutshell, it now provides better research infrastructure, grants and resources to Indian scientists and opportunities for overseas scientists of Indian origin to return.

In February 2020, the government said, Out of total 103 senior research associateships awarded by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research in 2019, 28 per cent (29) were awarded to young Indian researchers who had been working abroad.

Also Read | Why the 'world's happiest country' seeks migrants

In July 2019, the Centre said it had initiated efforts to stop the brain drain of medical doctors and nurses from the Central Health Services (CHS). It now allows CHS doctors to avail study leave after two years of continuous service, provided they sign a bond that they would serve the government for eight years after obtaining the degree and returning to duty.

In 2009, the government told Parliament, Indian engineers, scientists and technocrats do go abroad for higher studies or employment. In the present scenario of globalisation and liberalisation, the movement of technical personnel across the national boundaries is inevitable. It said it was taking steps for initiating a Brain Gain policy to attract talent from all over the world into the IITs, IIMs, etc.

Reverse brain drain

A joke in Silicon Valley is that Telugu and Hindi are the most spoken languages in the tech hub. A study published by the Center for Global Development said Indians emigrating to the US also indirectly helped its own IT sector, which grew from 1.2 per cent in 1998 to 7.5 per cent of its GDP by 2012. The studys authors, Gaurav Khanna and Nicolas Morales found that the American H-1B programme helped with a reverse brain drain in India.

A former bureaucrat with the department of biotechnology believes Indias population means that the country has enough young minds who can contribute by living in India and outside India. What we need are robust educational institutions with a focus on research, he said.

Over the years, successive governments have encouraged Indians to travel abroad, including to take up jobs. Governments have taken pride in the existence of a vibrant 3.2 crore strong diaspora, comprising non-resident Indians (NRIs) and people of Indian origin (PIOs). The facts of a strong diaspora and that Indians send back home the highest remittance in the world  $87 billion in 2021  have been celebrated at the annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

The Centre and state governments run skill development programmes to fill labour demand abroad, whether farmers in Japan or nurses in the UK. The Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi governments, during their respective tenures, have eased the process of acquiring a passport. In 2007, only 23 million Indians had passports, which increased to 74 million in 2017. If the Ministry of External Affairs issued five million passports in 2007, it gave more than 12.8 million in 2019 and is now set to introduce e-passports.

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The arrest of Deepthi Marla or Mariyum on charges of alleged links with ISIS by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier this week in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada has sparked a debate on "love jihad" in the state.

Hindu organisations have planned special campaigns and programmes in coastal Karnataka through retired police officers, religious leaders and advocates among others in educational institutions and other places to create awareness about Love Jihad. They claim that Love Jihad is a reality and every day they are getting calls from the parents of girls who have disappeared.

They explain that groups are formed to prevent Hindu girls from falling prey to Love Jihad and students are trained to observe closely in academic institutions for suspicious movements on the campus.

The leaders of the ruling BJP which has already got the Anti-Conversion Bill passed in the Assembly are openly stating that they would also bring legislation on 'love jihad'. However, state Congress President DK Shivakumar has rubbished it saying that all legislation brought by the BJP targeting minorities would be thrown into the dustbin after his party comes to power.

Also Read | NIA arrests woman with ISIS-links in Mangaluru

Deepthi Marla, a Hindu girl from Kodagu who married Anas Abdul Rahman after falling in love with him while studying BDS, has converted to Islam and changed her name to Mariyum. Anas is the grandson of late Congress three-time MLA BM Idinabba.

Later, she is alleged to have come in contact with the ISIS terrorist outfit. She is also alleged to have recruited local youths for ISIS.

The incident has shocked the people of the state especially in the communally sensitive coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada. Hindutva forces who have been protesting against Love Jihad are claiming that Deepthi Marla's case is an example of Love Jihad and it shows how Hindu girls are trapped in love, married, converted to Islam and then used against the Hindu community and nation.

Progressive thinkers dub it as a mere Hindutva agenda and allege that the National Investigation Agency has been getting instructions from Nagpur (RSS Headquarters) to carry out the Hindutva agenda and target the minorities.

Senior Counsel S. Balan, explained to IANS: "Love Jihad is a phrase coined by right wing elements after instructions from Nagpur and that venom is spewed all over India including the security forces, police forces, NIA, everywhere. They have also coined it like another phrase 'Urban naxals.' It is a bogus word created by right wing elements."

"Love Jihad per se is punishable under section 153 A of the IPC for creating a rift between two communities. It is per se an offence under section 295 of IPC. This is a language to question the integrity, sovereignty and security of the state. It challenges the basic structure of the constitution. How is Love Jihad defined? A woman and man can love, marry it is their right, who has got any right to declare that it is Love Jihad?" he questioned.

"The NIA is a 'National Inhuman Agency', gets instructions from Nagpur. It is the most communal minded organization and they are bent upon implicating anyone. I am seeing certain cases also. It is a predictive policing algorithm. The moment something happens, the victim is predicted, the culprit is predicted, the ideology is predicted, the organization is predicted, the moment Love Jihad is mentioned, it is predicted that the offenders are Muslims. The victims are Hindus. Many religions preach violence. Even the Hindu religion, if you take the Mahabharata and the Ramayan, it is a war. Like that every religion is violent. Christianity is violent, Judaism is violent, Parsi religion is violent. How and why do you brand one person?" he asked.

Pramod Muthalik, the Founder of Sri Ram Sena, explained to IANS that the term 'Love Jihad' was coined by him in 2009. "I have written my first book on the subject. In the period of 15 to 20 years as many as 3,000 Hindu girls who have gone away with Muslims have been traced and brought back. They were married back to Hindus. This is happening. Now, the issue is being discussed all over the country. Many states have brought legislation in this regard. The matter has also reached the Supreme Court."

"Kerala is a big centre of Love Jihad. Before four years, 4,000 girls are targeted for Love Jihad, government documents say that among these 3,000 are Christian girls. Love Jihad is a reality. This is done to increase population and misuse Hindu girls and women. They get married and leave them after having children. They would be pushed into brothels and sold in Arab nations. They will also use them for terrorist activities," he claimed.

"Our activists have struggled a lot to bring back victim Hindu girls. They have managed to bring out Hindu girls who were kept in Mosques. The activists have faced assaults and gone to jail. Till date, we get five to six phone calls every day from people about their daughter absconding. This is happening. We have formed squads in all the colleges and they keep a vigil," Muthalik stated.

Afsar Kodlipet, State Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of India, said that the concept of Love Jihad is a castle built in the air and a conspiracy by the Sangh Parivar elements to target minorities.

"In 2009, NIA came to Karnataka to investigate the alleged rape, murder of 37 women. It was alleged that Hindu women were used sexually and converted forcefully to another religion as part of Love Jihad. After a detailed investigation the NIA uncovered the role of Cyanide Mohan, a psycho serial killer, behind the death of 27 women. He targeted Dalit women and girls and after exploiting them, fearing exposure he killed them. Later, it came to light that there is no Love Jihad in all the cases," he said.

"The issue was raised in Parliament in 2009-10. The then government at the Centre gave a written answer that there is not a single case of Love Jihad in the country. In Karnataka BJP MLC Ravikumar raised the issue in the Legislative Council when B.S. Yediyurappa was the Chief Minister. Then Social Welfare Minister Govind Karajol explained in the House that there is not a single case of forceful conversion in connection with Love Jihad allegations," he stated.

T S Chandrashekar, international affairs analyst and BJP TV panellist, maintained that Love Jihad is a reality. "In Kerala, the fundamentalist elements will gather inputs on girls who are single daughters and rich. They think if they trap these girls, they would also get resources. Uneducated, poor girls are not targeted. Only, working, educated women are being trapped in love and later brainwashed."

Sharan Pumpwell, Zonal Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Dakshina Kannada, claimed that since 15 years the cases of Love Jihad are increasing. Every day such cases are reported in the coastal Karnataka region. Hindu girls are brainwashed and even become victims of sex jihad. In Kerala, they are targeting Catholic Christian girls.

"We are launching a campaign on January 17. Seminars are being conducted in colleges and religious leaders, caste leaders, retired police officers, advocates are involved in the campaign to create awareness among people about Love Jihad," he stated.

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Demonstrators opposed to vaccine passes and vaccinations to protect against COVID-19, shout slogans during a rally in Paris, Jan. 8. AP-Yonhap



More than 100,000 people across France protested Saturday over what they say are government plans to further restrict the rights of the unvaccinated, days after French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to "piss off" those refusing to get the shot.



The turnout was four times higher than the numbers who answered a Dec. 18 call to protest, when 25,500 people marched across the country, according to government estimates.



The protesters oppose a planned law that will require individuals to prove they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before they can eat out, travel on inter-city trains or attend cultural events.



On Thursday, France's lower house of parliament passed the controversial bill in a first reading. The government has said it expects the new requirements to be implemented by January 15, although lawmakers in the Senate could now delay the process.



Interior ministry officials said 105,200 people participated in Saturday's protests across France, 18,000 of them in Paris, where police reported 10 arrests and three officers being slightly injured.



Elsewhere there were 24 arrests and seven police officers injured according to the ministry.





People hold a banner that reads "Piss off Macron" during a demonstration to protest a bill that would transform France's current COVID-19 health pass into a "vaccine pass," in Nantes, France, Jan. 8. Reuters-Yonhap
Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district administrations have geared up to administer booster doses for health, frontline workers and people above 60 years from January 10.

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Dr Rajendra K V said that a total of 3,37,447 are eligible for the precautionary shots in the district. Out of the eligible group, 52,523 are health workers, 15,924 are frontline workers and 2,69,000 are those who are above 60 years old. Those health and frontline workers who have completed nine months since their second dose are eligible for the booster shots.

Udupi DC Kurma Rao said that a total of 30,436 health workers, front line warriors are eligible for precautionary shots in the district. Those who have taken two doses of Covaxin will be administered with the third dose of Covaxin and those who took two doses of Covishield will be given third dose of Covishield. Special vaccination camps will be organised.

Addressing the officials virtually, the Udupi DC instructed the health department officials to take all necessary steps for the success of inoculating booster doses.

He said in the backdrop of increasing Covid-19 cases in the district, the health and frontline workers who have completed nine months since their second dose are eligible for the booster shots. Separate vaccination centres should be set up to help the police, urban and rural local bodies employees to get the shot. The senior officials in the various government departments should inform their subordinates to take the precaution dose, he said.



The village and ward level task force should hold meetings and formulate the rules and regulations to check the violations of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour. Random tests should be conducted in tourist spots. Violation of Covid-19 guidelines should not be ignored, said the DC.

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Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka assembly, Siddaramaiah, who took part in the Congress' padayatra in Ramanagara district on Sunday, demanding implementation of Mekedatu project across river Cauvery, has returned to the city post lunch, due to fever, party sources said.

Videos of former Chief Minister speaking to Bengaluru Rural MP D K Suresh, former Minister R V Deshpande and other Congress leaders about him having fever and wanting to take rest for some time, and later leaving in his official car, have surfaced.

Responding to a question regarding Siddaramaiah's fever, state Congress President D K Shivakumar said, "we should understand he is nearing 74-75 years of age, he has stents, we had asked him not to climb the upward route today, so naturally there he has strain."

Also Read | Congress padyatra aimed at fooling people, says Bommai on Mekedatu project

Though Congress sources have confirmed that Siddaramaiah has left for Bengaluru due to fever post lunch and is likely to return to padayatra once he is fine, there is no official word yet from his office about the nature of the fever.

Meanwhile, Major and Medium Irrigation Minister Govind Karjol tweeted expressing concern about Siddaramaiah developing fever. "I'm concerned that the Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah, who took part in padayatra, has developed a fever. Mr Siddaramaiah please take rest, your health is important," Karjol tweeted.

Pointing to Siddaramaiah keeping away from padayatra due to fever, the ruling BJP in a tweet criticized the Congress and questioned whether its padayatra is to provide water for Bengaluru or to spread Covid in the city.

The Congress began its 10-day padayatra from Mekedatu to Bengaluru this morning, despite the government's Covid-19 restrictions and warnings.

Led by Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, the padayatra with the theme 'Namma Neeru Namma Hakku' (Our water, Our right) began at the Sangama, the confluence of Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers in Kanakapura in Ramanagara district, is scheduled to pass through Kanakapura, Ramanagara and Bidadi, before culminating at Basavanagudi in Bengaluru on January 19, spanning a distance of 139 kms.

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By now we are all fairly acquainted with the exceptional Ikat that Pochampally weavers magically weave in cotton and silk sarees and materials. The handloom weavers of the village of Pochampally (about 40 km from Hyderabad, in Telanganas Yadadri Bhongir district) who create fabric with complex geometric designs, textures, and hues, not only have successfully weathered the power loom invasions but also have managed to get the Pochampally village the tag of Best World Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

But what is Ikat? In the Indonesian language, it means, bind. It is a dyeing technique said to have originated from Indonesia for patterning textiles. It employs resist dyeing on the yarns, prior to dyeing and weaving the fabric. This traditional method of dyeing textiles has a resist-technique used where one can prevent the dye from reaching the cloth, thereby creating a pattern.

One single Pochampally saree requires silk threads running to approximately 15 kilometres! The stamp of Ikat textiles is in bringing an apparent blurriness to the design; this requires intensely skilled labour that has to have a precise line-up arrangement of the dyed yarns for the patterns to emerge flawlessly. Textile collectors have an eye for the blurriness; the more of it makes it classier and pricier, Mallesham narrated in his TEDx talk. He has been credited with the invention of the Laxmi Asu Machine to mechanise and process yarn involved in Pochampally weaving, a major technological revolution for Pochampally weavers.

Many skilled Pochampally weavers boast of the Double Ikat created by resist-dyeing both the warp and the weft prior to weaving. When our warp and weft overlap to create common identical motifs, we call it double-Ikat, explains second-generation weaver Boga Balaiah who has taken the art of Pochampally-Ikat to another level.

But how are the weavers able to tackle the soaring prices of raw materials, cheap replicas, and power loom competitions? We are in touch with half-a-dozen weavers and within the ambit of traditional Pochampally, we customise designs so that, as an arts revival boutique, we are able to give something inspirational to the customer and help the weaver take up innovative designs. This helps the weave become relevant to the present generation, says Bharathy Harish of Madhurya Creations as she spreads a deep red and yellow Pochampally across to explain the imaginative piece. The two-feet elephant interspersed amidst birds, animals, and flowers is a double-Ikat creation surrounded by various flora and fauna brought out in Pochampallys geometrical identity. It has taken three months for a family of weavers to tell a story with this rich and intricate detailing, adds Bharathy.

South-east Asian influences

Ikat is special because of its South-East Asian influences. The intensive labour involved in producing the weaves has survived in Gujarat, Odisha, and the Andhra-Telangana regions. While Patan Patola (Gujarat) brings in nearly a dozen designs of flora and fauna including the Nari Kunj, Pochampally has mainly stuck to its geometric versions, although it has had fleeting romances with other design ideas from nature, thus diversifying its platter. The Cambodian interpretations that have moved on curiously have Ikat now with a Jacquard mix, explains Padmaja Sakhamuri, Committee Member of the Crafts Council of Karnataka, and Convener, Vastrabharana.

Pochampally Ikat (prized in the range of Rs 6,000 to Rs 80,000) is characterised by its bold and colourful designs in cotton and silk. One of the most famous Pochampally double-Ikat design is the Telia Rumal, which was originally used for head scarfs, says Siva Devireddy, founder of GoCoop, a national award-winning online initiative to support weavers. GoCoop works with nearly 400 co-ops, weaver entrepreneurs, and craft-based organisations across India through its online marketplace and offline exhibitions. The World Tourism recognition tag is another milestone in their quest to see their weave gain global recognition.

Pochampally even inspired director Shyam Benegal to do a film on the life and times of the Indian handloom weavers in his 1987-flick Susman; he chose to portray the angst and struggle of the Ikat handloom weavers when power looms started their mass-production. The richness of our weave has women politicians of our country preferring to wear our sarees. In 2003, Air India had ordered Pochampally sarees for their cabin crew for a couple of years and the Telangana government also presented a handloom silk saree to Donald Trumps daughter, Ivanka Trump, says Bharata Vasudev of the Pochampally Handloom Weavers Co-op Society.

Loom Chronicles is a monthly series on Indias diverse handlooms, their signature elements, and the history hidden within their folds.
Duncan, OK (73533)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Damaging winds, large hail and possibly a tornado with some storms. Low 46F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies after midnight. Damaging winds, large hail and possibly a tornado with some storms. Low 46F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%.






This combination of images from a computer animation made available by NASA in December 2021 depicts the unfolding of the components of the James Webb Space Telescope. AP-Yonhap



The most powerful space telescope ever built completed a tricky two-week-long deployment phase Saturday, unfolding its final golden mirror panel, as it readies to study every phase of cosmic history.



Engineering teams in the James Webb Space Telescope's control room cheered as confirmation came back that its final wing was deployed and latched into place.



"I'm emotional about it  what an amazing milestone," Thomas Zurbuchen, a senior NASA engineer, said during the live video feed as stargazers worldwide celebrated.



Because the telescope was too large to fit into a rocket's nose cone in its operational configuration, it was transported folded up.



Unfurling has been a complex and risky task  "arguably the most challenging deployment program ever done by NASA," said NASA engineer Mike Menzel.



On Saturday morning, engineers sent a command from the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland for the final section of golden mirror to unfold.



According to NASA, after the mirror was latched into place at 1:17 PM (1817 GMT), "the team declared all major deployments successfully completed."



"I want to tell you just how excited and emotional I am right now," said Zurbuchen on the live video feed. "We have a deployed telescope in orbit."



Webb, the successor to Hubble, blasted off in an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana on December 25, and is heading to its orbital point, a million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth.



Though Webb will reach its space destination, known as the second Lagrange Point, in a matter of weeks, it still has around another five-and-a-half months of setup procedures before it is declared operational.



"While the journey is not complete, I join the Webb team in breathing a little easier and imagining the future breakthroughs bound to inspire the world," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.



Next steps include aligning the telescope's optics, and calibrating its scientific instruments.





Engineering teams celebrate at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, M.D., Jan. 8, after the second primary mirror wing of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope unfolded, before beginning the process of latching it into place, in this handout photo from NASA. EPA-Yonhap
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Alec Baldwin has said the only way the death of Halyna Hutchins can be honoured is to find out the truth and that any suggestion that he is not complying with a search warrant for his phone is a lie.

Authorities in the US issued a warrant in December for the actors mobile phone to be seized and searched, as part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Hutchins.

It is believed there may be evidence on the phone relevant to the incident in which a prop gun went off, fatally injuring the 42-year-old cinematographer on the Rust film set in New Mexico.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alec Baldwin (@alecbaldwininsta)

Baldwin, 63, discussed the search warrant in a video he shared to Instagram, where he first speaks of his joy at being reunited with a sentimental packet of Splenda sweetener given to him by a female fan.

He then says: Any suggestion that I am not complying with requests or orders or demands or search warrants about my phone, thats bullshit, thats a lie.

This is a process where one state makes the request of another state. Someone from another state cant come to you and say, Give me your phone, give me this, give me that. They cant do that. Theyve got to go through the state you live in.

And its a process that takes time and they have to specify what exactly they want.

They cant just go through your phone and take your photos or your love letters to your wife or what have you, I really dont know.

But of course, we are 1000% going to comply with all that, were perfectly fine with that.

Director Joel Souza, 48, was also wounded in the shooting on the Bonanza Creek Ranch film set near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Baldwin has said he did not know the gun contained a live round and that investigators must find out who put it in the weapon.



Alec Baldwin has said he did not know the gun contained a live round

The actor continued in his video post: The best way, the only way, we can honour the death of Halyna Hutchins is to find out the truth.

Thats what Im working toward, insisting on, demanding that the organisations involved in this investigation do everything in their power to find out what really happened. Thats all that matters.

The best way to honour the death of Halyna Hutchins is to find out the truth and any suggestion that were not complying, myself and any lawyers Im working with, is a lie.

As soon as we go through this process, by all means we will comply.

But I have no worries about that, thats all going to work itself out.

Santa Fe magistrates court issued the warrant, requested by the sheriffs department, for the phone to be seized and searched.

Court documents said: Affiant believes there may be evidence on the phone, due to individuals using cellular phones during and/or after the commission of crime(s).

Such information, if it exists, may be material and relevant to this investigation.

Affiant was also made aware there were several emails and text messages sent and received regarding the movie production Rust in the course of interviews.
North Andover, MA (01845)

Today

Rain likely. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
The books listed below are now available for checkout at the Clovis-Carver Public Library. The library is open to the public, but patrons can still visit the online catalog at cloviscarverpl.booksys.net/opac/ccpl or call 575-769-7840 to request a specific item for curbside pickup.

Floodplain information: In conjunction with the City of Clovis Floodplain Management Program, the library maintains a collection of materials on National Flood Insurance programs including maps of local flood plains, manuals for designing or retrofitting structures, handbooks on residential repair, guidelines for erosion control, and similar topics. Librarians will be happy to assist users in locating these materials.

Clean: The New Science of Skin by James Hamblin. Keeping skin healthy is a booming industry, and yet it seems like almost no one agrees on what actually works. Confusing messages from health authorities and ineffective treatments have left many people desperate for reliable solutions. An enormous alternative industry is filling the void, selling products that are often of questionable safety and totally unknown effectiveness. In Clean, doctor and journalist James Hamblin explores how we got here, examining the science and culture of how we care for our skin today.

All-Time Favorite Recipes From Colorado Cooks by Gooseberry Patch. All-Time-Favorite Recipes from Colorado Cooks has tried & true recipes for every meal of the day, plus yummy party treats and delicious desserts, easy-to-make dishes, family-pleasing meals like burgers, casseroles, salads, fun trivia about Colorado, and time-saving tips and helps ti get meals on the table in a jiffy.

The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston. Brianna is the youngest of the three Porter sisters and the only one who chose to stay in the small town of Splendid Lake, North Carolina. She followed in her fathers footsteps and became an expert boat mechanic, helping him run their small resort with cabin rentals, a convenience store, and a marina. When Briannas father unexpectedly dies, Brianna is steeped in grief and guilt  then left alone to clean up the mess. To make matters worse, a constant stream of real estate brokers begins marching through her property, offering to buy the family land. In particular, she keeps running into handsome real estate mogul Scott Gibson. As Brianna struggles to keep it all together, Scott finds his way into her heart. And as the two fight against their feelings, they just might find themselves forging a surprising and exciting new love at Splendid Lake

Paybacks A Witch by Lana Harper. Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one-in part because she hasnt been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. Her self-imposed exile has a lot to do with a complicated family history and a desire to forge her own way in the world, and only the very tiniest bit to do with Gareth Blackmoore, heir to the most powerful magical family in town and casual breaker of hearts and destroyer of dreams. But when a spellcasting tournament that her family serves as arbiters for approaches, it turns out the pull of tradition is strong enough to bring Emmy back. On her first night home, Emmy runs into Talia Avramov-who is fresh off a bad breakup ... with Gareth Blackmoore. And now she wants revenge. Only one question stands: Is Emmy in?

Truths I Never Told You by Kelly Rimmer. With her father recently moved to a care facility, Beth Walsh volunteers to clear out the family home and is surprised to discover the door to her childhood playroom padlocked. Shes even more shocked at whats behind it-a hoarders mess. As she picks through the clutter, she finds a loose journal entry in what appears to be her late mothers handwriting. Beth and her siblings grew up believing their mother died in a car accident when they were little more than toddlers, but this note suggests something much darker.

 Summaries provided by library staff
A process of more than two years, and a public back and forth during two months of Clovis city commission meetings, was resolved Thursday in roughly 35 minutes with the commission voting 7-0 in favor of a pared-down sign ordinance.

The ordinance approved Thursday grandfathered nearly every type of sign currently existing in the city, regardless of size, height or property setback, and removed any trigger mechanisms requiring compliance if the respective business changed hands. The only signs outlawed by the code, City Attorney Jared Morris said, were temporary signs and directional signs.

According to the final draft of the ordinance, released three hours before the Thursday meeting, temporary signs not in compliance with the code must be removed or brought into compliance immediately, and directional signs shall be brought into compliance within a year.

Among the ordinance items clarified by city officials at the meeting:

 A rule governing flagpoles provided residents up to two flagpoles with maximum heights of the greater of 30 feet or the residence's highest point. The resident would be limited to four flags, but City Manager Justin Howalt said government-sanctioned flags like the U.S. or New Mexico flag did not count against the limit.

 A rule requiring the removal of non-comforming billboards built on or after Dec. 5 was removed. Going forward, the ordinance requires billboards be at least 1,000 feet from each other and no higher than 40 feet, with no greater than 300 square feet of sign area.

First work on the ordinance, which was tabled in a November commission meeting and introduced Dec. 2, began in June 2019, after the city replaced its existing zoning laws with the Unified Development Ordinance. Following completion of the UDO, the city saw a need to update its existing sign ordinance to adhere to a 2015 Supreme Court decision expanding what makes a sign code content-based and unconstitutional.

Since staff was working on a new sign code anyway, Howalt said it made sense to also look at standards for sign sizes, heights and setbacks.

The ordinance drew plenty of opposition, with the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce creating an ad hoc committee to point out problem areas in the proposed code. Most of those concerns were raised during a Monday meeting at the chamber that was attended by business owners and numerous city commissioners and city staffers. Mayor Mike Morris said he felt the concerns had been addressed through numerous edits to the ordinance.

You've all acted in good faith  and also listened to the public, Morris told commissioners.

Bryan Ellis, who chaired the chamber's sign committee, told the commission the chamber supported the revised version and thanked commissioners for their work. Mayor Morris noted a petition against the ordinance, which was included in a chamber email announcing the meeting, got wide circulation and asked if there was any effort to see if businesses supported the ordinance. Ellis said he was not involved in the creation of the online petition.

Larry Kolek of Clovis asked how the ordinance would be enforced, particularly with the rules governing signs on windows and lawns of residential neighborhoods.

I can list off a bunch of ordinances that aren't implemented once they're approved, Kolek said, before mentioning the city has issues with street repairs, weeds and crime it should handle before tackling signs.

We have lots of challenges, Mayor Morris said, but that doesn't negate the need to make a good move towards a more orderly Clovis. I don't see the city of Clovis policing this.

District 2 Commissioner Gary Elliott asked if commissioners would consider tabling the ordinance, as many of his constituents had requested. Other commissioners saw no need to do so. District 4 Commissioner Megan Palla said she had received countless calls, emails and texts, and was thankful for them all because they made the commission and the ordinance better with their input; however, she felt all concerns had been addressed and tabling the item would change nothing. District 3 Commissioner Fidel Madrid said didn't see a problem that tabling the ordinance would address.

Commissioner Helen Casaus was absent from the meeting and did not vote.

In other action at Thursday's meeting:

 The commission approved fees for downtown restaurants to offer sidewalk dining, with a $200 one-time application and an annual $50 fee for use of city property surrounding the restaurants. Commissioners objected to the initial pitch of a one-time $250 fee plus annual fees between $500 and $1,000 depending on square footage of city property used. Howalt said the city needed to charge some price for using city property to abide by the state's antidonation clause.

Following the meeting, Howalt told The News he didn't believe the downtown's recent reclassification as a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area eliminated antidonation clause requirements. The policy also requires restaurants provide proof of $1 million in insurance for outdoor dining, with the city named as an insured party.

 Howalt introduced David Burch as the city's new information technology director. Burch, a Clovis native, has previous IT experience with Clovis Community College and Eastern New Mexico University.

 The city approved property and liability insurance with Travelers for the year, with a 7% increase from 2021. Much of the increase came in the cybersecurity area, and Purchasing Agent Bryan Jones praised both Burch and former IT Director Paul Nelson for their help in making sure that coverage was adequate.

 The city recognized Assistant City Clerk Vicki Reyes as distinguished line employee of the quarter and Julie Winkles of the Clovis Fire Department as distinguished supervisor.

 The commission met in executive session prior to the meeting to discuss pending or threatened litigation, but took no action during the meeting.

 The next meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Jan. 20 at the North Annex of the Clovis-Carver Public Library.






Chinese immigrant Yao Pan Ma is shown hospitalized after he was attacked in April while collecting cans in the East Harlem neighborhood of New York, in this Oct. 27, 2021, photo provided by Karlin Chan. Ma died Dec. 31. AP-Yonhap
The March 1 municipal elections in Clovis and Portales will feature three incumbents facing challenges for their seats, following Tuesdays filing day.

In Portales, Mayor Ron Jackson is facing opposition from Reydecel Coss, Eastern New Mexico Universitys Campus Life director, while Ward B Councilor Oscar Robinson is facing two opponents.

In Clovis, two city commission seats will have contested races, one a two-year term and one a four-year term with no incumbent on the ballot.

Jackson said he wants to remain as Portales mayor to continue some projects that have been started while he has served on the council.

I feel the city is headed in the right direction, he said, and he wants to continue with matters the community cares about.

In addition, he said, I would like to see better things for the city.

Jackson said his 12 years on the council, with the past four years as mayor, have prepared him for situations the city may face, and he would like to keep the city moving forward.

Coss, said he thinks the city needs new vision for business and industry, and more opportunities for Portales residents to start small businesses.

Coss said he wants to work with city employees to ensure they are working at maximum efficiency, and said he would listen to their suggestions to make the city successful. He added he wants to work with first responders to enhance safety and security in the city.

I want to be an agent of change, he said.

Coss said he has lived in Portales since he was a student at ENMU, beginning in 2009.

I fell in love with the campus and the community, he said.

Robinson said he wants to remain on the council representing Ward B to bring closure on projects that include roads, recreation, reopening the citys public swimming pool, and economic development.

He said he wants to help create more job opportunities in the city and improve its shopping opportunities.

Robinson wants to work with the countys economic development board to bring in new business and help existing businesses expand, he said.

Portales, he said, is a rose in the desert and I want to help make it a better rose.

One of Robinsons opponents, Grace Padilla, said she is running because I want to be more involved in what is going on in Portales; I want to be part of the decision-making on how to improve our town.

She said she wants to have a voice in decisions about changes and improvements in the city.

I would like to be a part of a team that can make a difference and also let the people of Portales know that they too have a voice, she said.

John Bonifant, another contender for the Ward B position, said he is motivated because I have always wanted to try and do this, adding I have always wanted to be part of my community and to help out.

Bonifant said he has a small family and has noted there is really not much for younger kids in the community to do, nowhere for them to play or hang out in the area.

He would like to change that, he said, adding Im a good listener and believe that everyone in Portales has something to say and would like the chance to be heard.

In Clovis, James Burns is running to serve out the final two years of the District 1 commission term he was appointed to in October. He will be challenged by George Jones, who lost a 4-3 commission vote to Burns.

Burns said he wants to stay on with the two years left in the term to which he was appointed.

I really enjoy living in Clovis, and I think the city is in really good hands, he said. I think I can be of benefit to the citizens of Clovis by helping to steer the city in the right direction.

Jones, who spent 26 years in the U.S. Air Force and eight years as chair of the Cannon Federal Credit Union board of directors, told The News he has a desire to serve.

Jones has served on the citys Public Works committee, Economic Incentive board and the Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) task force, as well as the citys Charter Review committee. The committee presented several recommended changes to the city commission, four of which will be on the March 1 ballot, he said.

The decision to run for the District 1 city commissioner is not something I take lightly, Jones said. I have seen the city of Clovis grow in a positive direction and I want to have a vote in the citys continued growth.

Jones said if he is elected, he will focus on economic development first, then on finances, public safety, infrastructure, quality of life and city services.

In District 3, Fidel Madrid chose to vacate the city post; he told The News he intends to run for the Curry County Commission. Both of the candidates seeking to replace him are former city employees.

Paul Nelson, who retired this year as the citys information technology director, is facing off with David Bryant, a former city purchasing agent.

Nelson retired after 23 years as a city employee.

He is running for the commission, he said, because his knowledge about city employment would be a benefit to current city employees and to the city as a whole.

Bryant said he is running to help the city meet significant challenges in the future, and said new vacancies in city positions is encouraging because new employees may help the city launch new beginnings.

Bryant said public safety is a major concern, and he wants to help the city avoid losing police officers.

Charter questions: Clovis voters will also have four questions regarding the city charter. Questions include raising the recall petition signature requirement from 20% of prior municipal election turnout to 33 1/3%, requiring a recall petition include a reason, eliminating a section on term limits rendered unenforceable by the state constitution and an editing of the charter to be gender-neutral (i.e. amending sections where commissioners are referred to as himself).

Uncontested races: In Portales, four incumbents were the lone signups for their positions - Barbara George for municipal judge, Jake Lopez for Ward A councilor, Mike Miller for Ward C councilor and Dianne Parker for Ward D councilor.

Three incumbents in Clovis were the only people to sign up Tuesday  Vicki Kelley for municipal judge, Juan Garza for District 1 of the city commission and Megan Palla for District 4. Ronald Porter was the lone only person to sign up for the District 2 commission seat, which was vacant with Gary Elliott declining to seek a third term.

Texico and Elida have no contested municipal races.

In Texico, those signing up were Jerry Bradley for mayor, Max Carter for Position 1 on the council, Oran Audrey for Position 2 and Joshua Gussendorf for municipal judge.

In Elida, Durward Dixon filed to continue as mayor.

Also signing up for office were Steve Barron in Trustee Position 1, Beverly Creighton in Trustee Position 2 and C.D. Newberry for municipal judge.

Write-in filing: Tuesday will be the only day for write-in candidates to file for municipal elections. It is also the last day for a candidate to withdraw from the ballot.
PORTALES - Lonzo Lassiter made a lasting impression on students and faculty alike as an instructor at Eastern New Mexico University.

Lassiter died on Dec. 8 at age 70, and Patricia Dobson, chair of the ENMU Communications Department said, "I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that he's gone."

Darrell Roe, another communications faculty member, remembered Lassiter as a "kind, kind person."

"It would pick up your day when he talked to you," he said.

Lassiter also had great stories, he said, especially about people Lassiter had known in construction and the music business.

Dobson said Lassiter was a Renaissance man, one who could do a wide variety of things very well, and especially, "He had a gift for working with students."

She then pointed out Lassiter's "great sense of humor."

"He was a prankster," she said.

Lassiter had a moustache that draped around his chin, a video featuring Lassiter shows, and Dobson said he crafted the same moustache on a mannequin head and gave it "awful hair," so its appearance was scary. The mannequin head would find its way throughout the building, including Dobson's office.

"I would come in from a faculty meeting," she said, "and there that head would be, on my desk or even hanging from the ceiling."

Mostly, however, Lassiter's dedication to creating opportunities for his students was what Dobson remembered most.

He helped set up video productions at ENMU, at Clovis Community College and in and around Portales. Whenever he was called, Dobson said, he would bring students to help out and learn the craft of video.

Dobson said Lassiter could work as a producer, a set designer, a camera operator and could set up camera shoots. "He just knew what needed to be done and could do it."

Roe remembered, "He helped me put our radio station together. He made our our radio room more professional like a studio, a professional radio booth."

Lassiter was also a skilled ceramic artist.

"He showed the same patience in learning pottery that he did as a teacher," Dobson said.

Even more remarkable, Dobson said, was that Dobson did not discover college or communications until he turned 50.

An article published in 2011 in the Eastern New Mexico News stated that Lassiter had been working as a carpenter when he had some surgery that left him unable to continue in that line of work.

According to his obituary published in The News, Lassiter had also worked as a signalman for the Santa Fe Railroad, and a machinist, before his life changed at age 50.

After the surgery, he turned his attention to college and enrolled at ENMU. As a student, he discovered communications, and became a star among non-traditional students at ENMU. He went on to earn a master's degree in communications, working in the video production skills as he worked toward the advanced degree, Dobson said.

Dobson said ENMU readily placed Lassiter on its faculty when he earned the master's degree.

Lassiter retired from ENMU in 2018. His legacy, Dobson said, was his gifts for working with students and people in general.

Roe remembered that people were drawn to Lassiter.

"People drew to him because of his personality and genuineness," Roe said. "He was a kind, sincere person."

Roe remembered that Lassiter also visited his special-needs granddaughter in Albuquerque whenever he could. He was quite fond of the granddaughter and was saddened when his health changed and he could not travel as much.

After learning of Lassiter's death, Dobson said, she went to work to establish the new Lonzo Lassiter scholarship for students in the Communications Department.

The first such scholarship, she said, will be awarded in April.
By the Staff of The News

The History Channel program American Pickers is planning a visit to New Mexico in March, and is looking for private individuals with interesting collections.

Meredith Ball, an associate producer for the program, told The News the shows filming locations will be determined based on the feedback received.

Collectors interested in being considered for the show can call 646-493-2184 or email [email protected] Inquiries should include a full name, city/state, contact information, and a brief description of the collection in question.

The show is only interested in private collections, and will not respond to pitches involving stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public.
Right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro approved a law late Wednesday that would extend the nations coal use by more than a decade.

Previously, the government was supposed to end subsidies for coal plants by 2027 and rescind the authorization for three new plants in particular by 2025. But the new just transition law allows for coal use through at least 2040.

This is bad news for consumers and the environment, Ricardo Baitelo, a project coordinator at non-profit the Institute of Energy and Environment (IEMA), told Reuters.

Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, and scientists say that if we want to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, then nearly all coal burning must stop by 2050. At the COP26 UN climate conference in Glasgow last November, Brazil pledged to half its emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the Brazil-Arab News Agency reported at the time.

Extending coal use contradicts the energy transition, with significant environmental impacts, and extends to inefficient costs for all energy consumers, the Association of Large Energy Consumers (Abrace) said, as The Catholic Transcript reported.

The law in question is a just energy transition law, referring in theory to the movement to ensure that the switch to a renewable energy economy benefits everyone, and that those impacted by the change are compensated, Reuters explained. However, Nelson Karam, a just transition project coordinator at union research organization DIEESE, argued that the law merely appropriates the language of a just transition to prop up coal.

In particular, the law benefits coal plants in Brazils southern Santa Catarina region, requiring that the government buy energy from these plants at a set price. Further, 80 percent of the energy in the region must come from these plants, The Market Herald reported.

In addition to harming the environment, this is also more costly for consumers because coal is more expensive than renewables. ABRACE said the law could cost consumers an extra $206.11 million a year.

The bills author, Senator Espiridiao Amin, said on social media that it was an important achievement for Santa Catarina, as Reuters reported.

Further, The General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic said it would maintain the goals of carbon neutrality for the Brazilian economy until 2050, and deal responsibly with the economic, social and environmental impacts of phasing out coal, according to The Catholic Transcript.

However, Karam told Reuters that employment in the regions coal sector was set to decline anyway because of mechanization, and that it made more sense to focus on a real transition away from the fossil fuel.

A real just transition needs to be built  by presenting alternatives. There has to be a heavy investment in that, he said.
President Joe Biden officially took office Wednesday, and immediately set to work reversing some of former President Donald Trumps environmental policies.

As he did on his campaign and transition website, Biden emphasized the climate crisis as one of the major challenges facing his administration, along with the coronavirus pandemic and systemic racism. A cry for survival comes from the planet itself, Biden said in his inaugural address. A cry that cant be any more desperate or any more clear. Hours after his inauguration, Biden signed a total of 17 executive orders, memorandums and proclamations, The New York Times reported. Some of these orders had important implications for the climate and environment.

3. Reversing Trumps Rollbacks The same executive order also empowered agencies to review Trumps many environmental rollbacks. It established commitments to listen to science, protect public health and the environment and conserve sites of national interest. Additionally, the order asked federal agencies to review any Trump regulations that violated these commitments. The order specifically highlighted four rollbacks to be halted, altered or revoked: methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks, energy efficiency standards for appliances and buildings, and air pollution controls, including the decision to limit certain scientific studies for setting public health policies. Further, Biden called for a review of the shrinking of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments and the opening the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument to commercial fishing. Biden also paused oil and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

4. Stopping Border Wall Construction Biden also signed an executive order stopping construction of the wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. While the order did not mention the environment, several conservation groups have opposed the wall for its impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. One study found that wall construction could threaten eight species with extinction. It also imperils the National Butterfly Center in Texas, home to important pollinators. Bidens initial actions prompted excitement from world leaders and environmental groups. Welcome back to the Paris Agreement! French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted. However, everyone, including Biden, acknowledged that more work remained.
The Keystone XL pipeline is officially canceled.

TC Energy, the Canadian company behind the pipeline that would have moved oil from Albertas tar sands to Nebraska, confirmed Wednesday that it was giving up on the controversial project.

The Company will continue to coordinate with regulators, stakeholders and Indigenous groups to meet its environmental and regulatory commitments and ensure a safe termination of and exit from the Project, the company wrote.

The news was met with jubilation from environmental and Indigenous groups who had spent years battling the project over concerns it would worsen the climate crisis and harm the ecosystems and communities along its route.

After more than 10 years  we have finally defeated an oil and gas giant! Keystone XL is DEAD! the Indigenous Environmental Network tweeted in response to the news. We are dancing in our hearts for this victory!

After more than 10 years  we have finally defeated an oil and gas giant! Keystone XL is DEAD! We are dancing in our hearts for this victory! #NoKXL #NoTarSands https://t.co/q5lkfKatft  Indigenous Environmental Network (@IENearth) June 9, 2021

The defeated pipeline would have extended 1,179 miles and transported 800,000 barrels of oil a day from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast, The New York Times explained. It would have ended in Nebraska, but connected to other pipelines that would help the oil complete its journey, as The AP reported.

However, environmental activists have long argued that now was the wrong time to lock in more fossil fuel infrastructure. For them, Wednesdays victory was a long time coming. Protests against the pipeline first persuaded President Barack Obama to cancel a key permit for the project in 2015. Obamas decision was then reversed two years later, when President Donald Trump restored the permit early into his term. This was not a clear victory for the project, however, because a federal judge blocked further construction in 2018, arguing that the Trump administration had not carried out full environmental reviews, according to The New York Times.

When President Joe Biden took office, he dealt another blow to the project by canceling its permit again, on his first day. TC Energy had halted construction on the project following Bidens decision, and finally decided to cancel the project altogether after reviewing its options.

The Canadian government opposed Bidens decision, and the regional government of Alberta, which invested more than $1 billion to speed construction last year, expressed disappointment in the outcome, according to The AP.

We remain disappointed and frustrated with the circumstances surrounding the Keystone XL project, including the cancellation of the presidential permit for the pipelines border crossing, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said in a statement reported by The AP.

Some U.S. Republicans also criticized the Biden administration for effectively killing the project.

President Biden killed the Keystone XL Pipeline and with it, thousands of good-paying American jobs, Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, who is also the leading Republican on the Senate energy committee, told The AP.

Pipeline opponents, meanwhile, noted that there are still other controversial pipelines under construction. Earlier this week, hundreds of people were arrested for protesting the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline, which would carry oil across the Canadian border into Minnesota, The New York Times noted.

The termination of this zombie pipeline sets precedent for President Biden and polluters to stop Line 3, Dakota Access, and all fossil fuel projects, 350.org campaign manager Kendall Mackey told The New York Times. This victory puts polluters and their financiers on notice: Terminate your fossil fuel projects now  or a relentless mass movement will stop them for you.

The Indigenous Environmental Network, meanwhile, pointed out that some Keystone XL opponents still face charges for their activism.

Lets also not forget that there are water protectors like Jasilyn Charger and Oscar High Elk who are still facing charges for putting their bodies on the frontline for us all, the group tweeted.
A Texas judge just drove another nail into the coffin of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline.

Federal Judge Jeffrey Brown said Thursday that a legal challenge to President Joe Bidens cancellation of a key pipeline permit was moot because the company behind the project had already backed out.

The court takes TC Energy at its word that Keystone XL is dead. And because it is dead, any ruling this court makes on whether President Biden had the authority to revoke the permit would be advisory, Brown ruled, as The Hill reported. Thus, the court has no jurisdiction and the case must be dismissed as moot.

The decision is the latest in a tug-of-war between Republicans and Democrats over the future of the controversial fossil fuel project, which would have carried 800,000 barrels of oil a day from the tar sands of Alberta, Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast. First, President Barack Obama canceled a key permit for the project in 2015 following nationwide protests. Then, President Donald Trump restored the permit two years later. Finally, Biden canceled the permit again on his first day in office, leading Canadian company TC Energy to give up on the project officially in June of 2021.

However, three months before TC Energy made its announcement, the Republican attorneys-general of more than 20 states sued over Bidens decision to cancel the permit, according to The Hill. The lawsuit argued that the pipelines fate should be decided by Congress and that the states, which included Texas and Alabama, stood to lose millions of dollars in tax revenue, Bloomberg Law reported.

In July, the federal government told the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas that TC Energys decision to abandon the project made the lawsuit moot. However, the states in question argued this was not the case, Argus reported. If the permit were reinstated, it would certainly lead to the resurrection of the project, they said.

Brown, a Trump appointee, disagreed. He said that the permit cancellation was only the last straw for a project that had been delayed for ten years and that there was a dark shadow of doubt as to whether TC Energy would bother to start again.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said he was disappointed that TC Energys decision stopped the case from being heard.

Its unfortunate that the important constitutional question in this case  if the president can revoke a congressionally approved cross-border permit  will go unanswered because TC Energy inserted itself into the court proceedings unprompted, he said in a statement reported by The Hill. This also deprived Montanans and residents of other states who would have benefited from the pipelines jobs and tax revenue of their day in court.

However, the judges decision affirms an outcome that environmental and Indigenous groups saw as a win that will stop more greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere and protect water, wildlife and frontline communities along the pipelines proposed route.

The end of Keystone XL is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together with the shared goal of protecting our communities, our clean water, and the climate, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune said in a statement when TC Energys decision was first announced. This is a major victory for our movement, and it wont be the last.
A record-sized hole has opened in the ozone layer over the Arctic, The Guardian reported Tuesday.

While both poles lose some ozone during their winters, the Arctic tends to lose much less than Antarctica, where the larger and more famous ozone hole is located, the European Space Agency (ESA) explained. This years anomaly is the result of a combination of unusually low Arctic temperatures, sunlight, wind fields and human emissions of ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFC). This doesnt mean ozone-depleting emissions are increasing, director of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Vincent-Henri Peuch told The Guardian. However, this is a reminder that one should not take the Montreal Protocol measures for granted, and that observations from the ground and from satellites are pivotal to avoid a situation where the chlorine and bromine levels in the stratosphere could increase again, he said.

The ozone layer is a layer of protective gas in the stratosphere that shields Earth from the suns ultraviolet light, which can cause skin cancer and cataracts, ESA explained. In Antarctica, a hole in this protective coating is ripped every winter when cold temperatures cause high clouds to form over the pole, as Nature reported. These clouds react with human emissions of chemicals like chlorine and bromine, which then deplete the ozone layer. Usually, the North Pole doesnt get consistently cold enough for these reactions to occur. But this year, a polar vortex trapped so much cold air above the Arctic that there was more than at any time since 1979.

The hole is principally a geophysical curiosity, Peuch told The Guardian. We monitored unusual dynamic conditions, which drive the process of chemical depletion of ozone. [Those dynamics] allowed for lower temperatures and a more stable vortex than usual over the Arctic, which then triggered the formation of polar stratospheric clouds and the catalytic destruction of ozone. The unusual hole is still smaller than its Antarctic counterpart. The ozone hole we observe over the Arctic this year has a maximum extension of less than 1 million sq km. This is small compared to the Antarctic hole, which can reach a size of around 20 to 25 million sq km with a normal duration of around 3 to 4 months, Diego Loyola from the German Aerospace Center told ESA. It also is not expected to last as long. It formed around March 14 and is projected to disappear by mid April.
Today, President Donald Trump will scrap key aspects of former-President Obamas climate leadership, as he reportedly plans to sign Executive Orders to move the the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines forward.

TransCanada, the foreign company behind the Keystone XL project, will attempt to use eminent domain to sue American landowners and seize their private property in order to pipe this dirty fuel across the U.S. for export. After Obama rejected the pipeline in 2015, TransCanada sued the U.S. under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for $15 billion. Despite his previous remarks concerning NAFTA, Trump did not address the company and its lawsuit before approving the project.

Following months of national opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline, the Department of the Army ordered an environmental review of the project in December of 2016. The pipeline was originally proposed to cross the Missouri River just above Bismarck, North Dakota, but after complaints, it was rerouted to cross the river along sacred Tribal grounds, less than a mile from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

Trump had invested in Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline. His spokespeople have claimed that he has since divested, but no proof has been presented.

Donald Trump has been in office for four days and hes already proving to be the dangerous threat to our climate we feared he would be. But, these pipelines are far from being in the clear. The millions of Americans and hundreds of Tribes that stood up to block them in the first place will not be silenced and will continue fighting these dirty and dangerous projects.

Trump claims hes a good businessman, yet hes encouraging dirty, dangerous tar sands development when clean energy is growing faster, producing more jobs and has a real future. Trump claims he cares about the American people, but hes allowing oil companies to steal and threaten their land by constructing dirty and dangerous pipelines through it. Trump claims he wants to protect peoples clean air and water, but hes permitting a tar sand superhighway that will endanger both and hasten the climate crisis.

The Keystone pipeline was rejected because it was not in the countrys interest and the environmental review of the Dakota Access Pipeline was ordered because of the threats it poses to the Standing Rock Sioux. Nothing has changed. These pipelines were a bad idea then and theyre a bad idea now.

Simply put, Donald Trump is who we thought he is: a person who will sell off Americans property and Tribal rights, clean air and safe water to corporate polluters.
What Is the Keystone Pipeline?

The Keystone pipeline is an existing structure that carries oil from Alberta, Canada, down to Cushing, Oklahoma. The major controversy surrounds a proposed 1,200-mile extension, or shortcut, between Alberta and Nebraska. Dubbed the Keystone XL pipeline, this additional route would connect into the existing Keystone pipeline in Nebraska, which extends onward to Texas. Its worth noting that the proposed shortcut shouldnt be confused with an already existing Keystone XL extension between Oklahoma and Texas, called the Gulf Coast pipeline, which has been operating since 2014.

The additional extension has been under consideration since 2008, when Canadian-based TC Energy (known as TransCanada at the time) decided this would be the best way to ramp up oil production as the route would allow 830,000 barrels a day to be transported to Texas. The current pipeline carries around 550,000 barrels a day from Canada. However, the proposed shortcut faced almost immediate objections from a varied contingency concerning the pipelines environmental impact. For more than a decade the project has been caught in a tug of war between political administrations, environmentalists and oil lobbyists, alternating between having permits granted then revoked. The battle continues to this day.

How Much of the Keystone Pipeline Is Completed?

Its estimated that just eight percent of the Keystone XL pipeline has been built so far, although President Joe Biden canceled the project in January 2021.

History

Understanding the fuller picture of the pipelines complicated history involves some patience. The pipeline first underwent environmental review by the U.S. State Department in 2009. Around this time, Nebraskans started raising concerns about the pipelines potential impact on farmland and a major water system. The State Department approved the pipeline moving forward in 2010 after determining it would have a minimal effect on the environment, but this only increased opposition from state legislators and scientists. As a result, the State Department delayed the project for another year pending additional review, yet came to the same conclusion in 2011.

Following increased protest activity that year surrounding environmental concerns in Nebraska, the department revised its decision and ordered the pipeline to be rerouted through the state, and TC Energy agreed. Yet this wasnt the end. Barack Obama, president at the time, blocked the Alberta to Nebraska extension based on insufficient time for officials to properly review the new proposed route.

Meanwhile, TC Energy moved forward with the southern extension from Oklahoma to Texas in 2012 while re-submitting a new reroute application for the first leg. No sooner did Nebraska approve the new route in 2013 before opponents filed a lawsuit against the state government. In 2014 a Nebraska judge ruled in favor of the opposition, and the State Department once again suspended moving forward. After being laddered up to the Nebraska Supreme Court, the previous ruling was overturned in 2015 and the U.S. Senate greenlit Keystone XL to resume yet again. President Obama immediately vetoed the bill; later that year the administration rejected TC Energys reroute application, putting a supposed end to the project.

That is, until Donald Trump took office in 2016. One of President Trumps first orders revived the Keystone XL pipeline in 2017. A federal judge blocked that order in 2018, pending an environmental review. Not to be outdone, President Trump issued a presidential permit in 2019 allowing the pipeline to proceed, and construction began in 2020.

Why Is There So Much Opposition?



Members of the Cowboy and Indian Alliance, including Native Americans, farmers and ranchers from across the United States, begin a demonstration against the proposed Keystone XL pipeline in front of the U.S. Capitol April 22, 2014 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

The type of oil that TC Energy wants to transport from Alberta via the XL pipeline is known as tar sands, a thick-as-molasses oil due to a hydrocarbon substance called bitumen, which also contains a mixture of clay, sand and water. This type of oil is considered one of the dirtiest fossil fuels on the planet. Extracting it involves clearing large swaths of biodiverse boreal forest and using steam to liquefy the underground bitumen. All of this comes at a great cost to the environment and contributes to climate change, explaining why so many different groups are opposed to the project. Yet just as many groups have political and financial reasons to keep the Keystone XL pipeline alive.

Financial Motivators

For starters, the U.S. oil industry finds tar sands oil attractive because it means less of a reliance on oil from the Middle East, while the XL extension would prove cheaper than using rail transportation. Investors also want to protect their stake in the $8 billion pipeline.

Then there are other industry supporters, including the National Association of Manufacturers and construction unions, who have vested reasons for supporting claims that the pipeline would rely on renewable energy and achieve net-zero emissions by 2023, according to TC Energy. However, fully offsetting pipeline emissions wouldnt help to reduce any of the emissions created by those using the actual tar sands oil.

The Global Energy Institute within the U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports Keystone XL because it claims the pipelines construction would provide more than 13,000 jobs to Americans and Canadians and generate $3.4 billion in U.S. GDP growth. That number also encompasses millions from state and local taxes. The Global Energy Institute has recently accused President Biden of making a politically motivated decision to cancel the pipeline, claiming that the pipeline would in fact protect the environment while boosting the domestic economy.

Yet there are valid claims that the refined tar sands oil wouldnt even be sold in the U.S., but instead benefit the global market since Canada is free to sell the oil to anyone, all while the pipeline takes a toll on American land and water.

Not only that, but the State Department estimated that Keystone XL would ultimately create just 35 full-time jobs to operate the pipeline  so the thousands that are touted would be temporary jobs.

Political Motivators

The pipeline became caught in political crosshairs since it crosses the Canadian border, meaning TC Energy cant proceed without a permit from the U.S. State Department.

Keystone XL has become highly politicized since its introduction in 2008, with democrats concerned about climate change (generally) opposing it and republicans who deny climate change (generally) supporting it. As mentioned in the timeline, former President Obama continually rejected the pipeline due to concerns about the rushed nature of environmental considerations. Later, former President Trump sought to immediately restore the Keystone XL project upon taking office: in part because his predecessor rejected it, and in part because of motivators that had more to do with maintaining economic reliance on the fossil fuel trade and less to do with worrying about climate change issues.

Ultimately, the real issue comes down to the environment.

How Does the Pipeline Impact the Environment and Society?



Heavy oil seen mixed with water in a tailings pond in the Alberta Oilsands. dan_prat / iStock / Getty Images

Tar Sands Oil



As previously touched upon, tar sands is not your average oil. Accessing it requires two different methods, neither of which is environmentally friendly. Both require water from the nearby Athabasca River in Alberta, taxing its finite quantities. The first method, involving surface mining, creates gallons of wastewater in the process. This wastewater is stored in tailings ponds, where the toxic water is more likely to leak into the environment. The other method involves pumping steam underground in order to access the needed bitumen through a well. This method also requires burning fossil fuels in the process. In fact, extracting tar sands oil produces more greenhouse gas emissions than extracting other natural resources.

Extraction methods arent the only environmental threat. Oil pipeline leaks and spills are very real dangers too. In 2010, a faulty pipeline carrying tar sands oil leaked 843,000 gallons into Michigans Kalamazoo River. Owned by Canadian-based Enbridge, the companys slow response to stop the spill prompted area evacuations and permanently damaged the Talmadge Creek, the initial site of the spill. The incident is considered the largest inland oil spill to occur in the U.S. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated that the oil damaged more than 1,560 acres of streams and rivers and negatively impacted at least 4,000 area animals that needed to be saved. Not only that, but removing bitumen from the environment is a far more costly and involved process than typical crude oil, itself a costly and involved process. Whereas crude oil floats on a surface, bitumen sinks.

Then theres the matter of using tar sands oil itself as a fossil fuel. As it stands, burning the full amount that current technology is able to extract would contribute 22 billion metric tons of carbon to the atmosphere. The worst-case scenario predicts burning the maximum amount of tar sands oil that exists in Alberta would increase global warming by 0.4 degrees Celsius.

Indigenous Tribes

Parts of the proposed Keystone XL extension would run through or close to Indigenous territory, potentially threatening drinking water sources. There have already been oil leaks along existing parts of the Keystone pipeline, and the affected tribes, including the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota, have no reason to believe the extension would be any different. Besides the environmental dangers, the initial permits granted by the State Department ignored existing treaties between the government and Tribal Nations.

Farmers and Ranchers

Tribes arent the only ones whose rights and land have been threatened by the pipeline. Farms and ranches along the route have faced eminent domain, which would allow the government to take control of private land for public use; i.e., handing it over to TC Energy regardless of opposition. Nebraska has been a battleground state, with an estimated 92 percent of its land belonging to family-owned farms and ranches. Also at stake would be the Ogallala aquifer, an underwater supply that provides water to most of the state. If thats contaminated by leaks, the ramifications would take a toll on public health, agriculture, livestock and wildlife. One study estimates that even a small leak could contaminate five billion gallons of water. Its not just the tar-like bitumen that poses this danger; transporting sludgy tar sands oil requires carcinogenic chemicals to dilute it enough for pipelines.

Public Health

Tar sands oil poses additional hazards, both to local Alberta residents and those who live along the proposed route. Numerous studies have already linked higher cancer rates from polluted air and water in areas where people live near tar sands oil production or tar sand spills.

Wildlife

Its not just the public who is at risk. For example, Nebraska is home to 20,000 acres of dunes and prairie hills known as Sandhills. Its a popular pitstop for migrating sandhill cranes in particular. TC Energys proposed reroute would still cut straight through this region; a leak of any size could prove disastrous.

When Did the Pipeline Leak and Why?

Despite TC Energy touting an advanced leak detection system, the existing pipeline has leaked dozens of times since its inception in 2010, and locals have often been the first to notice and report many of them.

There were 35 leaks in the pipelines first year alone, including a 21,000-gallon spill impacting North Dakota. In 2016, about 16,800 gallons of oil leaked in South Dakota, but that was small compared to the following year, when 210,000 gallons spilled near the small town of Amherst, South Dakota. TC Energy later revised that number to 407,000 gallons of leaked oil. In 2019, an additional 378,000 gallons spilled in North Dakota.

Tar sands oil is more likely to leak than crude oil due to its corrosive nature and the high temperatures needed to transport it, and leaks are also much harder to detect. Not only that, but cleaning it up has proven to be a Herculean task. An NRDC report found that tar sand leaks are three times more likely than conventional crude oil. On top of that, a 2012 report revealed that leak detection systems missed 19 out of 20 leaks during a 10-year period. TC Energy itself admitted in 2011 that the company could only detect leaks greater than 500,000 gallons of tar sands a day.

As for what specifically caused all of the leaks to date? That depends, although variations of equipment failure is a recurring favorite. Its still unknown what caused the massive 2019 leak in North Dakota.

Whats Being Done About Keystone XL?

After years of back and forth, President Biden, who ran on a more climate-friendly platform than his predecessor President Trump, canceled the pipeline on his first day in office on Jan. 21, 2021. But the case still isnt closed. In response, 21 Republican-led states have since filed a lawsuit against Biden questioning his authority to make such a decision. (Nevermind that Trump overstepped his authority by issuing a 2019 presidential permit allowing the pipeline to proceed, thereby bypassing the required environmental reviews.)

Oil demand has also dropped since the pipelines initial proposal back in 2008, due in part to an economic shift toward clean energy and then decreased oil usage during the 2020 COVID pandemic. Plus early investors, including Shell and the Koch Brothers, have since pulled out of the deal. Though Keystone XL appears to have reached the end of the line, opponents say the final step involves removing the existing pipeline infrastructure.

Takeaway

The canceled Keystone XL pipeline is a promising step toward a less oil-reliant future, but its still a step. There remain other controversial pipelines caught up in legal battles, most notably the Dakota Access pipeline and Enbridges Line 3 replacement project. Resolving the ongoing oil pipeline threat ultimately requires a continued push toward clean energy, thereby eliminating the need for pipelines in the first place.

Meredith Rosenberg is a senior editor at EcoWatch. She holds a Masters from the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism in NYC and a B.A. from Temple University in Philadelphia.
Nyayiar Kuol holds her severely malnourished 1-year-old daughter Chuoder Wal in a hospital in Jonglei state, South Sudan Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. AP-Yonhap



Nyayiar Kuol cradled her severely malnourished 1-year-old daughter as they traveled for 16 hours on a crowded barge to the nearest hospital to their home in rural South Sudan. For months she had been feeding her four children just once a day, unable to cultivate because of disastrous flooding and without enough food assistance from the government or aid groups. She worries her daughter might die.



"I don't want to think about what could happen," she said.



Seated on her hospital bed in Old Fangak town in hard-hit Jonglei state, the 36-year-old Kuol tried to calm her daughter while blaming the government for not doing more. Nearly two years have passed since South Sudan formed a coalition government as part of a fragile peace deal to end a five-year civil war that plunged pockets of the country into famine, and yet Kuol said nothing has changed.



"If this country was really at peace, there wouldn't be hunger like there is now," she said.



More people will face hunger this year in South Sudan than ever, said aid groups. That's because of the worst floods in 60 years, as well as conflict and the sluggish implementation of the peace agreement that has denied much of the country basic services.



"2021 was the worst year since independence in the 10 years of the life of this country and 2022 will be worse. Food insecurity is at horrific levels," said Matthew Hollingworth, country representative for the World Food Program in South Sudan.



While the latest food security report by aid groups and the government has yet to be released, several aid officials familiar with the situation said preliminary data show that nearly 8.5 million people  out of the country's 12 million  will face severe hunger, an eight percent increase from last year. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak to the media.



Aid officials say worst affected Fangak county is now as bad as Pibor county was this time last year, when global food security experts said some 30,000 Pibor residents were likely in famine.



During trips to three South Sudan states in December, some civilians and government officials expressed concern to The Associated Press that people were beginning to starve to death.



In October, a mother and her child died in Pulpham village because they didn't have food, said Jeremiah Gatmai, the humanitarian representative for the government in Old Fangak.



Nearly 1 million people across South Sudan have been affected by the floods, according to the United Nations, which last year had to reduce food aid by half in most places because of funding constraints, affecting some three million people.



Two years of floods have prevented people from farming and killed more than 250,000 livestock in Jonglei state alone, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.



Some displaced families in Old Fangak said ground-up water lilies were their only daily meal. "We eat once a day in the morning and then sleep without food," said Nyaluak Chuol. The 20-year-old like some others lost her fishing net in the floods. When she has enough money, she pays a boy to fish for her.



Many residents from Jonglei have fled to neighboring states for food and shelter but have found little respite. In Malakal town, some 3,000 displaced people were crammed into abandoned buildings or sheltered under trees with nothing to eat.



"We're eating leaves and look like skeletons," Tut Jaknyang told the AP. The 60-year-old has received food assistance just once since fleeing floods in Jonglei in July, he said. He and others said a sack of donated rice had to be shared among 20 people.



North of Malakal in the town of Wau Shilluk, health workers said the number of malnourished children coming into the medical center rose from 10 between January and July to 26 between August and December, according to Christina Dak, a health worker with the International Medical Corps.



While flooding is the main driver of hunger, it's compounded by government deadlock as the country's two main political parties try to share power.



Local officials in Malakal aligned with the opposition accused members of longtime President Salva Kiir's party of undermining them by blocking political appointees and not letting them fire corrupt staff, making it hard to govern and provide services.



"We're not working as one team. No one's looking out for the people," said Byinj Erngst, the health minister in Upper Nile state.



Adding to the political tensions is ongoing fighting between government and opposition-aligned militias in the country's breadbasket in the southwest.



Government spokesman Michael Makuei said some relief such as medical services continues but there is only so much help that national authorities can give. "The floods have destroyed crops, what can the government do in that case?" he said.



Observers' frustration is growing. In a speech to the U.N. Security Council in December, the head of the U.N. mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, warned of a collapse in the country's peace deal if all parties didn't renew their political will.



Jill Seaman, who works in Old Fangak with the South Sudan Medical Relief and has more than 30 years of local experience, concluded: "There are no resources, no harvest, and no cows, there's no place to look for food." (AP)


Washington, MO (63090)

Today

Showers and thundershowers this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Low 58F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers and thundershowers this evening, then cloudy with rain likely overnight. Low 58F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
Athens, AL (35611)

Today

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Enid, OK (73701)

Today

Mostly cloudy and windy this evening becoming partly cloudy after midnight. Low 42F. Winds NNW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy and windy this evening becoming partly cloudy after midnight. Low 42F. Winds NNW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.
ENID, Okla.  Heads bowed again and again Saturday morning as attendees of Enids annual breakfast in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. were asked to pray for unity in the city and the nation.

Taking a page out of their own Sunday services, ministers of different racial backgrounds from half a dozen Christian church congregations in Enid led the mornings prayers at Central Assembly Church of God.

Norris Williams, pastor of Grayson Missionary Baptist Church, asked God that Enid be unified in its government, churches and city, in honor of the legacy of Rev. King, who himself was minster at an Atlanta Baptist church.

We have come from different religions, we have come from different races, we have come from different backgrounds  and yet, You have brought us together of our own accord, and we thank You for that, Williams said in his sermon. We pray today, Father, for unity. Lord, you left us with this one commandment, that we love one another. And Lord, if we have unity and love, we have everything we need.

The city of Enid Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission chose We Are America as the theme of this years celebration.

Our goal is just to come together and show were a united front, and I believe thats the goal of the Gospel, MLK commission chair Bradley Barrick said. As Christians, our faith is inclusive to all, and we want people in this community and our city to feel like were all the same.

Vance Air Force Bases assistant director of operation, the mornings keynote speaker, cited King, who wrote in his famous 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail: There were days when the church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principals of popular opinion, but was the thermostat that transformed the morals of society.

Major Ian Hocking also said he knew a lot of people, including those in his own younger generation, who wanted to do away with this American way of life.

Its easy to become disgruntled when we dont feel that our life, or our family or our neighborhood or our community is enjoying the benefits of the American promise, he said. And though a dream can seem like a nightmare, as Martin Luther King once put it, its still worth striving towards.

Barrick quote As Christians, our faith is inclusive to all, and we want people in this community and our city to feel like were all the same. ~ Bradley Barrick, MLK Jr. Holiday Commission chair

The prayer breakfast serves as a starting point for the citys holiday commission, which annually celebrates the federal holiday that marks Kings birthday.

This years federally recognized MLK Jr. Day is on Jan. 17, two days after Kings actual birthday.

Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, will see a march in honor of the late Civil Rights Movement leader, who, as the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, is remembered for leading protests in the South against overt racial and social injustices such as segregation and labor exploitation during the 1950s and 60s. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 before being assassinated in 1968.

The walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Stride Bank Center, with a ceremony following at 2 p.m. The free program and dinner will begin inside, with inspirational speakers, music, and contest and diversity awards. Food will be provided by the event center.
PAWHUSKA, Okla.  An Osage County judge is expected to rule on the city of Enids attempt to take a landowners piece of property for its long-planned water pipeline, after a final day in court saw respective legal teams remain diametrically opposed in closing arguments.

District Judge Stuart Tate could also rule on the necessity of the citys entire Kaw Lake water project, which defense attorneys had pointedly objected to in three days of hearings in the Pawhuska courthouse, in exception to a report from three court-appointed appraisers.

Commissioners in August 2020 had decided to allow the city to proceed with constructing the pipeline by paying Merrifield $47,700 as compensation, as permitted under Oklahomas eminent domain statutes.

We think the city has the legal right to condemn the property for the pipeline, Enid City Manager Jerald Gilbert said Thursday afternoon, and so were believing that the judge is going to issue a ruling soon that confirms that.

The citys condemnation attorney, Danny Williams, previously said he expects Tate to also lift an injunction preventing city workers from entering the property to start construction if he rules in the citys favor.

The city has been in a legal tete-a-tete with Dr. James Merrifield for two years to condemn two 50-foot easements on his 200 privately owned acres, through which the first leg of the 70-mile pipeline would be built.

The retired Ponca City orthodontist said he believed a lot of people living in Enid dont want the expense of the pipeline. He also said people dont realize that the city is making $1 million to $1.5 million a month from the sale of water to Koch Industries, whose fertilizer plant uses millions of gallons of water a day.

I am sure at this moment and (in) the recent past that the Enid population doesnt know its been duped as much as they have, Merrifield said afterwards Thursday. They have really had the wool pulled over their eyes, from a financial standpoint.

Both legal teams argued Thursday that presented evidence was absolutely clear that the city either does or does not have a legal right to condemn Merrifields property  and that the long-planned water pipeline project, as a whole, is or is not an attempt to make money by selling the water to Koch.

There has been no evidence that (the pipeline is) not for a public purpose, Williams said Thursday. There is no evidence that it is unconstitutional. There is no evidence we are peddling water to third parties for purely economic purposes. This is done because the citizens of Enid in future years will need another water source.

Defense attorney Brad Hilton argued that the citys $300-plus million project was not only unnecessary, but unsubstantiated on nothing but future hope.

If this is all it takes  theres no reason to file an exception (to a condemnation) in the future, he said. Then Im not sure its possible to ever suggest that anything is not a public necessity.

Experts who testified Thursday on behalf of the defense presented evidence that neither Enids population nor the need for water is likely to increase in the future, or that the citys current wells cant already supply the needs of its residents.

Enids population is almost exactly the same as in 1980, and water tables in the five Northwest Oklahoma well fields Enid draws from are somewhat higher than 40 years ago, Tulsa environmental geoscientist Bert Fisher told the court that morning.

Aquifer water levels from 2018 showed remarkably stable profiles similar to levels from 1980, Fisher testified with charts he had drafted with the citys water table data, which was provided by Hiltons law firm and through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.

Actual water use has trended down since 2012, during which Western Oklahoma faced a severe periodic drought, Fisher said.

A 2009 commissioned report serving as Enids water system master plan asserted that the city would need another source of water, as levels in Enids current well fields were generally declining long-term, faster than calculated recharge rates.

Enid's water system master plan Read the 2009 report prepared by C.H. Guernsey & Company studying the city of Enid's water system's shortcomings and capital improvements 

However, Fisher said over two-thirds of daily water level data points were based on flawed data, as the firm in charge of the study, Guernsey, had included data from around 28,000 daily well field levels that had been initially collected as late as two years prior.

The data overall is really in terrible condition, he said. But in a data set that is that contaminated by bad information, I would find it hard to rely on that data set at all.  I would not want to sponsor an opinion based on that information.

Enids then-engineering director, Chris Gdanski, Gilbert and Utilities Director David Hunter had testified last month that they had not read the entire 112-page report, instead only summaries or exhibit slides.

Hilton also said Koch Industries has been the cash cow, paying the city 20% of profits from annual average water sales but using 40% of the citys water supply for its fertilizer plant located outside city limits.

Enid has cleverly tried to make this not look like they are a branch of Koch Industries, he said. And its all just a scheme so the city of Enid can fill its pockets.

Two 20-year agreements approved last spring hold that the city will sell Koch potable water at a fluctuating rate and industrial at 50 cents per thousand gallons, increasing 2% annually.

Williams, in a rebuttal, then countered, Enid makes money. That is not illegal. And it doesnt change the purpose of the waterline.

Williams said it was not the citys legal burden to prove the necessity of the pipeline, but that it had followed proper condemnation procedure under state statute.

The four times, five times weve been here, weve never talked about the purpose of the waterline, he said. Its always this implication that were in cahoots.

Williams pointed out that Gilbert and other city staff had earlier testified under oath that Koch was not part of pipeline discussions nor had privately funded the project, and that the facility would not be connected to the pipelines distribution system.

Both Koch Industries and the Osage Nation have publicly stayed out of the two-year legal dispute. The Nations attorney general previously declined to respond to Merrifields allegations to the News & Eagle last month.

A spokesperson for Koch also told the News & Eagle last week that the company has remained uninvolved in the pipeline project.

Koch has never taken a position, and our POV remains the same today as it did when the city put this project on the ballot, communications director Rob Carlton said in an email Jan. 3, referring to Enids proposition passed in 2016 that increased the citys sales tax rate to help fund the pipeline.






Saudi Princess Basmah Bint Saud bin Abdulaziz speaks during a discussion on the role of women in the Middle East at the Middle East Institute in Washington, in this April 12, 2017, file photo. AFP-Yonhap
Luca Guadagnino, the director of "Call Me By Your Name," has chosen Rooney Mara to portray Audrey Hepburn in a biopic.

According to a report in Deadline, Rooney, 36, would not only star in the film but also produce it.

Breakfast at Tiffany's and Roman Holiday were two of Audrey Hepburn's best-known films, but she also starred in many more.

When she was born in 1929, she was the daughter of a British diplomat and a Dutch baroness, both of whom instilled in her a sense of elegance and refinement.

Because of this, she was forced to use an assumed Dutch name when living under Nazi control in the Netherlands during World War II because she was afraid of being recognized as an Englishwoman.

Had we known the first six months of the war that we were going to be occupied for five years, we might all have shot ourselves," she revealed in archival footage included in the Netflix documentary Audrey. "We thought it would be over next week."

She recounted the horrors that her family underwent.

"My uncles were taken from their homes and shot. One brother was sent to Germany. The other one was always hidden." claimed Audrey, who performed dance recitals to earn money for the Dutch resistance and conveyed messages in her shoes.

READ ALSO: [VIDEO] AEW Star Rey Fenix In EXTREME Pain Following Horrifying Match: Wrestler Left With Broken Bones?

The new biography of Audrey Hepburn, starring Rooney Mara as the late actress, has sparked a cool reaction from Hepburn's son.

Michael Mitnick, who co-wrote "The Giver," will also contribute to the scriptwriting process.

It has been reported that storyline information have not been released. Puck broke the news about the movie first.

"I was not aware of the project," Sean Hepburn Ferrer told Fox News Digital on Friday. "Rooney is a delight. Sounds like there is a lot of love there."

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "Carol" were both nominated for an Academy Award for Mara's performance. This past summer, she co-starred in "Nightmare Alley," directed by Guillermo del Toro, with Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, and Willem Dafoe. Her next project is Sarah Polley's "Women Talking," which stars Frances McDormand, Ben Whishaw, Claire Foy, and Jessie Buckley as a group of eight Mennonite women.

ALSO READ: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Make Prince William, Kate Suffer Big Time With Latest Shocking Snub: 'Completely Cut Ties!'
Air strike killed 56 in Ethiopia, aid workers say

An air strike in Ethiopia's Tigray region killed 56 people and injured 30, including children, in a camp for displaced people, aid workers told Reuters, citing local authorities and eyewitness accounts.
An Australian biotech startup says its drones can combat deforestation by planting millions of trees a year from the air.
Sunday, January 9, 2022

Commentary From Crisis Management Expert Edward Segal, Author Of The Award-Winning Crisis Ahead: 101 Ways to Prepare for and Bounce Back from Disasters, Scandals, and Other Emergencies (Nicholas Brealey)

The climate change crisis, which continues to worsen, is expected to have a greater impact on the operations and policies of companies and organizations this year. Here's how experts and observers think that will happen.

More Pressure To Decarbonize Operations

Pamela Chasek is a political science professor at Manhattan College where she chairs the political science department. She said that, "In 2022, there will be considerable pressure on both governments and the private sector to continue efforts to decarbonize operations, while making the necessary efforts to adapt their operations to an ever-warming planet.

"Governments cannot combat climate change and limit global warming to 1.5C without the private sector playing its part. There will definitely be increased pressure on business and corporations in 2022," she said.

More Accountability

Jeff Perlman is the founder and CEO of Bright Power, which provides energy and management services. He said that, "With buildings contributing to nearly 40% of the global carbon emissions, more businesses will be held accountable for their physical spaces' carbon footprint.

"They will either do this out of a desire to lower their negative impact on the environment, to appeal to the increasing number of climate-conscious consumers, or to lower their energy costs," he said.

Greater Reliance On Technology

Pearlman said, "To achieve that, business owners will look to technology including real-time energy management to actively manage and monitor energy usage, clean on-site generation such as solar photovoltaics, heat pumps for water and space heating without fossil fuelsto mitigate negative environmental impacts."

Regulatory Carrots And Sticks

"If they do not take action, regulations at the local, state and federal level may force their hand. Lawmakers will employ both carrots and sticks to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, making it financially harmful not to take actionsuch as with the proliferation of building performance standards in cities including New York, Boston and Washington, D.C.," he concluded.

Increased Transparency

Abhilasha Purwar is CEO and founder of Blue Sky Analytics and part of Al Gore's Climate TRACE initiative. She predicted that 2022 will be "the year of radical transparency the year that technology catches up to the promises."

She noted that, "$17 billion of private capital poured into climate tech [in 2020]; in 2021 that number [was projected to surpass] $40 billion. This investment is igniting a revolution in data for mapping, monitoring and mitigating like never before.

"Now emissions can be tracked in real time with unprecedented accuracy; natural assets like forests can be monitored at a more granular level than ever [before]. Access to this data conveys major competitive advantage for businesses across the globe," Purwar said.

Advice For Business Leaders

Adapt New Environmental Practices

Ran Korber, CEO and cofounder of BreezoMeter cautioned that, "Companies that don't adopt new environmental practicesor consider climate change when developing their product roadmapswill experience consumer drop-off and begin distancing themselves from these companies."

He said business leaders need to begin taking these proactive and reactive measures:

Ditch Symbolic Gestures. "Consumers had first-hand exposure to the real-life impacts of climate change this year with record-breaking wildfires and the worst air pollution the U.S has ever seen. Now that they're painfully aware that this is directly affecting them, they will no longer be amused by far-off climate initiatives with symbolic names like "Vision 2030". Consumers need to see action now.

Don't Hold Out For Sweeping Change. "Begin making small changes to your environmental practices, now. Companies should look at every aspect of their business, from production and supply chain to packaging and last mile delivery (depending on what the company does). For major companies, even small changes in these areas will have a significant impact on the environment that they can point to right now, while addressing longer-term practices over time."

Introduce New Products And/Or Features That Reflect Consumer Health And Safety. "Consider how changing climate is affecting the air your customers or users are breathing, how increased fires are threatening their way of living, and how things like pollen and pollution are exposing them to health risks. Is your product able to protect them from these factors or make them aware of them in some way? Consider introducing features or products that can."

Adapt Or Update Climate-Related Targets

Chasek of Manhattan College counseled that, "If they haven't already, 2022 may be a good time for companies to adopt, or scale-up, their own climate-related targets, including achieving carbon neutrality, energy conservation, renewable energy use, and carbon offset programs.

"These internal policies can help prepare companies for future regulation by investing in emissions reductions now. This also makes good business sense because not only can they save money, generally through energy and operational efficiencies, as well as reduced production costs, but setting climate-related targets can protect and enhance their reputation with customers and shareholders."

Provide A Rational And Pragmatic Vision For Stakeholders

Andrew Poreda, an ESG research analyst at Sage Advisory Services, said, "The best action a CEO can take in 2022 is [to provide] stakeholders with a rational and pragmatic vision of how the company's business model is factoring in the fight against climate change.

"With the current economic and political landscape within the United States, a cohesive strategy integrating climate change may not provide immediate benefits. However, companies need to play the long game. A good plan will not only provide benefits in the event of future regulatory or legislative changes but can also create value by increasing buy-in from key stakeholders. Many consumers and employees are deeply concerned about the environment, so having a vision that resonates will be a great differentiator."

###
As middle school teacher Drew Rodriguez returned for the spring semester last week in Harlandale Independent School District, he noticed a major change.

Last year, anytime somebody was even exposed to COVID-19, you were like sent home, sequestered away, and you needed to have two negative tests before you came back, Rodriguez said. This year, its kind of like, Well, we dont have subs or anybody to cover.  So we need you back as soon as possible.

He said its a little weird going from one extreme almost to another extreme.

Schools across the region found themselves in dire need of substitutes last week as the omicron variant of the coronavirus walloped San Antonio and prompted thousands of students and teachers to stay home.

And some parents fear that if their children have to start learning remotely, theyll fall further behind in school

Harlandale ISD expected a return of its more than 12,000 students and more than 2,200 staff members Monday. But the staffing woes began immediately with 329 staff absences, including 151 teachers.

On ExpressNews.com: As omicron spreads in San Antonio, student and teacher absences surge

By Friday, the district had 450 overall staff absences, including 239 teachers. Student attendance also dropped to about 79 percent Thursday from about 81.5 percent Wednesday.

Rodriguez said some of his students are wondering whether virtual learning will return  an idea he does not oppose.

I am 100 percent a proponent of face-to-face education, Rodriguez said, but in the middle of a COVID surge like we are seeing with omicron right now, it makes sense to me from a public health standpoint to go virtual for two weeks.

Substitutes also missing

Josie Norris /San Antonio Express-News

Districts across the region have been vying to get more absences filled by substitutes.

At Northside ISD, the largest district in the region and the fourth-largest in the state, the fill rate  or number of substitutes found to cover teaching absences  has remained about 59 percent.

Superintendent Brian Woods said much of the past week was spent figuring out a way to proceed if things stay this bad or get worse.

Well deploy more than 200 central office staff to substitute for teachers starting next week, and that will go on for as long as it needs to, Woods said. If that number needs to increase, then well increase it because thats been the top priority this week and likely until this surge of the virus subsides.

San Antonio ISD, which opened its schools last week to a limited number of students needing additional instruction, is starting the spring semester with a similar plan. On top of 950 active substitutes, officials identified 250 central office staff members who are ready to cover classes if needed.

These are certified staff members, so these are people who were formerly teachers, but they now hold a different role, SAISD Deputy Superintendent Patti Salzmann said.

Weve done a preliminary request from principals to see how many teachers have currently reported that they are COVID positive, and the feedback that we are receiving is that we dont have any significant concerns at this time, she added.

Staying home

Josie Norris /San Antonio Express-News

Northside ISD started the semester Monday expecting more than 102,000 students and about 13,000 staff members back.

The week began with 1,260 staffers absent, 926 of them teachers. And the numbers continued to climb over the course of the week, reaching 1,889 staffers out Friday, about 1,376 of them teachers.

The numbers of folks impacted by COVID has never been what we are seeing as of late this week, Northside Superintendent Brian Woods said. The numbers  the sheer numbers  are pretty staggering.

The district began the week with about 16,500 students out. That number declined slightly by Friday to 14,000.

At Southside ISD, a district with 5,543 students and 900 staff members, officials saw an increase in student absences as the first week came to a close.

On Wednesday, we did our district-wide COVID testing and we saw an increase (in absences) on Thursday, once our students and staff found out they were sick, Superintendent Rolando Ramirez said. Some were sick and the other half was mainly because of exposure to positive cases.

The districts attendance averaged 91 to 92 percent before the winter break, Ramirez said, but the district returned last week to an average attendance rate of about 81 percent  about 1,053 students out. By Friday, the district had 76 percent of students in attendance.

At Southside, the COVID-19 positivity rate for those testing in school rose from less than 1 percent during the fall semester to 3 percent the first week of the spring semester.

Before the holidays, Ramirez said, things seemed to be getting back to normal, and then coming in from the break it almost seems like we started back again.

This week may bring some clarity for district officials who expect updates in COVID-19 positivity rates early in the week and the possible return of at least some of the staff members and students who were out last week. But with the continued spread of omicron, additional positive cases and exposures are expected.

Friday, the city of San Antonio reported 4,331 new COVID-19 cases, compared with 2,358 the day before. The seven-day average reached 3,620 cases by the end of the week, compared with 709 a week prior.

And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance, lowering quarantine times between zero to five days based on factors such as age, vaccination status and exposure level. Most area districts have adopted these guidelines, some leaving it up to parents to decide whether children will return at a five-or 10-day mark based on symptoms.

Thousands more K-12 students across San Antonio start the spring semester this week. SAISD welcomes more than 45,000 students Tuesday, while Edgewood ISD is expecting the return of about 9,000 students Monday.

Northsides Woods said the shorter quarantine time is particularly helpful.

We are hopeful that starting as soon as next week, folks who came down with COVID over the holiday will be ready to transition back into the building ... at least in many cases, he said.

Virtual learning

Josie Norris / San Antonio Express-News

For some parents, typically those with older students, omicron is less of a concern compared with that of their student falling further behind in school.

Im not extremely concerned, said Chadel Robles, a parent with two students at Judson High School. I know there are a lot of kids out due to COVID-19. But at this point, all I can do is send them to school, have them wear their masks, wash their hands.

For my youngest, Im more concerned of her missing school than anything else, Robles said.

Judson ISD returned to classes Wednesday. It had 316 staff members out last week, and 99 of them were confirmed to have COVID-19, said Nicole Taguinod, a district spokeswoman. On the first day of school, 3,500 students were absent, but only 70 have been confirmed by the district to have COVID-19.

Virtual school is not as engaging for students, who find it easier to get distracted or ignore assignments. Alicia Scotts son, a freshman at Judson High School, fell behind in school last year while learning remotely.

He was just so comfortable at home he started not doing his assignments, Scott said. He went back to school, and for him it worked better.

I feel safer for him to go back because he is vaccinated. I did my part as a mom, Scott said. There is a concern, but seeing as he is young and healthy, Im not as concerned as someone who has an (immunocompromised) condition.

Going fully virtual even temporarily would come with additional disruptions and funding loss, along with possible legal battles as the state continues to limit virtual learning to quarantine purposes only  and as it requires districts to offer in-person classes for all families.

Woods, the Northside superintendent, mentioned student performance as a problem with going remote.

Large-scale virtual is really not an option thats on the table at this point in time, he said.

danya.perez@express-news.net | @DanyaPH

claire.bryan@express-news.net
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San Antonio police arrested a man they accused of shooting a convenience store clerk near downtown early Sunday morning.

The clerk, 52, had argued with four men while taking a break outside the 7-Eleven store located at 802 San Pedro Ave. a few minutes before 3 a.m. One of them, 25, pulled a gun and shot the clerk in the arm.
A senior Air Force NCO convicted of a sex crime in San Antonio had expected to continue serving on base after an administrative discharge board recommended he remain on duty.

It didnt turn out that way.

Master Sgt. Jeremy Zier was told to stay home while receiving pay and benefits. He couldnt go to the office or do his job. At one point forbidden from even driving onto Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, he now wants to retire from the Air Force.

The Pentagon hasnt responded to his request, but his San Antonio-based lawyer said if commanders refuse to grant it, hell sue. He contends the Air Force is trying to drum him out without retirement benefits he earned over a quarter-century.

The lawyer, Jeffrey Addicott, said he believes the Air Force intends to let Ziers term of service expire without processing his retirement paperwork. If that happens, hell be out of the service without a pension.

A senior master sergeant at the time of his conviction, Zier, 42, of Converse, was found guilty in August 2020 of abusive sexual contact and dereliction of duty in a special court-martial. A Randolph jury reduced him one grade in rank.

Critics decry the outcome as light punishment because Zier could have received a year in jail as well as six months forfeiture of pay and allowances, three months hard labor and reduction in rank to airman basic. Still, it was a rare conviction by Pentagon standards.

Some 6,236 sexual assault and harassment reports were filed by service members in fiscal year 2019. Of those, 1,630 sexual assault cases resulted in discipline, including 795 court-martial charges. Of those fewer than half  363  went to trial, and 264 ended in convictions.

On ExpressNews.com: Defense secretary says hes removing militarys sex assault cases from commanders decision-making

Zier was a master sergeant while Cambria Ferguson, now 27, was an airman first class when he groped her in a hot tub in 2015. He was the highest-ranking NCO in their office at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, serving as superintendent of a detachment called AFN Incirlik. Zier said she was the second-lowest-ranking airman there.

The discharge board of three military members determined the Air Force should keep Zier in uniform. Addicott said the board could have recommended that he be kicked out of the Air Force with an other-than-honorable discharge after the trial, precluding him from earning retirement benefits, yet did not when it recommended he remain on duty.

The Air Force wont discuss the case. Joint Base San Antonio spokesman Rob Strain said a decision is pending with Air Force leaders and that it would be inappropriate to speculate about potential outcomes.

Ferguson, who is now a technical sergeant, had no sympathy for Ziers predicament.

Why does this predator continue to receive support for harming airmen and not upholding his (senior noncommissioned officer) responsibilities? This does not reflect excellence, integrity or honorable service, she said in an email, citing the Air Forces core values.

Ferguson, who agreed to reveal her identity, expressed outrage to the Express-News when she learned the discharge board said Zier should stay in the service. Though listed in a Texas Department of Public Safety sex offender website, Zier insisted he did nothing to Ferguson that he can recall, telling the Express-News that he never knowingly touched her.

Zier went on to say that Ferguson babysat his daughter, a toddler, two and possibly three times after the incident  once that summer  and he only learned of her allegations in early 2000, after they crossed paths at the Defense Information School on Fort Meade, Md.

Zier said Ferguson reunited with his family at a hotel while they were at DINFOS.

I just think that if you understand how the process played out and you actually heard the facts of the case, you would wonder why this was even prosecuted, he said.

On ExpressNews.com: Air Force panel: Senior master sergeant convicted of sex crime should stay in the service

Addicott, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who heads St. Marys Universitys Warrior Defense Project, represents Zier along with Georgetown attorney John Escover, who said Lt. Col. Greg Hignite, commander of the Randolph-based Air Force Public Affairs Agency, launched the administrative process to deny their client his retirement. Escover said Hignite began the process under an Air Force instruction just a few weeks after Zier submitted his retirement papers on Aug. 14, 2020.

That was the day he was sentenced at Randolph.

It is unclear if Jeremys application was even forwarded for consideration, Escover said in an email. On December 10, 2020, the board, like the special court martial, after hearing testimony and considering evidence, determined Jeremy should be retained in the Air Force, or in other words permitted to retire.

Ferguson said she was present on a Zoom call in which Hignite revealed that the discharge boards decision conflicted with a recommendation he gave it, and that he was disappointed in the outcome.

Zier, who has two children, can drive on and off Randolph and go there for medical appointments, but cannot work on the base.

Hes got the scarlet A on him, theres no doubt about it, Addicott said. Theyre using everything they can to maneuver around the outcome of his court martial. There is simply no room for forgiveness or rehabilitation, nothing.

Ferguson, who is stationed at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., said Zier has no business being around other airmen.

I do not believe anyone convicted of sexually assaulting an airman should ever be allowed near them again, she said. Not only does this put others at risk, it keeps him in the victims chain of command after trial.

Zier was charged with one specification of dereliction of duty in Pamukkale, Turkey, in April 2015 and three specifications of abusive sexual contact in three different locations, one of them San Antonio. An Air Force charge sheet stated Zier touched the genitals and inner thigh of the victim in Turkey with an intent to gratify his sexual desire, without her consent while in the hot tub. It said he was derelict by removing his clothes while in a hot tub with other, lower-ranking airmen  both men and women.

Zier, who had been selected for promotion to chief master sergeant, a rank achieved by just 1 percent of the enlisted force in any service, has not been promoted.

On ExpressNews.com: No jail time for senior Air Force NCO convicted in sex case after San Antonio trial

Zier got a break when he was tried by a special court-martial, where the penalties are relatively light. The Air Force referred the charges against Zier, alleging multiple sex offenses, to the special court, limiting the maximum sentence to no more than 12 months.

If he had been tried in a general court-martial, his maximum sentence for abusive sexual contact would have been seven years and a dishonorable discharge, with a total of 21 years confinement on other charges he faced involving two other women.

Zier had been the Air Force Public Affairs Agency headquarters flying program manager at Randolph. The agencys subordinate commands provide photo and video documentation of Air Force and Defense Department missions worldwide.

Addicott said his client had been stripped of all responsibilities for a year and a half.

When Ziers unit returned to partial office operations, he continued to telework from home and his desk was packed up by a co-worker. His work assignments since August 2020 have been light, ranging from completing a half-hour suicide prevention training program to spending an hour compiling the quarterly newsletter.

Asked if he was continuing to be punished, Zier replied, Absolutely. Theres really no doubt about that. I mean, the fact that theyre content with having me do nothing, that just shows that theres definitely more behind it than just the decision  like theyre clearly making a point to make this personal.

I feel angry about the whole system, he added.

Ferguson resents Ziers sense of victimization.

He has never shown remorse for his actions other than stating he wished he never went on the trip, she wrote in the email. He has never said he regrets sexually assaulting me  on the record, or under oath.

Ferguson said shell likely be out of the Air Force before the man convicted of sexually assaulting her. Shes still angry about his punishment, which she described as one of the lightest sentences to date for a sex crime UCMJ violation. Nothing about that equates to persecution. If anything, I am the one not being taken care of.

sigc@express-news.net
Gen. Curtis LeMay, the commander of Strategic Air Command, or SAC, was famous for his hands-on inspections of military bases. Senior officers serving under him would often regale their subordinates with stories of his visits.

LeMay had a process for first-time visits to each base. When a wing commander drove him to a specified location, he expected his subordinate to personally know each shops senior noncommissioned officers.

When a new SAC wing commander was assigned to a base after World War II, LeMay would grant him a 90-day grace period to allow sufficient time to become acquainted with base personnel and facilities by way of management by walking around leadership. Failure to meet the generals expectations during an inspection would result in swift replacement.

As a third-generation veteran and real estate investor, I often wonder what LeMay would think of the state of housing at some of our military installations. Based on his high expectations for his wing commanders, I believe he would take issue with the way both contractors and the military management have mishandled it.

Military housing has undergone considerable changes since the outbreak of World War II. When my grandfather, John Red Morgan, joined the Army Air Corp, family housing was covered by the Lanham Act, designed to meet the militarys growing needs. Unfortunately, the quality of housing was often subpar. Military personnel and their families could find themselves living in renovated garages or plywood huts. Some lacked running water or electricity. At most stateside bases, only the most senior of officers lived on post. The families of junior officers were often forced to find housing elsewhere, usually with relatives.

In LeMays era, the Cold War required a larger standing military, particularly to maintain intricate weapon systems. The Wherry Act provided the necessary housing while addressing the faults of the Lanham Act. The U.S. military would lease land to developers, guaranteeing rent for homes built on-site. Consequently, housing costs were kept low to ensure the tenants ability to pay.

When congressional investigations discovered fraud within the Wherry program, it enacted the Capehart Housing Act in 1955. Under this program, the military would assume direct control of housing, with tenants surrendering their basic allowance for quarters, or BAQ. Commanders like LeMay would conduct routine inspections of military homes, making sure residents cut their grass and shoveled their driveways to specific standards.

Military housing programs changed under the Reagan administration with the 1983 Military Construction Authorization Act introducing Section 801 and 802 housing. Each took a different approach to solving the housing issue, but both ultimately failed due to high maintenance costs or inability to draw potential investors due to BAQ limitations.

The Military Housing Privatization Initiative changed the management focus. New homes were built with a 50-year lease with private contractors hired to manage maintenance. On many installations, commanders no longer held ongoing home evaluations.

If you were to look up base military housing issues online, you would find stories from Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, Camp Lejeune and Joint Base San Antonio about tenants suing contractors for negligence. In a recent case, two senior housing contract executives with Balfour Beatty Communities falsified maintenance reports in order to receive a $2.5 million incentive.

Military housing needs funding for quality maintenance and repairs programs, with military leadership and oversight. I can only imagine what my grandfather, John Red Morgan, an Air Force World War II Medal of Honor recipient, would think if he had gotten a letter from his wife informing him about substandard housing conditions before he flew a mission into Berlin.

John J. Morgan is the grandson of Lt. Col. Red Morgan, a World War II Air Force Medal of Honor winner.
Riot police block a street to stop demonstrators during a protest in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Jan. 5. AP-Yonhap



The office of Kazakhstan's president said Sunday that about 5,800 people were detained by police during protests that developed into violence last week and prompted a Russia-led military alliance to send troops to the country.



President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's office said Sunday that order has stabilized in the country and that authorities have regained control of administrative buildings that were occupied by protesters, some of which were set on fire.



The Russian TV station Mir-24 said sporadic gunfire was heard in Almaty, the country's largest city, on Sunday but it was unclear whether they were warning shots by law enforcement. Tokayev on Friday said he had authorized police and the military to shoot to kill to restore order.



Almaty's airport, which had been taken by protesters last week, remained closed but was expected to resume operating on Monday.



Protests over a sharp rise in prices of LPG fuel began in the country's west on Jan. 2 and spread throughout the country, apparently reflecting discontent extending beyond the fuel prices.



The same party has ruled Kazakhstan since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Any figures aspiring to oppose the government have either been repressed, sidelined, or co-opted and financial hardship is widespread despite Kazakhstan's enormous reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium and minerals.



Tokayev contends the demonstrations were ignited by "terrorists" with foreign backing, although the protests have shown no obvious leaders or organization. The statement from his office on Sunday said the detentions included "a sizable number of foreign nationals," but gave no details.



It was unclear how many of those detained remained in custody on Sunday.



The former head of Kazakhstan's counterintelligence and anti-terror agency has been arrested on charges of attempted government overthrow. The arrest of Karim Masimov, which was announced Saturday, came just days after he was removed as head of the National Security Committee by Tokayev.



No details were given about what Masimov was alleged to have done that would constitute an attempted government overthrow. The National Security Committee, a successor to the Soviet-era KGB, is responsible for counterintelligence, the border guards service and anti-terror activities.



Authorities say security forces killed 26 demonstrators in this week's unrest and that 16 law-enforcement officers died.



At Tokayev's request, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states, authorized sending about 2,500 mostly Russian troops to Kazakhstan as peacekeepers.



Some of the force is guarding government facilities in the capital, Nur-Sultan, which "made it possible to release part of the forces of Kazakhstani law enforcement agencies and redeploy them to Almaty to participate in the counter-terrorist operation," according to a statement from Tokayev's office.



In a sign that the demonstrations were more deeply rooted than just the fuel price rise, many demonstrators shouted "Old man out," a reference to Nursultan Nazarbayev, who was president from Kazakhstan's independence until he resigned in 2019 and anointed Tokayev as his successor.



Nazarbayev retained substantial power as head of the National Security Council. But Tokayev replaced him as council head amid this week's unrest. possibly aiming at a concession to mollify protesters. However, Nazarbayev's adviser Aido Ukibay said Sunday that it was done at Nazarbayev's initiative, according to the Kazakh news agency KazTag. (AP)




Korean low cost carrier Tway Air has confirmed it still plans to launch operations between Seoul and Zagreb as the airline prepares to take delivery of its first wide-body aircraft, the Airbus A330-300, next month. The company noted that, once Covid-related circumstances permit, it will commence flights from the South Korean capital to Zagreb, Singapore and Sydney. The budget airline is due to take delivery of a further two A330s this year. It aims to become South Koreas second largest airline following the planned merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. TWay has received all necessary permits from the Korean Ministry for Land, Infrastructure and Transport to launch up to four weekly commercial flights between Seoul and Croatia. Korean low cost carrier Tway Air has confirmed it still plans to launch operations between Seoul and Zagreb as the airline prepares to take delivery of its first wide-body aircraft, the Airbus A330-300, next month. The company noted that, once Covid-related circumstances permit, it will commence flights from the South Korean capital to Zagreb, Singapore and Sydney. The budget airline is due to take delivery of a further two A330s this year. It aims to become South Koreas second largest airline following the planned merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. TWay has received all necessary permits from the Korean Ministry for Land, Infrastructure and Transport to launch up to four weekly commercial flights between Seoul and Croatia.





Korean Air, which has been serving the Croatian market with flights to Zagreb on a seasonal basis since 2018, has ruled out its return on the route for this year as Covid measures still prevent most Koreans from travelling and the countrys boarders remain shut for the majority of foreigners. The Croatian Ambassador to South Korea, Damir Kusen, recently said that TWay would not take away passengers from Korean Air or oversaturate the market. "We believe that this will certainly be an attractive option for younger travellers to Croatia due to the significantly lower priced tickets and will stimulate a new category of passengers, Mr Kusen noted.





In 2019, when flights between the two countries were last operational, Korean Air captured almost the entire Seoul travel market to and from Zagreb. The absolute majority of its customers on the route, over 95%, were point to point passengers and almost all originated from South Korea. The only other South Korean city with notable traffic to Zagreb is its second largest - Busan. In 2019, 4.691 passengers travelled indirectly between Busan and Zagreb on a single itinerary based on OAG data. The overwhelming majority of Korean travellers enter Croatia on a separate ticket via other European markets after spending several days at their original destination.




TRIP REPORT



On Thursday I flew on board Air Serbias first domestic flight between Belgrade and Nis and returned the following day. Both flights were operated by the Airbus A319, registered YU-APM. The return ticket cost 6.662 RSD or about 56 EUR. On Thursday I flew on board Air Serbias first domestic flight between Belgrade and Nis and returned the following day. Both flights were operated by the Airbus A319, registered YU-APM. The return ticket cost 6.662 RSD or about 56 EUR.





I arrived at the airport around two hours ahead of departure, although this really isnt necessary if you are using this service. The airport was rather busy at around 11.20 AM when I arrived, and I headed to the Air Serbia check-in desks. There was a dedicated check-in counter for the flight to Nis. Since I was returning the following day, the check-in agent issued me the boarding pass for the return flight too.









The departure gate listed was A11, a new bus gate made specially for this domestic flight. It is located on the ground floor of terminal 1 near the check in counters. Therefore, there is no immigration and security is performed at the gate, as is the case elsewhere at the airport. I assume they will make new arrangements once the airport is fully reconstructed and reconfigured.









There would be 18 passengers on this flight, as well as a set of Air Serbia crew who were positioning in Nis. I was surprised to see quite a few transfer passengers on this flight. One lady, who was speaking to one of the security agents said she had just arrived on a flight from Berlin and was about to head to the bus station to go to Nis when she looked at the departures board by chance and saw there was a flight to Nis. Not knowing anything about it she inquired at the information desk and purchased a ticket. She was really overjoyed at the fact that she could fly to Nis instead of having to go by bus explaining how she would have arrived in the evening. Another two people who were traveling together then interjected and said they had also just come off a flight from Berlin, although they were aware of this domestic service and had purchased tickets in advance. Transfer passengers flying via Belgrade to Nis enter Serbia in Belgrade, meaning they have to pass immigration, pick up their luggage and then drop off their bags again at the check in desk (although they are issued a boarding pass at their original point of departure). Those transferring from Nis via Belgrade have their baggage checked through to their final destination. Once they arrive in Belgrade (passengers are dropped off at the same A11 gate upon arrival) they have to proceed to immigration in the departures area. The cabin crew makes an announcement about this on the flight.





The bus arrived around 20 minutes prior to departure, and we were taken to our plane which was parked at the C5 gate. We went up the stairs to the air bridge and entered the plane from the bridge. The crew was pleasant, and boarding was completed within 5 minutes.





We pushed back and took off for Nis. The captain informed us the flight would take thirty minutes. The flight was uneventful. There is no service on board for this domestic flight. A passenger asked for a cup of water which they got but otherwise there was nothing offered. Soon enough we began our descent and landed at Nis Airport where we were welcomed by a water cannon salute.





Construction work at the airport

Descending into Nis

The terminal building at Nis is vintage and small although there are major expansion plans in the works.





I spent the day in Nis and the city was a big surprise for me. It was my first time there and I didnt have any expectations, but it has some interesting historical sights to visit, the city is really well maintained, clean, both taxi and bus transport really well organised, signage in both Serbian and English everywhere and everyone I interacted with was extremely polite and friendly. In fact, to tell you the truth, I found it to be much more organised than Belgrade.





The following day I arrived at the airport just an hour prior to departure as I already had my boarding pass. At the time, passengers on a Wizz Air flight to Vienna were passing through security so the staff asked for the Belgrade passengers to wait while they cleared security and departed. There were around twenty passengers on the return flight to Belgrade, as well as another set of Air Serbia crew repositioning to Belgrade.





Around half an hour prior to take off we went through security and into the departures area. This was Christmas Day in Serbia and again, most passengers seemed to be transfers. There was a family speaking Russian and there was also one young couple speaking French (from what I concluded she was Serbian and her partner French) and there was another couple speaking a mix of Serbian and German. Some fifteen minutes before take off we were invited to board. The same crew members that took us to Belgrade were working this flight as well. Similar to the outbound, there was no service on the inbound either, and the total flight time was just twenty minutes.





Descending into Belgrade

We landed in Belgrade on time and parked at the C5 gate again. We were asked to disembark through the back door down the stairs and into the bus. We were taken to the same A11 gate we departed from which has an exit straight into the Terminal 1 check-in area.





Overall, I enjoyed this short domestic experience and was quite glad to have finally visited Nis, which for some reason I never got around to seeing. I know this is basically an aircraft positioning flight on which they sell tickets, but with a little promotion online I think these flights could actually be popular considering the first two had some transfer passengers despite their being little mention about it beforehand and tickets being put on sale less than two weeks before they were inaugurated.





Share your travel experience by submitting a trip report to exyu@exyuaviation.com




Sterling, VA (20165)

Today

A few clouds. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low around 50F. Winds light and variable.
Defra's proposals to reward farmers for improving the environment is based on 'blind optimism' and risks increasing food imports produced to lower standards than the UK, MPs have warned.

In a public accounts committee (PAC) report released on Sunday (9 January), MPs said that Defras plan for post-EU land and farming subsidies was based on blind optimism.

Defra had given no detail about how either productivity increased or environmental benefits would be brought about, they said, nor how these would offset the new dramatic effect of ELMs on farmers.

The post-Brexit schemes appeared to be "beset with many of the same issues that have undermined ambitious government programmes in recent years."

MPs on the powerful cross-party committee added that the lack of information from Defra was causing anxiety in the sector.

And Defra had not explained how ELMs changes in land use "will not simply result in more food being imported, with the environmental impacts of food production being exported to countries with lower environmental standards."

The NFU has welcomed the report, saying that farmers in England were 'extremely concerned' about the development of ELMs.

And despite recent announcements from Defra on the schemes, there remained "very little detail available for farmers."

The union added that the report should serve as a wake-up call to the government about the schemes readiness.

NFU vice president Tom Bradshaw said: This lack of information, at the exact time direct payments from current support schemes are being phased out, leaves farmers in an untenable position.

As the current ELMs schemes stand, we have considerable concerns that not all farmers will be able to get involved," he said.

"There are incredibly limited options for upland farmers, who stand to lose far more support than they will gain from new measures announced so far.

"And its not clear how accessible it will be for tenant farmers, who are responsible for managing over a third of the land.

"These farmers play a vital role in rural communities and maintaining the farmed landscape we all value."

The NFU and other industry bodies have always maintained that enhanced environmental delivery must go hand-in-hand with sustainable food production.

But they have concerns over the government's lack of detail on how food production fits in with its proposed new schemes.

The irony is otherwise, as the PAC report highlighted, the UK could end up increasing imports of food produced to lower environmental standards.

Tom Fyans, campaigns and policy director at CPRE, a rural charity, said the government needed farmers to be able to trust the new system.

"If all they are being offered instead is blind optimism, as has been alleged, it is no wonder they are worried," he said.

"It is time the government turns lofty ambition into granular detail. Farmers are rightly being asked to help combat the climate emergency.

"They are right to ask in return how this will be measured, how they will be paid and how these plans might impact their ability to make a living producing food."
The upcoming OTT series, Human has been creating waves all around and is highly anticipated. Human is a medical thriller based on human drug trials in India. The series boasts of an absolutely stellar cast headlined by National award-winning actor Shefali Shah and versatile actor Kirti Kulhari along with Vishal Jethwa, Ram Kapoor, Seema Biswas, Aditya Srivastava and Mohan Agashe amongst others. The suspense thriller, Human, unravels unexpected secrets of the world of medicines and their effect on people with a gripping tale of murder, mystery, lust, and manipulation. Directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Mozez Singh, the Disney+ Hotstar Specials series has been penned by Mozez Singh and Ishani Banerjee. Kirti Kulhari as an actor is known for her choice of roles that are perceived as serious at times.

Kirti Kulhari plays the role of a doctor in Human and when asked about her choice of projects and her inclination towards drama, she shares, There is so much more drama in drama as a genre, the characters are more complex and layered. I personally feel I like playing with complexity as a person hence portraying them on screen as well. It is a very challenging process as an actor and I truly enjoy that challenge. Also, I am an actor who likes to talk about different subjects when I touch a script. There is so much to talk about. It involves people, the drama has to be there. It's just something I love to do. Its far tougher to get a good script in terms of comedy and others as compared to drama. I happen to be doing well with drama, and if it's categorized as serious stuff, sure, I would like to take every opportunity as an actor to take things that matter to me. 

The fictional series talks about the collateral damage due to fast-tracked drug trials for financial gains in a gripping tale that involves innocent lives lost to greed. Touching compelling themes like the value of human life, medical malpractice, class divide and ramifications of a fast-paced medical science, Human brings forth the greed to make money in a compelling tale of power struggles, secretive pasts, trauma and murders.

Starring actors Shefali Shah and Kirti Kulhari, Human will be available on a leading OTT platform from 14th January 2022 onwards.
We are tracking snow-related cancellations and announcements from schools around the Lehigh Valley as the region deals with its first winter storm. Have a cancellation to report? E-mail us at news@mcall.com.

Here are districts that have announced their plans for Friday:

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Allentown School District: All schools and the administration building are closed.

Bangor Area School District: Schools are closed; it will be a flexible instructional day for students, who must complete their work from home.

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Bethlehem Area School District: Schools are closed. Child Care will open at 7:00 a.m. at combined centers. Offices will operate online.

Catasauqua Area School District: Its a virtual snow day, with students checking with their teachers for their schedule. No transportation.

East Penn School District: A flexible instruction day. Offices are closed.

Easton Area: Remote synchronous instruction. Schools and offices will work remotely and no transportation.

Nazareth Area: Schools are closed. The day is designated as a non-instructional snow day. Both in-person and cyber instruction will not occur. There will be no non-public transportation and no lunches served.

Northampton Area: Remote learning day. Students in all grades should not report to school. BAVTS do not have to report to the Vocational School. Students should check Schoology and Google Classroom for information.

Northern Lehigh School District: Virtual instructional day. Students should complete any assignments posted by their teachers. All NLSD schools and the administration buildings are closed.

Northwestern Lehigh School District: Closed for a snow day.

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Parkland School District: Snow day. Schools will be closed and there will be no transportation running. Offices will be closed with staff working remotely from home.

Salisbury Township: A fully remote instructional day for all students K-12, including LCTI. Students will follow the schedules previously shared by building principals. Offices will be open virtually. There will be no non-public transportation.

Southern Lehigh: Schools and offices are closed for a traditional snow day.

Whitehall-Coplay: Schools and offices are closed. No remote instruction.

Wilson Area: The district is closed with no remote instruction.

Colleges

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Kutztown University: Offices open at 10 a.m. Liberal leave in effect for non-essential staff. Winter online classes will be held virtually as scheduled.

Lehigh Carbon Community College: The college will open at 10 a.m. All meetings, appointments, classes and events that start before 10 a.m. are canceled.

Northampton Community College: All locations will open at 10 a.m.

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Morning Call reporter Molly Bilinski can be reached at mbilinski@mcall.com.
Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois Limited Edition

Fragrance News

SERGE LUTENS launched a special edition of the Feminite du Bois flacon, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic Shiseido creation presented in 1992. Feminite Du Bois is a famous fragrance from the origins of Serge Lutens' perfumery. In this limited edition, femininity is embodied by the "couture" wooden doll, dressed in a cubist-style tuxedo, the ultimate in sophistication!

"A shock!

It seems to me that femininity has been seen through the lens of softness and roundness, and has been transcribed for the most part through sluggish, flowing softness in elusive forms, while for me 'Feminite du bois' is the embodiment of the one who I dare to call 'My Woman'!" - Serge Lutens.





The legendary Feminite du Bois entered Serge Lutens' collection in 2009, packed in glass flacons of Lutens' niche line. The composition contrasts sweet and fruity notes (plum and peach), intensively woodsy, and resinous accords, warm and spicy.

As the brand says about the fragrance, "A confection of cedarwood inspired by the warm, honeyed scents emanating from the covered stalls selling leatherwork in Morocco. This was Serge Lutens' first unisex perfume, the olfactory revolution of the 1990s! "

Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois

Limited Edition 2022



Top notes: Virginian cedar, plum, cinnamon, peach

Middle notes: cloves, ginger, ylang-ylang, rose, violet, orange blossom

Base notes: sandalwood, benzoin, musk, vanilla

Serge Lutens Feminite du Bois Limited Edition is available as a 50ml Eau de Parfum at the price of 120 EUR from January 2022. The fragrance is available through the official Serge Lutens website.
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Just before 6 p.m. on Dec. 28, most of the tenants inside a single family home in Corvallis which had been partitioned into apartments were going about their lives largely unaware  except for an out-of-place campfire smell  their house was ablaze and everything was about to change.

But the destructive flames that would displace all six units tenants may have been inevitable.

That place was unlivable. It was miserable, said Brian Grant, one of the tenants. He and his housemates had long stories of woe, of questionable wiring, of landlords hard to reach, of poor maintenance and whack-a-mole problems when complaints were finally addressed.

With all that in mind, Im still kind of in shock, Grant said this past week.

Theyre not the only tenants of property owners Kip and Michelle Schoning to relate such stories. Mid-Valley Media has been chronicling allegations against the Schonings, who own rental property throughout the mid-Willamette Valley, for more than a decade.

Likewise, the city of Corvallis has been fielding complaints and investigating potential code violations since the early aughts at least. And Albany has had its share of run-ins as well.

The Schonings did not respond to a reporters four requests for interviews left by voicemail on both office and cellphone numbers.

The probable culprit

As flames ripped through the 96-year-old house at 857 NW Tyler Ave. that Tuesday between Christmas and New Year's, tenants and first responders tried to reach Kip and Michelle Schoning to no avail. The property owners finally showed up to the dilapidated property the morning after to speak with Corvallis Division Chief Fire Marshal Jonathon Jones.

I think the biggest concern is that there were known issues with no repair or no remedy done, Jones said. It does appear that this is strictly a building maintenance issue and that electrical is really a high culprit right now. You have one breaker that is running six different apartments.

Three of the tenants reported trying to fix the breaker themselves  multiple times  saying that it sparked at them whenever they touched it. One of the tenants, Keanna Estes, moved into the apartment in September and said even in that short time, shes had a history with the breaker slipping.

Ive had electrical problems pretty much since I moved in, she said. Sometimes I could go a week without it tripping. Sometimes it would trip 12 times a day.

She called the Schonings several times, Estes said, adding it took Michelle Schoning a week to return her call.

They do not show up, Estes said. They do not come to their property for anything.

The night of the fire

Estes remembers coming home from the grocery store the evening of Dec. 28 when she noticed her hallway light was out. She went to flip the breaker and it sparked. Not long after, she and her boyfriend smelled smoke; they ran outside to grab a flashlight and realized smoke was coming from the roof.

She called 911 immediately and ran up the three flights of stairs to her unit to grab her animals before evacuating. With the fire alarms silent, her boyfriend, Brendyn Irwin, ran around banging on doors, warning people to get out.

Tenant Tanner Eldridge was home with his partner, Hayden Kuhman. They didnt know the house was on fire, though they could smell something.

Another tenant came out and said to get the hell out of the building. Thats when we grabbed our stuff, he said.

Eldridge had just moved to Corvallis in December, and his father started a GoFundMe to replace the belongings that were lost. While all the residents, their guests and their pets made it out safely, the same cannot be said for all the other items that make a home.

We all love Tanner and dont know what comes next for him and his friends, his dad, Chuck Eldridge, wrote.

Grant, who moved in in October, was home when he heard someone banging on his door urging him to get out. He panicked, grabbing what he could, but he too lost most of his personal belongings in the fire.

Grant had no lights or heating in the unit for the entire month of December, he said, and only two electrical outlets worked in the living room. Michelle Schoning sent out four different contractors who took everything apart and still did not know how to fix the issue, he said.

I just strung up Christmas lights from Fred Meyer, so I could see, Grant said. It was so janky.

The lights and heating were working consistently a day or two before the fire, he said. But 10 minutes before the smell of smoke permeated, the breaker went out for the last time.

The tenants sat across the street and watched their apartment burn for a couple of hours as they answered questions from the fire inspector. A city bus transported them to Oregon State University, where they had pizza and water at Cascade Hall, home of campus public safety and ironically a building that partially burned in 1992.

The Red Cross showed up and gave the displaced tenants prepaid cards with $500, so they could replace some necessary items and find a temporary place to stay.

Its oddly weird because it feels like it didnt happen at all, Estes said.

Kip and Michelle Schoning

Mid-Valley Media has covered the Schonings many times over the years, in articles informally known as the Red Door Stories. When he operated under the name Bula Enterprises, Kip Schoning was known around the mid-valley for painting the doors of run-down houses red and renting to anyone who had the cash  without running a background check. The setup naturally appealed to college students who typically dont stay long enough to become a pain in landlords sides.

With the doors no longer crimson-hued, Schonings property management company has changed names several times in the past decade, from Bula Enterprises to Rising Realty LLC to Buena LLC to YourHouse LLC.

Whatever its name, the company is notorious for not returning tenant phone calls, maintaining its properties or making repairs, according to current tenants and those interviewed throughout the years and appearing in a string of "Red Door Stories."

The city of Corvallis Permitting System indicates 857 NW Tyler Ave. has been the site of 18 code violations. Among them was a 2015 tenant complaint that without a functional furnace, her unit was uninhabitable. The city agreed, posting an order for the Schonings to address the problem.

It took the city nearly five months  and a court order  to convince the property owners to fix the furnace. The judge called the violation egregious because the landlord had known of the broken furnace since October 2011.

The most recent fire wasnt even the first time 857 NW Tyler Ave. made the papers. In 2010, Alice Sparrow, who lived across the street from the house-turned-apartment complex, complained about an overgrowing pile of stinking trash to her then-city councilor, Mike Beilstein.

The rubbish had accumulated because all six units had to dump their refuse into three 30-gallon garbage cans, two of which did not have lids. At the time, the landlords eschewed the local trash haulers services, preferring to send their own crews  occasionally, according to tenants interviewed at the time.

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Citing staffing shortages, the city did not act quickly, but 2 1/2 weeks later, a maintenance crew from what was then Bula Enterprises hauled away the pile. It was at least the city's 11th complaint about trash accumulating at the property since 2003.

Incredibly, even that wasn't the first story about 857 NW Tyler. Another set of tenants described to Mid-Valley Media in 2008 how the ceiling caved in in their 4-year-old granddaughter's room. It was only fixed after the city and a reporter got involved, according to previously published reports.

The Schonings became so infamous for exploiting low-income tenants around the mid-valley that statewide legislation was passed in 2009 to protect renters against abusive fees from landlords.

John VanLandingham, a Eugene attorney with the Oregon Law Center, remembers working with a coalition of both tenants and landlords to support Senate Bill 771, outlawing several types of charges, including an upfront lock-change fee, fees for serving pre-eviction warnings and fees for appearing in court.

At the time it passed, court records showed Schoning and Bula Enterprises had initiated more than 800 formal eviction cases in the preceding 15 years. A Corvallis City Hall employee served on the coalition and had mentioned the Schonings by name and the published reports about them as "inspiration" for the changes, VanLandingham said.

A year later, the Schonings were having problems of their own. In 2010, Mid-Valley Media reported that Kip Schoning escaped his own foreclosure after falling more than a year behind on payments on his and Michelles half-million-dollar Timberhill residence. They ultimately moved out.

Fire investigation

While investigation into the Dec. 28 fire is ongoing, preliminary evidence from the building inspection suggests the fire originated between the second and third floors in the ceiling above a light fixture.

With such an old property, Jones said he still has to investigate what type of work has been done throughout the decades.

That place has had electrical issues for years, Jones said. Every time a handyman was sent over, the problem was fixed, and then something else stopped working. When you have buildings this old, things take place over the years, and standards change.

Once complete, the fire investigation will determine whether or not the building was up to code before the fire occurred.

All three tenants interviewed said their units had smoke detectors, six among them. Not one sounded as flames spread, they said. Oregon state laws requires landlords to install functional smoke alarms and maintain them in working order.

Next steps

A few of the tenants from the burned down property are teaming up to seek legal help. Hiring attorneys can be expensive, and as college students, they said they will need to work together to take the matter to court.

I dont really know whats next, Eldridge said. Maybe a class action suit against them because this is ridiculous. Weve told them about this.

In the meantime, they have to live.

Some of the tenants have friends or family they are staying with until they are able to secure another apartment. Others are staying in a hotel and worrying about where to go. Some have said it is difficult to find available units because most are already occupied by college students who moved in the fall.

Im just planning a way forward, Grant said.

Joanna Mann covers education for Mid-Valley Media. She can be contacted at 541-812-6076 or Joanna.Mann@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter via @joanna_mann_.

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More extreme time pressures could push the bounds of how Pennsylvanias elections are run in 2022, with wide-open races for a U.S. Senate seat and the governors office driving voter interest, and partisan stalemates in the statehouse sowing uncertainty.

It is barely a month before candidates can legally start gathering signatures to qualify for primary ballots and Pennsylvania still has no new map of district boundaries for congressional seats and state legislative seats.

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A court battle looks inevitable, potentially shortening the primary campaign period for candidates for Congress and the Legislature, and squeezing the timeline for counties to finalize and mail out ballots.

Meanwhile, despite two years of asking, counties remain unable to persuade the Republican-controlled Legislature to simply grant their request to let them process mailed-in ballots before Election Day.

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The vast majority of states allow it  including big Republican-controlled states like Florida, Georgia and Texas  and that hang-up in 2020s presidential election dragged out counting, fomented a legion of baseless conspiracy theories launched by former President Donald Trump and kept the winner of Pennsylvanias electoral votes in limbo until the Saturday after the election.

State government is failing us again, said Forrest Lehman, Lycoming Countys elections director.

For this years election, the boundaries of both congressional and legislative districts must be redrawn to account for a decade of demographic changes identified by the U.S. Census.

There was little sign Friday that any proposed map  either legislative or congressional  can secure the kind of bipartisan acceptance that could avoid litigation.

Gov. Tom Wolfs administration has asked for maps by Jan. 24, three weeks before state law allows the start of signature gathering on Feb. 15. From there, it is 13 weeks to the primary election  the maximum under state law  but even that is a tight window for counties, election officials say.

The 13 weeks are barely enough for courts to settle challenges to candidate petitions and for counties to update voter rolls, prepare voting machines and finalize, print and mail out ballots to voters requesting them, county officials say.

In 1992, a partisan stalemate over a new congressional map landed in court. The state Supreme Court kept the primary election date unchanged, but the court case compressed the 13-week period down to seven weeks.

Thirty years later, mail-in voting has made elections far more complicated and time-consuming to run, and election departments are seeing veteran administrators leave because of the growing pressures.

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Even if we have the full amount of time, its going to be rough, said Marybeth Kuznik, Fayette Countys election director. But if we have less time, its going to be extra rough.

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If protracted litigation happens, it would be better to delay the primary election date and avoid confusion among candidates and voters, Kuznik said.

Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, said moving the May 17 primary is a last resort, while House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre, called it unacceptable and, frankly, unnecessary.

Al Schmidt, a former Philadelphia election commissioner who is now president and CEO of the good-government group Committee of Seventy, said lawmakers and judges have never been particularly sensitive to the time and predictability election administrators need to carry out an election.

The courts and the Legislature just assume it will work out, Schmidt said. But it can have catastrophic consequences when it doesnt work out, when it is rushed or when voters get the wrong ballot or when a name is misspelled on a ballot, especially in an environment where everyone assumes when a mistake occurs it is due to nefarious reasons.

There appears to be no mood among Republican lawmakers to pass a narrow bill allowing counties to process mail-in ballots before Election Day without attaching other provisions opposed by Wolf and his fellow Democrats.

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Eugene DiGirolamo, a former state Republican lawmaker and now a Bucks County commissioner, said there is undoubtedly a way for lawmakers to compromise, give counties what they want and avoid nothing short of a disaster where contest results remain unknown for days after the election.

If they dont get it done, its going to be a mess for the candidates and itll be a mess for the counties, DiGirolamo said. Its going to fuel these conspiracy theories: Somethings wrong with these mail-in ballots.
Nanci Benson poses with blocks of butter she received during a giveaway in Casper. Benson was among a group of people to obtain free 55-pound blocks of butter on Dec. 29 after a truck wreck left the butter undelivered.
Jenny and Dan Catone say they have lost $500,000 on the home they were having built near Powell because shoddy work left it uninhabitable. The couple has been told it will be more cost-effective to tear the home down than to try to fix the problems.
Xi says China fully supports Kazakh govt

(China Daily) 10:19, January 09, 2022

Beijing opposes attempts to undermine security, stability of Central Asian nation

President Xi Jinping has expressed China's support for Kazakhstan in quelling the unrest occurring in the neighboring country, saying that Beijing opposes attempts to undermine the security and stability of the Central Asian nation, and also opposes attempts to damage the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Xi made the remarks in a verbal message sent to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday. In the message, he expressed his sincere sympathy to Tokayev over the unrest in Kazakhstan that has caused major casualties and losses of property.

Xi appreciated the strong measures taken by the Kazakh president at a critical moment to stabilize the situation, saying his efforts have demonstrated that Tokayev, as a statesman, is greatly responsible for his country and people.

China is firmly opposed to any force trying to undermine the stability of Kazakhstan and threatening to the country's security, Xi stressed, and it is firmly opposed to any force trying to damage the tranquil life of the Kazakh people.

While noting that China is firmly opposed to external forces maliciously creating turmoil and masterminding a "color revolution" in Kazakhstan, Xi also expressed strong opposition to any attempt to thwart the two countries' friendship and make trouble for their cooperation.

As its neighboring country with a brotherly relationship and as its permanent comprehensive strategic partner, China stands ready to provide necessary support to Kazakhstan to help it overcome its difficulties, said Xi.

Whatever risks and challenges it might face, China will, as always, be a trustworthy friend and reliable partner of Kazakhstan, he said, adding that the Chinese people will stand with the Kazakh people forever.

Fresh violence erupted and gunbattles resumed in Kazakhstan's largest city of Almaty on Friday as Russia sent in paratroopers to help put down the countrywide unrest.

According to the Mir-24 TV channel, eyewitnesses confirmed that clashes took place in the vicinity of Republic Square in Almaty.

The military is using loudspeakers to demand the streets are cleared. In addition, all residents have received SMS messages reminding them of the curfew, the TV channel reported.

Reuters reporters heard explosions and gunfire as military vehicles and scores of soldiers advanced, although the shooting stopped after nightfall. TASS news agency quoted witnesses as saying people had been killed and wounded in the new gunfire.

The Kazakh authorities have introduced a critical "red" level of terrorism danger across the country, the National Security Committee said on Friday.

Kazakh President Tokayev said on Friday that order had been mostly restored in the country after days of unprecedented violence. The Interior Ministry said security forces had placed all the country's regions "under increased protection" and that 26 "armed criminals" had been killed and 18 wounded in the unrest.

The red level of terrorist danger means that the authorities can conduct personal searches and inspections of belongings and vehicles, and temporarily restrict people's movements.

The red level of terrorist threat also means the full mobilization and combat readiness of all security forces, as well as the strengthening of security measures.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Friday that Kazakhstan has adopted a series of effective measures to fight terrorism and violence in order to maintain social stability. China supports all efforts by the Kazakh authorities to help end the unrest, and opposes efforts by outside forces to create social instability and violence in Kazakhstan.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers of Zhangmen Education Inc. (NYSE: ZME) American Depositary Shares (ADSs) in or traceable to Zhangmen Educations initial public offering conducted on or about June 8, 2021 (IPO), pursuant to the IPO prospectus (the Prospectus) and Form F-1 registration statement, as amended (together with the Prospectus, the Registration Statement) have until Tuesday, January 18, 2022, to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in Banerjee v. Zhangmen Education Inc., No. 21-cv-09634 (S.D.N.Y.). Commenced on November 19, 2021 by Robbins Geller, the Zhangmen Education class action lawsuit charges Zhangmen Education, certain of its top executives, and the IPOs underwriters with violations of the Securities Act of 1933.



The plaintiff is represented by Robbins Geller, which has extensive experience in prosecuting investor class actions including actions involving financial fraud. You can view a copy of the complaint by clicking here.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Zhangmen Education class action lawsuit, please provide your information by clicking here. You can also contact attorney J.C. Sanchez of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at jsanchez@rgrdlaw.com. Lead plaintiff motions for the Zhangmen Education class action lawsuit must be filed with the court no later than Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Zhangmen Education provides personalized online tutoring services to K-12 students in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). The rapid rate of growth in PRCs online education market has led to a sharp rise in fraudulent activity, including false advertising, fabrication of teacher qualifications, exaggerated student performance, and price fraud. In response to these scandals, the Chinese government sought to clean up the industry by adopting stringent new regulations shortly before the Zhangmen Education IPO. But as the Zhangmen Education class action lawsuit alleges, the true scope and effect of these proposed measures were known to but undisclosed by defendants prior to the IPO and were reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Zhangmen Educations business and future operating results.

Specifically, the Zhangmen Education class action lawsuit alleges that the IPOs Registration Statement failed to disclose that: (a) PRC authorities were in the process of implementing sweeping new regulatory reforms on the private education industry in China including, among others, prohibitions on: (i) profit-making by private education companies, (ii) engaging in core-curriculum tutoring on weekends and vacations, and (iii) capital-raising by companies like Zhangmen Education; (b) the known risks, events, and uncertainties noted in the Registration Statement were reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Zhangmen Educations business; and (c) based on the foregoing, the statements in the Registration Statement concerning Zhangmen Educations historical financial performance, market demand, and industry trends were materially incomplete, inaccurate, and misleading.

On July 23, 2021  less than two months after the IPO  PRC unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its education sector, banning companies that teach the school curriculum from making profits, raising capital, or going public. These drastic measures effectively ended any potential growth in the for-profit tutoring sector in PRC.

Then, on July 26, 2021, Zhangmen Education issued a release providing an update on the new PRC policies, admitting among other things that Zhangmen Education expected the Guidelines to have material impacts on our existing business operations, financial condition and corporate structure.

Thereafter, on August 25, 2021, Zhangmen Education issued a press release providing a further update on similar policies implemented by the Shanghai government and the implications for Zhangmen Educations business, stating for example that: (a) No new provider of after-school tutoring services on academic subjects in Chinas compulsory education system (Academic AST) will be approved, while existing Academic AST providers shall be subject to review and re-registration as non-profit organizations; (b) Tuition fees for Academic AST shall follow the guidelines from the government to prevent any excessive charging or excessive profit-seeking activities; and (c) AST advertising shall be subject to enhanced oversight.

Finally, on November 19, 2021, Zhangmen Education announced that its auditor, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP, had voluntarily resigned.

Subsequent to the IPO, the price of Zhangmen Education ADSs plummeted. As of the filing of the Zhangmen Education class action lawsuit, Zhangmen Education ADSs trade more than 80% below the IPO price.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased Zhangmen Education ADSs in or traceable to the IPO pursuant to the Registration Statement to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Zhangmen Education class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Zhangmen Education class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Zhangmen Education class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery of the Zhangmen Education class action lawsuit is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER RUDMAN & DOWD LLP: With 200 lawyers in 9 offices nationwide, Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is the largest U.S. law firm representing investors in securities class actions. Robbins Geller attorneys have obtained many of the largest shareholder recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever  $7.2 billion  in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. The 2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report ranked Robbins Geller first for recovering $1.6 billion for investors that year, more than double the amount recovered by any other securities plaintiffs firm. Please visit http://www.rgrdlaw.com for more information.

Attorney advertising.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

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Contact:

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655 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

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Goshen, IN (46526)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to cloudy skies and rain overnight. Low 49F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to cloudy skies and rain overnight. Low 49F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
People visit the "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022" in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Jan. 6, 2022.

The three-day expo concluded Saturday at Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Center, a multipurpose facility, drawing huge crowds, particularly to the stalls of leading Chinese smartphone brands.

Bangladeshi state-run cellphone operator Teletalk has brought 5G experience for the visitors with technical support from Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the country's largest "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022".

The fair is aimed at showcasing the latest mobile communication gadgets to the masses. (Xinhua)

DHAKA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Bangladeshi state-run cellphone operator Teletalk has brought 5G experience for the visitors with technical support from Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the country's largest "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022".

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the expo, Bangladeshi Post and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar said, for the first time, there is an opportunity for all interested visitors to get a 5G experience at this event. Anyone can take this experience from the Teletalk Bangladesh stall.

"We launched 5G in Bangladesh on Dec. 12 last year, and today, on Jan. 6, the people of Bangladesh are experiencing 5G live here at the Smartphone and Tab Expo 2022 for the first time. I thank Teletalk and Huawei for this."

The three-day expo kicked off on Thursday at Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Center, a multipurpose facility, previously known as the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center, drawing huge crowds, particularly to the stalls of leading Chinese smartphone brands.

The fair is aimed at showcasing the latest mobile communication gadgets to the masses. Dozens of local and foreign brands including Huawei, Oppo, Samsung and Vivo are exhibiting their latest products at the fair.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister's ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy last month inaugurated the 5G, or fifth generation mobile services, via Teletalk in collaboration with Huawei.

With the launch of the next generation services, mobile users in selected places in parts of the country now have access to high-speed 5G Internet through their mobile phones at a relatively lower price.

Huawei Bangladesh provided infrastructure and technical support to Teletalk for deploying 5G networks.

Tao Guangyao, chief operating officer of Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Limited, said that Huawei will keep the purpose of "in Bangladesh, for Bangladesh," proactively introducing localized 5G use cases to Bangladesh and together all eco partner help 5G take root in local society, and keep its effort for local digital telecom talent cultivation. 

Visitors view gadgets on display during the "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022" in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Jan. 6, 2022.

The three-day expo concluded Saturday at Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Center, a multipurpose facility, drawing huge crowds, particularly to the stalls of leading Chinese smartphone brands.

Bangladeshi state-run cellphone operator Teletalk has brought 5G experience for the visitors with technical support from Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the country's largest "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022".

The fair is aimed at showcasing the latest mobile communication gadgets to the masses. (Xinhua)

People visit the "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022" in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Jan. 6, 2022.

The three-day expo concluded Saturday at Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Center, a multipurpose facility, drawing huge crowds, particularly to the stalls of leading Chinese smartphone brands.

Bangladeshi state-run cellphone operator Teletalk has brought 5G experience for the visitors with technical support from Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the country's largest "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022".

The fair is aimed at showcasing the latest mobile communication gadgets to the masses. (Xinhua)

People visit the "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022" in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Jan. 6, 2022.

The three-day expo concluded Saturday at Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Center, a multipurpose facility, drawing huge crowds, particularly to the stalls of leading Chinese smartphone brands.

Bangladeshi state-run cellphone operator Teletalk has brought 5G experience for the visitors with technical support from Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the country's largest "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022".

The fair is aimed at showcasing the latest mobile communication gadgets to the masses. (Xinhua)

Visitors view smartphones on display during the "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022" in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Jan. 6, 2022.

The three-day expo concluded Saturday at Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Center, a multipurpose facility, drawing huge crowds, particularly to the stalls of leading Chinese smartphone brands.

Bangladeshi state-run cellphone operator Teletalk has brought 5G experience for the visitors with technical support from Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the country's largest "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022".

The fair is aimed at showcasing the latest mobile communication gadgets to the masses. (Xinhua)

A salesperson shows a smartphone to a customer at a booth during the "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022" in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Jan. 6, 2022.

The three-day expo concluded Saturday at Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Center, a multipurpose facility, drawing huge crowds, particularly to the stalls of leading Chinese smartphone brands.

Bangladeshi state-run cellphone operator Teletalk has brought 5G experience for the visitors with technical support from Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the country's largest "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022".

The fair is aimed at showcasing the latest mobile communication gadgets to the masses. (Xinhua)

Visitors view smartphones on display during the "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022" in Dhaka, Bangladesh on Jan. 6, 2022.

The three-day expo concluded Saturday at Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Center, a multipurpose facility, drawing huge crowds, particularly to the stalls of leading Chinese smartphone brands.

Bangladeshi state-run cellphone operator Teletalk has brought 5G experience for the visitors with technical support from Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the country's largest "Smartphone & Tab Expo 2022".

The fair is aimed at showcasing the latest mobile communication gadgets to the masses. (Xinhua)
Yes, like every other state in the nation

At least half of it

No, keep funneling to the General Fund

Eliminate the fuel tax

Uncertain

Vote

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The Orange Line metro trains are seen at the terminal station in Lahore, Pakistan, Dec. 29, 2021. Officially open to traffic on Oct. 25, 2020, the eco-friendly Orange Line metro train is an early project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. (Photo by Jamil Ahmed/Xinhua)

by Xinhua writer Jiang Chao

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- A familiar broadcast sound from the Dera Gujran station reminded Mohammad Nauman of the first stop of his career. In 2020, the young Pakistani man worked in Lahore to prepare the opening of the Orange Line, the country's first metro train service, and witnessed the friendship between the locals and Chinese workers.

Officially open to traffic on Oct. 25, 2020, the eco-friendly Orange Line metro train is an early project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

On April 20, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Islamabad for state visit to Pakistan. The two countries agreed to form a "1+4" cooperation structure with the CPEC at the center, and the Gwadar Port, transportation infrastructure, energy and industrial cooperation being the four key areas to achieve win-win results.

The two countries have signed over 50 cooperation deals, including the Orange Line project.

"When President Xi witnessed the signing of this project in 2015, I was a university student majoring in transportation. So it was very amazing for me that this whole connectivity was coming to my country," said Nauman.

In February 2020, when the project in the second largest city of Pakistan started recruiting operation technicians, Nauman applied and became a member of the operation team.

The team needed to fully master professional skills for train operation, dispatching, driving and maintenance within only eight months before the official opening of the metro line, he recalled, saying that "it almost seemed an impossible task."

Li Chen, chief executive officer of Orange Line Metro Rail transit system operation & maintenance joint venture, faced similar difficulties.

"The group training was organized for local employees, and all of them were required to inspect the Orange Line on the spot to understand all technical details," he said.

"Everyone is amazed and wonders how our Chinese trainers can put so much effort into this project," said Nauman, adding that the Chinese trainers showed great patience while teaching the Pakistani employees technical knowledge.

"Most people cannot bear to stand in the scorching sun for two minutes on the overpass, however, the Chinese trainers walked back and forth along the 26 km metro line doing training and inspections," Li said.

Their hard work had greatly encouraged Nauman and his co-workers, who quickly improved their professional skills, Li added.

After the Orange Line started commercial operation, Nauman began to work as a station master at the Dera Gujran station. "My family is very proud of me being a part of this international project," he said.

With his own efforts and the help of his Chinese colleagues, Nauman was awarded the "excellent employee of the CPEC in 2020," and has been transferred to the operation control center (OCC) to work as a train dispatcher. In his new position, Nauman took on a heavier responsibility.

"My position in the OCC, the heart of the Orange Line, is one of the most key positions as far as safety is concerned. We are ensuring the safety for all passengers in Lahore," Nauman said.

No accidents have occurred so far on the Orange Line which carries 25 million passengers a year, a hard-won achievement, Li said.

"The CPEC has not only connected the technology and economy of the two countries but also strengthened people-to-people contact. That's what the Orange Line has been doing," he added.

The sentiment was echoed by Nauman, who also sees the line as a token of friendship between China and Pakistan.

"China generously shares its resources with other countries, and other countries are getting benefits from that. So I think this is going to give real potential to Pakistan and make the country prosperous," said Haris Iftikhar, a local passenger.

"I am feeling delighted traveling on this train. We have excellent relations with China. China is a very good friend of Pakistan. So I'm proud of China, and I'm also proud of my own country," said another passenger named Nyla Zulfiqar. 

People board the Orange Line metro train in Lahore, Pakistan, Dec. 29, 2021. Officially open to traffic on Oct. 25, 2020, the eco-friendly Orange Line metro train is an early project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. (Photo by Jamil Ahmed/Xinhua)

An Orange Line metro train pulls into the terminal station in Lahore, Pakistan, Dec. 29, 2021. Officially open to traffic on Oct. 25, 2020, the eco-friendly Orange Line metro train is an early project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. (Photo by Jamil Ahmed/Xinhua)

People buy tickets for the Orange Line metro train in Lahore, Pakistan, Dec. 29, 2021. Officially open to traffic on Oct. 25, 2020, the eco-friendly Orange Line metro train is an early project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. (Photo by Jamil Ahmed/Xinhua)

People take the Orange Line metro train in Lahore, Pakistan, Dec. 29, 2021. Officially open to traffic on Oct. 25, 2020, the eco-friendly Orange Line metro train is an early project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. (Photo by Jamil Ahmed/Xinhua)
Sony's patent for a 3D scanner that can put real-world objects into virtual reality isn't something new. In fact, the listing dates back to June last year, but since the patent office asked Sony to re-submit the documents with more details and the company has done so, we believe that the tech giant is serious about this endeavour.

The patent hasn't been granted yet, but the documents reveal that the 3D scanner might be used to put real-life objects into the virtual world, or it can be used to better blend the real surrounding with the virtual one. Moreover, the user will be able to scan even bigger objects than just some small, handheld stuff. The only requirement is to be able to scan the object in 360-degree.

Keep in mind, though, since this is just a patent, don't expect the tech to come around anytime soon and it may never leave the concept realm too.

Via
Evelyn Flores describes her poem "The Flame Tree" and the role of poetry on April 26, 2022, in anticipation of Poets.org "Poem-a-Day" focus on Pacific poets this May.
Corrections & clarifications: this story has been updated with the proper spelling of USPS communication specialist Duke Gonzales' name, and to reflect the proper name for the Yigo and Dededo postal units.

Almost nine months after it was closed because of an investigation by Guam Postal Inspectors, the Dededo post units doors remain shuttered.

In April of 2021, the Dededo and Yigo postal units were both closed indefinitely due to an ongoing investigation and audit. Court documents later revealed that postal inspectors had reason to believe that mail theft had occurred at the Dededo post unit, after they found mail that was undelivered and had been rifled through.

U.S. postal inspector Brian Shaughnessy said that the circumstances leading to the closure were still under investigation, and no criminal charges had been filed in relation to the investigation as of Jan. 8.

Customers of the Yigo and Dededo offices were rerouted to the main branch in Barrigada, which made driving down to pick up their mail over the counter an inconvenience.

Operator needed

The Yigo post office subsequently reopened last July, but the Dededo location was shut down through the New Year. Both locations are contract postal units, operated entirely by contract workers, and without USPS employees did not work at either location. According to USPS communications specialist Duke Gonzales, an operator for the Dededo postal unit was still being selected as of January.

We are in the process of securing an operator for the Dededo contract postal unit, he said, We understand how important this facility is to our Dededo customers and are making every effort to expedite this process.

According to Gonzales, contract postal units are supplier-owned, supplier-leased sites operated by private vendors, under contract to the Postal Service to provide postal products and services to the public at U.S. Postal Service prices.

The contractor currently operating Yigo could request to operate Dededo, Gonzales said.
The Cannabis Control Board, which last November adopted rules and regulations for the islands recreational cannabis industry, made several changes to the rules which originally were presented to the public in November 2020.

The board eliminated the governments broad authority to seize cannabis products and expanded the list of authorized fertilizers and growing materials, among other changes.

As currently written, the rules allow a small-scale cannabis grower  with a cultivation area of 500 square feet or less  to be licensed for $1,600 in initial fees. The largest cultivation facilities, with up to 10,000 square feet of growing area, will pay $30,000 in initial fees.

Money collected from licensing and fees and from cannabis excise taxes will support government enforcement of the industry.

The board decided to slightly reduce the startup licensing fees for cannabis manufacturing facilities, from $15,000 to $12,000, but kept the fees for cannabis retail stores the same, at $15,000.

Stand by

Recreational marijuana has been legal in Guam since 2019, and eligible adults can possess limited amounts in public and grow and consume it at home. It still is illegal to sell or trade marijuana for anything of value until the rules and regulations are in place and the government issues licenses to cultivators, manufacturers, testing facilities and retail stores.

Although the Cannabis Board adopted the rules and regulations on Nov. 12, the islands recreational cannabis industry cant start for at least several more months because the rules have not yet been presented to the Legislature for a mandatory 90-day review period by lawmakers.

Tracking

The governors office on Nov. 10 announced that the Department of Public Health and Social Services signed a contract with Metrc to provide seed-to-sale cannabis tracking services for the government.

Cannabis and cannabis products cant be sold unless they are tested at a licensed testing facility.

The Cannabis Board held public hearings on the proposed rules and regulations in November 2020, then spent more than a year revising the document, based on public input and board deliberation.

Here are some of the changes and additions to the rules, as adopted in November:
The Project Gutenberg eBook of Waheenee--An Indian Girl's Story, by Waheenee

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org . If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: Waheenee--An Indian Girl's Story

Authors: Waheenee

Gilbert Livingstone Wilson

Illustrator: Frederick N. Wilson

Release Date: January 9, 2022 [eBook #67133]

Language: English

Produced by: MFR, Robert Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAHEENEE--AN INDIAN GIRL'S STORY ***

Waheenee and Her Husband, Son-of-a-Star

WAHEENEE

AN INDIAN GIRLS STORY TOLD BY HERSELF

TO

GILBERT L. WILSON, Ph.D. Field collector for the American Museum of Natural History of New York City. Professor of Anthropology, Macalester College. Author of Myths of the Red Children, Goodbird, the Indian, The Agriculture of the Hidatsa Indians, Indian Hero Tales. ILLUSTRATED

BY

FREDERICK N. WILSON Webb Publishing Company

St. Paul, Minnesota

1921

COPYRIGHT, 1921

BY

WEBB PUBLISHING CO.

W1

3 FOREWORD

The Hidatsas, called Minitaris by the Mandans, are a Siouan tribe and speak a language closely akin to that of the Crows. Wars with the Dakota Sioux forced them to ally themselves with the Mandans, whose culture they adopted. Lewis and Clark found the two tribes living in five villages at the mouth of the Knife river, in 1804.

In 1832 the artist Catlin visited the Five Villages, as they were called. A year later Maximilian of Wiet visited them with the artist Bodmer. Several score canvasses, the work of the two artists, are preserved to us.

Smallpox nearly exterminated the two tribes in 1837-8. The survivors, a mere remnant, removed to Fort Berthold reservation where they still dwell.

In 1908, with my brother, an artist, I was sent by Dr. Clark Wissler, Curator of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History, to begin cultural studies among the Hidatsas. This work, continued through successive summers for ten years, is but now drawing to a close.

4

During these years my faithful interpreter and helper has been Edward Goodbird, grandson of Small Ankle, a chief of the Hidatsas in the trying years following the terrible smallpox winter; and my principal informants have been Goodbirds mother, Waheenee-wea, or Buffalo-Bird Woman, and her brother, Wolf Chief.

The stories in this book were told me by Buffalo-Bird Woman. A few told in mere outline, have been completed from information given by Wolf Chief and others.

Illustrations are by my brother, from studies made by him on the reservation. They have been carefully compared with the Catlin and Bodmer sketches. Not a few are redrawn from cruder sketches by Goodbird, himself an artist of no mean ability.

Acknowledgment is made of the courtesy of Curator Wissler, whose permission makes possible the publishing of this book.

Indians have the gentle custom of adopting very dear friends by relationship terms. By such adoption Buffalo-Bird Woman is my mother. It is with real pleasure that I offer to young readers these stories from the life of my Indian mother.

G. L. W.

5 CONTENTS

7 WAHEENEE FIRST CHAPTER A LITTLE INDIAN GIRL

I was born in an earth lodge by the mouth of the Knife river, in what is now North Dakota, three years after the smallpox winter.

The Mandans and my tribe, the Hidatsas, had come years before from the Heart river; and they had built the Five Villages, as we called them, on the banks of the Knife, near the place where it enters the Missouri.

Here were bottom lands for our cornfields and cottonwood trees for the beams and posts of our lodges. The dead wood that floated down either river would help keep us in firewood, the old women thought. Getting fuel in a prairie country was not always easy work.

8

When I was ten days old my mother made a feast and asked an old man named Nothing-but-Water to give me a name. He called me Good Way. For I pray the gods, he said, that our little girl may go through life by a good way; that she may grow up a good woman, not quarreling nor stealing; and that she may have good luck all her days.

I was a rather sickly child and my father wished after a time to give me a new name. We Indians thought that sickness was from the gods. A childs name was given him as a kind of prayer. A new name, our medicine men thought, often moved the gods to help a sick or weakly child.

So my father gave me another name, Waheenee-wea,[1] or Buffalo-Bird Woman. In our Hidatsa language, waheenee, means cowbird, or buffalo-bird, as this little brown bird is known in the buffalo country; wea, meaning girl or woman, is often added to a girls name that none mistake it for the name of a boy. I do not know why my father chose this name. His gods, I know, were birds; and these, we thought, had much holy power. Perhaps the buffalo-birds had spoken to him in a dream.

9

I am still called by the name my father gave me; and, as I have lived to be a very old woman, I think it has brought me good luck from the gods.

My mothers name was Weahtee.[2] She was one of four sisters, wives of my father; her sisters names were Red Blossom, Stalk-of-Corn, and Strikes-Many Woman. I was taught to call all these my mothers. Such was our Indian custom. I do not think my mothers sisters could have been kinder to me if I had been an own daughter.

I remember nothing of our life at the Five Villages; but my great-grandmother, White Corn, told me something of it. I used to creep into her bed when the nights were cold and beg for stories.

The Mandans lived in two of the villages, the Hidatsas in three, she said. Around each village, excepting on the side that fronted the river, ran a fence of posts, with spaces between for shooting arrows. In front of the row of posts was a deep ditch.

We had corn aplenty and buffalo meat to eat in the Five Villages, and there were old people and little children in every lodge. Then smallpox came. More than half of my tribe died in the smallpox winter. Of the Mandans only a few families were left alive. All the old people and little children died.

I was sad when I heard this story. Did any of your family die, grandmother? I asked.

10

Yes, my husband, Yellow Elk, died. So many were the dead that there was no time to put up burial scaffolds; so his clan fathers bore Yellow Elk to the burying ground and laid him on the grass with logs over him to keep off the wolves.

That night the villagers heard a voice calling to them from the burying ground. A-ha-hey![3] I have waked up. Come for me.

It is a ghost, the villagers cried; and they feared to go.

Some brave young men, listening, thought they knew Yellow Elks voice. They went to the burying ground and called, Are you alive, Yellow Elk?

Yes, he answered, I have waked up!

The young men rolled the logs from his body and bore Yellow Elk to the village; he was too weak to walk.

This story of Yellow Elk I thought wonderful; but it scared me to know that my great-grandfather had been to the ghost land and had come back again.

Enemies gave our tribes much trouble after the smallpox year, my grandmother said. Bands 11of Sioux waylaid hunting parties or came prowling around our villages to steal horses. Our chiefs, Mandan and Hidatsa, held a council and decided to remove farther up the Missouri. We will build a new village, they agreed, and dwell together as one tribe.

The site chosen for the new village was a place called Like-a-Fishhook Point, a bit of high bench land that jutted into a bend of the Missouri. We set out for our new home in the spring, when I was four years old. I remember nothing of our march thither. My mothers have told me that not many horses were then owned by the Hidatsas, and that robes, pots, axes, bags of corn and other stuff were packed on the backs of women or on travois dragged by dogs.

The march was led by the older chiefs and medicine men. My grandfather was one of them. His name was Missouri River. On the pommel of his saddle hung his medicines, or sacred objects, two human skulls wrapped in a skin. They were believed to be the skulls of thunder birds, who, before they died, had changed themselves into Indians. After the chiefs, in a long line, came warriors, women, and children. Young men who owned ponies were sent ahead to hunt meat for the evening camp. Others rode up and down the line to speed the12 stragglers and to see that no child strayed off to fall into the hands of our enemies, the Sioux.

The earth lodges that the Mandans and Hidatsas built, were dome-shaped houses of posts and beams, roofed over with willows-and-grass, and earth; but every family owned a tepee, or skin tent, for use when hunting or traveling. Our two tribes camped in these tents the first summer at Like-a-Fishhook Point, while they cleared ground for cornfields.

The labor of clearing was done chiefly by the women, although the older men helped. Young men were expected to be off fighting our enemies or hunting buffaloes. There was need for hunting. Our small, first years fields could yield no large crops; and, to keep from going hungry in the winter months, we must lay in a good store of dried meat. We owned few guns in the tribe then; and hunting buffaloes with arrows was anything but sport. Only young men, strong and active, made good hunters.

My mothers were hard-working women, and began their labor of clearing a field almost as soon as camp was pitched. My grandmother, Turtle, chose the ground for the field. It was in a piece of bottom land that lay along the river, a little east of the camp. My mothers had brought seed corn from the Five Villages; and squash, bean and sunflower seed.

I am not sure that they were able to plant much corn the first season. I know they planted some beans and a few squashes. I am told that when the squash harvest came in, my13 grandmother picked out a long green-striped squash for me, for a doll baby. I carried this about on my back, snuggled under my buffalo-calf robe, as I had seen Indian mothers carry their babies. At evening I wrapped my dolly in a bit of skin and put her to bed.

Our camp on a summers evening was a cheerful scene. At this hour, fires burned before most of the tepees; and, as the women had ended their days labors, there was much visiting from tent to tent. Here a family sat eating their evening meal. Yonder, a circle of old men, cross-legged or squat-on-heels in the firelight, joked and told stories. From a big tent on one side of the camp came the tum-tum tum-tum of a drum. We had dancing almost every evening in those good days.

But for wee folks bedtime was rather early. In my fathers family, it was soon after sunset. My mothers had laid dry grass around the tent wall, and on this had spread buffalo skins for beds. Small logs, laid along the edge of the beds, caught any sparks from the fireplace; for, when the nights grew chill, my mothers made their fire in the tepee. My father often sat and sang me to sleep by the firelight.

14

He had many songs. Some of them were for little boys: others were for little girls. Of the girls songs, there was one I liked very much; it was something like this:

My sister asks me to go out and stretch the smoke-flap. My armlets and earrings shine! I go through the woods where the elm trees grow. Why do the berries not ripen? What berries do you like best?the red? the blue?

This song I used to try to sing to my squash doll, but I found it hard to remember the words.

15 SECOND CHAPTER WINTER CAMP

The medicine men of the two tribes had laid out the plan of our new village when they made camp in the spring. There was to be an open circle in the center, with the lodges of the chiefs and principal men opening upon it; and in the center of the circle was to stand the Mandans sacred corral. This corral was very holy. Around it were held solemn dances, when young men fasted and cut their flesh to win favor of the gods.

The early planning of the village by our medicine men made it possible for a woman to choose a site and begin building her earth lodge. Few lodges, however, were built the first summer. My mothers did not even begin building theirs; but they got ready the timbers with which to frame it.

16

Going often into the woods with their dogs to gather firewood, they kept a sharp lookout for trees that would make good beams or posts; these they felled later, and let lie to cure. For rafters, they cut long poles; and from cottonwood trunks they split puncheons for the sloping walls. In olden days puncheons were split with wedges of buffalo horn. A core of hard ash wood was driven into the hollow horn to straighten it and make it solid.

Autumn came; my mothers harvested their rather scanty crops; and, with the moon of Yellow Leaves, we struck tents and went into winter camp. My tribe usually built their winter village down in the thick woods along the Missouri, out of reach of the cold prairie winds. It was of earth lodges, like those of our summer village, but smaller and more rudely put together. We made camp this winter not very far from Like-a-Fishhook Point.

My fathers lodge, or, better, my mothers lodge,for an earth lodge belonged to the women who built itwas more carefully constructed than most winter lodges were. Earth was heaped thick on the roof to keep in the warmth; and against the sloping walls without were leaned thorny rosebushes, to keep the dogs from climbing up and digging holes in the roof. The fireplace was a round, shallow pit, with edges plastered smooth with mud. Around the walls stood the family beds, six of them, covered each with an old tent skin on a frame of poles.

17

A winter lodge was never very warm; and, if there were old people or children in the family, a second, or twin lodge, was often built. This was a small lodge with roof peaked like a tepee, but covered with bark and earth. A covered passage led from it to the main lodge.

The twin lodge had two uses. In it the grandparents or other feeble or sickly members of the family could sit, snug and warm, on the coldest day; and the children of the household used it as a playhouse.

I can just remember playing in our twin lodge, and making little feasts with bits of boiled tongue or dried berries that my mothers gave me. I did not often get to go out of doors; for I was not a strong little girl, and, as the winter was a hard one, my mothers were at pains to see that I was kept warm. I had a tiny robe, made of a buffalo-calf skin, that I drew over my little buckskin dress; and short girls leggings over my ankles. In the twin lodge, as in the larger earth lodge, the smoke hole let in plenty of fresh air.

My mothers had a scant store of corn and beans, and some strings of dried squashes; and they had put by two or three sacks of dried prairie turnips. A mess of these turnips was boiled now and then and was very good. Once, I remember, we had a pudding, dried prairie turnips pounded to a meal and boiled with dried June berries. Such a pudding was sweet, and we children were fond of it.

To eke out our store of corn and keep the pot boiling, my father hunted much of the time.18 To hunt deer he left the lodge before daybreak, on snowshoes, if the snow was deep. He had a flintlock gun, a smoothbore with a short barrel. The wooden stock was studded with brass nails. For shot he used slugs, bits of lead which he cut from a bar, and chewed to make round like bullets. Powder and shot were hard to get in those days.

Buffaloes were not much hunted in winter, when they were likely to be poor in flesh; but my father and his friends made one hunt before midwinter set in. Buffaloes were hunted with bow and arrows, from horseback. Only a fleet pony could overtake a buffalo, and there were not many such owned in the tribe. We thought a man rich who had a good buffalo horse.

My father stabled his horses at night in our lodge, in a little corral fenced off against the wall. I do not want the Sioux to steal them, he used to say. In the morning, after breakfast, he drove them out upon the prairie, to pasture, but brought them in again before sunset. In very cold weather my mothers cut down young cottonwoods and let our horses browse on the tender branches.

Early in the spring our people returned to Like-a-Fishhook Point and took up again the labor of clearing and planting fields. Each family19 had its own field, laid out in the timbered bottom lands along the Missouri, if possible, in a rather open place where there were no large trees to fell.

Felling trees and grubbing out bushes were done with iron tools, axes and heavy hoes, gotten of the traders. I have heard that in old times my tribe used stone axes, but I never saw them myself. Our family field was larger than any owned by our neighbors; and my mothers were at pains to add to it, for they had many mouths to feed. My grandmother, Turtle, helped them, rising at the first sound of the birds to follow my mothers to the field.

Turtle was old-fashioned in her ways and did not take kindly to iron tools. I am an Indian, she would say, I use the ways my fathers used. Instead of grubbing out weeds and bushes, she pried them from the ground with a wooden digging stick. I think she was as skillful with this as were my mothers with their hoes of iron.

Digging sticks are even yet used by old Hidatsa women for digging wild turnips. The best kind is made of a stout ash sapling, slightly bent and trimmed at the root end to a three-cornered point. To harden the point, it is oiled20 with marrow fat, and a bunch of dry grass is tied around it and fired. The charring makes the point almost as hard as iron.

Turtle, I think, was the last woman in the tribe to use an old-fashioned, bone-bladed hoe. Two other old women owned such hoes, but no longer used them in the fields. Turtles hoe was made of the shoulder bone of a buffalo set in a light-wood handle, the blade firmly bound in place with thongs. The handle was rather short, and so my grandmother stooped as she worked among her corn hills.

She used to keep the hoe under her bed. As I grew a bit older my playmates and I thought it a curious old tool, and sometimes we tried to take it out and look at it, when Turtle would cry, Nah, nah![4] Go away! Let that hoe alone; you will break it!

We children were a little afraid of Turtle.

21 THIRD CHAPTER THE BUFFALO-SKIN CAP

The winter I was six years old my mother, Weahtee, died.

The Black Mouths, a mens society, had brought gifts to One Buffalo and asked him to be winter chief. We know you own sacred objects, and have power with the gods, they said. We want you to pray for us and choose the place for our camp.

One Buffalo chose a place in the woods at the mouth of Many-Frogs Brook, three miles from Like-a-Fishhook village. I remember our journey thither. There was a round, open place in the trees by Many-Frogs Brook, where young men fasted and made offerings to the gods. It was a holy place; and One Buffalo thought, if we pitched our winter camp near-by, the gods would remember us and give us a good winter.

22

But it was a hard winter from its start. Cold weather set in before we had our lodges well under cover; and, with the first snow, smallpox broke out in camp. Had it been in summer, my tribe could have broken up into small bands and scattered; and the smallpox would have died out. This they could not do in winter, and many died. My brother, my mother Weahtee, and her sister Stalk-of-Corn, died, of my fathers family.

Although my old grandmother was good to me, I often wept for my mother. I was lonesome in our winter lodge, and we Indian children did not have many playthings. Old Turtle made me a dolly of deer skin stuffed with antelope hair. She sewed on two white bone beads for eyes. I bit off one of these bone beads, to see if it was good to eat, I suppose. For some days my dolly was one-eyed, until my grandmother sewed on a beautiful new eye, a blue glass bead she had gotten of a trader. I thought this much better, for now my dolly had one blue eye and one white one.

I liked to play with my fathers big hunting cap. It was made of buffalo skin, from the part near the tail where the hair is short. He wore it with the fur side in. Two ears of buffalo skin, stuffed with antelope hair to make them stand23 upright, were sewed one on each side. They were long, to look like a jack rabbits ears; but they looked more like the thumbs of two huge mittens. My father, I think, had had a dream from the jack-rabbit spirits, and wore the cap as a kind of prayer to them. Jack rabbits are hardy animals and fleet of foot. They live on the open prairies through the hardest winters; and a full grown rabbit can outrun a wolf. An Indian hunter had need to be nimble-footed and hardy, like a jack rabbit.

Small Ankle thought his cap a protection in other ways. It kept his head warm. Then, if he feared enemies were about, he could draw his cap down to hide his dark hair, creep up a hill and spy over the top. Being of dull color, like dead grass, the cap was not easily seen on the sky line. A Sioux, spying it, would likely think it a coyote, or wolf, with erect, pointed ears, peering over the hill, as these animals often did. There were many such caps worn by our hunters; but most of them had short pointed ears, like a coyotes.

My father sometimes hung his cap, wet with snow, on the drying poles over the fire to dry. I would watch it with longing eyes; and, when I thought it well warmed, I would hold up my small hands and say, Father, let me play with the cap. I liked to sit in it, my small ankles turned to the right, like an Indian womans; for I liked the feel of the warm fur against my bare knees. At other times I marched about the lodge, the big cap set loosely on my head,24 and my dolly thrust under my robe on my back. In doing this I always made my grandmother laugh. Hey, hey, she would cry, that is a warriors cap. A little girl can not be a warrior.

The winter, if hard, was followed by an early spring. Snow was thawing and flocks of wild geese were flying north a month before their wonted time. The women of the Goose Society called the people for their spring dance, and prayed the gods for good weather for the corn planting. One Buffalo sent a crier through the lodges, warning us to make ready to break camp. On the day set, we all returned to Like-a-Fishhook village, glad to leave our stuffy little winter lodges for our roomy summer homes.

One morning, shortly after our return, my father came into the lodge with two brave men, Flying Eagle and Stuck-by-Fish. My grandfather, Big Cloud, joined them. Big Cloud lighted a pipe, offered smoke to the gods, and passed the pipe to the others. It was a long pipe with black stone bowl. The four men talked together. I heard my father speak of a war party and that he was sure his gods were strong.

25

Toward evening, Red Blossom boiled meat and set it before the men. When they had eaten, Small Ankle rose and went to his medicine bag, that hung in the rear of the lodge. He held out his hands and I saw his lips move; and I knew he was praying. He opened the medicine bag and took out a bundle which he unrolled. It was a black bears skin, painted red. He bore the skin reverently out of the lodge, and came back empty-handed. Flying Eagle and Stuck-by-Fish rose and left the lodge.

My father sat by the fire awhile, silent. Then from a post of his bed he fetched his hunting cap. I shall need this cap, he said to Red Blossom. See if it must be sewed or mended in any place.

The next morning when I went out of the lodge, I saw that the black-bear skin was bound to one of the posts at the entrance. This was a sign that my father was going to lead out a war party. I was almost afraid to pass the bear skin, for I knew it was very holy.

For days after, young men came to our lodge to talk with my father and Big Cloud. My mothersfor so I called Red Blossom and26 Strikes-Many Womanhad the pot boiling all the time, to give food to the young warriors.

One night I was in bed and asleep, when I woke with a start, hearing low voices. Peeping out, I saw many young men sitting around the fireplace. The fire had died down, but the night was clear and a little light came through the smoke hole. Many of the young men had bows and well-filled quivers on their backs. A few had guns.

Some one struck flint and steel, and I saw by the glow of the burning tobacco that a pipe was being passed. The men were talking low, almost in whispers. Then I heard Big Clouds voice, low and solemn, praying: Oh gods, keep watch over these our young men. Let none of them be harmed. Help them strike many enemies and steal many horses.

The company now arose and filed out of the lodge. As the skin door fell shut after them, I heard the whinny of Small Ankles war pony without. Next morning, I learned that Small Ankle and Big Cloud had led out a war party, all mounted, to strike the northern Sioux.

The ice on the Missouri river broke, and ran out with much crashing and roaring. Some dead buffaloes, frozen in the ice, came floating down the current. Our brave young men, leaping upon the ice cakes, poled the carcasses to shore. We were glad to get such carcasses. Buffaloes killed in the spring were lean and poor in flesh; but these, frozen in the ice, were fat and tender.

27

A good many frozen carcasses were thus taken at the spring break-up. In the fall the rivers froze over, often with rather thin ice. A herd would come down to the rivers edge and stand lowing and grumbling, until some bold bull walked out upon the ice. The whole herd followed, often breaking through with their weight.

The weather stayed warm. Bushes in the woods had begun to leaf, and old Turtle even raked part of our field and planted sunflower seed around the border. We never saw such an early spring, said some of the old men.

Then, one night, a cold wind arose with rain turning to snow. I woke up, crying out that I was chilled. My grandmother, who slept with me, pulled over us an extra robe she had laid up on the top of the bed frame.

The next morning a terrible blizzard broke over our village. The wind howled overhead, driving the falling snow in blinding clouds. Red Blossom drew her robe over her head and went to the entrance to run over to our next neighbors; but she came back. I am afraid to go out, she said. The air is so full of snow28 that I can not see my hand when I hold it before my face. I fear I might lose my way, and wander out on the prairie and die. There were stories in the tribe of villagers who had perished thus.

Old Turtle and Strikes-Many Woman made ready our noon mealno easy thing to do; for the cold wind, driving down the smoke hole, blew ashes into our faces and into our food. An old bull-boat frame was turned over the smoke hole. Against it, on the windward side, my mothers had laid a buffalo skin the night before, weighting it down with a stone. This was to keep the wind from blowing smoke down the smoke hole; but the wind had shifted in the night, blowing the buffalo skin off the boat frame. The weight of the stone had sunk one end of the skin into the earth roof, where it had frozen fast; and we could hear the loose end flapping and beating in the wind. Little snow came down the smoke hole. The wind was so strong that it carried the snow off the roof.

Turtle and Strikes-Many Woman had gone with dogs for firewood only the day before; so there was plenty of fuel in the lodge. We could not go to get water at the river; but Red Blossom crept into the entrance way and filled a skin basket with snow. This she melted in a clay pot, for water. It was in this water that we boiled our meat for the midday meal. In spite of the calf skin that my grandmother belted about me, I shivered with the cold until my teeth chattered. Turtle poured some of the29 meat broth, steaming hot, into a wooden bowl, and fetched me a buffalo-horn spoon. With this spoon I scooped up the broth, glad to swallow something hot into my cold little stomach.

After our meal, my two mothers and Turtle sat on my fathers couch, looking grave. I hope Small Ankle and Big Cloud have reached shelter in the Missouri-river timber, I heard Red Blossom say. If they are on the prairie in this storm, they will die.

Big Clouds prayers are strong, answered Turtle, and Small Ankle is a good plainsman. I am sure they and their party will find shelter.

I knew a Mandan who was caught in a blizzard, said Red Blossom. He walked with the wind until he fell into a coulee, that was full of snow. He burrowed under the drifts and lay on his back, with his knees doubled against his chin and his robe tight about him. He lay there three days, until the storm blew over. He had a little parched corn for food; and, for drink, he ate snow. He came home safely; but his mouth was sore from the snow he had eaten.

Darkness came early, with the wind still screaming overhead. Turtle tried to parch some corn in a clay pot, but blasts from the smoke hole blew ashes into her eyes. She took out a handful of the half-parched corn, when it had cooled, and poured it into my two hands. This was my supper; but she also gave me a lump of dried chokecherries to eat. They were sweet and I was fond of them.

30

I awoke the next morning to see my mothers cooking our breakfast, parched-corn meal stirred into a thick mush with beans and marrow fat. I sprang out of bed and glanced up at the smoke hole. The sky, I saw, was clear and the sun was shining.

The second day after, about midafternoon, Small Ankle came home. I heard the tinkle of the hollow hoofs that hung on the skin door, and in a moment my father came around the fire screen leading his war pony, a bay with a white nose. He put his pony in the corral, replaced the bar, and came over to his couch by the fire. My mothers said nothing. Red Blossom put water and dried meat in a pot and set it on the fire, and Turtle fetched an armful of green cottonwood bark to feed the pony.

My father took off his big cap and hung it on the drying pole, and wrung out his moccasins and hung them beside the cap. They were winter moccasins, and in each was a kind of stocking, of buffalo skin turned fur in, and cut and sewed to fit snugly over the foot. These stockings Small Ankle drew out and laid by the fire, to dry. He put on dry moccasins, threw off his robe, and took upon his knees the bowl of broth and meat that Red Blossom silently handed him.

In the evening, some of his cronies came in to smoke and talk. Small Ankle told them of his war party.

We had a hard time, he said. Perhaps the gods, for some cause, were angry with us. We had gone five days; evening came and it31 began to rain. We were on the prairie, and our young men sat all night with their saddles and saddle skins over their heads to keep off the rain.

In the morning, the rain turned to snow. A heavy wind blew the snow in our faces, nearly blinding us.

We must make our way to the Missouri timber and find shelter, Big Cloud said.

Flying Eagle feared we could not find our way. The air is so full of snow that we can not see the hills, he said.

The wind will guide us, said Stuck-by-Fish. We know the Missouri river is in the south. The wind is from the west. If we travel with the wind on our right, we shall be headed south. We should reach the river before night.

I thought this a good plan, and I cried, My young men, saddle your horses. We had flat saddles, such as hunters use. We had a few bundles of dried meat left. These we bound firmly to our saddles, for we knew we could kill no game while the storm lasted.

Many of my young men had head cloths which they bound over their hair and under their chins; but the wind was so strong that it blew the wet snow through the cloths, freezing them32 to the mens faces. I had on my fur cap, which kept my face warm. Also, I think the jack-rabbit spirits helped me.

We pushed on; but the snow got deeper and deeper until we could hardly force our ponies through it. We grew so chilled that Big Cloud ordered us to dismount and go afoot. You go first, he said to Flying Eagle. You are a tall man and have long legs. You break the way through the snow. We will follow single-file.

Flying Eagle did so, leading his pony. With Flying Eagle had come his brother, Short Buffalo, a lad of fourteen or fifteen years. He was not yet grown, and his legs were so short that he could not make his way through the deep snow. We let him ride.

But in a little while Short Buffalo cried out, My brother, I freeze; I die!

Flying Eagle called back, Do not give up, little brother. Be strong! And he came back and bound Short Buffalos robe snugly about his neck, and took the reins of his pony, so that Short Buffalo could draw his hands under his robe to warm them. Short Buffalos robe had frozen stiff in the cold wind.

We reached the Missouri before nightfall and went down into the thick timber. It was good to be out of the freezing wind, sheltered by the trees.

Flying Eagle led us to a point of land over which had swept a fire, killing the trees. Many dead cottonwoods stood there, with shaggy bark. We peeled off the thick outer bark, shredding33 the dry inner bark for tinder. I had flint and steel. We rolled over a fallen trunk and started a fire on the dry ground beneath. We broke off dead branches for fuel.

Flying Eagle helped me get wood and start the fire. He is a strong man and bore the cold better than the others. Many of the men were too benumbed to help any. My mittens and my cap had kept me warm.

The mens leggings, wetted by rain and snow, were frozen stiff. We soon had a hot fire. When their leggings had thawed soft, the men took off these and their moccasins, and wrung them out; and when they had half dried them by the fire, put them on again. They also put shredded cottonwood bark in their moccasins, packing it about their feet and ankles to keep them warm and dry.

We toasted dried meat over the fire, and ate; for we were hungry, and weak from the cold. We fed our ponies green cottonwood branches that we cut with our knives.

The storm died down before morning; and early the next day we started down the river to our village. We were slow coming, for the snow thawed, growing soft and slushy under our ponies feet. Our ponies, too, were weak from the cold.

Many of the young men of my fathers party had their faces frozen on the right side. Short Buffalo had part of his right hand frozen, and his right foot. He was sick for a long time. Another war party that had been led34 out by Wooden House had also been caught in the storm and had fared even worse. They were afoot, and, not being able to reach the river timber, they lay down in a coulee and let the snow drift over them. Two were frozen to death.

The leaders of a war party were held to blame for any harm that came to their men. The villagers, however, did not blame my father much. Some of the older men said, Small Ankle and Big Cloud were foolish. The wild geese had come north, but this fact alone was not proof that winter had gone. We know that bad storms often blow up at this season of the year.

Of course, being but six years old, I could hardly remember all these things. But my father talked of his war party many times afterwards, at his evening fire, as he smoked with his cronies; and so I came to know the story.

35 FOURTH CHAPTER STORY TELLING

My good old grandmother could be stern when I was naughty; nevertheless, I loved her dearly, and I know she was fond of me. After the death of my mother, it fell to Turtle to care for me much of the time. There were other children in the household, and, with so many mouths to feed, my two other mothers, as I called them, had plenty of work to do.

Indians are great story tellers; especially are they fond of telling tales around the lodge fire in the long evenings of autumn and winter. My father and his cronies used sometimes to sit up all night, drumming and singing and telling stories. Young men often came with gift of robe or knife, to ask him to tell them tales of our tribe.

I was too young yet to understand many of these tales. My father was hours telling some36 of them, and they had many strange words. But my grandmother used to tell me stories as she sat or worked by the lodge fire.

One evening in the corn planting moon, she was making ready her seed for the morrows planting. She had a string of braided ears lying beside her. Of these ears she chose the best, broke off the tip and butt of each, and shelled the perfect grain of the mid-cob into a wooden bowl. Baby-like, I ran my fingers through the shiny grain, spilling a few kernels on the floor.

Do not do that, cried my grandmother. Corn is sacred; if you waste it, the gods will be angry.

I still drew my fingers through the smooth grain, and my grandmother continued: Once a Ree woman went out to gather her corn. She tied her robe about her with a big fold in the front, like a pocket. Into this she dropped the ears that she plucked, and bore them off to the husking pile. All over the field she went, row by row, leaving not an ear.

She was starting off with her last load when she heard a weak voice, like a babes, calling, Please, please do not go. Do not leave me.

The woman stopped, astonished. She put down her load. Can there be a babe hidden37 in the corn? she thought. She then carefully searched the field, hill by hill, but found nothing.

She was taking up her load, when again she heard the voice: Oh, please do not go. Do not leave me! Again she searched, but found nothing.

She was lifting her load when the voice came the third time: Please, please, do not go! Please, do not leave me!

This time the woman searched every corn hill, lifting every leaf. And lo, in one corner of the field, hidden under a leaf, she found a tiny nubbin of yellow corn. It was the nubbin that had been calling to her. For so the gods would teach us not to be wasteful of their gifts.

Another evening I was trying to parch an ear of corn over the coals of our lodge fire. I had stuck the ear on the end of a squash spit, as I had seen my mothers do; but my baby fingers were not strong enough to fix the ear firmly, and it fell off into the coals and began to burn. My mouth puckered, and I was ready to cry.

My grandmother laughed. You should put only half the ear on the spit, she said. That is the way the Mandans did when they first gave us corn.

I dropped the spit and, forgetting the burning ear, asked eagerly, How did the Mandans give us corn, grandmother? Tell me the story.

Turtle picked up the spit and raked the burning ear from the ashes. I have told you38 that the gods gave us corn to eat, not to waste, she said. Some of the kernels on this cob are well parched. And she shelled off a handful and put one of the hot kernels in her mouth.

I will tell you the story, she continued. I had it from my mother when I was a little girl like you.

In the beginning, our Hidatsa people lived under the waters of Devils Lake. They had earth lodges and lived much as we live now. One day some hunters found the root of a grapevine growing down from the lake overhead. They climbed the vine and found themselves on this earth. Others climbed the vine until half the tribe had escaped; but, when a fat woman tried to climb it, the vine broke, leaving the rest of the tribe under the lake.

Those who had safely climbed the vine, built villages of earth lodges. They lived by hunting; and some very old men say that they also planted small fields in ground beans and wild potatoes. As yet the Hidatsas knew nothing of corn or squashes.

One day, a war party that had wandered west to the Missouri river saw on the other side a village of earth lodges like their own. It was a village of the Mandans. Neither they nor the Hidatsas would cross over, each party fearing the other might be enemies.

It was in the fall of the year, and the Missouri was running low, so that an arrow could be shot from shore to shore. The Mandans parched some ears of ripe corn with the grain39 on the cob. These ears they broke in pieces, stuck the pieces on the points of arrows and shot them across the river. Eat! they called. The word for eat is the same in both the Hidatsa and the Mandan languages.

The Hidatsas ate of the parched corn. They returned to their village and said, We have found a people on a great river, to the west. They have a strange kind of grain. We ate of it and found it good.

After this, a party of Hidatsas went to visit the Mandans. The Mandan chief took an ear of corn, broke it in two, and gave half to the Hidatsas for seed. This half ear the Hidatsas took home, and soon every family in the village was planting corn.

My father had been listening, as he sat smoking on the other side of the fire. I know that story, he said. The name of the Mandan chief was Good-Fur Robe.

My grandmother then put me to bed. I was so sleepy that I did not notice she had eaten up all the corn I had parched.

Winter came again, and spring. As soon as the soil could be worked, my mothers and old40 Turtle began cleaning up our field, and breaking new ground to add to it. Our first years field had been small; but my mothers added to it each season, until the field was as large as our family needed.

I was too little to note very much of what was done. I remember that my father set up boundary markslittle piles of earth or stones, I think they wereto mark the corners of the field we claimed. My mothers and Turtle began at one end of the field and worked forward. My mothers had their heavy iron hoes; and Turtle, her old-fashioned digging stick.

On the new ground, my mothers first cut the long grass with their hoes, bearing it off the field to be burned. They next dug and loosened the soil in places for the corn hills, which they laid off in rows. These hills they planted. Then all summer in this and other parts of the field they worked with their hoes, breaking and loosening the soil between the corn hills and cutting weeds.

Small trees and bushes, I know, were cut off with axes; but I remember little of this labor, most of it having been done the year before, when I was yet quite small. My father once told me that in very old times, when the women cleared a field, they first dug the corn hills with digging sticks, and afterwards worked between them with their bone hoes.

I remember this seasons work the better for a dispute that my mothers had with two neighbors, Lone Woman and Goes-Back-to-Next-Timber.41 These two women were clearing lands that bordered our own. My father, I have said, to set up claim to our land, had placed boundary marks, one of them in the corner that touched the fields of Lone Woman and Goes-Back-to-Next-Timber. While my mothers were busy clearing and digging up the other end of their field, their two neighbors invaded this marked-off corner. Lone Woman had even dug up a small part before she was discovered.

My mothers showed Lone Woman the mark my father had placed. This land belongs to us, they said; but we will pay you and Goes-Back-to-Next-Timber for any rights you may think are yours. We do not want our neighbors to bear us any hard feelings.

We Indians thought our fields sacred, and we did not like to quarrel about them. A familys right to a field once having been set up, no one thought of disputing it. If any one tried to seize land belonging to another, we thought some evil would come upon him; as that one of his family would die or have some bad sickness.

There is a story of a hunter who had before been a black bear, and had been given great magic power. He dared try to catch eagles from another mans pit, and had his mind taken from him for doing so. Thus the gods punished him for entering ground that was not his own.

Lone Woman and Goes-Back-to-Next-Timber having withdrawn, my grandmother Turtle undertook to clear and break the ground that had been in dispute. She was a little woman but active,42 and she loved to work out-of-doors. Often, when my mothers were busy in the earth lodge, Turtle would go out to work in the field, and she would take me along for company. I was too little to help her any, but I liked to watch her work.

With her digging stick Turtle dug up a little round place in the center of the corner, and around this she circled from day to day, enlarging the dug-up space. She had folded her robe over her middle, like a pad. Resting the handle of her digging stick against her folded robe, she would drive the point into the soft earth to a depth equal to the length of my hand and pry up the soil.

She broke clods by striking them smartly with her digging stick. Roots of coarse grass, weeds, small brush and the like, she took in her hand and shook or struck them against the ground, to knock off the loose earth clinging to them. She then cast them into little piles to dry. In a few days she gathered these piles into a heap about four feet high and burned them.

My grandmother worked in this way all summer, but not always in the corner that had been in dispute. Some days, I remember, she dug along the edges of the field, to add to it and make the edges even. Of course, not all the labor of43 enlarging the field was done by Turtle; but she liked to have me with her when she worked, and I remember best what I saw her do.

It was my grandmothers habit to rise early in the summer months. She often arrived at the field before sunrise; about ten oclock she returned to the lodge to eat and rest.

One morning, having come to the field quite early, I grew tired of my play before my grandmother had ended her work. I want to go home, I begged, and I began to cry. Just then a strange bird flew into the field. It had a long curved beak, and made a queer cry, cur-lew, cur-lew.

I stopped weeping. My grandmother laughed.

That is a curlew, she said. Once at the mouth of the Knife river, a woman went out with her digging stick to dig wild turnips. The woman had a babe. Growing tired of carrying her babe on her back, she laid it on the ground.

The babe began to cry. The mother was busy digging turnips, and did not go to her babe as she should have done. By and by she looked up. Her babe was flying away as a bird!

The bird was a curlew, that cries like a babe. Now, if you cry, perhaps you, too, will turn into a curlew.

44 FIFTH CHAPTER LIFE IN AN EARTH LODGE

The small lodges we built for winter did not stand long after we left them in the spring. Built on low ground by the Missouri, they were often swept away in the June rise; for in that month the river is flooded by snows melting in the Rocky Mountains.

The loss of our winter lodges never troubled us, however; for we thought of them as but huts. Then, too, we seldom wintered twice in the same place. We burned much firewood in our winter lodges, and before spring came the women had to go far to find it. The next season we made camp in a new place, where was plenty of dead-and-down wood for fuel.

We looked upon our summer lodges, to which we came every spring, as our real homes. There were about seventy of these, earth lodges45 well-built and roomy, in Like-a-Fishhook village. Most of them were built the second summer of our stay there.

My mothers earth lodgefor the lodge belonged to the women of a householdwas a large one, with floor measuring more than forty feet across. In the center was the fireplace. A screen of puncheons, set upright in a trench, stood between the fireplace and the door. This screen shut out draughts and kept out the dogs.

The screen ran quite to the sloping wall, on the right; but, on the left, there was space for a passage from the door to the fire. Right and left in an Indian lodge are reckoned as one stands at the fireplace, looking toward the door. We thought an earth lodge was alive and had a spirit like a human body, and that its front was like a face, with the door for mouth.

Before the fireplace and against the puncheon screen was my fathers bed. Forked posts, eighteen inches high, stood in the earth floor. On poles laid in the forks rested cottonwood planks over which were thrown buffalo robes. A skin pillow, stuffed with antelope hair, lay at one end of the bed.

The beds of the rest of the family stood in the back of the lodge, against the wall. They46 were less simply made than my fathers, being each covered with an old tent skin drawn over a frame of posts and poles. The bedding was of buffalo skins. As these could not be washed, my mothers used to take them out and hang them on the poles of the corn stage on sunny days, to air.

Most of the earth lodgesat least most of the larger oneshad each a bed like my fathers before the fireplace; for this was the warmest place in the lodge. Usually the eldest in the family, as the father or grandfather, slept in this bed.

My fathers bed, not being enclosed, made a good lounging place by day, and here he sat to smoke or chat with his friends. My mothers, too, used to sit here to peel wild turnips or make ready the daily meals.

Two or three sticks burned in the fireplace, not piled one upon the other as done by white men, but laid with ends meeting. As the ends burned away, the sticks were pushed in, keeping alive a small but hot fire. At night, the last thing my father did was to cover one of these burning sticks with ashes, that it might keep fire until morning.

47

Unless he had spent the night with some of his cronies, my father was the first to rise in the morning. He would go to the fireplace, draw out a buried coal, lay some dry sticks upon it, and blow with his breath until the fire caught. Sometimes he fanned the coal with a goose wing.

Soon a little column of smoke would rise toward the smoke hole, and my father would call, Up, little daughter; up, sons! Get up, wives! The sun is up. To the river for your bath! Hasten! And he would go up on the roof to look if enemies were about and if his horses were safe. My mothers were already up when I crept from my bed still sleepy, but glad that morning had come.

But if the weather was cold, we did not go to the river to bathe. An earthen pot full of water stood by one of the posts near the fire. It rested in a ring of bark, to keep it from falling. My mothers dipped each a big horn spoon full of water, filled her mouth, and, blowing the water over her palms, gave her face a good rubbing. Red Blossom washed my face in the same way. I did not like it very much, and I would shut my eyes and pucker my face when I felt the cold water. Red Blossom would say, Why do you pucker up your face? You make it look like a piece of old, dried, buffalo skin.

48

Her face washed, Red Blossom sat on the edge of her bed and finished her toilet. She had a little fawn-skin bag, worked with red porcupine quills. From this bag she took her hairbrush, a porcupine tail mounted on a stick, with the sharp points of the quills cut off. She brushed her hair smooth, parting it in two braids that fell over each shoulder nearly hiding her ears. Red Blossom was no longer young, but her black tresses had not a grey hair in them.

She now opened her paint bag, put a little buffalo grease on her two fingers, pressed the tips lightly in the dry paint, and rubbed them over her cheeks and face. She also rubbed a little red into the part of her hair.

Meanwhile, the pot had been put on the fire. We Indians did not eat many things at a meal as white men do. Usually, breakfast was of one thing, often buffalo meat dried, and boiled to soften it. When a buffalo was killed, the meat was cut into thin slices, and some parts, into strips. These were dried in the open air over the earth lodge fire or in the smoke of a small fire out-of-doors. For breakfast, a round earthen pot was filled with water, dried meat put in, and the water brought to a boil. Red Blossom used to lift out the hot meat slices on the point of a stick, laying them on a bit of clean rawhide.

49

A rough bench stood back of the fireplace, a cottonwood plank, with ends resting on two blocks chopped from a tree trunk. My grandmother Turtle sat on this bench to eat her meals. My two mothers sat beside her, or on the floor near the meat they were serving. My father ate sitting on the edge of his couch. A wooden bowl, heaped with steaming meat, was set before each. Our fingers did for forks.

Boiling the meat in water made a thin broth which we used for a hot drink. It was very good, tasting much like white mans beef tea. We had no cups; but we had big spoons made of buffalo horn, and ladles, of mountain-sheep horn. Either of these did very well for drinking cups. Sometimes we used mussel shells.

A common breakfast dish was mapee[5] naka-pah,[6] or pounded-meal mush. From her cache pit Red Blossom took a string of dried squash slices. She cut off a length and tied the ends together, making a ring four or five inches in width. This ring and a double handful of beans she dropped in a pot of water, and set on the fire. When boiled, she lifted the ring out with a stick, with her horn ladle mashed the softened squash slices in a wooden bowl and put them back in the pot.

Meanwhile Strikes-Many Woman or old Turtle had parched some corn in a clay pot, and toasted some buffalo fats on a stick, over the coals. Red Blossom now pounded the parched corn and toasted fats together in the corn mortar, and stirred the pounded mass into the pot with 50the squash and beans. The mess was soon done. Red Blossom dipped it into our bowls with a horn spoon.

We ate such messes with horn spoons or with mussel shells; for we Hidatsas had few metal spoons in those days. There was a shelf, or bench, at one side of the room, under the sloping roof, where were stored wooden bowls, uneaten foods, horn spoons, and the mussel shells that we used for teaspoons. When I was a little girl, nearly every family owned such shells, worn smooth and shiny from use.

After breakfast, unless it was in the corn season, when they went to the field, my mothers tidied up the lodge. They had short brooms of buckbrush. With these they swept the floor, stooping over and drawing the broom with a sidewise motion. As my father stabled his hunting ponies in the lodge at night, there was a good deal of litter to be taken out. Red Blossom used to scrape her sweepings into a skin basket, which she bore to the river bank and emptied.

Other tasks were then taken up; and there were plenty of them. Moccasins had to be made or old ones mended. Shirts and other garments had to be made. Often there were skins to be dressed or scraped. Leggings and shirts were embroidered usually in winter, when the women had no corn to hoe.

51

There was a good deal of visiting in our lodge; for my father was one of the chiefs of the village, and always kept open house. If a man would be chief, we said, he should be ready to feed the poor and strangers. A pot with buffalo meat or corn and beans cooking was always on the fire in my fathers lodge. His friends and the other chief men of the village often came in to talk over affairs. A visitor came in without knocking, but did not sit down until he was asked.

Friends of my mothers also came in to sit and chat; and they often joined my mothers at whatever task they might be doing. Red Blossom would set a bowl of food before each. What she could not eat the guest took home with her. It was impolite to leave any uneaten food, as that would mean, I do not like your cooking; it is unfit to eat.

My mothers were neat housekeepers and kept the ground about the lodge entrance swept as clean as the lodge floor; but many families were careless, and cast ashes, floor sweepings, scraps of broken bones and other litter on the ground about their lodges. In time this rubbish made little piles and became a nuisance, so that people could hardly walk in the paths between the lodges.

The Black Mouths then went through the village and ordered the women to clean up. The Black Mouths were a society of men of about forty years of age. They acted as police and punished any one who broke the camp laws.

52

These clean-ups were made rather often; in summer, perhaps twice a month. They were always ordered by the Black Mouths.

I remember one morning, just after breakfast, I heard singing, as of a dozen or more men coming toward our lodge. I started to run out to see what it was, but my mothers cried, Do not go. It is the Black Mouths. My mothers, I thought, looked rather scared. We were still speaking, when I heard the tramp of feet. The door lifted, and the Black Mouths came in.

They looked very terrible, all painted with the lower half of the face black. Many, but not all, had the upper half of the face red. Some had eagles feathers in their hair, and all wore robes or blankets. Some carried guns. Others had sticks about as long as my arm. With these sticks they beat any woman who would not help in the clean-up.

I fled to my father, but I dared not cry out, for I, too, was scared.

One of you women go out and help clean up the village, said the Black Mouths. They spoke sternly, and several of them at once.

Like all the other women, my mothers were afraid of the Black Mouths We will go,53 said both, and Red Blossom caught up broom and skin basket and went out.

The Black Mouths went also, and I followed to see what they did. They went into another lodge not far away. I heard voices, then the report of a gun, and a woman screamed. After a time, the Black Mouths came out driving before them a woman, very angry, but much frightened. She had not moved quickly enough to get her basket, and one of the Black Mouths had fired his gun at her feet to frighten her. The gun was loaded only with powder.

After they had made the rounds of the village, the Black Mouths returned to the lodge of their keeper, a man named Crow Paunch. Soon we heard singing and drumming, and knew they were singing some of the societys songs.

When they had sung three or four times, there was silence for a while, as if a pipe were being passed. Then all came out and made the rounds a second time, to see if the work of cleaning was done and to hurry up the laggards. The village was all cleaned before noon; but some of the women got their work done sooner than others.

After the clean-up the village children came out to play in the spaces between the lodges, now swept clean and smooth. It was in these smooth spaces that the boys liked to play at throw sticks, light willow rods which they darted against the ground, whence they bounded to a great distance.

54 SIXTH CHAPTER CHILDHOOD GAMES AND BELIEFS

White people seem to think that Indian children never have any play and never laugh. Such ideas seem very funny to me. How can any child grow up without play? I have seen children at our reservation school playing white mens gamesbaseball, prisoners base, marbles. We Indian children also had games. I think they were better than white childrens games.

I look back upon my girlhood as the happiest time of my life. How I should like to see all my little girl playmates again! Some still live, and when we meet at feasts or at Fourth-of-July camp, we talk of the good times we had when we were children.

My little half sister was my usual playmate. She was two years younger than I, and I loved55 her dearly. She had a pretty name, Cold Medicine. On our prairies grows a flower with long, yellow root. In old times, if a warrior was running from enemies and became wearied he chewed a bit of the root and rubbed it on his eyelids. It made his eyes and tongue feel cold and kept him awake. The flower for this reason was called cold medicine. When my father spoke my sisters name, it made him think of this flower and of the many times he had bravely gone out with war parties.

For playgrounds my little sister and I had the level spaces between the lodges or the ground under the corn stage, in sunny weather; and the big, roomy floor of the earth lodge, if it rained or the weather were chill. We liked, too, to play in the lodge in the hot days of the Cherry moon; for it was cool inside, never hot and stuffy like a white mans house. In the fall, when the air was frosty, the sun often shone, and we could play in the big yellow sunspot that fell on the floor through the smoke hole.

We liked to play at housekeeping, especially in the warm spring days, when we had returned from winter camp and could again play out-ofdoors.56 With the help of the neighbors children, we fetched long forked sticks. These we stacked like a tepee frame and covered with robes that we borrowed. To this play tent we brought foods and had a feast.

Sometimes little boys joined in our play; and then it was like real housekeeping. We girls chose each a little boy for husband. To my little husband I said, Old man, get your arrows, and go kill some buffaloes. We are hungry. Go at once!

My little husband hastened to his mother and told her our needs. She laughed and gave him a boiled buffalo tongue; or perhaps pemmican, dried meat pounded fine and mixed with marrow fat. This and the foods which the other little husbands fetched us, we girls laid on fresh, clean grass that we pulled. Then we sat down to feast, the little girls on one side of the fireplace, the little boys on the other, just as we had seen men and women sit when they feasted. Only there really was no fireplace. We just made believe there was.

In summer, my little sister and I often went to the river for wet clay, which we modeled into figures. There is a smooth, blue clay found in places at the waters edge, very good for modeling. We liked best to make human figures, man, woman, or little child. We dried them in the shade, else the sun cracked them. I fear they were not very beautiful. When we made a mud man, we had to give him three legs to make him stand up.

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I had a doll, woven of rushes, that Turtle made me. It really was not a doll, but a cradle, such as Indian women used for carrying a small child. In winter I had my deer-skin doll, with the beads for eyes. My grandmother had made me a little bed for my dolls. The frame was of willows, and it was covered with gopher skins, tanned and sewed together. In this little bed my sister and I used to put our dollies to sleep.

We had a game of ball much like shinny. It was a womans game, but we little girls played it with hooked sticks. We also had a big, soft ball, stuffed with antelope hair, which we would bounce in the air with the foot. The game was to see how long a girl could bounce the ball without letting it touch the ground. Some girls could bounce it more than a hundred times. It was lots of fun.

We coasted in winter, on small sleds made of buffalo ribs; but coasting on the snow was rather for boys and older girls. There was another kind of coaster that we girls liked. A buffalo skin has the hair lying backwards, towards the flanks. I would borrow a skin of my mothers and tie a thong through two of the stake holes at the head or neck, to draw it by. Such a skin made a good coaster even58 in summer on a steep hillside; for, laid head forward, it slid smoothly over the soft grass.

Girls of thirteen or fourteen were fond of playing at tossing in a blanket, or foot-moving, as we called it. There were fifteen or twenty players. A newly dried skin was borrowed, one that was scraped clean of hair. There were always holes cut in the edges of a hide, to stake it to the ground while drying. Into each hole a small hard wood stick was now thrust and twisted around, for a handle.

Along the ditch at the edge of the village grew many tall weeds. The players pulled armfuls of these and made them into a pile. They laid the hide on this pile of weeds; and, with a player at every one of the stick handles, they stretched the hide taut.

A girl now lay downward on the hide. With a quick pull, the others tossed her into the air, when she was expected to come down on her feet, to be instantly tossed again. The game was to see how many times she could be tossed without falling. A player was often tossed ten or more times before she lost her balance.59 Each time, as she came down, she kept turning in one direction, right or left. When at last she fell, the pile of weeds saved her from any hurt.

We called the game eetseepadahpakee,[7] or foot-moving, from the players habit of wriggling her feet when in the air. We thought this wriggling, or foot moving, a mark of skill.

But, if my mothers let me play much of the time, they did not forget to teach me good morals. We are a family that has not a bad woman in it, they used to say. You must try hard not to be naughty.

My grandfather Big Cloud often talked to me. My granddaughter, he would say, try to be good, so that you will grow up to be a good woman. Do not quarrel nor steal. Do not answer anyone with bad words. Obey your parents, and remember all that I say.

When I was naughty my mothers usually scolded me; for they were kind women and did not like to have me punished. Sometimes they scared me into being good, by saying, The owl will get you. This saying had to do with an old custom that I will explain.

Until I was about nine years old, my hair was cut short, with a tuft on either side of my head, like the horns of an owl. Turtle used to cut my hair. She used a big, steel knife. In old times, I have heard, a thin blade of flint was 60used. I did not like Turtles hair cutting a bit, because she pulled.

Why do you cut my hair, grandmother? I asked.

It is our custom, Turtle answered. I will tell you the story.

Thousands and thousands of years ago, there lived a great owl. He was strong and had magic power, but he was a bad bird. When the hunters killed buffaloes, the owl would turn all the meat bitter, so that the Indians could not eat it, and so they were always hungry.

On this earth then lived a young man called the Suns Child; for the sun was his father. He heard how the Indians were made hungry, and came to help them.

The owl lived in a hollow tree that had a hole high up in its trunk. The Suns Child climbed the tree, and when the owl put his head out of the hole, he caught the bird by the neck.

Do not let the Suns Child kill me! the owl cried to the Indians. I have been a bad bird; now I will be good and I will help your children.

As soon as a child is old enough to understand you when you speak to him, cut his hair with two tufts like my own. Do this to make him look like an owl; and I will remember and make the child grow up strong and healthy. If a child weeps or will not obey, say to him, The owl will get you! This will frighten him, so that he will obey you.

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It was thus my mothers frightened me when I was naughty. Red Blossom would call, O owl, I have a bad daughter. Come.

I will be good, I will be good! I would cry, as I ran to my father. I knew he would not let the owl hurt me.

My old grandfather, Missouri River, taught me of the gods. He was a medicine man and very holy, and I was rather afraid of him. He used to sit on the bench behind the fire, to smoke. He had a long pipe, of polished black stone. He liked best to smoke dried tobacco blossoms which he first oiled with buffalo fat.

One day, as he sat smoking, I asked him, Grandfather, who are the gods?

Missouri River took a long pull at his pipe, blew the smoke from his nostrils, and put the stem from his mouth. Little granddaughter, he answered, this earth is alive and has a soul or spirit, just as you have a spirit. Other things also have spirits, the sun, clouds, trees, beasts, birds. These spirits are our gods. We pray to them and offer them food, that they may help us when we have need.

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Do the spirits eat the food? I asked. I had seen my grandfather set food before the two skulls of the Big Birds ceremony.

No, said my grandfather, They eat the foods spirit; for the food has a spirit as have all things. When the gods have eaten of its spirit, we often take back the food to eat ourselves.

How do we know there are gods, grandfather? I asked.

They appear to us in our dreams. That is why the medicine man fasts and cuts his flesh with knives. If he fasts long, he will fall in a vision. In this vision the gods will come and talk with him.

What are the gods like? I asked.

Like beings that live on this earth. Some are as men. Others are as birds, or beasts, or even plants and other things. Not all the gods are good. Some seek to harm us. The good gods send us buffaloes, and rain to make our corn grow.

Do they send us thunder? I asked. There had been a heavy storm the day before.

The thunder bird god sends us thunder, said my grandfather. He is like a great swallow, with wings that spread out like clouds. Lightning is the flash of his eyes. His scream makes the thunder.

Once in Five Villages, my grandfather went on, there lived a brave man who owned a gun. One day a storm blew up. As the man sat in his lodge, there came a clap of thunder and lightning struck his roof, tearing a great hole.

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This did not frighten the man at all. Indeed, it angered him. He caught up his gun and fired it through the hole straight into the sky. You thunder bird, he shouted, stay away from my lodge. See this gun. If you come, I will shoot at you again!

My grandfather paused to fill his pipe. That was a brave man, he said as he reached for a coal. Perhaps the thunder bird loves brave men, and did not harm him. But it is not well to provoke the gods. My little granddaughter should never laugh at them nor speak of them lightly.

My grandfather spoke very solemnly.

66 SEVENTH CHAPTER KINSHIP, CLAN COUSINS

We Hidatsas do not reckon our kin as white men do. If a white man marries, his wife is called by his name; and his children also, as Tom Smith, Mary Smith. We Indians had no family names. Every Hidatsa belonged to a clan; but a child, when he was born, became a member of his mothers, not his fathers clan.

An Indian calls all members of his clan his brothers and sisters. The men of his fathers clan he calls his clan fathers; and the women, his clan aunts. Thus I was born a member of the Tsistska[8], or Prairie Chicken clan, because my mother was a Tsistska. My father was a member of the Meedeepahdee,[9] or Rising Water clan. Members of the Tsistska clan are my brothers and sisters; but my fathers clan brothers, men of the Meedeepahdee, are my clan fathers, and his clan sisters are my clan aunts.

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These relations meant much to us Indians. Members of a clan were bound to help one another in need, and thought the gods would punish them if they did not. Thus, if my mother was in need, members of the Tsistska clan helped her. If she was hungry, they gave her food. If her child was naughty, my mother called in a Meedeepahdee to punish him, a clan father, if the child was a boy; if a girl, a clan aunt; for parents did not punish their own children. Again, when my father died, his clan fathers and clan aunts it was, who bore him to the burial scaffold and prayed his ghost not to come back to trouble the villagers.

Another clan relative is makutsatee,[10] or clan cousin. I reckon as my clan cousins all members of my tribe whose fathers are my clan fathers. Thus, my mother, I have said, was a Prairie Chicken; my father, a member of the Meedeepahdee, or Rising Water, clan. Another woman, of what clan does not matter, is also married to a Meedeepahdee; her children will be my clan cousins, because their father, being a Meedeepahdee, is my clan father.

Clan cousins had a custom that will seem strange to white people. We Indians are proud, and it makes our hearts sore if others make mock of us. In olden times if a man said to his friend, even in jest, You are like a dog, his friend would draw his knife to fight. I think we Indians are more careful of our words than white men are.

But it is never good for a man not to know his faults, and so we let ones clan cousins tease him 68for any fault he had. Especially was this teasing common between young men and young women. Thus a young man might be unlucky in war. As he passed the fields where the village women hoed their corn, he would hear some mischievous girl, his clan cousin, singing a song taunting him for his ill success. Were any one else to do this, the young man would be ready to fight; but, seeing that the singer was his clan cousin, he would laugh and call out, Sing louder cousin, sing louder, that I may hear you.

I can best explain this custom by telling you a story:

Story of Snake Head-Ornament

A long time ago, in one of our villages at Knife river, lived a man named Mapuksaokihe,[11] or Snake Head-Ornament. He was a great medicine man. In a hole in the floor of his earth lodge, there lived a bull snake. Snake Head-Ornament called the bull snake father.

When Snake Head-Ornament was invited to a feast, he would paint his face, wrap himself in his best robe and say, Come, father; let us go and get something to eat.

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The bull snake would creep from his hole, crawl up the mans body and coil about his neck, thrusting his head over the mans forehead; or he would coil about the mans head like the headcloth of a hunter, with his head thrust forward, as I have said.

Bearing the snake thus on his head, Snake Head-Ornament would enter the lodge where the feast was held and sit down to eat. The snake, however, did not eat of the food that Snake Head-Ornament ate. The snakes food was scrapings of buffalo hides that the women of the lodge fed him.

When Snake Head-Ornament came home, he would say to the bull snake, Father, get off. And the snake would crawl down the mans body and into his den again.

Snake Head-Ornament fasted and had a vision. In the vision his gods, he thought, bade him go to war. He made up a war party and led it against enemies on the Yellowstone river. The party not only killed no enemies, but lost three of their own men; and they thought Snake Head-Ornament was to blame for it. You said your prayers were strong, they said; and we have lost three men! Your gods have not helped us.

Snake Head-Ornament thought his gods were angry with him; and when he came home he went about crying and mourning and calling upon his gods to give him another vision. Pity me, gods, he cried, make me strong that I may bring home scalps and horses. He was a brave man, and his bad fortune made his heart sore.

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In those days, when a man mourned he cut off his hair, painted his body with white clay, and threw away his moccasins. He also cut his flesh with a knife or some sharp weapon. Now when a man sought a vision from the gods, he wept and mourned, that the gods might have pity on him; and for this he went away from the village, alone, into the hills. So it happened, that Snake Head-Ornament, on his way to the hills, went mourning and crying past a field where sat a woman, his clan cousin, on her watch-stage. Seeing him, she began a song to tease him:

He said, I am a young bird! If a young bird, he should be in his nest; But he comes here looking gray, And wanders about outside the village! He said, I am a young snake! If a young snake, he should be in the hills among the red buttes; But he comes here looking gray and crying, And wanders aimlessly about!

When the woman sang, He comes here looking gray, she meant that the man was gray from the white-clay paint on his body.

Snake Head-Ornament heard her song; but, knowing she was his clan sister, he cried out to her: Sing louder, cousin! You are right; let my fathers hear what you say. I do not know if they will feel shame or not, but the bull snake and the bald eagle both called me son!

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What he meant was that the bull snake and the bald eagle were his dream gods. That is, they had appeared to him in a dream, and promised to help him as they would a son, when he went to war. In her song, the woman taunted him with this. If she had not been his clan cousin, he would have been beside himself with anger. As it was, he but laughed and did not hurt her.

But the woman had cause for singing her song. Years before, when Snake Head-Ornament was a very young man, he went out with a war party and killed a Sioux woman. When he came home the people called him brave, and made much of him; and he grew quite puffed up now that all looked up to him.

Not long after, he was made a member of the Black Mouth society. It happened one day, that the women were building a fence of logs, set upright around the village, to defend it from enemies. Snake Head-Ornament, as a member of the Black Mouths, was one of the men overseeing the work. This woman, his clan cousin, was slow at her task; and, to make her move more briskly, Snake Head-Ornament came close to her and fired off his gun just past her knees. She screamed, but seeing it was Snake Head-Ornament who had shot, and knowing he was her clan cousin, she did not get angry. Nevertheless, she did not forget! And, years after, she had revenge in her taunting song.

Young men going out with a war party had to take much chaffing from older warriors who72 were clan cousins. My brother was once out with a party of fifty, many of them young men. They were fleeing from a big camp of Sioux and had ridden for two days. The second night one of the younger men, a mere lad, fell asleep as he rode his pony. An older warrior, his clan cousin, fired a gun past the lads ear. Young man, he cried, you sleep so soundly that only thunder can waken you! The rest of the party thought the warriors words a huge joke.

73 EIGHTH CHAPTER INDIAN DOGS

In old times we Indian people had no horses, and not many families of my tribe owned them when I was a little girl. But I do not think there ever was a time when we Hidatsas did not own dogs. We trained them to draw our tent poles and our loaded travois. We never used dogs to chase deer, as white men do.

Our Hidatsa dogsthe breed we owned when I was a little girlhad broad faces, with gentle, knowing eyes; erect, pointed ears; and tails curling, never trailing like a wolfs tail. They had soft silky hair, gray, black, or spotted red or white. All had stout, heavy legs. I think this sturdiness was because we saved only dogs of stout build to drag our travois.

The Teton Sioux, who lived south of us, owned dogs like ours, but of slenderer build and74 legs. They liked these dogs, I think, because they were speedier; for the Sioux were hunters, always moving from place to place.

Almost every family in Like-a-Fishhook village owned two or more dogs; and, as there were about seventy lodges in the village, our dogs made a large pack. The dogs knew every man and child in the village, and being, besides, well trained, seldom bit anyone. But they were quick to wind a stranger. A visitor from another tribe was sure to be beset by a troop of dogs, growling and barking at his heels.

The dogs had one habit I liked. Every evening about bedtimeand bedtime for a little Indian girl was earlysome dog was sure to start up, wu-wu-wu! And all the others would join in, even the little puppies. I used to lie in my bed and listen to them.

About midnight, the barking would start up again, especially if there was a moon, and again a little before daylight; but I was usually asleep at these hours.

In daytime lookouts were always on the roofs of some of the lodges watching if enemies or buffaloes were about. If they saw our hunters, with meat, coming home over the prairie, these lookouts would cry out, Hey-da-ey![12] And the dogs, knowing what the cry meant, would 75join in with wu-u-u-u.[13] They liked fresh buffalo meat no less than the Indians.

But the greatest excitement was when enemies were seen. The lookouts then cried, Ahahuts[14]they come against us! Warriors, on hearing the cry, seized weapons and ran out of their lodges, yelling shrilly. The chiefs sprang for their ponies, twisting lariats into the ponies mouths for bridles. Medicine men chanted holy songs, and women ran about calling to their children. But above all rose the barking of the dogs, every beast joining in the hubbub.

One day, after the midday mealI think I was then eight years oldold Turtle went down to the river and fetched an armful of dry willows. They were about four feet long and as thick as a childs wrist; some were forked at the top. She set them in a circle, with tops together like a tepee, at one side of the lodge entrance near the place where the dogs slept.

What are you doing, grandmother? I asked.

Turtle did not answer my question. I want to get some dry grass, she said. Come and help me.

We went out to a place in the hills where was some long, dead grass. Turtle pulled a big armful, piling it on her robe which she spread on the ground. She drew the corners of the robe together, slung the bundle over her shoulder and we came back to the village.

She laid the grass thickly over the sides of the little tepee, leaning chunks of wood against it to keep the grass in place. She left a door, or 76opening, in front; and she even bound a stick over the door, like the pole over the door of a hunting lodge. Last, she put grass inside, as if for a bed.

Grandmother, what are you doing? I begged; but she led me into the lodge, telling me nothing.

I was awakened early the next morning by dogs barking on the roof. As I lay listening, I thought I heard a faint whining outside. It seemed to come from the place where the little grass tepee stood.

I fell asleep, and awoke a second time to see Red Blossom fanning the fire with a goose wing. Breakfast was soon ready, of fresh boiled buffalo meat. The hunters had come in only the night before, and they had brought a fresh side-and-ribs for a present to my father.

After the meal I saw Turtle gather up the scraps of meat into a wooden bowl. Come, she said, leading me out of the lodge.

She stopped before the tepee, and thrust the bowl of scraps within. Again I heard the faint whining. I dropped to my knees and looked in. There I saw our best dog, the pet of us all; and beside her lay four little puppies.

Eh, sukkeets![15] I cried, Oh, good! And I drew the puppies out one by one, to cuddle them. The mother dog whined, and raised her eyes to me. She was a gentle dog and did not snap at my hand.

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I do not know whether I or the puppies mother cuddled them more, the next few days. One puppy I came to love dearly. He was a wriggling little thing, with a bob tail for all the world like a rabbits, except that it hung down. There were ten or more bobtailed dogs in the village all of them born so. My puppy was black, so I named him Sheepeesha,[16] or Blackie.

It must have been a funny sight to see me take my puppy out for a walk. Stooping, I would lay the puppy between my shoulders and draw my tiny robe up over his back; and I would walk off proud as any Indian mother of her new babe. The old mother dog would creep half out of her kennel, following me with her gentle eyes. I was careful not to go out of her sight.

When the puppies were ten days old my grandmother brought in some fresh sage, the kind we Indians use in a sweat lodge. She laid the sage by the fireplace and fetched in the puppies, barring the door so that the mother dog could not come in. I could hear the poor dog whining pitifully.

What are you going to do, grandmother? I asked.

I am going to smoke the puppies.

Why, grandmother? I cried.

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Because the puppies are old enough to eat cooked meat, for their teeth have come through. The sage is a sacred plant. Its smoke will make the puppies hungry, so that they will eat.

While she was speaking, she opened my little pets jaws. Sure enough, four white teeth were coming through the gums.

Turtle raked some coals from the ashes, and laid on them a handful of the sage. A column of thick white smoke arose upward to the smoke hole.

My grandmother took my puppy in her hands and held his head in the smoke. The poor puppy struggled and choked. Thick spittle, like suds, came out of his mouth. I was frightened, and thought he was going to die.

The smoke will make the puppy healthy, said Turtle. Now let us see if he will grow up strong, to carry my little granddaughters tent.

She lifted the puppy, still choking, from the floor, and let him fall so that he landed on his feet. The puppy was still young and weak, and he was strangling; but his little legs stiffened, and he stood without falling.

Hey, hey, laughed my grandmother. This is a strong dog! He will grow up to carry your tent. For in old times, when traveling, we Hidatsas made our dogs drag our tents on poles, like travois.

Turtle tried the other three puppies. One, not as strong as the rest, fell on his side. This dog will not grow up strong, said my grandmother. I will give him to my neighbor, who asks for one.

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She now lifted a clay pot out of the ashes, and from it poured something into a flat bowl; corn mush, I think it was, boiled with buffalo fats. She set the bowl before the puppies. They quickly lapped up the mush, with funny red tongues. My little black puppy even gulped down a lump of fat.

Turtle laughed. I told you your puppy is strong, she cried. He will soon grow up to carry your tent. But to grow, our puppies must be fed. It will be your work to feed them. See they do not starve.

But, if I had to feed the puppies, my grandmother also helped. Indeed, the whole family watched to see that they had enough. If fresh meat was brought in, we always boiled some and gave to the puppies. We did not give them raw meat. It is not good for puppies. It will make them sick, said Turtle.

But, as the puppies grew up, we began to feed them raw meat. My grandmother sometimes boiled corn for them, into a coarse mush. They were fond of this. As they grew older, any food that turned sour or was unfit for the family to eat was given me for my doggies. They ate it greedily. It did not seem to harm them.

Sometimes a deer or elk was killed, that was poor in flesh. Such a carcass was cut up and given to the dogs of the village, and of course mine got their share.

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When several buffaloes were killed, the hunters often could not carry all the meat home, and took only the best cuts. The next day any one who wanted, could go out and take the cast-away pieces for her dogs. Then, there were parts that we always threw away or gave to the dogs. The tough, outside meat of a buffalos hams we cut off and saved for the dogs. The inside meat, next the bone, we thought our very best. Hunters were fond of roasting it before the fire, on two stones.

Even in famine times we did not forget our dogs; but we sometimes had only soft bones to give them that had been broken for boiling. The dogs gnawed these, and so got a little food.

We Hidatsas loved our good dogs, and were kind to them.

81 NINTH CHAPTER TRAINING A DOG

Autumn twice came around, and my puppy had grown into a romping dog. In the moon of Yellow Leaves, my tribe went again into winter camp. We returned to Like-a-Fishhook village rather early in the spring. Patches of snow lay on the ground, and the ice was still firm on the Missouri when we crossed. We reached the village in midafternoon.

My father had two pack horses loaded with our stuff and our dogs dragged well-laden travois. While my mothers were unpacking, my father made a fire. He drew his flint and steel, and with a bit of soft, rotten wood for tinder struck a spark. In olden times the Hidatsas made fire with two sticks. I saw very old men make fire thus, when I was a lad, my grandfather once told me. I never saw it done myself.

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Small Ankle wrapped the spark, caught in the tinder, in a little bunch of dry grass, and waved it in the air until the grass was ablaze. He had raked together some bits of charcoal in the fireplace and on them laid a few dry-wood splinters. To these he held the burning grass and soon had a fire.

There was a little firewood in the lodge, left from the previous autumn, but not enough to keep the fire going long. As my mothers were still unpacking, my father offered to go out and get wood for the night. Getting wood, we thought, was womans work; but my father was a kind man, willing to help his wives.

From the saddle of one of his horses Small Ankle took a rawhide lariat, and to one end fastened a short stick. There were some cottonwoods under the river bank, not far from the village. Into one of the largest trees Small Ankle threw his lariat until the stick caught in some dead branches overhead. A sharp pull broke off the branches. My father gathered them up and bore them to the lodge.

There were logs and dead wood lying along the river, but they were wet with the snows. My father knew the dead branches in the trees would be dried by the winds. He wanted dry wood to kindle a quick fire.

The next morning after we had eaten, Red Blossom took her ax, and, dragging a travois from its place against the fire screen, led the way out of the lodge. Strikes-Many Woman followed her. Our biggest dog, lying outside,83 saw them coming. He got up, shaking himself, wagging his tail, and barking wu-wu-wu! Our dogs were always ready to be harnessed. They liked to go to the woods, knowing they would be fed well afterwards.

This, our best dog, was named Akeekahee,[17] or Took-from-Him. He belonged to Red Blossom. A woman owning a dog would ask some brave man of her family to name him for her; and Red Blossom had asked my grandfather, Big Cloud, to name her dog. Once an enemy had stolen his horse, but Big Cloud gave chase and retook his horse from that bad enemy. For this, he named the dog Took-from-Him.

My mothers harnessed their dogs, four in number and started off. They returned a little after midday; first, Red Blossom, with a great pack of wood on her back; after her, Strikes-Many Woman; then the four dogs, marching one behind the other, Took-from-Him in the lead. Each dog dragged a travois loaded with wood.

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My mothers dropped their loads before the lodge entrance. The dogs were unhitched; and, while old Turtle fed them, Strikes-Many Woman carried the wood into the lodge and piled it by the corral, where it was handy to the fire.

I was eager to have my dog broken to harness and begged my grandmother to make a travois for him. I will, she said, but wait another moon. Your dog will then be fed fat, after the long winter. A dog should be two years old, and strong, when he is broken. To work a dog too young or when he is weak will hurt his back.

A month after this, my mothers came home one afternoon from woodgathering, dragging each a cottonwood pole about eight feet long. They peeled these poles bare of bark, and laid them up on the corn stage to dry.

What are the poles for? I asked.

They are for your travois, said my grandmother. Your dog Sheepeesha is now old enough to work; and my little granddaughter, too, must learn to be useful.

I was ready to cry out and dance, when I heard these words of my grandmother; and I thought I could never, never wait until those poles dried. The heavy ladder we used for mounting the stage lay on the ground when not in use. I was too little to lift it, to climb up to the poles; but I went every day to stand below and gaze at them longingly.

One afternoon my grandmother fetched the poles into the lodge. They are dry now, she said. I will make the travois frame.

85

With her big knife she hacked the greater ends of the poles flat, so that they would run smooth on the ground. The small ends she crossed for the joint, cutting a notch in each to make them fit. She bound the joint with strips of the big tendon in a buffalos neck that we Indians call the eetsuta[18]. These strips drew taut as they dried, making the joint firm.

Turtle now drew a saddle, or cushion, over the poles just under the joint, sewing it down with buckskin thongs. This saddle was to keep the dog from fretting his shoulders against the poles.

The hoop for the basket was of ash. My father webbed it. He cut a long, thin thong from the edges of a hide, and soaked it to make it soft. Taking some wet paint in his palm, he drew the thong through it, thus painting it a bright red. He laced the thong over the hoop and my grandmother bound the basket in place.

The harness was of two pieces: a collar, to go around the dogs neck; and a breast thong, that was drawn across his chest and through a loop in the saddle, was lapped once or twice around one of the travois poles, and was finally carried under the dogs body to the other pole, where it was made fast.

I could hardly wait to eat my breakfast the next morning, for my mothers had promised to 86take me with them to gather wood. And we are going to begin training your dog to-day, they told me.

I knew a dog should be fed before he was harnessed, and I saved half my breakfast meat to give to mine. Owning a dog, and invited to go with my mothers to get wood, I felt that in spite of my girlish years I was almost a woman now.

Breakfast ended, Red Blossom fetched the new travois and laid it on my dogs back. He looked up, puzzled, then sank to the ground and lay wagging his tail from side to side, sweeping a clean place in the dust. Red Blossom bound the collar about his neck, and drew and fastened the breast thong. While she was doing this I gently patted my dogs head.

Nah! said Red Blossom, Come! But my doggie was a bit frightened. He twisted about, trying to rid himself of the travois, but only hurt himself. He looked up at me and whined. Red Blossom tied a thong to his collar and put the end in my hand. Lead him, she said. He will follow the other dogs. She led off, Strikes-Many Woman behind her, and the dogs followed after, in a line.

I tugged at my dogs thong, pursing my lips and making a whistling sound, as Indians do. My doggie understood. He rose to his feet, and, seeing the other dogs moving off, followed after the last one.

We thus came to the woods, about a mile and a half from the village. The dogs sank in their tracks, to rest. My mothers searched about for87 dead-and-dry wood, which they cut into lengths of two feet or more, and piled them in the path near the dogs.

When they had enough wood cut, my mothers lifted each travois by its basket, and turned it so that the dogs nose was pointed toward the village; and they loaded each travois with a double armful of wood, bound to the basket with two thongs. My two mothers then lifted each a load to her own back, and started to the village.

I did not carry any load myself, as my shoulders were not strong enough for such heavy work; but I led my dog. Not a very big load was put on him, as it was his first. I called to him, tugging gently at the thong. Seeing the other dogs ahead, he followed willingly.

Old Turtle awaited us at the door. Grandmother, I cried joyfully, my dog has brought home a load of wood. He did not try to run away. Turtle laughed, and helped me unload.

That evening I was sitting by the fire with my good dog, for Red Blossom had let me bring him into the lodge. Now and then I slipped him a bit of meat I had saved from my supper. My father had laid some dry sticks on the fire, and the blaze flickered and rose, flickered and rose, making post and rafter yellow with its light. Small Ankle sat on his couch smoking his pipe. Suddenly I heard the clitter of the hollow hoofs as the lodge door was raised and let fall again. I looked up. Coyote Eyes, a Ree Indian, was coming around the screen.

88

Hau![19] cried my father, making a place for him on the couch. Small Ankle was a polite man. He handed his pipe to the Ree, who took big pulls, blowing the smoke through his nostrils.

Coyote Eyes gave the pipe back to my father. That is a fine dog you have, he said to me. I know a story of my tribe about two dogs.

Being but a little girl, I did not think it proper for me to talk to a stranger, but my father answered for me, What is the story?

In the beginning, my tribe came out of a cave in the earth, said Coyote Eyes. They journeyed until they came to the Missouri river. Let us go up this river, they said, and find a place to build our villages. They were weary of journeying.

They had two dogs in the camp. One was black; his name was Death. The other was white, and her name was Sickness. These dogs were asleep when the tribe broke camp the next morning. The people were in such haste to be off that they forgot to waken the dogs.

The third day after, they saw two great fires sweeping toward them over the prairie. The women cried out with fear. All thought that they should die.

89

When the fires came near, the people saw that they were the two dogs, Death and Sickness.

Do not fear, said the dogs. Our hearts are not all evil. True, we will bite you, because you forgot us; but we will also live with you and be your friends. We will carry your burdens; and when we die, you shall eat us.

The dogs grew old. The white one died, and her skin became the squash. Now our squashes are of different colors, white, gray, yellow, spotted, just as are dogs. These squashes we eat. Also we Rees eat dog meat; for, before he died, the black dog said, You shall eat my flesh.

And to this day, when our Ree people sicken and die, they say, We are bitten by Sickness and Death.

My father smiled. We Hidatsas do not eat dogs, he said; and then to me, Little daughter, it is bedtime.

I did not always obey my mothers; for, like all little girls, I was naughty sometimes, but I dared not disobey my father.

I put my dog out of the lodge, and went to bed.

90 TENTH CHAPTER LEARNING TO WORK

My mothers began to teach me household tasks when I was about twelve years old. You are getting to be a big girl, they said. Soon you will be a woman, and marry. Unless you learn to work, how will you feed your family?

One of the things given me to do was fetching water from the river. No spring was near our village; and, anyhow, our prairie springs are often bitter with alkali. But the Missouri river, fed by melting snows of the Montana mountains, gave us plenty of fresh water. Missouri river water is muddy; but it soon settles, and is cool and sweet to drink. We Indians love our big river, and we are glad to drink of its waters, as drank our fathers.

A steep path led down the bank to the watering place. Down this path, the village girls91 made their way every morning to get water for drinking and cooking. They went in little groups or in pairs. Two girls, cousins or chums, sometimes swung a freshly filled pail from a pole on their shoulders.

But there were few pails of metal in my tribe, when I was a little girl. I used to fetch water in a clay pot, sometimes in a buffalo-paunch lining skewered on a stick; but my commonest bucket was of a buffalo heart skin. When my father killed a buffalo, he took out the heart skin, and filled it with grass until it dried. This he gave to Red Blossom, who sewed a little stick on each side of the mouth; and bound a short stick and sinews between them for handle. Such a bucket held about three pints. It was a frail looking vessel, but lasted a long time.

We girls liked to go to the watering place; for, while we were filling ou




Haiti - Education : The traditional classroom is no longer the only way to learn





Friday January 7, 2022, Nesmy Manigat, the Minister of National Education, who was accompanied by two members of his cabinet, Inspector General Louis Fritz Dorminvil, the Coordinator of the Education and Quality Pole, Joseph Job Maurice and the Departmental Director of Education of the West, Etienne France Louisseul, had fruitful exchanges with more than forty high school students and delegates of the central committees representing twenty high schools of the municipalities of Port-au-Prince, Delmas, Petion-ville, Cite-Soleil, Croix-des-Bouquets, Tabarre and Carrefour.



The Minister wanted by this exercise of free speech, to hear the high school students expose what they were experiencing in real life in the classrooms and to listen to their grievances.



The students presented their grievances, supported by facts to the Minister, in particular on the safety and health environment of the schools, the obstacles to the development of the renovated Secondary, the teaching conditions, the quality and availability of textbooks, school canteens, the state of infrastructure, mental health or even the nonchalance displayed in the administration of certain schools.



Minister Manigat wanted to be reassuring while stressing that the scale of these challenges calls for a great mobilization of the State which will have to extend over several years and identify some possible solutions.



To counter certain situations which traditionally hamper learning in schools (insecurity, pandemic, climatic hazards, natural disasters, political social troubles, etc...), Manigat announced the availability shortly of programs dedicated to personal learning via the digital platform (Lycee 2.0) which will be accessible "online" or "offline". This platform will exclusively offer high school students and those in official exam classes the opportunity to continue learning independently anytime, anywhere.



The Minister is convinced that "the traditional classroom is no longer the only means of transmitting knowledge". He stressed that the availability of digital educational resources should not be seen as a response to the dysfunction of schools but that it is the direction to be taken, as it allows more efficient learning and better adapted to the context of the school evolution of the world.



Regarding face-to-face, a tablet, owned by the Ministry, with a learning program with resources related to secondary disciplines, will be loaned to secondary 4 students. There will also be one for teachers. This program will be implemented in high schools in difficult situations in the metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince.



A pilot experiment, with the digital tablet, also called by the Minister "Single Book", will start on the occasion of the resumption of school activities at the national high school of La Saline.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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This article is part of a yearlong reporting project focused on redistricting and gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. It is made possible by the support of Spotlight PA members and Votebeat, a project focused on election integrity and voting access.

Harrisburg, Pa.  The state House is expected to vote on a proposed congressional map this week, as spring primary deadlines and a lawsuit that asks Pennsylvanias highest court to take over the highly consequential process loom large.

A spokesperson for House Republicans told Spotlight PA the chamber will likely consider amendments to the proposal Tuesday, with a final vote expected Wednesday.

The preliminary map was approved by the House State Government Committee in December along partisan lines.

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The panels chair, Rep. Seth Grove (R., York), first put forth a map drawn by a well-known redistricting advocate  former Lehigh County Republican Commissioner Amanda Holt  and hailed it as a response to public pressure to remove lawmakers from the redrawing process.

After complaints from some of the panels members, the committee advanced an altered version of that map a week later, before the public could review it.

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, who must approve the map for it to take effect, said in a letter the map falls short in partisan fairness and creates a result that isnt proportional to the balance of Democratic and Republican voters in the state.

The decennial process of drawing new political boundaries helps determine the balance of power in Harrisburg and Washington. In the past, it has been an extremely politicized process that has been subject to lawsuits and accusations of gerrymandering  when a map is drawn to benefit one political party.

While Republicans controlled both the executive and legislative branches a decade ago, Wolfs role as governor gives Democrats the opportunity to reject the proposal.

Despite the maps importance, Wolf and the legislature are running up against the clock.

The states top election official has asked to receive the final congressional map by Jan. 24 in order to meet the first deadline associated with the spring primary.

Unlike the state House and Senate maps, the current congressional map is unusable because the state lost one of its 18 seats due to sluggish population growth.

Anticipating that Wolf and the Republican-controlled legislature wont be able to come to an agreement on the congressional map in time, concerned citizens and redistricting advocates are lobbying the state Supreme Court to take over.

Two lawsuits targeting the map  one from a group of residents who live in population-dense areas, the other from mathematicians and scientists seeking a data-driven process  were filed in Commonwealth Court in December.

The suits, since merged into one, argue that the courts should intervene in the process and ban the state from using the current map for the 2022 election.

In late December, Commonwealth Court gave Wolf and the legislature until Jan. 30 to enact a plan, while it asked interested parties to submit proposals. Should they fail, the court will begin considering submitted maps the following day.

The parties who brought the suit have also asked the state Supreme Court to immediately take over the case. The court could issue a ruling on the request at any time or decline to respond to it.

A number of people  including Wolf and the top Democratic and Republican leaders  have asked to intervene in the case, as have members of fair redistricting advocacy groups who are represented by the Public Interest Law Center.

The center handled the case that saw the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2018 adopt a new congressional map, finding the one approved by former Republican Gov. Tom Corbett in 2011 was an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander.

Should the state House approve a map, it will then go to the state Senate for consideration. Lawmakers in that chamber are expected to release their own proposed congressional map this week.

Embed #2

Pennsylvanias state House and Senate maps are drawn through a separate process controlled by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission, a five-person panel made up of the four top legislative leaders from both major parties and a nonpartisan chair.

The commission released initial state House and Senate maps in December that are now under a 30-day public comment period that ends Jan. 18. You can see how your district would change under those proposals by using Spotlight PAs map comparison tool at spotlightpa.org/mydistrict.

After that, the commission has another 30 days to make adjustments. Anyone who objects to one or both of the maps can file an appeal with the state Supreme Court within 30 days.

Spotlight PAs Danielle Ohl contributed reporting.

WHILE YOURE HERE... If you learned something from this story, pay it forward and become a member of Spotlight PA so someone else can in the future at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Male, Maldives, Jan. 8, 2022. (Xinhua/Tang Lu)

MALE, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- China and the Maldives have pledged to work together to push for the stronger development of their relations.

While meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday, Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih said his country and China reached an important consensus last year on consolidating the ties and broaden pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.

The president thanked China for its tremendous contribution to his country's socio-economic development, the firm support to his country's vaccination campaign against COVID-19, and its reduction and suspension of the Maldives' debt within the framework of G20.

The Maldives firmly upholds the one China policy, and their sound bilateral ties and solid mutual trust are rooted in the long and traditional friendship and adherence to the principles of sovereign equality and mutual respect, the president stressed.

Expressing his confidence in the future development of bilateral ties, the Maldivian president said his country is ready to seize the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries to deepen mutual understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation so as to push for the stronger development of bilateral ties.

For his part, Wang said this year marks the 50th anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and the Maldives, which have withstood the test of international vicissitudes and become more mature, thus contributing to the regional peace and stability.

The most precious experiences from the five decades' exchanges between the two countries are the mutual respect, equal treatment as well as unity and mutual help which have consolidated the political foundation of the bilateral ties, Wang noted.

Appreciating the Maldives' firm support on China's core interests, Wang said China has always supported the Maldives in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, seeking a development path suited to its own national conditions and pursuing an independent foreign policy, Wang said.

China is willing to expand cooperation with the Maldives in all fields and back its efforts to push for the strategy of diversified development, he said, hoping that a free trade deal between the two countries will be approved at an early date so as to facilitate the economic transformation and upgrading of the Maldives.

Wang also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is the common enemy of mankind, and China will continue to uphold the vision of a global community of health for all and fight the virus side by side with the Maldives.

China is willing to continue providing the Maldives with anti-virus supplies including vaccines as needed, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening coordination on international affairs. 
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STOCKHOLM, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Swedish Crown Princess Victoria's husband, Prince Daniel, has tested positive for COVID-19, the Royal Court said on Sunday, one day following the Crown Princess's positive test.

"The Prince, who is fully vaccinated, has very mild symptoms and is well," the Royal Court said in a press release.

On Saturday, the Royal Court said that Crown Princess Victoria had tested positive for COVID-19, and her family was in isolation at their home.

It's the second time that both Crown Princess Victoria and her husband tested positive. The couple had infected last March.

Also on Jan. 4, the Royal Court said that King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden had tested positive for COVID-19.

Sweden, a country of some 10.4 million population, has reported over 1.4 million cases and 15,377 deaths.

According to official figures, 86 percent of the population aged 12 and over have had at least one vaccine dose, while 82.2 percent have had both. More than 32 percent of adults have received the third dose. 
Sharon Jean McCarthy, 83, of Greenville, passed away on April 11, 2022 in Greenville, Texas. A memorial service will be at Wesley United Methodist Church on April 30, 2022 at 9 a.m. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Mrs. McCarthy was born Feb. 4, 1939 in St. Louis, Mi
Saint Joseph, MI (49085)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain late. Low 46F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain late. Low 46F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
MACAO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Saturday voiced firm opposition to a recent report released by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority in Taiwan.

The report contains baseless and biased claims about Macao's development, and is severely lacking in its understanding of the practical situation and public sentiment in Macao, the SAR government said.

The Macao SAR will continue stringently to fulfill its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and strongly opposes interference in Macao affairs by any external forces, the SAR government stressed.

Since its return to the motherland over two decades ago, thanks to the strong support of the central government and the mainland as a whole as well as the leadership of the SAR government, Macao has maintained social stability, propelled its economy and its people's well-being, and successfully implemented the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Macao people administering Macao" and a high degree of autonomy.

Macao's political system has benefitted from substantial development and the Macao SAR has gradually optimized relevant electoral systems in accordance with the SAR's own characteristics and development needs, the SAR government said.

In line with the Basic Law and election laws of the Macao SAR, Macao has seen successful completion of elections for seven successive terms of the Legislative Assembly and five elections for the post of Chief Executive conducted in a fair, just, open and clean manner, it said.

The political rights enjoyed by Macao residents such as right to protest and to assemble have been fully respected and protected while news organizations are free to follow their own editorial initiatives, illustrating the coexistence and mutual respect among different voices in Macao, the SAR government added.

It voiced its confidence that Macao is bound to embrace a brighter future by actively taking part in and integrating with the development of the country, particularly of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

"Macao will surely open up new horizons and a fresh chapter for development with the firm support of the central government and the participation of the whole of the local community," said the SAR government.

It also pledged to handle matters related to Macao-Taiwan relations in accordance with the Basic Law of the Macao SAR and the fundamental principles and policies implemented by the central government, and further promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between Macao and Taiwan.

The SAR government also noted that it has always worked in compliance with the law regarding applications for accreditation for the staff of Taiwan's representative office in Macao. However, the Macao office in Taiwan had to suspend operation from June 19, 2021, as the staff's applications for accreditation did not get approved. 
MALE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Saturday that China-Maldives relations, through 50 years of joint efforts, have become a model of friendly exchanges and win-win cooperation.

Wang told a joint press conference with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid that China, as an all-round friendly and cooperative partner, supports the Maldives in speeding up its socio-economic construction and enhancing the capability of independent development.

"This is our original aspiration and actual deeds as well in the mutual cooperation," said the Chinese state councilor.

He said China has pushed forward the expansion and upgrading project of the Velana International Airport, making it a modern international airport for the Maldivian people.

The construction of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, which has since witnessed more than 100 million travels, addressed one lasting traffic issue of the Maldivian people, said Wang.

China has built over 10,000 housing units for the Maldives, according to the Chinese state councilor, which helped thousands of Maldivian families improve their living conditions.

Wang also said China, within the framework of the Group of 20, spared no effort in facilitating debt reduction for the Maldives, accounting for three-quarters of Maldives' total debt suspension.

During this visit, Wang said, both sides have decided to launch a new batch of assistance cooperation programs, providing momentum for Maldives' economic development.

"Facts have shown that the joint construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road by China and the Maldives serves the common interests of the two peoples. We are embarking on a shared path to hope, prosperity and happiness," he said. 
As the raging omicron variant of COVID-19 infects workers across the nation, millions of those whose jobs don't provide paid sick days are having to choose between their health and their paycheck.

While many companies instituted more robust sick leave policies at the beginning of the pandemic, some of those have since been scaled back with the rollout of the vaccines, even though omicron has managed to evade the shots. Meanwhile, the current labor shortage is adding to the pressure of workers having to decide whether to show up to their job sick if they can't afford to stay home.

Its a vicious cycle, said Daniel Schneider, professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. As staffing gets depleted because people are out sick, that means that those that are on the job have more to do and are even more reluctant to call in sick when they in turn get sick.

Low-income hourly workers are especially vulnerable. Nearly 80% of all private sector workers get at least one paid sick day, according to a national compensation survey of employee benefits conducted in March by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But only 33% of workers whose wages are at the bottom 10% get paid sick leave, compared with 95% in the top 10%.

A survey this past fall of roughly 6,600 hourly low-wage workers conducted by Harvards Shift Project, which focuses on inequality, found that 65% of those workers who reported being sick in the last month said they went to work anyway. That's lower than the 85% who showed up to work sick before the pandemic, but much higher than it should be in the middle of a public health crisis. Schneider says it could get worse because of omicron and the labor shortage.

OMICRON'S IMPACT: Parents of children too young for COVID vaccine are facing difficult choices amid omicron surge

What's more, Schneider noted that the share of workers with paid sick leave before the pandemic barely budged during the pandemic  50% versus 51% respectively. He further noted many of the working poor surveyed dont even have $400 in emergency funds, and families will now be even more financially strapped with the expiration of the child tax credit, which had put a few hundred dollars in families pockets every month.

The Associated Press interviewed one worker who started a new job with the state of New Mexico last month and started experiencing COVID-like symptoms earlier in the week. The worker, who asked not to be named because it might jeopardize their employment, took a day off to get tested and two more days to wait for the results.

A supervisor called and told the worker they would qualify for paid sick days only if the COVID test turns out to be positive. If the test is negative, the worker will have to take the days without pay, since they havent accrued enough time for sick leave.

I thought I was doing the right thing by protecting my co-workers, said the worker, who is still awaiting the results and estimates it will cost $160 per day of work missed if they test negative. "Now I wish I just wouldve gone to work and not said anything.

A Trader Joes worker in California, who also asked not to be named because they didnt want to risk their job, said the company lets workers accrue paid time off that they can use for vacations or sick days. But once that time is used up, employees often feel like they cant afford to take unpaid days.

COVID HELP DESK: When is the omicron surge expected to peak?

I think many people now come to work sick or with what they call allergies because they feel they have no other choice, the worker said.

Trader Joes offered hazard pay until last spring, and even paid time off if workers had COVID-related symptoms. But the worker said those benefits have ended. The company also no longer requires customers to wear masks in all of its stores.

Other companies are similarly curtailing sick time that they offered earlier in the pandemic. Kroger, the countrys biggest traditional grocery chain, is ending some benefits for unvaccinated workers in an attempt to compel more of them to get the jab as COVID-19 cases rise again. Unvaccinated workers will no longer be eligible to receive up to two weeks paid emergency leave if they become infected  a policy that was put into place last year when vaccines were unavailable.

Meanwhile, Walmart, the nations largest retailer, is slashing pandemic-related paid leave in half  from two weeks to one  after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reduced isolation requirements for people who dont have symptoms after they test positive.

Workers have received some relief from a growing number of states. In the last decade, 14 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws or ballot measures requiring employers to provide paid sick leave, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

On the federal front, however, the movement has stalled. Congress passed a law in the spring of 2020 requiring most employers to provide paid sick leave for employees with COVID-related illnesses. But the requirement expired on Dec. 31 of that same year. Congress later extended tax credits for employers who voluntarily provide paid sick leave, but the extension lapsed at the end of September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

BACK TO SCHOOL: Houston-area colleges still firming up return-to-campus plans as omicron surges

In November, the U.S. House passed a version of President Joe Bidens Build Back Better plan that would require employers to provide 20 days of paid leave for employees who are sick or caring for a family member. But the fate of that bill is uncertain in the Senate.

We cant do a patchwork sort of thing. It has to be holistic. It has to be meaningful," said Josephine Kalipeni, executive director at Family Values @ Work, a national network of 27 state and local coalitions helping to advocate for such policies as paid sick days.

The U.S. is one of only 11 countries worldwide without any federal mandate for paid sick leave, according to a 2020 study by the World Policy Analysis Center at the University of California, Los Angeles.

On the flipside are small business owners like Dawn Crawley, CEO of House Cleaning Heroes, who cant afford to pay workers when they are out sick. But Crawley is trying to help in other ways. She recently drove one cleaner who didn't have a car to a nearby testing site. She later bought the cleaner some medicine, orange juice and oranges.

If they are out, I try to give them money but at the same time my company has got to survive, Crawley said. If the company goes under, no one has work."

Even when paid sick leave is available, workers arent always made aware of it.

Ingrid Vilorio, who works at a Jack in the Box restaurant in Castro Valley, California, started feeling sick last March and soon tested positive for COVID. Vilorio alerted a supervisor, who didnt tell her she was eligible for paid sick leave  as well as supplemental COVID leave  under California law.

Vilorio said her doctor told her to take 15 days off, but she decided to take just 10 because she had bills to pay. Months later, a co-worker told Vilorio she was owed sick pay for the time she was off. Working through Fight for $15, a group that works to unionize fast food workers, Vilorio and her colleagues reported the restaurant to the county health department. Shortly after that, she was given back pay.

But Vilorio, who speaks Spanish, said through a translator that problems persist. Workers are still getting sick, she said, and are often afraid to speak up.

Without our health, we cant work," she said. "Were told that were front line workers, but were not treated like it.

D'Innocenzio reported from New York and Durbin reported from Detroit.
According to a national study, at least two of Houstons Jewish day schools are experiencing increased enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic- Meyerlands The Shlenker School of Congregation Beth Israel and the Beth Yeshurun Day School.

According to a report from Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, there is a national trend of growing enrollment in Jewish day schools. Per the report, from Fall 2019 to Fall 2021, Jewish day schools and yeshivas- a Jewish educational institution that focuses on the study of traditional religious texts- reported a net enrollment increase of 3.7 percent across the country. Beth Yeshurun has seen an increased enrollment of 55 percent over the past four years while the Shlenker School has seen an increase of roughly 10 percent since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Beth Yeshurun and The Shlenker School were the only two Jewish day schools in Houston included in the Prizmah study.

For David Abrams, a parent who has two children enrolled at Beth Yeshurun, taking his children out of public school and enrolling them at Beth Yeshurun was more than a religious decision- the schools hands on education and response to COVID-19 was, in Abrams opinion, better than public school.

The Jewish education is important to us but we have friends and my kids have friends at the school that are not Jewish, Abrams said. I wanted to try the public schools and see how that was and have my kids be exposed to other things but with what we saw what was happening, Im definitely keeping my kids in Beth Yeshurun all the way up to the highest grade.

Dr. Michelle Barton, head of school at The Shlenker School, said that the pandemic has been a silver lining for the day school.

One hundred percent of the public school families that enrolled at The Shlenker returned for enrollment and re-enrolled, Barton said.I think that COVID brought them to our school but then the high quality education and the warmth of the community has kept them here.

Prizmah also published a report in August 2021 that examined the reasons why parents transferred to Jewish day school during the pandemic. Interviewing 114 parents between April and June 2021, close to half of the parents transferred their children to a Jewish day school because of the pandemic and their respected schools response to it. According to the report, these families made clear that their values and priorities hadnt changed, and that day school hadnt suddenly become much more appealing, the report read. The only reason they changed was because the day school was open and was offering in-person education.

Other families, the research indicated, were already on their way to switch to a Jewish day school, but COVID-19 sped up the process.

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Abrams, who had one child in public school and transferred them to Beth Yeshurun during the pandemic, said that public schools response to COVID-19 was largely reactionary instead of proactive, which helped him make the decision.

From the testing, from the staying up with the CDC. Shutting down classes when they need to or shutting down cohorts, Abrams said. With Beth Yeshurun, they think things through, evaluated each thing, and make reasonable determinations based on CDC guidance on what they should do.

The Prizmah report also indicated that a third of the parents interviewed were concerned about their children not experiencing a diversity of cultures and demographics by enrolling in a Jewish day school but were ultimately surprised to find more diversity than expected.

Per the report, schools across the religious denominational spectrum experienced enrollment increases, with community/non-denominational, conservative, pluralistic, and reform school had a 4.5 percent increase in enrollment, while Orthodox and Modern Orthodox school had a 2.5 percent increase.

The pandemic has afforded us an incredible opportunity, Barton said. Over the past two years, we have welcomed families to The Shlenker School who might not otherwise have considered sending their children to a Jewish Day school. Our students are nurtured and supported, our families are proud to partner with us, and our community is stronger than ever.

According to Barton, 95 percent of The Shlenker Schools students identify as Jewish.

Cost was a barrier for many of the families interviewed, per the report. Many of the families considered day school as a serious financial commitment. Tuition at Beth Yeshurun ranges from around $7,000 to $16,000. The Torah Day School of Houston, which teaches children from early childhood to the eighth grade, has an annual tuition that ranges from $7,400 to $16,000. And The Shlenker School has a tuition that ranges from around $7,000 to $20,000.

Barton says that in order to retain and continue to increase enrollment, The Shlenker School is planning on doing a building assessment to determine their growth needs.

ryan.nickerson@hcnonline.com
Winter fishing may be a thing in the north despite the ice, but few Texas anglers take the winter break off from their beloved sport. On Tuesday, Jan. 11, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department brought a little Christmas surprise for local fishermen.

Anglers who love to participate in the Texas tradition of reeling in delicious rainbow trout during the winter months can drop their lines in Harris County Pct. 1s Eisenhower Park lake.

According to Pct. 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, the TPWD added some 600 of the species and more will be stocked on February 16.

We are grateful to Texas Parks and Wildlife for generously stocking the pond with rainbow trout, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis said. People can enjoy the sport of fishing and then eating this fish that can only be found in this area during the winter.

Carl Kittel, the TPWDs rainbow trout program director, said the departments winter rainbow trout program is not new and has been a favorite with anglers for over 40 years.

More Information MORE TROUT FISH IN HARRIS COUNTY COUNTY Harris CITY Deer Park LAKE OR POND Dow Park Pool FISH 400 DATES FOR STOCKING 1/28/2022 HATCHERY ETFH Harris Houston Eisenhower Park Pond 1,200 1/11/2022, 2/16/2022 ETFH Harris Houston Herman Brown Park Pond 500 12/20/2021 ETFH Harris Houston Kickerillo-Mischer 1,190 1/14/2022 ETFH Harris Houston Sheldon State Park Children's #1 700 1/5/2022 ETFH Harris Houston Tom Bass I 800 12/21/2021, 1/18/2022 ETFH Harris Houston Bane Park Lake 1,190 1/14/2022 ETFH Harris Katy Mary Jo Peckham Park* 3,160 11/24/2021, 12/23/2021, 1/7/2022, 1/21/2022, 2/4/2022, 2/18/2022, 3/4/2022 ETFH Harris Marshall Arena Park Pond 1,000 02/06/2022 TFFC Harris Pasadena Burke-Crenshaw Lake* 2,400 11/24/2021, 12/23/2021, 1/7/2022, 1/21/2022, 2/4/2022, 2/18/2022, 3/4/2022 ETFH Harris Spring Beaver Pond - Cypress Creek Park 1,500 12/2/2021, 1/12/2022 ETFH Harris Spring Dennis Johnston Park 1,200 1/14/2022 ETFH Harris Spring Hart Pundt Lake 1,200 1/14/2022 ETFH Harris Spring Herman Little Pond* 1,896 11/24/2021, 12/23/2021, 1/7/2022, 1/21/2022, 2/4/2022, 2/18/2022, 3/4/2022 ETFH Harris Tomball Burroughs Park 1,800 1/13/2022 ETFH See More Collapse

TPWD stocks catchable sized fish during winter months to create angling opportunities throughout Texas, Kittel said. Rainbow trout love cold water, can be caught on a variety of baits and lures, and are great to take home and eat.

Eisenhower is not the only lake around the state to receive the stocking gift. The parks and wildlife department intends to place approximately 352,563 rainbow trout in Texas beginning back in November through March 6, according to the agency.

Rainbow trout are unable to survive in Texas after the winter so anglers are encouraged to keep up to their daily bag limit of five trout.

There are a few regulations imposed on anglers. Theres no minimum length limit and a daily bag is considered five trout. TWPD also says an angler fishing in a Community Fishing Lake or from a dock, pier, or jetty within a Texas State Park may use no more than two poles at a time. Anglers will be required to have a valid fishing license that includes a freshwater fishing endorsement. For anglers under 17 years of age are not required to have a license. No licenses are required when fishing within a Texas State Park.

Recipes for rainbow trout are in abundance and anglers can feed a small family with their catch.

We encourage experienced and first-time anglers to come out this winter and enjoy catching rainbow trout at Eisenhower Park, Commissioner Ellis said. And if you cant go to Eisenhower, several Precinct One parks - some also stocked by TPWD - have lakes for year-round fishing.
Jan. 12

Fort Bend ISD Update

The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce presents the Fort Bend ISD Superintendent and Board Update for chamber members from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Fort Bend Chamber at 445 Commerce Green Blvd. in Sugar Land. Superintendent Christie Whitbeck and Board President Dave Rosenthal are expected to present an update on Fort Bend ISD. Tickets for pre-registered chamber members are $25. Tickets at the door are $40. For more information contact Rebekah Beltran at 281-566-2158 or via email at rebekah@fortbendcc.org or go to https://tinyurl.com/yckrh6nj.

Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber Meeting

The Fulshear-Katy Area Chamber of Commerce membership meeting is scheduled with a meet-and-greet at 7:30 a.m. and general meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Parkway Fellowship at 27043 FM 1093 in Richmond. The scheduled guest speaker is Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. There is no charge for this meeting. For more information go to https://tinyurl.com/2s42nrwv.

Jan. 13

Nehls Mobile Office Hours

U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls is scheduled to host mobile office hours from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, 814 East Avenue, Ste. G in Katy. Nehls is expected to hear constituent concerns and assist with any issues relating to a federal agency such as VA, Social Security, IRS and more. For more information call 281-391-5289 or email info@katychamber.com.

Jan. 17

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Most city, county, state and federal offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Emergency services will be maintained.

Jan. 18

Sugar Land City Council

The Sugar Land City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. N. For more information go to www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Rosenberg City Council

The Rosenberg City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Rosenberg City Hall, 2110 4th St. Council meetings may be viewed live on YouTube, the city of Rosenberg website, or by Rosenberg Comcast customers on channel 16. For more information go to www.rosenbergtx.gov.

Richmond City Commission

The city of Richmond will hold its regular commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18, at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Annex located at 600 Morton St. in Richmond. For questions, contact City Manager Terri Vela at tvela@richmondtx.gov or 281-342-5456.

Missouri City City Council

The regular meeting of the Missouri City City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, in the City Hall, Council Chamber at 1522 Texas Parkway. For more information go to www.missouricitytx.gov.

Jan. 22

Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

Registration closes Jan. 20 for the Sixth Annual Hope For Three Autism Advocates Felicia Smith Jigsaw Puzzle Competition presented by LearningRx Sugar Land. This event takes place on Jan. 22 at the historic Landmark Community Center, 100 Louisiana St., Missouri City. Teams of four, young (ages 8 and up) and seasoned, have two hours to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. Awards ceremony immediately follows with first through fifth places recognized. Registration at 9 a.m., competition 10 a.m.-noon. The event is one-way the local nonprofit group raises awareness and funds for families and children living with autism. Hurry, limited seating, register today (team of four $140) at www.hopeforthree.org/events.

Jan. 23

Farmers market

The Farmers Market at La Centerra is presented the second and fourth Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. in Katy. There will be local vendors and artisans at Heritage Square selling honey, cheese, fresh eggs, seasonal vegetables and more. To become a vendor email customer@yourneighborhoodfarmersmarket.com.

Jan. 27

Music Class in the Park

Childrens Music Class in the Park with Vivaldi is schedueld for 10-10:45 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at Sugar Land Town Square, at Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 59. Vivaldi Music Academy welcomes families with children ages 1-5 years old to join them in the Plaza for a free, fun morning full of singing, dancing and learning. For more information go to https://tinyurl.com/3bvfubvr.

Jan. 28

Fort Bend Chamber Chairmans Gala

The 2022 Fort Bend Chamber Chairmans Gala is scheduled for 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, Jan. 28, at Safari Texas Ranch at 11627 FM 1464 in Richmond. Individual tickets are $100. Sponsorships are available. For more information contact Paige Talbott at 281-566-2152 or via email at Paige@fortbendcc.org; or go to https://tinyurl.com/mryucxhu.

Feb. 1

Sugar Land City Council

The Sugar Land City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. N. For more information go to www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Rosenberg City Council

The Rosenberg City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Rosenberg City Hall, 2110 4th St. Council meetings may be viewed live on YouTube, the city of Rosenberg website, or by Rosenberg Comcast customers on channel 16. For more information go to www.rosenbergtx.gov.

Feb. 4

Richmond Farmers Market

The Development Corporation of Richmond and the city of Richmond present the Richmond Farmers Market the first Friday of the month from 3 to 7 p.m. Richmond Farmers Market will be located at Wessendorff Park, 500 Preston St. For more information email Jessica Huang at Jessica@FarmersMarket.Love.

Feb. 5

Sugar Land Rotary 5K

The Third Annual Running with a Heart-Sugar Land Rotary 5K is scheduled to start at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk Drive in Sugar Land. Race entry includes a finishers medal, T-shirt and coupons to sponsors facilities. Adult registration is $35. Youth registration is $25. All net proceeds benefit the Fort Bend Rainbow Room. There will be no onsite race day registration at the event. Pre-registration is required at www.sugarlandrotary5k.com.

Feb. 7

Richmond City Commission

The city of Richmond will hold its regular commission meeting on Monday, Feb. 7, at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Annex located at 600 Morton St. in Richmond. For questions, contact City Manager Terri Vela at tvela@richmondtx.gov or 281-342-5456.

Missouri City City Council

The regular meeting of the Missouri City City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, in the City Hall, Council Chamber at 1522 Texas Parkway. For more information go to www.missouricitytx.gov.

Feb. 12

Boots & Badges Gala

Behind the Badge Charities is committed to holding its annual Boots & Badges Gala on Saturday, Feb. 12, at Safari Texas in Richmond. Sponsorships and tickets are available now at www.behindthebadgecharities.org/gala.

XKlusive 06 Race/Walk

The XKlusive 06 Race/Walk is scheduled for 7-10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at Sugar Land Town Square, 15958 City Walk Drive in Sugar Land. The fun-run benefits the Xi Kappa Lambda Educational Foundation. Their foundation awards scholarships annually and has supported educational initiatives for students in the greater Houston area for more than 25 years. Race registration is $35 and includes a 06K numbered bib, a commemorative medal, and other surprises from sponsors and supporters. Top finishers will also be awarded based on their registration class. There will be volunteers available to assist you along the way + race-day prizes and hype music played by on-site deejay. Registration ends Feb. 11. To register go to https://tinyurl.com/2jn736yj.

Feb. 15

Sugar Land City Council

The Sugar Land City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. N. For more information go to www.sugarlandtx.gov.

Rosenberg City Council

The Rosenberg City Council is scheduled to meet for its regular session at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Rosenberg City Hall, 2110 4th St. Council meetings may be viewed live on YouTube, the city of Rosenberg website, or by Rosenberg Comcast customers on channel 16. For more information go to www.rosenbergtx.gov.

Feb. 21

Richmond City Commission

The city of Richmond will hold its regular commission meeting on Monday, Feb. 21, at 4:30 p.m. at the City Hall Annex located at 600 Morton St. in Richmond. For questions, contact City Manager Terri Vela at tvela@richmondtx.gov or 281-342-5456.

Missouri City City Council

The regular meeting of the Missouri City City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21, in the City Hall, Council Chamber at 1522 Texas Parkway. For more information go to www.missouricitytx.gov.
Civil rights attorney S. Lee Merritt expected to get crossways with Republicans when he moved to Dallas in 2015.

In a sense, thats why he came to Texas in the first place.

Where do you go if you want to change the face of civil rights in this country? Merritt asked Wednesday during an interview at the Ion about his campaign to be the Democratic nominee for attorney general.

You go to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, he continued, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The 5th Circuit regularly produces some of the most conservative opinions in the country on a variety of topics, including those Merritt has focused on since becoming an attorney, such as qualified immunity and police accountability.

Its a place where civil rights attorneys go to be targeted, Merritt said cheerfully.

Merritt is not a a man who shies away from a fight, and that was true even before he launched his first campaign for statewide office last July. If elected, he would be the first Black attorney general in the states history.

Merritt began his career as an educator, teaching in Camden. N.J., via the Teach for America program after graduating from Morehouse College in Atlanta. The graduate of Temple University law school became an attorney so he could do more, and since then he has: as the founder of the Merritt Law Firm, hes taken on civil rights cases across the nation, representing victims of police brutality and other forms of racial injustice.

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In 2017, Merritt represented the family of Jordan Edwards, a 15-year-old boy who was fatally shot by a police officer in Balch Springs; Edwards was Black, and the officer who killed him was found guilty of his murder. In 2018, Merritt became the attorney for the family of Atatiana Jefferson, a Black woman who was fatally shot in her own home by a Fort Worth police officer; that officer has been charged with murder and is scheduled to stand trial later this year.

Merritt also represents the family of Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man from Georgia who was shot and killed after being chased by three white men while jogging one afternoon near his home in February 2020. The three assailants were found guilty of Arberys murder in November and on Friday were sentenced to life in prison.

As a result of this type of work, Merritt was summarily hauled into court by the Texas Supreme Courts Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee  did you know such a thing even exists?  and accused of practicing state law without a license. Since he was not doing that, the charges were soon dropped.

The whole episode, in Merritts assessment, was business as usual in a sense: civil rights lawyers in Southern states, in particular, have frequently faced such pushback.

When I came to Texas, I signed up for it, he told me. Im a history major from Morehouse College, and, you know, when I said I was inspired by the Thurgood Marshalls of the world  it was their whole story. My heroes often paid for their convictions with their lives.

Not to get biblical, he continued, but the Bible says, Count it all joy.

The Democratic primary is a contested one. Merritt is vying with former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski, former ACLU attorney Rochelle Garza, Dallas-based attorney Stephen T-Bone Raynor,and Mike Fields, a former Republican criminal court-at-law judge in Harris County.

Republicans are having a lively primary in this race too, with Attorney General Ken Paxton drawing challenges from Land Commissioner George P. Bush, conservative East Texas congressman Louie Gohmert and former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman. Paxton has been under indictment since 2015 on felony securities fraud charges, a case that has yet to go to trial; he maintains his innocence.

Many political observers believe Paxton will make it through the primary, buoyed by the endorsement of former President Donald J. Trump. Still, all the activity in the attorney generals race this year is a measure of the fact that Paxton is perceived as vulnerable.

He won re-election by less than 4 points against Democrat Justin Nelson in 2018, the year of the Democrats blue wave in many parts. Hes subsequently distinguished himself largely by his devotion to the disgraced ex-president, including a lawsuit challenging the election results in four states that Democrat Joe Biden won: Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the suit, finding Texas lacked standing to bring it.

One of the reasons I was able to connect with (Georgia Attorney General) Chris Carr is because he was being sued by the Texas attorney general, Merritt noted, explaining that Carr had been clear-sighted about the need for Arberys killers to face justice.

Merritts campaign is one to watch as the March 1 Texas primary approaches.

His unequivocal advocacy on racial justice and other civil rights issues may be unsettling for some moderate Democrats, who would prefer statewide candidates to focus on the center  that vast swath of political terrain that Republicans, including Paxton, have largely abandoned.

Merritt has the backing, however, of progressive groups such as the Texas Organizing Project, which endorsed his bid for the Democratic nomination last month. He also has a compelling case to make to voters, especially Black and brown voters, who have watched as Republican state leaders have systematically undermined voting rights and political representation in Texas.

The deck is not stacked in favor of civil rights attorneys, Merritt observed dryly. Still, hes played a role in some historic fights.

Im not trying to preach at you this morning, but sticking with the biblical reference, I have the experience of beating the lion and beating the bear, Merritt said Wednesday.

He added, simply: I know that we can win, and Im not scared of them.

erica.grieder@chron.com
A husband and wife were found dead at a Tomball home Friday after a possible murder-suicide, according to the Harris County Sheriffs Office.

Deputies responded around 12:37 p.m. to the 12500 block of Pavilion Court, where they found two people  a 58-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man  fatally shot, according to a sheriffs office release.
Hundreds of cat carriers filled the Hilton Houston North ballroom this weekend for one of the largest cat shows in the country.

About 225 cats representing 43 breeds are judged by the Cat Fanciers Association at the Houston Cat Clubs 69th annual Charity Cat Show.

The show, which continues Sunday, has competitions for pedigreed cats, which are judged on breed standards, and household cats, which are judged on health and appearance.

Sylvia Insall traveled from Tulsa to show her Sable Burmese. Elessar Jessica of Arabn Nts - Jessica for short - is 11 months old but already on her way to grand champion status, which means racking up 200 points at cat shows. Each cat she beats in the judging earns her a point.

So far, she has 60 points from two shows and Insall expects shell earn more this weekend because of the size of the Houston show.

With her warm brown fur, rounded face and bright green eyes, Jessica is striking. Each of the five judges will evaluate her based on the breed standards.

In one round, Jessica hissed at the judge handling her.

Some judges can ignore that, Insall said. But not all.

Jessica is the only Burmese at the show, automatically earning her best in breed, but shes got plenty of competition in the overall short-hair category.

Persians represent the largest share of competitors, with 60 cats entered across multiple divisions. Other popular breeds represented include Maine Coon, Bengal, Siamese, and Ragdoll.

Proceeds from the show go to animal charities. In its 72 year history, the Houston Cat Club has donated $950,000 to charities.

The family friendly event has activities for children, including an education corner where kids can learn about different breeds and interact with some of the show cats.

Vendors at the Meow Mall outside the ballroom sell supplies for cat owners as well as clothing and accessories for cat enthusiasts.

We hope people know they can come be spectators at this event even if they dont show cats or know about showing cats, Houston Cat Club president Becky Galloway said. And on a rainy weekend, its a perfect indoor activity.

Homeless and Orphaned Pets Endeavor (HOPE) and Loving Arms Pet Placement are on site with cats looking for forever homes.

The event runs through Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children 5 to 10. Children under 4 are free. Spectators may not bring their animals into the venue.

stephanie.lamm@chron.com
The United States has agreed to impose stricter COVID-19 measures at U.S. military bases in Japan, a U.S.-Japan joint statement said Sunday, amid concerns that outbreaks at bases have fueled infection in local communities.

For two weeks starting Monday, the movement of U.S. forces personnel outside base facilities will be restricted to essential activities, said the joint statement by the Japanese government and U.S. forces in Japan.

Denny Tamaki, governor of Okinawa Prefecture  host to a bulk of U.S. bases in Japan  said this month he was "furious" about what he called inadequate infection controls at U.S. bases that allowed the Omicron variant to spread to the public.

"The United States and Japan are committed to working together to protect the health of the Japanese people and U.S. service members," the joint statement said.

U.S. forces in Japan have already implemented a mandatory masking policy for all personnel, the statement also said.

The agreement comes after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said during a TV appearance earlier that the United States had agreed to impose tougher COVID-19 measures and details were being worked out.

His comments came as areas near U.S. bases saw some of the biggest increases in infections on a per capita basis, prompting the government to introduce restrictions for the first time in months in some localities. Prefectural governors have blamed the problem at least in part on U.S. forces.
Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

A woman accused of putting her child infected with COVID-19 in the trunk of a vehicle that she drove to a Harris County testing site was arrested Saturday and detained before making bond, records show.

Authorities arrested Sarah Beam, 41, on suspicion of endangering a child around 3 p.m. and booked into a county jail nearly two hours later, according to court records. Beam made bond, set at $1,500, but remained at the jail as of early Saturday night, according to jail records.
Jay Jordan

At least two people had to have limbs amputated after a major crash Saturday night on the Eastex Freeway.

Three cars crashed about 11 p.m. in the outbound lanes of the Eastex Freeway near Collingsworth Street. Three people were hospitalized, two of whom had limbs amputated, Houston police told Metro Video.
National Weather Service

Localized heavy rain was possible Saturday night throughout the Houston region, weather officials said, urging residents to drive with caution and monitor the forecast.

Specific locations where heavier rain would fall were not clear, according to the National Weather Service, which had issued several tornado watches and warnings that had mostly expired. A tornado watch that included Chambers, Harris, Montgomery and Waller was in effect until midnight.
Strong winds and torrential downpours tore through the Houston area Saturday night, blowing the roof off buildings and causing flash flooding in some places.

Harris, Montgomery and Liberty counties bore the brunt of the damage with possible tornados spotted in all three counties, including one near George Bush Intercontinental Airport, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Katherine Lenninger.

The weather service sent out teams to survey the damage Sunday morning and was working to confirm the possible tornados.

Winds reached up to 60 mph in Humble, causing severe damage to buildings in the area and knocking down trees and power lines. Both commercial and residential buildings were damaged in the storm, but no injuries were reported.

"We were just hanging out when we started hearing rumbling and the houses shook," Priscilla Mata, who was staying with family in the North Hollow subdivision of Humble, told OnScene TV. "It gave us a big old fright, scared us half to death."

The Red Cross has been contacted to assist in Humble.

In Liberty County, more than 6 inches of rain caused flash flooding in some places. The fire department was called to rescue people in multiple stranded vehicles, Lenninger said, and high water throughout north Houston left vehicles stranded in the city as well.

Diners in Montgomery were forced to huddle in restaurant bathrooms as strong winds battered the roofs of some buildings, according to the Montgomery County Police Reporter.

Nearly 7,000 buildings in the area were still without power Sunday morning, according to Center Point Energy.
Winning isnt going to be enough for Gov. Greg Abbott.

With voting in the Republican Primary starting Jan. 15, experts say the two-term governor has to win big to convince fellow Republicans that he is the true leader of the GOP in Texas.

A big enough victory over former Texas Republican Party chairman Allen West and former state Sen. Don Huffines would reverberate throughout the state party and in national politics, said Mark P. Jones, a professor in the Department of Political Science at Rice University.

If hes going to follow past governors George W. Bush and Rick Perry onto the national stage, Abbott needs a solid victory. Winning less than 60 percent of the primary vote would raise eyebrows across Texas, Jones said.

What his role with the national Republican Party will be rests heavily on him being the undisputed leader of the Texas Republican Party, Jones said.

But Abbotts political team brushes off that notion, saying as they crank up a breakneck pace of campaigning over the next seven weeks that they are focused on using the primary as a full-throttle dress rehearsal for November, when they are likely to face El Paso Democrat Beto ORourke in the general election.

Republican candidates for governor as they will appear on the ballot Danny Harrison, landscape contractor from Plano Don Huffines, former state senator from Dallas Kandy Kaye Horn, a businesswoman originally from Terrell Greg Abbott, the incumbent Rick Perry, a computer engineer from Springtown Chad Prather, a comedian and entertainer Paul Belew, attorney for Wise County Allen West, Army veteran from Garland KEY DATES Jan. 15: Absentee voting begins Jan. 31: Last day to register to vote for primary elections Feb. 14: In-person early voting begins Feb. 25: Last day of in-person early voting March 1: Primary election May 23: Primary runoff election if needed See More Collapse

Abbott held a campaign kickoff event in McAllen on Saturday and will launch his first television commercial starting Monday. His campaign then expects to do 60 events over the seven weeks left until primary election day.

They hope to activate a base of support in the primary that will translate into votes in November.

The more voters vote in the primary, the more voters will vote for you in the general election, said Dave Carney, a top political adviser for Abbott.

What that busy schedule doesnt include are forums or debates with West, Huffines or the other five Republicans on the March 1 primary ballot. Abbott hasnt agreed to any debates or candidate forums with his primary opponents to date.

Yet, West and Huffines have already been to a half-dozen campaign forums or debates, with two more set for Monday night in The Woodlands and later in Conroe. Abbott isnt scheduled to attend either.

West, a former one-term Florida Congressman who now lives in Garland, isnt surprised by Abbott avoiding him on a debate stage. Often, heavily favored incumbents avoid debating lesser-known opponents and challengers.

Maybe he believes in the power of the incumbency but thats a very dangerous thing, West said when asked about Abbott skipping the forums with county Republican groups. Because people want to see you. They want to know that you are going to be accountable to them.

West doesnt have the billboards, TV ads and mailers that Abbott has, but hes convinced hes building a winning campaign by having traveled the state speaking with small Republican groups to build support. Plus he said hes known among the base of the party by having been the Republican Party chairman for a year.

Its not about billboards, he said. Its not about putting mail pieces out there. Its about pressing the flesh with people. They want to see you and they want to talk to you.

Even without debates and forums, Huffines, who served one term in the Texas Senate from 2015 to 2019 representing parts of Dallas, is convinced he can still take down Abbott. Hes pledged to spend more than $10 million on his campaign, which has already included television ads, billboards and mail pieces.

Texans are flocking to our campaign, Huffines said.

Other Republicans on the ballot include entertainer Chad Prather, Morgans Point resident Kandy Kaye Horn, landscape contractor Danny Harrison, attorney Paul Belew and a computer engineer named Rick Perry who is not related to the former governor.

Pandemic blowback

While it is the first time in Abbotts 26 years in statewide office that hes faced a real primary battle, history shows hes got plenty of reasons to be confident. No sitting Texas governor has lost the nomination within his own party since Democrat Dolph Briscoe in 1978. And nationally, over the last 10 years, just two of 69 governors seeking re-election have lost their primaries, according to research by the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.

But Abbott also has a problem within the ranks of the Republican Party in Texas, thanks to the pandemic. Abbott was the target of GOP-led protests for his early moves to allow mask mandates and restrict business operations before COVID-19 vaccines were developed. Hes been censured by Republicans in at least eight of the states 254 counties, including by the Montgomery County Republican Executive Committee, which accused Abbott of acting in disregard to the Texas Constitution.

In March 2021, Abbott fully reversed course and declared Texas would not allow any restrictions on businesses or any mandates of any kind for masks, vaccines or other strategies for fighting the spread of the coronavirus. Hes argued that such measures should be voluntary.

Despite the issues with the most ardent activists in the GOP, public polling shows hes in a strong position to again win the partys nomination.

About 74 percent of self-identified Republicans in Texas said they approved of how Abbott has handled his job, according to an October University of Texas and Texas Tribune poll. That is well ahead of where former Gov. Rick Perry was in October 2009 as he prepared for his primary as he sought his third term in office.

Just 59 percent of Republicans approved of Perrys job performance at that point, according to the University of Texas. He still won the primary with 51 percent of the vote over former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson.

So far, there has been little polling for the March 1 primary. The University of Texas poll in October showed Abbott with a comfortable lead over both West and Huffines, winning the primary with 56 percent of the vote compared to just 13 percent for West. Huffines was back at 7 percent.

Republican wave election

Abbott has certainly helped himself with a more rightward turn over the last year or so, said Billy Monroe, an associate professor of political science at Prairie View A&M University. Monroe said the incumbent has protected his right flank and doesnt appear very vulnerable at all in the primary.

Hes relatively safe, Monroe said.

That rightward turn might normally be a problem for a candidate trying to reposition for the general election later, but Monroe said Abbott has the good fortune of running for re-election in a Republican wave election cycle where that may not matter as much as it would have back in 2018.

And there is no doubt who has the financial advantage in the GOP primary. Abbott has raised over $55 million for his re-election campaign and has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

ORourke isnt quite getting a free pass in the Democratic Primary, which is also on March 1. He has four Democrats who have qualified to be on the ballot, including Beaumont-area pastor Michael Cooper, former journalist Joy Diaz, attorney Rich Wakeland and retired fitness trainer Inno Barrientez.

Voting in both primaries starts on Saturday when the first batch of absentee ballots are required to be sent out. In-person early voting begins on Feb. 14 and lasts through Feb. 25.

Any registered voter in Texas can vote in either the Republican or Democratic primaries, but cannot vote in both.

The last day to register to vote in time for the primary elections is Jan. 31.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 46F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch..

Tonight

Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 46F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.
Snow Expected Friday Morning; North Adams Schools Close

The Berkshires can expect 2 to 5 inches of snow overnight into Friday morning.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from midnight through noon on Friday. A wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is also possible late Saturday night into Sunday, which could result in slippery travel conditions, according to the National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y.

North Adams Public Schools will use an emergency day for Friday in light of the coming weather and staffing shortages because COVID-19. There will be no school or afterschool activities on Friday.

The state Department of Transportation is warning of 3 to 9 inches across the state and the governor has directed all non-emergency state employees working in Executive Branch agencies not to report to their workplaces Friday. The administration is also urging residents to stay off roadways and to use public transportation when possible.

"We will have crews patrolling and chemically treating our roads by late this evening as snow is anticipated to begin in Western Massachusetts just after midnight tonight," said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. "Depending on the region of the state, the storm will last until Friday afternoon, with heavy snowfall in some areas falling at the time of the Friday morning commute. Travelers are advised to use caution, travel at reduced speeds, and be mindful of poor visibility."

Accuweather meteorologists are predicting 1 to 2 inches of snowfall an hour in some locations, particularly in areas south and east of the Berkshire, though South County may be affected.

A bitterly cold airmass is expected early next week.

Said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist, Jonathan Porter: "Our latest snowstorm is quick moving but intense which is going to create dangerous road conditions and significant travel delays from parts of the South through the Middle-Atlantic and the Northeast."

A snowstorm in Virginia earlier this week left thousands stranded on I-95 for more than a day.

4:15 PM: Here is the updated forecast for Friday's winter storm. Portions of E MA, RI & E CT will see 6-8" of snow. Isolated accums of 10" are not out of the question in SE MA where 1-2"/hr snowfall rates set up.



The AM commute *will* be hazardous. Avoid travel if possible. pic.twitter.com/tzHSAQdZqB  NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) January 6, 2022

All Eyes on the storm to the south that will clip us with snowfall.

The roads for the AM Commute will get slippery.



We've pushed the accums up slightly from 24 hours ago. Looks like the HEAVIEST snows along the New England Coast. pic.twitter.com/TFRQhoxS5o  Steve Caporizzo (@SteveCaporizzo) January 6, 2022

Snow totals GOING UP a bit... still expecting a widespread 4-8" snowfall event for much of central/eastern Mass.



The latest forecast on @WBZ at Noon. pic.twitter.com/jCUeORdbhZ  Jacob Wycoff (@4cast4you) January 6, 2022
Japanese entry restrictions meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus create a barrier for international students, threatening to undermine participation in exchange programs by Japan's universities, school officials say.

The University of Tokyo sent 49 students abroad under exchange agreements in the fall 2021 semester, but took in none from overseas. Flows in both directions plunged compared with fall 2019 -- before the COVID-19 pandemic began -- when they were 124 and 146, respectively.

Many universities revived exchange programs in 2021. Japan eased its long-running ban on new entries by foreign nationals Nov. 8, only to reimpose it at the end of the month in response to the spread of the omicron variant of the virus. Just 228 foreigners were able to enter Japan in this brief window. Only three of them were international students.

"This is not the way student exchange programs are supposed to work," said a coordinator at the University of Tokyo.

Universities waive tuition for exchange students. International rules for these exchanges are intended to balance the number of students going in both directions.

At Tokyo's Hitotsubashi University, another of Japan's elite schools, about 90 students studied abroad in the fall. None in effect came in the other direction, though the school offered online classes to international students.

Japan's prolonged entry restrictions have prompted overseas universities to stop sending students to the country.
Two North Carolina cities will be without school buses for the next couple of weeks as dozens of drivers are temporarily out of work due to COVID-19.

Guildford County Schools on Friday announced that 76 district drivers have tested positive for the virus, affecting Greensboro and High Point transportation, in turn delaying middle and high school start times Friday, The News & Record reports.

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The district was already suffering from a shortage of drivers  in part due to the commercial drivers license requirements needed for any bus drivers  said Superintendent Sharon Contreras.

School bus service has been suspended in North Carolina cities amid a rise in COVID cases. (Shutterstock)

For the time in question, affected kids who show their student ID will be able to ride Greensboro and High Point city buses free of charge, according to the paper.

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The changes will not affect students with special needs whose transportation is part of their individual education plan, who will still have access to using district buses.

Though the district is urging parents to take their kids to school themselves, if theyre able, Guildford County Schools plans to send out additional information, including how to access the most convenient routes, this weekend, the News & Record reports.

While the federal government aims to address the shortage by weighing a loosening of certain barriers to becoming a bus driver, Guilford County Schools are, like other districts, trying to incentivize drivers.

Contreras said the district is trying to raise the minimum starting salary to $15 per hour as well as an extra $1,000 monthly for those with perfect attendance, according to the paper.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
GMR Airports Netherlands B.V., a step down subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited (GAL), on December 23, 2021, signed the Shareholders Agreement (SHA) and Share Subscription Agreement (SSA) with Angkasa Pura II (AP II) for the development and operation of Kualanamu International Airport (Project) in Medan, Indonesia.The letter of award for the project was received on 23rd November 2021.With the signing of the agreements, GMR enters into 49:51 partnership with APII, the state owned enterprise and the bidding authority for the Kualanamu International Airport. The consortium will transform Kualanamu International Airport into Western International hub of Indonesia.The project scope includes operation, development and expansion of the airport over a period of 25 years. Kualanamu International Airport is an operating Airport with healthy cash flows.Medan is the fourth largest urban area in Indonesia and is the capital of North Sumatra province, with a population of over 3.4 million. The airport handled more than 10 million passengers in 2018.Earlier in November 2021, APII had completed the final evaluation process for selection of strategic partnership for the Kualanamu International Airport and had announced GMR Airports as the winning bidder. GMR Airports Limited and its 100% subsidiary, GMR Airports International B.V had bid for the project as a consortium. GMR Airports won the bid for this high growth potential brownfield Airport, through a closely contested international competitive bid process.Commenting on the development, Srinivas Bommidala, Chairman Energy & International Airports, GMR Group, said, GMRs entry into the Indonesian aviation sector is a significant step in support of the Indian governments policy to Look East. The Honble Prime Minister has given a further clarion call to Act East and GMR is pleased to demonstrate commitment to this call by acting in leveraging its expertise for cementing this key partnership in Indonesia.With our global aviation expertise, we aspire to transform Kualanamu International Airport into a Western International hub of Indonesia and contribute to the overall infrastructure development of the country. Our partnership with Angkasa Pura II (AP II) is testimony to the trust placed in us by the Indonesian government and authorities. We will strive to bring our best to this beautiful and strategic country of ASEAN.At around 9:55 AM, GMR Infrastructure was trading at Rs43.40 apiece up by Rs0.75 or 1.76% on Sensex.
While any upswing in India-U.S. partnership is often propagated as one of democratic convergence, a sober examination reveals a more fundamental driver of the relationship. Today, more than anything else, the shifting global balance of power and the growing geopolitical rivalry between the U.S. and China influences the trajectory of India-U.S. relations. While compatibilities in political systems can be force enablers, the seesaw of Asian geopolitics has been the pivot point of India-U.S. relationship.

Asian Geopolitics and India-U.S. Relationship

Reuters

Democracy has had little role to play in the history of ups and downs of the relationship between the two most significant democracies in the world, India and the United States. When the United States looked towards newly independent India as a viable partner during the early years of the Cold War, it was not necessarily because of democratic commonalities.

Rather, the advent of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) as a communist country was the perceived threat that led the United States to view democratic India as a counterweight to China. With India unwilling to shed its new independent foreign policy at the behest of U.S. containment strategy, and choosing to become a torchbearer of the non-aligned brigade in the bipolar Cold War, Washington turned its eyes on Pakistan, looking for external allies to upend Indias conventional superiority.

However, this did not totally killed Washingtons plans to wean India away from any potential lineage towards the communist bloc. A window of opportunity, for the United States, came in the form of the India-China war in 1962, leaving Delhi with no choice but to rush to Washington for military assistance.

Washington was ready to come to Indias assistance not because the latter was a democracy, but because in the conflict between the two Asian giants, Washington saw an opportunity to pull a non-aligned India closer to the U.S. led bloc, or at least keep it away from the communist bloc.

This short and enticing period of a potential India-U.S. partnership did not live long owing to the gap between what both Delhi and Washington expected from the relationship, in the context of the growing Cold War in Asia. In the late 1960s with growing tension between the two communist leaders, the Soviet Union and the PRC, ominous clouds were hovering over U.S. strategy in Asia.

Enmity and Friendship is Fickle in Geopolitics

Photo for representation only

For all the ink that is being spilled on the new great power competition between the U.S. and China in the Indo-Pacific era, a little history lesson is imperative. These words in the Shanghai communique, also called the Joint Communique of the United States of America and the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), signed in 1972 that led to the U.S.-China rapprochement come across as particularly pertinent.

It said, Neither should seek hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region and each is opposed to efforts by any other country or group of countries to establish such hegemonyChina will never be a superpower and it opposes hegemony and power politics of any kind.

More than anything else, such episodes should remind power corridors in Delhi that both enmity and friendship could be fickle in geopolitics, and that one should keep all options open. Pakistan, which by then, was in a close strategic embrace with China, played the conduit in this new Sino-American tango.

Such a scenario left India in a bit of geopolitical quandary and when the India-Pakistan war came in 1971, it was prudent on Indias part to strike a new arrangement with the Soviet Union to fend off the U.S.-China-Pakistan axis. When the Soviet Union intervened in Afghanistan in the late 1970s, and the U.S. had to fight a proxy war, Pakistan became a frontline state and geopolitical interest mandated Washington to overlook Pakistans quest for nuclear weapons.

However, the end of the Cold War and the subsequent rise of new power centres, most particularly the rise of China as a near peer competitor for the U.S. and yet again the lost promise of an Asian camaraderie between India and China presents new challenges.

Keep All Options Open

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The two democracies, India and the United States, generically described as estranged during the Cold War are showing all signs of a bonhomie hitherto unseen, across the spectrum. The strategic convergence is palpable in the military and non-military dimensions. The relationship has attracted several epithets including, being called one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century and the level at which the militaries of the two countries are engaging would have been unthinkable some decades ago.

In the midst of all these, the idea of democratic convergence sounds too good to be ignored and always gives a potent rhetorical flourish. However, it will be sound realism for Delhi to put geopolitics front and centre, as the driving force of the new India-U.S. partnership, be mindful of the mutual expectations in the relationship, and prudently, keep all options open.

The Author currently teaches at the Amity Institute of International Studies (AIIS), Amity University, Noida. He is a regular commentator on international affairs and Indias foreign policy. The views expressed in the article are author's own.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that there is no plan to impose lockdown as of now.

Our attempt is to impose minimum restrictions so livelihoods are not affected, Kejriwal said even as Delhi is reporting more than 20,000 new COVID-19 cases in a day.

But the CM's words are not assuring enough for a large section of the national capital's migrant workers.

BCCL/ File Image

Fearing a repeat of 2020 and 2021, when lockdowns left them stranded without an income and food, some have already left Delhi, while many more are planning to go back to their villages before it is too late.

"Last time, I got stuck in the national capital with my family. The duration of lockdown was extended gradually and I faced a lot of hardship. That's why when this time I heard of curfew, I left the national capital," Hemant Maurya, a migrant worker from Gonda in Uttar Pradesh who left Delhi on Thursday said.

"In the previous lockdown, my kids were staying with me. We did not have money and had to survive without food for one day. After borrowing money from my friend, I returned home. This time, I did not wait for anything," Raju, another resident of Gonda told IANS.

Like most of the migrant workers who have left, Maurya and Raju are ready to come back if the situation improves, but are not willing to take a chance this time.

For those who are staying back, the fear of another lockdown is bigger than getting infected with COVID-19.

BCCL/ File Image

"My family is not worried about contracting the virus. The poor never get it. We are more worried that if there is another lockdown, we will not survive a financial crunch," Meena Devi, a migrant labourer in Karaval Nagar, told PTI.

Laxmi Devi, a domestic help in East of Kailash, is already getting apprehensive about the possibility of a lockdown after the weekend curfew was announced in Delhi."Last time, my employer didn't cut my salary, so I managed it, but many people who live in my colony, who work in households as maids, faced a lot of problems, from managing food for survival to other basic needs," she said.

Raj Kumar, a native of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, who earns his living in Delhi by ironing clothes said he works on weekends too.

There were already less customers and now weekend curfew is there which will further impact my earning, he said

"I had gone back home during second COVID wave and returned in September last year. I can not sit idle here if there is no work and money," Kumar said.

BCCL

Ashok Kumar, an auto driver and resident of Bihar's Motihari, said people like me are worried about livelihood.

"There is uncertainty and fear because restrictions mean less people go out that hits us directly. I also feel government may impose lockdown if cases keep on rising."

Though there are no massive crowds at railway stations and bus terminals in Delhi like in previous years, the rising COVID-19 cases could make many more think about going back home in the coming days.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
The Senior Basic School in Olassery, Palakkad district of Kerala has asked its students, not to address their teaches as sir or madam anymore.

Instead, the students have been asked to address both male and female faculty members as just 'teacher'.

According to local media reports, this is the first time a school in Kerala has taken such a decision.

SBC

The school has around 300 students, nine female and eight male teachers.

According to the Senior Basic School principal, H. Venugopalan, the idea to address teachers based on their designation than gender was put forward by one of the staff members and was later approved by the staff council.

The male teacher, he said was inspired by the campaign by a social activist Boban Mattumantha who has been advocating for gender-neutral titles for government officials and to do away with the practice of calling them, sir and madam.

Following this, the Mathur grama panchayat in Palakkad had banned the use of sir or madam to address panchayat members or its office staff.

BCCL

People were also asked not to use words like requesting, appealing in letters addressed to the panchayat.

Commenting on the decision, panchayat president Pravitha Muraleedharan had said that it was time to do away with the use of sir and madam, which were a colonial legacy.

People hold the ultimate power in democracy and we decided to do away with sir/ madam salutations. Any person who visits our office neednt address members of the panchayat committee or office staff as sir," she had said in a statement.

Recently several schools in Kerala had also switched to gender-neutral uniforms for students.

The Balussery government girls' higher secondary school in Kozhikode district was one of the first to implement the unisex uniform.

BCCL

While the gender-neutral uniform was welcomed by students who said they felt most comfortable with the new arrangement, several Muslim organizations had opposed it saying that the government was forcing progressive ideals on students.

They described it as anti-democratic and encroaching on people's right to wear anything.

The State had earlier announced that it would back the idea of gender-neutral uniforms in schools a concept that was perhaps hitherto unthinkable to students and academics alike.

Nearly a dozen schools in Kerala have shifted to the new gender-neutral uniforms and many are likely to follow in the coming days.

"In general, the state government wants to provide education without any gender bias. The government will encourage such decisions which will help bring in gender justice," Kerala Education Minister V Shivankutty had said.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.




The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic keeps throwing new surprises towards scientists with each mutation. The current surge around the world is being driven by the Omicron variant.

The problem with a virus is that it continues to mutate until most global population is either vaccinated or infected. Since the latter isn't an option given Covid's long-term effects, vaccines are the only saving grace for most.

Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi, one Corbevax creators / Texas Children's Hospital

Slow vaccination rates plague the world

Even then, most current vaccines that work against Covid-19 are concentrated in the developed world. According to a BBC report, just seven countries in Africa have reached the 40% vaccination target. While countries like Seychelles (79.50%) and Mauritius (71.50%) are doing well in terms of vaccinations, many like Mali (1.90%), South Sudan (1.40%), Guinea-Bissau (1.10%), Chad (0.50%), DR Congo (0.10%) are still eons behind the speed required to permanently eliminate Covid-19.

Also read: 9 Disease-Preventing Vaccines That Changed Humanity Forever

Each time someone becomes terminally ill from Covid-19, their body risks mutating the virus - potentially infecting others. The longer we delay aggressive global vaccinations, the longer this pandemic will last.

Unsplash

Eliminating Covid-19 through vaccine equality

A not-for-profit is trying to shorten the life-span of Covid-19 and its potential mutations by building a "Peoples' Covid vaccine".

Developed by scientists in Texas, US, the low-cost Covid-19 vaccine is intended to help middle to low-income countries fight Covid-19 pandemic.

Officially called "Corbevax", the vaccine was developed by Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston towards the end of 2021. India has already approved the vaccine - placing 300 million orders for the same.

This announcement is an important first step in vaccinating the world and halting the pandemic. Our vaccine technology offers a path to address an unfolding humanitarian crisis, namely the vulnerability the low- and middle-income countries face against the delta variant, Dr. Peter Hotez, Professor and Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor and Co-Director of the Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, said in a statement.

Also read: India Approves Covid Pill Molnupiravir, And Corbevax & Covovax Vaccines

Corbevac is a recombinant protein subunit vaccine and works by "containing a version of the receptor-binding domain" of the Covid spike protein that is primarily responsible for infecting us.

Unsplash

When this protein is introduced to the body, it produces an immune response to create antibodies. In India, the production has been handed over to Biological E. Limited (BioE) with an open licence. According to estimates, they will produce 1.2 billion doses each year priced at 230 (around $3). So far, India has managed to vaccinate 49.8 per cent of its approximately 1.38 billion citizens.

Do you think global efforts should now be made to eradicate Covid-19 through vaccines? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

References

Hale, T. (2022, January 4). Not-For-Profit Peoples COVID Vaccine Starts To Target Global Inequality. IFLScience.
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Countdown to Beijing 2022 | Shanghai knitter makes wool bouquets for Winter Olympic awards

Xinhua) 13:14, January 09, 2022

SHANGHAI, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Li Meili, inheritor of a traditional Shanghai wool-knitting technique, still can remember the exciting moment in October 2021, when she learned the wool bouquet was chosen as the final plan for the award ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games.

"At that time, I felt my dream was realized. Our design scheme had been reviewed by the organizing committee for more than four months. I once thought it was hopeless," said the 70-year-old Shanghai resident.

Li began to learn the knitting technique in her fifties after retirement. The wool flowers she knitted once served the fourth China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the 10th China Flower Expo, receiving warm welcome from the visitors.

The Olympic bouquet consists of seven different wool flowers including roses, lilies, osmanthus and green olives. According to the organizing committee of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, wool bouquets will never wither and have the characteristic of low-carbon, which reflects the concept of a "green Olympics."

Li is quite familiar with all the kinds of flowers in the bouquet, but she decided to be stricter with herself to meet the Olympic standards. "I chose thin wool. Though the speed of knitting will be slower, but the bouquets will look more exquisite," she said.

A total of 1,251 bouquets are needed for the awards of Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Each flower was hand-made, which requires plenty of time and manpower.

"It takes 20 minutes to weave a rose petal. A rose consists of ten petals, three leaves and one stem. A weaver needs to spend at least five hours on one rose," said Li. "Therefore, to complete making a bouquet will require 35 hours. All the bouquets will take nearly 50,000 hours to finish knitting."

Hengyuanxiang Group, a wool manufacturer based in Shanghai and also one of the official sponsors of the Beijing Winter Olympics, recruited knitting groups in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Zhejiang and Jiangsu to join in the project, while Li is responsible for personnel training, quality control and final assembly of the bouquets.

In order to ensure the consistency of the bouquets, each knitting group is only in charge of one or two kinds of flowers, which will be sent to Hengyuanxiang Group for assembly after completion.

A perfectionist, Li did not want to produce any waste. "The original bouquet was thinner. I filled the redundant 'branches' into it to make it touch more comfortable," said Li.

There is only one week left before the final delivery date on January 14, with around 400 bouquets to be assembled. "I start to work at 8 a.m. these days. I've had less sleep, but it is a worthy cause," she said.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
A snow leopard has died of COVID-19 at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Ill.

On Thursday, zoo officials confirmed the death of 11-year-old Rilu, who died after struggling with COVID-induced pneumonia.

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After arriving at the Miller Park Zoo from the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2011, Rilu made the zoo one of the leading institutions in the world in producing snow leopard cubs, according to an official statement.

He produced seven living offspring that are now part of the zoos Species Survival Plan program.

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Rilus personality and beauty will be missed by guests and staff, but he will not be forgotten, the zoo said in a statement.

Breaking News As it happens Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. >

Earlier this week, the zoos Katthoefer Animal Building announced that itd close to the public indefinitely as the COVID positivity in the community dramatically increases and some of the cats are exhibiting symptoms again, including Rilu.

A snow leopard similar to this one died. (Shutterstock)

Snow leopards are proving extremely susceptible to the disease, and its often fatal, Joel Sartore, a photographer whose photo of Rilu was used in the zoos Instagram post announcing the animals death, wrote on social media.

If you havent received a vaccination and booster yet, please do so. Its more than just human lives that are at stake, he added.

In early October, the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History in Sioux Falls, S.D., announced that snow leopard Baya had died of a respiratory illness, after experiencing a rapid decline of respiratory function.

Necropsy results later showed that the cause of death was pneumonia induced by the COVID-19 virus.

Last month, three snow leopards at the Lincoln Childrens Zoo in Nebraska  Everest, Makalu and Ranney  died of COVID-19 about a month after testing positive for the virus.

The animals were beloved by our entire community inside and outside of the zoo, the zoo said in a statement at the time. This loss is truly heartbreaking, and we are all grieving together.
After much delay  mainly due to the microprocessor shortages across the globe, Skoda has announced the Irish pricing for the new fourth-generation Fabia.

Twenty-two years after its debut, the popular small car is said to be more emotive and dynamic than ever before. It is the first Fabia to be based on Volkswagen Groups modular MQB-A0 platform and is claimed to be the most spacious car within its segment as well as boasting further enhanced comfort features and a plethora of new safety and assistance systems.

Classic brand qualities, such as excellent value for money, high functionality, and a host of Simply Clever features, make this an excellent entry-level model to the Skoda range. The entry level model will be priced from 19,150.

Skoda Ireland has sold over 5,280 Fabias in the last five years. The most common reasons for buying one are its value for money, low running costs, and impressive amount of space.

Active, Ambition, and Style trim levels will be available from market launch.

The latest-generation Fabia is longer and, at 4,108mm, exceeds the 4m mark for the first time. The boot, which was already the largest in the segment, has gained an additional 50 litres to a capacious 380.

Active, Ambition, and Style trim levels will be available from market launch. Four petrol engines from Volkswagen Groups current EVO generation deliver power outputs ranging from 48 kW (65 bhp) to 81kW (110 bhp). Segment-leading aerodynamics with a drag coefficient (cd) of 0.28 and the optional 50-litre fuel tank enable a range of more than 900km in the WLTP cycle.

Hilux redux

Toyota has announced a sporty version of one of its legendary cars, the Hilux.

The success Toyota Gazoo Racing has achieved in the Dakar Rally (which is currently ongoing) has inspired the creation of the Hilux GR Sport, the new pinnacle of the Hilux pick-up range.

The Hilux GR Sport is designed to capture the attention of customers whose active lifestyles go well beyond the everyday, giving them an ideal vehicle for adventurous journeys and sporting pursuits. Toyota has introduced dedicated suspension enhancements to deliver an even more rewarding driving experience, with increased control, responsiveness, and grip feel.

Toyota has announced a sporty version of the legendary Hilux.

A series of exclusive exterior and interior design features reinforce the vehicles appeal and the variant also benefits from the significant advances already introduced in the new Hilux, delivering the best driving experience yet.

Its world-famous go anywhere off-road capabilities have reached new heights, aided by an automatic limited-slip differential and Active Traction Control. At the same time, exemplary handling and comfort in on-road driving have been secured with suspension upgrades and noise and vibration countermeasures.

The key feature in the upgraded suspension system is the introduction of new monotube shock absorbers and new front springs.

The monotube design creates a larger piston area to give better damping performance, with faster response and better heat dissipation. It also helps maintain the performance quality of the oil inside the unit when driving in tough conditions.

The front coil springs have been stiffened and both these and the new shocks are painted red to make a stand-out statement of the Hilux GR Sports character.

The GR Sport is powered by Hiluxs 2.8-litre engine, introduced to the range in 2020. Delivering 204 bhp/150 kW and 500 Nm of torque, it is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Exclusively a Double Cab version, the GR Sport maintains the Hiluxs impressive load-carrying capabilities that are among the best in its class: It can take a payload of one tonne and tow braked trailers up to 3.5 tonnes.

Subaru goes electric

Subaru has given a full walkaround look at its new Solterra EV.

Due to go on sale in Europe in midsummer, Subarus first electric car will sit on a dedicated platform designed specifically for EVs.

It shares much of its makeup with Toyotas upcoming bZ4X, including its all-wheel-drive powertrain and mid-size SUV shape. The batteries are also used to increase the cars structural rigidity to aid in the event of an impact, too.

This platform is particularly important as it allows both companies to easily expand the number of EVs they can offer. Toyota recently announced it plans to sell 3.5m electric cars by 2030.

Much the same as the bZ4X, the cabin of the Solterra offers plenty of space thanks to a long wheelbase, while the batteries have been fitted low in the car so they dont intrude on the interior of the car. Theres also a large central touchscreen that incorporates Apple CarPlay, while a secondary display sits ahead of the steering wheel.

The Solterra uses a dual motor setup, one on each axle, delivering 160kW and 335Nm of torque. Subaru claims itll do 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds, too.

Its expected to return a range of up to 280 miles, while 150kW charging speeds will allow an 80% charge to be conducted in 30 minutes.

The Solterra is expected to go on sale in Europe during the middle of 2022, with prices and specifications announced closer to that time.
An infant boy handed in desperation to a soldier across an airport wall in the chaos of the American evacuation of Afghanistan has been found and was reunited with his relatives in Kabul on Saturday.

The baby, Sohail Ahmadi, was just two months old when he went missing in August as thousands of people rushed to leave Afghanistan as it fell to the Taliban.

The baby was located in Kabul where a 29-year-old taxi driver named Hamid Safi had found him in the airport and took him home to raise as his own.

After more than seven weeks of negotiations and pleas, and ultimately a brief detention by Taliban police, Safi finally handed the child back to his jubilant grandfather and other relatives still in Kabul.

They said they would now seek to have him reunited with his parents and siblings who were evacuated months ago to the United States.

During the tumultuous Afghan evacuation over the summer, Mirza Ali Ahmadi - the boy's father who had worked as a security guard at the US embassy - and his wife Suraya feared their son would get crushed in the crowd as they neared the airport gates en route to a flight to the United States.

In early November, Ahmadi said that in his desperation that day, he had handed Sohail over the airport wall to a uniformed soldier who he believed to be an American, fully expecting he would soon make it the remaining five meters to the entrance to reclaim him.

Just at that moment, Taliban forces pushed the crowd back and it would be another half an hour before Ahmadi, his wife and their four other children were able to get inside.

But by then the baby was nowhere to be found.

Ahmadi said he searched desperately for his son inside the airport and was told by officials that he had likely been taken out of the country separately and could be reunited with them later.

The rest of the family was evacuated - eventually ending up at a military base in Texas. For months they had no idea where their son was.

Baby found by taxi driver

On the same day that Ahmadi and his family were separated from their baby, taxi driver Hamid Safi had slipped through the Kabul airport gates after giving a ride to his brother's family who were also set to evacuate.

Safi said he found Sohail alone and crying on the ground. After he said he unsuccessfully tried to locate the baby's parents inside, he decided to take the infant home to his wife and children.

Safi has three daughters of his own and said his mother's greatest wish before she died was for him to have a son.

In that moment he decided: "I am keeping this baby. If his family is found, I will give him to them. If not, I will raise him myself," he told Reuters in an interview in late November.

After a Reuters story about the missing child came out, some of Safi's neighbours recognised the photos.

The boy's father, Ahmadi asked his relatives still in Afghanistan, including his father-in-law Mohammad Qasem Razawi, to seek out Safi and ask him to return baby Sohail to the family.

But Safi refused to release Sohail, insisting he also wanted to be evacuated from Afghanistan with his family. Safi's brother, who was evacuated to California, said Safi and his family have no pending applications for US entry.

The baby's family sought help from the Red Cross, which has a stated mission to help reconnect people separated by international crises, but said they received little information from the organization. A spokesperson for the Red Cross said it does not comment on individual cases.

Finally, after feeling they had run out of options, Razawi contacted the local Taliban police to report a kidnapping. Safi told Reuters he denied the allegations to the police and said he was caring for the baby, not kidnapping him.

The complaint was investigated and dismissed and the local police commander told Reuters he helped arrange a settlement, which included an agreement signed with thumbprints by both sides.

Razawi said the baby's family in the end agreed to compensate Safi around 100,000 Afghani (approximately 830) for expenses incurred looking after him for five months.

Tearful reunion

In the presence of the police, and amid lots of tears, the baby was finally returned to his relatives.

Razawi said Safi and his family were devastated to lose Sohail.

"Hamid and his wife were crying, I cried too, but assured them that you both are young, Allah will give you male child. Not one, but several. I thanked both of them for saving the child from the airport," Razawi said.

The baby's parents told Reuters they were overjoyed as they were able to see with their own eyes the reunion over video chat.

"There are celebrations, dance, singing," said Razawi. "It is just like a wedding indeed."

Now Ahmadi and his wife and other children, who in early December were able to move off the military base and resettle in an apartment in Michigan, hope Sohail will soon be brought to the United States.

"We need to get the baby back to his mother and father. This is my only responsibility," his grandfather said.

"My wish is that he should return to them."

-Reuters
A top Russian diplomat predicted difficult talks with the United States this week after attending a working dinner with US officials in Geneva on Sunday as part of the kick-off to a string of meetings in three European cities this week, with bilateral ties at a low over Russias military build-up near Ukraine.

Russian deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, and other Russian officials met for over two hours with US deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman, the head of the US delegation, and her team at the luxury residence of the US ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament that overlooks Lake Geneva.

The dinner was a prelude to a broader discussion between the two teams at the US mission in Geneva starting on Monday  culminating a string of meetings both virtual and in person among US officials, their Western allies, and Russian leaders in recent days and weeks as tensions over Russian pressure against Ukraine have grown.

We plunged into the substance of the forthcoming issues, but the talks are going to be difficult, Ryabkov told reporters as he left the dinner meeting.

They cannot be easy. They will be business-like. I think we won't waste our time tomorrow

They cannot be easy. They will be business-like. I think we wont waste our time tomorrow.

The talks are seen a first step toward rekindling dialogue as ties have worsened because Russia has deployed an estimated 100,000 troops along its border with Ukraine. Concerns have risen about a broader Russian military incursion in the country.

Russian president Vladimir Putins government has laid out a list of demands, such as seeking guarantees that the NATO military alliance will not seek to expand any further eastward to countries like Ukraine or Georgia, which are former Soviet republics.

The Russian side came here with a clear position that contains a number of elements that, to my mind, are understandable and have been so clearly formulated, including at a high level, that deviating from our approaches simply is not possible, Ryabkov said.

Asked whether Russia was ready for compromise, he said: The Americans should get ready to reach a compromise.

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, told ABCs This Week on Sunday he did not expect any breakthroughs in talks in the bilateral talks in Geneva or during conversations in Brussels, at a meeting of the Nato-Russia Council, and at the Organisation for Cooperation and Security in Europe in Vienna later this week.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said he is not expecting a breakthrough (Chris J Ratcliffe/PA)

The United States and other Western allies have pledged severe costs to Russia if it moves against Ukraine.

The question really now is whether President Putin will take the path of diplomacy and dialogue or seeks confrontation, Blinken said, suggesting that a Russian move deeper into Ukraine might run counter to Moscows interests in the long run.

If Russia commits renewed aggression against Ukraine, I think its a very fair prospect that Nato will reinforce its positions along its eastern flank, the countries that border Russia, he told ABC.

Russia was coming into the talks seeking a clearer understanding of the US position, and cited signals from Washington that some of the Russian proposals can be discussed, Ryabkov said, according to state news agency Tass earlier on Sunday.

What we're seeing is a lot of posturing

He laid out Russias three demands: no further Nato expansion, no missiles on Russias borders, and for Nato no longer to have military exercise, intelligence operations or infrastructure outside of its 1997 borders.

US officials expressed openness on Saturday to opening discussions on curtailing possible future deployments of offensive missiles in Ukraine and putting limits on American and NATO military exercises in Eastern Europe  if Russia is willing to back off on Ukraine.

But they warned of hard economic sanctions in case of a Russian intervention, including direct sanctions on Russian entities, restrictions on products exported from the US to Russia, and potentially foreign-made products subject to US jurisdiction.

Ambassador Thomas Greminger, director of the Swiss government-supported Geneva Centre for Security Policy who hosted Ryabkov for a Geneva conference in October, said the Geneva talks were an opportunity to spell out mutual concerns, to spell out mutual expectations. But it would be way too early to expect any clarity, for instance, regarding Ukraines bid for NATO membership.

What were seeing is a lot of posturing, added Greminger, who is also a former head of the OSCE. I think at the end, both Putin and (US President Joe) Biden have absolutely no interest to push towards an escalation.
Following the strong market response to the arrival of the world-first native contact centre solution for Microsoft Teams in Australia and the APAC region, CentrePal is set to make good on tremendous interest from the United Kingdom by establishing its first Azure data centre in the region.

CentrePal hit the market in 2021 and fast developed a glowing reputation in Australia and our neighbours for the way in which it revolutionised the already extensive capabilities of Microsoft Teams.

CentrePal's access-agnostic native contact centre solution for Microsoft Teams has delivered feature-rich contact centre capabilities for Australian businesses who previously relied on disjoined contact centre platforms and limited PABX functionalities to provide customer service.

CentrePal used Microsofts extend and power integration model to turn Microsoft Teams into a complete contact centre solution. With Microsoft Teams already in widespread use across government agencies, enterprise businesses, and small to medium businesses, CentrePal was well received in The Australian market by organisations of all sizes who long sought a native contact centre solution for Teams.

The successful APAC launch was keenly observed and led to increased demand in the UK. Jude Don, APAC partner manager, CentrePal, said, One of the common pieces of feedback we get from our APAC region customers and partners is that there has long been a demand for these advanced contact centre functionalities within Teams.

Because CentrePal is access agnostic, it really is a plug-and-play solution that allows Teams to become a full-blown contact centre solution within the familiar Teams interface, Don said.

Due to its ease-of-use, weve found there is a demand for this solution not only from businesses with active contact centres but also for smaller businesses who have a smaller customer service team who are looking for a more advanced feature set to whats already in Microsofts native PABX system for customer service functions.

CentrePal is allowing these customer services teams to provide a more personalised service to their customers and clients, has enhanced the customer experience at all stages and allowed for the more consistent customer experience across the organisation.

CentrePal's omnichannel capability allows contact centre agents to interact with customers no matter how they get in touch with the business, all irrespective of the telephony infrastructure and providers in use.

CentrePal seamlessly works with calling plans, direct routing, and newly announced operator connect for PSTN calling without any complex integrations or workarounds required.

CentrePal also provides instant mobility to the contact centre agents, allowing them to work equally from home or the office, with all the benefits and security compliance offered by Teams available throughout.

Businesses that employ CentrePal can look forward to all these key benefits, Don said, particularly in the UK with the establishment of an Azure datacenter region.

With Azure Communication Services, CentrePal is bringing out the modern, intelligent and omnichannel communication solution experience natively in Teams for contact centre agents and customer service teams of all sizes, Don said.

This provides a one-app, one-screen contact centre experience using the extend and power integration model.

You can book a demo of CentrePal for yourself here.
From a new, COVID-test device that gives instant results just with your breath, to a colour-changing electric BMW to autonomous, electric farm robots that can hoe, weed, seed and more, through to ever-smarter smart home tech, including wireless energy at a distance to robots with ever more realistic facial expressions, and whether it is the latest GPUs, CPUs, start-ups, smartphones, TVs, flying cars, accessibility-friendly tech, fintech, wellness, wearables and much, much more - CES 2022 was definitely smaller, but it still succeeded in launching tons of terrific tech.

iTWire has been at CES 2022 in person all week, and we've recorded dozens of video interviews from a range of different companies across the event, covering some impressive technologies, from all the sectors just described above and many more.

But what was it like in the venue, and in Las Vegas itself in the middle of a global pandemic? One Uber driver told me that December 2021 was busier than he'd ever seen it, but since things ticked over to January 1, 2022, Omicron fears have seen the city's normal visitor-levels plummet.

If that's the case, the 40,000 people and 2300 exhibitors that attended CES 2022 from at least January 5 to 7 was clearly a very much needed boost for the economy, and for all of the associated activity before, during and after the event

Compared to 171,000 attendees and 4,400 exhibitors in January 2020, the 40,000 attendance figure for 2022 looks low, but in the context of Omicron COVID-strain fears, it's fantastic, especially when you consider there were zero physical attendees at CES 2021 with COVID at the time forcing it to become a digital-only, virtual event.

Over the course of this week, we'll publish dozens of videos of interviews with people, companies and technologies that caught my eye, and which will hopefully catch yours, too - there really was some great technologies on display!

CES isn't just held in the Las Vegas Convention Centre, but across several venues, with a range of private company suites, meeting spaces and more, alongside the Pepcom and ShowStoppers side events, making it all combine to create the incredibe new technology CES experience.

While there were visible gaps in various sections of venues where companies chose to pull out at the last moment, which you'll see in videos as I walk around, there's nothing like physically attending an event, even with the hassle of wearing masks, which Omicron made mandatory in all indoor settings.

While you rarely saw people without masks in Las Vegas, you did see quite a few people whose noses had popped out of and above their masks, lowering mask efficiency for those people dramatically lower than wearing a mask intends to have happen. Hand sanitiser is also very widely available, although I always carried my own as a backup, and the vast majority of people were respecting mask wearing, and while it presumably happened to many people in Las Vegas during the time I've been here, I heard no reports of anyone testing positive.

The CTA is the Consumer Technology Association, which puts CES on every year, and rather than providing a CES bag or backpack, insetad provided Abbott-brand COVID Rapid Antigen Tests, with two tests in the pack, and offered all attendees a second pack on Friday, the last day of the event.

All the rapid antigen tests I took before I travelled, during my stay, and now my PCR test required to fly back, have all consistently and thankfully been negative, and I have followed maskign and sanitisation requirements, as well as using UV-C sanitisation boxes to sanitise masks, phones, glasses, AirPods, microphones and more on a regular basis.

CES ended a day early

Presumably to mollify the pressure the CTA was under to cancel CES completely for another year, the organisers decided to end CES a day early, on Friday, January 7 instead of Saturday, January 8.

Of course, a lot of companies would have booked hotel rooms and flights based on the original schedule, with the decision taking place a few days before the show started, and with many attendees still in Las Vegas anyway and out and about on Jan 8, I was not a fan of the event closing one day early.

CES is still massive, and while I was counting on that fourth day to see and capture even more cool tech and content from the event, and wish the decision hadn't been made to shorten the event, I can nevertheless understand CTA reluctantly deciding to do it, and pray the world's COVID-woes are much closer to being over so no similar action is needed in 2023.

I'm going to leave you with two videos to start with - the first being BMW's full CES 2022 event, which has more detail than the few seconds of colour changing cars that you might have only seen on the TV news, or in short onlne videos, while the second video is the CES 2022 "Trends in Technology" event, held on the first of the two media days on January 3.

There's plenty more post-CES content to come each day as I catch up on editing and posting all the content I captured across a wide range of companies - which even included interviewing the digital video twin, as such, of William Shatner - who really was answering a wide range of questions posed by CES attendees - with this video just one of the any to come.

1. Here's that CES 2022 BMW presentation in full:

2. Here's the highly-anticipated CES 2022 Trends in Technology presentation, in full!

My trip to CES 2022 was supported by LG, eftpos Australia, ASCCA, the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association, iTWire and my family.
As the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard - who he is suing over her 2018 Washington Post domestic violence op-ed - continues, we take a look at 10 of the stars who have shown their support for the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star. Click for more.
New York City students are missing school in record numbers  staying home in droves because theyre sick, quarantined, fearful of getting COVID-19 in class or dont see the point of going because so many others are absent, families and educators told the Daily News.

Over the past nine school days  the four-day week leading up to winter break in late December, and last week, the first back from vacation  citywide attendance, which averaged close to 90% for much of the fall, dropped to 69%. It reached a daily high 80% on Dec. 21, hovered in the 70s and 60s the other days, and got as low as 44.5% Friday, when the city was hit with a snowstorm, city Education Department data show.

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That means, on a given day over the past two weeks of school, an average of roughly 290,000 of the citys 938,000 students missed class.

An empty classroom at New Bridges Elementary School in Brooklyn in 2020. (Jeenah Moon/POOL)

I think a lot of our kids are sick, said Julia Shube, a math teacher at Harvest Collegiate High School in Manhattan, where attendance hovered below 30% much of last week. I do think certain kids came in and saw there werent that many kids there and didnt want to come back. But Ive also talked to parents who dont feel safe sending kids back or theyre sick or quarantining.

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During the same stretch before and after winter break in the 2018-19 school year, attendance averaged 90%, with daily numbers never going below 84%, according to a Daily News analysis of Education Department data. In 2019-20, the average during that stretch was 88%, with a daily low of 80%.

Front page for Jan. 4, 2022: Gov laments bug spike, sez schools won't shut. Eric, teachers union spar over going remote. Feds approve Pfizer boosters for kids 12-15. Temperature check is conducted at Public School 347 in Manhattan as city students returned to class Monday after Christmas break. (New York Daily News)

The unprecedented volume of absences is opening up a host of messy educational and logistical challenges for schools and families.

Students who dont show up to class can be marked as present or have their absences excused if they can show they have COVID-19 or are quarantining because they were in close contact with someone infected, and can complete the online work provided by the school.

But that requires schools to track kids down, secure proof of infection or exposure, and set up virtual assignments  a big logistical lift given the number of absences and ongoing staffing shortages.

Its all hands on deck, said Jared Fox, an environmental science teacher at the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School. Its really hard to figure out who is present because theyre excused because theyre positive or quarantining.

Students and parents as they returned to Concourse Village Elementary School in the Bronx after the end-of-year break last Monday. (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

Foxs school developed an internal attendance spreadsheet with eight different categories to capture all the possible versions of present or absent, remote or in-person, excused or unexcused, COVID, or non-COVID.

The Education Department has roughly 250 attendance teachers throughout the system to help pick up some of the slack. Each is responsible for monitoring a group of schools and keeping tabs on chronically absent students.

One attendance teacher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said shes been flooded with work, adding the [Education Department] could definitely use more of us.

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Teachers rally in the plaza outside Barclays Center to protest unsafe conditions in schools on Wednesday. (Jeff Bachner/for New York Daily News)

The attendance flexibility afforded to kids home with coronavirus or quarantined does not extend to kids staying home because their parents are fearful of infection at school.

Those parents include Mikhaela Reid, who pulled her 6 -and 11-year-old kids out of class in the week leading up to winter break as she saw the case count in their schools rising, and has kept them home ever since  unconvinced the citys plan to boost school COVID-19 testing would be enough to protect them.

I was looking at the numbers and it did not feel safe anymore, she said. Even though both her kids are vaccinated, Reid still didnt want to risk it because both children have asthma and already had nasty bouts with the virus.

Mikhaela Reid with her 6-year-old son, Dean Wood in Brooklyn. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

Reid said she informed her kids principals about her concerns, and while they were sympathetic and agreed to post class assignments online, they said they had no choice but to mark her children absent.

The frustrated mother doesnt blame the principals, but feels the systemwide attendance rules are unfair.

Why would they punish parents for prioritizing the safety of their kids? she asked.

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Education Department spokesman Nathaniel Styer said, We understand parents concerns  but as the mayor has said repeatedly, our schools are the safest place [for] New York Citys kids. Our commitment to testing, masks, ventilation and physical distancing has kept our schools open every day [last] week  and given hundreds of thousands of students a safe sanctuary. We look forward to bringing them back next week and keeping our schools open and safe.

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio barred competitive city middle and high schools from considering students attendance records for admission purposes during the pandemic, but some parents are worried that practice might return.

Even though theyre saying theyre not going to hold this against the child for middle school applications, Im not sure if thats the case or not, said Esther Levy, a parent in Washington Heights whos keeping her son home during the virus surge.

Mayor Eric Adams visits Concourse Village Elementary School in the Bronx with Schools Chancellor David Banks last Monday. (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office)

Some parents are also concerned that keeping their kids home for extended stretches could prompt schools to make educational neglect complaints to child welfare authorities, possibly triggering investigations from the citys Administration for Childrens Services.

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Education officials said there is no reason for teachers to be submitting education neglect cases at this time, pointing to agency guidance directing schools to involve child welfare authorities only after exhaustive outreach, accommodation and partnership with the family.

Fewer educational neglect reports have been filed so far this year than during the same time during the 2019-20 school year, according to the Education Department.

The mass absences are also posing significant practical and educational challenges for educators, who have figure out how to teach new material with sometimes only a handful of students in front of them.

I was supposed to start teaching trigonometry, but I cant start teaching trigonometry with three kids in a room, Shube explained.

Children head to school in Manhattan on Friday. (Barry Williams/Barry Williams for New York Daily News)

With virus numbers still rising citywide, parents and educators are desperately trying to figure out how long the mass absences will last  and what schools can do in the meantime.

As a school we were really trying to take it a day at a time, said Shube. Now people are starting to say, What happens next week? 

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Breaking News As it happens Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. >
Funeral services for Marvin Smith Lloyd, age 77, of Rusk will be held Friday, April 29, 2022 at 2 p.m. at the Boren-Conner Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville with Bro. Don Copeland and Bro. Kevin Gentry officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Springs Cemetery. Marvin Lloyd was born Septemb
Joplin, MO (64801)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Low 48F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Low 48F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
The deadliest New York City fire in decades killed at least 19 Bronx building residents Sunday, including nine children, FDNY sources said.

The five-alarm blaze broke out about 10:54 a.m. in a bedroom of a duplex apartment spanning the second and third floors of the 19-story tower in Fordham Heights.

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The blaze was sparked by a malfunctioning electric space heater, FDNY officials said. Though officials said the heat in the building was functioning properly, the Bronx saw frigid temperatures dip into the high 20s early Sunday morning.

This is a horrific, horrific, painful moment for the City of New York, and the impact of this fire is going to really bring a level of just pain and despair in our city, Mayor Adams said at the scene. The numbers are horrific.

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A woman is rescued by firefighters. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

This is going to be one of the worst fires we have witnessed during modern times in the City of New York, the mayor added. He noted that hero firefighters kept pressing through the deadly smoke to search for victims even after their oxygen tanks ran out of air.

Firefighters arrived within three minutes, their ranks soon swelling to 200 to battle the blaze at 333 E. 181st St. near Tiebout Ave., FDNY officials said. It was brought under control at 1:26 p.m.

They were met in the hallway with this fire, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said at the scene. Very heavy smoke, very heavy fire.

Firefighters hoisted a ladder to rescue people through their windows after a fire broke out inside a third-floor duplex apartment at 333 E. 181st St. in the Bronx Sunday. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

This smoke extended the entire height of the building  completely unusual, Nigro added. Members found victims on every floor, in stairwells, and were taking them out in cardiac and respiratory arrest.

It didnt have to be that bad, Nigro said.

Weve stressed this over and over, the door to that apartment was left open causing the fire to spread and the smoke to spread, he said.

The building has no fire escapes and the stairwells meant to be used as emergency exits quickly filled with smoke, along with floors where stairwell doors were left open.

There were certainly people trapped in their apartments all through this building, which is why our members did an unbelievable job of getting through every floor of this building and getting to these folks, Nigro added. But some of them were already in arrest when we reached them.

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Trapped residents yelled for help from inside the burning building on E. 181st St. in the Bronx Sunday. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

Medics rushed 32 people with life-threatening injuries and three with serious injuries to five local hospitals, officials said. Nineteen people had minor injuries and were treated at the scene. All of the victims suffered severe smoke inhalation, Nigro said.

Nineteen victims have died, a high-ranking FDNY official said.

That is unprecedented in our city, Nigro said. The last time we had a loss of life that may be this horrific was the Happy Land fire over 30 years ago, also here in the Bronx.

On March 25, 1990, an arsonist used a can of gasoline to set fire to the Happy Land Social Club at 1959 Southern Blvd. in East Tremont. The resulting inferno killed 87 panic-stricken clubgoers, half of them younger than 25. It was the deadliest city blaze in 79 years.

Firefighters carry out victims of the fire. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

After Sundays blaze broke out, Anthony Romero, 40, a resident of the 12th floor, woke up his seven months pregnant wife and two children.

I walked to my door and opened it. A huge cloud of black smoke came in so I closed the door, Romero said. We put a wet towel under the door. I went to the back window and I checked and thats when I saw the smoke coming out the third-floor apartment.

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Romero, whos asthmatic, remained in his apartment until firefighters banged on the door, signaling it was safe for the family to evacuate.

The scene of the fire in the Bronx. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

I had no choice, there was too much smoke in the hallways, there was no way I was gonna leave my apartment and make it from the 12th floor to the first floor and live. So just the smoke hitting me alone  Im spitting out black, but Im good.

Romero recounted his neighbors grief as she was forced to leave her dog to die. He saw firefighters on each floor as his family made their way through thick smoke to the ground floor.

It was black everywhere, he said of the overwhelming smoke. Black everywhere.

Tysena Jacobs, a 15th-floor resident, was trapped in her apartment with two siblings.

We couldnt get out, Jacobs, 69, said. I called 911 three times, they tell us to put towels at the door but I couldnt get to the door. It was too black. It was black, you couldnt see nothing. So I had to put down a lot of towels at my bedroom door.

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Jacobs brother pushed an air conditioner out of a bedroom window in an attempt to get oxygen flowing through the apartment before firefighters searching for trapped residents found the siblings.

I was praying to ask God to help us and get us out of this building safely, Jacobs said. I live here over 30 years. They have fires but nothing like this. This is the first time anything like this ever happened.

Firefighters made dramatic rescues after a fire broke out inside the building on E. 181st St. in the Bronx. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

At BronxCare Health System, the former Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, a couple mourned the deaths of two of their five children.

Distraught father Mahamadou Toure tried to form sentences outside the hospitals emergency room where his 5-old daughter and the girls teenage brother died.

Right now my heart is very , Toure trailed off. Its OK. I give it to God.

As an unconscious teenage neighbor was wheeled from the emergency room to be transferred to another hospital, Toures wife approached the gurney, screamed the girls name and shook her in an attempt to wake her.

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Hours after the fire was put out, Ousman Tunkara, 28, stared up at the buildings 19th floor, where his 3-year-old niece lived. He learned from a family member the toddler did not survive the blaze.

She was a baby, Tunkara said. Im sad ... Im sad.

Tunkara was still trying to get in touch with his sister and brother-in-law Sunday evening.

More than 40 people were rescued from the burning building, FDNY sources said.

The building includes multiple units converted into duplexes and has spaces hard to reach for firefighters. It was built in 1972, city records show.

The building was purchased in 2020 for $24,675,000 by a group of investors including Camber Property Group. One of the groups principals, Rick Gropper, was one of nearly 800 people named to Mayor Adams transition team last month.

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It was at a building that was built under federal guidelines way back when, so its not up to New York City fire codes, said Andrew Ansbro, president of the the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association union.

He said the building design, particularly the scissor stairs where two stairways crisscross each other in the same stairwell, made it take longer to stretch hose through the building.

Public records show the building has multiple open violations for mouse and roach infestations, peeling lead paint and water leaks. One open complaint with the city Housing Preservation and Development Department makes reference to defective fire retardant material in a first-floor ceiling.

The building owner, Bronx Park Phase III Preservation LLC, told ABC News it is cooperating with the FDNY and other city agencies in the wake of the blaze.

A woman who lived in the apartment building reacts at the scene. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

We are devastated by the unimaginable loss of life caused by this profound tragedy, the company told the outlet.

I am horrified by the devastating fire in the Bronx today, Gov. Hochul said in a statement. The entire State of New York stands with New York City.

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The Daily News Flash Weekdays Catch up on the days top five stories every weekday afternoon. >

At a news conference at the scene Sunday night, Hochul said she will establish a victim compensation fund as she prepares the states budget and that the American Red Cross will be housing displaced residents in hotels.

Displaced families looking for help gathered in a public middle school next door to the burned-out building.

Its impossible to go into that room where scores of families were in such grief, were in pain, Hochul said. To see it in a mothers eyes as I held her, who lost her entire family. Its hard to fathom what theyre going through.

With Rocco Parascandola
This governor tells businesses in his state not to comply with the vaccine mandate
Dominick Black, the Kenosha man who bought the AR-15-style rifle that Kyle Rittenhouse used to shoot three people on Aug. 25, 2020, is expected to take a plea deal.

A Friday court filing, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WISN-TV and the Kenosha County Eye, indicates a deal has been offered that would lead to Black being fined $2,000 and face no felony conviction for the two counts he has been charged with: both for intent to sell a dangerous weapon to a person under the age of 18  otherwise known as a straw purchase. Rittenhouse was 17 at the time of purchase and thus not allowed to buy a gun.

During the trial two months ago, a charge against Rittenhouse regarding carrying a gun while underage was dropped due to a vaguely written law intended to allow teens in Wisconsin to hunt that thus also allows those under the age of 18 to carry long guns most anywhere in the state.

The fine would be for the citation Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child. Black is now 20 years old.

On the stand during the Rittenhouse trial, Black attested that Rittenhouse gave him money to purchase the firearm, but that Black kept the gun in his stepfathers gun safe and that Rittenhouse was not to be allowed to possess the firearm until he was of age.

However, during rioting after Jacob Blake was shot, Black said he did not try to stop his friend from carrying the weapon when they went out the night of Aug. 25  ostensibly to defend the Car Source properties, a narrative the family that owns Car Source has contested.

The firearm itself is expected to be destroyed upon the conclusion of Blacks case.

A court hearing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Monday in front of Kenosha County Circuit Court Judge Bruce Schroeder, during which the plea deal could be accepted or rejected.

The plea deal was offered by Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger, who was the lead prosecutor against Rittenhouse in the case where the teenager was found not guilty on all charges.
Michael Falbo says he didnt do things the right way.

That is to say, his path as a young adult was full of twists and turns, starting at UW-Whitewater, getting drafted into the Vietnam War and then ending up back in the states at UW-Parkside in 1971. He would be married that same year, and spent the next nine years taking night classes while working to support his family.

School was kind of off the map for a while, Falbo said.

And yet Falbo boasts an impressive academic career despite not doing it the right way, with a degree in business management, 11 years on the UW Systems Board of Regents from 2004 to 2015 and now two honorary doctorates from separate UW schools awarded in the same weekend in December 2021.

Born in Chicago in 1949, Falbo moved to Kenosha in 1952 as a child. He would attend Holy Rosary, Lincoln Elementary and Tremper High School until moving to Waukesha in his senior year, graduating from Waukesha South in 1967.

While attending UW-Whitewater, Falbo was drafted into the Vietnam War, serving as a combat medic for 10 months. He ended up getting out early, however, after being accepted to Parkside in 1971. He got married that year, took those years of night classes and earned his degree in 1980.

Falbo would go on to take over State Financial Bank in 1984, becoming CEO of its newly formed holding group State Financial Services Company. He would remain CEO until 2005, after the companys acquisition.

During his more than decade-long stint on the UW Systems Board of Regents, Falbo led as president from 2013 to 2015, and then continued to work on a volunteer basis with the UW System after leaving the board.

Falbo, who now lives in Franklin, said that in spring of 2021, Deborah Ford and Mark Mone, chancellors of UW-Parkside and UW-Milwaukee respectively, spoke to him on a video call and surprised him with the news that he had been awarded an honorary doctorate from each of the schools.

It was very emotional, Falbo said. This is the ultimate honor they can give out.

UW-Parkside awarded Falbo an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters on Dec. 18, and UW-Milwaukee awarded him an honorary doctorate of Entrepreneurship on Dec. 19.

Every day when you look back at things that meant a lot, Falbo said, this is one that, whenever you get retrospective on your life, it pops up.

Falbo spoke at the UW-Parkside commencement ceremony in December, and said he hoped he gave people words to live by,

Always do good, and always remember who you are, Falbo said.

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Ketchikan, AK (99901)

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Cloudy with periods of rain. Becoming windy overnight. Low around 40F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch..

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Cloudy with periods of rain. Becoming windy overnight. Low around 40F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch.
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As I write this, a rapidly spreading COVID-19 variant called Omicron is the uninvited guest this holiday season. Id hoped that the vaccine would have had more widespread acceptance, and we wouldnt be in this situation, but this is our unfortunate reality now. In addition, COVID-19 has metastasized the already inherent bureaucratic cruelty of the U.S. medical system into death by a thousand slashes of red tape. I will explain why my past two years of practicing psychiatry in the U.S. have been my worst yet.

Bureaucratic cruelty occurs when an institution cannot provide a safe (or at least neutral) space to manage trauma and the inevitable emotional turmoil of human nature. Instead, the system focuses on perfection and endless productivity/monetization at all costs. This creates a hypercompetitive environment where what is seen as weakness is not tolerated. Individuals in this system constantly feel pressured to fit into often confusing and fluctuating roles. Bureaucratic cruelty then creates a system where everyone throws each other under the bus.

This sick (pun intended) system plays out in all systems but is especially tragic in profit-centered health care, where the patients and those who care for them are the ultimate losers.

The health care system itself is a Kafkaesque maze of forms, compliance metrics, and ceaseless documentation. Onerous documentation requirements, intending to ensure that safety metrics are followed, wrest more time away from patients and toward screens. More regulations from an alphabet soup of acronym obsessed handlers are piled upon clinicians yearly. The result? Systems then play an unspoken, intricate game of pass the hot potato to try and avoid being the one stuck with the lions share of documentation. Compassionate patient care is sidelined in the race to check tiny boxes on the electronic health record. If you wonder why your doctor is taking so long to see you, this is most likely the culprit.

Simply admitting a patient from the emergency room to a hospital bed generates hours and hours of documentation. The admission is often accompanied by a turf battle between departments and specialties: an implicit game called Proving the Patient Needs to be Here. Patients are shuffled from department to department with no answers to their questions or worse: being told they are making up their problems. One of the residents I trained with quipped, We take better care of papers than patients. Then the ultimate reward for seeking health care in the United States, should the proving game be successful is a stratospheric bill.

The patients workplace is typically bureaucratic cruelty gone wild. Workplaces love to trumpet that they accommodate FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) or work leave for mental health reasons. Patients lived experiences are quite the opposite. Workplace protocols immediately jettison the patient into an endless loop of copious leave forms. This is bureaucratic cruelty at its worst: expecting an already ill patient to not rest and recover, but to prove they are sick.

Some employers use paperwork as a passive-aggressive excuse to shame and nitpick employees. Some work leave forms even ask me to specify exactly what tasks the patient should be doing each hour, as though I trained in their field. Other employers ask for excessively detailed clinical information on why the patient is sick. One employer even wanted me to partner with them and find reasons to dismiss their worker.

If any employers are reading this, please note: We do not provide this information by law. We can only specify the patient has a serious health condition and supply the dates we request that the patient be on full or part-time leave. Dont ask me for a mental health diagnosis again. Also, the patient needs to sign a release of information for me to discuss anything related to their care. If you really want this information, hire an occupational medicine physician or QME (qualified medical examiner) and pay them to do so. Im not going to do extra unpaid work for you. I am an advocate for my patient, not you.

Adding to the miserable burden, understaffing of pharmacies has caused a huge backlog of patients waiting for prescriptions. The pharmacies also usually let us know if a prescription is rejected and needs prior authorization. This means that the medication is not covered under their insurance plan or requires one of their approved formulary medications to be prescribed first. Unless the patient or pharmacy notifies me of a needed prior authorization, I have no way of knowing. It is impossible to track every prescription with health insurance companies incessantly morphing and mutating their formularies and benefits. Ive had patients report the same symptoms the next month, only to later discover the medication was never filled. I wish these corporate pharmacies would please pay their staff better and treat them kindly so they stay? Ive also known of numerous staff who quit because patients verbally and even physically assault them. Being safe in your workplace is a basic human right.

It is no surprise that more than 500,000 people have quit the health care industry since the start of the pandemic.

Losing a health care worker to any cause is a loss of enormous time and dedication. It takes years to learn the skills to practice competently and then many more years to get the experience needed to bulldoze through all the bureaucratic cruelty these systems create. It is inevitable that the short-sighted policies of a profit-driven system trickle down to those who treat patients and eventually harm the patients themselves. The energy in these clinics and institutions is anything but healing. Go to any health care appointment, and they shove a mountain of paperwork at you to fill out before they even ask your name.

Despite this, I still like practicing medicine and connecting with my amazingly resilient patients. So I send my apologies to those who sent me holiday wishes, cards, and presents this year, and I couldnt get into any holiday cheer. Im still just a frustrated person hunched over the computer, hoping to outwit some more bureaucratic cruelty for my patients today.

Alissa Kraisosky is a psychiatrist.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
A Queens driver was drunk when he crashed into a pole and a parked van, killing a woman in his passenger seat, and has been charged with manslaughter, cops said Sunday.

Gilberto Cordova, 23, was allegedly drunkenly speeding down 112th Road in Jamaica in a Honda Accord with five passengers when he struck a pole near Guy R. Brewer Blvd. about 4:10 a.m. on Saturday, cops said.

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Cops investigate the fatal crash on 112th Road in Jamaica. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

Cordova then crashed into an unoccupied white van parked on the street, knocking it onto the sidewalk. When police and medics arrived, they found Cordova, two other men and three women with a variety of injuries.

One of the women, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, died at Jamaica Hospital, cops said. Her name has not yet been released.

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Medics took the other four passengers to area hospitals in serious but stable condition, cops said.

Wreckage from the fatal crash on 112th Road in Jamaica. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

Cordova, also in serious but stable condition, was taken to Jamaica Hospital. He has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, vehicular assault and driving while intoxicated.

Cordova lives just around the corner from the scene of the fatal crash, according to cops.
Looking to update your home? Watch the KHQ Spring Home Design Guide featuring the areas top home improvement businesses on Sat, May 7 at 4:30pm on KHQ. And click here to win a $500 VISA gift card, courtesy of our presenting partner - VPC Electric!
The United States Marshals are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the capture of William Oldham Mize, who failed to appear for a pretrial conference before United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice in Spokane.
Kilgore, TX (75662)

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Shenandoah, IA (51601)

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A seven-months pregnant Alabama woman was found dead Friday morning and her police officer boyfriend has been charged with her murder.

David Michael McCoy, a 28-year-old off-duty officer with the Huntsville Police Department, was arrested and charged with capital murder, according to online jail records. He is being held without bond.

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McCoy was placed on administrative leave after the incident, officials said in a statement.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which has taken over the case, has not publicly identified the victim, but relatives told WAAY that she is 26-year-old Courtney Spraggins.

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The pair were dating and Spraggins had just told McCoy that she was pregnant, family members told the station.

David McCoy (Madison County Jail)

The baby, a girl, would have been Spraggins third.

An autopsy on Spraggins is scheduled for Monday. Madison County Coroner Tyler Berryhill confirmed that the death is being investigated as a homicide.

I miss your laughter and your smile, Spraggins sister, Megan Nicole, told WAAY. We were total opposites but we had a bond like no other. I miss you! Its not fair you had to leave. Your life was robbed and there will be justice for you.

Courtney Spraggins (Gofundme.com)

Sources told the station that Spraggins had been shot twice in the head while sitting in her parked car and that McCoy had called in her death as a suicide.

Online jail records show that McCoy was accused of capital murder of a person in a vehicle.

A spokesperson for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency did not answer questions from the Daily News Sunday about the cause of death.
States are scrambling to keep up with an increase in Covid-19 hospitalizations and the demand for testing
"Film Kiss with Protective Mask" (1937) / Courtesy of Imagno/Getty Images





By Park Han-sol







Who would have guessed that a picture taken more than eight decades ago of an intimate kiss intervened by antiseptic masks  an image that feels incredibly time-specific  would resonate with audiences today?







"Film Kiss with Protective Mask," which depicts a movie kiss rehearsal between Hollywood actors Betty Furness and Stanley Morner during the 1937 flu epidemic, encapsulates, through the click of the shutter, the statement that history repeats itself.







It is one of 330 photographic works from Getty Images' massive digital archive that has been brought to a brick-and-mortar exhibition, "Connecting the World," for the first time in Korea at the Seoul Arts Center.







The featured photos, both displayed in the form of framed prints and digital art, present in their own ways the compelling role of images in "connecting" people of different generations, cultures and nationalities.







Some have played this role successfully by becoming historic icons of the 20th century.







"Albert Einstein Sticking Out His Tongue" (1951) / Courtesy of Bettmann/Getty Images





On display is American photographer Arthur Sasse's "Albert Einstein Sticking Out His Tongue," an image of the Nobel-winning theoretical physicist that became forever seared into our collective memory.







On the night of his 72nd birthday on March 14, 1951, the world-famous scientist was walking back to his car, soon surrounded by a swarm of pesky, persistent reporters as usual.







"Professor, smile for your birthday picture, ya?" one shouted.







Out of weariness and annoyance, the eccentric professor quickly stuck his tongue out at them, thinking that the photographers couldn't possibly capture the cheeky gesture that lasted a mere second. Of course, we all know he was wrong.







In addition to presenting such monumental snapshots including "Migrant Mother" and "New York Construction Workers Lunching on a Crossbeam," the exhibition juxtaposes a series of photos taken from different eras to further visualize that history has and will continue to repeat itself.







Striking visual comparisons are made, for example, between the 1965 "Vietnamese Mother and Children Flee Village Bombing" and the 2017 "Rohingya Refugees Flee into Bangladesh to Escape Ethnic Cleansing."







Although the two images were taken more than five decades apart from each other and have been captured through the lenses of two different photographers, the subjects' harrowing journeys to escape unspeakable atrocities  the 1955-75 Vietnam War and Myanmar's crackdown on Rohingya Muslims, respectively  bear an uncanny resemblance.







But photographic snapshots of critically important moments in human history around the world are not limited to the past. They are part of the constant efforts made at this very moment, expanding further as photographers with more diverse backgrounds and perspectives are introduced to the scene day by day.







"Desperation Drives Women To Self Immolation In Herat" (2004) / Courtesy of Paula Bronstein/Getty Images





One contemporary player that the exhibition highlights is Paula Bronstein, an award-winning photojournalist who has focused for years on documenting the ordinary lives in the context of the Afghanistan War.







One of her series of photos turned to the unusual phenomenon surrounding Afghan women  specifically, a noticeable increase in the number of young wives who would set themselves on fire.







Eighteen-year-old Masooma in eastern Afghanistan, whose sky-blue burqa hides 70 percent of her severely burnt body, is one of many self-immolation victims who found such a painful attempt at suicide to be the only liberating element in their otherwise repressed lives.







Bronstein recounted that there was a whole ward designated to self-immolation victims at the hospital in the northwestern city of Herat.







"She is destroying herself so that no man really touches her again," she said in an interview with the South China Morning Post. Stuck in the endless cycle of poverty, childhood marriage or physical and psychological abuse, these women's desperation materializes into ultimate self-destruction.







With the Taliban having seized Afghanistan last year and seemingly signaling its turning back the clock on women's rights, her photos from the early 2000s ring differently once again.







"Connecting the World" runs through March 27 at the Hangaram Art Museum of the Seoul Arts Center.


Tim Peters, founder of Helping Hands Korea, poses in the alleyway near Samgakji Station in Seoul, Jan. 4. The activist belongs to a massive network of activists and missionaries that aims to help North Korean refugees in China escape to freedom. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



Teaming up with operatives in China, Tim Peters has saved over 1,000 North Korean lives



By Park Han-sol



Tucked away in a narrow alleyway near Samgakji Station in Seoul, DL Gallery is a curious storefront.



Upon entering it, visitors are greeted with delicate art pieces adorning the walls, from traditional Korean embroidery to pointillist paintings. In one corner of the room are stacked heaps of plastic bags, each of which is full of vegetable seeds of cabbage, spinach, radish, turnip, pumpkin and carrot.



As they strive to grasp the connection between the art and seeds, visitors turn around, only to face the intricate maps of China and North Korea hung side by side. They wonder what is going on there.



For more than a decade, DL Gallery, with its humble and modest look, has been the unofficial headquarters for Helping Hands Korea (HHK)  a Christian NGO founded by American humanitarian worker Tim Peters in 1996 to help North Koreans who fled their country for food and freedom. The group helped well over 1,000 North Koreans safely reach third countries after they risked their lives crossing the China-North Korea border.



Peters calls it a "war room"  a covert, symbolic place where complex strategies are conceived for escapees' rescue operations from the Sino-North Korean border to neighboring Southeast Asian nations.



The American activist is part of a massive network of clandestine operatives  consisting of missionaries, aid workers, ethnic Korean-Chinese and brokers  that guide the refugees throughout the treacherous journey to life in another country.



Based in Seoul, he remains behind the scenes during these secret missions. As a remote coordinator, he first shortlists the small number of refugees who will be joining the upcoming rescue operations. Based on their degree of vulnerability, the majority of them are women with children, people with disabilities and those, for the most part, don't have connections or relatives in South Korea.



Once the mission begins and field operatives are on the move, Peters maintains close real-time communications with them to track their progress and provide any urgent logistical and financial support that is needed throughout the journey.



"We're moving and moving, this is like a military operation," Peters recently told The Korea Times at the gallery, in between sips of hot tea.





Peters points to a map of China to explain the general escape routes of HHK's rescue operations at the DL Gallery in Seoul. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



From the Chinese-North Korean border region, the escapees, led by seasoned field operatives, travel clandestinely across mainland China to southern Yunnan province. Then, hours of hiking difficult mountainous terrain to cross the border between China and Laos awaits. It is generally considered safe for the refugees after they manage to cross the Mekong River into Thailand. After getting processed, they can finally be flown to Korea, this time, on its southern side.



While each operation typically takes less than a month to complete, its carefully strategized routes require constant updates and revisions, as unforeseeable situations regarding border security can arise at any time.



When he was younger, the now 71-year-old activist at times went out to the field himself to meet the North Koreans and help them operate safe houses in China. He took part in missions within Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.



"But helping them travel, I mean, somebody who looks like I do  a Westerner, a Caucasian  is usually not a help," he said. There were some close calls, such as the time he was questioned by the Chinese police, but he managed to avoid detention.



"I'm very fortunate in that way, compared to a lot of my colleagues," he recalled. The less fortunate missionaries and aid workers are sometimes detained and arrested by the police, banned from entry into China, and even allegedly killed by suspected North Korean agents. In the case of Kim Chang-hwan, who was killed by poison in 2011, and Han Choong-ryul, who was found with fatal stab wounds in 2016, both were pastors who assisted defectors in China.



Emphasizing that in most operations, there are "several layers of the onion" between himself and the North Korean escapees, he attributed their successes to the hard work of field agents, who are often risking their lives.



"So much credit goes to the individuals that we work with. I'm really grateful for them, their courage, their bravery and their skill. And some of the tactics involved, it's quite amazing," he said, stopping short of sharing too many details due to the sensitive nature of the work.



He refers to this complex network of passages and safe houses as an East Asian version of the "Underground Railroad"  clandestine routes established in the United States during the Civil War era, where Black slaves in the South were assisted to safety in the free northern states and Canada.



He sees a fitting comparison between that historical endeavor and HHK's own operation, in terms of the covert systematic organization and spirit in search for human freedom.





Peters, far right, visits a North Korean refugee family hiding in Yanbian Prefecture of Jilin province in late December 2006. Courtesy of Tim Peters





Tim and Sun-mi Peters, back, meet with children, most of whom lost their North Korean mothers due to forced repatriation from China. In 2012, Helping Hands Korea launched an informal foster home for dozens of such children near the provincial border between Jilin and Liaoning provinces. Courtesy of Tim Peters



New chapter



Peters is a veteran humanitarian worker.



It was 1975 when a young Peters first set foot on South Korean soil. At the age of 25, he had already traveled far outside of his hometown in Michigan to Argentina and Venezuela as a novice evangelical Christian missionary. But little did he know then that a new chapter of his life would begin in Korea.



"There's absolutely no question that my original interest in coming to Korea was related to my faith and wanting to share it," he said.



Although his initial stay in the country lasted only months, it was long enough for him to fall in love with Sun-mi, a devout Christian.



Before long, the newlyweds began dedicating their lives as traveling missionaries. The two lived and volunteered across a few island territories, including American Samoa, where they spent over three years helping Korean tuna fishermen who were seen as intruders by the locals and were the target of harsh treatment and stigma.



They returned to Seoul 13 years later in 1988, then again in 1996. But by then, a drastic transformation had begun to take place in the focus and the modus operandi of the couple's religious mission. They were now bracing themselves to tackle a very different animal from before  North Korea.



"Much up until this point, my time in Korea was more related to traditional mission work and emphasizing Bible studies and things like that," the activist said. But the news reports that started coming out into the open in the mid-'90s about the North's unprecedented food shortages were what turned his eyes across the border.



Also bitterly referred to as the "Arduous March," the great famine of North Korea was the complex result of the visible decline in agricultural production, economic mismanagement under the new rule of Kim Jong-il and the demise of the regime's patron state, the Soviet Union. From 1994 to 1998, as many as 3 million people are believed to have perished.



Mass starvation would have been "the absolute opposite of the growing prosperity of South Korea," where Peters was based. If he were going to continue his Christian aid work, it was time to turn toward the most vulnerable. "I thought maybe a new door was opening for us."



In 1996, Tim and Sun-mi Peters co-founded HHK to explore the uncharted paths of helping North Koreans in crisis, even if that meant traversing legal gray areas and running the risk of detention or arrest.



What they called the "Ton-a-Month Club" was the very start of its operation. They organized regular fundraisers to purchase dire necessities, such as flour and corn for the famine victims, and set up their own delivery system to insert aid directly into North Korea.



Over the years, HHK explored new iterations of the food aid project by widening the range of items delivered to include medicine, multivitamins, makeshift "nurungji" (scorched rice) that can easily be turned into rice porridge when boiled with minimum heating, and most recently, hundreds of repackaged bags of vegetable seeds as one can see in DL Gallery today.





Bags of Korean cabbage seeds are repackaged and stored in one corner of the Seoul gallery. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



In fact, every Tuesday evening, the gallery turns into a meeting place of volunteers from all walks of life who gather to package seeds for their discreet transport into the North for the malnourished.



But regardless of the types of items, the goal was to bypass North Korean authorities and deliver the seeds directly to the North's most impoverished. "I knew that food distribution in North Korea would be along the lines of loyalty" to the state, Peters said, referring to the "songbun" caste system, according to which North Korea's society is structured.



Among the three main classifications, the "hostile class" that received the least amount of state support tended to reside in the northern outskirts: North Hamgyong, Ryanggang and Jagang provinces.



"North Hamgyong, for example, is called the 'Siberia of North Korea,' not only because it's so bitterly cold, but because, like the former Soviet Union, that's where political miscreants, people who voice their criticism of the government and Christians would be banished."



The uneven food distribution meant that Peters had to search actively for "unofficial, alternative" delivery routes to smuggle goods in. He and Sun-mi had to travel to the Sino-North Korean border region.



During their trips to Yanbian prefecture in Jilin and Liaoning province, they began to forge partnerships with members of the ethnic Korean-Chinese community, many of whom have relatives in North Korea and subsequently would be able to establish contacts with them, to serve as smugglers across the porous border.



But as their trips continued, it soon became evident that smuggling food alone wasn't enough to fully address the needs of the famine victims.





A map of North Korea at the gallery indicates some of the key locations for HHK, including general delivery destinations of necessities for North Korean residents. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul





North Koreans typically cross the narrow Tumen River to escape from their home country. Seen is an image of the river taken near the bridge between the Chinese town of Tumen and the North Korean town of Namyang.?Courtesy of Tim Peters

"In the process of finding new and innovative ways to send the food in, we began to realize there's a whole other layer to this  and that's people coming out," he said. The late 1990s was when the aid workers and missionaries began witnessing more and more people crossing the Tumen and Yalu rivers along the border out of desperation.



One group was "kkotjebi," or vagrant street children, often orphans. The nickname, which translates to "flower swallows," was given to these stunted children who would go from garbage can to garbage can to scavenge for food behind restaurants, the way swallows travel between flowers.



Another tragic case involved women, the majority of whom fell victim to human or sex trafficking. As undocumented foreigners without recourse, they were unable to report their situations to the police. This made them an easy target for traffickers to sell off as prostitutes or mail-order brides to older Chinese (or ethnic Korean-Chinese) peasants, typically in the border regions that suffer from severe gender imbalance and inequality.



Their lives were often far from being happily-ever-after tales. Cases of physical abuse were frequent. Their husbands can "just be completely unreliable or a gambler, that's a common thing," he said. "Some would have maybe promised that they would give the woman money to send back to her family, but then often, that wouldn't happen."



Against this backdrop of the destruction of family units and human rights violations, HHK's participation in "Underground Railroad" operations began to take shape.



Through these missions, the NGO continues to help hundreds of refugees journey to freedom to this day.



Pandemic-led discovery in NGO's operations



With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic hitting the two-year mark, HHK has certainly been no exception in terms of the need to adapt its operations to the new reality  perhaps even more so than other human rights agencies, as its underground network of safe houses and agents naturally hinges on even the slightest changes in border security in North Korea and China.



Smuggling vegetable seeds into the North is one project that has been inevitably hit hard by the spread of the virus. The reclusive regime was one of the first countries to seal its borders at the start of the pandemic, and it remains on high alert over the recent wave of the Omicron variant.



"We are getting some through when we can, but because North Korea has kept its border closed for virtually two years, it's been a real challenge," he said.





Seen is a portrait of one North Korean child with disabilities, who was able to escape China with his mother through the help of HHK. Peters called the painting, made by his colleague Sean Kang, co-founder of North Korea Human Rights Watch, "Free at last!" Courtesy of Sean Kang and Tim Peters

But at the same time, much to Peters' surprise, the pandemic was precisely what brought certain key discoveries to light which the organization had not come across before.



One was the rising number of people with disabilities who previously managed to escape their home country on their own  where medical and social protection mechanisms are still lacking and strong stigma remains in place, according to Catalina Devandas Aguilar, the former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities  and amidst the COVID-19 crisis, were now crying out for help in China's border region.



When Chinese public health officials began to randomly check restaurants, factories and farms nationwide, the activist stated, they began to expose the illegal status of these disabled North Koreans who had gone into hiding in such places to survive.



Even if the officials were making visits to simply check their temperatures, refugees, many of whose Chinese language proficiency is limited, "were dreading any questions... terrified that they would be reported and detained."



In addition to these random governmental field inspections, North Korean escapees were further left vulnerable as a number of aid workers and humanitarian organizations in the region providing protection or resources began to withdraw en masse for safety reasons.



"That meant that distress calls started coming faster, at least to us," Peters said. "It was really desperate. And so long as our partners in China were willing to keep going, we decided to respond to this accelerated number of calls."



As a result, HHK became aware of a series of previously undetected profiles of North Korean escapees in the border regions: polio victims, people who became physically disabled after industrial or mining accidents, children with autism or Down's syndrome and grandparents accompanied by their young grandchildren.



The case of grandmother Lee, whose full name cannot be disclosed, and her grandson, was one of them.



Following her daughter-in-law's death in 2014 and her son's subsequent disappearance after his defection to China, the task of raising the young boy suddenly fell on Lee's shoulders  a financial burden that inevitably proved to be too much for an impoverished senior citizen in North Korea like her. The two decided to cross the border to China in 2019, and Lee soon found a job at a charcoal factory.



However, when the pandemic struck China, the factory management required all employees to bring proof of a negative test result.



"I couldn't get the test as a North Korean defector for the simple reason that I have no official identification papers and I would be revealed as an illegal foreigner," she wrote in her plea for help, which reached the hands of the operatives through the help of a Korean missionary there. "My grandson and I are hiding. I want to take my grandson to Korea."



Fortunately, just weeks after their call for help, the two became one of the latest escapees whom Peters' organization was able to safely assist out of China.



"I'll say that what happened [in 2020] was nothing short of miraculous. We had more evacuations of refugees [that] year than any other single year," Peters said.





Posts describing the reality of the stateless, orphaned children whose North Koreans mothers have been forcibly repatriated from China are hung at the gallery next to the traditional embroidery gifted by one North Korean refugee who escaped to safety through the help of HHK. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Map of Latin America and the Caribbean / gettyimagesbank



15 Latin American countries commemorate 60 years of diplomatic ties with Korea



By Kwon Mee-yoo



In 2022, Korea celebrates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with 15 Latin American countries. Those countries  Mexico, Nicaragua, Argentina, Colombia, Honduras, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti, Panama, Ecuador, Jamaica and Guatemala  are becoming increasingly important to Korea's strategy of diversifying diplomacy.



It was in the 1990s that Korea's diplomatic ties and cooperation with Latin American countries began to expand rapidly.



As those countries are trying to recover from the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic, Korea seeks to boost cooperation, especially in the field of digital and green economy.



Strengthening ties with Latin America was included in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' major projects for this year.



"This year, Korea marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with 15 Latin American nations, which is about half of the countries in the region. The Korean government will organize various events to commemorate the occasion to boost understanding between the people of both countries and continue high-level exchanges," the foreign ministry said in a statement.



"Korea and Latin American countries both aim for post-COVID-19 recovery and sustainable development, so we could collaborate more in the fields of eco-friendly infrastructure, digitalization, and healthcare," it added.



Son Hye-hyun, a visiting professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, picked the recovery from COVID-19, elections and the rivalry between the United States and China as the three major issues in Latin America.



"Latin America is one of the regions hit hardest by COVID-19, which resulted in lowered projections of economic growth," Son said during a seminar organized by the Center for Korea-Latin America Cooperation under the foreign affairs ministry.



The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) forecast that the region's economy will grow only 2.9 percent in 2022 due to COVID-19, following 5.9 percent growth in 2021.





Ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras listen to Korean President Moon Jae-in's remarks during their visit to Cheong Wa Dae as part of the 2021 Korea-LAC Digital Cooperation Forum, March 16, 2021. Korea Times file
The number of ICU beds available in Indiana continues to shrink as the increase in coronavirus cases continues to strain hospitals throughout the state.

State health records show a total of 3,303 Hoosiers were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Friday, according to the Indiana Department of Health. Currently 36.1% of ICU beds are in use by coronavirus patients with only 9.9% of ICU beds in the state available.

In total, COVID-19 has killed 18,959 Hoosiers since the start of the pandemic, Friday data showed.

This includes a total of 1,394 deaths in Lake County, 447 in Porter County, 296 in LaPorte County, 58 in Newton County and 108 in Jasper County, as of Friday.

The color-coded classifications for Indiana's 92 counties has 48 counties in the worst-possible red rating and 44 in the orange designation, with none of the counties in the blue or yellow designations, showing a continuing increase of infections.

The worst-possible red rating indicates an uncontrolled spread of coronavirus, which is classified as 200 or more positive cases per every 100,000 residents.

Currently Lake County, Porter County, LaPorte County, Jasper County and Newton County are all in the red rating.

Across state lines, a total of 6,945 residents in Calumet City and 5,969 residents in Lansing have tested positive for the virus.

State health officials are urging Hoosiers age 5 and up to reduce their chances of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and death by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, or by getting a COVID-19 booster shot for those previously vaccinated, as soon as possible.

The free COVID-19 vaccine is available, in most cases without an appointment, at 1,488 locations across the state, including retail pharmacies, health clinics and hospitals.

Records show more than 3.57 million Hoosiers age 5 and up, or 59.5% of the state's eligible population, are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including 53% of eligible Lake County residents, 59.4% in Porter County, 54.2% in LaPorte County, 40% in Newton County and 44.7% in Jasper County.

So far, a total of 1,457,759 people have received a booster shot statewide.

A complete list of COVID-19 vaccine sites is available online at ourshot.in.gov.
The death of a 2-year-old Indiana girl who was found dead in late November after her fathers car was submerged in a frozen lake has been ruled a homicide, according to the local coroner.

Emma Sweet died from complications of hypothermia and asphyxia due to drowning, the Bartholomew County Sheriffs Office announced Friday, citing to the coroners report.

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Emma and dad Jeremy were reported missing on Thanksgiving Day and Jeremy, 39, was rescued alive a day later. Emma was found dead on Nov. 28, about 3 miles downstream in the White River.

The sheriffs office accused Sweet of taking Emma to a dangerous environment where she most likely suffered from hypothermia due to the cold environment and/or drowned in the water.

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[ 2-year-old Indiana girl found dead after father rescued from river suffering from hypothermia ]

Emma Sweet was found dead on Nov. 28. (Bartholomew County Sheriff)

No actions were taken by her adult caregiver to rescue Emma Sweet from the dangerous environment and this inaction resulted in her death and thus the manner of death is homicide, Forensic Pathologist D.O. Thomas J. Sozio wrote in his report.

Sweet has since been charged with a felony charge of neglecting a dependent, resulting in death, and another charge of unlawful possession of a syringe. At the time, police said the father gave conflicting reports of what happened and how the truck and Emma ended up in the river.

A spokesman for the Bartholomew County Prosecutors Office told the Daily News Sunday that no further charges are expected.

Again, I just want to thank everyone who helped search for Emma, Sheriff Matt Myers said in a statement.

I would especially like to thank the Volunteer Fire Departments, Prosecutor Greg Long and the Bartholomew County Coroners Office. It takes a lot of people working together in incidents like this, and I am extremely impressed with the professionalism across all agencies.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to cloudy skies and rain overnight. Low 48F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will give way to cloudy skies and rain overnight. Low 48F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Officials from Lake Geneva schools are asking residents to provide input regarding the qualities they are looking for in a new superintendent.

Representatives from the Lake Geneva Joint No. 1 School District and Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union High School are in the process of searching for a new superintendent, as Superintendent James Gottinger is set to retire June 30.

Gottinger has worked for Lake Geneva schools for about 23 years.

District officials have hired School Exec Connect to assist them with the search.

Representatives from the school districts and School Exec Connect have developed an online survey to allow residents to provide input on the qualities they want the next superintendent to possess.

The survey will be available through Jan. 16 and can be completed by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/N23TK6W.

A community forum will be held 6 p.m., Jan. 12 at Badger High School, recital hall, 220 E. South St. in Lake Geneva. The forum will allow residents to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the school districts and the characteristics they are looking for in a new superintendent.

Officials from School Exec Connect will use information from the survey, community forum and focus groups discussions to develop a "new superintendent profile," which they will present to the school boards during the week of Jan. 23.
The sister-in-law of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield has been identified as the woman who accused the Republican lawmaker of sexually assaulting her repeatedly for more than a decade, beginning in 2010 when she was a teenager.

He destroyed me and has controlled my life since I was 15-16, Rebekah Chatfield told Bridge Michigan.

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Rebekah Chatfield, the sister-in-law of former Michigan House speaker Lee Chatfield has been identified as the woman who accused the Republican lawmaker of raping her repeatedly for more than a decade, beginning in 2010 when she was a teenager. (Obtained by Daily News)

She said bringing charges against her alleged abuser last month was the only way she felt justice would be served. News that Lee Chatfield had been accused of sexual misconduct broke last week.

The alleged victim, now 26, was one of Lee Chatfields students when he taught at the Northern Michigan Christian Academy. That schools pastor and superintendent is Rebekah Chatfields father-in-law, Rusty Chatfield, who reportedly said the claims against his eldest son are not true.

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Rebekah Chatfield said she was pressured by the family to marry her then-boyfriend Aaron Chatfield in 2018, when they were both 19 years old. According to the report, she told her husband in December about his brothers alleged decade of abuse against her. It wasnt the first time hed been suspicious of his big brothers behavior.

Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives Lee Chatfield speaks during a campaign rally in 2020 in Traverse City, Michigan. (Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Lee portrays himself as a family tradition, conservative guy who believes in the Bible and the Bible is so important, Aaron Chatfield told Bridge Michigan. It couldnt be further from who my man was as a person.

The conservative politicians website reportedly promoted his commitment to Faith, Family, Service before it was taken down last week.

Breaking News As it happens Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. >

A lawyer for Lee Chatfield told Bridge Michigan said that the relationship was consensual and took place between two adults. That attorney added her client would vigorously fight these false claims.

Paul Chatfield, another of Lee Chatfields younger brothers, reportedly said he didnt believe his sister-in-laws recollection of events, but that in the best-case scenario, hes disappointed in his elder brother.

[ Rep. Matt Gaetz pal seeking plea deal in underage sex probe ]

According to Rebekah Chatfield, she would sometimes babysit for Lee Chatfield and his wifes children and sleep at their house while struggling with family issues of her own. She accused Lee Chatfield of exploiting those conditions.

My dad was a recovering alcoholic, and so I believe that Lee used (the situation) against me and helped take advantage of me, she told Bridge Michigan.

She claimed to have been victimized by Lee Chatfield more times than I can count, including in the State House when he was in office.

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The former speaker, 33, became the youngest person in the state to hold that position in 2018 at the age of 30. Term limit restrictions stopped him from seeking that office again in 2020.

The case against the one-time lawmaker is reportedly being investigated by Lansing, Mich., police and could involve the FBI.
Dear Readers,

Several times throughout the year we receive requests where we find that the need goes far beyond the initial request. What was originally sought, does not begin to cover what we consider to be the necessities of daily life. Thanks to all of You and some special volunteers, these needs are found, and we are able to provide the solution to their pains of poverty.

Recently we helped provide a vehicle for a single mother who is devoutly and lovingly raising four children, three of whom are handicapped. Two of the handicapped children are paralyzed and inaudible, which means they cannot talk. One child requires a feeding tube and intensive home care.

While helping this family I found out they were waking up every morning freezing cold because their furnace had broken. The mother never asked for help with her furnace, we found out through our own research. When this came to our attention one of our wonderful supporters came forward to pay for a new furnace for this struggling mother and children.

I immediately contacted a heating contractor and within an hour he was at their home due to his compassion for this mother and children. He was able to get it to work for the evening to keep them warm, but it would need to be replaced by the following day because it was in such terrible condition. He replaced the furnace the next day to allow this family to no longer suffer in silence.

Again, while a volunteer was there with the heating contractor, they noticed clothing hanging everywhere. The volunteer found out for the past year they did not have a dryer and the washing machine was barely working. We together provided a new more efficient washing machine and dryer to allow the mother and older daughter more time caring for the children and less time hanging laundry to dry throughout their home.

After more research we found there was medical equipment, supplies and accessories this mother needed that would make their lives easier. Even basic needs like food, diapers and wipes, shampoo, cleaning supplies and special supplies for the childs feeding tube were desperately needed. Our networking together removed much pain and suffering that they were living with day in and day out.

Through our research we also found out there were many things missing in these childrens lives. After several communications with this family we found out that many birthdays have passed without any gifts. As adults we can understand the need for daily necessities of life including food, clothing, heat and utilities, coming before birthday gifts. Children need to live like children, without the daily stress of financial matters, especially in a case like this. Together, with your support, and a devoted supporter of The Time is Now, we have made it possible for this mother to keep those birthday promises for her children this year.

Thanks to your support Christmas gifts were given to each child to allow them to finally have a special Christmas that included the following gifts of daily necessities: socks, undergarments, sweaters, pajamas, winter coats, hats, gloves, shoes, boots, blankets, pillows, and a variety of toys including educational toys and special needs toys.

The older child, who is not handicapped but helps to lovingly care for her siblings, was also provided special gifts as the mother is especially grateful for the help she provides her with things such as holding up her siblings because they cannot sit up on their own, changing them and feeding them. The older child also likes to push both of her siblings wheelchairs at the same time, always with a smile on her face.

We thank each and every one of you for your support. Helping this devoted, loving mother is doing Gods work and sharing with our fellow creations in desperate need. There are many more fellow creations living in poverty, silently suffering with hunger and lack of basic needs. Thanks to diligent research and devoted volunteers the extra assistance that is not asked for, is provided. This is often life changing and always a blessing.

Thank You and God Bless You for your caring and sharing and allowing us to be a blessing to over 600 fellow creations each year.

Health & Happiness, Love & God Bless Everyone, Sal

Please Help: There are many coming to us in desperation. Our good fellow creations need our compassion. Together we make a big difference. Make checks payable to: The Time Is Now to Help, P.O. Box 1, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. The Time Is Now to Help is a federally recognized 5013 charitable organization licensed in the states of Wisconsin and Illinois. You will receive a tax deductible, itemized thank you receipt showing how your donation provided assistance for the poverty stricken.

A Very Special Thank You: Give A Hand Up Matching Grant donors, Robert Nelson, Phil and Susan Hagenah, Gerald and Cheryl Kuhn, Roy and Donna Swedlund, Paul Ziegler, Ziegler Charitable Foundation, Wayne and Beverly Hilbelink, Jeff Martin, John and Valerie Lincoln, Lake Geneva Area Realty, Ernest Roy, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schuberth, Kunes Country Auto Group, Martin Group, John Stensland and family, Jeffrey Germanotta, Edward Hechmann, Donald Schwab, Joan Thompson, Heidi Salas, Fairwyn SB and the Symphony Bay Give Back Program, Steven and Deidred Trumble, Drs. Scot and Mona Hodkiewicz, Dr. Mark and Cynthia Brower, Jay and Karen Hiller, Kenneth and Linda Lindberg, Steve and Mary OConnor, Paper Dolls, Saints Simeon and Anna Anglican Church, Cater Family Fund, Ray and Pamela Ring, Salty Dog, George and Leah Rozhon, Janice Williams, James and Christine Lovell, William Antti, Sharon Linskens, Gregory and Monica Prairie, Ruth Howard, Patrick and Patricia Stagg, Bruce and Joyce Bauman, John and Rita Race, James and Constance Van Patten, Joyce Francis, John and Diane Molumby, Daniel and Ruth Haak, Beverly Mather, Michael and Susan Gregersen, James and Anne Witt, Richard and Mary Ruch, Frank and Diane Caldario, George and Lauretta Clettenberg, Steven Driscoll, Beth Pizzo, Mary Jo Wolf, Darlene Pionkoski, Kevin and Marilyn Murphy, Doris Wiechmann, Carolyn Bintz, Paul Weinstock, Jeannie Hall, Robert and Mary Winter, Christine Jordan, all of our anonymous donors and ALL of you who support The Time Is Now to Help donation boxes. Anyone who would like a Time Is Now donation box in your business, please call (262) 249-7000.

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Memorials: ColleenHeffernanin memory of Dotsy Heffernan.Dolores Piotrowski in memory of her beloved best friend Martha Dee Valentine and beloved parents Gene and Lottie Piotrowski. Audrey Wunderlin-Hersko in memory of Donald Wunderlin and Marvin Hersko. Amelia Stein in memory of Jeffrey L. Stein. Bradford Petrie in memory of Mary Lou Petrie. Prayer Chain: The power of prayer and positive thoughts comes from the true healer, our Lord answering our prayers. Please pray for healing for the following people: Brian, Talyn, Mike, Sylvia, Richard, Jennifer, Jayden, Maria C., Alex, Lily, Kaitlyn, Sheila, Rhonda, Deda Lee, Betty, Marilyn, Helen, Dennis, Mary, Joseph, Jordan, Jean, Tom L., Dr. Peter, Alyce, Matthew, Pam E., Jenene B., John S., Patricia H., Darlene, Ron K., Marian K., Judy, Wendy, Eric, Anthony, Mary, Charlie, Tom P., Christina, Billy, Mike, Cheryl, and Ellie.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson will run for reelection, he said Sunday, making him one of the several Republican swing state candidates whose candidacy will be critical to the GOPs fight to retake the Senate.

Johnson  who in 2016 pledged not to seek a third term  said in a statement and Wall Street Journal opinion piece that he did not want to run again but felt like he had to because of the changing political landscape and the Democrats complete takeover of government, referring to their control of the White House and Congress.

So today, I am announcing I will continue to fight for freedom in the public realm by running for re-election, Johnson, 66, said in a statement Sunday.

It is not a decision I have made lightly, Johnson continued. Having already experienced a growing level of vitriol and false attacks, I certainly dont expect better treatment in the future. In order for my campaign to succeed, I will need the support of every Wisconsinite who values the truth and refuses to allow lies and distortions to prevail.

The announcement was expected after two Republicans with knowledge of the plan told The Associated Press of Johnsons intention on Friday. It follows months of bipartisan questioning on whether Johnson would run as well as an early endorsement by former President Donald Trump, a close Johnson ally.

Even though he has not yet announced that he is running, and I certainly hope he does, I am giving my Complete and Total Endorsement to Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Trump said in April.

Johnson is in a precarious position but is still the favorite in the race, UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden said.

This is looking like its going to be a really terrific year for the GOP, Burden said, referring to Bidens low approval rating and the favorable historical mid-term outcomes for the party not in presidential power.

Hes got a strong tailwind, and if there was nothing else going on, I would say that makes him a strong favorite for reelection, Burden said. But he is a Washington senator who has served for 12 years.

Many voters are tired of incumbents, and while Johnson has pitted himself against career politicians in the past, its becoming harder for him to separate himself from the establishment, Burden said.

Johnson will face one of a crowded field of Democrats headed by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Outagamie County executive Tom Nelson, all of whom have been eager to take on an incumbent they say is out of touch with average voters, is beholden to Trump and has embarrassed the state with baseless claims about the election and combatting COVID-19.

The only people celebrating Ron Johnsons announcement are his donors and the corporate special interest groups hes bailed out time and time again, Barnes said in a statement Sunday. Lets get to work and retire this failed senator.

Godlewski said Johnson only works for himself and the wealthy, while Nelson faulted Johnson for breaking his pledge not to seek a third Senate term.

Lasry, who has raised the most so far of any of the Democratic candidates, said, Whether its his conspiracy theorizing, fealty to Donald Trump, or total indifference towards helping working Wisconsinites, Ron Johnson has shown time and time again that he isnt up to the task of representing the people of Wisconsin.

Amazing timing

History may be on Johnsons side to win the 2022 election and help the GOP take back the Senate. Typically, midterm elections favor the party not in presidential power: Under Trump in 2018, Democrats won 41 GOP-held seats to gain control of the House of Representatives, though Republicans gained two Senate seats. In 2014, under former President Barack Obama, Republicans gained 13 seats in the House and nine in the Senate.

Also on Johnsons side, UW-La Crosse assistant political science professor Anthony Chergosky said, is amazing timing, politically.

Johnson first ran in the 2010 midterms, one of the most politically successful for the GOP, when the Democratic party lost 63 seats in the House and six in the Senate.

And then you have the 2016 election where Donald Trump showed unexpected strength and Hillary Clinton showed unexpected weakness in Wisconsin, Chergosky said.

Current presidential politics will likely work in Johnsons favor in 2022, too, Chergosky said.

In the past few months, low Democratic approval ratings have recently correlated with strong Republican showings. For example, in November, Republican Glenn Youngkin was elected governor in Virginia after Biden won the state last year by 10%. Like Youngkin, Johnson has rallied against COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates, critical race theory and the idea that climate change is human-caused.

He also said that Listerine could treat COVID-19 and that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, overhyped the COVID-19 pandemic and did the exact same thing with AIDS.

In Sept. 2021, Johnson touted unproven treatments for COVID-19, including the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin, even after federal health authorities warned against unauthorized use of the drug to treat the disease.

And he has sent mixed signals about the 2020 election. In Dec. 2020, Johnson said fraudulent voting did not change the 2020 election outcome but added that lax enforcement, denying effective bipartisan observation of the complete election process, and failing to be fully transparent or conduct reasonable audits has led to heightened suspicion.

Unfavorable polls

Despite historical factors favoring Johnson, a Marquette Law School poll released late last year suggested the Oshkosh Republican may have a challenging re-election campaign.

In the poll, which did not consider head-to-head matchups with Democratic contenders, 38% of respondents said they would vote for Johnson, 52% said they would vote for someone other than Johnson and 10% said they didnt know or declined to answer.

Additionally, 36% of respondents said they have a favorable opinion, 42% have an unfavorable opinion and 22% didnt know.

But Johnson is no stranger to unfavorable polls, and he has succeeded in races despite early polls suggesting otherwise.

In 2016, the Marquette poll showed Johnson with low approval ratings in his matchup with then-U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, leading a conservative group funding Johnson to cancel $2.2 million worth of ads. Taking charge of his campaign, Johnson billed himself as a manufacturer and grandfather running against a career politician and won by 3 points.

Johnsons low polling results are the rule in politics right now rather than the exception, Burden said, saying the president, governor and most politicians are polling relatively low.

I dont think theres anyone whos doing well in the polls, Burden said. He just needs to do better than his Democratic opponent.

The money race

Johnson has raised $4.2 million in the 2022 race so far, ahead of any Democratic candidate. Lasry, with more than $3 million, has raised the most money in the Democratic field, followed by Godlewski with $1.8 million, Barnes with $1.1 million and Nelson with more than $900,000.

Republican operatives welcomed Johnson back to the campaign trail.

Grassroots Republicans are enthusiastically backing Senator Johnsons bid for re-election and are committed to doing the hard work to make it happen, Wisconsin Republican Party chairman Paul Farrow said Sunday, months after saying he was counting on Johnson seeking a third term.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee chair, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, said While Wisconsin Democrats trip over themselves to prove whos more liberal, Senator Johnson continues to demand accountability in Washington and deliver results for Wisconsinites.

Scott said Johnson fights to protect and defend the security of the United States and is a a tireless advocate for small businesses and the hardworking people of Wisconsin.

Johnsons announcement may pave the way for Kevin Nicholson, a former U.S. Marine who lost in the 2018 U.S. Senate Republican primary, to join the gubernatorial race. Nicholson previously said that he would run for governor if Johnson sought a third Senate term.

After Johnsons announcement, Nicholson alluded on Twitter to a potentially forthcoming announcement of his own.

I do believe I have a role to play in setting the course for a better future for all of us, he said. Over the coming days my family, friends, and I will continue to pray for wisdom for our next steps.
Ahmedabad, Jan 9 (PTI) Five people were killed and 10 others injured after a minivan hit an unidentified vehicle near Dholka town in Gujarat's Ahmedabad district, police said on Sunday.

Also Read | Delhi Air Pollution: Air Quality in National Capital Improves to 'Satisfactory' From 'Moderate' Category As Rain Lashes National Capital, AQI at 90.

The accident took place on a state highway late Saturday night when the van passengers were going from Vadodara to offer prayers at a temple in Botad district, an official from Dholka town police station said.

Also Read | Aligarh Couple Makes Worlds Largest Lock, to Be Dedicated to Ram Temple (See Pics).

"The speeding minivan hit the other vehicle from behind. Five van occupants died on the spot. Ten other van passengers were taken to a hospital where they are undergoing treatment," the official said.

The deceased included three women and two men.

The van driver was among those killed in the accident, the official said, adding that the police were yet to identify the vehicle which was hit by the van.

The victims were in the age group of 27 to 48 years, the police said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], January 9 (ANI): Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij today urged people to adopt the "No Mask, No Service" policy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the state. Vij also urged the people to follow the COVID-19 protocols strictly.

The Health Minister in a Tweet on Sunday wrote, "A humble request to the Honorable People of Haryana to adopt 'No Mask No Service' policy to defeat Corona."

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi COVID-19 Review Meeting: Prime Minister Instructs Officials to Ensure Adequate Health Infrastructure, Maintain Coordination With States.

"The COVID-19 vaccination is on and so far more than 3 crores 67 lakh beneficiaries have been vaccinated", Vij informed. He said that the COVID-19 vaccination is going on in the state and so far more than 3 crore 67 lakh people have been vaccinated. Out of the total vaccinated people, the first dose is administered to more than 2 crore 14 lakh 20 thousand people while 1 crore 52 lakh 82 thousand people have received the second dose.

He said that Haryana has 13,937 COVID-19 cases, out of which 10,324 are in home isolation. Further, only 23 Omicron cases are active while 100 Omicron patients have been discharged. The Health Minister said, "Although the COVID-19 infection is increasing rapidly, there are not many infected patients in the hospitals."

Also Read | BSF Airlifts 3 Patients For Medical Attention From Snow-Bound Tangdhar Sector in J&Ks Kupwara, Watch Video.

The Health Minister said that he is now personally taking stock of the health service in the state, amid the rising COVID-19 cases in the country. He reviewed the PSA Oxygen Plant in the Civil Hospital at Sector-6 of Panchkula and got it operational.

"So far, there are 84 PSA oxygen plants in government hospitals and medical colleges while 54 oxygen plants have been established in private hospitals of the state", added Vij.

According to Vij, there was an oxygen deficiency problem in the last COVID-19 wave. So we decided to install PSA oxygen plants in all the hospitals", added the Health Minister.

Vij also informed that the second genome sequencing laboratory would also be established in the state. According to Health Minister, the state's second genome sequencing lab will be set up in Panchkula. "With the establishment of another lab in Panchkula, there will be one laboratory each at both ends of the state. Earlier, genome sequencing has also been set up in Rohtak", he added. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jan 9 (PTI) Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, has issued a tender to refurbish its entire fleet of 18 ATR-72 aircraft.

Air India, after its successful sale to the Tata Group in October last year, is expected to be handed over to the conglomerate in the first half of this year. However, Alliance Air will remain with the Centre as it was not up for sale.

Also Read | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Tests Negative for COVID-19, Says Back at Your Service.

As per Alliance Air's tender, which has been accessed by PTI, the winning bidder will have to refurbish cargo net, seat cushion repair, seat cover back and bottom, arm handle, floor board, seat belts along with the buckle, tray table and its latch.

Various other elements such as engine cover, propeller strap, arm cap rest, interior cabin fabric, pitot cover, and small and large curtains will have to be refurbished by the vendor, the tender stated.

Also Read | Andhra Pradesh: Fraudsters Dupe Hyderabad Woman of Rs 8 Lakh by Promising Job in Private Airline; Eight Arrested.

Alliance Air operates a fleet of 18 ATR-72 aircraft to approximately 50-odd cities in India. Each of these planes have around 70-72 seats.

The tender mentioned, "Full aircraft carpet replacement will be required out once a year on each aircraft."

Central carpet replacement will be required to be carried out every three months or on the conditional requirement on each aircraft, the tender, which was issued last week, stated.

"The service provider is required to carry out the carpet cutting as per approved drawing, edge binding (beading) laying and fixing of carpet in aircraft as is required by the engineering department," it noted.

Interested bidders will have to first submit their technical bids. Upon clearance, they can submit the final financial bids.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Patna (Bihar) [India], January 9 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Narkatiaganj Rashmi Verma on Sunday announced her resignation citing "personal reasons".

In his letter to the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Verma said, "I am resigning from the membership of Bihar Legislative Assembly because of my personal reasons. Kindly accept my resignation."

Also Read | BSF Airlifts 3 Patients For Medical Attention From Snow-Bound Tangdhar Sector in J&Ks Kupwara, Watch Video.

She was elected to Bihar Assembly from Narkatiaganj seat on BJP ticket in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections.

With the resignation of Rashmi Verma, the tally of BJP in Assembly will reduce to 73 if Speaker accepts her resignation.

Also Read | Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar Visits Gateway of India, Advises People to Follow COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour.

The NDA had secured a 125-seat majority in the 243-seat strong Bihar Legislative Assembly in 2020, of which BJP won on 74 seats, JD(U) on 43 while eight seats were won by two other NDA constituents. The RJD, on the other hand, emerged as the single-largest party with 75 seats while the Congress only won 19 of the 70 seats it had contested on. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chandigarh [India], January 9 (ANI): Following the Election commission's announcement of the schedule of state Assembly polls and related COVID restrictions, Punjab Minister Raj Kumar Verka on Saturday said that the Congress party will promote its election manifesto via social media, TV and other mediums in the state.

"Congress welcomes Election Commission's instructions. We wanted the Commission to impose strict rules on COVID guidelines, which they have done. I am sure Punjab will vote in big numbers. We will promote our manifesto via social media, TV and other media forms," the Punjab Minister told ANI.

Also Read | Aligarh Couple Makes Worlds Largest Lock, to Be Dedicated to Ram Temple (See Pics).

The Election Commission on Saturday announced poll dates for five states with Uttar Pradesh going for a seven-phase assembly election from February 10, Manipur to go for two-phase election from February 27 and Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand to face elections on February 14.

The counting of votes in all states will take place on March 10.

Also Read | Assembly Elections 2022: February 14 Has Historically Been Lucky For AAP, Says Manish Sisodia.

In the wake of the COVID-19 surge, the Commission directed that no physical political rallies and roadshows will be allowed till January 15, however, further rallies and election campaign meetings will be allowed only in earmarked places and with prior permissions of district administration. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Indore, Jan 9 (PTI) A student from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore has been offered the annual package of Rs 49 lakh by a company to work in India during the placement process, an official said on Sunday. This is the highest annual package offered during this session's final placement at this institute which has seen an 18 per cent rise compared to the last time.

Also Read | BSF Airlifts 3 Patients For Medical Attention From Snow-Bound Tangdhar Sector in J&Ks Kupwara, Watch Video.

The institute has successfully completed the final placements of 572 participating candidates from the two-year flagship Post Graduate Program (PGP) and the five-year Integrated Program in Management (IPM), an official release said.

Also Read | COVID-19 Vaccination: Health Workers to Get Booster Dose From January 10 in Rajasthan.

Over 180 recruiters, including more than 30 new ones, offered prestigious roles to students of IIM Indore's 2022 batch.

The average package stood at a record-breaking Rs 25.01 lakh, witnessing an increase of 6% as compared to the previous year, the release said.

The top 100 students bagged packages averaging Rs 37.95 lakh and this average for the top 200 students' compensation stands at Rs 32.75 lakh, it said.

The institute's median package also increased by 6.6% to reach a record Rs 24.09 lakh.

The highest package (during the final placement of this session at IIM Indore) offered on the campus was Rs 49 lakh.

At IIM Indore, our endeavour is to be a contextually-relevant business school with world-class academic standards.. The exceptional placement drive we witnessed this year is a result of our constant efforts and hard work, said Prof Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore.

During the placement, the employers who offered the highest 31 per cent job offers to students are from the counselling sector. Besides, 20 per cent of job offers are given in the finance sector, 18 per cent in sales and marketing, 16 per cent in general management and 15 per cent in the information technology and analytics sector.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Porbandar, January 9: A Pakistani boat with 10 crew members was apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Ankit in the Indian waters at the Arabian Sea during night operations on Saturday, said the ICG officials.

The Pakistani ship was identified as 'Yaseen'.

ICGS Ankit was carrying out night operations when it apprehended the boat.

The Pakistani boat was 6-7 miles inside the Indian waters and attempted to escape from there as soon as they saw the ICG ship. The Pakistani boat was apprehended after a chase by the ICG after which 2,000 kg fish and 600 liters of fuel were recovered.

The ICG informed that the crew did not have any documents and they are being brought to Porbandar for further interrogation. "The Indian Coast Guard ship Ankit apprehended Pakistani 'Yaseen' with 10 crew in Indian waters at the Arabian Sea during Night-Ops on 08 Jan Boat being brought to Porbandar for further interrogation," ICG officials said. Indian Consulate in New York Says Assault Against Sikh Taxi Driver 'Deeply Disturbing', Takes Up Matter with US Authorities.

Coast Guard chief VS Pathania has issued directions to further strengthen patrolling along waters with Pakistan in view of frequent attempts to push contraband and terrorists into India from that side.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata, Jan 9 (PTI) Five BJP members including the party's Pursura MLA, Biman Ghosh, were arrested on Sunday on the charge of violating State Election Commission (SEC) guidelines during electioneering for civic polls in Chandannagar area of West Bengal's Hooghly district.

Also Read | BJP Bashes Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi For Briefing Priyanka Gandhi on PM Narendra Modis Security.

Elections to municipal corporations of Chandannagar, Bidhannagar, Siliguri and Asansol are slated to be held on January 22.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi to Inaugurate 25th National Youth Festival on January 12 on Swami Vivekanandas Birth Anniversary.

According to an officer of Chandannagar police commissionerate, Ghosh was leading a rally of 100 people in ward number 26, where Sandhya Das is the BJP candidate, flouting the SEC guidelines, which, in view of the COVID-19 situation, stipulated that not more than five persons can together participate in civic poll campaigns.

An altercation broke out when one of the personnel from the commissionerate told the MLA that he was violating the rules, but the BJP activists refused to terminate the rally, the officer said.

Five BJP members, including Ghosh and Das, were then arrested and taken to a nearby police station, the officer explained.

They were released on bail later in the day, the officer added.

The BJP MLA, however, denied the charges and said no rule was flouted.

He maintained that just five members of his party, including him and the candidate, were holding a campaign in the area.

Ghosh said the others who followed them were local residents.

Alleging the police and SEC are acting in a "partisan manner" and turning a blind eye to similar rallies of the ruling TMC, the MLA stated, "The SEC had no problem in going ahead with elections amid the rising COVID-19 cases, but problem arises only when we go out for campaigns. Gangasagar mela, too is being held, notwithstanding the crisis. We are the only ones who are made to suffer."

Hitting out at the saffron camp, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee said the BJP is an "indisciplined" party.

Meanwhile, Das Chakraborty, the TMC candidate from ward number 37 of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, was seen taking off her mask during a door-to-door campaign on Sunday.

Das Chakraborty, when approached by reporters, said she had temporarily removed the mask during interaction with locals as many had apparently claimed that her words were not clearly audible with the mask on.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Mayor Adams went on the defensive Sunday over prominent appointments for his own brother and a former high-ranking cop implicated in a bribery scandal.

He said his office was seeking a waiver from the citys Conflicts of Interest Board to allow sibling Bernard Adams to take a high-ranking NYPD job  after the brother had already joined the city payroll.

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Let me be clear on this: My brother is qualified for the position, Adams told CNNs State of the Union, explaining that Bernard Adams would be in charge of my security.

Security is extremely important to me in a time when we see an increase in white supremacy and hate crimes, Adams said. I have to take my security in a very serious way.

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The mayors office confirmed Sunday that Bernard Adams was already on the city payroll. An internal NYPD message on Friday listed him as a new deputy commissioner assigned to Commissioner Keechant Sewells office, according to police sources. Thats a temporary title, according to the mayors office, with his new position to be named in the future.

Taking Bernard Adams on before getting COIB approval for the hire drew criticism from government watchdog Common Cause New York.

In most instances, I would expect that the request for a waiver would be done in advance of the person taking the position, the groups executive director Susan Lerner told the Daily News.

We certainly dont want a government that operates by Id rather ask for forgiveness than permission, because that is lawless, she added.

The mayors office did not comment on the criticism.

The City Charter bars electeds from providing any form of financial gain for associates. Previous mayors have gotten waivers to give jobs to family members, though those have been unpaid roles.

Mayor Adams again made the case for his brother at an unrelated Manhattan press conference.

We have an increase in anarchists in this city [and] country, he said. We have a serious problem with white supremacy. When you talk about the type of security that I want it is extremely unique. I dont want to be away from my public.

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He also argued that his family connection with Bernard Adams would be an asset.

My life  my life  I want in the hands of my brother, said the mayor. He knows his brother, and hes going to keep his brother safe.

During the 2020 mayoral campaign, Adams, a former NYPD captain, told a NY1 podcast he wouldnt need a security detail and that he would carry a gun himself.

But Adams on Sunday indicated he would need protection as he continued his frequent public appearances throughout the five boroughs.

Eric Adams' brother, Bernard Adams, celebrates his brother's win as New York City Mayoral at the Brooklyn Marriott in Brooklyn, New York, Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021. (Shawn Inglima/for the New York Daily News) (Shawn Inglima/for New York Daily News)

I dont want the people of this city to believe the mayor is not approachable and hes not willing to engage with them on the level that I want to represent, he told CNN. You saw I took the subway system [on] my Day One in office, and those are the types of things that I am going to do.

Asked about his appointment of Phil Banks  who abruptly resigned as the NYPDs chief of department amid a federal corruption probe in 2014  Adams said he was not worried about the message he might be sending.

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Phil acknowledges there were some real mistakes and errors that were made. He was not accused of a crime, Adams said of Banks, the new deputy mayor for public safety.

Eric Adams continued his bold message to Dems around the country Sunday, saying, "We can't be so idealistic that were not realistic." The winner of the Democriatc primary for mayor, who previously said he was the "face of the new Democratic party," told ABC's "This Week:" (Luiz C. Ribeiro/for New York Daily News)

Banks was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in a sweeping corruption probe that led to guilty pleas from two businessmen who donated generously to former Mayor Bill de Blasios political causes. Banks received as much as $500,000 in income from one of those businessmen, Jonah Rechnitz, though he himself was never accused of wrongdoing.

I cant leave bad people doing bad things to good people on the bench when I have a talented person that just made some bad decisions, Adams said. He didnt do anything that was criminal. Phil is a great person [at] the right time to do this job.
Kochi, Jan 9 (PTI) The Kerala High Court has granted bail to an interior designer who was arrested in connection with the deaths of three people, including two models, in a car accident which allegedly resulted as he was chasing them in his four-wheeler.

Also Read | Andhra Pradesh: Fraudsters Dupe Hyderabad Woman of Rs 8 Lakh by Promising Job in Private Airline; Eight Arrested.

Justice Gopinath P, while granting the relief to Syju M Thankachan, said that prima facie and for the purpose of considering his entitlement to bail, the provisions of Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) may not be attracted even if all the allegations against the accused interior designer were true.

Also Read | Ahead of Budget Session, Over 400 Parliament Staff Test Positive for COVID-19.

According to the prosecution, investigation in the case has revealed instances of various other crimes, including those under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, committed by the accused and the CCTV visuals, including those of traffic cameras, show the manner in which he caused the accident.

Thankachan was arrested in the case on November 27, 2021.

Ancy Kabeer (25) and Anjana Shajan (24) had died in the fatal crash on November 1 last year.

A third passenger, in the car, succumbed to his injuries a few days later. The driver, who escaped with injuries, was later arrested and is the first accused in the case.

Thankachan is accused of stalking the models from a bar and later intercepting their car at Kundannoor in Kochi city. Later, the women sped away in their car to avoid him and he allegedly chased them in his vehicle, police had said.

The state urged the high court that he may not be granted bail as he was very wealthy and influential and granting him the relief may not be conducive for his successful prosecution.

It also told the court that if it was going to grant him the relief then stringent conditions may be imposed on him.

Thankachan's lawyer told the court that the driver of the car which met with the accident was in a highly inebriated condition and this alone could be the reason why he lost control of the vehicle and not because the accused was chasing them.

The court, thereafter, granted Thankachan bail subject to his executing a bond for a sum of Rs one lakh with two solvent sureties each for the like amount.

It also directed him to appear before the Investigating Officer of the case on every Monday and Saturday at 9 AM and not to leave the local limits of Ernakulam District without permission from the jurisdictional court.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], January 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his greetings on the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh's jayanti, the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru, and said that the Guru's life message gives strength to millions of people.

The Prime Minister also shared some pictures of his visit to Bihar's Patna.

Also Read | Delhi Air Pollution: Air Quality in National Capital Improves to 'Satisfactory' From 'Moderate' Category As Rain Lashes National Capital, AQI at 90.

"Greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. His life and message give strength to millions of people. I will always cherish the fact that our Government got the opportunity to mark his 350th Parkash Utsav. Sharing some glimpses from my visit to Patna at that time," PM Modi tweeted.

Earlier, Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday extended his greetings on the occasion of Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh, and called him an epitome of courage and compassion.

Also Read | Aligarh Couple Makes Worlds Largest Lock, to Be Dedicated to Ram Temple (See Pics).

The Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh is being celebrated on January 9 this year.

Born Gobind Rai at Patna Sahib in Bihar, Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and last of Sikh gurus in human form. He was enthroned at the 'Guru Gaddi' at the age of nine, following the martyrdom of his father, the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Meanwhile, in view of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has given relaxation to the devotees during the weekend curfew in Delhi, allowing them to offer prayers at Gurudwaras on Sunday. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], January 9 (ANI): Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has sparked a controversy over his statement that he had briefed party leader Priyanka Gandhi on whatever happened during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Sunday slammed Channi and said that it is unfortunate that a person holding a constitutional position is reporting to a person who has no authority over PM Modi's security breach.

Also Read | Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar Visits Gateway of India, Advises People to Follow COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour.

Calling Channi a shameless person, Chugh said, "He made the Prime Minister stand at a distance of just 20 kms from the Pakistan border within the range of the enemy's tanks."

"But Channi has not responded on the matter yet," he said.

Also Read | Goa Records 1,922 New COVID-19 Cases in Past 24 Hours; Positivity Rate Inches Towards 25% Mark.

"I am surprised that he is reporting to Priyanka Gandhi ji. I want to ask Channi sahib...who is Priyanka Gandhi ji... which constitutional post she hold? A CM is saying that he has informed Priyanka Gandhi about the people involved in the conspiracy," the BJP leader said while hitting out at the strange administrative behavior of the chief minister.

He further alleged that Congress High command is behind the conspiracy of the PM's security breach.

"The conspiracy is connected to Punjab's Chief Minister's residence and Congress High Command, who had given Channi a task to bring PM Modi to a place where his life will be at risk and he is reporting them," he said.

"It is unfortunate that a person holding a constitutional position is reporting to a person who has no authority. Congress has been insulting Constitutional posts from the very beginning," he added.

Channi earlier on Saturday said that there was "no threat" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the state, and the Prime Minister was "completely safe" when his convoy was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes on his way to National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala.

Channi had also said that he had briefed party leader Priyanka Gandhi "on whatever happened here".

"I am again saying there was no threat to the PM here, it was not there, will not be there. He was completely safe. His security was around him. No one went near him, for one kilometre no one came near him...I had a conversation with Priyanka Gandhiji and I had briefed her on whatever happened here," he told ANI.

Meanwhile, Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Punjab Government on the security breach during the Prime Minister's visit to Punjab.

The Prime Minister's convoy was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes due to road blockage by some protestors about 30 km away from the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala.

The Prime Minister was to visit Ferozepur and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 42,750 crore. After the security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport.

Channi said security force personnel came in sizeable numbers during the visit of the Prime Minister.

"I am tired of asking, what security threat was there to PMji? There were no protestors within the one km range of the Prime Minister, there were 6000 security personnel, IB, and SPG for PM's security. He is Prime Minister of the biggest democracy. What danger could have been?" Channi asked.

Congress leaders have spoken in different voices on the security breach.

Former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jhakhar has said that a secure passage for the Prime Minister of India to address BJP's political rally in Ferozpur should have been ensured. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jan 9 (PTI) Electric two-wheeler maker AMO Electric is looking to raise about USD 100 million next fiscal as it looks to scale up R&D to introduce new products, expand manufacturing capacity and enhance sales infra across the country in order to consolidate its position in the sector.

The Noida-based company currently sells four electric scooters through a sales network of over 150 outlets across the country.

Also Read | DMart Profit Rises 24.6% to Rs 586 Crore in Q3.

"The electric two-wheeler segment is poised for tremendous growth over the next few years. In order to consolidate our position, we are looking to raise around USD 100 million next financial year. This will give impetus to the R&D endeavours and enable us to try to be among the top three players in the industry," AMO Electric Founder and MD Sushant Kumar told PTI in an interaction.

The company is in talks with various financial institutions for raising the capital, he added.

Also Read | Goa Assembly Elections 2022: Congress Ready to Take Support of Any Party Willing to Defeat BJP, Says P Chidambaram.

Kumar noted that the company plans to launch two new products in the current quarter and four new high speed products, including an electric bike, in the next fiscal.

"All the new models would be high speed (50-85 km/h) with a range of 120 plus kilometers and there would also be the option of swappable batteries," he noted.

In terms of sales network, the company aims to have about 650 dealerships across the country enabling it to sell more units in the days to come.

"We plan to sell nearly 1.2 lakh units in the next financial year. Currently, we have presence in around 13 states and two union territories. Next fiscal, we plan to expand in 25 states and around six UTs," Kumar noted.

The company currently has 150 dealers and plans to on-board another 200 in the current quarter and about 300 in the next financial year to take the total to around 650 outlets, he added.

"This will give us a position and a point from where we can put more vehicles into the market," Kumar stated.

He noted that the company also plans to triple its production capacity at its Noida-based manufacturing plant. The company currently rolled out around 8,000 units per month.

AMO currently sources most of the EV parts from other vendors.

Kumar noted that the time has come for the rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry in the country.

"When we started in 2019, market awareness about electric two-wheelers was quite low...but with government support and new players coming in demand started picking up in 2020 but then unfortunately the COVID pandemic happened...the acceptance of the electric two-wheelers has increased post second wave of COVID," he stated.

The increase in petrol prices also played a role in people opting for electric two wheelers, Kumar said.

With new players, including some of the biggest two-wheeler companies, all set to foray into the segment, the competition is expected to increase over the next few years.

Kumar, however, noted that the new players would in fact help increase the awareness about electric mobility and help in the overall growth of the segment.

"The electric industry will now witness a growth phase, where it will grow at a rate of 400 per cent to 500 per cent year on year for the next 6-7 years...Currently, there is no competition, there is space for everyone to grow. We need more serious players to activate the market," he stated.

The company has sold close to 9,000 units in the current fiscal so far and expects to sell another 20,000 units in the ongoing quarter.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Nicosia, Jan 9 (AP) Cyprus' foreign minister announced his resignation on Sunday amid swirling speculation over his intention to run for president of the east Mediterranean island nation next year that he said undermined the work of his ministry and that of the government.

Nikos Christodoulides told reporters that he offered his resignation to President Nicos Anastasiades several days ago and that it was only accepted on Friday. Christodoulides' last day in office will be Monday, when he is scheduled to hold talks with his Kuwaiti counterpart.

Also Read | Cryptocurrency Scam: Pakistanis Lose Millions to Massive Fraud Worth $100 Million.

Christodoulides, 48, said he would be interested in running in the March 2023 election, but that it was much too early for him to formally declare his candidacy and criticised what he called premature and counterproductive campaigning especially amid all the challenges brought on by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

He also decried a move by his center-right Democratic Rally (DISY) party to expedite procedures to select a candidate when the party hierarchy had declared in October that it would leave that decision for the end of spring.

Also Read | Brazil: 6 Killed, 30 Injured After Major Cliff Wall Collapses on Tourist Boats in Furnas Lake.

The reference pointed an indirect finger of blame at party leader Averof Neophytou, who harbours his own presidential ambitions. Neophytou last week called out Christodoulides to make clear his intentions, effectively challenging him to a one-on-one race for the DISY leadership which would, in turn, anoint the party's presidential candidate.

Christodoulides, who served as foreign minister since March 2018 and was government spokesman for five years prior to that, has consistently ranked as one the most popular politicians in the country in numerous public opinion polls.

He said his candidacy would aim to forge a broad base of support from across the political spectrum including his own party, but he insisted that being a party leader was not a pre-requisite for a run at the presidency.

These kinds of approaches serve those who invest in polarization and fanaticism and aren't commensurate with modern democracies and values. I'm sorry, but I won't follow that course, Christodoulides said. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Islamabad [Pakistan], January 9 (ANI): Pakistani authorities imposed a temporary ban on the entry of tourists in Shogran, Naran and Kaghan after the Murree snowfall tragedy which killed at least 23 people on Saturday, reported local media.

According to the notification from the office of the Deputy Commissioner Mansehra, Tehsil Balakot, Naran, Kaghan and Shogran have been closed for all kinds of traffic due to the extreme weather conditions, reported Samaa TV. It comes as a heavy snowfall forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department has been made.

Also Read | Brazil: 6 Killed, 30 Injured After Major Cliff Wall Collapses on Tourist Boats in Furnas Lake.

The notification said that the movement from Balakot upward would be "injurious" for people.

DC Qasim Khan has said that more than 2.5 feet of snowfall have been recorded in Shogran so far. The valley has been already overly crowded and DC Qasim Khan has imposed the restrictions, said Samaa TV.

Also Read | Indian Consulate in New York Says Assault Against Sikh Taxi Driver Deeply Disturbing, Takes Up Matter with US Authorities.

The decision by the authorities came after 23 people were killed in Murree due to heavy snowfall. Pakistan's Punjab government had to call Army for the rescue and evacuation operations.

More than a thousand tourists have been evacuated from the affected areas. The opposition parties in Pakistan have criticised the government for their unpreparedness and negligence of effective measures. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kabul [Afghanistan], January 9 (ANI): UK-based international NGO "Save the Children" has expressed grave concern over the humanitarian crisis affecting Afghan children and said the cold weather has greatly increased problems for the young in the country.

Save the Children said that millions are hungry, out of school, displaced, and face the threat of cold weather. They need urgent humanitarian assistance, Tolo News reported citing the organisation's statement.

Also Read | Cryptocurrency Scam: Pakistanis Lose Millions to Massive Fraud Worth $100 Million.

"Families at the moment are struggling to eat. Nearly five million children are one step away from famine, so it is absolutely critical that the international community continue to support Afghanistan," said Kristiana Marton, an officer at Save the Children.

Ahmad Hussain, 11, is one of millions of Afghan children who is working to afford food for his 11-member family. He said that poverty forced him to leave school.

Also Read | Brazil: 6 Killed, 30 Injured After Major Cliff Wall Collapses on Tourist Boats in Furnas Lake.

"I was in school, but I left it after my father lost his job. Every day, I earn about 50 to 60 afghani," Ahmad Hussain told Tolo News. "I polish shoes to find the money to buy bread for my family; in these cold days, few people come," said Kaihan.

Afghanistan has been in turmoil since the Taliban took control of the war-torn nation in mid-August.

Moreover, the humanitarian crisis has spiked since international aid has dried up. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Washington [US], January 9 (ANI): US President Joe Biden has nominated Lieutenant general Michael E. Kurilla to head Central Command overseeing possible operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

General Kurilla, if confirmed, would replace General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., whose tenure is set to end this spring and as the leader of Central Command, General Kurilla would be responsible for the administration's efforts to prevent terrorist groups from once again using Afghanistan as a launching pad for attacks on the West, according to New York Times.

Also Read | UNICEF: Even as Omicron Variant Takes Hold, School Closures Must Be a Measure of Last Resort.

Lieutenant General Kurilla is a combat-tested commander, having been wounded in a 2005 gun battle during the Iraq war in the city of Mosul in Iraq when he was a battalion commander.

Further, Lieutenant General rose through the ranks, with stints as chief of staff to the head of the military's Central Command at the time, General Joseph L. Votel, and assistant commanding general and director of operations at the Joint Special Operations Command.

Also Read | Swiss Army Bans WhatsApp Use Over Security Concerns.

At present, General Kurilla was also the Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, one of the US Army's most battle-tested units. And he is currently the commander of the Army's 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Also, along with his nomination, Lieutenant General Michael E Kurilla is promoted to General.

Lieutenant General Michael E Kurilla holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from the US Military Academy at West Point, a Master of Business Administration. from Regis University in Denver, and a Master of Science in National Security Studies from the National War College, according to New York Times.

The United States Central Command CENTCOM is one of the eleven unified combatant commands of the U.S. Department of Defense. It was established in 1983. CENTCOM's main headquarters is located at MacDill Air Force Base, in Tampa, Florida (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Haryana, January 9: Fatehabad police arrested two peddlers in Fatehabad for smuggling heroin from Delhi to Punjab on Saturday. Police seized a total of 350 grams of heroin from the peddlers. The seized contraband is said to be worth over Rs 35 lakhs.

As per the report published in The Tribune, the Fatehabad CIA team received a tip-off that two persons were smuggling narcotics from Delhi to Punjab. Acting on a tip-off, police laid down a trap and arrested the peddlers also recovered 350 grams of heroin worth around Rs 35 lakh from the peddlers. Punjab Drugs Crisis: Man Held For Possessing 55 kg Opium in Jalandhar.

As per the reports, the arrested persons have been identified as Pankaj and Amit, both residents of Fatehabad. Both the accused have been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 09, 2022 02:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, Jan 9: After two successive high-profile visits, that of the President and Vice President within a span of less than two weeks, indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant is heading out for the next set of sea trials, officials said on Sunday.

The maiden sea trials in August last year were to establish propulsion, navigational suite, and basic operations, and the second, in October-November, witnessed it being put through its paces in terms of various machinery trials and flight trials. Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant Heads Out for Next Set of Sea Trials (Watch Video).

The ship, in fact, was out for 10 days proving its sustenance in the second sortie. Various seamanship evolutions were also successfully cleared during it. Having gained adequate confidence in the ship's abilities, the IAC now sails to undertake complex manoeuvres to establish specific readings of how it performs in various conditions.

In addition, various sensor suites would also be tested.

IAC Vikrant heads out for the next set of sea trials. pic.twitter.com/sORfCfWKmD  ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2022

On successful completion of a series of progressive sea trials, the ship is scheduled to be commissioned as INS Vikrant later this year, the Defence Ministry said.

The IAC has been a success story on numerous counts, be it Atmanirbhar Bharat, wherein 76 per cent of the equipment is indigenously sourced, or the close engagement between the design teams of the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Ltd, a high-point in the largest and most complex warship ever to be built in the country.

The ship has been able to carry out basic flying operations from its very first sortie, itself a landmark in the history of Indian warship construction.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 09, 2022 10:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New York City is weighing a COVID vaccine mandate for students to go to school in the fall, Mayor Adams said on Sunday.

The new mayor told CNNs State of the Union that he was meeting with health care professionals to determine if such an option is warranted.

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In this country, we do vaccinate for smallpox, measles and other things, Adams said. And so, we need to engage in a real conversation of how to educate, use the time before the fall to educate our parents to show the importance of it.

Were going to sit down and determine if were going to roll that out, as well.

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Last year, Los Angeles officials said students would have to be vaccinated by Jan. 10, but the mammoth scale of the effort forced them to postpone the mandate to the fall.

New York Mayor Eric Adams said on Sunday that vaccinations may be made mandatory for students to return to school in the fall. (Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

In New York City, a record number of students have missed school as the omicron variant of coronavirus sparks a drastic increase in cases.

Citywide attendance, which averaged nearly 90% for much of autumn, dropped to 69% from Dec. 20-23 and Jan. 3-7.

Adams showed no sign of ceding to demands from some parents and educators for the city to bring back a remote-learning option.

The safest place for children is in a school building, he said, repeating a favorite line. What we want to do is not get in the way of ... children from coming into that building.

Adams also shied away from mandatory weekly COVID tests for students, saying that some parents are reluctant for their children to participate.

Asked on CBS Face the Nation whether the school year should be extended to make up for learning loss during the pandemic, Adams was noncommittal.

Were going to sit down with my new chancellor and study how do we start doing the catch-up, said the mayor, who called for a a full-year school year on the 2020 campaign trail
Bhopal, Jan 9: A Madhya Pradesh Police constable has been suspended for refusing to cut his hair and trim his over-long moustache, despite being instructed by his senior officials.

The suspension order, issued on Friday to constable Rakesh Rana, posted as a driver in MP Police's motor transport wing, surfaced on social media on Sunday.

The order, issued by Assistant Inspector General Prashant Sharma, said that Rana faced action for not improving his appearance. Madhya Pradesh: Police Officer Shoots Wife Dead With Service Revolver Before Killing Himself In Shahdol.

"During a check, constable Rakesh Rana was found with hair and moustache grown long. He was instructed to cut his hair and trim his moustache as his turnout was awkward, but he did not follow the order," it read.

The order said Rana's absurd and ugly moustache had left a negative impression on other employees and as he failed to comply with order, he was suspended as part of disciplinary action.

Sharma also said that Rana was adamant on keeping long hair and moustache, which was not accordance with the norms of uniformed personnel.

Calling it a matter of self-respect, Rana said he will not compromise on this issue as he had been keeping the moustache since long time.

In a video surfaced on social media, he was heard saying: "I can't understand why I was suspended for keeping long moustaches when the fact that several senior police officials have also serving with long moustaches. I have been serving under him (Sharma) for the last one year, he could have said it to me earlier, but never questioned me on my moustache. I will rather accept suspension order but not compromise with my self respect."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 09, 2022 11:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh on his birth anniversary or Parkash Purab on Sunday. PM Narendra Modi said that the Guru's life message gives strength to millions of people. "Greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. His life and message give strength to millions of people. I will always cherish the fact that our Government got the opportunity to mark his 350th Parkash Utsav. Sharing some glimpses from my visit to Patna at that time" PM Narendra Modi tweeted.

Check Tweet:

Greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. His life and message give strength to millions of people. I will always cherish the fact that our Government got the opportunity to mark his 350th Parkash Utsav. Sharing some glimpses from my visit to Patna at that time. pic.twitter.com/1ANjFXI1UA  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2022

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
#Meta (@Meta)-owned photo-sharing platform #Instagram has reportedly blocked posts using a hashtag in memory of the victims of a Ukrainian airliner shot down by Iranian security forces two years ago. pic.twitter.com/cgwFOqPDN4 IANS Tweets (@ians_india) January 9, 2022

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
The Mars Perseverance Rovers sample collection has run into a trouble. NASA has said that the rover stopped caching samples after some pebble-sized debris created problems for the machine. The rover encountered the anomaly on December 29th, but the mission team had to wait until January 6th to send a command to extract the drill bit, undock the robot arm from the carousel and take images to verify what happened. NASA Asteroid Watch 2022: Find Details of Next Five Asteroids Approaching Earth and Their Estimate Date

The obstacles are believed to be pebbles that fell out of the sample tube when dropping off the coring bit, preventing that bit from sitting neatly in the carousel. The storage is crucial for NASA's plans to eventually return the samples to Earth.

The Perseverance team sought more data to understand the nature of the anomaly. A week later, they found some pebble-sized debris obstructing the smooth functioning of the probe's robotic arm.

I recently captured my sixth rock core and have encountered a new challenge. Seems some pebble-sized debris is obstructing my robotic arm from handing off the tube for sealing/storage. More images and data to come. #SamplingMars takes perseverance. Blog: https://t.co/flabIslR21 pic.twitter.com/sfaxuu0HNG  NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) January 8, 2022

Louise Jandura, the chief engineer for sampling and caching at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), said in a post that the team is confident that these debris fell out of the storage while collecting the rock samples.

NASA engineers are now trying to remove the debris in an orderly fashion. Since this is the first time they are doing a debris removal, they want to take whatever time is necessary to do it. And they will be evaluating the latest data set over the weekend.James Webb Space Telescopes Secondary Mirror Deployed And Locked, Confirms NASA

The rover team commanded the machine to backtrack by pulling out the drill bit and tube. It snapped some images along the way to help diagnose the problem. "These most recent downlinked images confirm that inside the bit carousel there are a few pieces of pebble-sized debris," Jandura wrote. NASA expects the pebbles fell out of the sample tube.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 09, 2022 06:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Its no riddle that Gen. Ulysses S. Grant is the man buried in Grants Tomb. But there is a mystery behind who is buried in the grave of the man Grant sent to fight the Indians.

It may not be Gen. George Armstrong Custer, who died in 1876 along with his 267 soldiers at the hands of Sioux and Cheyenne Indians at the Little Bighorn in Montana. Instead, Custers grave at the U.S. Military Academy might be the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, historians and anthropologists say.

Its possible that in West Points cemetery, under the noses of Americas top military instructors, an enlisted man is impersonating an officer.

It would be ironic if some buck private were buried up there at West Point, said forensic anthropologist Clyde Snow, who examined newly found bones at Little Bighorn in 1985. Especially ironic, since Custers wife, Elizabeth, was buried alongside in 1933.

Ive often thought in my own warped way that Libby was sure surprised if there was some corporal lying beside her, said Doug McChristian, chief historian at Custer Battlefield National Monument in Montana.

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While at Little Bighorn, Snow looked into the records of Custers burial and his exhumation a year later, when his supposed bones were moved to West Point. Custer graduated from West Point in 1861 at the bottom of his class.

I have a suspicion they got the wrong body, said Snow, of Norman, Okla. The only way to put those suspicions to bed would be to look at the bones interred at West Point and see how they gibe with information we have on Gen. Custer.

As a professional challenge, Snow would like to dig Custer up and try to identify the remains. But as a man who loves myths, he also likes the idea of maintaining the mystery over the occupant of Custers grave.

The thought that it might not be Custer is too delicious to put to rest, Snow said. If someone other than Custer was buried there, theyd probably put the poor guy out somewhere.

The myth will likely remain because the Custer family will not permit an exhumation.

Absolutely not, George A. Custer III of Pebble Beach, a retired Army colonel and great-grandnephew of Custer, said before he died last month.

Custers grave is one of the most popular among West Point visitors. A stone shaped like Washingtons Monument stands over the grave, with bronze plaques depicting the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Even today, Custer buffs occasionally leave flowers on the grave.

Its a tribute to Custer whether his bones are there or not, said Maj. Ed Evans, West Point spokesman.

Most of the soldiers killed at Little Bighorn were not properly identified and were buried hastily in shallow graves. Over the years, animals and the elements scattered many of the bones, while tourists carted off others.

Custer got the most decent burial. He was laid in a fairly deep grave--18 inches. The body of Custers brother, Tom, was laid alongside. The bodies were covered with blankets and a canvas tarp. After it was filled in, the grave was covered with an Indian stretcher, which was weighted down with rocks.

Those efforts should have protected the bodies, leaving two full skeletons for a cavalry detachment that returned a year later to dig up Custer, Snow said.

The exhumation team did not find the stretcher, the rocks, the blankets or the canvas. The grave they believed was Custers contained only one skeleton. After exhuming it, the diggers discovered that the rotting uniform containing the skeleton bore a corporals name. They dug up a nearby grave which contained only a skull, rib cage and leg bone. The exhumation team decided those bones were Custers and shipped them to West Point for burial.

It sounds like they just moved over to the next grave and said, This is Custer,  Snow said.

McChristian agrees that the exhumation team concluded they got the right bones the second time but failed to say how they identified the remains any more thoroughly than the first ones.

Evan Connell, author of the Custer biography Son of the Morning Star, agrees that the exhumation was an unprofessional job, but he thinks the second body dug up was Custers.

My impression is they probably got it right the second time, Connell said. A lock of auburn hair found with those remains was sent to Elizabeth Custer, who said it matched her husbands, Connell said.

If the job of digging up Custer was bungled, the exhumation team shouldnt be blamed, said Richard Hardorff of DeKalb, Ill., who published a book on the burials and exhumations at the Little Bighorn.

Put yourself in their place, Hardorff said. You see the bones, you see skeletons, but youre used to seeing a living person with a certain face, a certain manner of moving around, but all thats gone. They did the best they could to identify Custers bones.

Bruce Liddic of Syracuse, N.Y., who published a book about Custers burial, said theres a slim chance that out of pure dumb luck they got the right body, but I doubt it.

So wheres Custer?

If not at West Point, his bones probably are mingled with enlisted mens in a mass grave at Little Bighorn where exhumed remains were reburied in 1881, McChristian said.

I think that as a soldier, Custer probably would not mind being buried among his men, McChristian said.

Even if the exhumation team did find Custers grave, they sent only a partial skeleton to West Point. That means some of Custers bones probably wound up in the mass grave and some are probably still out there on Last Stand Hill, said National Parks Service archeologist Doug Scott.

The careless exhumation was typical of the times, said Scott, who headed digs at the Custer site in 1984 and 1985. A century ago, a tomb or monument to honor the dead was more important than preserving the human remains, he said.

In the cultural context of the day, the attitude about dying was to memorialize the death rather than worry about the corpus itself, Scott said. Their attitude was to go for a skull, maybe some ribs, an arm or a leg, and that was enough.

The men under Capt. Michael Sheridan, who led the exhumation team, had doubts that the remains being packed for shipment to West Point were Custers. Sheridan ordered them to nail the box up; it is all right as long as the people think so.

Members of the Custer cult agree.

I dont think it makes a bit of difference if the wrong remains were buried in Custers grave, said W. Donald Horn of Short Hills, N.J., who belongs to the group Little Big Horn Associates. I think most of Custers bones remain out in Montana, anyway.

The monument over Custers grave may be more important than whos buried there, Scott said.
A petition demanding the resignation of Education Minister Norma Foley has reached over 7,000 signatures.

It was created following ongoing criticism of the minister due to concerns about safety measures in schools, such as the provision of adequate ventilation.

The petition has almost achieved its goal of 7,500 signatures, with 7,012 people signing in just two weeks.

One of the issues highlighted in the petition's description is the scrapping of school contact tracing, as well as the use of allegedly incorrect data on positive Covid cases in schools.

In a meeting on January 4 between the minister and public health and education representatives, it was decided there was no public health rationale to delay reopenings, and schools reopened on January 6 as planned.

It was also confirmed that advice had been given to schools on appropriate ventilation.

Since the reopenings, thousands of teacher absences have been reported and teachers' unions have repeatedly called for increased protective measures for staff and students.

Some of their concerns include the lack of freely available medical grade masks and the lack of HEPA air filters in many classrooms.

Opposition TD, Aodhan O'Riordain, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the minister.

He commented on social media today (January 8) after receiving a picture of a thermostat from a Dublin classroom reporting a temperature of 7.5 degrees celsius.

This photo was sent to me yesterday from a classroom in Dublin.



It shows a temperature of 7.5 degrees.



Similarly a seminar I attended last week spoke of children whose hands were too cold to write.



1/3 pic.twitter.com/yt2bJUVr9l  Aodhan O Riordain (@AodhanORiordain) January 8, 2022

He said, "A proactive and caring Education Department/ Minister would have assembled a task force of officials spanning expertise in health, education and housing a year ago. Such a group would proactively engage with every school to provide advice, funding and resources to meet their needs.

"The reality is that if a principal got a call from the Department asking how they were getting on, they would most likely faint with shock. We dont have a proactive and caring Education Department/ Minister. It seems enough for them to have opened schools. Simply not good enough."

The importance of ventilation was highlighted in a Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) report released this week, which recommended adequate ventilation of indoor spaces through natural means such as by opening windows, or by mechanical means such as central air-conditioning.

However, parents and teachers alike have raised the issue of children sitting in cold classrooms due to windows being kept open throughout the school day.

Minister Foley came under fire online this week for comments she made during a Radio Kerry segment.

She said, "There's very clear guidance given to schools in terms of the opening and closing of windows and when that should be done, so for example it is recommended that windows would be open before class, windows would be open at the end of class, so I think perhaps there is a misconception that windows have to be open 24/7."
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has refused to say if the champagne reception breach will result in disciplinary measures for officials involved.

Minister Coveney this week said he had not attended the bash at the Iveagh House in June 2020, where his staff were celebrating after Ireland won a seat on the United Nations security council, while strict lockdown measures were still in place.

In a statement on Wednesday (January 5), the minister denied attending the event but said he had spoken to staff after the result, thanking them for their work on the campaign, before returning to his office after 10 minutes.

When approached by reporters yesterday (January 7), he also refused to say if he is prepared to answer questions on the matter before the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee.

I made a detailed statement in writing on Wednesday and I have nothing further to add, Mr Coveney said on arrival at the Kings Inn in Dublin, where he was attending a book launch on the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty.

The minister was also asked if he was avoiding questions on the issue and if he had seen any evidence of the party when he thanked his officials.

Ive said what I had to say on it and Im leaving it at that, he replied.

Minister Coveneys attendance at yesterday's book launch, marking the centenary of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, was flagged in the Governments ministerial public engagements diary earlier this week.

But the press office at the Department of Foreign Affairs said the engagement had been added by mistake, and that he would not be speaking to the press.

The department has apologised for the incident, issuing a statement saying we briefly let out guard down, after a photo emerged showing officials toasting with champagne.

At least 20 officials and staff at the department were pictured at the event in Iveagh House on June 17 2020 while pandemic restrictions were still in place.

A spokesperson said steps were taken to ensure lessons have been learned following the breach of public health guidelines.

Addressing the controversy on Wednesday, Mr Coveney issued a statement saying: June 17th, 2020, was a workday for me. At no point during that day did I attend a champagne celebration.

I was in Government Buildings for the UN Security Council vote.

It was at this time a photograph was taken at Iveagh House that showed DFA officials breaching Covid guidelines.

I had no prior knowledge of this impromptu gathering in the workplace.

It should not have happened and the then Secretary-General admitted the mistake 18 months ago. The department apologised again last week for the breach.

He added: I spoke to and thanked the staff involved in the UN campaign in the UN section of Iveagh House.

I did not see the Covid breach from the earlier photograph and I was thanking our officials in their workplace on a workday for the work they had done on behalf of the State.

After 10 minutes I returned to my office in Iveagh House to prepare for a call with the Norwegian foreign minister and for ongoing briefings on the coalition government negotiations.

The minister recently survived a motion of no-confidence in the Dail over another controversy related to former minister Katherine Zappones appointment as a special UN envoy.
A Covid-19 positivity rate of over 50% has been recorded this week.

That's according to the latest data available on the Covid-19 Data Hub, which collates information from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The latest 50.8% positivity rate marks a continuing rise in cases, and it's believed the figure may be even higher due to a recent difficulty obtaining PCR tests.

Approximately 141,000 people in Ireland have tested positive for the virus in the last seven days after a total of 282,069 tests were conducted during the period.

It comes as Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly praised the "fantastic" uptake in booster vaccinations in the State.

Yesterday (January 7), he tweeted: "The uptake of our booster programme has been fantastic and we have seen a real impact on incidence in boosted age groups. Remember boosters continue to be available through vaccination centres, at participating pharmacies and at GPs."

A total of 2,324,478 boosters have been administered up to January 6 2022.

The HPSC has been notified of 21,926 cases in the last 24 hours, a slight decrease on Friday's 23,817.

According to the latest data, 936 Covid-19 patients are currently hospitalised, 84 of whom are in Intensive Care Units (ICU).

Overall, 930,598 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Ireland so far, a figure which continues to grow exponentially.
South Kildare TD and Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail said political life in Ireland continues to reverberate from the debate of the Anglo Irish Treaty 100 years ago.

The politician has written the Foreword for a 28-page booklet commemorating the centenary of the 13-day debate  dubbed one of the most significant in the history of the Dail.

It was seen a crucial moment in Irelands history that set a new path for Ireland as the Irish Free State formally came into being a year to the day after the Treaty had been signed.

The Anglo-Irish Treaty was the peace agreement that brought the Irish War of Independence to an end.

The conflict had commenced on 21 January 1919 with the lethal attack on police in Soloheadbeg, Co. Tipperary.

It was characterised on the Irish side by a campaign of guerrilla warfare and the creation of a system of government under Dail Eireann to undermine the British regime.

The fighting then grew in intensity until the truce of 11 July 1921.

In his oreword, Mr O Fearghail said: The commemorations of the Decade of Centenaries have provided Irish people with the chance to remember and evaluate a historic period in Irish history.

It has been a privilege and source of pride to me to that the Houses of the Oireachtas has played its part in revisiting the breathless sweep of Irish history of one hundred years ago: from armed insurrection of militant nationalism in the GPO in Easter 1916, to concurrent events on the battlefields of Flanders, the meeting of the First Dail through to the struggle for national independence, now reaching the crucial parliamentary debate on the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921.

The difficult issues of commemorating the Civil War are yet to come. Within this panorama ofevents the Treaty Debates serve as a key staging post upon which Irelands journey of national destiny rested.

Our political life continues to feel the tremors of the seismic activity of those winter days in Earlsfort Terrace in December 1921.

The Irish Free State formally came into being on 6 December 1922, a year to the day after the Treaty had been signed. The government of Northern Ireland had already availed of a provision of the Treaty under which it was permitted to vote itself out of the Free States jurisdiction.

From this point on, the Oireachtas as we now know it began to function. Dail Eireann sat on December 6 and the new upper house, Seanad Eireann, met for the first time in 1922.
A Kildare Senator has criticised derelict buildings in the Curragh Camp and called for a long-awaited investment plan to be fast-tracked.

Senator Mark Wall said the the military facility is the flagship of the Defence Forces and must make everybody proud. He highlighted 42 derelict buildings on the campus.

The Athy-based politician told the Leader: Recently in a debate on Defence in the Seanad, Minister for Defence described the Curragh as the flagship of the Defence forces.

Yet there are up to 43 derelict buildings on the Curragh.

In subsequent conversations the Minister has confirmed that there is an investment plan in place for the Curragh.

This investment plan must be fast tracked. Those that serve in our Defence forces deserve to work and train in the best of facilities, that should reflect a modern defence force.

We are all very proud of the Curragh, but that pride must come with investment.

The Minister has acknowledged that there is dereliction in the flagship our defence forces, that should set the alarm bells ringing in Government.

Minister Simon Coveney told the Dail in November that 2022 will see work begin on a new cadet school, a new barrack services engineering store; a new purpose-built communication and information services facility and a new HQ for the Army Ranger Wing.

He said these projects represent a further investment of in excess of 16.5 million in the Curragh Camp alone for next year.

The minster added that work in 2022 will also focus on developing a new military college auditorium, a new bonded warehouse building, and an upgrade of the new medical school.

Senator Wall said that investment in the Camp is important for South Kildare but added that having derelict houses at a time of a housing crisis is simply not acceptable.

He went on: These houses should be restored and made available to those serving and thier families. Its time the Curragh, reflected what we all want for our Defence Forces. Its time promised investment was fast tracked. The Irish Defence Forces continue to make us all proud, particularly over these last two challenging years. Our flagship, the Curragh, needs to modernised.

The TD told the Dail that recent years have seen a new high security ammunition depot; modernised accommodation in Pearse and Plunkett Barracks; and a recently completed new electronic target range.

These improvements in the training centre were carried out for a combined cost of 17.5 million.
Republicans are carrying out a legislative continuation of last years siege of the U.S. Capitol, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi charged Sunday.

Passing laws making it harder to vote based on false claims the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump is an attack on democracy like the Jan. 6, 2021 assault, the California Democrat said.

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What the Republicans are doing across the country is really a legislative continuation of what they did on Jan. 6, which is to undermine our democracy, to undermine the integrity of our elections, to undermine the voting power, which is the essence of a democracy, she said on CBS News Face the Nation.

Last week marked one year since raging Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, where lawmakers were certifying the results of the November 2020 election won by President Biden.

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Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) talked to The Associated Press about the impact of the Jan. 6 attack by a mob loyal to then-President Donald Trump, on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

In March, House Democrats passed a bill that restricted partisan gerrymandering, created public matching funds for elections and laid out other steps to protect voting rights.

But in the face of strong Republican opposition in the Senate, Democrats have pared down the legislation, known as the Freedom to Vote Act.

The change was aimed not so much at winning over the GOP but at persuading moderate Democrats that the Senate should get rid of the filibuster, some observers have noted.

The White House is expected to push for the bill in the coming weeks.

What is important right now is how we protect and defend the Constitution and the voting rights, Pelosi said.

The special House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol siege is preparing to make its results public. Panel members plan to reveal their findings  based on interviews with more than 300 witnesses  in the coming months.

If everything shut down today, wed be able to put out a powerful and substantive narrative, Rep. Adam Kinzinger told NBCs Meet the Press.

The Illinois Republican noted that Trump watched the events on TV, probably gleefully while this happened.

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Questions about the 45th presidents role in the chaos persist, he added.

What did the president know about Jan. 6 leading up to Jan. 6? he said. Was the president absolutely incompetent or a coward on (Jan. 6) when he didnt do anything. Or did he know what was coming?

With News Wire Services
A large number of political representatives from different parties have urged the government to reconsider its stance regarding the pricing of antigen tests.

Last week, Fianna Fail Senator for Kildare South Fiona OLoughlin recently said that antigen tests should not be affected by a cost barrier.

They should be free or subsidised in certain circumstances, she said.

After being contacted by the Leinster Leader, many other politicians have since weighed in on the issue of pricing antigen tests.

Athy Senator Mark Wall (Labour) has said that his party has been calling for free antigen tests for a number of months.

Indeed, fellow party member Councillor Angela Feeney has said that antigen tests should be free, subject to a limit of five per month from the HSE.

He explained: At a time when a PCR test is hard to arrange, antigen tests have played a vital role and can continue to do so.

He then echoed Senator O Loughlins setiments by saying that antigen tests should never be a barrier to allow those who have symptoms and want to be urgently tested.

Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender told the Leinster Leader: Personally, I believe that antigen tests should be free, or at the very least heavily subsidised.

The fact that the odd supermarket sells them at a reduced price is insufficient; you cant just leave it to the whims of the market, which seems to be what the government is suggesting.

Its all well and good to say that 3 or 4 isnt a lot of money, many families would struggle to come up with that amount, he added.

Cllr Colm Kenny of the Green Party, who also works as a laboratory scientist in Naas General Hospital, chimed in with his view on the prices of antigen tests.

He said: They should be free, or at least heavily subsidised. PCR testing cant keep pace with demand for testing online, so any adjunct or additional testing method is beneficial.

Lastly, Indepenent TD and doctor Cathal Berry similarly voiced his support for making antigen tests cheaper.

He explained: If there are concerns at the potential cost of free antigen tests to the State then the number provided for free to each household could easily be capped. Every effort must be made to avoid another extremely costly lockdown.

He concluded: Free antigen tests are working all over the world. Why not in Ireland?
Additional bus stops are required in the Carbury and Johnstownbridge areas, say councillors Brendan Wyse and Brendan Weld.

They say that the new bus stop locations are justifiable and that because bus services already run through the areas an opportunity is there to be taken.

Bus services currently running between Edenderry and Enfield, and the stop at Carbury village is the last one until Enfield.

The route passes directly by the primary school in Kilshanroe without stopping, and then straight through Johnstownbridge, which provides local services, has two hotels, and a primary school, said Cllr Wyse

The National Transport Authority recently held a public consultation on their future plans for public transport in Kildare, and Cllr Wyse made a submission calling for three stops to be added at Carbury Sweep, Kilshanroe and Johnstownbridge.

The councillors say that not only will the new bus stops directly serve two primary schools, but will provide a link for many secondary and third level students to reach school also.

Cllr Wyse added: Most of the second level students from Carbury parish attend schools in Edenderry.

New stops at Carbury Sweep and Kilshanroe would make it viable for those students to travel to school by bus instead of car.

"We also believe that links to Maynooth and Dublin for third level students will open up if these stops are provided, as they allow people from Carbury and Balyna areas to reach Enfield more easily.
The EU has dedicated the year 2022 as the year to celebrate young people all across Europe. The pandemic has had a significant negative effect on young people and the European Year of Youth will be a chance to bring their needs to the forefront.

Young people in Ireland will be invited to participate in various events as part of the celebrations.

2022 has been dedicated European Year of Youth with an aim to empower, support and engage with young people in a post-pandemic perspective. The EU has said that the young generation is a priority for Europe and next year will be a year to offset damage caused by lock down. The year will see long-term activities for young people initiated to extend beyond 2022.

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune said the overall objective of the year is to reinforce the efforts of the EU and the Irish Government and Local Authorities in Ireland to support young people in a post-pandemic world.

MEP Clune said:

"The year 2022 has been dedicated to supporting and empowering young people across Europe. I am really pleased that 2022 has been dedicated to young people as it is so important for us to acknowledge the significant impact the pandemic has had on the younger generation.

"This initiative will be a great opportunity to listen to their voices and bring about change as their voices reach policy makers. We will also be especially looking to hear from young people from rural areas and vulnerable groups. In Ireland young people will have an opportunity to get involved and as MEPs we will be working on helping young people do that."

The EU will aim to engage young people in key consultation processes, such as the Conference on the Future of Europe, as well as in other public policies at EU, national and local level.

Events to be organised under the EYY umbrella are conferences, initiatives promoting youth participation in policy making, awareness raising campaigns on a more inclusive, green and digital society, as well as studies and research on the situation of youth in the EU.
THE Shannon Foynes Port Company has applied for planning permission for new company offices, new warehousing and a new port entrance at Limerick Docklands. It also plans to convert the Bannatyne Mills on the site into a Grade A office space.

Work on the warehouse and on Bannatyne Mills is expected to begin in the second half of 2022, a spokesman for the port company said.

A junction upgrade at Atlas Avenue/Dock Road, to accommodate the new port entrance, was given the green light by Limerick City and County Council earlier in 2021 and the work is expected to be completed in 2022.

The moves are all part of the companys multimillion euro masterplan to maintain and develop its core port activity but also to regenerate and develop the valuable dockland site.

Since the launch of our masterplan in 2013, we have undergone records levels of investment and have grown throughput in line with ambitious targets set at the time, Pat Keating, port company chief executive said. Our plans for Limerick Docklands, which already plays a vitally important role in the regional supply chain and supports over 850 fulltime jobs in the city and its environs, are very much in keeping with this.

They will facilitate further growth in core-activity at the port, which in 2021 had one of its best years ever, and maximise the commercial potential of non-core assets. Together, these developments will deliver a very significant economic and social dividend for Limerick city and the wider region and we look forward to working with regional and national stakeholders to ensure that this opportunity is maximised.

The port companys planning application, made early in December, seeks permission to build a new port access off Atlas Avenue, which will involve realigning the existing Westend access and building new gates, railings and boundary walls.

The application also seeks permission for new offices and parking arrangements.

In a separate application, the company is seeking permission to build a new bulk store warehouse and service yard at Westend Yard. This will cater for future expansion of port throughput.

It provides for the redevelopment of the iconic Bannatyne Mills building, a company spokesman explained.
AS THE DESIGNATED farmer in the family, I received a traditional quota of socks and a new pair of wellies from Santa, which were almost immediately baptised with cattle to be fed before tucking into Christmas dinner.

This year, due to the pandemic, our numbers at the table were smaller than usual but my great-aunt Sr Bridget Quinn, had made it over from London and regaled us with stories of the high jinks she and my grandmother got up to as children.

They grew up on a small 30ac farm just outside the town of Hospital given to the family through the Land Commission and the stories range from hilarious to heart-breaking. There were ten children and two adults to four rooms in a house that was so damp the walls wept in winter.

Yet somehow, they still managed to each get an orange and some treats in a stocking each Christmas and what they lacked in wealth they made up for in laughter.

Ive always felt like the spearhead of this laughter was my great-grandmother Kitty Quinn. Nothing seemed to phase her, when money was tight and my great-grandfather had to go to England to work on the railroads, she single-handedly milked the cows, took milk to the creamery and got all the children off to school.

My granny recounts that her mother was the only one who had the knack of dosing cattle with the glass cola bottle they used to use and neighbours would come to Kitty for livestock advice.

Every year I plant potatoes on St Patricks Day, and remember the story granny told me of her mother Kitty, calling her over to help her because she realised, with blood coming down her legs in the potato field, that she was miscarrying.

This year, the legend of Kitty Quinn was added to by my great-aunt, who recounted how late one night she and her mother stole into a large landowners field to pick turnips to feed the family the next day. He would have given them to us, but my mother was too proud to admit how poor we were, my aunt explained.

While my great-grandmothers story is personal to me, I have no doubt that many people reading it will see similarities in the lives of their own mothers and grandmothers.

Women who worked on farms across Limerick, raising children and livestock but who never let the blight of tragedy or hardship dull their laughter.

It saddens me considerably that the role these women played on farms has never been officially recognised and that still today just 735 (13%) of Limericks farmers are women. Limerick is not alone in having a low number of women farming or owning land and Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show that even when women do own land the majority own less than 20ha  the average farm size in Ireland is 32ha.

Officially, there are just 17,000 women farming in Ireland, and yet 70,000 work on farms every day without any formal recognition or payment and 40,000 of these women are wives.

In our own family history, the farm my grandmother grew up on would be passed to a son and it would take her over 30 years working in London to save enough money to buy her own farm just outside Croom, where we are now.

Its a sad state of affairs considering the role women played throughout history in the fight for land ownership. In the year of the centenary of the Civil War, its important to remember that it was not just men of the Free State Army or the then-IRA who lost their lives, but women in Cumann na mBan did too. The first member of Cumann na mBan to die in the Civil War was Limerick woman Mary Hartney when artillery was used in battle in Adare in August 1922.

Ive been honoured this year in forming and being elected as the chair of the Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group, alongside representatives from all the leading farming organisations.

In little less than six months, we have successfully twisted the ear of enough politicians and civil servants to ensure that for the first time ever in Irish history there will be supports for women in farming in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). We have not done this alone, and women across the length and breadth of the country have been contacting us and petitioning their own local TDs.

It is my hope that the coming year will bring a sea change and women like my great-grandmother, who farmed without any formal rights or recognition, will finally receive what they deserve.

It has definitely not all been plain sailing and inevitably there will bumps ahead, but I like to think of Kitty Quinn and a couple of other Limerick grannies cheering from the sidelines in their wellies and waterproofs, and I know theyd be proud of us all.
THE Irish Red Cross are appealing for new volunteers in Limerick to bolster its family and community support efforts which have seen a huge 7,500% increase in demand as a result of the pandemic.

There are currently over 270 volunteers in Limerick.

Since March 2020, demand for at-home visits in support of the elderly as well as isolated and vulnerable households - especially in rural areas - has increased from just a few hundred visits per year to over 15,000 visits during this period.

Furthermore, with the increase of testing with the Delta and Omicron Covid variants, the charity has seen a major upswing in demands on its National Ambulance Service with units - having made nearly 1,000 patient transfers since March 2020 for non-emergency treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis appointments as well as GP or dental appointments for older people.

As a result of the 2020 lockdowns, large areas of the country were left in shock and uncertainty.

In response, Irish Red Cross volunteer units from across the island joined together with local communities and rallied to protect the most vulnerable.

As we head into 2022, the Irish Red Cross expect an excess of 268,000 volunteer hours to have been spent on essential community support work since the start of the pandemic. This is the equivalent of over 11,000 days or 30 years of dedicated volunteer time.

The type of services that need further volunteer support includes checking in on the elderly in remote areas over the phone or through video calls, delivering essential supplies of food, medication or heating fuel as well as providing daily shopping runs, collecting medications and assisting Meals on Wheels services to meet their increased demand.
EVERYTHING from healthy eating and Covid-19, to sexual consent, was under the microscope at John the Baptist Community School in Hospital ahead of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2022.

The school has 10 students across six groups competing in this years event.

Everyone has worked extremely hard since September, and we are all looking forward to seeing their projects and ideas displayed for all to see, said Emma Donnelly who teaches junior cycle science and Leaving Cert chemistry at the school.

Students Meadhbh Hurley and Sive Hourigan are competing with the project title: What impact does healthy eating have on the environment? Claire Wolfe, Alice Joy O' Regan and Una Dennehy, meanwhile, are exploring the lack of consent in Irish secondary schools and outlining the effects it has on that generation.

Andrei Bucur, another transition year student, is competing in the Technology category. Andrei created a fundus retinal scanner used for the screening and display of the human retinal nervous system. The mount used for this project has been 3D printed and is equipped with a 20D lens.

Hugh Murnane and Dylan Moriarty are researching L-Cysteine and its use in food products.

Jack Gleason is investigating the cognitive advantages and benefits of being bilingual or multilingual as opposed to being monolingual.

And Jean O'Donovan, Ebony Gorski and Ciara Ryan are investigating how Covid-19 has impacted young athletes mental health due to the lack of sport during lockdowns.

All students in the school, along with their teachers, Ms Donnelly and Ms O' Dwyer are looking forward to the much-anticipated exhibition.

Stay tuned over the coming days as we highlight a number of the Limerick projects!
YET ANOTHER multiple-vehicle collision has occurred on the M7 during a hail shower.

Gardai confirmed they and emergency services attended the scene of a three vehicle road traffic collision between J28 Castletroy and J29 - M7/N24 (West). There was a full road closure for a period.

"It occurred yesterday evening (Saturday, January 8) at approximately 6.50pm. No injuries reported and no offences disclosed," said a garda spokesperson.

In December, Minister Niall Collins and Cllr Martin Ryan renewed calls for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to investigate the M7 between Annacotty and Nenagh.

It follows a number of road traffic accidents within a couple of hours on that stretch of road on Monday, December 6 during hail showers. A female motorist died following a multiple-vehicle collision between Birdhill and Nenagh. There were also accidents between Annacotty and Birdhill.

"What has to happen for them to take action? It cant be a coincidence that multiple crashes occur when there are hail showers or heavy rain. Motorways should be the safest of all roads but for some reason this isnt. There has to be something seriously wrong. It is a significant issue of public concern," said Minister Collins.

Cllr Martin Ryan, who runs Martin Ryan & Sons transport company with his brothers, asked how many deaths and accidents have occurred?

"I would be calling on TII to give that stretch of road a comprehensive appraisal because there have been too many accidents on that road during bad weather. At this stage now it just cannot be down to speed - there has to be something wrong," said Cllr Ryan.
Foreign Secretary Liz Trusss threat to override parts of the post-Brexit agreement on Northern Ireland if negotiations fail has been slammed by the European Union.

Joao Vale de Almeida, the blocs ambassador to the UK, said it is unhelpful to keep agitating the issue of triggering Article 16, ahead of discussions this week.

Ms Truss said she will suggest constructive proposals to her EU counterpart, Maros Sefcovic, during their first face-to-face talks, at her Chevening retreat on Thursday.

But she said she is willing to invoke Article 16, which would suspend parts of the treaty designed to prevent a hard border with the Republic, if a deal cannot be struck.

Mr Vale de Almeida told Sky Newss Trevor Phillips on Sunday: Weve heard this before from the Government, so were not surprised. We are not too impressed.

We still believe its not very helpful that we keep agitating the issue of Article 16. I think what we should focus on  at least thats where we are focused on  is trying to find solutions for difficulties in the implementation of the protocol.

He called for new momentum in the talks, adding: We are eager to reconnect but we are even more eager to find compromises because we need to move on. Its been too long.

The Foreign Secretary was handed responsibility for the negotiations after Lord Frost resigned as Brexit minister last month.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Ms Truss said it is her absolute priority to resolve the unintended consequences created by the protocol to maintain peace in Northern Ireland.

When I see Maros Sefcovic this week for our first face-to-face talks, Ill be putting forward our constructive proposals to resolve the situation.

The current issues are myriad and manifest, she argued, citing issues such as bureaucracy on sending parcels between Northern Ireland and Britain and problems in procuring kosher food.

I am prepared to work night and day to negotiate a solution, Ms Truss said.

But let me be clear: I will not sign up to anything which sees the people of Northern Ireland unable to benefit from the same decisions on taxation and spending as the rest of the UK, or which still sees goods moving within our own country being subject to checks.

My priority is to protect peace and stability in Northern Ireland. I want a negotiated solution, but if we have to use legitimate provisions including Article 16, I am willing to do that.

EU Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic will have talks with Foreign Secretary Liz Truss this week

Last week, Mr Sefcovic warned that the foundation of the entire deal brokered between the UK and the EU will be jeopardised if Ms Truss takes the drastic step.

This is a very distracting element in the discussions. You try to achieve something together and  bam  theres the threat of Article 16 again, he told German newspaper Der Spiegel.

It touches on the fundamentals of our relationship.

The Northern Ireland Protocol was the most complicated part of the Brexit negotiations, and it is the foundation of the entire deal. Without the protocol, the whole system will collapse. We must prevent that at any cost.
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CES 2022 concludes in Las Vegas featuring innovations in consumer industries

Xinhua) 13:46, January 09, 2022

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- The 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) concluded here on Friday, featuring technology innovations for addressing pressing issues from healthcare to food, sustainability and beyond.

Held on Jan. 5-7, the CES, one of the world's premier tech shows, drew more than 2,300 exhibiting companies from around the world, including over 800 startups.

"Innovation came to life this week at CES 2022, with technologies that will reshape industries and provide solutions to pressing worldwide issues from healthcare to agriculture, sustainability and beyond," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the U.S. Consumer Technology Association (CTA), organizer of the CES.

Automotive technology, digital health and artificial intelligence were among the key trends at the CES 2022.

Chinese consumer electronics brands won several top prizes at the CES 2022, including an eye care technology innovation award and a display innovation gold award, shining in this era of booming consumer electronics.

The show was held amid another surge of COVID-19 infections in the United States driven by the Omicron variant.

The CTA took enhanced health measures to reduce the risk of infections. Full vaccination was required for all participants and mask wearing was compulsory indoors.

All badge holders were given a complimentary antigen self-test kit. The CTA encouraged attendees to test less than 24 hours before entering a venue.

Ventilation systems at the CES exhibit venues were improved and the width of many aisles on the show floor were increased to help with social distancing.

The event was held both in person and virtually. Over 40,000 attendees attended the show in person, including 1,800 global media, according to the CTA.

A digital stream of the event gave access to more than 50 keynote sessions for those choosing not to travel to Las Vegas.

For more than 50 years, the CES has been a global stage for innovation.

The first CES was held in New York City in 1967, with 250 exhibitors and 17,500 attendees. Up to now, the CES has grown by more than 10-fold and encompasses both traditional and non-traditional tech industries.

Last year, the CES was held online, the first-ever all-digital show in its history.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
A Saudi princess and her daughter who were arrested nearly three years ago and held without any charges have been freed from a high-security, a human rights group announced Saturday.

Princess Basma bint Saud was detained in March 2019, as she prepared to fly to Switzerland to receive medical treatment for an undisclosed illness.

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According to ALQST, an independent nonprofit that works to defend human rights in Saudi Arabia, the princess was only able to contact her family a month later. She was denied the medical care she needed for a potentially life-threatening condition.

BREAKING: Basma bint Saud Al Saud and her daughter Suhoud, detained since March 2019, have been released. pic.twitter.com/tTsh6kPgzE  ALQST for Human Rights (@ALQST_En) January 8, 2022

Its unclear why she was detained at the time, and at no point during her detention has any charge been leveled against her, the group added.

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Before she was arrested, Princess Basma, whos now 57, was seen as a prominent human rights advocate and a strong proponent of womens rights and a constitutional monarchy.

In 2020 her family told the United Nations that her arrest was likely due to her record as an outspoken critic of abuses, the Agence France-Presse reported.

Princess Basmah Al Saud attends the Carmen Marc Valvo Spring 2013 on Sept. 9, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week) (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

Some have speculated that her proximity to former crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef, might have played a part in her arrest, according to the BBC.

Last April she appealed to Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for her release, saying she had done nothing wrong and that her health was suffering.

Princess Basma is the youngest daughter of the late King Saud, who ruled Saudi Arabia between 1953 and 1964.
Part of the small memorial honoring the recently discovered mass grave at the Kamloops Residential School. The memorial was in front of Queens Park Legislative building in Toronto.

Unmarked graves that may hold the bodies of more than 160 Indigenous children were found this month on Penelakut Island, previously known as Kuper Island, in British Columbia, Canada.

Representatives of the Penelakut Tribe found the graves on the grounds of the former Kuper Island Industrial School, part of a network of mandatory state-run boarding schools for Indigenous children in Canada that subjected children to traumatic family separation, cultural erasure, and abuse. Penelakut Tribe members revealed the discovery in a newsletter that they shared online with neighboring tribes on July 8.

This grim finding is the latest such discovery in recent months. To date, more than 1,000 unmarked children's graves and remains have been identified at former Indigenous residential boarding schools in Canada. In addition to the Penelakut Island graves, unmarked burials at three more locations were detected by First Nations communities between May and July, using ground-penetrating radar scans at sites in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Related: 10 things we learned about the first Americans in 2018

On May 28, representatives of the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc Nation reported finding the remains of 215 children that were buried at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, run by the Catholic Church in British Columbia from 1890 until 1978, Reuters reported . Just a few weeks later, on June 24, the Cowessess First Nation announced that radar scans detected up to 751 unmarked graves at the site of the Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, operated by the Catholic Church from 1899 to 1997, according to BBC News .

Then, on June 30, representatives of the Lower Kootenay Band, a member band of the Ktunaxa Nation, revealed that a recent search at the site of the former St. Eugene's Mission School  another Catholic institution in British Columbia, open from 1890 to 1970  uncovered another 182 unmarked, shallow graves holding children's remains, CNN reported on July 2. (The Penelakut Tribe did not specify how the graves on the island were detected or if remains had been recovered, according to the CBC .)

Some of the children who died at Kamloops were as young as 3 years old, NPR reported, and accounts from former students at dozens of residential schools describe systematic abuse and neglect. Student deaths over decades numbered in the thousands, according to a government report produced in 2015 by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and children who died were often buried on school grounds so that authorities could avoid the costs of shipping remains home to their families.

Cree students at their desks with their teacher in a classroom at All Saints Indian Residential School, in Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan, March 1945. (Image credit: Library and Archives Canada/National Film Board of Canada fonds/a134110)

For almost 150 years in Canada  from 1863 to as recently as 1998  more than 130 residential schools such as Kamloops, Marieval, St. Eugene's and Kuper Island were funded by the Canadian government, and until 1969 many of the schools were operated by Christian churches. These schools forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families and isolated them from their communities and cultures, according to Indigenous Foundations , a website for the First Nations Studies Program at the University of British Columbia.

During that time, more than 150,000 Indigenous children in Canada  from First Nations, Metis (Indigenous people in parts of Canada whose are of Indigenous and European ancestry) and Inuit communities  attended these schools, Indian Country Today reported . Until 1951, all Indigenous children ages 7 to 15 were required by law to attend a residential school, according to Indigenous Foundations. However, abuse continued as long as the schools were in operation, and students "received cruel and sometimes fatal treatment," representatives of the Lower Kootenay Band said in a June 30 statement .

First Nations children hold letters that spell "Goodbye" at Fort Simpson Indian Residential School in Canada's Northwest Territories, in 1922. (Image credit: Library and Archives Canada/Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development fonds/a102575)

"Horrendous abuse"

At the schools, children of all ages followed strict rules that restricted their use of Indigenous languages and forbade the practice of their traditions and customs. Breaking the rules meant harsh punishments, with former students describing "horrendous abuse at the hands of residential school staff: physical, sexual, emotional and psychological," according to Indigenous Foundations.

George Guerin, a former chief of the Musqueam Nation who attended the Kuper Island Residential School in British Columbia, recalled that one of the instructors, Sister Marie Baptiste, "had a supply of sticks as long and thick as pool cues. When she heard me speak my language, shed lift up her hands and bring the stick down on me," according to Indigenous Foundations. From 2007 to 2015, Indigenous people who were former students at residential schools filed nearly 38,000 claims for injuries caused by physical and sexual abuse at the schools, according to the CBC .

For thousands of children, the schools' rampant abuse and neglect were deadly. The 2015 report by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission documented 3,200 children who died while at residential schools, but the number of deaths could be 10 times higher than that, the CBC reported. Four years later, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation released the names of 2,800 of the children who could be identified; many of the children's families were never notified about their deaths, BBC News reported in 2019.

Ciricahua Apache children, photographed upon their arrival at the Carlisle Indian School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in the 1880s. This was the first government-run boarding school for Native American children in the U.S., operating from 1879 to 1918. (Image credit: U.S. Library of Congress)

Beginning in the late 19th century, such residential schools were also established for Native Americans in the United States, according to the Library of Congress . Children at these schools were likewise separated from their families and traditions, and were subjected to harsh rules and often brutal treatment.

"Though we dont know how many children were taken in total, by 1900 there were 20,000 children in Indian boarding schools, and by 1925 that number had more than tripled," according to the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS), a nonprofit that formed in 2012 to increase public awareness about the U.S. Boarding School Policy of 1869. "The stated purpose of this policy was to 'Kill the Indian, Save the Man,'" NABS says. By the 1960s, the policy likely separated hundreds of thousands of Native American children from their families. Many children never returned from the schools, "and their fates have yet to be accounted for by the U.S. government," according to NABS.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland recently announced the formation of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative to review "the troubled legacy of federal boarding school policies," according to a June 22 statement issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Representatives of the Tkemlups te Secwepemc First Nation will release a detailed report of their Kamloops findings on July 15, Global News Canada reported , and the Canadian government has pledged $27 million to Indigenous communities for the identification of burial sites that are still hidden, according to the CBC .

"This was a crime against humanity, an assault on First Nations," Chief Bobby Cameron of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous First Nations in Saskatchewan, told NPR after the discovery of the graves at Marieval.

"We will not stop until we find all the bodies," Cameron said.

Originally published on Live Science.
Latoya Hamilton had just taken a job as a medical assistant when she got notice last week that her daughter's school was going online temporarily. The single mother asked for time off. When it was denied, she did the only thing she could: quit.

A lack of child care had prompted Hamilton to resign once before early in the pandemic, when she left her $26-an-hour job at NYU Langone Health to care for her three school-aged children. But this time is different. She feels more alone, she said, and unsure of how to make do, both logistically and financially. Federal assistance has expired, and she has depleted her savings and maxed out her credit cards.

"I am completely by myself now," said Hamilton, 41 and a resident of Queens who has two children, ages 5 and 12, in New York City public schools, and a 20-year-old daughter with special needs at the Lexington School for the Deaf. "My bills have to get paid, but I can't just leave my children unattended at home. What am I going to do?"

The latest surge in coronavirus cases prompting school and day-care closures has thrust parents back into familiar terrain, trying to navigate work obligations with a changing patchwork of testing protocols, quarantines and a possible return to virtual schooling.

At least 5,225 schools were disrupted for at least part of this past week because of the pandemic, easily a record for the current school year, according to the data firm Burbio. Public schools in Atlanta and Detroit went completely virtual this week, while others, including in the Washington D.C. suburbs of Montgomery County, Md., and Philadelphia, are making decisions on a school-by-school or class-by-class basis. Chicago Public Schools has shut down altogether because of failed union talks over coronavirus safety measures. And day cares around the country are closing for weeks at a time because of coronavirus outbreaks, worsening a long-simmering child-care crisis.

Those disruptions - and the cascading impact on working parents and their employers - threaten economic growth in uneven ways, economists say, with single mothers, low-income families and other economically vulnerable groups being most affected.

Working parents are stressed out and overwhelmed, given the third round of abject uncertainty in two years. But in a new twist, a tight labor market - with roughly 1.5 job openings for every unemployed worker - and difficulty finding and securing workers, particularly in service industries such as retail and hospitality, may end up giving some workers extra leverage in dealing with child-care issues.

"This round of potential school closures is hitting at a very different point than prior in the pandemic," said Lauren Bauer, an economic studies fellow at the Brookings Institution. "We're no longer in a world of fiscal relief to support households and businesses if they need to shut down, leaving families with fewer, if any, good choices."

Many employers that made sweeping accommodations such as paid leave and teleworking arrangements early in the pandemic are scrambling to reintroduce those measures. Just 11 percent of Americans worked from home in November because of the coronavirus crisis, down from 35 percent at the beginning of the pandemic, according to Labor Department data.

Working mothers face the largest setbacks, Bauer said. Many have pulled back from work or taken additional leave to deal with school and day-care closures since the fall.

In interviews with The Washington Post, working parents said they feel like they've exhausted goodwill at their companies over the past two years. They feel worn out and are wrestling with the reality that sporadic school closures could continue for years. Despite the tight job market, lower-income parents in particular said they had far fewer options.

"It's a whole new level of stress for working parents," said Rasheed Malik, the director of early childhood policy at the left-leaning Center for American Progress. "It's especially affecting lower-wage and in-person workers in a serious way that could lead to a lot of kids just having to be left at home or in less safe caregiving arrangements than what parents want."

Hourly service workers with young children reported disproportionately frequent disruptions early in the pandemic, with 60% of families experiencing job losses and 45% taking on additional caregiving duties, according to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in October 2020. And child-care concerns remain among the top reasons people say they had not worked in the preceding seven days, according to data from a U.S. Census Bureau survey in October.

Lauren Cunningham said that sending her two children back to day care now "feels like feeding them to the wolves."

But she has little choice: Cunningham works in advertising sales, and her husband does in-person work for an HVAC company. Both of their children, ages 9 months and 3 years, were home for most of December after her baby tested positive for the coronavirus.

"I feel like I'm just barely clinging onto work as it is, and I cannot get anything done if they're here," she said. "Even when you're in a different room, you hear their feet running around, you hear the baby crying through the walls. I cannot get work done if they're here."

Cunningham kept her 3-year-old daughter at home for nearly a year and half at the beginning of the pandemic and says she can't imagine doing it again. Once she re-enrolled her in day care, her daughter cried for months at drop-off and stopped sleeping through the night. "She's finally running into school and starting to get excited to see her friends," Cunningham said. "We can't start all over again."

Mary Whiteside, an appellate attorney in Los Angeles, is back to a familiar routine: Watching her 2-year-old during the day and catching up on work late at night.

Her son's day care shut down last week after a staffer came down with covid-19. Her older son, 5, is in preschool, and she worries that it is just a matter of time before classes go online. Meanwhile, her partner, who teaches at a private school, is working in-person.

"It's frustrating and stressful and just so uncertain," Whiteside, 44, said. "It's really hard when I don't have any child care or family nearby. Frankly, my work suffers. I make more mistakes."

In Louisville, Sofia Marsano, a clinical psychologist at a hospital, said she is dreading a possible return to virtual schooling. For much of the pandemic, her two children - now 11 and 14 - were at home alone navigating remote classes while she and her husband, who works as a lab manager and teaches at the local community college, went in for their shifts.

"We minimized their time alone, but with me working in person, my husband working in person, there wasn't much else we could do," Marsano, 46, said. She left a microwaveable lunch in the fridge and did her best to check in. The biggest challenge was making sure her children were paying attention to virtual classes instead of watching YouTube videos or scrolling through Instagram on their Chromebooks.

"It was a struggle to keep them motivated when I was at work every day," Marsano said. "I really don't want to go through it again. I fear they won't learn as well if we go back to virtual learning."

Some employers say they're beginning to make additional accommodations to retain workers who are juggling additional child-care responsibilities. Ivy & Sage, a specialty retail store in Mesa, Ariz., has doubled the number of staffers on its payroll in recent weeks, to 22, to make sure there are enough employees to cover for those who need to take time off to deal with school closures.

Record-high labor market turnover and a shortage of workers is further complicating the picture for employers. Some 4.5 million workers quit or changed jobs in November, the Labor Department said this week, setting a record.

At Felt Chicago, a women's clothing boutique, co-owner Holly Grannan said that retaining the store's two employees has been her top priority through the pandemic. When schools shut down in 2020, the store added two desks in the back for a stylist's elementary-school-age children, who accompanied her to work for months. Now, with the city's schools closing again, "the kids are going to be back in the store," she said.

"We didn't want our employee to say, 'I can't work here anymore,'" Grannan said. "She is great at what she does, and it would be difficult to replace her."

And although mothers and fathers alike pulled back from work at the beginning of the pandemic to handle child-care duties, the gender gap has grown in the months since. Mothers have burned through more leave - paid and unpaid - at far higher rates than other workers during the pandemic, according to Misty Heggeness, an economist at the Census Bureau.

"As we tried to get back to normal, dads started returning to work," she said. "But moms kept dealing with the chaos of virtual learning and school quarantines. Some quit their jobs, but a far greater number kept trying to make things work while staying attached to the labor force."

Roughly 1.4 million fewer women were working in December 2021 than were working two years earlier, according to Labor Department data. Among those most likely to have quit for child-care reasons were mothers in low-wage jobs without telecommuting options, in industries such as retail and hospitality that have been struggling to attract and keep workers, Heggeness said.

Back in Queens, Hamilton, the single mother who quit her job last week, is taking advantage of the tight labor market and preparing to start yet another job, administering coronavirus tests for 12 hours a day at a local clinic. But she isn't sure how long she'll be able to hang on. It's still unclear whether her daughter's school will reopen Monday or whether her other children will remain in the classroom.

"I'm just thinking: Okay, when?" she said. "When is the school going to call me saying my kid has been exposed? When are they going to shut down? When will I have to stay home again?"

- - -

The Washington Post's Andrew Van Dam contributed to this report.
Border crossers in the past few days might have seen a sign as they make their payment to cross the bridge as the city has put up a notice that the bridge system is no longer accepting any peso coins for crossing the border.

Beginning on Jan. 1, the city recently adopted a policy at the bridge system that disallows people wanting to cross the border to pay with peso coins, although peso bills are still allowed. While some people were aware of the changes, some have been caught by surprise.

Right before I crossed the bridge, I saw this lady approach me and told me if I could exchange 21 pesos for her for $1 in efforts to cross the bridge, and she told me because they were not accepting any more Mexican change, Monica Guadalupe Valdez said. As I approached the counter to pay, I did see the new sign announcing the change and was really surprised. I really dont mind it personally, as I always pay with a one dollar, but I wonder how other people used to giving change are managing this.

Although Valdez says she does not mind the changes, other people do not feel that the change was necessary.

I dont get why they would do this change, as peso coins are still money and they do matter, Beatrice Sandoval said. Also, this might make it difficult for many first-time travelers coming to the area, and even banks may need now more currency to exchange it. I just think it was unnecessary, but Im sure the city has their reasons for this.

Although some people continue to not support the idea fully, Gabriel Ramirez  who tends to cross the border mainly through a vehicle  says he understands the change to some extent. He says it was needed as many times there was not enough change for the employees at the bridge to give back to the people crossing the bridge, and when there was, many had to provide them a mix of Mexican and American currency.

Every time I cross, the person at the bridge returns to you American currency if there is not enough Mexican currency, and though I did not mind, I know many people that did, especially for people that do not cross often into the United States, Ramirez said. Also, the same would apply for people paying in American currency and then getting pesos, which I believe many people that do not cross often would not like. That is why when you cross from Mexico to over here, it clearly states that no mix change is accepted and that should be the way it should be here too.

Ramirez hopes that in a way this makes the process to go into Mexico much quicker, especially during heavy traffic time into Mexico that usually begins around 5 p.m. every day as it is the biggest bulk of time when cars cross into Mexico on a daily basis.

As the change continues to impact travelers, Valdez sees the change as something necessary as well considering the fact that it is easier to pay with bills and exchange back the currency with American money or pesos in bills as well.

It makes the work of those in the bridge easier and also in a way it makes it easier for people to not get unneeded change but rather get bills back and with it hopefully a faster travel time, Valdez said.

The current rate of crossing the bridges via vehicle is $3.50 per vehicle and $1 per pedestrian.

jorge.vela@lmtonline.com
Courtesy of SAPD

An AMBER alert for a missing San Antonio girl was suspended Friday. No reason was provided as to why the Department of Public Safety discontinued the alert for 3-year-old Lina Khil, who went missing from her apartment complex on December 20.

In a January 7 press release, the San Antonio Police Department stressed that Khil, who was last seen at the Villas del Cabo apartment complex on Fredericksburg Road, is still missing and that search efforts remain a priority for the department.
Lockport, NY (14094)

Today

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 43F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 43F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
One of Mayor de Blasios worst legacies is the way he opened his mayoralty to donors who sought to profit from doing business with the city. By bringing into his inner circle a man who played a sizable role in one of the most sordid chapters of de Blasios term, Eric Adams is taking a risk.

As the citys new deputy mayor for public safety, Philip Banks III will be tasked with helping deliver on Adams core campaign promise. Banks must deliver results on street corners, subway platforms and housing projects. That starts by assuring New Yorkers that each and every move he makes is in the public interest.

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Back on duty. (Debbie Egan-Chin / New York Dail/New York Daily News)

Banks final months as the NYPDs top uniformed officer before abruptly resigning in 2014 were marked by cozy entanglement with Jona Reichnitz and Jeremy Reichberg, two men who went to federal prison for bribing the mayor. Banks, named an unindicted co-conspirator in the case, pocketed $250,000 to $500,000 in income from Reichnitzs firm while serving at the department. He stored $1 million of Reichnitzs diamonds in his NYPD office safe. According to Reichnitzs testimony at trial, he and his partner in crime took NYPD brass, Banks among them, on plane flights and hotel trips to resort destinations, buying prostitutes for those on the jaunt.

In a Daily News op-ed Friday, Banks apologized for his close association with the two bribers, but otherwise defended his actions as above-board and misunderstood. With respect to the hundreds of thousands of income from Reichnitzs firm, he says he was making investments with someone he thought was a legitimate businessman. He pledges to let my hard work be the evidence of my commitment and never to abuse the public trust. We will hold him to that promise.

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Banks has Adams trust, which is essential. But thats not enough. The Adams administration should prioritize assuring the public that Banks is free of any questionable entanglements.

Adams should insist his new deputy mayor is maximally transparent in all his dealings. His calendar and his call sheets should be made easily available to anyone who asks to see them.

Appearances matter and must be watched closely. Having Banks, and not NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell, inform the Internal Affairs Bureau boss who had investigated him back in 2014 that hes being replaced was not a good look.

Finally and most importantly, Banks is going to have to help deliver the safer and fairer city he, Adams and all of us dearly want. Good luck.
(Alliance News) - The EU is "not too impressed" with UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss's threat to override parts of the post-Brexit agreement on Northern Ireland if negotiations fail.

Joao Vale de Almeida, the bloc's ambassador to the UK, said it is unhelpful to "keep agitating the issue" of triggering Article 16, ahead of discussions this week.

Truss said she will suggest "constructive proposals" to her EU counterpart, Maros Sefcovic, during their first face-to-face talks, at her Chevening retreat on Thursday.

But she said she is "willing" to invoke Article 16, which would suspend parts of the treaty designed to prevent a hard border with the Republic, if a deal cannot be struck.

Vale de Almeida told Sky News's Trevor Phillips on Sunday: "We've heard this before from the government, so we're not surprised. We are not too impressed.

"We still believe it's not very helpful that we keep agitating the issue of Article 16. I think what we should focus on a at least that's where we are focused on a is trying to find solutions for difficulties in the implementation of the protocol."

He called for "new momentum" in the talks, adding: "We are eager to reconnect but we are even more eager to find compromises because we need to move on. It's been too long."

The Foreign Secretary was handed responsibility for the negotiations after David Frost resigned as Brexit minister last month.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Truss said it is her "absolute priority" to resolve the "unintended consequences" created by the protocol to maintain peace in Northern Ireland.

"When I see Maros Sefcovic this week for our first face-to-face talks, I'll be putting forward our constructive proposals to resolve the situation."

The current issues are "myriad and manifest", she argued, citing issues such as bureaucracy on sending parcels between Northern Ireland and Britain and problems in procuring kosher food.

"I am prepared to work night and day to negotiate a solution," Truss said.

"But let me be clear: I will not sign up to anything which sees the people of Northern Ireland unable to benefit from the same decisions on taxation and spending as the rest of the UK, or which still sees goods moving within our own country being subject to checks.

"My priority is to protect peace and stability in Northern Ireland. I want a negotiated solution, but if we have to use legitimate provisions including Article 16, I am willing to do that."

Last week, Sefcovic warned that "the foundation of the entire deal" brokered between the UK and the EU will be jeopardised if Truss takes the drastic step.

"This is a very distracting element in the discussions. You try to achieve something together and a bam a there's the threat of Article 16 again," he told German newspaper Der Spiegel.

"It touches on the fundamentals of our relationship.

"The Northern Ireland protocol was the most complicated part of the Brexit negotiations, and it is the foundation of the entire deal. Without the protocol, the whole system will collapse. We must prevent that at any cost."

By Sam Blewett and Ben Hatton, PA Political Staff

source: PA

Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
As part of the FWCs North Florida Deer Study, deer are outfitted with GPS collars and monitored with trail cameras to provide biologists with information about population size, survival, home range and movements.
An inauspicious start to the New Year. Although Palma town hall hadn't organised anything for midnight and despite talk of special deployments of police hurrying any crowds along, people gathered in Placa Cort for the traditional chiming of the bells at the town hall. They gathered, they had their twelve grapes at the ready, they waited, they checked their phones ... . The New Year had come and gone; the bells hadn't chimed.

The town hall was to say that there were bells, just that they were quieter than usual. So quiet, it would appear, that some missed them and had to tuck into the twelve grapes at five past midnight. Any normal year and there would probably have been demands for someone's head to roll, but 2022 arrived and things were as they had been in 2021 - not entirely normal.

Concerts off ... again

To this end, the town hall had to bow to the inevitable and postpone the concerts for the Sant Sebastia fiestas. The councillor for citizen participation, Alberto Jarabo, hasn't had much luck with his concerts. Covid in 2022, Covid in 2021, and not quite Covid in 2020 - Storm Gloria had instead been ripping through the city.

There was better luck with the Three Kings. So comparative normality reigned.

DIY sick leave

Omicron was spreading so rapidly that the previous week's forecast of up to 4,000 new cases a day was soon out of date. The health service's primary care system could no longer cope, partly because of all the demand for sick notes. Doctors were spending all their time either signing people off or back on to work.

Sick leave had increased by 270%. And that was last month. Needs were now such that pharmacies were pressed into initiating the sick leave process and the health ministry announced a do-it-yourself online sick leave system that will be operational some time this coming week.

The army joins the campaign

The vaccination campaign, now with renewed vigour and benefiting from the arrival of the army, was going more rapidly than it had been, but it would have been quicker still if some 26,000 individuals in the Balearics, who appear to know better than around 960,000, were rolling up their shirt sleeves (or whatever) and would thus not need to schedule a test 48 hours or 72 hours in advance of going for a menu del dia.

The winter tourist

There was more ammunition for the anti-mega-cruise ship lobby, when fifteen people were taken off a mega-cruise ship after testing positive, a fate which - let's face it - could well befall passengers on cruise ships which aren't of the mega variety.

With cruise passengers offering one of the rare sights of a Majorcan January - foreign tourists - the monthly tourist figures gave us a reminder of how dramatically tourism falls off in winter. From having been first among Spain's regions over the summer in terms of tourist numbers (a position normally held by Catalonia), the Balearic Islands slumped to sixth place in November - just under 150,000 tourists.

More positively, Boris having announced a relaxation of travel requirements for the double-vaccinated, Jet2 launched special offers and saw bookings soar to pre-pandemic levels.

The Balearic debt

The Balearic government, rarely slow in pointing the finger of blame at Madrid for any financial shortfall, was sniffing the opportunity of getting that nice Sr. Sanchez to wipe off some 4,000 million euros of debt that it owes the Spanish government.

A ploy that has been aired on previous occasions, it was now beginning to look vaguely plausible, as Francina Armengol proposed a new system of regional financing. "Fiscal federalism" would apparently come with an in-built debt pardon.
MANISTEE  The Manistee County Medical Care Facility has made the U.S News and World Report Best Nursing Homes list.

The MCMCF received a 5/5 overall rating from U.S News and World Report. It received a 3/3 rating of high performing in both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.

"I think it's great," said Joe Coleman, the administrator for the facility, adding that he did not know about the rating until the News Advocate told him about it. "I wish had the ranking when we asked the county for the millage. I am glad we had the countys support for the millage."

Coleman said the staff has worked really hard over the years and that "its really an honor for our staff to be honored that way."

He also said they have not had a single case of COVID-19 in the facility in the two years since the pandemic began.

"Its been a good long run (of not having a COVID-19 case) and we hope to continue with that success," Coleman said.

U.S. News and World Report is a "multifaceted digital media company dedicated to helping consumers, business leaders and policy officials make important decisions in their lives," according to its website.

It uses data and technology to "publish independent reporting, rankings, journalism and advice that has earned the trust of our readers and users for nearly 90 years."

The U.S News and World Report broke down how it came up with the ratings for the facility in regards to short-term rehabilitation. Among some of the reasons for its high rating were a higher than average rating for patients' ability to return home.

According to the report, the Manistee County Medical Care facility had 58.9% of residents who were able to return home after being discharged.

That's compared to the state of Michigan's average of 54.8% and national average of 50.8%. The ability to return to a personal residence rather than a hospital or other care setting is an indication of successful rehabilitation.

Other factors for its rating for short-term rehabilitation were the facility's rate of falls with major injuries and the staff vaccination rate. U.S. News noted that 0% of residents fell, resulting in a major injury such as a bone fracture or dislocation.

That is compared to Michigan's statewide rate of 0.7% and national averages of 0.8%. The report states that, "Lower is better. Preventing injury is an indicator of quality care and attention to resident safety."

The staff vaccination rate at the facility is higher than the average rate for the state of Michigan and the national average.

U.S. News and World Report said, that "87.4% of staff received any COVID-19 vaccination. That is compared to Michigan's vaccination rate of 64.3% and national averages of 76.7%. Vaccinations are an important disease-prevention tool, especially when working with a vulnerable population in a residential setting."

As for long-term care, the high rating was due to factors that included emergency rooms visits and the ability to self-care.

The U.S News and World Report wrote that emergency room visits "rated below average for residents requiring emergency room visits during their nursing home stay. Fewer visits to emergent care is indicative of higher quality of care and attention to resident safety."

It also reported that as far as the ability to self-care that the facility had," 87.4% of residents who maintained the ability to move, eat, use the bathroom and do other common activities without help."

That is compared to the state of Michigan's averages of 85.0% and national averages of 83.2%.

"A sustained ability to self-care given is indicative of quality care," according to the U.S. News and World Report.
Alec Baldwin firmly claimed Saturday that hes cooperating with the criminal investigation into the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.

Any suggestion that I am not complying with requests or orders or demands or search warrants about my phone, thats bulls---. Thats a lie, the veteran actor said in an Instagram video.

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New Mexico authorities issued a search warrant Dec. 16 for Baldwins phone, but he still hasnt turned it over.

Alec Baldwin attends a news conference at United Nations headquarters on Sept. 21, 2015. (Seth Wenig/AP)

Baldwin, a New York resident, said that hes just waiting for the multistate legal process to work itself out.

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We are 1000% going to comply with all that, he said. Any suggestion that were not complying is a lie.

Baldwin previously said that he doesnt expect to be charged with a crime despite holding the gun when it fired Oct. 21 on the Rust set on Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe. A live bullet fatally struck Hutchins and sent the set into chaos.

Someone is responsible for what happened, he said in an ABC News interview. And I cant say who that is, but I know its not me.

Baldwin, 63, said he didnt pull the trigger of the gun while he was pointing it at Hutchins. He said Hutchins was doing her job as cinematographer to help set up an angle for the film when he cocked the hammer and the gun fired.

The only way we can honor the death of Halyna Hutchins is to find out the truth, Baldwin said Saturday. Thats what Im working toward, insisting on, demanding that the organizations involved in this investigation do everything in their power to find out what really happened. Thats all that matters.
Possessed of a plain face, thick body and unruly hair that didnt suit the short bob she sported in the summer of 1927, Eugenia Cedarholm was hardly what most men would consider a beauty.

Yet she was relatively young, extremely friendly and always went out of her way to be kind and courteous to her tenants, and she had no problem attracting the opposite sex.

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Especially the charming gentleman who lived in one of the upstairs rooms at her Brooklyn boarding house.

So it was no surprise that tongues started wagging after Cedarholm, the 26-year-old daughter of the recently deceased landlady, began spending way too much time with Edward Lawrence Hall, a handsome and distinguished older man whod owned a Vermont lumber company and was now happily ensconced in the largest living quarters of Cedarholms Schermerhorn St. brownstone in Boerum Hill.

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It wasnt just the obvious age difference  he was 67, after all, old enough to be her grandfather  that made their unlikely friendship so unseemly.

Eugenie Cedarholm (New York Daily News Archive)

It was how Cedarholm hardly hid her relationship with Hall, unabashedly visiting him on many an evening for what people whispered was plenty more than just a spirited round of pinochle.

Then there was the matter of money. She had loads; he apparently didnt, and folks wondered if Hall was after more than just a good time.

Cedarholm had inherited the five-story brownstone and a tidy sum of cash from her Swedish-born mother, who had supported them ever since Cedarholms father walked out on the family when she was barely a few months old.

Yet for all his snappy suits and tales he told of his days in the lucrative lumber industry, everyone knew Hall now toiled in local eateries as a dishwasher to make ends meet.

The gossip mill went into overdrive when Cedarholm and Hall traveled together for a weeklong jaunt to the Adirondacks. Then in November 1927, nosy neighbors suspicions were proven true  Cedarholm shocked her boarders by announcing she was moving to a rented house in Freeport, L.I., about 20 miles away.

Hall, to no ones surprise, promptly moved in with her.

Cedarholm left the rooming house in the care of a trusted friend who was to collect the rent and deposit the cash in her account. A couple of weeks went by before Cedarholm returned to Brooklyn to look in on the brownstone. She then withdrew several hundred dollars from her savings and returned to the Freeport house where Hall was waiting.

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It was the last time anyone saw Eugenia Cedarholm alive.

Police of the Brooklyn Emergency Squad tearing up the kitchen of the Cederholm home at 338 Schemerhorn St. in Brooklyn, searching for Eugene Cederholm, 32.

Months passed as talk of the mismatched couples illicit affair turned from scandalous gossip to genuine concern.

A letter had arrived from Cederholm instructing her friend to now deposit all rent money in a new account in her name  and Halls. The letter seemed forged, and Cedarholm subsequently failed to answer any of her friends telegrams and letters.

When no one at the bank could ever recall seeing Cedarholm, her worried friends contacted the Brooklyn district attorneys office and voiced their suspicions about Hall.

Coincidentally, authorities had already been well aware that something was amiss, at least when it came to Cedarholms finances. Administrators of her mothers estate had been looking for Eugenia to clear up some lingering issues, but no one could locate her. Executives at the bank where she held accounts were likewise hoping to tie up some loose ends.

And city officials were also anxious to find her  Brooklyns subway system was expanding, and authorities were offering good money for her property.

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Once Cedarholms friends went to the DA, the mystery deepened. Police were dispatched to the Freeport home, only to find they had missed Hall and Cedarholm by a matter of days, neighbors told cops. The couple had apparently left the house in a hurry  half-eaten dinners were on the table  but investigators werent sure the woman seen with Hall was actually Cedarholm.

Neighbors couldnt positively ID her from the poor-quality photo police showed them, adding to the mystery. Had Hall killed Cederholm and then taken up with another woman?

New York detectives were now on the hunt for Hall  whom they soon learned was not a well-to-do former lumberman. He was actually Edward Haw, an ex-con, swindler and thief who left a gray-haired wife and adult son back in Minnesota years ago.

In the spring of 1930, more than two years after Cedarholm was last seen, cops tracked Haw to Philadelphia, where hed been picked up on a theft charge. Cedarholm was nowhere to be found.

Haw insisted she was alive and well and living in Florida, where she was taking care of the three young children he said theyd had after they got married. But he insisted he couldnt say anything more and came up with a far-fetched reason why: Cedarholm was hiding from dope peddlers who had threatened to kill the couple.

By then, the New York newspapers were all over the story, putting a salacious spin on their coverage by describing the dowdy Cedarholm as a buxom blonde Brooklyn heiress.

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The missing woman, according to Daily News reporters citing sources, also had a checkered past. The boarding house she ran with her late mother was actually a notorious lodging house frequented by politicians, dope peddlers, bootleggers and racketeers, the paper said.

Worse, The News described Cedarholm as a thrill-seeker whod been the lover of Edwin Jerge, a known gangster who was gunned down in Manhattan in 1930.

Edward Hall in Kings County court. (New York Daily News Archive/New York Daily News)

Whether or not it was all true, the fact remained Cedarholm was still missing  and Haw was the obvious suspect.

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But investigators needed a body to charge him with murder, and cops dug up the cellar and yard of the Freeport home but came away empty. They did the same at her Brooklyn boarding house, which was by now condemned and awaiting demolition before the construction of the impending subway extension.

Haw never budged from his story, and authorities had no choice but to charge the wily old man with forgery.

In 1931, four years after Cedarholm vanished, the 71-year-old Haw was slapped with a stiff 20 years in Sing Sing. Cedarholms elderly father, located in Norway, declared the daughter he never knew legally dead in 1934.

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Haw served 13 years and was paroled in 1944. By then he was a broken old man in his eighties, yet he couldnt stay out of trouble. In December 1945, he was busted by an undercover cop on the Bowery trying to buy a gun for who knows what purpose, and served a year behind bars.

He then disappeared like his former lover.

Cedarholms body never turned up, though her name would make the papers for years, every time police found the remains of a woman, hoping in vain to finally solve the baffling mystery.

JUSTICE STORY has been the Daily News exclusive take on true crime tales of murder, mystery and mayhem for nearly 100 years. Click here to read more.
Kapil Sharma might be the biggest and the most successful comedian actor in the country but even his life has endured its own share of hurdles and serious problems. The man has always been vocal about his humble roots and how he came to Mumbai to make money and find success. His relationship with wife Ginni Chatrath was the talk of the town a few years ago when he was rumoured to be dating her. However their relationship was not a bed of roses and in a recent interview, Kapil opened about being sceptical and convincing her why he felt it would not work out between them.



Speaking to The Man magazine, he said ,  Ginni was in a girls college in Jalandhar doing her graduation, 3-4 years my junior, and I was in a co-ed college studying for a PG diploma in commercial arts. For pocket money I would participate in theatre, and visit other colleges. She was a really good student of mine. Now, of course, shes become my teacher after marriage! She was good at skits and histrionics, so I made her my assistant. Then I found out that madam started liking me, so I explained to her that the car you come in costs more that what my entire family put together is worth! So, it just wouldnt be possible between us. On the professional front, he will soon be seen on Netlflix with Im Not Done Yet and he continues making his fans laugh on his comedy show.

Well, life did turn out beautifully for him as he not only found success and love, but managed to make his love story a big success. The couple is happily married with two beautiful children.

Source: Indian Express
Obama honors Reid as man who got things done

LAS VEGAS  Former President Barack Obama commemorated the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Saturday as a man who got things done, as Democratic leaders gathered from around the country to recall Reid  often laughingly  as a man whose impatience for pleasantries was part of a drive to improve the lives of ordinary Americans.

Reid died Dec. 28 at home in Henderson, Nevada, at 82 of complications from pancreatic cancer.

Let there be no doubt. Harry Reid will be considered one of the greatest Senate majority leaders in history, President Joe Biden said, as leaders credited Reids work on strengthening health care and on Wall Street reform and economic recovery in the wake of the 2008 recession.

Man, girlfriend accused of brutal assault on wife

PERTH, N.Y.  A New York man and his girlfriend are accused of holding the mans estranged wife captive for days and assaulting her, including cutting off one of her fingers, before she managed to escape.

The 37-year-old woman told police she was kidnapped at gunpoint by her husband on New Years Eve and physically and sexually assaulted, fearing for her life while being held at a home and at one point a motel room, according to court papers released Friday, The Times Union of Albany reported.

Throughout the entire time I was with Justin, he was threatening to kill me and told me if I didnt kill myself, he would kill me, the woman told investigators, referring to her estranged husband, Justin Wilson, 31.

The Associated Press doesnt identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly.

Wilson and Nicole Elmore, 35, both of Gloversville, were arraigned Friday on charges of kidnapping, assault and sexual assault.

Worker dies after roof collapses at Pennsylvania stone mine

LAKE LYNN, Pa.  The roof of a stone mine in southwestern Pennsylvania collapsed, killing one worker, authorities said.

The collapse was reported Friday afternoon at Laurel Aggregates Lake Lynn Mine in Springhill Township, Fayette County, the state Department of Environmental Protection said, and a mine safety rescue team was sent.

The person was likely working inside equipment when a portion of the roof fell, officials said. Crews from the company and the rescue team worked to remove loose rock to reach the equipment and move it under a solid, supported area of the roof so the victim could be removed.

The victm was unresponsive when removed just after 11 p.m. Friday by the rescue team and the Smithfield volunteer fire department, environmental department spokesperson Lauren Fraley said.

The worker was pronounced dead at the scene, and a name wasnt released.

The department said it has ordered work halted and will investigate with the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Laurel Aggregates owner Arcosa Aggregates said it was cooperating with the federal mining agency and local authorities to investigate the cause. Arcosa spokesperson Jeff Eller said officials are deeply saddened and extend deepest sympathies to the victims family and friends.
NEW YORK  New York Citys deadliest fire in more than three decades, killing 19 people including nine children Sunday at a Bronx apartment building, was caused by a faulty space heater, officials said.

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said the fire started in a malfunctioning electric space heater in an apartment unit spanning the second and third floors of the 19-story building. The door of the apartment was left open, allowing smoke to quickly spread throughout the building, Nigro said.

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Some residents, trapped in their apartments, broke windows for air and stuffed wet towels under their doors. One man rescued by firefighters said hed become numb to fire alarms because of frequent false alarms.

Stefan Ringel, a senior adviser to Mayor Eric Adams, confirmed the death toll. He said the children killed were 16 years old or younger.

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Thirteen people remained hospitalized in critical condition, Ringel said. In all, more than five dozen people were hurt. Most of the victims had severe smoke inhalation, Nigro said.

Adams called the fires toll horrific and said this is going to be one of the worst fires that we have witnessed during modern times.

Firefighters found victims on every floor and were taking them out in cardiac and respiratory arrest, Nigro said. That is unprecedented in our city.

Approximately 200 firefighters responded to the building on East 181st Street around 11 a.m. Sunday. Initial reports said the fire was on the third floor of the 19-story building, with flames blowing out the windows.

News photographers captured images of firefighters entering the upper floors of the burning building on a ladder, multiple limp children being given oxygen after they were carried out and evacuees with faces covered in soot.

A ladder leads up to a window after a fatal fire at an apartment building in the Bronx on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in New York. The majority of victims were suffering from severe smoke inhalation, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. (Yuki Iwamura/AP)

Resident Vernessa Cunningham, 60, said she raced home from church after getting an alert on her cellphone that the building was on fire.

I couldnt believe what I was seeing. I was in shock, Cunningham said from a nearby school where some residents gathered. I could see my apartment. The windows were all busted out. And I could see flames coming from the back of the building.

Sundays fire originated in a duplex apartment spanning the second and third floors, Nigro said. Firefighters found the door to the apartment open, he said, which apparently allowed the fire to quickly accelerate and spread smoke upward.

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The fire is not believed to be suspicious, but the cause is under investigation, officials said.

Building resident Cristal Diaz, 27, told the New York Post she started putting wet towels at the bottom of her door after smelling smoke while drinking coffee in her living room.

Everything was crazy, she said. We didnt know what to do. We looked out the windows and saw all the dead bodies they were taking with the blankets.

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The 120-unit building in the Twin Parks North West complex was built in 1973 as part of a project to build modern, affordable housing in the Bronx.

Theres no guarantee that theres a working fire alarm in every apartment, or in every common area, U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat who represents the area, told The Associated Press. Most of these buildings have no sprinkler system. And so the housing stock of the Bronx is much more susceptible to devastating fires than most of the housing stock in the city.

Nigro and Torres both compared the fires severity to a 1990 blaze at the Happy Land social club where 87 people were killed when a man set fire to the building after getting into an argument with his former girlfriend and being thrown out of the Bronx club.

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Sundays death toll was the highest for a fire in the city since the Happy Land fire. It was also the deadliest fire at a U.S. residential apartment building since 2017 when 13 people died in an apartment building, also in the Bronx, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association.

That fire started with a 3-year-old boy playing with stove burners and led to several law changes in New York City, including having the fire department to create a plan for educating children and parents on fire safety and requiring certain residential buildings to install self-closing doors.

Sundays fire happened just days after 12 people, including eight children, were killed in a house fire in Philadelphia. The deadliest fire prior to that was in 1989 when a Tennessee apartment building fire claimed the lives of 16 people.

Associated Press reporters Michael R. Sisak and Jennifer Peltz contributed to this report.
PorchFest 2022 is scheduled for June 11.

It will be the fourth annual PorchFest.

Tamarra Miller, one of the organizers, said she and her fiance, Andy Brasher, have plans to add on to the festival this year. She said the additional plans will be announced soon.

Miller said she and Brasher are in the process of finalizing this years lineup.

We always like to keep our lineup fresh, she said.

In 2020, the festival was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic.

It was in 2016 that Brasher was first introduced to the idea, when he attended a similar event in Morgan City, Louisiana.

Brasher and Miller then brought the concept to Owensboro and created PorchFest in 2018.

During that first year, 20 musical acts were featured and performed for six hours on seven front porches along Griffith Avenue and one on Frederica Street.

A year later, it drew an estimated 5,000 people and increased the number of acts.

When it returned in 2021, more than 30 acts  local and from out-of-state  were part of the lineup.

Stages were set up on the front porches of 11 homes on Griffith Avenue between Miller Court and Cary Court. During the festival, that portion of the street was closed off to traffic.

Miller said last years PorchFest brought their biggest turnout yet, and she is hoping for a similar turnout this year.

She and Brasher are planning to increase signage and advertisement this year.

Our biggest goal is to make sure everyone has enough information to have a successful day, Miller said.

They are still lining up details on food trucks and sponsorship packages.

Miller said sponsorship packages should be announced by the end of January.
The Midland City Council may consider allowing marijuana sales in the city of Midland.

On Saturday, during its annual planning retreat, council discussed exploring the possibility of allowing medical and/or recreational marijuana businesses to operate in the city of Midland. While some councilors were on board with exploring these options, others were not.

Council member Pam Hall brought up the topic of exploring these businesses in a previous council meeting, and council asked city attorney Jim Branson to research this topic again. He presented his findings at Saturday's meeting.

Councilors in February 2019 prohibited commercial marijuana establishments, such as dispensaries, stores, testing facilities, grow operations and transport facilities, from operating in the city. Branson said council acted appropriately at the time because there were not any applicants or licensing availabilities at the time, so it was best to wait and see what would happen.

If council does choose to explore allowing marijuana businesses in the city, Branson said they would have to consider where the businesses can be located, the number of businesses that would be allowed, enforcement, and application fees. Zoning matters would first be referred to the planning commission, Branson said.

Some things the city could be missing out on in the absence of marijuana businesses are tax revenues and the creation of new jobs, Branson said. However, bringing these businesses in would mean additional enforcement for police, he said.

The city of Saginaw has its marijuana ordinance spot on, Branson, said, deeming it successful based on conversations he had with city officials there. For instance, Saginaws ordinance lays out how far apart marijuana businesses can be from each other and from schools.

Hall said council should explore allowing the businesses in Midland in a respectful and professional way. She brought up medical marijuana users and said they should have options for this type of medical care in the city.

We are saying that we are listening to the voices of the people, (but) I do not think we are if we are not allowing access to those in our community to access either medical or recreational marijuana in a carefully zoned location, Hall said.

However, Mayor Maureen Donker said that this is not a priority of the city, and that just because the city can do it, does not mean it should.

We have a lot of stuff that we are dealing with right now, Donker said. I do not think this is a priority. If there was not access in the region, I would say maybe, but I think where we are right now (is) on the right track.

Council member Steve Arnosky said he is okay with holding off on allowing marijuana retailers in the city, but added that council should entertain the idea of allowing existing businesses in Midland to operate non-retail marijuana operations, such as transporting and testing.

Midland Chief of Police Nicole Ford said she has changed her mind over the years about legal marijuana, noticing how states like Colorado did not see an uptick in crimes in the area of dispensaries like she expected.

Branson said it is councils choice what to do next with the information he presented. Council could either leave the law as is, or move forward with the process. Council asked him to look into allowing testing labs and to present ordinances from other municipalities (but not for retail).
UPDATED: This piece was updated to reflect the correct time of the lecture.

BENZONIA  The Great Influenza Pandemic (1918-1920) is scheduled to be presented by Michael Nagle online as the next in the Benzie Area Historical Societies Benzonaia Academy Lecture Series.

The lecture will be held at 4 p.m. on Jan. 13 live on Zoom and recorded for later viewing on the society's website benziemuseum.org.

The Zoom meeting link for the lecture is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89591872225.

The Great Influenza pandemic, also known as the Spanish Flu, was the deadliest pandemic in recent history, according to a release on the lecture from the historical society. It struck in four deadly waves beginning in 1918. Experts believe it infected one-third of the worlds population at that time and led to the deaths of at least 50 million worldwide, including 675,000 in the United States.

Nagle, West Shore Community College professor of history and political science, will address questions associated with the Great Influenza and its legacy, such as how and where did it originate, how did health officials respond and how did the population react to mask mandates and school closures?

Nagle, of Ludington, holds a Bachelor of Arts in education and Master of Arts in history from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. He also serves as chair of the social sciences division at WSCC. Nagle is an award-winning teacher and noted speaker covering a range of topics in American and Michigan history.

Nagle is the author of "Justus S. Stearns; Michigan Pine King and Kentucky Coal Baron, 1845-1933," published in 2015 by Wayne State University Press. He is currently working on a biography of the Detroit industrialist Eber Brock Ward. When he died in 1875, Ward was the wealthiest man in Michigan and probably throughout all the Midwest.

This presentation is part of the Benzonia Academy Lecture Series, held on the second Thursday of each month, and offered by the Benzie Area Historical Society. Visit the Benzie Area Historical Societys Facebook page, their website benziemuseum.org or call the Benzie Area Historical Museum at 231-882-5539 for more information.
Evictions have been generally rising in Connecticut at a time when the state is cutting back on staffing to its rental assistance program, which advocates say is keeping tenants from getting the help they need.

And some fear the situation is going to get worse in February when a Gov. Ned Lamont executive order expires, reducing the amount of time landlords need to give tenants to just three days before evicting them.

I think people generally are still suffering and poor people are still feeling the effects of COVID, said Nancy Hronek, a staff attorney who works on eviction defense at Greater Hartford Legal Aid. We had an eviction crisis before COVID, and it certainly hasnt made it any better.

The issue has been compounded by Connecticuts rental assistance program again seeing delays in application processing, which advocates say is slowing down payments for renters in need.

The program had hired additional case review staff temporarily before the funding ran out, Department of Housing spokesman Aaron Turner said.

That level of staffing is not financially sustainable, within the program guidelines provided by U.S. Treasury, Turner said.

Between contractors, consultants and department staff, there were 250 people working on the program at its height. As of Friday, there were 162 people working on UniteCT, which is economically sustainable, Turner said.

At its height, the program was processing fully completed applications within 15 days, on average. Now, a notice on the UniteCT website says the process could take up to 60 days.

The pandemic has also impacted staff availability, Turner said.

Currently, we have the necessary staffing in place to meet the administrative cost limitations of the program and to continue to meet the needs of our applicants, Turner added.

But housing advocates say the UniteCT programs slow-down is hurting tenants, some of whom they say are having evictions filed against them while they wait for their applications to be processed or for money to come through.

Need hasnt slowed down in recent months  the latest spikes in COVID-19 have caused more to miss work because of illness and quarantines. And some are still paying off back rent from months ago, said Virginia Spell, interim executive director of the Urban League of Southern Connecticut.

We have been bombarded with folks who are facing eviction, who are not able to get resolution, who are frustrated, who are angry, who are scared, Spell said.

She added that the slow-downs are also affecting landlords, who are frustrated at having missed rental payments for months.

Were really concerned about some of the landlords that are very impatient and want to be made whole, she said.

Eviction filings and final orders, called executions, have been picking up in Connecticut since a federal moratorium on most evictions for nonpayment of rent ended in August. There were 1,148 evictions filed and 292 final eviction orders issued up to Dec. 29, according to data from the Connecticut Fair Housing Center.

Final eviction orders are also up from lows earlier in the pandemic, but down from pre-pandemic levels, data shows.

Filings are also below December 2019, when there were 1,498, but up significantly from the 395 evictions that were filed in July 2021.

It sure feels like we have more cases, it sure feels like we have more people who are desperate, it sure feels like we have more people who are at the end of their rope, Hronek said.

And the assistance programs slow-down is occurring even as the states own estimates said the program could help 3,500 Connecticut households in December, January and February.

Those estimates were included in a request for $243 million in additional funding the state sent in November to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Treasury is in the process of reallocating money from states and localities that were slower to spend their allocations.

For now, that additional money isnt coming to Connecticut, Turner said.

We heard back that the amount of reallocated funds requested by eligible grantees was far greater than the funding available to distribute, he said.

The UniteCT program was funded with about $400.6 million for rent assistance in federal dollars through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program, which had two rounds of funding, was established to help prevent a flood of evictions for people who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the first round of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Connecticut received $235.9 million. The states total allocated for round two was $186.6 million. Some of that federal money went toward administrative costs.

Although early problems with the initial program caused a slow start, Connecticut picked up the pace this fall and met federal guidelines to spend at least 65 percent of the first round of funding by the end of September.

The state had spent $342.3 million on rental assistance as of Thursday, according to its data dashboard.

Pamela Heller, an attorney with the Connecticut Fair Housing Center, said she has several clients who are waiting on application approvals and may soon face eviction.

Still more are in the recertification process. They previously applied for money and didnt receive the full $15,000 thats possible through the program. So they applied again, which is allowed through UniteCT.

One in particular submitted his recertification documents at the end of October, but still hasn't received assistance, Heller said.

I have so many folks who are recertifying and are still struggling, she said.   Thats not to mention new applications, people who are just learning about the program.

Advocates expect that the number of evictions will rise at a faster rate next month when a gubernatorial executive order expires, requiring landlords to have a UniteCT case number to file an eviction and give 30 days notice of an eviction.

The order, which expires Feb. 15, also includes a requirement that tenants be allowed to repay their rent within the 30 days to reinstate a lease.

After the order expires, the 30-day notice will go back to a three-day notice.

We expect cases to be very, very fast, to move very quickly, Hronek said.
Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - The Beninese government has granted approval to 41 reception and child protection centres throughout the country, sources close to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Microfinance told PANA on Sunday in Cotonou
How to use the mindat.org media viewer

Click/touch this help panel to close it.

Welcome to the mindat.org media viewer. Here is a quick guide to some of the options available to you. Different controls are available depending on the type of media being shown (photo, video, animation, 3d image)

Controls - all media types

Zoom in and out of media using your mousewheel or with a two-finger 'resize' action on a touch device.

Use the mouse or your finger to drag the image or the view area of the image around the screen.

< and > at the left and right hand side of the screen move forwards and backwards for the other images associated with the media you selected. Usually this is used for previous/next photo in a gallery, in an article or in search results. Keyboard shortcuts: use shift + the left and right arrow keys.

< and > in the bottom center are used for switching between the photos of the same specimen. Keyboard shortcuts: use the left and right arrow keys.

> in the bottom center, raises the information box giving details and further options for the media, < at the top of this box then hides it. Keyboard shortcuts: use the up and down arrow keys.

? opens this help window. Keyboard shortcuts: use the H key or the ? key.

Other keyboard shortcuts:

1 Fit image to screen 2 Fill screen with image 5 Display at full resolution < Make background darker > Make background lighter space Hide/dim titles and buttons

Scalebar

If the field of view (FOV) is specified for the photo, the scalebar appears in the left bottom corner of the viewer. The scalebar is draggable and resizeable. Drag the right edge to resize it. Double click will reset the scalebar to it's default size and position. If the scalebar is in default position, double click will make it circular.

Controls - Video

Video files have a standard set of video controls: - Reset to start, - Skip back, - Play, - Pause, - Skip forwards. Keyboard shortcuts: You can stop/start video play with the P key.

Controls - Animation (Spin Rotation)

Animation (usually 360 degree spin rotations) have their own controls: - enable spin mode. Note that while images are loading this option will not be available but will be automatically activated when the animation has loaded. Once active you can spin the image/change the animation by moving your mouse or finger on the image left/right or by pressing the [ or ] keys.

The button switches to move mode so that you can use your mouse/fingers to move the image around the screen as with other media types.

The button, or the P key will start playing the animation directly, you can interrupt this by using the mouse or finger on the image to regain manual movement control.

Controls - 3D Stereoscopic images

If a stereoscopic 3D image is opened in the viewer, the 3D button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "3D settings" menu. The 3D images can be viewed in several ways:

- without any special equipment using cross-eyed or parallel-eyed method

- with stereoscope

- with anaglyph glasses.

- on a suitable 3D TV or monitor (passive 3D system)

For details about 3D refer to: Mindat manuals: Mindat Media Viewer: 3D

To enable/disable 3D stereo display of a compatible stereo pair image press the 3 key. If the left/right images are reversed on your display (this often happens in full-screen mode) press the 4 key to reverse them.

Controls - photo comparison mode

If a photo with activated comparison mode is opened in the viewer, the button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "Comparison mode settings" menu.

Several layouts are supported: slider and side by-side comparison with up to 6 photos shown synchronously on the screen. On each of the compared photos a view selector is placed, e.g.: Longwave UV . It shows the name of currently selected view and allows to select a view for each placeholder.

Summary of all keyboard shortcuts
This offseason has largely been about subtraction for the Reds so far, with Tucker Barnhart getting traded to the Tigers, Wade Miley going to the Cubs on waivers and Michael Lorenzen joining the Angels via free agency. Nick Castellanos also opted out of the remainder of his contract and, though he remains a free agent, seems unlikely to re-sign in Cincinnati. There have also been numerous rumors swirling about teams around the league trying to pry Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle and Sonny Gray away, as the club is apparently looking to align our payroll to our resources, as general manager Nick Krall phrased it.

However, there was at least one addition that the club considered prior to the lockout, as Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that they were interested in Andrew Heaney before he signed with the Dodgers. Whether the club actively pursued Heaney isnt known, but the interest is noteworthy, especially given the fact that they havent signed a free agent to a major league deal yet this offseason.

Heaney took the final spot on MLBTRs Top 50 Free Agents, with a prediction for a one-year, $6MM deal. Its possible that Cincinnatis interest was in that range, as he ultimately landed with the Dodgers for slightly more, a one-year deal worth $8.5MM. With Gray set to make almost $11MM in 2022 and Castillo likely getting close to $8MM in arbitration, perhaps they viewed Heaney as a low-cost way of supplementing the rotation after losing Miley and maybe another starter.

After six straight losing seasons from 2014 to 2019, the Reds emerged from their recent rebuilding effort in 2020, going 31-29 and qualifying for the expanded postseason. 2021 was another winning effort, as the club went 83-79, but that wasnt enough to qualifying for the postseason. Despite that progress, the front office seems to be stuck in an awkward position where they dont want to start another rebuild so quickly but dont have the ability to make a significant addition to the payroll.

Exactly how they plan to walk this fine line isnt yet known, but Heaney would have been a low-cost, high-reward gamble for them. He has long tantalized teams with excellent strikeout and walk numbers, but disappointing results largely caused by the long ball. In 2021, for instance, he gave up 29 home runs and had an ERA of 5.83, but a strikeout rate of 26.9% and walk rate of 7.3%, both of those being better than league average. Given their apparently limited resources, it makes sense for the Reds to be drawn to such a gamble. However, their home field of Great American Ball Park is considered to be quite hitter-friendly, especially when it comes to home runs. It would have been challenging for Heaney to finally reach his full potential in that environment. But given their financial situation, perhaps those are the types of gambles the club will be trying to make after the lockout.
09.01.2022 LISTEN

The chairman of a Kumasi-based Muslim Non-Governmental Organization dubbed, Moslems Executives Foundation (MEF,) Alhaji Musah Abubakari has said freedom of speech must be seen as a tool to promote peace, unity and development.

He indicated that it must not be used as a platform to create violence and confusion in the country.

Speaking to this reporter in Kumasi in an interview, chairman Musah expressed displeasure about the manner in which some youths have been hiding behind social media to abuse the rights of innocent people.

According to him, the traditional and social media platforms are rife with defamatory comments and character assassination of innocent citizens.

Indicating that one's hand ends where one's nose begins, Alhaji Musah Abubakari indicated that freedom of speech has limitations where it turns to offend another person's reputation.

He noted that it is now time the right-thinking citizens condemn people who are fond of using the media to cause violence before calamity befall the country.

Commenting on the fisticuff between the Majority and Minority MPs in Parliament regarding the controversial e-levy, chairman Musah described the action as shameful and undemocratic.

According to him, Ghana has been seen as a shining example of participatory democracy in Africa thus attracting more investors into the country.

Alhaji Musah Abubakari urges politicians to put behind their political colours and consider the larger interest of ordinary citizens.

"If Ghana progresses it would benefit all and not only sympathizers of the either NPP, NDC, CPP or members of other political parties alone but the entire country in general," he stated.
A lowland gorilla, a critically endangered species, was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo's famed Virunga National Park, authorities said.

Conservationists have long sought to protect the world heritage site's gorilla population even as violence and instability has plagued the DRC's eastern provinces over 25 years.

"We're excited to announce the first lowland gorilla birth of the year! Rangers discovered the newborn during a patrol in the Tshiaberimu area yesterday," park authorities tweeted late Friday.

"Rangers are working hard to safeguard this vulnerable population which now stands at seven individuals," it added.

The global population of lowland gorillas has plunged from around 17,000 to fewer than 6,000 today and they continue to experience a rate of decline of 5 percent per year, according to the park.

They are often illegally hunted for bushmeat.

Seventeen mountain gorillas -- a close cousin of the lowland gorilla -- were born in the park last year.

Situated on Democratic Republic of Congo's borders with Rwanda and Uganda, Virunga covers around 7,800 square kilometres (3,000 square miles) of the North Kivu province, of which Goma is the capital.

Inaugurated in 1925, it is the oldest nature reserve in Africa and a sanctuary for the rare mountain gorillas, which are also present in neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda.

Virunga has also become a hideout for local and foreign armed groups that have operated in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for around 25 years.
George Floyds four-year-old great niece Arianna Delane was shot at night while she was sleeping in what her father claimed was a targeted attack.

Arianna was one of the two children and four adults who were sleeping inside the second floor of their south Houston, Texas apartment when a shooter opened fire at around 3am on New Years day.

Arianna was sleeping in the front bedroom when gunfire broke out. She survived the attack and is recovering after an emergency surgery for a punctured lung and liver. She also suffered three broken ribs.

My daughter jumped up and said, Daddy, Ive been hit and I was shocked until I seen the blood and I realised my four-year-old daughter was really hit, Ariannas father Derrick Delane told ABC 13 Houston.

She didnt know what was going on. She was asleep, he added. This is 4-year-old Arianna. She was front and center at the marches and rallies in her Uncle George Floyds case. On Saturday around 3am, her father said she was asleep in her bed when someone fired several shots at their apartment. Arianna was hit in her.

Houston police in a statement said they do not know the possible motive of the firing or if the girl or other family members were targeted. Mr Delane claimed it was a targeted shooting but did not elaborate. Why would my house get shot up? he said.

My daughter dont know. I cant explain that to her. As the father, youre supposed to protect the kids.

The family has accused the police of a delayed response and said officials did not arrive until 7am.

Houstons police chief Troy Finner said in a statement that an Internal Affairs investigation has been launched into the late response. I am aware and have concerns regarding the delayed response time in this incident and have initiated an Internal Affairs investigation, he said.

I ask the city continue to pray for the childs full recovery and assist in providing information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect or suspects responsible.

Statement from Police Chief @TroyFinner regarding the January 1 shooting of a 4-year-old female at 3322 Yellowstone Boulevard.

Arianna accompanied her family members in several Black Lives Matter protests following the killing of her great uncle George Floyd. Ex-Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for the brutal murder after he was seen with his knee on Floyds neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds in May 2020.

Ariannas grandmother LaTonya is Floyds sister. Mr Delane said his daughter wants to become a dancer or cheerleader and hopes she will be able to fulfil her dreams after her recovery. Shes healing very fast. The last time I checked on her she was breathing on her own. She was doing really great, Mr Delane said.
The Assembly Member for Afful Nkwanta Electoral area, Mr Otuo Acheampong, has bemoaned the transitioning of the Kumasi Childrens park located in the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti region into a den for criminals and drug peddlers.

The abandoned Childrens Park has also been turned into a refuse dumpsite for human bodies and garbage.

According to the Assembly Member, the inability to maintain the park has turned the place into a haven for criminal activities.

He told Class FMs Ashanti regional correspondent that the abandoned recreational centre, which has become a forest, is now a no-go area.

The purpose for the construction of the Kumasi Childrens park has been defeated because we could not maintain the park for the Childrens Library".

"The place has been turned into a place for the citys criminals. Every week, if we dont pick up bodies at all, we pick at least 2 dead bodies".

Persons who have committed no crime are attacked after their daily hustle by these criminals. When they resist attempts to be robbed, they are stabbed and dumped there. Those who also go to commit crimes elsewhere and are shot or stabbed go to die there.

He appealed to government and the Chiefs to help salvage the recreational facility.

There are lots of schools surrounding the park so we plead with officials to come to our aid and use the park for the main purpose for which it was constructed.

He noted that, the place becomes dangerous around 2 in the afternoon, and gets worse from 6pm as persons are unable to use that area.

 classfmonline.com
Prof John Egbeazien Oshodi

08.01.2022 LISTEN

Africa like the rest of the world sees the coexistence of science with Christian, Islamic and African religious faiths; and their implications for life and living.

In human history, religious faith and the scientific initiative have generally been at odds with each other.

On a general note, persons who are less religiously observants are most likely to perceive conflict between religion and science.

Within the Nigerian environment the conflict between science and faith is highly vivid, as a great number of people are sometimes misled as to which method, to use to fish out truths.

The African personality compared to the Euro-American character is generally drawn to religiosity and spirituality. Most humans know that science is about facts and religion is about values.

As a psychological scientist and a black African, I believe the solid spiritual mindset of blacks across all religions made us survivals and be able to continuously endure the compressing effects of racial prejudice and colonial tyranny.

Life and living as we know are about balance, and every day across the world, just like in Nigeria, people go about their socio- economic activities, in various domains like school, work, business and other day to day activities.

Amid our daily encounters and pursuits, many of us in the African settings especially, no matter what we do, tend to flavor our engagements with religious expressions and hopes.

Just like I am psychologist, or you are what you do for daily living, some have decided to go under the wing of evangelization.

To be truly chosen as a prophet by the Almighty is deemed an honor, and as it demands selflessness. Today, I am not sure if there are the likes of biblical high-profile prophets like Daniel, John the Baptist, Deborah, or Elijah.

While not all false prophets are easy to recognize they are being used by a spirit mindset to spread untruths, mixing truth with inaccuracy to seem more convincing. The Almighty does not roll or act like that.

On religious ground, God does provide us with a test to know a real prophet.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

We need to understand that there are some persons because of unusual psychological makeup, engage in exaggerated self-proclaimed power.

Some self-decreed 'men and women of God' in the process of reducing their hunger, search for money, and prominence, portray themselves as new prophets in todays secular world, and employ shrewd ways to draw in gatherings.

Each time I read the Webster's definition of prophecy it says, in (the) New Testament, (it is the) gift of speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit; predictions of the future under the influence of divine guidance Basically put, prophecy is God speaking to man/woman.

Genuine prophecy will always stand the test of consistency with the Scripture, and be in harmony with good book, and even science.

Some prophets act to ''win'' lost souls and in the process, many blindly believe in these prophets.

It is important to understand that many who become so-called prophets, are characterized with what is called psychopathy; which is a cluster of relatively stable personality traits associated with callousness, grandiosity, deceitfulness, excitability, unusual calmness, ruthlessness, calculated dominance, controllability, fearlessness, eccentricity, resilience, lack of shame, fake remorse, cleverness, superficial charm, sexual deviance, pathological lying, parasitic ways, manipulativeness, and failure to accept responsibility.

It not unusual for many of them to privately study organized knowledge/images or facts and come out to preach them as sermons, sometimes in a mystified or confused manner.

These secular prophets are very good at exploiting or violating the rights of others without any remorse.

The Cable, a Nigerian media, on December 28, 2021, featured an article; EXTRA: Share false prophecies  and go to prison, Ghana police warn religious leaders

It is time for all African nations to follow the lead of the Ghana government regarding the monitoring of what it called prophecies of doomsday, harm and fear that usually pour out as the people enters a new year.

The Ghanaian police warned religious heads and citizens to avoid sharing false or misleading prophecies as they are predictions of danger and death by some religious leaders which sometimes create unnecessary panic and put the lives of many in jeopardy.

The Ghana government rightly stated that it is a crime to knowingly send out so called prophetic spoken, digital, and published communications as they are nonfactual and misleading; and likely to endanger lives, adding that anyone found culpable risks up to nine years imprisonment.

It went on to say, We therefore wish to caution all Ghanaians, especially religious groups and leaders to be measured in their utterances, especially how they communicate prophecies, which may injure the right of others and the public interest.

The Ghanaian police service added that it respects the right to freedom of religion and is not against prophecies as they know Africans are a religious people who know, and believe in, the centrality of God in our lives. But we must always apply commonsense psychology.

I will say that prophetic voices are heard from descent clergy, when people respond to the call to denounce tribalism, nepotism, brutality as sins.

There are some prophets that mix religion and politics that sometimes turns to an incestuous relationship, such religions and prophecies turn leaders into abusive and fraudulent gods.

I do believe that is it possible to separate true prophets from false prophets. We know that prophets in the Scriptures did not pursue money and were not rich. A genuine prophet does not get to become affluent speaking for God. From the angle of socialization, a true prophet is a very close friend of the poor and the weak, but a false prophet keeps company with the rich and powerful.

Jesus was criticized for keeping company with tax collectors and sinners. Put no trust in princes, says the psalmist in Psalm 146. But in Africa especially our Prophets are always getting in bed with politicians.

The real job of a prophet is to soothe suffering persons, but false prophets tell their audiences what they want to hear. False prophets ignore the sins of his/her friends as they are nothing but material prophets, not prophets of God. Real prophets, speak with righteous anger but not with animosity, and fight against exploitation.

I am of the belief that religious and secular persons can work together for the public good, but it should be about enriching the humanity and society, not each other. A prophet can speak fearlessly about issues, but when he or she starts endorsing or speaking politically against any candidates, that person is no longer speaking for God.

So called prophets are not like Jesus Christ we all heard of, the central figure of Christianity, or the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. History tells us that their sacred predictions are marked with truths.

Today we have prophets, spiritualists and forecasters using direct and indirect fear to condition audiences to believe and follow them. Many of them claim they can heal every illness, help people acquire money, houses, cars, and jobs. These prophets charge a lot of cash for their divine work and lie about coming events.

Psychologically, humans love of miracles and overnight success, so they are easily drawn to listen to messages from these fortune broadcasters whose words are becoming less about foretelling but more about forthtelling.

Unlike the Islam religions and preachers, the existence of Christian prophets is more common. There are those that I call overly crafty prophets, who tell us by hearing the voice of God, they know election winners and losers. Well, why not make me a President in USA or Nigeria!

During the 2020 United States presidential election, prophets and preachers across the globe made predictions that Donald Trump, the 45th US president would defeat the Democrat nominee, Joe Biden, but their prophecies never came to pass.

David Elijah, a pastor at Glorious Mount of Possibility Church, Yaba, Lagos, falsely prophesied that Trump is the chosen one, wrong.

In Nigeria, we all recall, in January 2021, Apostle Paul Okikijesu of the Christ Apostolic Miracle Ministry asserted in a string of prophecies that a sitting male governor, will die while a female deputy will take over after much crisis. We are now in 2022, no such situation has happened. Even if that happens it is legally expected that the deputy takes over.

In May of 2021, General Overseer of the Living Faith Church International, Bishop David Oyedepo, spiritually informed Christians in Nigeria to ignore the COVID-19 vaccines because the "vaccines are deadly." And that the virus is evil and a hoax. Well, for many Nigerian Christians, the civil servants especially, his prophesies were defeated with facts as many workers and civil servants are now rushing to hospitals and designated centres to take the COVID-19 vaccines to gain access to their offices, earn a living and not possibly die..

A Ghana-based pastor, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, who is the founder of the Prophetic Hill Chapel stated that the Nigerias Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo will become president in 2021. Well, we are now in 2022.

Recently, Pastor Prize Aluko, a senior pastor with The Resurrected Assembly (GROM), Abuja, prophesied that God has revealed to him that Jonathan will return to Aso Rock as the next Nigerian president in 2023. Pastor Aluko, factually it will not happen. That is my fact-based bet with you!

Then we have the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, prophetically warning the governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, not to seek re-election for a second term in office. He needs the Ghana police treatment in Nigeria. Uzodinmas dedicated followers would be dismayed about this type of discouragement so the governor should sue Ayodele for slander and get paid compensatory damages. Nigerians, in fact Africans, should try not to be influenced by idiotic religious rhetoric.

Many so-called words prophesy which are authoritarian in content are simply to make their audiences see them as omnipotent or all-knowing deities, and through their awful false messages they take money away from the vulnerable.

Deceptively planting negative image of persons for any personal or psychic reasons is misguiding public attitude, and unjust.

Many so-called prophets who hold prayers in places of worship, teach in Sunday schools, organize prayer and deliverance ministries and are prophesying to other people  yet morally they do not understand the Lord.

Many families, families and other likes have been destroyed through their false predictions. For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed (Isaiah 9:16).

Some of these prophets need to become what could be called, development and democratic prophets that can immediately prevent myriad of our challenges that are stunting Nigerias progress and threatening its existence.

Also, they can help to instantly reduce unemployment, rapidly lower prices of goods, promptly enhance quality healthcare, stabilize electricity supply, and quickly change the minds of kidnappers and make them return abducted school children and working adults without ransom, stop corruption in the judiciary and police, and only allow competence in the Nigerian leadership.

Some days ago, Prophet Jay Jay Enejeta, the General Overseer of Faith Fasting and Prayer Ministry in Abraka, Delta State, was kidnapped but has since been released after paying N10million ransom, prophetically he could have avoided any chance of been abducted, right?

I do believe that a good number of clerics try to be moral people, or at least no worse than most of the rest of us.

There was time when in Nigeria we had suitable preachers working to the order of public good as impartial clerics whose faith was not in money, pleasure, and extravagances but in God.

As a teenager, I recalled traveling to Lagos with my mother, a member of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), a church founded by Rev Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa popularly known as SBJ Oshoffa, who blessed me and thousands of others by pressing on my feet with his foot, thereafter, asked my mother to return me back to Warri where we live, and serve as prophet john. I did my best but could not continue due to being true to myself that behavioral philosophy is where I fit more.

In SBJ Oshoffas time and others in his days, Nigerians for the most part, saw a Christ-like atmosphere of upright spirituality, humility and moral judiciousness attached with values of simplicity and honesty driven by non-material pursuits.

I will end with this. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Matthew 7:15).

John Egbeazien Oshodi who was born in Uromi, Edo State in Nigeria, is an American based Police/Prison Scientist and Forensic/Clinical/Legal Psychologist. A government Consultant on matters of forensic-clinical adult/child psychological services in the USA; Chief Educator and Clinician at the Transatlantic Enrichment and Refresher Institute, an Online Lifelong Center for Personal, Professional and Career Development. A former Interim Associate Dean/Assistant Professor at the Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African settings. In 2011, he introduced the State-of-the-Art Forensic Psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C and the Nasarawa State University where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. A Virtual behavioral Leadership Professor at the ISCOM University, Benin of Republic. Founder of the Proposed Transatlantic Egbeazien University (TEU) of Values and Ethics, a digital project of Truth, Ethics, Openness. Author of over 40 academic publications/creations, at least 200 public opinion writeups on African issues, and various books. He specializes in psycho-prescriptive writings regarding African institutional and governance issues.

John Egbeazien Oshodi wrote in via [email protected]
The United Nations said Saturday it will launch talks to help Sudan find an end to the crisis following a military coup that stalled the country's transition to civilian rule.

"It is time to end the violence and enter into a constructive process," UN special envoy Volker Perthes said in a statement, announcing talks to bring together "all key civilian and military stakeholders".

Sudan has been shaken by pro-democracy protests and a deadly crackdown by security forces since General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan mounted the October 25 takeover that dismantled a fragile power-sharing agreement between the military and civilians.

The arrangement was agreed following the April 2019 ouster of autocratic president Omar al-Bashir after months of street protests against his iron-fisted rule.

At least 60 people have been killed in a violent crackdown since the coup, according to the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors, which is part of the pro-democracy movement.

"The transition has faced major setbacks that have deeply impacted the country since the military coup," Perthes said.

"The subsequent and repeated violence against largely peaceful demonstrators has only served to deepen the mistrust among all political parties in Sudan," he added.

The UN-backed talks are aimed at "supporting Sudanese stakeholders in agreeing on a way out of the current political crisis and... a sustainable path forward towards democracy and peace."

Later, the UN said a news conference would be held on Monday "to mark the official launching of the intra-Sudanese Talks on Democracy and Transition".

'Seize the opportunity'

Perthes said he was "deeply concerned that the current political impasse may slide the country further into instability".

"Armed movements, political parties, civil society, women's groups and resistance committees will be invited to participate in the UN-facilitated political process," he added.

But the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), the civilian alliance which spearheaded the protests against Bashir, said it had not received "any details" about the UN initiative.

In a statement, the FFC said it would "study it once officially received", and reiterated its "unreversed" position of continuing "peaceful mass action to defeat the October 25 coup and establish full civilian authority".

The so-called Quad countries -- the United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- welcomed the UN initiative.

"We urge all Sudanese political actors to seize this opportunity to restore the country's transition to civilian democracy," the four countries said in a joint statement.

They said they hoped the talks would lead to elections in Sudan.

The Arab League also welcomed the talks.

The UN Security Council is to meet Wednesday to discuss the latest developments in Sudan.

Last week, civilian prime minister Abdalla Hamdok resigned, leaving the military in full control of Sudan.

Hamdok had been held under house arrest for weeks following the coup, before being reinstated in a November 21 deal after international pressure.

The pro-democracy protest movement denounced the deal as a "betrayal", saying it provided Burhan with a cloak of legitimacy for his takeover.

Announcing his resignation last Sunday, Hamdok warned Sudan was at a "dangerous crossroads threatening its very survival".
Egyptian-Palestinian activist Ramy Shaath arrived in France Saturday after almost two-and-a-half years in detention in Egypt, after his family said he had to renounce his Egyptian nationality.

The 48-year-old was a figure of the 2011 uprising in Egypt and the coordinator of the country's chapter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel.

An AFP correspondent saw the activist walk out of Charles De Gaulle Airport outside Paris with his French wife, Celine Lebrun.

Shaath said finally being free was "a bit overwhelming".

"I spent the last two-and-a-half years in between a few prisons, a few forced disappearance spots, some of them underground, some of them solely, some of them with huge numbers of people in a very inhumane way of treatment," he said.

His family said earlier that the son of veteran Palestinian politician Nabil Shaath was on his way to Paris, adding that they were "relieved and overjoyed" at his release after 900 days of "arbitrary detention" by the Egyptians.

But "we regret that they forced Ramy to renounce his Egyptian citizenship as a precondition for his release that should have been unconditional after two and a half years of unjust detention under inhumane conditions," the family said in a statement.

"No one should have to choose between their freedom and their citizenship."

'Happy outcome'

Shaath was released on Thursday evening.

Shaath's wife, French national Lebrun, was deported from Egypt shortly after her husband's arrest in July 2019 on charges of aiding a terrorist organisation. By JULIEN DE ROSA AFP

Egyptian authorities later handed him over to a representative of the Palestinian Authority at Cairo airport, where he took a flight to Amman, the Jordanian capital, before heading onward to Paris, his family said.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Twitter saluted the Egyptian decision to free Shaath.

"I share the relief of his wife," he wrote.

"Thank you to everyone who has played a positive role in this happy outcome."

Shaath's wife was deported from Egypt shortly after her husband's arrest in July 2019 on charges of aiding a "terrorist organisation".

In April 2020, Egypt placed him on a terror list alongside 12 other people.

"They charged me with many things," said the freed activist.

"They told me one day, 'You are accused of being part of a terrorist organisation.' And I asked the guy: 'What was the terrorist organization?' He said: 'Well, we are not going to tell you.'"

In December, five human rights groups had called on Macron to pressure Egypt to release Shaath.

Macron had previously addressed his detention in a news conference in Paris with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in December 2020.

Kamel also released

On Saturday, the family of Ramy Kamel, a Coptic rights activist who spent more than two years in pre-trial detention in Egypt, announced he had been released as well.

"Rami is among his family... time to celebrate!" his sister Bossi Kamel wrote on Facebook.

Kamel is a founding member of the Maspero Youth Union, a Coptic human rights organisation born in the wake of the 2011 protests.

He was accused of joining a terror group, receiving foreign funding and broadcasting false information.

But in a November 2021 report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said his arrest "likely represented an effort to prevent him from speaking on the rights of Egyptian minorities at a United Nations conference in Geneva days after his arrest".

Egypt's space for dissent has been severely restricted since Sisi took office in 2014.

Rights groups say Egypt is holding some 60,000 political prisoners, many facing brutal conditions and overcrowded cells.

Egypt ranks in the lowest group on the Global Public Policy Institute's Academic Freedom Index.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The President of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Al-Manfi, met with the President of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Judicial Council, Counsellor Mohamed Al-Hafi, to discuss the conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections, and the means to achieve the national reconciliation project, launched by the Presidential Council
Mr Francis Kofi Okesu, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi East, has rubbished allegations he received double salary as Principal Disaster Control Officer at the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in 2020.

Mr Okesu, a former Public Relations Officer for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)  Krachi East Office, has been accused of working for both the NHIS and NADMO at the same time from September 2020 to January 2021.

Mr Okesu did not resign from his position at NHIS before his engagement with NADMO from September 2020 to January 2021, and being accused of receiving salary from both the NHIS and NADMO during that period.

Mr Okesu was confirmed as MCE for Krachi East in October 2021.

In a response to the accusation in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Okesu confirmed that he was still working with the NHIS when he was appointed as a NADMO officer in September 2020.

He, however, said he did not receive any salary from NADMO throughout the duration of his appointment until he resigned in January 2021.

He said he had intended to work with NADMO on secondment from the NHIS, but had to resign four months after his appointment because the secondment process was unsuccessful.

When asked if he applied to be on secondment from NHIS and not a staff of NADMO, Mr Okesu said he did not indicate that in his application letter to NADMO.

When I was appointed, I couldn't move from NHIS to NADMO because I wanted to take secondment but I couldn't go. On that note subsequently, I had to tender the resignation at NADMO because I couldn't work at both places.

In November ending, NADMO called us to do our biometric registration so that they can process our documents for payment of our salaries. But because I couldn't get my secondment through, that is why I resigned in January, he said.

Checks by the GNA indicate that Mr Okesu applied for employment at NADMO on May 14, 2020, while he was still a staff of the NHIS.

In a letter dated August 20, 2020, NADMO offered Mr Okesu appointment as a Principal Disaster Control Officer in the Organisation, and was posted to the Oti Region.

Mr Okesu, in a letter dated September 1, 2020, and addressed to the Director General, NADMO, accepted the offer.

After four months, Mr Okesu, in a letter dated January 26, 2021, and addressed to the Director General, NADMO, tendered his resignation from the Organisation, taking effect from January 29, 2021.

In a response letter dated February 23, 2021, signed by Mr Benjamin Owusu-Afriyie, Director of Administration, NADMO, the Organisation accepted and granted his resignation.

NADMO, in a separate letter dated February 23, 2021, and addressed to the Controller and Accountant General, authorised the latter to delete Mr Okesu's name from NADMO's payroll with immediate effect.

Mr Okesu told the GNA that he did not receive any salary as staff of NADMO before and after his resignation.

He said after his appointment as MCE for Krachi East, he duly resigned from his position as an officer of the NHIS in October, 2021.

Anyone who thinks I took any salary at NADMO should go and check the records. I am ready to subject myself to any investigation or interrogation, he said.

GNA
Many newly independent African countries in the 1960s inherited regional and ethnic inequalities in formal educational attainment. These new states bound together sub-national regions of diverse ethnic and religious communities. The regions differed in their exposure to missionary activity  the main vector in the spread of formal western education in the colonial era .

Inequalities in educational access increased the higher up the educational ladder one climbed. Access to university education was both extremely limited and highly skewed.

As access to higher education determined which people would come to hold some of the most important positions in society, politicians cared a great deal about how higher education spread. Given this context, how did regional inequalities in university access evolve after independence?

While several recent papers have highlighted considerable social inequalities in access to higher education in African countries today , there's little work that looks at how and why such inequalities have changed over time.

In a recent paper I therefore traced the regional origins of university graduates since the 1960s in seven African countries: Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. I constructed a measure of regional inequality for each country and examined some of the factors that influenced this inequality trend.

The results show that regional inequality fell in the first two decades of independence. However, from the 1980s regional inequality remained stagnant or grew across this group of countries. Inequality grew primarily because the main urban metropolises have been pulling ahead, leading to a growing urban bias in university access.

I used recent census data which contains information about where people were born and what level of education they attained. I grouped these people by their district or province of birth, depending on the administrative structure of the country. In Ghana for instance, people were grouped into the country's ten regions, while in Kenya they were grouped into the country's 47 current counties.

By grouping people by age bracket, and assuming that most people who attend university do so around age 20, I could then trace how the regional distribution of university education changed over time.

Slow start

University education was slow to develop across these former British colonies. The share of the population attending university in the late colonial era was extremely low. Gross university enrolment rates. Rebecca Simson

Around the time of independence, Kenya had roughly 400 university students (1961), while Tanzania and Zambia had 300 students each (1963). The distribution of these scarce educational opportunities was regionally skewed. University attendance tended to be highest among those growing up in the main cities and in the regions with the most economic production (particularly cash crops and mining).

This historical legacy has been long lasting. On average, the regions with higher than average university attainment in the 1960s continue to have higher university attainment rates today.

Trends in access

But the picture is not all bleak. In the first decades of independence there was some catching-up by some of the lower performing regions within each country. The regional inequality trend for each of the seven countries shows that inequality fell in most countries in the 1960s and 1970s. In this period the number of university students was growing quite rapidly. Bursaries for students were generous and governments made some efforts to ensure regional balance.

In the 1980s many African countries ran into financial difficulties. Governments struggled to finance their largely public university systems. During this period, the rate of university expansion reduced. University access became increasingly competitive. This ended the period of regional convergence in university enrolment. Regional inequalities in university access began to grow again.

My analysis found that those best placed to access the highly competitive university system were increasingly those students born in the main cities where incomes were higher and parents more educated. Measures of regional inequality with the exclusion of the capital cities show there was no or very little growth in regional inequality since the 1980s. This shows that most of the inequality rise was driven by the capital city region.

In the 1990s many African countries reformed their university systems again by introducing or raising fees. They also allowed more private universities to establish themselves. This increased the number of students that could be educated and led to the rapid rise in university enrolment. But from the available data it seems that regional inequalities in university access have remained high or risen further.

Concentrated in cities

There are many reasons for this continued growth in inequality in access. The most important factor is one that's difficult for policymakers to address. The census data shows that the focus countries have a considerable rate of rural-urban migration . These migrants are a small share of the university educated. As a result, university graduates are increasingly concentrated in the cities. University students tend to be the children of the highly educated  they're in turn more likely to gain higher education. This perpetuates the concentration of the highly skilled.

The slightly better news is that because cities tend to be ethnically mixed, the growing urban bias does not seem to have resulted in a sharp increase in ethnic inequality in university education. In three countries (Ghana, Malawi and Uganda) the censuses also asked respondents to state their ethnicity. Using these self-reported ethnicities, I measured ethnic inequality by cohort. I found much less inequality growth on an ethnic compared to a regional basis.

Since migration is a major driver of this regional differentiation, this trend will probably continue unless there's more economic development and more job creation outside the main urban centres. This implies that the face of Africa's educational high-achievers is changing. From a slim educational elite of the 1970s, where most university-educated people had rural or small-town roots, the highest educated ranks are increasingly dominated by people born and raised in the main, multi-ethnic urban centres.

Rebecca Simson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Rebecca Simson, Research Fellow in Economic History, University of Oxford
Many African cities struggle to supply safe, potable water to their residents. One of the main reasons for this is urbanisation ; cities' populations grow rapidly as more people move to them from rural areas.

Another reason, in some regions, is water scarcity .

Researchers have long suspected that informal urban neighbourhoods are lagging behind their formal counterparts when it comes to accessing safe drinking water. But this reality can be obscured when data is aggregated to city scale rather than being examined at a granular, localised level.

Numerous studies have been conducted to examine inequalities in safe water access. Most measure this access through source type, such as access to tap water. Some have incorporated other dimensions of water service delivery, notably water quality . However, relatively few studies have examined intra-urban differences in the volumes of water consumed.

In our study in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, we examined patterns of domestic piped water distribution between 1985 and 2018. We used data from Nairobi's water and sewerage utility using small areas they call itineraries. These have an average population of 700. We also examined granular population data from the WorldPop mapping initiative and we drew on spatial data about the age of different neighbourhoods for the years between 1975 and 2014 from the Global Human Settlement project .

This data allowed us to examine differences between neighbourhoods in sufficient domestic water consumption, cost, and water access. Crucially, we could examine changes over time. The data revealed that newly developed low-income urban neighbourhoods  home to up to a third of Nairobi's population  are not as well serviced as older, wealthier and less densely populated areas.

Our hope is that these findings may influence governance and policy in the water sector. Water supply must be reliable, safe and affordable to everyone who lives in Nairobi.

Key findings

The data showed that water sufficiency in Nairobi differs according to several factors. These include the age of a neighbourhood, income level, type of water access and the size of the population per itinerary.

The World Health Organisation recommends at least 1500 litres of water per individual per month for domestic use. We found that residents in high- and middle- income areas were six and four times more likely to receive 1500 litres. Less densely populated areas were more likely to receive higher volumes of water.

The manner in which people access water differs according to income, too. People in high- and middle- income areas tend to have piped connections in their homes. Those in middle to low and low-income areas were more often getting water from communal taps or water kiosks (water vendors who sell water purchased from the utility company).

We also found that a great deal of water  an average of 3.5 billion litres per month  is being wasted either through burst pipes, theft or irregular meters. This is more than twice the amount of water needed for every one of the city's residents, across all areas, to access the recommended 1500 litres a month.

Tackling the problem

There are three ways to address the spatial inequality of water access in Nairobi: good data to plan water services and tariffs, investing in infrastructure, and governance.

Data on water supply and consumption is key in assessing the gaps in the water distribution process. It can also help to ensure better management of sometimes scarce or limited water supplies. Historically, government data has been poorly stored.

However, there have been positive improvements in this regard as governments increasingly ensure that their data is accessible, electronically stored, complete and consistent. This enables research and future planning. Kenya has digitised the water consumption data and made the water tariff structure publicly available.

Improving water sufficiency will also require the right investments from the government. Growth in city population should be accompanied by investments in infrastructure to support provision of safe water to the population  including proper funding of water utility companies to enhance their performance. Investments should be organised based on residential category and neighbourhood age, with a focus on the groups the data shows are not being well serviced.

Finally, good governance is required to minimise both water losses and social inequalities. There should be a deliberate prioritisation of water supply and infrastructure development in low-income areas, both in newer and older neighbourhoods, and in densely populated areas. This is critical if Kenya is to achieve the water access targets outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the 2030 United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals .

Henry Mutembei receives funding from Kenya Climate Smart Project.

James Wright receives funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and has previously received funding from the UK Royal Society, Medical Research Council and Natural Environment Research Council.

Thumbi Mwangi receives funding from United States Agency for International Development, Wellcome Trust, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Kenya National Research Fund and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He is affIliated with the Washington State University, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Nairobi.

Mutono Nyamai does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Mutono Nyamai, PhD candidate, University of Nairobi And

Henry Mutembei, Professor in veterinary reproduction and obstetrics, University of Nairobi And

James Wright, Professor in Geographic Information science and International Development, University of Southampton And

Thumbi Mwangi, Associate professor, Washington State University
I am in grief, not because I have unexpectedly lost someone during the coronavirus pandemic but because of the terrible state of my beloved Ghana.

Even though I am not wearing any sackcloth and ashes to signify my grief according to the Judeo-Christian faith, my spirit is.

Ghanaians in Ghana, see things differently than those in the Diaspora, this is something I have said many times.

Real Ghanaians in the Diaspora, excluding the nepotists, will agree that Ghana is in a very bad and fragile state that its economy may likely take five or more years to heal.

It seems to me that many Ghanaians in that country are yet to see the trouble they are in and the tough political and economic challenges the country faces under the leadership of the current president, Nana Akufo Addo.

How long will it take Ghanaians to acknowledge the fact that Ghana is dead, therefore, the country is not progressing?

If the religious communities in Ghana are waiting to see miracles from heaven to give them comfort, that will never happen because God has already provided what the country needs.

Yes, the omnipotent God has provided Ghana with cocoa, bauxite, gold, diamond, timber, and many other rich resources, so He has nothing special to do for you again.

Its up to Ghanaians to find an intelligent and industrious leader to enhance the countrys resources for development and to create more jobs for the thousands of unemployed.

I am in the same grief as Jacob when Joseph's brothers deceived him that their brother is dead after selling him as a slave

And until Ghana gets such a leader, Ghanaians will continue to suffer, wallow in abject poverty, experience high prices of commodities, including fuel, and a high rate of unemployment.

Ghana is under heavy debt at the moment, so, before you think the country has hope, think first of how debts affect a country.

A country's external debt harms the national economy, thus; that external debt of the state becomes a huge burden for the national economy of the country because when it is paid out, a significant part of the money goes out of the country's budget.

The lower the debt is the chances of the country having enough money for development and to create jobs.

In this case, based on current Ghana's debt, which is over GHS355bn, if payment is made yearly or not, it goes out from the countrys budget, which affects the economy.

So if the Vice-President, Mahamudu Bawumia is promising Ghanaians that the depressed economy will be fixed this year, is just a fairy tale or Ananses story.
The Ghana Black Stars have arrived in Yaounde, Cameroon for the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup Of Nations.

The team touched down at the Yaounde Nsimalen Airport at approximately 20:30 GMT from Doha on Saturday, a day to the start of the Africa Cup Of Nations in Cameroon.

The team comprised 25 players and the entire technical team of the Black Stars.

Kamaldeen Sulemana was also part of the team upon their arrival in Yaounde, having missed the pre-tournament camp after being forced to isolate in France.

The travelling party did not have Mohammed Kudus who is at camp with Ajax in Portugal as he recovers from an injury; and Philemon Baffour who was reportedly in Portugal for a trial.

The competition will be held from January 9, 2022, to February 6, 2022, in six venues in five cities.

The Black Stars of Ghana are in Group C and will begin the tournament this Monday with a game against Morocco before playing Gabon and Comoros.

citinewsroom
09.01.2022 LISTEN

The Special Anti-Robbery Squad and Surveillance team of the Upper East Regional Police Command, through an intelligence-led operation, has on Saturday, January 8 arrested Abdulai Issaka Achalicaab, a notorious armed robber at Sandema.

Police said its reports show that Abdulai Issaka Achalicaab has been behind a series of robberies at Sandema, Fumbisi and other surrounding enclaves.

He is also on the Police wanted list for jumping bail in a robbery case pending trial before a Court in Bolga since 2020.

Further details established that the suspect is responsible for the robbery in Kadema which occurred on July 24, 2021, in which a victim was severely wounded.

During the special operation, the Police recovered from the suspect three unregistered motorbikes believed to have been robbed from others and used for his robbery expeditions.

The Police commend the Upper East Regional Command for their efforts in pursuing criminals in the region for the safety of the public.

 Classfmonline.com
President Nana Akufo-Addo is urging the Black Stars of Ghana to win the 2021 edition of the African Cup of Nations, being held in Cameroon.

He said the team should do all it can to end the 40-year trophy drought.

Like with every edition of AFCON the Ghanaian people expect nothing short of ultimate glory from the stars.

The pressure to succeed is understandably high because of our status of four-time winners, and also because it has been 40 long years since we last lifted the trophy.

The target for you, naturally, is to bring the cup home. We have to go a step further than the second places recorded in 1992, 2010 and 2015, and bring the 40-year drought to an end, the President said.

The 33rd AFCON will be held from January 9, 2022, to February 6, 2022, in six venues in five cities of Cameroon.

The Black Stars, led by Milovan Raievac, are in Group C and will begin the tournament this Monday with a game against Morocco before playing Gabon and Comoros.

The team arrived in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Saturday after training in Doha.

By Citi Newsroom
Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, First Deputy Majority Leader, has called on all Ghanaians to join hands to protect the country's enviable democracy.

Mr Afenyo-Markin, also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, made the call in an address he delivered at a ceremony at Effutu Essuekyir in Effutu Municipality where more than 50 hard working teachers, schools, staff of the education directorate, and retirees were honored.

The event under the theme, Motivating the teacher: The role of Stakeholders, was organized by the Municipal Education Directorate and solely sponsored by the MP to motivate and also encourage other teachers to work harder to be recognized and horned.

The MP said it was prudent for the citizens to perform their civic responsibilities well while politicians worked to enhance the welfare of the citizenry and not engage in corrupt practices to the detriment of the country.

He said, politicians must tell the electorate the truth to let them know the real situation of the state of affairs and stop pretending that all was well just because they wanted to hold on to office.

Mr Afenyo-Markin called on his constituents to rally behind him to bring more developmental projects to the area this year, including the construction of Children's Hospital at Effutu Gyangyanadze to serve the whole of Central Region

He thanked Neenyi Ghartey VII Effutu Oma Odefe, the Chief and elders of Gyangyanadze for releasing land to the government to build the children's referral hospital.

He said an ultra-modern Information, Communication, and Technology Center was under construction at Effutu OsubonPayin and hoped it will be completed and commissioned before this year's Aboakyer festival.

On Education: he announced that a 50- person capacity library block fully stocked with computers and a classroom block with offices have been constructed for Winneba Vocational Training School.

He further expressed gratitude to the teachers for properly grooming the children under their care and urged parents to encourage their wards to concentrate on their studies for them to become patriotic, responsible citizens in the society in the future.

GNA
Some residents in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region have rallied massive support for Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng on the race to become the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) National Chairman.

Some of them expressed optimism that the country would see a facelift and improvements when Mr Boateng wins the race.

Mfantseman developed rapidly when Asabee was the MP and we know we will experience the same when he becomes the NPP chairman.

Sharing their thought on whether or not Mr Boateng deserved the seat, Mr Augustine Ward, a security officer at Anomabo recounted some initiatives and works Mr Boateng did during his tenure as the Member of Parliament(MP) of the area.

Some initiatives he pointed out were street electrification from Mankessim to Yamoransa, Saltpond water project, hooking most remote areas within the Constituency to the national grid, and facelifting the Mankessim roundabout.

Others were; Anomabo town roads and opportunities to the youth into the security agencies.

On education, Mr Ward revealed that Mr Boateng handed over a six-unit classroom block to assist effective education in the area, distributed mini desks to all schools in Mfantseman, computers, and system units to aid in Information Communication and Technology(ICT) training, and printers.

On women's development, he said Mr Boateng lobbied for MASLOG loans for market women to help improve their businesses and that gave a boost to the local economy of the area.

Maame Araba Otuwa, a fishmonger at Biriwa said Mr Boateng was the perfect choice for the NPP Chairmanship seat, adding that she had much faith in him to help change the country when given the nod.

She said Mr Boateng gave her three children full scholarships from Senior High School (SHS) to the University and many others in the area.

 Asabee is a good man with a kind heart, the fortunes of the Party will change when he's elected as chairman, even as an MP he did a lot for me and my family.

Maame Otuwa explained that the elephant fraternity should not hesitate to vote massively for Mr Boateng because these tough times needed people like him to help change things.

At Kormantse beach, the Ghana News Agency(GNA) saw some fisher folks singing praises to Mr Boateng when they heard his name.

Kwaku Ahor, a fisherman in an interview said Mr Boateng's goodwill and support to the people could not be over emphasized.

He said every resident of Mfantseman had had their share of his initiatives and support over the years.

Everyone will vote for Asabee in every contest because he is a man of the people," he added.

GNA
The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has expressed worry about its intermittent daily water supply to the over 150,000 residents in the Cape Coast Metropolis and adjoining communities.

The menace of illegal mining activities in the Sekyere Hamang Head Works had affected GWCL"s ability to ensure a constant supply of water to its cherished customers without desiltments.

Residents in many parts of the ancient city have lamented about the situation which had persisted for almost two weeks without any sign of relief.

Some affected areas are ridge, kotokoraba, University of Cape Coast, Abora, Amamoma, Akotokyir, some parts of Elmina among other places.

However, reacting to the complaints, a source at the GWCL in the Central Region, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, attributed the water rationing to the activities of illegal miners in the upstream of the Sekyere Hermang Headwork, resulting in low volumes of water in the dam

The source said, the lack of constant supply from Sekyere Hermang Headworks to augment that of Brimsu Headworks meant an almost 40 per cent shortfall of total production volumes towards Cape Coast township.

"We are having very low levels of water at the Sekyere Hermang Head works as a result of heavy siltation due to illegal mining activities, he noted.

"We are compelled to occasionally shut down to do desilting to enable us to build requisite levels. As a result, we may be experiencing "no or low" flow at a point", the source and appealed to all to bear with GWCL as it worked to resolve the production challenges.

GNA
The East Carolinian has created a forum that centers around topics within the community where readers can express their experiences and concerns. With Valentine's Day coming up, do you think the ECU community and the City of Greenville is doing all they can to make people feel loved and supported?

Survey
Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are meeting in Accra to consider the proposal by Mali's transitional authorities to hold elections in four years.

The regional bloc had given the Malian authorities a deadline of February 27, 2022, to hold elections and return the crisis-torn country to constitutional rule.

But the Malian Authorities have proposed a four-year return to constitutional rule in a letter submitted to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, ECOWAS Chairman, on January 7, 2022.

President Akufo-Addo is putting the proposal before the Heads of State for consideration and action.

Mali's transitional authorities had initially recommended that the country's transition period run for five years.

It, however, on September 7, 2022, modified that decision and opted for a four year transitional period.

Excellencies, it is this decision that we are meeting to review to determine whether it complies with the agreement reached on September 15, 2020, and embodied in the transition charter and more fundamentally whether it conforms to the Community principles as enshrined in the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, President Akufo-Addo, said at the opening of the meeting.

It is my expectation that we will take the appropriate decision that will advance the future of Mali and our community National, Regional and International stakeholders are all awaiting the results of our meeting.

I will, therefore, hope that the outcomes of our deliberations will contribute to promoting democracy and consolidating peace and security in Mali and our region, he said.

The last ordinary submit of the ECOWAS Presidents in Abuja last month, reiterated strong concerns on the transition process in Mali and the need for the authorities in Mali to respect the date of February 27, 2022 for holding elections.

The bloc indicated its intention to review the state of preparation of the Malian transitional government towards compliance to the agreed deadline for the conclusion of the transition and the restoration of constitutional democratic order.

It stated that if it was not satisfied with the state of progress by the Malian authorities, it would undertake additional sanctions to ensure compliance.

GNA
Author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija has been tortured, held incommunicado, and not yet formally charged since he was detained 14 days ago, says his lawyer, Eron Kiiza, following criticism the award-winning Ugandan writer leveled at Museveni and his son.

Kiiza tells RFI that Rukirabashaija's wife saw him for three hours, when he was brought to their home on 3 January while security forces searched their house.

He was limping, unable to sit down, urinating blood, and told his wife that his buttocks were seriously injured, says Kiiza.

I have not seen him, says the lawyer. He is being held in an ungazetted facility, in military detention, he added.

Rukirabashaija posted a number of tweets from his account in late December, criticizing Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is the commander of the land forces. In one, the writer asked how someone who has been through military training could be so obese.

He posted on Twitter on 28 December, saying that security forces were breaking into his house; he and has been detained ever since, but no charges have been levied against him. In Uganda, detainees must be charged within 48 hours or are released.

Makindye magistrates court ordered Rukirabashaija's unconditional release on 4 January, but he remains in custody.

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) reiterated its call for the writer's immediate release on Saturday, outlining a number of points in the constitution, as well as the fact that his detention undermines the judicial process.

Disrespect of court orders not only undermines the powers of the Judiciary to administer justice but also creates a risk of the public losing faith in seeking remedies from the courts which might lead them into anarchy, according to a ULS statement signed by its president, Pheona Nabasa Wall.

Denouncing torture, arbitrary detention

Ugandan activists, writers, and international diplomats have been also calling for his release.

EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore called on Ugandan authorities to uphold the rule of law and due process.

Rukirabashaija's detention and apparent torture are egregious acts of state violence and clear attempts to muzzle individuals expressing criticism of President Yoweri Museveni, according to a statement by Karin Deutsch Karlekar, a freedom of expression director at New York-based PEN America, which promotes human rights and literature.

Scholar, poet and protester Stella Nyanzi has written a poem calling for Rukirabashaija to be released. In one stanza, part of her racy poem, she remarks,

Tears of pain at the silencing of a bold writer

Detaining him illegally a third time

Torturing him for his mischievous writing

Denying lawyers access to his broken person.

Which tweep will be next?

Detained, again

This is not the first time Rukirabashaija has been jailedhe was questioned in April 2020 over his self-published novel, The Greedy Barbarian, which deals with high-level corruption in a fictional African dictatorship. Accused of an act likely to spread the disease of Covid-19, the charges were dropped.

He was picked up again in September 2020, allegedly inciting violence and promoting sectarianism. He was released on police bond.

His book was awarded the 2021 International Writer of Courage award, given by PEN International, for his book.

Freedom of expression should never be hampered by the dictatorship since the same is recognised in domestic and foreign laws and this government cannot claim rule of law without submitting to the international law that we're a signatory to, said Rukirabashaija after winning the prize.

His lawyer is hopeful that Rukirabashaija will be released on Monday afternoon, when he presents his order of habeas corpus, calling for his client, who has been detained illegally, to be presented to the high court.
Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare, the Founder and Head Pastor of Perez Chapel International, has urged the Police Administration to rescind its decision to analyse prophecies delivered on 31st December watch night services.

While commending the Police for cautioning the Church about prophecies that had the potential to cause fear and panic, he said the Police may end up legislating prophecies if it decided to analyse them.

Delivering a sermon at a church service at the headquarters of the Perez Chapel International on Sunday, Bishop Agyin-Asare said the Police directive, issued ahead of the 31st December 2021, was largely complied with by the Church.

His comments come on the back of a statement issued by the Police Administration on Friday, announcing that it had started analysing videos of prophecies made on the night of 31st December, 2021, to see if any of them was communicated in breach of the laws of the country.

The Police ahead of 2021 Watchnight and New Year church services, cautioned against the communication of prophecies that had the potential to cause fear and panic to the public or endanger lives.

The Police cautioned that anybody found culpable will be put before the court.

Bishop Agyin-Asare expressed concern about the posture of the Police, fearing that by analysing prophecies, the Police may interfere with the sermons of the Church.

The Police Administration had admonished us to be careful about prophecies that would cause fear and etc. By and large, the Church complied.

They should not use their scarce resources trying to analyse prophecies... If we are not careful, very soon they will be analysing our sermons and telling us what to preach, he said.

Bishop Agyin-Asare said delivering prophecies was not a wrong thing to do, explaining that in the New Testament, prophecies were for edification, exaltation and comfort.

As a Prophet, God can open my eyes to see that a church member may die if we don't pray. I will have to tell them in secret not to create confusion, he said.

GNA
West African leaders on Sunday agreed to impose "very harsh" sanctions on Mali after after the country's military rulers delayed a return to civilian government

The leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agreed measures comparable to those taken after an August 2020 putsch, which included the closure of borders with Mali, the senior official said on condition of anonymity.

The extraordinary gathering of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc in Ghana comes after months of increasing tensions over the timetable for restoring civilian rule in Mali after two coups and a military takeover.

In August 2020, army officers led by Colonel Assimi Goita toppled the elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita amid street protests against his unpopular rule.

Under threat of sanctions, Goita subsequently promised to restore civilian rule in February 2022 after holding presidential and legislative elections.

But he staged a de facto second coup in May 2021, forcing out an interim civilian government.

The move disrupted the reform timetable, and was met with widespread diplomatic condemnation.

ECOWAS insisted that Mali hold elections in February.

But the government then said it would only set an election date after holding a nationwide conference -- arguing a peaceful vote was more important than speed.

On December 30, after Mali's reform conference ended, the government suggested a transition period of between six months and five years, starting from January 1, 2022.

But ECOWAS mediator Goodluck Jonathan asked the regime to revise that plan during a visit last week, Mali's foreign minister said.

On Saturday, the junta submitted a new proposed timetable, Malian state television reported.

The move was intended "to maintain dialogue and good cooperation with ECOWAS", said Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, without giving any details.

Potential sanctions

"Mali's counter-proposal is for a four-year transition. "It's a joke," said a senior official from Ghana, which holds the ECOWAS chair.

The ECOWAS summit was expected to discuss possible sanctions on Mali's junta. By Nipah Dennis AFPFile

The 15-nation grouping has led the push for Mali to uphold its commitment to stage elections early this year.

The return to civilian rule has put the bloc's credibility on the line as it seeks to uphold fundamental principles of governance and contain regional instability.

Swathes of Mali lie outside of state control, with the government struggling to quell a jihadist insurgency that has raged since 2012.

At a summit on December 12, ECOWAS leaders reiterated demands that the elections be held by February 27 as initially planned.

They maintained sanctions such as asset freezes and travel bans within the ECOWAS region against around 150 junta figures and their families, and threatened further "economic and financial" measures.

"The extension of the transition period to five years is causing concern in the whole west African region," the eight-member union's current chair, Roch Marc Christian Kabore, president of Burkina Faso, told that earlier meeting.

Sanctions have proved effective in the past. ECOWAS responded to Goita's first coup in 2020 by shuttering Mali's borders, imposing trade restrictions and suspending the country from its decision-making bodies.

Mali's army installed a civilian-led government in response and pledged to hold elections, which led to a lifting of the earlier economic sanctions, although Mali remains suspended from the bloc's main bodies.

ECOWAS did not impose sanctions immediately after the second putsch, but in November opted for targeted measures against individual junta members over perceived delays in the election preparations.

Analysts say regional leaders must take into account the risks of pitting Malians against ECOWAS.
One Sudanese protester was killed Sunday as security forces fired tear gas at thousands who rallied to keep up pressure on the military, one day before the UN is to launch talks aiming to end weeks of crisis after a coup.

The October 25 power grab, led by army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, derailed a civilian-military power sharing transition established after the 2019 ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

It also sparked regular protests -- sometimes by tens of thousands -- by Sudanese wanting a return to the democratic transition in a country with a long history of coups.

The latest fatality brings to 62 the death toll of protesters killed in a crackdown on anti-coup demonstrations, the Central Committee of Sudan Doctors said in a statement.

They said the 26-year-old protester killed was "hit by a canister of tear gas to the neck" fired by security forces.

He died a day before the United Nations is to hold a press conference launching a dialogue among "all key civilian and military stakeholders" to find a path forward "towards democracy and peace," UN special envoy Volker Perthes said.

Earlier on Sunday, a teenager died from "live bullet" wounds to the neck sustained during protests on Thursday, according to medics.

Pro-democracy demonstrators on Sunday had again marched towards the presidential palace in central Khartoum and also rallied in North Khartoum, witnesses said.

"No, no to military rule," they chanted, waving the national flag.

Main streets around the capital were sealed off in a bid to prevent people converging there and at army headquarters, which was the epicentre of the mass demonstrations that forced Bashir out.

Protesters also rallied in Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city across the Nile, and Wad Madani to the south, witnesses said.

Sudan's top general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, pictured on December 8, 2021, at the end of a military exercise in the Maaqil area in the northern Nile River State. By Ebrahim HAMID AFPFile

"We will not accept less than a full civilian government," said 27-year-old protester Ammar Hamed in Khartoum.

Authorities have repeatedly denied using live ammunition in confronting protesters and insist scores of security forces have been wounded during demonstrations that have often "deviated from peacefulness".

Protests had calmed as night fell.

Medics condemn hospital raids

The coup has sparked regular protests, sometimes by tens of thousands. By - AFP

Medics in white coats joined Sunday's rallies to protest the security forces' storming of hospitals and other medical facilities during previous demonstrations.

The Central Committee of Sudan Doctors, affiliated with the protest movement, said on Saturday that medics would deliver a memorandum to UN officials listing "assaults" against such facilities.

Last week, Sudan's civilian prime minister Abdalla Hamdok resigned saying the country was at a "dangerous crossroads threatening its very survival". He had only resumed his position on November 21, after being ousted along with his government in the coup.

Analysts said his departure left the military in full control and threatened a return to Bashir-era repression.

"It is time to end the violence and enter into a constructive process," Perthes said on Saturday in announcing the talks.

Sudanese protesters are demanding a return to the democratic transition. By - AFP

Last week United States, Britain, Norway and the European Union had warned Sudan could plunge into conflict and called for "an immediate, Sudanese-led and internationally facilitated dialogue".

But the Forces for Freedom and Change, the civilian alliance which spearheaded protests against Bashir and became integral to the transitional government, said it had not received "any details" about the UN initiative.

On Sunday, the Sudanese Professionals Association, also instrumental in the anti-Bashir protests, said it completely "rejected" the UN-facilitated talks.

"The way to resolve the Sudanese crisis begins with the complete overthrow of the putschist military council and the handover of its members to face justice over the killings committed against the defenceless (and) peaceful Sudanese people," the SPA said in a statement.

Burhan has insisted that the military takeover "was not a coup" but only meant to "rectify the course of the Sudanese transition".

The UN Security Council is to meet on Wednesday to discuss developments in Sudan.
09.01.2022 LISTEN

This is a publication of my notes for a sermon I delivered at the Malongo Christian Fellowship, in Malongo, Cabinda Province, Angola, on Sunday, December 6, 2009, based on Luke 15:1-10. Malongo is a petroleum operations work camp operated by Chevron through its affiliate Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited.

Is there any member of this Congregation who does not believe in miracles? Is there anyone here who cannot mention one miracle recorded in the Bible or one miracle in his or her own life? If I were to ask each of you to mention one miracle that you consider to be the greatest in which God used a human being to perform, I would receive many different answers.

Some of you would go all the way back to the Old Testament and mention the crossing of the Red Sea by the people of Israel led by Moses (Exodus 14). Some would talk about how David defeated the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Some of you would mention Elijah. Not only did Elijah command fire from heaven (1 Kings 18), he also provided plenty of food during famine for the Widow at Zarephath and raised her son from death (1 Kings 17).

Many of us cannot stand heat. A little rise in temperature and we are turning on the air conditioner. Therefore, you would appreciate Shedrach, Meshach, and Abednego - three young men who were not afraid of fire. They refused to bow down and worship the image of King Nebuchadnezzar and, for their crime, were thrown into a burning furnace (Daniel 3). While they were being taken away to the burning furnace, they said that they were confident their God would rescue them, and that even if God did not rescue them, they would still not bow down to an idol. God, indeed, rescued them! Oh, and my personal favorite, my namesake Daniel in the lions den (Daniel 6). Daniels crime was that he chose to pray when King Darius had decreed that no one should pray. Today, how often do we pray with all the freedom we have?

Others in the Congregation would reach out to the New Testament and talk about how Peter healed a crippled beggar at the Temple gate (Act 3), and raised Dorcas from death (Acts 9:40). Who does not remember Peters famous words, Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk? (Acts 3:6 NIV). How about Paul and Silas? While in prison, they prayed and sang until their chains fell off and the foundations of the prison shook. They were set free (Act 16). In addition, who can forget the many miracles performed by Jesus, including raising Lazarus from death?

Although James 5:17 states that Elijah was a man just like us, many people believe that Moses, Elijah, David, Daniel, Peter, Paul and others were extraordinarily powerful men and that was why God used them to perform these miracles. However, as wonderful and important as these miracles were and still are, in my opinion, none of them may be considered the greatest miracle performed by God through a human being. The primary purpose of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus was not so that the sick may be healed or the dead raised or thousands fed. That is why we should focus on a more excellent miracle.

The miracle I would like to emphasize today is very common and is performed by God daily using ordinary people like you and me. I am talking about the great miracle of a sinner repenting of his or her sins and accepting Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Savior. First, it is a miracle because it takes the blood of Jesus to forgive and wipe sins away, and the grace and power of the Almighty God to wrestle the willing and repentant sinner away from Satans bondage. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, so Christ was sacrificed to take away our sins and to bring salvation to all (Hebrews 9:22, 28). And Paul says we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil.(Ephesians 6:12).

Second, it is perhaps the greatest miracle of our time because Jesus Christ died for that purpose; the angels in heaven rejoice whenever a sinner repents and accepts Jesus because it demonstrates our victory over Satan or the devil; and it is one of the few miracles, perhaps the only one, that Satan or the devil cannot perform since it goes directly against his mission.

In todays Bible passage (Luke 15: 1-10) we read about how in each of the two parables, someone lost something, searched for it, found it, and rejoiced. God is looking for helpers who will search and find those who are lost. For Jesus, it was hanging around with the sinners in the hopes of saving some. He knows that heaven and the angels rejoice when one sinner repents, more so than several other people who need no repentance (Luke 15:7 and 10). He calls on us to go and spread the Gospel to all.

My brethren, do not be captivated by those who are performing other miracles. Focus on Christs mission and how you can help God to perform a much greater miracle. Do not leave your Church for another Church simply because the leader or pastor there performs certain miracles. Remember that when God brought the ten plaques on Egypt, the Egyptian magicians were able to perform some of the miracles (see Exodus Chapters 7 and 8). It tells us that not everyone who performs miracles is doing so with the power or authority of God; some may be agents of the devil. By their fruits you shall know them.

That may explain why the Apostle Paul wants us to re-focus our priorities when he says in 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 that Jews demand miracles and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified. And the Apostle John tells us in John 20:30-31 that the miracles performed by Jesus were recorded to show that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing we may have life in his name. This implies that miracles performed for other reasons may be suspect.

I encourage all you to read about some of the various miracles mentioned above. You will not find in any of them where it is written that the angels in heaven rejoiced. Many of those important miracles were short-lived. A more lasting miracle, the one that converts a sinner into a citizen of heaven, and fulfills Christs mission, is more worthy of our pursuit. When Jesus sent out the seventy-two followers and they came back rejoicing about the various miracles they had performed, Jesus told them not to rejoice that the spirits submitted to them, but they should rejoice that their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). In short, Jesus was saying that salvation is more important than healing the sick, raising the dead etc.

Last words or parting words of a person are very important. They are so significant that the speaker would like the listeners to remember. Jesus used his last or parting words on earth to emphasize evangelism, not the popular miracles that make news. Jesus wants all of us to participate in the miracle of saving souls. That is why he empowers all his children by giving us the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations ... (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV). He promises to be with us till the end of the age. He also says, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8 NIV). With Jesus by our side, we should be able to assist. Remember that it is about Jesus; it is not about us. We are only performing the role of an assistant.

As Christians, we have on our side someone greater than Moses, Elijah, David, Daniel, Peter, Paul, and all the past and present miracle workers combined. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us. We are more equipped to spread the Gospel than we think. Many of us have attended Church services, fellowships, crusades, and revivals regularly for a very long time, and have listened to some of the best sermons. Some have read the Bible from cover to cover. We have grown fat on the Word of God. We need to exercise. We need to go out there and slim down by sharing the Gospel with others. It is better for us to go out there and look for the one lost soul who needs repentance, than to worry too much about the ninety-nine brethren who do not need repentance, and who assemble in various places glorifying themselves with other miracles.

If we had gone a little beyond todays Bible reading, we would have encountered the famous story of the prodigal son. When the prodigal son returned home, the father organized a big party. At the end of the story in Luke 15:32, Jesus, speaking as the father, said that he had to celebrate because the son was dead and came back to life again; he was lost and was found.

Is it not amazing that mere mortals like us have the privilege to help bring joy to the angels in heaven? Think about it. Therefore, lets go out there and spread the Gospel. With God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit on our side, we can help win a soul and perform perhaps the greatest miracle of our time! AMEN

Prayer is the key. May God grant us the grace to seek Him daily through our prayers.

Dr. Daniel Gyebi, Attorney-at-Law, Texas, U.S.A., and Founder, PrayerHouse Ministry, Kumasi, Ghana.

PrayerHouse Ministry is dedicated to providing a quiet facility for Christians to pray individually by themselves without any intermediary priest, pastor or any other person. This is a free service. No money is demanded or accepted. One facility is located at Kyerekrom / Fumesua, near Building and Road Research Institute Offices, one mile off the Kumasi-Accra Road and next to a house called Grace Castle. If you are interested, please contact Agnes at 054-7498653. Another is located at Kantinkyiren, at the junction of Kantinkyiren and Konkori, off the Kumasi-Obuasi Road, branching left at Trede junction. Contact Kwadwo at 020-8768461 / 0246-989413.
January 09, 2022

The MoA Week In Review - OT 2022-003

Last week's posts at Moon of Alabama:

---

Other issues:

Russian ultimatum:

> When asked recently whether he could point to any evidence that the Russians were deterred by recent sanctions, a senior aide to Mr. Biden paused a moment and then said, No, none. <

Various items:

The Wannabe-Sultan is cooking the books:

Let 'er rip!

Matthew Cortland, JD @mattbc - 2:12 UTC  Jan 8, 2022

Today, @CDCDirector said:

"The overwhelming number of deaths, over 75%, occurred in people who had at least 4 comorbidities. So really these are people who were unwell to begin with and yes, really encouraging news in the context of Omicron."

This is eugenicist.

(vid)

Compare and contrast:

Tech:

Use as open thread ...

Posted by b on January 9, 2022 at 13:28 UTC | Permalink

Comments

next page 
Changes are washing over the energy sector  from upstream to downstream and related sectors such as petrochemicals, transportation and power. These changing dynamics will mean an energy sector that will be far different in the future than it is today.

Stratas Advisors, the consulting and data analysis arm of Hart Energy, has identified four themes that will drive these changes:

-- A changing energy mix stemming from the advent of shale-related production, but also from shifts in non-shale production and the growing importance of natural gas, coupled with an increased focus on clean sources of energy and alternative fuels within the transportation and non-transportation segments.

-- Shifting energy flows associated with differing rates of economic growth and energy intensity, shifting the economic center from the Atlantic Basin to the Pacific Basin, the expanding role of the U.S. as an energy supplier, along with geopolitics involving OPEC, Russia, the Middle East and China-U.S. relationships, together create the potential for bottlenecks, dislocations and investment needs in new areas

-- An evolving transportation sector pertaining to all modes of transportation -- road, marine, rail and air -- that are being affected by the shared affinity for electrification, digitization, autonomy, efficiency and green.

-- An intensifying regulatory environment encompasses upstream-related standards, GHG regulations, tightening fuel specifications and an array of subsidies and mandates. While the intensity will ebb and flow, the regulatory environment will continue to have a major impact on future market conditions and the competitive landscape.

Stephen Beck, senior director, upstream, with Stratas, told the Reporter-Telegram by email the exploration and production sector will be directly impacted by each of the four themes.

"However, the degree and direction of impact from each will vary," he said. "Hence, winners in the E&P sector will need to be agile competitors with abilities to scale with market signals."

He said the theme of changing energy mix factors greatly in resource selection and portfolio optimization. Changing mix will present many options to E&P operators, presenting opportunities and challenges to operators. "At the core, operators will need to effectively assess strategic alternatives in a less certain environment," he said.

The theme of shifting energy flows will mean fresh opportunities for entities positioned to participate in international markets. More than likely, companies with previous international experience should have an advantage over those without. A current example of this is the recent announcement regarding ExxonMobil and Algeria, Beck said.

"Third, the evolving transportation theme could ultimately lead to slower growth for crude oil. This is especially so internationally where adoption rates for electric vehicles has outpaced domestic markets. Even still, this is a very long-term factor."

"While federal level regulations appear to be lessening on the sector, states and local jurisdictions have shown a capacity to influence industry activity," he said. "Even in Texas, which tends to be more friendly, environmental concerns continue to shape industry practices. A recent example hits in the heart of the Permian. Rules regarding the Dune Sagebrush Lizard (DSL) and areas deemed protected are changing. E&P's holding acreage in or around sensitive areas will need to factor above-ground risk into their calculus."

Greg Haas, director, Stratas Advisors, told the Reporter-Telegram by email the United States should be able to handle its expanding role as an energy supplier.

"The U.S. has a very strong petroleum resource base and a robust industry value chain that should drive North American gas, oil and natural gas liquids production for decades. At the same time, U.S. demand growth has been underperforming supply growth in many of the produced hydrocarbons. The export market is the relief valve to keep supply flowing to markets in volumes above the levels demanded within U.S. borders. With higher growth in energy demand expected overseas, and with sustainable competitive advantage for the U.S. industry, we expect lower production costs here should drive U.S. industry to increase exports to monetize its production. Further, we expect international buyers will find long-term cost advantage for imports of U.S. production versus other suppliers and sources. Within the U.S., the energy producing regions closest to the marine ports with export infrastucture will likely have the greatest long-term position. That includes the plays in Texas such as the Permian, Eagle Ford, and gassy plays on the east side of the state."

Haas said expectations that many of the world's existing hydrocarbon-producing regions will hit peak production in the mid-to-late 2020s could coincide with the rise in transportation electrification. He echoed Beck's comments that international adoption of electric vehicles is outpacing their adoption domestically.

"We anticipate electric passenger vehicles to continue a slow ramp in adoption in western markets that already have invested in infrastructure systems and supply logistics built out for transportation based on hydrocarbon fuels. Conversely, we expect that some emerging economies and nations with lesser-developed transportation systems may be able to invest in electric transportation and this form of infrastructure rather than in petroleum. With slow adoption in western markets and potentially a leap-frogging adoption of electric rather than petroleum-based transit in emerging markets, we anticipate electric vehicles should make a significant impact in transportation markets in the later parts of the next decade. More rapid adoption could be seen if battery technology advances more rapidly than we expect to make step-change improvements for range, lower cost, longevity, and quick-charge capability."

As to the fourth theme  an intensifying regulatory environment  Haas explained that market forces will drive regulatory change rather than a presidential administration or legislature.

"We believe market forces will continue to drive regulatory change from within and without the U.S. We see some of the most impactful actual or potential regulations as being promulgated or proposed in the U.S. states. These include flaring reductions, carbon limits, renewable portfolio standards, efficiency standards, drilling or fracturing moratoriums, pipeline prohibitions, and more. Elsewhere, international markets are setting the tone and hurdles for marine fuel standards, vehicular drive train technology standards, renewable adoption mandates, carbon control mechanisms, and others. Today is no time to expect lower regulatory burdens for the energy industry and it is also no time to fear any pell-mell overturning of any well-founded regulations which were passed with proper procedure and which are rooted to wider societal desires and aspirations," he said.
Although quit rates are at a historic peak, a lot of what we are currently seeing is not so much The Great Resignation as it is The Great Reshuffle, said Steven Karau, Gregory A. Lee Professor of Management at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

He has been studying the phenomenon and its causes, impacts and implications for the future.

There have been big shifts in the labor market before  during eras such as the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression and the Great Recession  but The Great Resignation is different because in large part employees are now calling the shots.

The pandemic has led many people to rethink their careers and their long-term objectives, Karau said. They seek a greater work/life balance, more flexibility, the chance to pursue their passions and a less controlling work environment. The high quit rates create an abundance of job openings and that raises the bar for pay, benefits and flexibility. It shows the importance of businesses offering intrinsic motivators such as growth, achievement and meaning as well as extrinsic motivators such as pay and benefits to get the employees they want and need.

It didnt necessarily begin that way. As COVID-19 caused global shutdowns in the spring of 2020, there were wide-scale layoffs. Karau notes that in March and April 2020, 13 million and 9.3 million workers (representing 8.6% and 7.2% of the workforce, respectively) were laid off from their jobs. Particularly hard hit were locked down industries, including service businesses and child care.

However, as the job market slowly began reopening, instead of scrambling to take any available position, more and more people began quitting their jobs.

A large group of people are leaving their jobs voluntarily, Karau said. Since the year 2000, there had never been more than 2.4 million people resigning or quitting their jobs in a month. But since May, the numbers have just been going up and up, reaching the highest total in November, when 4.5 million people left their jobs voluntarily. That represented 3% of the workforce and 3.4% of the private sector workforce, leaving 10.5 million job openings in the United States.

In October, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the quit rate had decreased slightly to 2.8%, the first decrease in months. The reprieve was only temporary though as the quit rate for November, released Jan. 4, again reached the previous September high of 3%. Thus, in November, 4.5 million people voluntarily left their positions, an increase of 370,000 from the preceding month. The latest report also indicates that hires remain virtually unchanged at 6.7 million while the layoffs and discharges rate also remained unchanged, at 0.9%.

Steve_Karau-sm1.jpg Karau notes that the biggest increases in quit rates were in accommodations and food services (159,000), health care and social assistance (52,000) and transportation, warehousing and utilities (33,000). Large establishments with 1,000 to 4,999 employees have been the hardest hit by people quitting their jobs, but virtually every sector has felt the impact, and in the small business world, losing even a few employees can make a big difference.

The big why

There are many reasons for what is happening, according to Karau.

Job dissatisfaction levels are high, he said, pointing to several research studies.

For example, a July study by the Society for Human Resource Management of 1,150 employed Americans found that:

52% said their work demands have increased.

53% were pondering better job opportunities.

55% didnt feel their salary was adequate.

42% sought a better work/life balance.

42% thought more often of quitting since colleagues have quit.

Its a vicious cycle, Karau said. As the quit rates increase, the remaining overworked employees resent having to work even harder to handle the workload.

On top of that, many companies have had to offer higher wages and/or bonuses to lure in new employees. If those arent matched for existing employees, equity and fairness concerns arise and longtime, loyal employees may feel neglected or underappreciated and consider leaving, Karau noted.

Karau also said an August PricewaterhouseCoopers survey reported that 65% of respondents were looking for a new job and 88% of executives described their companys employee turnover rate as higher than normal. Yet another 2021 survey found that among Millennials, 64% believe they are underpaid and at least half are considering leaving their jobs because of their managers.

One of the things we are really seeing is a resistance to authoritarian or overly controlling management styles, Karau said. People are tired of being disrespected and told what to do. Its psychological reactance, resistance to perceived attempts to take away ones freedom or limit ones choices. There is a desire by employees for respect, appreciation and feeling like they contribute to the greater good and have a sense of personal growth.

Other signs of the employee dissatisfaction are the Striketober labor strike in October and the recent surge in union organizing successes across the country, Karau noted.

Vaccination mandates also have the potential to exacerbate the problem or serve as a tipping point for some dissatisfied employees to finally quit, Karau said. He noted that in some places, employees have quit their jobs rather than get vaccinated or comply with regular testing.

No going back

As time goes on, employers continue to find it difficult to fill positions. Karau said the available research shows some people cant return to work for various reasons, some dont want to, others are determined to get the position, benefits, and/or terms they want while still other individuals have decided the time is right to strike out in a new direction. Also, some individuals have elected to take early retirement and others have chosen to take sabbaticals.

Karau noted the important role of COVID-19 in these changes. In the early days of the pandemic, the closure of countless childcare facilities left some parents unable to return to work. The government provided stimulus payments and expanded the social safety net, and many people also lived lean, saved a bit and learned they can get by with less, Karau said.

In addition, a strong economy just prior to the pandemic and the booming stock market recovery thereafter allowed some people, particularly within the upper middle class, to build substantial savings or investments, reducing the pressure to take just any job. Because many had at least a temporary financial cushion or had learned to live on less, they werent willing to settle for a job that would make them unhappy.

A variety of other factors have also come into play that have perhaps changed the course of history and created a new sense of empowerment in the workforce, Karau said. As the pandemic progressed, millions of employees discovered the flexibility, productivity and opportunities of working remotely and they arent ready to give that up. They are on the lookout for ways to work remotely, or at least in a hybrid remote/office arrangement.

Some people are after higher wages or better benefits. Many are seeking a better work/life balance. For others, its about finding a position that better aligns with their values and provides a greater sense of personal fulfillment. For some that means a new job, for some a new career. Some are leveraging the current hiring crisis for better positions. A significant number are also going into business for themselves and the number of self-employed workers has surged back to pre-pandemic levels, he noted.

What can be done?

Some business leaders are taking steps to counter the Great Resignation, also called The Big Quit or The Turnover Tsunami, and bring in new employees, Karau said. What that looks like can vary from business to business and place to place.

It does create an opportunity for businesses that are willing to be progressive and flexible to create a more transformative and rewarding employment experience that is mutually beneficial for the employee and the company, Karau said.

Among the strategies that businesses can use to recruit and retain employees are:

Higher pay.

More competitive benefits.

Alternative working arrangements such as a hybrid plan that allows employees to work remotely at least some days.

Collaborative work environments, where employees are involved in planning and decision-making.

Selecting managers with good social skills or high emotional intelligence and providing guidance on how to create a cooperative and respectful organizational culture.

Other perks that make employees feel appreciated and vested. This can be as simple as giving them flexible work schedules and input into planning their work schedules.

He said 2022 will be a very telling year as many of the transitional resources and government supports expire and wane.
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A man who sent more than 91,000 pennies to be dumped onto a former employee's Georgia driveway is accused of retaliation in a U.S. Labor Department complaint filed in federal court.

Miles Walker, owner of A OK Walker Autoworks in Peachtree City, Ga., is accused of retaliation and other labor-law violations after Andreas Flaten found $915 worth of oily pennies forming a "nasty circle" at his Fayetteville, Ga., home in March.

The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on Dec. 30, is the latest escalation since Flaten submitted his two-week notice at the auto shop.

Flaten called the Hour and Wage division at the U.S. Department of Labor in January 2021 to report that Walker did not pay him his final check of $915, according to the complaint. Flaten's check had been prepared but never mailed.

The next day, Walker told the agency that he would not pay Flaten the amount owed, according to the Labor Department court document.

Within two hours of learning that Flaten complained to the Labor Department, according to the complaint, he decided to give the payment in the form of pennies and said, "How can you make this guy realize what a disgusting example of a human being he is . . . [y]ou know what? I've got plenty of pennies, I'll use them."

On March 12, an unfamiliar man rang Flaten's doorbell to alert him about his money, only for Flaten to discover the 500 pounds of pennies at the end of his driveway along with a pay stub and an envelope with an expletive scrawled on it.

Flaten and his girlfriend, Olivia Oxley, spent hours hauling the pennies up the driveway. The wheels of the wheelbarrow holding them had deflated under the weight when coin-cashing company Coinstar picked up the haul April 1.

Flaten, 27, told The Washington Post on Saturday that he had tried to clean the pennies, a daunting task.

"I used white vinegar and Dawn dish soap," he said. "After 50 cents' worth of pennies, you have to get a whole new paper towel and start again."

Flaten said Coinstar also spent significant time cleaning the greasy substance off the zinc-and-copper currency.

Walker owned up to dumping the pennies, nearly bragging about what he did on his company's website, according to the complaint.

"What started out as a gotcha to a subpar ex-employee, sure got a lot of press," Walker posted on his company's website, according to the Labor Department court document. "Know that no one would go to the trouble we did to make a point with out [sic] being motivated."

Flaten said that Walker was generally good to him as an employee, because he was one of the top performers, but that Walker had a vengeful side. One former employee told TV station CBS 46 last year that Walker had ripped up final paychecks in front of employees.

Allegations of dysfunction dogged A OK Walker Autoworks - which boasts on its website the work it did on the films "Trouble With the Curve" and "Gone in 60 Seconds" - shortly after Flaten's pennies payment received media attention.

Until Friday, the website had a post about the penny payment that said it had asked the Labor Department whether the business was allowed to pay Flaten "in cash of any denomination," and that the agency did not give specific guidance, CBS reported. The shop also denied putting oil on the pennies, the site reported.

The federal government's complaint against Walker also accuses him of denying overtime pay to staffers and neglecting to keep proper pay and work records. The government is asking the court to recover unpaid wages and to pay damages to employees.

Les Alderman - of the Alderman, Devorsetz & Hora law firm, which is not involved in the case - said Walker's quick response to the Labor Department implies that the wheelbarrow of pennies was a retaliatory measure.

Walker did not wait until the meal was cold before he served Flaten revenge, Alderman said.

"It's rare to have a case where an employer does something this stupid openly," Alderman said.

Flaten said he has moved on and does not plan to take legal action of his own.

"I'm over it, but I'm definitely happy to see that justice is being served," he said.
WASHINGTON - Negotiators for the United States are planning to show up to talks with their Russian counterparts Monday with proposals to discuss the placement of missiles and scope of military exercises in Europe, according to a senior administration official and others familiar with the plans.

The White House is looking to test whether Moscow is serious about ending the Ukraine crisis through diplomacy or is making unworkable demands as a delay tactic or pretext for a new invasion.

The bilateral talks in Geneva - with Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman leading the U.S. delegation and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov serving as lead representative for the Russians - come as Moscow continues to mass forces and materiel on the border with Ukraine, threatening to take military measures if Washington and its allies fail to address the Kremlin's security concerns.

The Geneva talks will be followed by a special meeting of the NATO-Russia Council in Brussels on Wednesday and a session of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Vienna on Thursday - chances for the United States to engage Russia together with its allies and partners.

"Our intention is to have an open, sincere and serious dialogue about European security with the Russians at the table. We want to be inclusive. We don't want to go over anybody's head," U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE Michael Carpenter said in an interview.

The multicountry engagements at NATO and the OSCE are a priority for the White House, which has regularly reassured European allies and partners, including Ukraine, that it won't negotiate "about them, without them." But the Geneva talks are likely to be the most substantive and closely watched indicator of whether there is a diplomatic deal to be struck that will avert a renewed war in Europe.

"The way the Russians think, there's only one venue that matters to them and it's the bilateral one," said a U.S. government official specializing in Russian affairs who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the issue's sensitivity. "The rest, from their point of view, is decoration."

U.S. officials don't know whether Russian President Vladimir Putin believes the time is right to invade Ukraine once again and attempt to pull the country back into Russia's strategic orbit by force, or if he is undertaking a more nebulous gambit to extract security concessions from the United States and its allies by threatening Ukraine.

In Geneva, U.S. officials will be looking to see whether their Russian counterparts emphasize demands the Kremlin knows are nonstarters - such as providing a legally binding guarantee that NATO will not expand eastward to include Ukraine - or instead focus on areas such as missiles, where there is room for negotiation.

"If the Russians come on Monday and they only want to talk about NATO expansion, then we are going to be at an impasse. I think the administration is prepared to push back - that this is not up for discussion," said Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a Russia expert at the Center for a New American Security. "But if the Russians want to talk about conventional arms control issues, then there is a discussion to be had - and it would raise the prospect that there could be a diplomatic solution to the crisis."

Ahead of the talks, top U.S. officials have stepped up their rhetoric about Russian threats.

On Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken listed grievances Washington has with Moscow, including Russia's invasions of two neighboring states, election interference and attempted assassinations with chemical weapons, accusing the Kremlin of driving "the false narrative that NATO is threatening Russia."

"That's like the fox saying it had to attack the hen house because its occupants somehow pose a threat," Blinken said. "We've seen this gaslighting before."

Last month, the Russian Foreign Ministry published draft treaties laying out what Russia wants the United States and NATO to accede to. Parts of the texts were so unrealistic that many Western lawmakers dismissed the Russian approach as unserious. Among other things, Russia demanded the United States and its Western European military allies agree not to put weapons or forces in any of the former Warsaw Pact countries that are now members of NATO.

The drafts raised worries that Putin was looking to create a pretext for a new invasion of Ukraine once the proposals were inevitably spurned. What the Russians are willing to accept short of those demands remains unclear to American negotiators.

The U.S. government official who specializes in Russian affairs believes the Russians are still interested in a real dialogue and want to see whether Washington is willing to discuss any sort of commitment that constrains U.S. power, which for example could include placing limits on U.S. missile deployments in parts of Europe that could threaten Moscow.

"The Russians are waiting to see what we're going to offer, and they're going to take it back and decide is this serious?" the official said. "Is this something we can sell as a major victory for security, or is it just, from their point of view, another attempt to fob us off and not give us anything?"

U.S. officials have also said they are proceeding on the "principle of reciprocity" and won't cut deals unless the Russians address U.S. concerns.

"From the U.S. perspective, clearly a de-escalation of the situation in and around Ukraine is a priority," Carpenter said.

While building up forces on Ukraine's border, Putin has accused the West of "coming with its missiles to our doorstep" and raised the possibility of U.S. offensive missiles being placed in Ukraine. The two draft treaties Russia released both proposed limits on intermediate and short-range missiles.

A senior Biden administration official on Saturday said the United States is willing to have a discussion with Russia about the placement of missiles in Ukraine and intermediate-range missiles more broadly. Putin has also said that military exercises with U.S. nuclear-capable aircraft close to Russia have crossed Moscow's red lines.

The senior administration official countered that Russia has been holding ever larger and more coercive military exercises near its border with NATO allies.

"We are willing to explore the possibility of reciprocal restrictions on the size and scope of such exercises, including both strategic bombers close to each other's territory and ground-based exercises as well," the senior official added.

Concerns about missiles have taken on increased urgency since President Donald Trump, citing Russian violations, pulled out of the 1987 Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which banned midrange, ground-launch missiles. Putin has proposed a moratorium on such deployments as a replacement, but NATO has dismissed the suggestion as insincere, saying Russia violated the ban in the first place.

President Joe Biden, in a phone call last month with Putin, underscored that the United States had no intention of deploying offensive strike weapons in Ukraine, according to a Kremlin readout of the call.

U.S. allies are divided on how best to deal with Russia. Britain and the NATO allies that make up Europe's eastern flank, including the Baltic states and Poland, want the United States to take a hard line in Geneva and offer little-to-no concessions at the outset.

"The challenge with the Russians is that if you offer anything, they just want more. Even something that is relatively modest, like the placement of missiles, risks changing the trajectory of the negotiations," said a European official.

Other big European powers such as France, Germany and Italy want the United States to prioritize de-escalating the situation in Ukraine, fearing that a uniform denial of the Kremlin's proposals could provide a pretext for Russia to invade.

The Geneva talks have inspired the most anxiety of the three summits, as U.S. allies on both sides of the divide lobby Washington to pursue their goals.

The senior administration official said the Geneva talks will be exploratory in nature, and the United States won't be making any firm commitments. "Everything discussed will need to come back to Washington and also be discussed with allies later in the week," the official said.

At the NATO-Russia Council, a large format gathering that allows representatives from Moscow and the 30 allied countries to take the floor, Russia is expected to receive heated criticisms from U.S. allies over Ukraine and other issues.

After invading neighboring Georgia in 2008, the Kremlin similarly demanded a new, legally binding European security agreement, leading to talks under the OSCE known as the Corfu process and a 2010 summit in Astana. But the efforts failed to result in a meaningful agreement.

Members of the OSCE are now discussing new talks.

"What we're doing quietly behind the scenes is talking to all the players, including the Russians and allies and nonaligned countries, about what would be the best format for having a serious significant, meaningful results-oriented dialogue on European security," Carpenter said. "Those discussions are ongoing."
By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She is currently writing a book about textile artisans.

Today, I want to address a simple, low-tech topic. Masks.

Now, many people disdain masks. Period. And they have their reasons  the least convincing of which, to my mind, is freedumb.

Others nominally comply  but make it clear, via sporting the ever-popular chin diaper- what they really think of the masking idea.

Neither of these is my audience.

Instead, Im aiming at those who wear masks, but dont do so properly. Something I noticed when I flew round-trip from NYC to LAX in late December, on a trip I very much wanted to put off, but couldnt. (In fact, I would have gladly signed up for a root canal and a colonoscopy on the same day if I could have deferred that trip.)

As I passed through Newark airport and LAX, I noticed most people were wearing inadequate masks, cloth or surgical, without a Badger Seal or the equivalent. Even top-quality masks often looked ill-fitting. Lax masking may have been adequate to thwart earlier COVID-19 strains, but does little to arrest the delta variant, let alone omicron. It wasnt only passengers who wore masks that arent up to the mark, but airline, airport, and TSA staff did the same as well.

Now, how is this still the case, two years into the pandemic? Why is the state of masking still so poor?

Rather than spilling lots of ink on those questions, I got to thinking how I would do things differently, if I were Mask Tsar for the feds or some state health authority. How about setting up mask stations at airports? Or other well-trafficked public meeting places?

At such stations, health officials could distribute genuine, aka non-counterfeit, effective masks  either N95, KN95, or other models that might emerge  for free. At the same time, health officials could demonstrate how to fit and wear masks properly. Such measures might go some way to mitigating the pandemic. But that would require politicians and health officials to step out in strong support of effective masking  a game neither really got into, instead as we know, using the ability to go mask-free as a perk of agreeing to vaccinate  and we all know how well that approach turned out.

Alas, ensuring effective masking isnt as sexy  or profitable  as rolling out new vaccines or drugs. Neither of which has proved to be much of a panacea. Just another reason that COVID-19 infections continue to burgeon.

Pity the Teachers

Another obvious place to distribute masks and educate people about proper usage and fit is schools. So its with anger and consternation that I highlight here a Boston Globe story this week discussing the shambles the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has made of distributing free masks to teachers (see Turned out to be a fiasco: Mask controversy erodes Mass. educators faith in state). The aim was to issue each teacher with 30 masks  intended to be a six weeks supply.

Schools are a hotspot for COVID-19 spread. Ensuring effective masking  along with improved ventilation  could go some way to alleviating this problem. Kids get sick and they bring the virus home, where it can infect their parents, grandparents, and other family members.

Teachers are on the front-line of this battle. Masking up not only protects them and limits covid spread, but it also allows at least some teachers to provide an example to their students to show how masking should be done.

Over to the Globe:

Massachusetts educators  already stressed by a record surge in COVID-19 cases  reacted with disappointment and frustration this week when they learned that masks distributed by the state are a less protective, non-medical version of the high-quality KN95 masks theyd been promised. The ones thousands of them received had lost FDA approval in 2020. And as a chaotic week of school reentry ended Friday, state leaders still had not explained how the lower-quality masks made it into circulation, or how much they spent on them: calls and e-mails to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, which provided the masks, were not returned this week, and spokespersons for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and Governor Charlie Baker did not respond to reporters questions. The mask distribution turned out to be a fiasco, said Tom Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. There was bad information given to the districts. Whats tough about this is we all rely on the data were given from the state. Were not experts on masks or vaccines.  The masks certainly didnt turn out to be what was expected. The state planned to distribute nearly 4.5 million masks to schools last month, according to a planning document provided to the Globe. Its not clear how many of the masks distributed were the less protective version labeled non-medical, or how many districts received them.

Masking isnt the only covid fiasco the commonwealth has perpetrated against its teachers. Per the Globe:

Educators trust, already frayed, was further tested by another distribution debacle: some 3,000 expired COVID-19 test kits also were sent to some schools by the state. State education leaders first denied they sent expired tests, but later said the manufacturer had extended the dates they could be used, although there was nothing on the packaging to let educators know. The confusion came as schools were already reeling: Statewide, schools saw a staggering 39,000 cases among students and 12,000 among staff this week, quadruple the number reported before the holiday break.

Teachers deserve better. Hell, any Massachusetts resident deserve better. Bernie Sanders continue to call to distribute N95 masks to everyone in the United States. Hows that effort going?

But teachers are especially important to me, the daughter of two public school teachers. My Dads two brothers, one aunt, a sister, and a cousin are all  or have been  public school teachers.

And let me take a moment here to tell you how dedicated my father was to the students at the Sussex County Vocational-Technical School. Im the eldest of five children and I was usually lucky enough to have my own bedroom  not always the case for my other sisters. Yet every once in a while when I was in high school, my father took me aside and said, Pal, I need you to do something for me. What was that? Bunk in with one of my sisters for a bit, so that one of Dads students, who had nowhere else to go, would stay with us, at our home, until some crisis in that students life was resolved. I close my eyes and can see two of their faces  one was named Danny, the other Don. These visits sometimes extended for weeks. I never resented Dads asking me to give up my bedroom, as I trusted that if he asked me to do so, it was necessary. My parents set an example of helping those in need. They never had to explain what they were doing, but instead showed us how to behave.

I thought of my Dad when I read The Globe dispatch. Im not sure many contemporary teachers would go so far as invite their students to move in with them  particularly in the midst of the pandemic. To be sure, Dads level of dedication was unusual even during the 1970s. But by merely showing up for work during these dangerous times  teachers are demonstrating courage and dedication. Especially as many schools are no doubt far from safe, lacking ventilation.

Massachusetts cannot even manage to execute a simple pledge to distribute high-quality masks to its teachers. The commonwealth has form in failing to protect its public employees. According to The Globe:

The struggles were not the first to befall the state in its efforts to protect public employees from COVID-19: In April 2020, at the start of the pandemic, officials were embarrassed by a similar snafu after sending an unknown number of minimally protective masks to public safety workers. Those 2020 mask deliveries  made after New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft sent a team plane to retrieve the scarce supplies from China  initially were cheered as a triumph. But questions followed about the states protocols for acquiring and testing protective equipment. Nearly two years into the ongoing public health crisis, the same questions dogged the state again this week. It appears the masks distributed last month to schools also may have been purchased in 2020. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency received two shipments of non-medical KN95 Protective masks from Fujian Pageone Garments Co., Ltd.  the Chinese manufacturer of the masks just sent to schools  by container ship on July 16 and July 29, 2020, according to import records.

No matter how sound the intention, execution os the pledge to distribute quality masks fell far short of what teachers deserve. Over to The Globe:

But it did not take long for questions to arise about the soft, white masks, sent in packages of five that bore the words NON-MEDICAL on the front. Asked about the masks effectiveness during a press briefing at a Salem elementary school early Monday morning, Baker said the masks had been tested at MIT and found to filter out 85 percent of contaminants.

Soon the state was forced to backpedal, as the Globe reports:

On Wednesday, [the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE0] sent schools a message citing an update from MEMA today that some of the masks in the distribution, masks marked non-medical, has not been tested at MIT as previously thought. Nevertheless, the state wrote, all the masks that were distributed  remain effective, a claim sharply criticized by educators who did their own research and found the questionable KN95 masks, manufactured by Fujian Pageone, were tested by the CDC and found less than 50 percent effective, and were removed in June 2020 from an FDA list of authorized models.

The teachers of Massachusetts werent fooled. Per the Globe:

As outrage grew, the Massachusetts Teachers Association on Wednesday called for an agency other than DESE to take over management of COVID-19 protections in schools. The governor is putting public relations over public health, the MTAs president, Merrie Najimy, said. They either knowingly lied or they demonstrated gross incompetence.

Someone please explain to my how these things continue to happen? Why cant Massachusetts  a state that prides itself on its world class educational institutions -get it together to make sure its elementary and secondary school teachers have proper masks, now two years into the pandemic?

Please, how is this so?

Which heads need to roll?

Wont anyone take responsibility?

Heres where the situation now stands:

A statement issued Thursday by DESE also did not explain how the less protective, non-medical masks  found to offer between 25 and 46 percent filter efficiency, compared with the 95 percent gold standard  made it into schools. Instead, it stressed the safety of classrooms and the importance of in-person learning.

How can teachers be asked to come to work under these conditions?

When the state cant even bother get each and every teacher an effective face mask?

Readers?
(Natural News) Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on Tuesday, January 4, that he will file a lawsuit to prevent the Pentagon from forcing the states National Guard to get vaccinated against the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19).

Abbotts announcement came a week after a similar move by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to block the vaccine mandate for the National Guard didnt prosper as United States District Judge Stephen Friot ruled that his claims in the suit were without merit. (Related: Oklahoma sues Biden administration over vaccine mandate for National Guard.)

Stitt was the first Republican governor to file a suit after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin denied his request to exempt members of his State Guards from the mandate. Five other Republican governors also called on Austin to back off from the vaccine mandate.

In his complaint, Stitt said the vaccine mandate interfered with the sovereign prerogatives of the State of Oklahoma, undermining its laws, public policy, dignity and interests in governing the field of public health, including vaccinations. State officials also accused the Biden administration of eyeing to strip members of the Oklahoma National Guard of funding if they refuse to get vaccinated.

Republican governors say no to unconstitutional mandates

Despite the setback, Republican governors are showing signs that they are willing to say no to unconstitutional mandates, even if activist judges rule against them in court. One example is the fact that more than 30 state legislatures have introduced the Defend the Guard legislation, which would protect National Guard soldiers from being deployed in any war that was not declared by Congress as required by the Constitution.

Abbott isnt backing down.

Win or lose, President Biden must be held accountable for his unconscionable willingness to hollow out the Texas National Guard, he said. (Related: Texas governor orders National Guard troops to help secure lawless liberal cities after election)

In his letter to Texas National Guard Adjutant General Major General Tracy Norris, Abbott accused the federal government of putting the Lone Star States guardsmen in a difficult position. Abbott said that Texas National Guardsmen who refuse to be vaccinated must not be punished.

While reiterating that he will not follow Austins vaccine requirements for the Texas National Guard, Abbott noted that he gave his order not to punish guardsmen as early as October last year.

Although my order has been in effect for months now, President Biden has muddied the waters with a vaccine mandate from the U.S. Department of Defense, he said.

The directive from Austin gave members of the Army National Guard until June 30 to take the vaccine. Members of the Air Force National Guard had been given earlier deadline to comply. Abbott in October gave Norris the order not to punish guardsmen who chose not to receive the vaccine.

The federal courts have the power to decide whether President Biden violates the U.S. Constitutions Second Militia Clause by undermining my commander-in-chief power, instead of federalizing Texass guardsmen to use his own commander-in-chief power, Abbott said.

First Liberty Institute scores morale-boosting win against mandate

Meanwhile, the First Liberty Institute scored a morale-boosting win against the mandate as it secured a temporary injunction against the Navy. General counsel Mike Berry assisted 35 Navy Special Warfare service members, who contested the Navys continuing denial of religious exemptions for the coronavirus vaccine.

Berry described the Navys denial as purely vindictive and punitive.

The Oklahoma ruling was the result of allowing Federal money to fund the National Guard putting them at the mercy of Washington D.C.

States, however, can prevent the tyrannical incursions of Biden and Austin by creating or strengthening already existing defense forces. One example is the Lone Star State, which has its own state defense not subject to federal control.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis recently proposed bringing back the Florida Guard, which was disbanded in 1947. More than 30 states have also introduced The Defend the Guard legislation which will prohibit the National Guard from being deployed in any war.

Watch the full video below about Bidens illegal vaccine mandate.

This video is from the Heaven Reigns channel on Brighteon.com.

Follow JoeBiden.news for more news and information related to Joe Biden and his administration.

Sources include:

TheNewAmerican.com

TheEpochTimes.com

FirstLiberty.org

Brighteon.com
Bangladeshi operator provides 5G experience to fair visitors with Huawei support

Xinhua) 13:51, January 09, 2022

DHAKA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Bangladeshi state-run cellphone operator Teletalk has brought 5G experience for the visitors with technical support from Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the country's largest "Smartphone &Tab Expo 2022".

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the expo, Bangladeshi Post and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar said, for the first time, there is an opportunity for all interested visitors to get a 5G experience at this event. Anyone can take this experience from the Teletalk Bangladesh stall.

"We launched 5G in Bangladesh on Dec. 12 last year, and today, on Jan. 6, the people of Bangladesh are experiencing 5G live here at the Smartphone and Tab Expo 2022 for the first time. I thank Teletalk and Huawei for this."

The three-day expo kicked off on Thursday at Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Center, a multipurpose facility, previously known as the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Center, drawing huge crowds, particularly to the stalls of leading Chinese smartphone brands.

The fair is aimed at showcasing the latest mobile communication gadgets to the masses. Dozens of local and foreign brands including Huawei, Oppo, Samsung and Vivo are exhibiting their latest products at the fair.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister's ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy last month inaugurated the 5G, or fifth generation mobile services, via Teletalk in collaboration with Huawei.

With the launch of the next generation services, mobile users in selected places in parts of the country now have access to high-speed 5G Internet through their mobile phones at a relatively lower price.

Huawei Bangladesh provided infrastructure and technical support to Teletalk for deploying 5G networks.

Tao Guangyao, chief operating officer of Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Limited, said that Huawei will keep the purpose of "in Bangladesh, for Bangladesh," proactively introducing localized 5G use cases to Bangladesh and together all eco partner help 5G take root in local society, and keep its effort for local digital telecom talent cultivation.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
(Natural News) A recent study published in American Political Science Review, a quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal published by Cambridge University, begins with a teasing question: Is authoritarian power ever legitimate?

(Article republished from Fee.org)

For many, the answer is clearly no, concedes the studys authorRoss Mittiga, an assistant professor of political theory at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. But Mittiga, in the abstract to the study, suggests otherwise:

While, under normal conditions, maintaining democracy and rights is typically compatible with guaranteeing safety, in emergency situations, conflicts between these two aspects of legitimacy can and often do arise. A salient example of this is the COVID-19 pandemic, during which severe limitations on free movement and association have become legitimate techniques of government. Climate change poses an even graver threat to public safety. Consequently, I argue, legitimacy may require a similarly authoritarian approach.

Explicitly Argues for Authoritarian Governance?

The study caught the eye of Alexander Wuttke, a Twitter user who studies political behavior at the University of Mannheim in Germany.

In my reading, it explicitly argues that we must put climate action over democracy and adopt authoritarian governance if democracies fail to act on climate change, tweeted Wuttke.

In an extensive thread, Wuttke explained why he disagrees with Mittiga.

I am genuinely puzzled about the origins of this anti-democratic intuition that seems to give rise to the entire endeavor of exploring whether we should sacrifice democracy for the sake of a higher good, Wuttke says at one point. The article argues that crises not only can legitimize but may require authoritarian governance. This is not true. Democracies have fought the pandemic without giving up being democratic.

A prestigious journal in political science, @apsrjournal, has published a disturbing piece of l political theory. In my reading, it explicitly argues that we must put climate action over democracy and adopt authoritarian governance if democracies fail to act on climate change. pic.twitter.com/HxFsjaYNfW  Alexander Wuttke (@Kunkakom) December 31, 2021

In a rare (and refreshing) display of civility for Twitter, Mittiga said he appreciated Wuttkes thoughts and thanked him for his good will in sharing these comments with me before posting. In his own thread, Mittiga sought to address what he said were several mischaracterizations or confusions in Wuttkes comments.

The relevant question is *not* whether giving up democracy was somehow necessary for addressing the emergency (in this case, COVID-19). Clearly, it was not, and I certainly never suggest as much in the paper, Mittiga explains at one point. Rather, the real question  the one that gets at what I tried to argue  is whether democracies have addressed the emergency in purely democratic, rights-respecting ways. The answer is, of course, that they have not.

I appreciate @Kunkakom engaging with my article (across disciplinary lines!) and for his good will in sharing these comments with me before posting. While Im happy to watch the debate unfold, Id stress that @Kunkakoms thread contains several mischaracterizations or confusions. https://t.co/xGHIXSFryI  Ross Mittiga (@RossMittiga) December 31, 2021

LESS LEGITIMATE NATIONS SHUN AUTHORITARIANISM?

For those interested in capturing the nuance of the differences in what Mittiga says he meant in the study versus what Wuttke believes he wrote, I suggest a careful review of their threads (and the study itself).

However, Mittigas own description speaks for itself. He says that COVID-19 clearly resulted in severe restrictions on rights of free movement, association, religious practice, and even speech, all of which are authoritarian in nature, though, I would argue, they have often been nonetheless legitimate.

Mittiga then explains that governments that failed to take authoritarian steps to mitigate the threat of COVID are perceived as less legitimate. (Think here of the Trump or Bolsonaro governments.)

I believe the same is true with respect to climate change, Mittiga explains. Those governments which are able but unwilling to confront the climate crisis  which poses one of the greatest threats to safety and security we have ever faced  are, for that reason, less legitimate.

Whatever nuances Wuttke may have missed in Mittigas study, its clear that Mittiga is in fact arguing that legitimate governments should shun democratic principles and civil liberties and embrace authoritarianism to confront challenges such as climate change.

THE LESSON OF CRISES

Say what you will about Mittigas proposalwhich is myopic and dangeroushis logic is sound. If legitimate governments embrace authoritarian measures to combat a deadly pandemic that poses a genuine threat to humans, why should they not embrace authoritarian measures to combat climate change, which many argue poses an even greater threat?

Theres a popular meme among libertarians: If you allow politicians to break the law during emergencies, they will create an emergency to break the law.

Its a cynical take, to be sure, but it contains more than a nugget of truth. Progressives have long been frustrated by the American system, which was designed to disperse centralized power, something they feared above all else.

The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny, James Madison wrote in The Federalist Papers.

For this reason, the Founders created a federalist (decentralized) system with numerous checks and balances. That system endured stubbornly for generations, but over the course of the 20th century, the checks and balances erodednot so much slowly as sporadically.

In his book Crisis and Leviathan, economist Robert Higgs points out that theres a pattern to the erosion of constitutional limits on power: they happen during crises. In 2020, the crisis was the pandemic, which precipitated lockdowns and the most widespread infringements on economic freedom in US history (which saw the top 1 percent accumulate a record percentage of wealth).

Mittiga is not wrong when he asserts the pandemic resulted in authoritarian restrictions on rights of free movement, association, religious practice, and even speech. But he may not realize this is part of a pattern. As Higgs shows, the erosion of civil liberties and the biggest power grabs in history came during periods of crisis.

World War I brought the draft, crackdowns on disloyal speech, unprecedented government propaganda, the chilling Palmer Raids, and much more. The Great Depression gave birth to the New Deal. World War II brought (again) the draft and Japanese internment camps, and more. Korea brought the nationalization of steel mills. The 9-11 attacks spawned the War on Terror and the Patriot Act.

These are hardly the only examples. Whats important is that crises have historically served as the catalyst for authoritarianism, and, as Higgs notes, the emergency powers often persist long after the emergency has abated.

Higgs refers to this phenomenon as the ratchet effect, which suggests that governments simply lack the will or ability to roll back bureaucratic power strengthened for supposedly temporary needs, giving credence to James Madisons prophetic warning that a free people would be wise to guard against the old trick of turning every contingency into a resource for accumulating force in government.

None of this is to say climate change does not exist or that the COVID-19 pandemic is not a serious problem, any more than it is to say the Great Depression, World War I, the 9-11 attacks, and World War II were not serious problems.

Each of these events was real and consequential. None of these events, however, justify authoritarianism or the infringement of civil liberties.

A brief reading of history shows that there will always be a crisis, conflict, or catastrophe around the corner that those in power will use as a pretext to violate the very liberties governments are supposed to protectand if theres not one, you can bet theyll find one.

Read more at: Fee.org
(Natural News) Dr. Jane Ruby told the public that Big Pharma companies Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are deploying toxic batches of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.

Theres evidence that these companies are intentionally deploying toxic batches [of COVID-19 vaccine], Ruby said during the January 3 episode of the The Stew Peters Show.

Ruby said a group of analysts informed her that all three pharmaceutical companies are actively testing on live human subjects with these mass vaccination drives. She said that the analysts identified the toxic batches by lot numbers, and it is an emergency to get the information out to people worldwide.

The team of analysts said that these companies are conducting what are called lethal dose studies, which looks at how much is needed to cause death. (Related: Fauci bioweapons funding CONFIRMED, smoking gun proves covid vaccines based on govt biowarfare program.)

What they do is they determine the lethal amount to test half the population. Its one of the means to assess acute toxicity prior to going into human studies, Ruby said. It has been largely phased out. They are conducting it without informed consent. Its against all ethical and regulatory rules. These companies are just proceeding with impunity because there is nothing stopping them.

With this information coming to light, Ruby noted that there is no reason why anybody should have their kids in line to take the vaccines  especially with the lethal doses being deployed. There is no reason for anyone, children and adults alike, to subject themselves to such injections.

For those who do think vaccines are the way to go, Ruby encourages parents to at least ask for the lot number of their vaccines because these bioweapons put children in danger. She stressed that simply looking at the lot numbers can help.

Ruby breaks down lethal lot numbers

Ruby said the companies created lethal doses by batch and embedded these lots in a code that allows them to check which lots are toxic, which ones are causing disabilities and what types of disabilities are likely to appear.

For Moderna, it is batch code 011 l 20.

The number 011 is the temporal batch order that tells the company it has been developed over time and deployed by the company. The l is the concentration that determines its toxicity and the number of adverse reactions. The number 20 is qualitative, an ingredient that is considered highly toxic in their batch lots. (Related: Top 10 signs that Covid vaccines are BIOWEAPONS and much more lethal than Covid-19 itself.)

The reason these companies are not concerned about safety issues is that these things have already been designed ahead of time to allow them to send out toxic batches and give them a chance to gather their information.

Professional hackers who managed to get into Pfizer and Moderna systems were able to verify the lots, with enough evidence to list all the Moderna batches deployed so far.

Moderna also has a web tool that allows them to check the expiration dates for batches and the team of hackers was able to gain access to the entire list of Moderna batches with a list of batch codes. They did the same with Pfizer as well.

What they found was that these companies were very specific about where they are deploying their vaccines and what doses they are giving out. Moderna has been distributing lethal doses in the U.S. and exporting disability doses in the European Union. Thus, the death rate in the U.S. was 10 times higher compared to the E.U., but there are 10 times more adverse effects and disabilities in the E.U. compared to the United States.

Watch the full January 3 episode of The Stew Peters Show below.

You can catch the The Stew Peters Show from Monday to Friday at 8:00 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

Follow Pandemic.news for more news related to COVID-19 vaccines.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

BitChute.com
(Natural News) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday, January 4, cut the recommended interval between initial inoculation and boosting from six to five months for Americans who are fully vaccinated with Pfizers Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

Booster interval recommendations for those who got Johnson & Johnson or Moderna remain at two and six months, respectively.

The agency, which is now being taken to court for refusing to publicize the post-licensure COVID vax safety data, is also advising moderately or severely immunocompromised children between ages five and 11 to get an additional dose of the jab 28 days after their second shot. At present, only the Pfizer vaccine is accredited and endorsed for children of the said age. (Related: Fauci floats the idea of injecting eligible Americans with COVID booster shots every six months.)

CDC Director Rochelle Walenski, who announced the changes, reassured the public that her agency will continue to update their recommendations to ensure the best possible protection for the American people while persuading all eligible Americans to receive a booster for themselves and their vulnerable children.

FDA approves boosters for 12 to 15 years old

Walenski also notified Americans that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved boosters for children 12-15 years old earlier this week.

This is the same FDA that is aware of the tens of thousands of people who suffered severe side effects and more than a thousand deaths that happened in vaccinated people within the first two and a half months of the Pfizer vaccine rollout. The agency is now being sued for refusing to disclose the Pfizer safety data it used to license the shot.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, meanwhile, was contented with the developments made by the FDA on shortening the waiting period between the second and third doses. Bourla said that his company continues to believe that broad use of boosters is essential to preserving a high level of protection against COVID-19, reducing the rate of hospitalizations and helping defeat the pandemic.

Over a month ago, Bourla stated that after people get triple-vaccinated, they will have to be re-vaccinated against COVID on a yearly basis. He said that the virus continually mutates and the immunity given by the jabs wanes over time.

The move to cut the Pfizer booster interval came as the United States reported more than a million new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, Jan. 3, a new record that far exceeds the worst days of last winters surge. However, experts say that the case record is likely to be an undercount given the current availability of at-home tests.

The CDC presently estimates that more than 95 percent of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. are caused by the omicron variant, which is more transmissible than the earlier variants  especially among those who are vaccinated.

Spike proteins from COVID vaccines become targets of autoimmune attack

Cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough explained that due to the extensive memory-type antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, the antibodies from COVID vaccines can lead to the destruction of any cell that manufactures the virus spike protein. Additional doses will make the spike proteins grow further and become targets of an autoimmune attack.

Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi, who advised people to give up any additional doses of the vaccines to cut the risk of autoimmune damage, detailed the same mechanism along with Dr. Arne Burkhardt. Bhakdi found that 14 of the 15 vaccinated patients who died suffered an autoimmune damage in various organs.

Meanwhile, Sir Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and chair of the United Kingdoms Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, declared his opposition to the booster doses for the general population.

We know that people have strong antibodies for a few months after their third vaccination, but more data is needed to assess whether, when, and how often those who are vulnerable will need additional doses, Pollard stated. We cant vaccinate the planet every four to six months. Its not sustainable or affordable. In the future, we need to target the vulnerable.

He added that the combination of natural immunity and the immunity gained from the initial doses of the vaccines are strong enough to protect against the omicron variant, which is much less severe compared to the delta variant.

Official bodies like the World Health Organization and the European Commission have warned against the use of COVID booster shots whose safety and efficacy have not been studied. In the U.S., all of the presently available COVID jabs for adults have yet to complete clinical trials with the earliest completion date slated on May 2023.

Watch the video below to learn the truth about COVID-19 vaccines.

This video is from the Anti-Disinformation channel on Brighteon.com.

Follow Vaccines.News for more news related to COVID-19 vaccines.

Sources include:

TheNewAmerican.com

NPR.org

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Renowned physician Dr. Vladimir Zelenko downplayed the significance of the newly discovered IHU variant of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) during the Jan. 5 episode of The Dr. Ardis Show with Dr. Bryan Ardis on Brighteon.TV.

There is nothing to worry about, Zelenko said, referring to the variant first found in France. I have no concern because I understand the biology behind these viruses, and I understand the treatment approaches and the mechanisms of action.

Zelenko encouraged people to get treated early and avoid having the infection get out of control. If someone has cancer, we dont wait for it to be metastatic, all over the place, before we treat it. We prefer to treat it while its small and localized, you get much better results, he said.

New variant does not always mean danger

Experts were also quick to announce that the presence of a new variant does not necessarily mean that it could be as infectious as other strains. The IHU variant is known to have infected 12 people living in the southeastern part of France, with the first case linked to a person who recently traveled to Cameroon, Western Africa.

Researchers already found 46 mutations of the disease, which has not been spotted in other countries nor labeled a variant by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Eric Feigl-Ding, an epidemiologist and fellow at the Federation of American Scientists, wrote in a Twitter thread that the new variant is now being monitored and evaluated to better understand how infectious or dangerous it could be. There are many variants discovered all the time, but they dont necessarily mean they will be dangerous.

Feigl-Ding noted that a variants ability to multiply because of the number of mutations it has in relation to the original virus makes it a variant of concern, similar to omicron. However, it still remains to be seen in which category the new IHU variant will fall.

Zelenko explains COVID mutations and treatments

During his appearance on The Dr. Ardis Show, Zelenko said that treating COVID patients early could prevent complications like lung damage and blood clots. He added that high-risk patients should be treated aggressively with combination of affordable, safe and very effective antivirals and anti-inflammatory drugs. (Related: COVID-19 vaccines are genocide, legendary doctor says.)

He noted that the different COVID variants have mutations on their spike proteins, and this information is clinically important. This is because they get into the cells in a unique and novel way, and existing defenses of previous antibodies are ineffective when it comes to recognizing the new threat.

Zelenko said that while he doesnt care how the virus gets into the cell, it is important that the virus does not hijack the cells and their metabolic machinery, then make copies of its genetic material.

If the virus cannot make copies of its genetic material, it cant spread. And if you cant spread, your immune system takes care of it, he explained. By blocking the enzyme RNA, dependent RNA polymerase with zinc, its the bullet to shut down the factory that the virus needs to make copies of its genetic material.

The physician explained in detail what he prescribes his patients. He said anti-inflammatory drugs became crucial because the inflammatory component of the disease is what kills everyone. Blood thinners are also important because the disease causes blood clots. Zelenko encouraged the use of ivermectin, a miracle drug used all over the world, because it has both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. (Related: Minnesota medical board harasses doctor for prescribing ivermectin.)

He also emphasized tweaking protocols based on the needs of the patients, as it is not the same for every person, and each one should be evaluated.

Watch the full January 5 episode of The Dr. Ardis Show below.

You can catch The Dr. Ardis Show on Wednesdays at 10-11 a.m. on Brighteon.TV.

Follow Pandemic.news for more updates on the COVID-19 virus.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Independent.co.uk
(Natural News) We all know that Lady Justice wears a blindfold to signify her impartially.

(Article by Randy DeSoto republished from WesternJournal.com)

The Justice Department appears to have taken off that blindfold in recent years.

The saga of Russiagate  when the DOJ decided to spy on then-candidate Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign  is well-documented.

That beauty was followed by the Justice Departments Russia probe after the Republican took office, which was led by special counsel Robert Mueller and staffed primarily by Democrats.

The DOJ spent the first two years of Trumps presidency trying to delegitimize him and to lay the predicate to remove him from office.

More recently came the FBIs roundup of hundreds of his supporters, some of whose only crime was being on the Capitol grounds during the Jan. 6, 2021, demonstration when a relative few who were present turned to violence.

If the roles had been reversed and Trump had been re-elected after election laws and procedures were changed, prompting Democrats to converge on D.C. to make their voices heard, one could imagine news outlets such as CNN characterizing it as a mostly peaceful protest and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defending the vast majority who came to exercise their First Amendment rights.

And would the FBI be sending armored vehicles into neighborhoods around the country, with agents in full combat gear, smashing in doors and throwing flash-bang grenades to round up the Democratic insurrectionists?

Would the DOJ be prosecuting grandmas for parading in the Capitol building and going after others who have no criminal records with such fervor?

Doubtful.

How do I know this?

One need only look at how the DOJ handled rioters during Trumps inauguration in January 2017 and others since then to see its so.

ABC News reported on Trumps Inauguration Day, Violence flared on some streets of Washington, D.C., today amid Donald Trumps inauguration  with people smashing car and store windows, clashing with police and even torching a limo, leading to more than 200 arrests.

FLASHBACK: The liberals worrying about riots and mobs during Bidens inauguration are forgetting what they did during Trumps in 2017. pic.twitter.com/lprFN76ATz  NewsBusters (@newsbusters) January 15, 2021

The #DisruptJ20 coalition, named after the date of the inauguration, which promised that its participants would attempt to shut down the inauguration events, tangled with Bikers for Trump, a group clad in leather biker gear that backs the president, the news outlet added.

If this had happened during Barack Obamas or Joe Bidens inauguration, Pelosi and company would no doubt label it an attempt to undermine our democracy.

Two vehicles lit on fire during protests in Washington, D.C. as inaugural parade continues. https://t.co/rTG3wfLgw9 pic.twitter.com/8w896BDMCw  ABC News (@ABC) January 20, 2017

But since the riots were directed at Trump, it was no big deal.

NBC News reported in July 2018 that the Justice Department dropped all remaining charges against those who engaged in violence during the 2017 inauguration. They didnt even have to do community service.

You might say that Jan. 6 was different because the demonstrators gained access to the Capitol and potentially put lawmakers lives at risk.

Well, lets look back at the night of May 29, 2020, following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, when rioters broke through the outer security barriers at the White House.

The Associated Press reported that Secret Service agents rushed then-President Trump to a bunker under 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

The location was better defended than the Capitol grounds so no breach ultimately occurred; however, many Secret Service agents were injured and property was vandalized.

Coronavirus, Riots, White House Siege: unfolding simultaneously in the US And Trump is hiding from protest in underground bunker. pic.twitter.com/8exN1A0CKT  Rula Jebreal (@rulajebreal) June 1, 2020

The Secret Service said in a May 31 statement, Some demonstrators repeatedly attempted to knock over security barriers, and vandalized six Secret Service vehicles. Between Friday night and Sunday morning, more than 60 Secret Service Uniformed Division Officers and Special Agents sustained multiple injuries from projectiles such as bricks, rocks, bottles, fireworks and other items.

Secret Service personnel were also directly physically assaulted as they were kicked, punched, and exposed to bodily fluids. A total of 11 injured employees were transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Flashback May 2020: At night, the far-left rioters surrounded the White House and tried tearing apart the protective barrier so they could storm the building. Secret Service and law enforcement were injured by the violent extremists. #CapitolRiot pic.twitter.com/pvxs5pPJzM  Andy Ngo ???? (@MrAndyNgo) January 7, 2022

Where was the DOJ roundup of these criminals?

USA Today reported that the Washington police arrested 17 people, most of whom were charged with rioting.

Overall, D.C. police said 106 people were arrested in protests around the district that weekend, according to The Washington Post.

But thats not the end of the story.

The news outlet said that although many of those arrested were charged by police with felony rioting, that charge was dropped by prosecutors in most cases.

Those prosecutors happened to be U.S. attorneys with the DOJ. There they go again.

Then theres the case of the left-wing demonstrations in Portland, Oregon.

Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and some fellow Republican lawmakers sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland in June 2021 questioning why the DOJ was treating the Capitol rioters so differently from those in Portland and other places.

Property destruction stemming from the 2020 social justice protests throughout the country will reportedly result in at least $1 billion to $2 billion in paid insurance claims, they wrote.

The senators pointed to DOJ statistics finding that one federal officer was killed, 147 federal officers were injured and 600 local officers were also injured as a result of the 2020 riots.

They cited an April 14 Politico article headlined Leniency for defendants in Portland clashes could affect Capitol riot cases.

In it, the news outlet reported that prosecutors have approved deals in at least half a dozen federal felony cases arising from clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Oregon last summer. The arrangements  known as deferred resolution agreements  will leave the defendants with a clean criminal record if they stay out of trouble for a period of time and complete a modest amount of community service, according to defense attorneys and court records.

So the DOJ has its finger on the scales of justice against conservatives.

If leftist rioters received leniency  and they did  then Trump supporters should too.

Read more at: WesternJournal.com
(Natural News) Investigative journalist Glenn Greenwald is no conservative, but he is a staunch defender of the First Amendment and an enemy of tyranny, regardless of which side of the political aisle it is coming from.

Thats why he has been a frequent critic of the left-wing big tech platforms: They were founded as electronic town squares on the promise of promoting more democracy (and debate) but they have become nothing more than information gatekeepers for the globalist deep state, punishing and banishing users who refuse to echo the chosen narrative.

And he took to Twitter, ironically, in a lengthy thread to rip the platform after it banned Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), allegedly for repeatedly posting COVID-19 misinformation.

Having unelected tech oligarchs ban duly elected members of Congress  or even the sitting President  from using their massive platforms is dystopian. Remember how many world leaders warned that FB & Twitters banning of Trump was a threat to democracy.https://t.co/zIT7l04hMW https://t.co/2BPFrgeZXv  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 2, 2022

Having unelected tech oligarchs ban duly elected members of Congress  or even the sitting President  from using their massive platforms is dystopian. Remember how many world leaders warned that FB & Twitters banning of Trump was a threat to democracy, he began in a tweet with a link to a CNBC article detailing Greenes ban, which is permanent (her congressional account remains active, however).

As American liberals (including their journalists) yet again celebrate and express gratitude to tech giants for silencing their political enemies  even elected officials  compare their mindset to how the rest of the democratic world thinks to see how authoritarian they are, Greenwald continued in a tweet containing screengrabs of news stories showing world leaders including Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who blasted the platform when it banned former President Donald Trump.

As American liberals (including their journalists) yet again celebrate and express gratitude to tech giants for silencing their political enemies  even elected officials  compare their mindset to how the rest of the democratic world thinks to see how authoritarian they are. pic.twitter.com/PrPFctMWhr  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 2, 2022

US liberals dont realize what a rogue and authoritarian faction they are because their media outlets keep all dissent from them. When Big Tech banned Trump, it was denounced as dangerous by Merkel, Macron, UN & EU officials and AMLO, the Mexican leaders nickname, said Greenwald  who was booted from The Intercept, an outlet he co-founded, for being critical of its biased left-wing coverage.

US liberals dont realize what a rogue and authoritarian faction they are because their media outlets keep all dissent from them. When Big Tech banned Trump, it was denounced as dangerous by Merkel, Macron, UN & EU officials. Listen to Mexicos AMLO:pic.twitter.com/5cL5vqq3Ug  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 2, 2022

Even as their Party and leaders are overwhelmingly funded by large corporations, Wall Street and Silicon Valley, Democrats and liberals still like to posture as opponents of corporate power, yet they crave having unelected tech executives control and police political discourse, he added.

He then went on to point out the lefts monumental hypocrisy when it comes to their favoring selective censorship.

The funniest part is how liberals invoke classic libertarian economics to justify this: Corporations have the right to do what they want. If you dont like it, start your own platform! Meanwhile, Dems say these platforms are classic illegal monopolies, he continued before citing the example of Parler, which was deplatformed by Amazon Web Services because it was growing too fast and attracting too many conservative voices.

But the more important point is this: Parler took up this challenge from liberals. They started their own platform to offer greater free speech. Soon as they became the nations most-downloaded app, Dems demanded its destruction & tech monopolies obeyed, he said in a tweet containing a link to a story he wrote on his Substack describing how Parler was taken down for months.

But the more important point is this: Parler took up this challenge from liberals. They started their own platform to offer greater free speech. Soon as they became the nations most-downloaded app, Dems demanded its destruction & tech monopolies obeyed:https://t.co/qD9OdwlPbV  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 2, 2022

One last point: this censorship is not the sole decision of tech companies. Dems are using their majoritarian in DC power to threaten that they will pay unless they censor more. Thats a union of state and corporate power and implicates the 1st Amendment, he noted further, pointing to another of his Substack pieces further explaining his point.

Democrats have long been making clear that a top priority  not ancillary  is the removal of their political adversaries from social media. Democratic politicians have been demanding it. You can see by how happy they are today how vital is it to them, Greenwald continued in a tweet containing a video clip of left-wing Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) calling for more big tech censorship of conservatives.

Democrats have long been making clear that a top priority  not ancillary  is the removal of their political adversaries from social media. Democratic politicians have been demanding it. You can see by how happy they are today how vital is it to them:pic.twitter.com/j64rCdZ82L  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 2, 2022

The promise of the internet was it would *liberate* us from centralized state and corporate control. By demanding imposition of a censorship regime, liberals destroyed that vision, and now ensure that everyone is further balkanized into their own venues, he concluded, adding: Its really amazing that the political faction obsessed with deploying a union of state and corporate power to silence their political opponents has somehow convinced itself that theyre the ones fighting  rather than constructing  a fascist order.

There is a free-speech alternative, however: Brighteon.Social.

Sources:

ThreadReaderApp.com

Greenwald.Substack.com
(Natural News) At first glance, it might seem like a parody. But the Hawaii State Department of Health actually put out a video telling island residents that the only thing they need to do for their health in 2022 is to get vaccinated for the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

The animation, which was quickly deleted from the official Hawaii DOH Twitter account not long after it was posted, depicts an obese island woman with a tropical flower in her hair contemplating how to start a new year, new me protocol.

She thinks about healthy eating, but decides against it. She then thinks about exercising regularly, but decides against it. She even considers saving money, but decides against that, too.

Finally, large woman contemplates getting injected with mRNA (messenger RNA) poison from Tony Fauci and Operation Warp Speed and her face immediately lights up with glee.

Get keiki vaccinated, reads the thought bubble from the woman as she lights up with excitement  watch below:

Look what these people just deleted from an official state government account Original tweet is gone https://t.co/PIEahgDR1w pic.twitter.com/q3MkSO4zGS  Daniel Francisco (NJ CD 4) (@DFrancisco7) January 3, 2022

The easiest New Years resolution for 2022 is to get jabbed, says Hawaii DOH. This year, set a goal that will not only improve your familys health, but can also be accomplished easily and quickly: getting your keiki vaccination against COVID-19!

Why are people paying taxes to other people who are trying to kill them?

After the video went viral, Hawaii DOH took it down and completely altered its messaging to include recommendations about staying active, eating nutritious foods, and living tobacco-free.

In addition to getting the COVID-19 vaccine, making healthy choices every day can improve your health and reduce your risk for many other chronic diseases, the new tweet states.

It is a bit concerning, to say the least, that a government health department actually advised citizens against spending their money wisely, eating quality food, and getting regular exercise  only to suddenly change its mind due to public backlash.

Now that the Hawaii DOH is the laughingstock of the internet, it is suddenly pretending as though its advice is credible and to be taken seriously, though nobody is buying it.

That video was appalling, wrote one Twitter user in response to the now-deleted video advising against healthy eating and exercise. Yet it appeals to probably 90% of Americans. Something difficult but tremendous payoff, nah just give me the pill / shot.

Another refused to believe that the original video was actually tweeted by the Hawaii DOH because of how ridiculous it is. Sadly, the video is absolutely real and really did come from the Hawaiian government.

People need to use FOIA to obtain records from that govt agency to identify who created that garbage, all the records of discussions / meetings surrounding it, who provided funding for it, etc., someone else suggested.

Those responsible for making this video need a spotlight shined on them immediately.

Another person wrote soberly that everyone somehow needs to accept the fact that the American left has been broken and driven insane by 18 months of heavy handed propaganda.

Its their voters that need to hear it, this same person added.

Back in the fall, by the way, Honolulu implemented a vaccine passport scheme to try to force area residents to show proof of injection in order to eat and live.

The degree of resentment and disgust that these leftist POS pols have for their willing sheep is so abjectly grotesque and humiliating for their subjects, that they cannot possibly admit their error in trusting them, so they continue to leap off the cliff as true believers, another Twitter user wrote.

Chinese Virus injection propaganda is everywhere. To keep up with the latest, visit Propaganda.news.

Sources for this article include:

Twitter.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Will 2022 be the year that Big Tech is finally held accountable for their rampant censorship? Representative Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a House Judiciary Committee ranking member, recently told Breitbart News that he has a plan in place to rectify this untenable situation and it will be put in motion if Republicans retake the majority in the upcoming midterm elections.

Speaking to the publications editor in chief, Alex Marlow, he explained that the judiciary committee is considering three approaches. First, he wants to put an end to the liability protection afforded them by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. This gives online platforms legal immunity when it comes to third-party content.

Then, he would like to get antitrust actions escalated to the Supreme Court quickly to avoid leaving decisions about this to Biden bureaucrats in the FTC. Finally, he wants to introduce a private right of action to protect people at the individual level when they believe that Big Tech is censoring their posts and content.

He also blamed the lack of strength being projected from the Biden Oval Office for many of the problems were seeing right now, saying: When you project weakness from the Oval Office, bad people around the planet will do bad things, and I think were starting to see that play out.

He cited the example of Secretary Anthony Blinkens meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Alaska. And the lecture, the dress down that the equivalent of the Chinese Secretary of State gave to our Secretary of State, on our soil, was just so wrong, he said.

And youve got to ask yourself the question, would that ever happen to Mike Pompeo in a Trump administration? And the answer is no. And if they tried, Mike Pompeo wouldve gotten up and flipped the table over, and sais, You dont talk to the United States that way.

Jordan calls for greater transparency when it comes to Big Tech content moderation

In July, Rep. Jordan unveiled a strategy for taking on Big Tech after voting against bipartisan proposals on the matter. Among other things, the strategy called for the FTC to be stripped of antitrust enforcement authority. Senate Judiciary Antitrust Subcommittee ranking member Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced a similar proposal.

Rep. Jordan also called for Big Tech to be more transparent when it comes to their content moderation policies, with a proposal that would require major social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to make their censorship and content moderation actions publicly available and fine them for failing to do so.

Speaking recently on the online show Firebrand with Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida), Rep. Jordan said it was time to go after Big Techs censorship of conservatives.

He stated: What Big Tech in collusion with Big Government is doing in this cancel-culture world we live in is so wrong. Bari Weiss called it the digital thunderdome  you take on the woke mob, and they will put you in the thunderdome.

Some of those who have been on the receiving end of Big Techs conservative bias include former President Donald Trump, who was banned by several social media platforms despite being the nations leader. The social media platform Parler was banned by Google, Apple and Amazon, and a New York Post story exposing the misdeeds of Joe Bidens son, Hunter, right before the 2020 election was heavily suppressed across Big Tech.

The GOP is optimistic about its chances of retaking control of the House in the midterm elections after Republican Glenn Youngkin won the Virginia governorship in November, so there is a good chance that Jordan will make progress in his fight against Big Tech this year.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

WashingtonExaminer.com
(Natural News) U.S. national security continues to deteriorate, and quickly, under the Biden regime, in no small part due to an unreasonable and unnecessary COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Bidens order in August, one branch in particular  the U.S. Marine Corps  is suffering the most, with many believing that the objective of the mandate is to serve as a political purge, draining the force of some of its most patriotic (and conservative) members.

According to Fox News Digital last week, 169 Marines have been booted from the service for refusing to take the largely experimental vaccine. But there are literally thousands more who are facing a similar action after the Pentagons vax mandate for all active-duty service members took effect Nov. 28 for the USMC.

While Marines (and other service members) were told they could apply for religious exemptions to the vaccine, it seems obvious now that Bidens regime was never going to grant them  because mandates are far more important than military readiness and national security: Not a single exemption has been approved, and according to rejection letters seen by Fox News Digital, nearly all of which were identical.

Several Marines who spoke to the outlet are convinced its all political, as the service is being crushed by the mandate.

Theres something fundamentally wrong at this point with our nations leadership, a major with more than 17 years of active service told the network. We are facing an unconstitutional edict that I think is very targeted as a political purge, taking out some of the best and brightest soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and guardians from the Space Force.

Meanwhile, a lieutenant colonel with more than 19 years of active service said the military is working to discharge members, especially Marines, as fast as they can and as brutally as they can, damaging every Marine as much as they can on the way out.

The one message I got from the colonel above me was: Tread very carefully, this is political, you will be crushed like an ant. And he told me that because he cares about me, the lieutenant colonel told the network. Do I want to continue serving in an institution that crushes people for bringing up reasonable points in defending their faith?

A master sergeant said it seems that the louder I speak the tighter the screws are turned against me.

When youre expected to behave a certain way and to obey certain rules and follow certain processes, and then to see on the other end that thats not a two-way street, thats a violation of my morals that I cant stand by and not speak out about, the master sergeant added.

According to the network, all of the rejection letters said the same thing: Marines were being denied due to military readiness concerns, which is ironic and hypocritical considering that discharging Marines creates vacancies that take time for recruiters to fill. And that says nothing of the experience the Pentagon is letting walk out the door.

I saw one package from a sergeant who had attached, like, 30 pages of material to substantiate why his belief was sincere, under no lawful obligation to do so, said the master sergeant. And then to have this as a response with no individual inquiry and just a generalized assertion of governmental interest is insulting.

On the religious side, this is absolutely a travesty whats happening, a chief warrant officer noted. People are getting blanket denials, theyre not addressing the individual concerns or beliefs of Marines who are submitting for religious accommodations, and I think thats just horribly wrong. I honestly believe that theyre not really reading the packages.

The anti-American Marxist left continues to use this pandemic as a way to destroy our system and remake our society.

For more stories like this, check out NationalSecurity.news.

Sources include:

FoxNews.com

FalseFlag.news
(Natural News) Dr. Robert Malone is a U.S. virologist and immunologist who has dedicated his professional existence to the development of mRNA vaccines.

(Article by John Mac Ghlionn republished from TheEpochTimes.com)

In the 1980s, Malone worked as a researcher at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where he conducted studies on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology. In the early 1990s, Malone collaborated with Jon A. Wolff and Dennis A. Carson, two eminent scientists, on a study that involved synthesization.

In fact, Malone is the father of mRNA vaccines. He has served as an adjunct associate professor of biotechnology at Kennesaw State University, and he co-founded Atheric Pharmaceutical, a company that was contracted by the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases in 2016.

As you can see, Malone is no ordinary man. In fact, hes a rather extraordinary man. Before embarking on a distinguished career in science, Malone worked as a carpenter and as a farmhand. Becoming a doctor was a lofty aspiration, but through hard work and determination, his dream became a reality. Over the course of three decades, Malone has established himself as one of the most competent people in the fields of virology and immunology.

Why, then, is he considered a pariah (in his own words) by so many of his peers? Why did Twitter recently suspend his account?

Malone is arguably the most qualified person in the world to speak on what we as a society should and shouldnt be doing during the pandemic. Yet for reasons that will become abundantly clear, he finds himself ostracized, largely silenced, and cut off from the scientific community. Why?

Two months before his Twitter account was suspended, Malone wrote a rather prophetic Twitter post:

I am going to speak bluntly, he wrote. Physicians who speak out are being actively hunted via medical boards and the press. They are trying to delegitimize us and pick us off one by one.

He finished by warning that this is not a conspiracy theory but a fact. He urged us all to wake up.

Sadly, many of us are still asleep.

In my research for this piece, it seems clear to me that Malone has been silenced, not because hes some quack spouting nonsense, but because he challengedand still challengesthe overarching narrative about vaccines and the lethality of COVID-19.

Malone was recently interviewed by Joe Rogan. For the uninitiated, Rogan is the host of one of the most influential podcasts in the world. At one point during the three-hour interview, Malone referred to Dr. Anthony Fauci as Tony Fauci, a man he knows personally. Malone, in other words, knows where all the skeletons are hidden. The same is true for Dr. Peter McCullough, another world-renowned expert who has appeared on Rogans podcast.

Prior to writing this piece, I consulted both Malone and McCullough.

Over the course of the past 18 months, Malone has been painted as some kind of anti-vax fringe scientist, a man of questionable merit whos spouting nonsense.

Well, hes not. Malone happens to be vaccinated. All he has ever asked for is the chance to have frank and honest discussions on vaccines.

In his own words, vaccines have saved lives. Many lives.

But it is also increasingly clear that there are some risks associated with these vaccines, Malone said. Various governments have attempted to deny that this is the case. But they are wrong. Vaccination-associated coagulation is a risk. Cardiotoxicity is a risk. Those are proven and discussed in official USG communications, as well as communications from a variety of other governments.

Malone isnt a crazed conspiracy theorist: Hes a man whos intimately familiar with the benefits and the risks of vaccines. Hes a proponent of informed consent. Perhaps before letting someone inject a vaccine into your body, you should be fully informed of the risks involved, he says. He isnt an unreasonable man.

Nevertheless, in this age of faux outrage and fabricated storylines, society needs a fall guy, a boogie man, a sacrificial lamb. Malone fits the bill. He knows too much. Its much easier to discredit a decorated physicianwho challenges the overarching narrativethan it is to actually debate him.

Zero Degrees of Separation

The story goes deeper. In 2019, the BBC established the Trusted News Initiative (TNI), a partnership that now includes organizations such as Facebook, Twitter, Reuters, and The Washington Post. Were told that it was established to tackle disinformation in real time. TNI was ostensibly designed to wage a war on fake news.

Upon closer inspection, however, it appears to have been designed to promote very specific narratives and to silence any dissenting voices, such as Malones. Instead of trusting the TNI, we should question the motives of its members.

After all, The Washington Post recently published a piece asking people to stop criticizing President Joe Biden. The message is clear: Stop being mean to the president, even if the president is being mean to you (on more than one occasion).

Then, theres James C. Smith, chairman of the Thomson Reuters Foundation. He sits on the board of directors for Pfizer, a company thats responsible for the creation of vaccines with questionable efficacy and that has a history of manipulating data. In short, Pfizer is a company with a questionable reputation. Nevertheless, Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla was recently named CNNs Business CEO of the Year. Make of that what you will.

When one thinks of TNI (and the mainstream media in general), various terms instantly spring to mind. Objectivity isnt one of them. Highly compromised and conflict of interest do come to mind, however.

Speaking of objectivity, or the lack thereof, in August 2021, The Atlantic ran a much-cited hit piece on Malone, which was high on accusations, but low on actual evidence. It attacked his character and credibilityrepeatedly. Rather intriguingly, the article, like all of The Atlantics COVID-19 articles, was funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The former is an organization established and owned by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation owns stock in Johnson & Johnson, a company whose vaccine has been associated with the development of blood clotsthe very thing Malone has been warning us about for the better part of two years.

People might scoff. But contrary to popular belief, democracy doesnt die in darkness. It dies in broad daylight. Its death is slow and protracted, one by a thousand cuts rather than by one fatal stab.

As author Steve Levitsky once wrote, democracies dont often die at the hands of military generals, but of elected leaderspresidents or prime ministers who subvert the very process that brought them to power.

One of the great ironies of how democracies die is that the very defense of democracy is often used as a pretext for its subversion, he wrote. Would-be autocrats often use economic crises, natural disasters, and especially security threatswars, armed insurgencies, or terrorist attacksto justify antidemocratic measures.

Apply these lines to the pandemic, and Levitskys words carry more weight than ever before.

In the United States, one must not question the efficacy of masks, vaccines for kids, the logic (or lack thereof) of lockdowns, or the unconstitutional nature of vaccine mandates. What about the little matter of vaccine breakthrough deaths? Dont ask any questions.

But wait, if science cant be questioned, doesnt this make it propaganda? Hush now. Dont you love America? Dont you want people to live, rather than die? Then shut up and get the vaccine, then the booster shot, then the booster-booster shot. We, the arbiters of truth, know whats best for you. Somewhat ironically, these self-appointed arbiters of truth spout no shortage of lies.

Is it any surprise, then, that more and more Americans continue to lose faith in the mainstream media and the government? Yet here we are, being condescended to by the likes of CNNs Don Lemon and MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace. Worse still, were supposed to take orders from Fauci, a man who supposedly represents science, yet goes out of his way to smear scientists. Why would a man of science attack the very thing that hes supposed to represent?

According to numerous reports, Fauci has repeatedly deceived the American people. Its important to remember that Fauci is, first and foremost, a talking head for the U.S. government. In reality, hes a politician with a medical degree.

To quote the author Gillian Flynn, the author of Gone Girl: The truth is malleable; you just need to pick the right expert.

Who better than Fauci, a highly qualified individual with his own fan club? But dont be fooled. Fauci might act like he answers to no one, but he does. He answers to the U.S. government. Who, then, does the government answer to? Big Pharma, it seems.

In 2019, the Roosevelt Institute published a fascinating report, The Cost of Capture: How the Pharmaceutical Industry has Corrupted Policy Makers and Harmed Patients. The report outlines the many ways in which the pharmaceutical industry has shaped policies through corporate capture. This is a phenomenon that sees private industries use their significant financial and political influence to manipulate a states decision-making apparatus. The report warned about the dangers of lobbying and of deeply flawed medical research.

What were seeing is the convergence of Big Pharma, Big Tech, and Big Government. Lets call it the unholy trinity, with Big Tech doing the bidding of Big Government, and Big Government doing the bidding of Big Pharma.

Interestingly, but not surprisingly, YouTube has removed the Joe Rogan episodes featuring Robert Malone and Peter McCullough. Why? Because when it comes to viruses and vaccines, these are among the most notable and accomplished experts in the world. They appear to know things that the government doesnt want us to know. Additionally, Google, the owner of YouTube, appears to be closely involved with the U.S. government.

What were left with is the equivalent of a digital dictatorship, with even the most qualified people being silenced, ostracized, and, in some cases, defenestrated. Robert Malone is a wise man, an honest man, and a highly credible man. The grief that has come his wayand continues to come his way to this dayis unwarranted. But as he knows only too well, this is the price one must pay for challenging the unholy trinity.

Read more at: TheEpochTimes.com
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(Natural News) If you are a global leader, millions upon millions of people are deeply affected by the public statements that you make. So when you are in such a position, it is absolutely imperative to be incredibly careful with your words. Unfortunately, prominent politicians all over the globe are increasingly spewing hatred for certain groups even as they pretend to be champions for tolerance. When ordinary citizens hear such hateful statements, many of them inevitably come to the conclusion that it is okay to hate those groups too. Nearly a century ago, the Germans gave us a prime example of where this sort of hatred can ultimately lead, and we never want such a thing to ever happen again.

(Article by Michael Snyder republished from TheEconomicCollapseBlog.com)

Let me give you an example of what I am talking about. In a recent interview with a French newspaper, Emmanuel Macron referred to the unvaccinated as non-citizens, and he stated that it was his goal to piss them off

Macron made the comments in an interview with the Le Parisien newspaper, noting As for the non-vaccinated, I really want to piss them off. And we will continue to do this, to the end. This is the strategy.

What a terrible thing to say.

So precisely how does he plan to piss them off?

Well, he apparently intends to limit the ability of unvaccinated people to live a normal life as much as possible

He further vowed to keep putting pressure on the unvaccinated by limiting, as much as possible, their access to activities in social life.

What do you think would happen if Macron made that statement about a racial minority or the LGBT community?

But because it is open season on the unvaccinated, Macron can get away with saying whatever he wants about them.

And this is a signal to the rest of the citizens of France that they are free to hate the unvaccinated as well.

Of course Macron is far from alone.

Last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said things that were even worse about the unvaccinated

They dont believe in science/progress and are very often misogynistic and racist.This leads us, as a leader and as a country, to make a choice: Do we tolerate these people?

Really?

There is absolutely no evidence that the unvaccinated are any more racist than the general population of Canada.

But this is what you do when you deeply hate a particular group of people. You demonize them so that others will hate them as well.

You can almost feel the hate coming through in Trudeaus words. Canada was once known as a mecca of politeness, but under Trudeau it is being transformed into an incredibly hateful place.

Of course it is perfectly okay for Trudeau to deeply disagree with the unvaccinated, and it is perfectly okay for the unvaccinated to deeply disagree with Trudeau. Tolerance does not require that we agree with everyone. In fact, we can fundamentally disagree with others on just about everything and still tolerate them.

Personally, I believe that we are called to go far beyond just tolerance. In fact, as I have warned repeatedly, if we dont learn to love one another we are simply not going to make it as a society.

But we can love others and still deeply disagree with the bad things that they do.

And that includes when those that we disagree with choose to be incredibly hypocritical. Democrats in Congress love to tout the virtues of masks and mandates, but many of them also love to vacation in the state of Florida

Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell appears to be following in the footsteps of fellow liberal Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by taking a trip to mask-and mandate-free Florida  just days after lashing out at Republicans for prolonging the coronavirus pandemic. The California Democrat has repeatedly accused conservative lawmakers of being responsible for the ongoing covid wave and last week blamed the GOP for canceled vacations and for having to wear masks everywhere again just before the new year.

Since Swalwell is so pro-mask, he surely must have kept his mask on the entire time he was vacationing in Florida, right?

Actually, he didnt. In fact, he was photographed having quite a wonderful time without a mask at a luxury hotel in Miami

But Swalwell, himself was apparently able to go ahead with his holiday travel plans and ditch his mask just days later, when he was spotted hanging out at the posh Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

So does this mean that we should hate Swalwell, AOC, Joe Biden and the other hypocritical politicians in Washington?

No.

I know that it isnt easy, but we need to love everyone, and that even includes our Congress critters.

But does that mean that we should accept the way that they are behaving?

Of course not.

Those that are responsible for destroying our society should be held accountable for their actions.

But we can hold our leaders accountable for what they have done without hating them.

Let me try to end this article on a different note.

Earlier today, I learned that one of the main ways that authorities around the nation are now tracking the spread of COVID is by testing raw sewage. The following comes from NBC News

With at-home Covid-19 tests in high demand and their efficacy in question, health departments from California to Massachusetts are turning to sewage samples to get a better idea of how much the coronavirus is spreading through communities and what might be in store for health care systems.

Apparently officials believe that they can determine a communitys positivity rate and average viral load simply from wastewater samples

Recent wastewater samples in Houston, for example, show that there has been a sharp increase in the amount of the coronavirus detected in the citys sewage. As of Dec. 20, Houstons viral load, or the amount of virus found in samples, was at 546 percent compared to July 6, 2020, and the positivity rate was at 14 percent, according to the city Health Departments wastewater dashboard. The viral load is up from 142 percent last week and 76 percent the previous week.

I dont know about you, but all of this sounds like a load of crap to me.

As Omicron continues to spread, the level of fear all over the globe is only going to increase.

And as Yoda once astutely observed, fear leads to anger and anger leads to hate.

We have gotten to a point where prominent leaders all over the planet are openly spewing their hatred for the unvaccinated everywhere they go, and the mainstream media is totally letting them get away with it.

That makes this a very dangerous time for the unvaccinated, because history has shown where this sort of unbridled hatred can ultimately take us.

Read more at: TheEconomicCollapseBlog.com
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Inspiration4 crew launches from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on September 15, 2021. - The Inspiration4 mission, the first to send an all-civilian crew to orbit, will venture deeper into space than the International Space Station. (Photo : Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

As Beijing claims that two SpaceX satellites launched by the American aerospace firm endangered Chinese astronauts, the tech billionaire's SpaceX satellites are causing a stir in the country.

China claims that two SpaceX satellites sailed too close to the country's space station this year, requiring the station to undertake evasive maneuvers to prevent collision, in a report made to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs earlier this month.

"The US... ignores its obligations under international treaties, posing a serious threat to the lives and safety of astronauts," Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, said at a routine briefing on Tuesday.

Early this month, China submitted a complaint with the United Nations. The instances, however, did not receive broad attention in the United States until this week. The accidents, which involved satellites from SpaceX's Starlink constellation: a project that promises to beam high-speed internet across the whole planet were investigated by Chinese state media.

Elon Musk's Space X





SpaceX is only a few months away from celebrating its 20th anniversary since its founding in 2002. The California-based firm increased its capabilities in sectors ranging from broadband communications to human launches in 2021. SpaceX's continuous drive into space exploration and Mars landings are quickly making their way into popular culture.

SpaceX is a private American corporation that is unaffiliated with NASA, the United States' military, and civilian space agency. It has received widespread public support, and its founder, Elon Musk, is said to be accepting Dogecoin payments for missions.

Also read: Hubble Space Telescope Caught Celestial Motion that Resembles Bat Flapping

Irresponsible Space Conduct





"We have encouraged all countries with space programs to be responsible actors, to avoid acts that may put in danger astronauts, cosmonauts, others who are orbiting the Earth or who have the potential to," said by US State Department spokesperson Ned Price

Throughout seven decades of human exploration and activity in space, behavior norms are still being developed. Although space is a growing economic engine, the current space environment resembles the early days of driving or flying, with tremendous expansion in the number of cars, planes, and operators with just the most basic traffic laws.

Growing congestion and trash, laws of physics that define motion differently than on Earth, and a lack of international borders are all factors that add to the complexity of space.

There are about 5,000 active satellites orbiting Earth today, and that number is expected to skyrocket in the next two years. According to several estimates, the annual value of the space economy will exceed $1 trillion by 2040, with trillions more in worldwide economic activity reliant on space. Because of the great increase and reliance on space technologies, reckless behavior becomes even more concerning.

Fortunately, increasing space security and long-term sustainability has overwhelming worldwide support.

In the second year of the United States' presidency, the president of the United States, George W. Bush, was elected to the building on existing alliances and collaborations to reach that goal - having a shared understanding of what constitutes safe and responsible activity and sharing our perspectives on transparent and pragmatic behaviors - has been one of our important aims for the Space Force.

Also read: Could Octopuses Have Come from Outer Space? Papers of Science Could Prove Why
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Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low near 55F. Winds ESE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch..

Tonight

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low near 55F. Winds ESE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
Longview, TX (75601)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening with thunderstorms becoming likely overnight. Low 67F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

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Partly cloudy this evening with thunderstorms becoming likely overnight. Low 67F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
The Omicron variant was detected for the first time in South Africa in November 2021 and has since spread to many countries. It is expected to become the dominant variant within a few weeks or months. Initial epidemiological studies show that the Omicron variant is more transmissible than the currently dominant virus (the Delta variant). It is capable of spreading to individuals who have received two vaccine doses and to previously infected individuals.

Scientists from the Institut Pasteur and the Vaccine Research Institute, in collaboration with KU Leuven (Leuven, Belgium), Orleans Regional Hospital, Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou (AP-HP), Inserm and the CNRS, studied the sensitivity of the Omicron variant to monoclonal antibodies used in clinical practice to prevent severe forms of the disease in people at risk, as well as to antibodies in the blood of individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 or vaccinated. They compared this sensitivity with that of the Delta variant. The scientists demonstrated that Omicron is much less sensitive to neutralizing antibodies than Delta.

The scientists then analyzed the blood of people who had received two doses of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine. Five months after vaccination, the antibodies in the blood were no longer capable of neutralizing Omicron. This loss of efficacy was also observed in individuals who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 within the past 12 months. Administering a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine or a single vaccine dose in previously infected individuals led to a significant increase in antibody levels that was sufficient to neutralize Omicron. Omicron is therefore much less sensitive to the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies currently used in clinical practice or obtained after two vaccine doses.

The study was published as a preprint on the bioRxiv website on December 15, 2021 and in Nature on Dec 23, 2021.

Initial epidemiological studies demonstrate that the Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant. The Omicron variant's biological characteristics are still relatively unknown. It has more than 32 mutations in the spike protein compared with the first SARS-CoV-2 and was designated as a variant of concern by WHO on November 26, 2021.

In South Africa, the Omicron variant replaced the other viruses within a few weeks and led to a sharp increase in the number of cases diagnosed. Analyses in various countries indicate that the doubling time for cases is approximately 2 to 4 days. Omicron has been detected in dozens of countries, including France and became dominant by the end of 2021.

In a new study supported by the European Union's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), scientists from the Institut Pasteur and the Vaccine Research Institute, in collaboration with KU Leuven (Leuven, Belgium), Orleans Regional Hospital, Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou (AP-HP) and Inserm, studied the sensitivity of Omicron to antibodies compared with the currently dominant Delta variant. The aim of the study was to characterize the efficacy of therapeutic antibodies, as well as antibodies developed by individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 or vaccinated, in neutralizing this new variant.

The scientists from KU Leuven isolated the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 from a nasal sample of a 32-year-old woman who developed moderate COVID-19 a few days after returning from Egypt. The isolated virus was immediately sent to scientists at the Institut Pasteur, where therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and serum samples from people who had been vaccinated or previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 were used to study the sensitivity of the Omicron variant.

The scientists used rapid neutralization assays, developed by the Institut Pasteur's Virus and Immunity Unit, on the isolated sample of the Omicron virus. This collaborative multidisciplinary effort also involved the Institut Pasteur's virologists and specialists in the analysis of viral evolution and protein structure, together with teams from Orleans Regional Hospital and Hopital Europeen Georges Pompidou in Paris.

The scientists began by testing nine monoclonal antibodies used in clinical practice or currently in preclinical development. Six antibodies lost all antiviral activity, and the other three were 3 to 80 times less effective against Omicron than against Delta. The antibodies Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab (a combination developed by Lilly), Casirivimab/Imdevimab (a combination developed by Roche and known as Ronapreve) and Regdanvimab (developed by Celtrion) no longer had any antiviral effect against Omicron. The Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab combination (developed by AstraZeneca under the name Evusheld) was 80 times less effective against Omicron than against Delta.

We demonstrated that this highly transmissible variant has acquired significant resistance to antibodies. Most of the therapeutic monoclonal antibodies currently available against SARS-CoV-2 are inactive." Olivier Schwartz, co-last author of the study and Head of the Virus and Immunity Unit, Institut Pasteur

The scientists observed that the blood of patients previously infected with COVID-19, collected up to 12 months after symptoms, and that of individuals who had received two doses of the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine, taken five months after vaccination, barely neutralized the Omicron variant. But the sera of individuals who had received a booster dose of Pfizer, analyzed one month after vaccination, remained effective against Omicron. Five to 31 times more antibodies were nevertheless required to neutralize Omicron, compared with Delta, in cell culture assays. These results help shed light on the continued efficacy of vaccines in protecting against severe forms of disease.

"We now need to study the length of protection of the booster dose. The vaccines probably become less effective in offering protection against contracting the virus, but they should continue to protect against severe forms," explains Olivier Schwartz.

"This study shows that the Omicron variant hampers the effectiveness of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, but it also demonstrates the ability of European scientists to work together to identify challenges and potential solutions. While KU Leuven was able to describe the first case of Omicron infection in Europe using the Belgian genome surveillance system, our collaboration with the Institut Pasteur in Paris enabled us to carry out this study in record time. There is still a great deal of work to do, but thanks to the support of the European Union's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), we have clearly now reached a point where scientists from the best centers can work in synergy and move towards a better understanding and more effective management of the pandemic," comments Emmanuel Andre, co-last author of the study, a Professor of Medicine at KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) and Head of the National Reference Laboratory and the genome surveillance network for COVID-19 in Belgium.

The scientists concluded that the many mutations in the spike protein of the Omicron variant enabled it to largely evade the immune response. Ongoing research is being conducted to determine why this variant is more transmissible from one individual to the next and to analyze the long-term effectiveness of a booster dose.
Returning to college to earn a bachelor's degree leads to both an immediate increase in annual income after graduation and an increase in annual income growth each year after graduation, according to a Kansas State University economics researcher.

Amanda Gaulke, assistant professor of economics in the College of Arts and Sciences, found that students who return to college and finish a bachelor's degree earn on average $4,294 more immediately after graduation and experience an extra income growth of $1,121 per year, on average. The Economics of Education Review recently published the study.

No matter how I looked at the data, those who returned and finished a bachelor's degree see an economically meaningful increase in income after degree completion. The average age at graduation for this sample is 27, so they certainly have a lot of working years left to experience improved labor market outcomes." Amanda Gaulke, Assistant Professor of Economics, College of Arts and Sciences, Kansas State University

While current economic literature mainly focuses on the traditional college student -; those who graduate high school, go to college, earn a degree, and then start a career -; Gaulke wanted to determine if returning to finish a bachelor's degree resulted in improved economic outcomes compared to both those who never returned and those who returned to complete a bachelor's degree but dropped out again.

"This information is important for people who are wondering if they should return to school," Gaulke said. "When thinking in terms of weighing costs and benefits, it is important for those people to know that there are real economic benefits of going back and completing a bachelor's degree."

Gaulke's study also shows students who re-enroll and earn a degree are significantly more likely to be employed, work more weeks and work more full-time weeks each quarter. Additionally, those students who return but do not complete a degree also realized slight income gains.

Ultimately, businesses and the U.S. economy also benefit from having a trained workforce.

"To maximize economic output, we have to use resources efficiently," Gaulke said. "If employees are not as productive or skilled because they are unable to make well-informed decisions about re-enrolling and completing their bachelor's degrees, this reduces worker productivity."

Gaulke said another benefit of this study is that many institutions of higher education have concerns about enrollment numbers and are expanding their recruitment efforts beyond students coming straight from high school. Many private sector companies now offer services to help colleges and universities re-enroll students who left without completing their degrees. The results of this study suggest that colleges and universities that develop or implement policies to help students re-enroll and finish a bachelor's degree can potentially improve enrollment numbers and also help improve economic outcomes for these students as well.

Individuals interested in returning to K-State to finish a degree can discover more information about the university's admission process for returning students and apply online today.
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Samuel L. Jackson famously requested that Mace Windu have a purple lightsaber in order to distinguish himself from other Jedi, but the Windu figure that ran in The Phantom Menace toyline featured a blue lightsaber.







toyline featured a blue lightsaber. Grievouss original backstory revealed that Dooku first tested his trainees combat skills during the Battle of Geonosis. The backstory was later changed due to Lucass ideas that were introduced in The Clone Wars .







. In the Republic Commando series, the clone Sev deals with post traumatic stress disorder from his experience in the battle. He plans to kill 4,982 Geonosians by the end of the war, the same number of clones that are killed that day.







series, the clone Sev deals with post traumatic stress disorder from his experience in the battle. He plans to kill 4,982 Geonosians by the end of the war, the same number of clones that are killed that day. The droid factory action sequence where Anakin and Padme are captured was a last minute addition to improve the films pacing. It's been reported that the entire scene was filmed in 4.5 hours.







The CGI character design of Poggle the Lesser was enhanced with more details than the base Geonosian template to show his age and superiority. ILM artists had done a similar revision to Boss Nass to show his leadership of the Gungans.







The Battle of Geonosis is a playable level within LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars , the only level not directly inspired by an episode of the series.







, the only level not directly inspired by an episode of the series. Rex reveals in The Clone Wars that he fought on Geonosis, but Cody did not.







that he fought on Geonosis, but Cody did not. The YA series Boba Fett explored the young bounty hunters origins throughout the Clone Wars. The first novel The Fight to Survive tells the Battle of Geonosis from Fetts perspective.







explored the young bounty hunters origins throughout the Clone Wars. The first novel tells the Battle of Geonosis from Fetts perspective. Wat Tambors role in the Sepratist Council was teased in James Lucenos The Phantom Menace prequel novel Cloak of Deception .







prequel novel . The Quarren Seperatist Council member Tikkes was the topic of a loyal and persistent fan movement that lobbied Dave Filoni to include him in The Clone Wars.

Hey there,fans! This week on the site, were exploring the Battle of Geonosis that united the Jedi forces and first sees the clone forces in action. Make sure to check out our  Expand Your Mind  article first in order to learn about the history of the planet and battle, and why it's such a pivotal moment within the saga. Throughout the week well be exploring more articles, insights, videos, and information about the best merchandising content.The Battle of Geonosis is one of the grandest action sequences in the entire saga; if some fans complained thatfocused too heavily on the romance, then the last 45 minutes are pretty much nonstop action. Check out our Force Facts about the arena battle:What do you think,fans? What are some of your favorite Geonosis moments? Do you know any Force Facts of your own? Let us know in the forums , and as always, may the Force be with you!Check out Rebelscum.com merch!Be sure to follow us on all of our social media platforms:
(Newser)  A new study appears to validate reports from women who experience changes to their menstrual cycles after receiving COVID vaccinations, but researchers are saying not to panic. Per the New York Times, some women experienced later periods than usual, while others said bleeding became heavier or was accompanied by pain. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University examined the records of almost 4,000 women who tracked their menstrual cycles using a birth control app called Natural Cycles. Of the women, 2,400 of them were vaccinated.

Per the AP, the study found that, on average, the next period after a shot started about a day later than usual. The study found no change in the number of days of menstrual bleeding after COVID-19 vaccination. This is incredibly reassuring, said Dr. Alison Edelman, who led the research and said it's important to tell women what to expect. The unvaccinated women saw no significant changes. So why the difference? Edelman said one theory is that when the immune system revs up at certain times in the cycle, our body clock or what controls the menstrual cycle can have a hiccup. She plans additional study to tell if there are changes in the heaviness of menstrual bleeding or if women who have irregular periods react differently. (Read more coronavirus vaccine stories.)
(Newser)  Update: A high school teacher in Texas got some good news after being accused of putting her teen son in her car's trunk so she wouldn't be exposed to the coronavirus. Per CNN, Harris County Judge Chris Morton ruled on Thursday there was no probable cause to charge 41-year-old Sarah Beam with child endangerment, an accusation lobbed at her after she arrived at a COVID testing site and a worker there discovered the boy. Beam says he had tested positive for COVID. The Harris County District Attorney's Office is still exploring possible charges. Our original story from Jan. 9 follows:

A Texas high school teacher is being charged with a felony after officials say she locked her teenage son in the trunk of her car while she went through a drive-thru COVID testing site. Per KRIV, the Harris County District Attorney's Office says Sarah Beam faces a child endangerment charge for allegedly keeping the 13-year-old locked away because he'd tested positive for COVID and she feared he could give it to her. A staff member at the testing site heard something in the trunk as Beam drove through the Houston testing site on Jan. 3, per Click2Houston.

When Beam popped the trunk, the witness told authorities the boy was inside facedown. The site employee reportedly then told Beam she couldn't have a test administered until the boy was placed in the back seat. The employee then called police. Per court documents, Beam told police she put the boy in the trunk to protect herself from being exposed to COVID. A warrant was subsequently issued and Beam was arrested and booked Saturday before posting a $1,500 bond. Beam's school district responded in a statement, saying they were aware of the incident and that "thankfully, the child was not harmed." Beam is reportedly on administrative leave. (Read more COVID-19 stories.)
(Newser)  Italian security officials on Saturday appealed to women or girls who think they were sexually abused or molested by mobs during New Year's Eve celebrations in a square near Milan's cathedral to file complaints with police. Several women have told authorities they were groped by young men that night. As of Friday, at least five women, including two Germans, had reported they were surrounded by dozens of Italian and foreign men in Milan's Duomo square or on nearby streets, the AP reports.

Women alleged that they were shoved and groped, daily newspaper Corriere della Sera reported Saturday. One woman, who had her sweater torn and her pants pulled down, suffered scrapes, the paper reported. Police took her to a hospital for treatment. Officers reportedly came to one woman's rescue, but in another case, a German woman said police were nearby but didn't respond to cries for help. The security commissioner for Lombardy, the region that includes Milan, urged any other women who were molested to contact prosecutors. Police are looking at video images to try to identify the attackers.

The reports evoked recollections of sexual assaults near the cathedral and central train station in Cologne, Germany, on Dec. 31, 2015, and Jan. 1, 2016. Those assaults heightened tensions over migration to Germany because most of the men identified as suspects were foreigners. German police were criticized for their handling of the situation, and Cologne's police chief at the time was removed. On Friday, Italian Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese expressed hope "that those responsible for the molestations and violence be handed over to justice." She called for efforts to ensure such "deplorable behaviors" don't happen again.

(Read more sexual molestation stories.)
(Newser)  Addressing the situation in Kazakhstan, where Russian forces are helping to put down violent protests, Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that inviting President Vladimir Putin to send military help is the easy part. "One lesson of recent history is that once Russians are in your house, it's sometimes very difficult to get them to leave," Blinken said Friday in Washington. Russia's foreign ministry answered Saturday, calling that a "typically offensive" remark, Reuters reports, and accusing Blinken of making light of the ongoing violence in Kazakhstan.

The Russians suggested the US look inward, at its interventions in Vietnam, Iraq, and elsewhere. "If Antony Blinken loves history lessons so much, then he should take the following into account: when Americans are in your house, it can be difficult to stay alive and not be robbed or raped," the ministry posted on social media. The post said Russia has learned not just from the recent past, but from "all 300 years of American statehood." This exchange comes just before US-Russia talks about the situation at the Ukraine border, scheduled to begin Monday in Geneva, per the AP.

Blinken had been trying to make the point that the crises in Kazakhstan and Ukraine aren't comparable. But they might be connected, said Fiona Hill, formerly of the US National Security Council. The chaos in Kazakhstan, she said, "is probably going to accelerate Putin's desire to do something" in Ukraine. Russian presence in both places gives Putin a chance to show regional dominance, she said. A Republican congressman said helping in Kazakhstan could spread the Russian military too thin to invade Ukraine. I dont see Russia with the capability of handling two crises simultaneously, said Rep. Mark Green. I think it will deter their ability to wage a major conflict in Ukraine. (Read more Antony Blinken stories.)
(Newser)  Authorities searched the last known residence of Harmony Montgomery on Saturday to investigate the disappearance of the New Hampshire girl, who vanished in 2019 at age 5 but was not reported missing until late last year, per the AP. Law enforcement agencies were working at a home in Manchester, officials said. Details were not released. Harmony's father and stepmother have been arrested on charges related to her well-being. Adam Montgomery, 31, was charged with counts including failing to have Harmony in his custody. Kayla Montgomery, 31, was charged one with welfare fraud on suspicion of obtaining $1,500 in food stamps from December 2019 to June 2021 for Harmony at a time when the girl was not living with Kayla and Adam.

The two have pleaded not guilty. Police first became aware Harmony might be missing when they received a call from the girl's mother in November. She had been trying to locate the girl for months, police said. Police said they had made contact with Adam Montgomery and other family members by the end of December. An affidavit said police told him Harmony had not been physically observed in over two years and that we had concern for whether or not she was still alive." A candlelit vigil was held in a Manchester park on Saturday night where family and friends sought to remind the public that Harmony is still missing, NBC10 Boston reported. The girls mother, Crystal Sorey, made her first public appearance since the search got underway, telling the station that she doesnt feel like her daughter is gone.

Sorey lost legal custody of Harmony in 2018 and said she was blocked by her ex-husband from contacting her. She had this message for her daughter: Hi, baby. If you can see me and hear me, I want you to know that I never stopped looking for you and I wont stop fighting until I find you, okay? You stay strong and mommys right here fighting for you. I love you. Police are still requesting help from the public in locating Harmony, Formella said in a statement. Anyone with information can call 603-203-6060, he said. Manchester police have also said a reward for information that helps find Harmony has also grown to $94,000 from local donations, WMUR-TV reported. (Read more missing child stories.)
(Newser)  Update: The cliff collapse in Brazil killed 10 people, only one of whom had been identified by Sunday afternoon, as 68-year-old retiree Julio Borges Antunes. All victims and survivors have now been accounted for, and two people remain hospitalized, the New York Times reports. At least 27 others were treated for minor injuries. Video of the tragedy showed boaters trying to warn others to "get away" as they saw rocks starting to fall into the lake, but the waterfall at the spot, plus music coming from the boats, drowned out their cries. Days of rain in the area preceded the slab peeling off from the cliff face, and officials were blaming the rain for the incident. At least 20 other people have died in Brazil due to rain and flooding in recent weeks. Our original story from Sunday follows:

A towering slab of rock broke from a cliff and toppled onto pleasure boaters drifting near a waterfall on a Brazilian lake Saturday and officials said at least six people died, per the AP. Edgard Estevo, commander of the Minas Gerais State Fire Department, said at a news conference that in addition to the dead as many as 20 people might be missing and officials were seeking to identify them. Officials said at least 32 people were injured, though most had been released from hospitals by Saturday evening. Video images showed a gathering of small boats moving slowly near the sheer rock cliff on Furnas Lake when a fissure appeared in the rock and a huge piece toppled onto at least two of the vessels. Estevo said the accident occurred between the towns of Sao Jose da Barra and Capitolio, from which the boats had left.

The press office of Minas Gerais state told the AP that the fire department had deployed divers and helicopters to help. Minas Gerais Gov. Romeu Zema sent messages of solidarity with the victims via social media. Furnas Lake, which was created in 1958 for the installation of a hydroelectric plant, is a popular tourist draw in the area roughly 260 miles north of Sao Paulo. Officials in Capitolio, which has about 8,400 residents, say the town can see around 5,000 visitors on a weekend, and up to 30,000 on holidays. Officials suggested the wall coming loose could have been related to heavy rains recently that caused flooding in the state and forced almost 17,000 people out of their homes. Earlier last year, the concern was a lack of rain as Brazil experienced the worst drought in 91 years, forcing officials to divert the water flow from Furnas Lake dam. (Read more Brazil stories.)
(Newser)  Update: A Colombia woman who, for months, was fighting for her right to end her own life, has died by euthanasia. Per the Washington Post, 51-year-old Martha Sepulveda, who suffered from ALS, won her high-profile battle to die according to her idea of autonomy and dignity, per a statement from her representatives. Our original story from October 2021 follows:

The Colombian woman who had won the right to die by euthanasia went to bed Friday night ready to face her last day on Earth. But a call from her lawyers woke her and changed everything. Martha Sepulveda has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS or Lou Gehrigs diseasethe same disease Stephen Hawking had. But her condition is not considered terminal. Colombia is one of only a few countries that allows euthanasia. That allowance is only for people with six months or less to live, and only recently extended it to include people with "intense physical or mental suffering from bodily injury or serious and incurable disease." Thus, Sepulveda canceled her phone plan, spent time watching Netflix with her son, and finalized all of her plans, the Washington Post reports.

She didnt know that her case could still be reviewed, though. Instead, health officials determined that her condition had improved and she no longer qualified for the death she had planned. The Colombian Institute of Pain, the clinic where she was supposed to die on Sunday morning, made a last-minute decision to cancel, saying she no longer met their requirements. That determination was based in part on media coverage showing her smiling and laughing. Theyre obligating her to live a life that she is not willing to continue to live, Lucas Correa Montoya, one of her lawyers, said. Her 22-year-old son, Federico Redondo Sepulveda, who fought alongside his mother for her right to choose a dignified end, said the reversal brought back his mothers worry and sadness. The family may or may not try to get the original decision restored, NBC News reports. (Read more euthanasia stories.)
(Newser)  During Bosnia's greatest political crisis since the end of its 1992-95 interethnic war, the country's Serbs celebrated an outlawed holiday Sunday with a provocative parade showcasing armored vehicles, police helicopters, and law enforcement officers with rifles, marching in lockstep and singing a nationalist song. Addressing several thousand spectators gathered in Banja Luka, the de-facto capital of the Serb-run part of the country, Bosnian Serb nationalist leader Milorad Dodik disparaged sanctions Washington slapped on him last week over his alleged corrupt activities and threats to tear the country apart, the AP reports.

"This gathering is the best response to those who deny us our rights ... who keep imposing sanctions on us," Dodik said. The Jan. 9 holiday commemorates the date in 1992 when Bosnian Serbs declared the creation of their own state in Bosnia, igniting the multi-ethnic country's devastating, nearly 4-year war that became a byname for ethnic cleansing and genocide. The holiday was banned in 2015 by Bosnia's top court, which ruled that the date, which falls on a Serb Christian Orthodox religious holiday, discriminates against the country's other ethnic groupsMuslim Bosniaks and Catholic Croats.

During the war that killed 100,000 people and turned half of the country's population into refugees, Bosniaks and Croats were persecuted and almost all expelled from the Serb-administered half of Bosnia. After the war, under the US-brokered Dayton peace agreement, Bosnia was divided into two semi-autonomous governing entitiesRepublika Srpska and one dominated by Bosniaks and Croats. The pro-Russian Dodik advocates the separation of the Bosnian Serb mini-state from the rest of the country and making it part of neighboring Serbia. He's described Bosniaks as "second-rate people" and "treacherous converts" who sold their "original (Orthodox Christian) faith for dinner."

(Read more Bosnia stories.)
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Bahrain kicks off ban in force on plastic bottles less than 200ml capacity

Bahrain kicks off ban in force on plastic bottles less than 200ml capacity

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

In a bold move fighting environmental pollution, Bahrain, starting today, will not allow the usage of plastic water bottles offering less than 200 millilitres of liquid holding capacity.

According to the Testing and Metrology Directorate, the ban is on the production, distribution and import of pre-packed plastic water bottles with a volume of fewer than 200 millilitres.

The move aims at reducing the impact of plastic waste on the environment.

It also follows the November decision by UN climate summit COP26 in Glasgow, United Kingdom, to ban some of the most environmentally damaging items by June this year.

The decision, first published in July, had said the ban becomes effective six months after notifying it in the official gazette.

At that time, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani, said the ban doesnt affect the production of small water bottles meant for export.

An AlAyam report quoting the Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade, Shaikh Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, had said the ban covers all plastic containers used to fill the water of various types, natural, gaseous, treated and sweetened.

Shaikh Hamad said the ministry would not also allow entry to shipments that are not free of bottles having fewer than 200 millilitres of capacity.

The new decision, he said, is also valid for local factories, which will not be allowed to supply bottles with less than 200 millilitres into markets here.
By Captain Mahmood Al Mahmood

What? A week gone already in the New Year? I bet most of us are picking our way through the debris of resolutions broken and already the year is beginning to look much like the past year.

As things stand, 2022 is hopping forward with all the lop-sided grace of a one-legged rabbit. But we are armed with the knowledge of 2020 and 2021, so we should be able to deflect many of the more severe blows.

Already Bahrain has shown that it could put to use the lessons of managing the pandemic and just last Thursday, the Taskforce for managing COVID-19 announced that a whopping 94% target for vaccinations has been reached in the kingdom.

This, at a time when many countries have not even fully completed vaccinations for their medical frontliners, is indeed worth applauding.

Bahrain has also rationalized the care of patients with the virus so that the Kingdoms healthcare delivery system stays in top gear. After all, despite the dire consequences, other medical needs continue unabated too and must be attended to. People are reaching the dangerous point of care burnout though.

I read that 173 passengers on a chartered flight from Italy to Punjab in India tested positive recently; we have reached a point where we slyly monitor our guests health for a week after throwing a party and in Bahrain, stories keep popping up of how one guest spread the virus to many households at weddings and other gatherings.

But before we start a blame game, let us remember what Crown Prince and PM, HRH Prince Salman told us at the start of this terrible pandemic, way back in 2020.

He said this was a common enemy and we must all gather our collective strength to fight the virus. Each one of us contributes by following sensible protocol and every person kept from catching the virus, sets off a chain reaction of recovery that touches our social life, our economy and our Kingdoms health.

So this year, alongside your fancy resolutions remember to make a promise to continue to mask up, stay socially distanced and soap up those hands!
Children were be thrilled by Magic with Will DeBernardis via Zoom on Friday, Jan. 7, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Children in grades kindergarten, and up, were invited to a Magic Show featuring Wilton's own Will DeBernardis. He has been practicing magic since he was in first grade. He put on an interactive show that delighted the audience. Registration was required. People, who were interested in attending the event could email Wilton Library staff member Lesley Keough lkeogh@wiltonlibrary.org with questions. The people could also visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register.

Teen Library Council meets

Teens, who are in the sixth grade through the twelfth grade, who are interested in becoming more involved with the library are invited to the years first Teen Library Council, TLC, Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 11, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. All Wilton teens are welcome. Benefits include: helping librarians choose teen materials, brainstorming ideas for teen programs, gaining experience working in a leadership role, and helping the community through service projects. Each meeting will consist of a small group activity and discussion of upcoming events. The group will meet the second Tuesday of each month from 4 to 5:15 p.m. in the Brubeck Room and members are asked to attend all meetings. Registration is required and submitting a TLC application before the first meeting is recommended. Contact Teen Services at 203 762-6342 with any questions. To register, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org.

Online book group

The Wilton Library Readers lunchtime book discussion series meets on Wednesday, Jan. 12, from noon until 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. This month, Susan Boyar, the groups professional book discussion leader, discusses The Love Songs of sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers. Registration is required in advance in order to receive the Zoom invitation link. The link will be sent out before the meeting by the librarys Head of Circulation Karen Zeibak. Wilton Library Readers meets the second Wednesday of each month through June. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register and for more information.

College timeline help

High school students have a lot of questions as they start to think about college. When should they begin touring colleges? How many AP exams should they take? How do they start researching schools? What about SATs, and ACTs? The librarys program The College Timeline: What To Do When with Priyanka Shingala is designed to help. On Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., college counselor Priyanka Shingala of Lets Talk College will host a discussion via Zoom, and not in the librarys Brubeck Room, to share her advice and provide a timeline for the ninth through-twelfth grade years. The program is designed for eighth grade through high school students, and their parents. Space is limited. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register.

Story times for children

During the month of January, the Childrens Library continues to offer different story times for children ages six months to five years, either in person, or on Zoom. The in-person programs are Big Kids Story Time for four- and five-year olds, on Tuesdays, Jan. 18, and Jan. 25, from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. and Family Story Time, for two- to four-year olds, and their caregivers on Wednesdays, Jan. 19, and Jan. 26, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Attendees should bring blankets to reserve spaces for the in-person story times. Masks must be worn at all times by adults and children. Space is limited in order to maintain social distancing. Registration is required for each session. Masked walk-ins will be welcomed if space allows. On Zoom, Mother Goose on the Loose for ages six months to two years will take place on Thursdays, Jan. 20, and Jan. 27, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Zoom invitation links will be sent to registrants before the programs begin. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to see more details and to register for all story times.

College test planning

The program Is the ACT or SAT Best for Me? with Priyanka Shingala is designed to help teens starting to think about college entrance exams. The program takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, and not in the librarys Brubeck Room. Test prep advisor, and college counselor Priyanka Shingala, of the college preparation company, Lets Talk College, will discuss the following topics: Breakdown of each exam by topic and time; What are good scores to aim for?; Determining which exam to take; The optional essays; Sending scores: score history vs. score choice; Test-optional, test blind, and test flexible universities; When should testing start?. The program is especially relevant to current sophomores, juniors and their parents; however, anyone interested is welcome to join. Registration required. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org to register.

The library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 17, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Visit www.wiltonlibrary.org for information, and to register for any of the librarys virtual programming, for information about the librarys Digital Library, or any of the librarys databases. For those Wilton residents needing a library card to access the Digital Library, call 203-762-6334. If anyone has questions about accessing or using the Digital Library, email reference@wiltonlibrary.org.
DANBURY  An increasing number of incarcerated people at the Federal Correctional Institute in Danbury are testing positive for COVID-19 amid calls for an investigation into allegations that they arent receiving proper care.

Currently, 89 incarcerated people have tested positive at FCI Danbury, the fifth highest of all federal correctional facilities. Fourteen staff there have also tested positive, according to the agencys website. The facility is a low security federal correctional institution with a low security satellite prison and a minimum security satellite camp.

Sarah Russell, director of the Legal Clinic at Quinnipiac University School of Law and a Quinnipiac law professor representing the incarcerated individuals, reported that 80 men being housed in the auditorium at the facility to make room for people who are positive have only 20 cots, one toilet, and two portable showers. The men do not have access to phone, but they have access to email, she said. Staff allegedly told the men they are trying to get more cots from another facility.

The latest information I have coming out of the mens facility is just really large numbers of people testing positive, Russell added.

She said thinks the number of positive cases listed on the DOP website is likely an undercount.

This past week, reports from the facility alleged that more than half of the women at FCI Danbury Camp tested positive on Dec. 27, but werent isolated or initially told whether they had the virus.

The Bureau of Prisons has refused to confirm or deny the allegations, saying it follows protocol outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COVID-19 transmission rates among staff and inmates in the BOPs correctional institutions generally mirror those found in local communities, the bureau said in a statement. The BOP is using critical testing tools to help mitigate the spread of the virus and continues to provide testing for COVID-19 symptomatic inmates, as well as mass testing or serial testing when indicated, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A 46-year-old Rhode Island woman at the prison has sued FCI Danbury and the warden, alleging the facility has failed to take COVID precautions and seeking to be released to home confinement because she says she cannot received the COVID vaccination due to her medical condition. The BOP said it would not comment on pending litigation.

On Monday, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and his colleagues called for an investigation into allegations that the facility failed to follow COVID-19 isolation guidelines. By Thursday, Blumenthal said he had received further news of questionable quarantine practices at the mens facility.

In the mens prison, unit-wide COVID testing was not done in Units D, F, H, L, and M until Thursday, Russell said, and at that time, all five units reported positive cases.

Before being tested, some men from Unit F had been brought to work in the kitchen which serves food to the whole mens prison. When staff later tested the men, some were positive, Russell said.

She also received a report that more women were still being brought into the facility after lockdown began on Dec. 28, but has had very little access to information from the womens camp because of their limited access to email and phone calls since lockdown. At least four women have tested positive in the womens satellite prison so far, according to Russells communications.

The facility is under level three operations due to the COVID outbreak, which entail the agencys tightest restrictions, including face coverings and social distancing.

Right now, we have more questions than answers, and the questions are deeply serious, Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal added that legislators are going to continue demanding answers from the U.S. Attorney General. He spoke with Murphy and Hayes on Friday but has not announced further action so far.

The U.S. Attorney Generals office did not return request for comment throughout the week.

Danburys health director Kara Prunty said she had not specifically discussed the outbreak with the prisons administrators, but was aware of the situation and has been in conversation and had planning sessions with the facility.

Despite the outbreak, the facilitys census is higher than it was at the start of the pandemic, with 1,103 incarcerated people now housed there. The mens facility went from a population of 728 in April of 2020 to 648 in September, and is now up to 897, according to Russell and the BOP dashboard.

Russell called the increase in the mens population particularly striking.

Shaun Boylan, an FCI Danbury employee and executive vice president with AFGE Local 1661, independently stated that the agency continues to send the facility more inmates.

Staff shortage and medical care

Staffing shortages have had more serious implications during this COVID wave than just overworked, burnt-out employees at the facility: the staff is bringing COVID to work with them, Boylan said.

As the Danbury area hits record-high levels of COVID infection this week, and testing remains difficult to come by, those coming in to work at FCI Danbury are testing positive.

The agency originally offered two weeks of administrative leave during the pandemic, but that policy has since ended, and employees are showing up to work sick, Boylan said.

Union members held a protest in December, asking Congress to take measures to address the staffing problems.

People are at the point now where theyre so burnt out  and thats the best way to put it  theyre like, You know what? Im going to take my chances, because I dont have time. I cant afford to take leave without pay, Boylan said.

I know this is happening, I hear the coughs, he added.

On top of that, staff members have had difficulty finding protective N95 masks and adequate testing, Boylan said, which they have to seek outside of the facility and which can take days to return. The union received guidance that they could just wear surgical masks in isolation units where those who test positive are being housed.

Boylan said the staffing shortages extended to bureau-wide issues with retaining essential medical staff like nurses, doctors and emergency medical technicians. During a COVID outbreak, this has caused legislators concern.

Caring for the ill

Blumenthal has heard reports of just one physician on staff to serve the entire facility for many months.

Theres no way that the regular medical staff at that facility can address the current outbreak, he said. Throughout the pandemic, the medical department has reportedly been severely understaffed and has been unable to respond appropriately to urgent medical issues, even when there is no outbreak.

The Bureau of Prisons stated Danburys facility has an ample number of trained medical personnel providing essential medical, dental, and mental health services.

All inmates have daily and regular access to medical care and appointments, and medical staff conduct daily rounds throughout each facility, the statement read.

Boylan said the COVID response is better this time around for the population housed at FCI Danbury than it was the first time an outbreak occurred.

Yet Russell said she also remains extremely concerned about the populations access to medical care and appropriate monitoring for those in isolation from COVID-19.

During past outbreaks at FCI Danbury, there were major lapses in care for people sick with COVID, she said.

A way forward

Following the resignation of Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal this week, Blumenthal said hes focused on ensuring new leadership sets more rigorous COVID-19 oversight for federal correctional facilities.

Im not only hopeful, Im insistent, he said. I will be asking tough questions during the confirmation process.

Carvajal has been criticized by lawmakers for the agencys response to COVID-19 outbreaks in facilities over the past two years. FCI Danbury itself is under new leadership, according to Boylan. The new warden comes from FCI Elkton, another low-security federal mens prison in Ohio. Boylan said she has already been communicating with the union.

This issue, its really a system wide issue, Blumenthal said. If there are inadequate practices at FCI Danbury, the same is likely happening elsewhere around the country.
e Minister Narendra Modi on December 25, the administration of the precautionary third dose for the vulnerable categories is to commence from January 10.

The registration for precaution dose of COVID-19 vaccine for healthcare, frontline workers and senior citizens above 60 is now live on the Co-WIN platform, said Vikas Sheel, Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission on Saturday. The feature for online appointments for precaution dose for healthcare/frontline workers and senior citizens (60+) is now live on Co-WIN, he said in a tweet.



As announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25, the administration of the precautionary third dose for the vulnerable categories is to commence from January 10. Union Health Ministry had earlier said that the senior citizens with co-morbidities will not be required to produce a doctors certificate or prescription at the time of administration of precaution dose.

India achieved a milestone in its COVID-19 vaccination drive as the cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country surpassed the 150 crore mark on Friday. So far, 90 per cent of our adult population was vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine dose.

With the administration of more than 90 lakh vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, Indias COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 150.61 crores till 7 am on Saturday. According to the Union Ministry of health release, India executed 90,59,360 doses in the past 24 hours.
The US has said that it is "deeply disturbed" over the reports of an attack on a Sikh cab driver at John F Kennedy airport in New York City and stressed that the country has the responsibility to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable for their actions.

Indian Consulate General in New York has termed the assault on a Sikh taxi driver at the John F Kennedy International Airport as deeply disturbing, and informed that it has taken up the matter with the US authorities and urged them to investigate the incident.

The assault against a Sikh taxi driver in New York is deeply disturbing. We have taken up the matter with US authorities and urged them to investigate this violent incident, tweeted the Consulate General of India in New York.

The video of the incident went viral on Twitter where a man can be seen assaulting the Sikh taxi driver outside the airport. It has elicited condemnation of the attack from the Indian communities based in the US.

Details about the driver or cause or time of the incident were not available. The US has said that it is deeply disturbed over the reports of an attack on a Sikh cab driver at John F Kennedy airport in New York City and stressed that the country has the responsibility to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable for their actions.

We are deeply disturbed by reports of an attack on a Sikh cab driver at John F. Kennedy airport, captured on video last week, said the US State Departments Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in a tweet on Sunday.

Our diversity makes the US stronger, and we condemn any form of hate-based violence, the State Department added.

Emphasising that no matter where such crimes occur, the State Department said, We all have a responsibility to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable for their actions.
Lord Harries of Pentregarth had posed a question on Thursday about representation to the Indian government regarding "blocking of overseas funds" for the Missionaries of Charity.

A discussion borne out of sheer ignorance ensued in the UKs House of Lords after Lord Harries of Pentregarth on Thursday posed the question about representation to the Indian government regarding blocking of overseas funds for the Missionaries of Charity.

In response to the query, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), Lord Ahmad, said, We are aware of some non-governmental organizations that have faced difficulty in India due to the use of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act by the Indian government, and that some have recently had applications to renew their foreign funding licenses rejected. He then said that British officials have discussed the issues with the Indian government and that the British High Commission in India is monitoring the situation.

Seemingly unsatisfied by the response, Lord Harries of Pentregarth made a wildly unsubstantiated claim and said about the Indian government, The rumour is it is continuing pressure from Hindu nationalism because people might come into contact with Christianity and eventually convert to it.

It is noteworthy here that the FCRA registration of the Missionaries of Charity had expired, along with that of several other NGOs, and required renewal. According to an MHA official, the FCRA registration of 18,778 entities had expired between September 29, 2020, and September 31, 2021.

In December, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee had wrongfully claimed that the Union government had frozen all bank accounts of the Missionaries of Charity. Later in a statement issued by the Missionaries of Charity, the organisation had claimed that no such freeze was ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

We would like to clarify that the FCRA registration of Missionaries of Charity has been neither suspended nor cancelled. Further, there is no freeze ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs on any of our bank accounts. We have been informed that our FCRA renewal application has not been approved. Therefore as a measure to ensure there is no lapse, we have asked our centres not to operate any of the FC accounts until the matter is resolved, read the Missionaries of Charity statement.

Moreover, the FCRA registration of the organization was restored by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday. Ministry sources cited by ANI said that the necessary documents required for the restoration were submitted by the Missionaries of Charity.
Kazakhstan is witnessing a massive protest over soaring fuel prices across the country. The protest took place in the western town of Zhanaozen against the doubling of the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which most Kazakhs use as car fuel.

Russias President Vladimir Putin and his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Saturday discussed restoring order in Kazakhstan following days of violence and unrest, as several high-profile officials were detained on suspicion of treason.

Tokayev told Putin the situation in his country was progressing on the way to stabilization and expressed his appreciation for the deployment of a Russia-led military bloc to Kazakhstan to try and control violence on the streets, the Kremlin said in a statement on Saturday, according to CNN.



Meanwhile, former head of Kazakhstans National Security Committee Karim Massimov and some other unnamed officials have been detained on suspicion of treason, the countrys National Security Committee announced, according to state media Khabar 24 on Saturday.

Local residents stand shoulder to shoulder with police officers at Sultan City Hall in Nur-Sultan on January 8.

Violent protests in Kazakhstan in recent days have seen the government resign and the declaration of a state of emergency as troops from a Russia-led military alliance head to the Central Asian country to help quell the unrest. Dozens have been killed, hundreds injured and thousands of protesters detained, according to CNN.

Its the biggest challenge yet to autocratic Tokayevs rule, with initial public anger over a spike in fuel prices expanding to wider discontent with the government over corruption, living standards, poverty, and unemployment in the oil-rich, former Soviet nation, human rights organizations report, it said.

Hundreds of citizens and military personnel were injured and killed in Kazakh city of Almaty during the recent riots.

Kazakhstan is witnessing a massive protest over soaring fuel prices across the country. The protest took place in the western town of Zhanaozen against the doubling of the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which most Kazakhs use as car fuel.

Amid nationwide agitation in Kazakhstan, protesters earlier pulled down the statue of countrys first President Nurustltan Nazarbayev. A state of emergency has been declared in the country in the light of the eruption of this violent protest.
Clare Dignan / Hearst Connecticut Media /

NEW HAVEN  One person was hospitalized and five people were displaced by an Elm Street house fire on Saturday, the second house fire of the day in the city.

According to Deputy Chief Tim Kieley, members of the New Haven Fire Department responded to a single alarm fire on Elm Street just after 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
More than 50 percent of families in New Haven are cost-burdened. Our region needs 25,000 more units of affordable housing. For people paying attention to affordable housing in New Haven, these statistics have become rote. We know this data; we repeat it over and over. Rents have outgrown wages for decades, and this trend has accelerated during the pandemic. Our city and our region are in crisis.

The federal government has an opportunity to mitigate this crisis; President Bidens Build Back Better framework included significant investments in affordable housing. These elements of Build Back Better didnt get the headlines that the climate, pre-K, and child care elements did, but they remain just as vital. If the bill considered in December had passed, Connecticut would have received funding for more than 4,600 new Housing Choice Vouchers, and Connecticut Public Housing Authorities could have gained more than $100 million in capital funds. Most importantly, the Connecticut Department of Housing would have received nearly $200 million to invest directly in new affordable housing, the largest investment in decades. Thats thousands of families in Connecticut who could afford their housing, feed their children and begin to build a path out of poverty.

Instead, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced that he would not vote for Build Back Better. Since his announcement, Manchin has indicated that he is willing to resuscitate some pieces of Build Back Better. But housing has taken a backseat in these negotiations. And we cannot afford to miss this opportunity.

Advocates for affordable housing repeat the same statistics frequently, but its important to remain focused on the concrete human costs of our policy failures. Families are going to sleep cold and hungry. Children are falling behind in their classes. Some of our unhoused community members will not make it through the winter. These costs result from policy choices and decades-old disinvestment efforts in affordable housing. The absence of housing from Build Back Betters renegotiations is the latest in a long pattern of strangling public housing.

Im immensely grateful to all of Connecticuts representatives in the House for voting to pass Build Back Better and Sens. Murphy and Blumenthal for their advocacy in the Senate. But we cannot give up on fighting for affordable housing now. Recent polling from Morning Consult/Politico showed that the affordable housing provisions are the third most popular part of Build Back Better, behind only health care reforms. We need Connecticuts elected representatives to fight to ensure that the affordable housing provisions are in the next version of the bill.

As president of Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (ECC/HANH), I spend every day focused on supporting housing insecure families. ECC/HANH provides housing assistance to more than 6,000 families across New Haven and through creative financing and investment, we can now support 20 percent more families than we did 20 years ago. But efficient management cannot make up for the federal governments refusal to support more than one in four of the people who are eligible for housing assistance.

The status quo is unacceptable. According to a recent report from Data Haven, housing insecurity in Connecticut has increased over the past five years, and politicians at all levels of government have talked over and over about the need to solve our affordable housing crisis.

But talk is cheap. Without real investments, thousands of families sleeping three and four to a room will be left behind. Without real investments, the children who cant focus on schoolwork because theyre too hungry or couldnt sleep without heat will be left behind. Without real investments in affordable housing, we are condemning more and more people in every town and city in our state to homelessness and generational cycles of poverty. But with the investments in Build Back Better, we can stabilize families all across our state, ensure that children are supported as they grow and learn and save the lives of our community members. To do so, we need our representatives in DC to commit to solving this crisis.

Karen DuBois-Walton is president of Elm City Communities, the housing authority of the city of New Haven.
Niagara Falls, NY (14301)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 42F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. Low 42F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
President Muhammadu Buhari will embark on a state visit to Ogun State on Thursday, January 13. This was confirmed in a statement by Kunle So...





President Muhammadu Buhari will embark on a state visit to Ogun State on Thursday, January 13.





This was confirmed in a statement by Kunle Somorin, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor.





The president will during his visit inaugurate some of the infrastructural projects executed by Governor Dapo Abiodun.





President Buhari will be welcomed at the Gateway City Gate Monument Park, Sagamu Interchange, at 10am where he will commission the first project.





Aside the Gateway City Gate, other projects expected to inaugurated by Buhari include Ijebu-Ode Mojoda-Epe expressway and two housing estates: the 527-unit low and medium Kobape Housing scheme Kobape and the highbrow, 83 duplexes at Kings Court Estate at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.





According to the statement, invited guests are expected to be seated by 9.30a.m at the City Gate by the Sagamu Interchange and Abeokuta expressway, while observing all COVID-19 safety protocols strictly.
Ahead of the local government election in Enugu State, aggrieved indigenes of Enugu East Local Government Area took to the streets on Saturd...





Ahead of the local government election in Enugu State, aggrieved indigenes of Enugu East Local Government Area took to the streets on Saturday protesting alleged imposition of a candidate.





The angry residents, who stormed the Enugu Government House, said they would no longer allow a single family to decide the fate of the entire people.





They said that since the creation of the Council Area, the chairmanship position had remained under the control of one family, vowing not to let the status quo remain.





One of the protesters, Prof. Paul Nnamchi, who said he is from Eko Nike, said they came to register their displeasure over the age-long injustice in Enugu East Local Government Area.





According to him, the Local Government is made up of three zones and we feel it is time it moves to another zone. Since the Local Government was created, 26 years from now, it has remained in one zone and more or less one family.





It is time to move it round for equity, for peace. Call the stakeholders, call everybody, it becomes consensus and not this kind of deceit.





So, we enjoin the peace-loving Governor of Enugu State to ensure that peace is enthroned in the Local Government. We are one people, Nike is not divided. We are good people, nobody is more than others.





The Governor should come to our rescue; there is need for fairness, equity and fair play and this is the time.





Also speaking, Hon. Bethrand Anike said they had suffered so much humiliation and injustice in Enugu East Local Government Area.





He recalled that the Governor invited them on the 5th of January, 2022, during which they were given the opportunity to meet and choose the next Chairman of the Council.





He, however, lamented that instead of the stakeholders meeting to that effect, the directive of the Governor was flouted. Nobody met anywhere, including the traditional rulers.





The traditional rulers, the stakeholders, the youths, the women, nobody invited them. This is not democracy; we have a peaceful Governor who has a listening ear but the reverse is the case in Enugu East. But we say No to this kind of intimidation. The Governor should invite us and address this matter.





He said the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi, who is from the area came and announced a name to us without discussing with anybody. He told us that the Governor gave him and Reps member, Cornelius Nnaji the authority, by virtue of their position, to appoint, to impose a candidate on us where we are preparing for election. We say we cannot take it.





The Governor should attend to us; something is about to happen to Enugu East. The Governor should save us; the Governor should help us.
Amid worsening insecurity in Kogi State, particularly in the Eastern Senatorial flank, the Kogi State Police Command has solicited credible ...





Amid worsening insecurity in Kogi State, particularly in the Eastern Senatorial flank, the Kogi State Police Command has solicited credible information that would assist security operatives in tackling the menace.





The Eastern Senatorial district of the State has in recent time come under serious security challenges, particularly in Omala Local Government Area, where traders have been kidnapped on two occasions while transporting their goods to Ikendearket in Bassa LGA.





The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP William Ovye Aya who spoke to newsmen on Saturday, called on the citizens to always pass credible information to police operatives.





Aya, who confirmed that traders were abducted on two occasions within two weeks in Omala, stated that if nothing was done to tame the tide, they would start recruiting the youths into the gang.





The Police Spokesman told Daily Post on phone that some indigenes cannot deny knowledge of those who were behind the abductions, insisting that they should be willing to pass information to the police before the situation degenerates further.





He said: Kidnapping in Omala in Kogi East is quite unfortunate, but I want to say that some indigenes know those behind security challenges in the area and they should let the police know the happenings.





Its not possible for outsiders to come and kidnap traders without an insider conspiracy, but nobody has come up with hints. Stakeholders in the Local Government havent paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police to interface on security challenges in Omala. Police need information to work with.





Speaking on the recent communal crisis that has sacked Bagana Community in Omala Local Government Area, the Police Spokesman maintained that it was a crisis that involved two communities over Chieftaincy title, noting that those who were involved in Bagana crisis were known by the elders who should offer useful information.





It was reported that Bagana Community was razed completely in the heat of the communal crisis about two months ago, with the residents taking refuge in other communities.





Reacting to the ugly development, a member of Omala Security Watch, who pleaded anonymity, told newsmen that the Kogi State government pretended that nothing happened, as there has been no official reaction since then.





He called on Omala Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Yakubu Aboh to take up the matter of kidnappings and communal crisis in the Local Government seriously before it got to an uncontrollable level.





Speaking with a member of the local vigilantes, who pleaded not to be mentioned, he explained that the local security was handicapped in rescuing abductees.





Confirming that ransom was paid, he said: Ransom was mobilized, including purchase of a few brand phones and marijuana which was delivered to them for the release of the victims who are traders.





Initially, the vigilantes were to carry out a rescue operation, but the kidnappers, while negotiating for ransom, threatened to kill all the abductees if we tried to enter the bush.
The Kebbi State Government, on Sunday, confirmed that bandits have released 30 students of the Federal Government College, Kebbi State. This...





The Kebbi State Government, on Sunday, confirmed that bandits have released 30 students of the Federal Government College, Kebbi State.





This was contained in a statement sent to newsmen by Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser, media, to the Kebbi State Governor.





He said, on Saturday, January 8, 2022, 30 students of the Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri and one teacher arrived Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital, following their release.





According to him, the released victims would undergo medical screening and support, before being re-united with their families.





Suspected bandits had kidnapped over 30 students and staff members from the Federal Government College.





The bandits released their photographs after one week and demanded for a huge sum of money.





Parents were devasted as they could not afford the money.





However, on January 8, 2022, the 30 students were released by their abductors after spending seven months.





We thank all security agencies and those who have helped in securing their release, while congratulating Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari for the success, the statement said.
Manchester United captain, Maguire has said that he is sick of repeating himself that Ralf Rangnicks side needs to improve their performa...





Manchester United captain, Maguire has said that he is sick of repeating himself that Ralf Rangnicks side needs to improve their performance starting from their FA Cup tie with Aston Villa on Monday, amid reports of dressing room crisis.





Maguire said that the Man United dressing room is together and determined to get the Red Devils on a winning run and lift trophies this season.





Man United is going through a very slow start to life under their interim manager Rangnick, with many pundits writing them off.





Most recently, Man United fell 1-0 in front of their home fans to Wolves at Old Trafford, leaving them in seventh place in the Premier League table.





There have been reports of a crisis rocking the dressing room and suggestions of division among the players, with as many as 17 of them not being happy.





However, speaking with the national Sunday newspapers, Maguire explained that the players are angry with poor results but insisted that the team spirit is good.





Maguire said, Make no mistake about it, Im here for the fight and I know my team-mates are. Im privileged to be captain and Ive got a responsibility to lead the players and turn things around.





For sure. I think its always been like that for United players and we have to deal with it. The most important thing for us is the fans, and we are letting them down. But the support at Old Trafford and at away games is still unbelievable.





This team finished second last year and we have a better and bigger squad this year, so we have to show the right attitude. We have big players in the team; leaders. Im sick of repeating myself but it cant continue like this  we need to go on a proper run, starting Monday.





I know what youre saying and sometimes it can be good to have the us against the world mentality. I know a lot was written about Sir Alex Fergusons teams and the way he used that to spur his players on. He obviously did that brilliantly. Ive obviously seen a lot of criticism, and a lot of it is absolutely justified. But for me, with this team, it shouldnt need criticism to motivate players. If players of this quality arent motivated to play for this club when they pull the shirt on, then theres something wrong.





For sure. From what the fans and ex-players have said, we get it. As I just said, a lot of it is justified and we all have to take massive responsibility, myself as captain as much as anyone, if not more. Weve got to start playing well and winning.
Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu has said the Southeast would not rule out a political solution in the case of Nnamdi Kanu, pr...





Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu has said the Southeast would not rule out a political solution in the case of Nnamdi Kanu, pro-Biafra agitator.





Ekweremadu said the Southeast would keep engaging the government in a push for a political solution.





Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had ruled out a political solution to Kanus case.





Buhari, who made the comment during an interview with Channels Television, said he would not interfere with Kanus trial.





This was after some Igbo elders led by former Aviation Minister, Mbazulike Amaechi urged the President to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.





However, Ekweremadu said despite Buharis comment, the Southeast would keep seeking a political solution.





Featuring on Dream FM, Ekweremadu said, Political solution in the Nnamdi Kanus matter is still very feasible. I also watched the Channels Television interview and I dont think Mr. President ruled out a political solution.





In fact, I would have been surprised if he said he would just release Nnamdi Kanu because there is independence of every arm of government, including the judiciary. There are procedures.





So, we will keep working on a political solution, nevertheless. We will keep engaging the government, just as we will continue to appeal to our youth and people to ensure the stability and prosperity of our region.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Sunday morning departed Abuja for Accra, Ghana, to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at an Extraord...





Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Sunday morning departed Abuja for Accra, Ghana, to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at an Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Mali.





Todays meeting, which is expected to be attended by leaders across the region, follows previous meetings and efforts by the leaders to resolve the situations in Mali and Guinea.





This was disclosed by Laolu Akande, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Office of the Vice President, today.





In 2021, Osinbajo participated in meetings of leaders across the sub-region on the issues exploring solutions.





On September 8, the VP participated in a virtual summit of the regional body where sanctions were imposed on the military junta in Guinea, and on the 16th of the same month, attended another ECOWAS summit where further sanctions on individuals and groups fueling the crisis in Guinea and Mali were discussed.





Later in November 2021, Osinbajo again joined other leaders in Accra for the 3rd Extraordinary Summit of leaders across the sub-region to review decisions and the political situations in Mali and Guinea.





In compliance with the decisions of the leaders, ECOWAS mediator, former President Goodluck Jonathan, travelled on January 5, 2022, to Mali to meet with authorities in the country over the timetable for democratic transition. Indeed Dr. Jonathan briefed President Buhari on the matter recently.





Osinbajo, who is being accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, is expected back in Abuja today.
Our first move was to visit our lawyers, Messrs Julius & Creasy, whose head was a very clever lawyer called Byrnell.

by Charitha. P. de Silva

(This piece has been excerpted from business leader Charitha. P. de Silvas Memoirs published in 2018 in the context of the impending Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm deal which is today a hotly discussed topic. De Silva who retired as Chairman of Aitken Spence in a professional accountant who began his post qualification working life at Caltex, one of the three multinational oil giants running the petroleum import and distribution business in then Ceylon nationalized in 1962 by the Sirima Bandaranaike government.)

To get back to my Caltex days: danger was looming for us in the form of the powerful Leftist group in Mrs Bandaranaikes cabinet. Minister T.B. Ilangeratne and two leftist officials, Sam Silva (Civil Servant) and G.V.S. de Silva (brilliant economist and a former classmate of mine at Royal) had convinced Mrs B that it was very much in the interests of the country to nationalise the Oil Industry that was run by three foreign oil companies, Shell, Esso and Caltex.

GVS and Co. had been publishing articles showing how much foreign exchange would be saved if Sri Lanka imported crude from sources such as Russia and refined it herself. I saw very clearly that the writing was on the wall, and tried to persuade my Managing Director, Harry Bernard, to allow me to refute some of the fallacious arguments that GVS and Co were putting forward.

Bernard was a very cautious, mild man and was loath to write anything that might antagonize the government. In this frustrating situation our Intelligence man, Douglas Kelly (former senior policeman) informed us on a Monday that a gazette was already printed to take over the Caltex Oil Installation at Bloemendhal on the Friday!

I walked into Bernards room and asked him Harry, can I write something now? Deeply depressed he told me to go ahead and write whatever I wanted. I immediately sat down and wrote a strong article refuting many of the claims made by GVS. I pointed out, among other things, that in trying to save about Rs 14 million per annum by expropriating Oil company assets and nationalizing the Oil Industry the Government was running the risk of enraging America thereby jeopardizing a Rs 140 million tea market to the US. I also pointed out that the oil companies were giving the consumers of the country a very good service through their competition and concentration on quality and service. All this would be lost when a Government monopoly took over.

Bernard read the article, blanched, and asked me to go across to Shell (they were on the first floor of the Chartered Bank building, and we were on the third) and show it to Blarney, the boss of Shell, the leader of the oil oligopoly with 60% of the market. As the article would be under Bernards name Harry was understandably nervous.

I walked across to Blarneys office and showed him the article. He read it with close attention. At one point a smile stole across his face. Mrs B had gone to great pains to point out that it was not her intention to get rid of the Oil Companies from the local scene. All she wanted to do was to bring down the cost of imports by taking advantage of an attractive offer made by Russia.

She could not understand why we could not reduce the cost of our imports. She did not realize that the market in the entire Indian subcontinent would be affected if the price to Sri Lanka was reduced; and our imports were miniscule comapared to Indias and Pakistans who would all be compelled to fall in line. In the body of my article I had written For Mrs B to say that it was not her intention to get rid of the oil companies but only to reduce the cost of oil imports is like cutting a ladder from under a mans feet and claiming that the intention is not to bring him down but to collect some firewood!

Blarney totally approved of the article (he must have been relieved that it was to be signed by Bernard and not himself) and urged me to walk 50 yards down the street to the office of Mason, the MD of Esso, and show it to him. I did so, and found to my delight that Mason was so thrilled with it that he provided me with an office and stationery, and insisted that I write an article for him too!

I did so, and thus it came about that both articles appeared on the centre page of the Ceylon Daily News (CDN) on Wednesday, Cabinet day. For information on what happened thereafter I am indebted to my cousin Percy Peiris, who was Cabinet Secretary at the time and told me the story some years after he had retired by which time the question of the confidentiality of cabinet discussions was no longer important.

Mrs B had stormed into the Cabinet Office waving the CDN in her hand. She had screamed at Ilangeratne TB, what are you trying to do? Are you trying to bring our Government down? This whole plan of taking over the Caltex Terminal is Phillips idea (Phillip being her political enemy, Phillip Gunawardena, who was a dyed-in-the-wool Marxist). GVS de Silva and Sam Silva are his men. Get rid of them within a month. And stop the takeover of the Caltex plant.

History will record that the gazette was canceled and Caltex was saved for the nonce. From this extraordinary experience I learnt a lesson that I never forgot. It is vital that when an injustice or wrong is threatened, good men must stand up and fight against it, as Burke pointed out in the 18th Century. Also, the one thing that Governments fear is the written word -particularly in their own newspaper!

There is a curious footnote to this affair. GVS who was one of the key thinkers behind the Nationalization visited me in my home down Maya Avenue during the early days when the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) was being set up. He was a mild, innocuous looking, extremely clever individual who evidently had a high regard for his one-time classmate. He told me that the oil companies were doomed, and he offered me the top financial job at the CPC (when I was only a Deputy Chief Accountant at Caltex).

When I explained to him that I was by temperament a private-sector man who would never fit into the public sector he told me very earnestly, that in five years time there would be no private sector left in the country as every key industry would be in the hands of the Government. I remember telling him how much I appreciated his offer (I really did) but I would regretfully resign myself to my fate.

It was therefore ironic that as a direct result of my two articles he himself lost his job at the CPC. Fate works in strange ways. I wonder whether he ever realized that it was I who had written the articles that had cost him his job. No one in the private sector, and certainly none of my colleagues, were aware of it. I kept it a close secret as I had no desire to let down my Managing Director, Harry Bernard (under whose name my article was written) who was a charming man.

My next memorable experience at Caltex was after Government passed legislation to take over the assets of the oil companies. The thinkers behind the legislation drafted the law so that the companies would get very little compensation. They stipulated that compensation would be the purchase price of the assets less depreciation. They knew that the Terminal installations and service stations were well over ten years old and would have been written off in the books of account.

At Caltex I had been placed in charge of the compensation claim because the Chief Accountant, a charming Englishman called Geoffrey Gardiner was far more interested in producing plays at the Lionel Wendt (he was a producer and actor) than getting involved in the nitty-gritty of the Compensation Claim. A brilliant American called Jim Wollahan (California-Texas Oil Corporation) came down to Colombo, sized up the situation, and sat down with me to figure out our strategy.

Our first move was to visit our lawyers, Messrs Julius & Creasy, whose head was a very clever lawyer called Byrnell. Byrnell studied the relevant section together with us and told us regretfully that there was no way we could expect market value for our assets because the legislation was shrewdly drafted to prevent it. It would be purchase price less depreciation even though they had as a sop to international opinion added a proviso that if purchase price was not determinable it would be market value. They knew full well that oil company accounting would be so meticulous that every purchase would be correctly recorded.

Wollahan and I returned crestfallen and deeply disappointed to my office and thrashed the matter out from every angle. After a couple of hours of the most intensive devils advocacy on the part of both of us, Wollahan suddenly cried out Chari, it will be market value!. His point was that we did not know the purchase price of our installations and service stations. We had not purchased them from anyone. We had built them. It was a brilliant concept that was later confirmed as legally sound by H.V. Perera QC, the last word on law in Sri Lanka.

I was entrusted the task of writing the Memorandum on Why Purchase Price was not determinable. Once the basis of compensation became market value, we included Goodwill in our Claim because Market Value was the price that a willing buyer (say Phillips Petroleum) would pay a willing seller, and that would certainly include Goodwill.

I was put in charge of preparing our Compensation Claim (Gardiner was delighted to be relieved of that responsibility) and did so with the help of my able assistant Bertie Casie Chetty. It ended up literally with millions of dollars more than the leftists behind the legislation had ever anticipated.

This experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my life. Never since that day did I accept unquestioningly the opinion of a lawyer on a matter that had business or moral implications. I tended from that day onward to make all business decisions myself and use lawyers for their expertise to prepare the legal documentation. I had always had a legal bent, and from then onward gave it full reign. The culmination of this attitude was when I sued Aitken Spence & Co Ltd in 2007 (16 years after my retirement) on the grounds of Oppression. But that is another story. (I won that case; pp. 123 to 127).

During the compilation of the Compensation Claim, in 1962, Mike Thornton of Aitken Spence sent for me. This was the second time I was interviewed by Aitken Spence for a job. The first time was when R.P. Gaddum offered me the job of accountant shortly after I had passed out as a Chartered Accountant in 1955. Thornton offered me the job of Chief Accountant.

I told him that unfortunately I was heavily involved in the Compensation Claim for Caltex and could not let them down. We parted and he wrote me a charming letter. After this experience I got Bertie Casie Chetty to sign all the documents that would be used in the case.

Meanwhile Jim Wollahan, who had developed a huge regard for me, offered me employment as an expatriate. I declined it for a number of reasons. Firstly I had no great desire to live the life of a nomad abroad, traveling from one country to another. Secondly, I knew that it was quite likely that I would be posted to some Asian country like India or Malaysia. My colleagues in those countries, who would be as well qualified as I was, would be earning much less than I did (being an expatriate). In those circumstances it was unlikely that they would cooperate whole heartedly with me, or view me with great affection.

Around 1962 the government finally took over the assets of the oil companies. The employees were offered handsome severance packages and the staff at Caltex dwindled to a skeleton. At this point, I received my third offer to join Aitken Spence where Jack Reeves had taken over from Mike Thornton, and Ron Law the Chief Accountant had given notice of resignation. I evaluated the two choices before me: either become an expatriate with Caltex or the Chief Accountant of Aitken Spence.

I had already foreseen the problems I would be faced with as an expatriate. In any case three unsolicited offers from the same company within ten years seemed too much like Fate. I therefore accepted Aitken Spences offer after informing Harry Bernard and Geof Gardiner of my decision. They were sad about it but very understanding. They were also generous, because despite the fact that I was employed by Aitken Spence the day after I left Caltex they paid me the full Compensation Package!
Three days after the Nigerian Army suddenly withdrew its personnel from Correctional Centres across Ondo State, the soldiers have returned. ...





Three days after the Nigerian Army suddenly withdrew its personnel from Correctional Centres across Ondo State, the soldiers have returned.





The return of the soldiers was disclosed by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Saturday night.





Akeredolu, had on Wednesday, raised the alarm over the action of the soldiers after he expressed worries that the move could encourage jailbreak.





According to the Governor, who described the return as a welcome development, the Nigerian Army has allowed good reasoning to prevail in the interest of the people.





While stressing that the initial withdrawal of the personnel from the Correctional Centres was an aberration and an undue security risk, Akeredolu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Richard Olatunde, said the security of lives and property of the people remained an onerous task that must be carried out without hesitation or sentiment.





A federal facility like the Correctional Centre should not have been left without deserving security for any reason. However, the return of the soldiers to the facilities is a positive development.





Both the Nigerian Army and the Correctional Centres belong to the Federal Government. There must be continuous synergy. We will also continue to do our best to give the necessary support when the need arises, he said.
Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, has reacted to the latest reports of several villagers being massacred by escaping bandits in Za...





Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, has reacted to the latest reports of several villagers being massacred by escaping bandits in Zamfara State.





Reacting to reports of the large-scale killings, Fani-Kayode, in a series of tweets via his Twitter handle on Sunday, joined millions of Nigerians in condemning the wicked act.





He also suggested that it is time to consider use of carpet-bombing and deployment of newly-acquired American Tucano jets to destroy bandits.





He wrote: The slaughter of over 50 innocent civilians in Zamfara state by the fleeing terrorists is utterly barbaric and I join millions of my compatriots in wholeheartedly condemning this wicked, cruel and cowardly act.





I commiserate with my friend and brother, His Excellency Gov. Bello Matawalle, the Emirs & the people of Zamfara at this difficult time. I call on the Buhari administration & our Armed Forces to continue to seek out the terrorists for destruction & to bring them to justice.





It is indeed time to consider the use of massive carpet-bombing of our forests and to deploy the newly-acquired American Tucano jets to finally rid our land of these evil forces that seek to destroy us all.





May God defend our nation and deliver her from these murderous terrorists and evil and bloodthirsty savages that seek to crush and destroy us all.





In the end, we shall surely prevail.
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Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Considerable cloudiness. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable.
Yes. Gov. Hochul chose Mr. Benjamin, and she's stuck with him through the election.

No. The state should have the option to remove someone under criminal indictment.

Vote

View Results
Fulgent and Feathery

Club Elle

Global spins underscored the partying when Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bright White honored their debutante daughter Elinor Ellie Pitot White at their Old Metairie home and adjacent, tented premises. Memorable family trips around the world inspired the Club Elle theme. Renowned artist George Dunbar stressed the value of such traveling to deb mother Virginia White, who took heed. Late family members, Jane White, Tita and Popsie, were also included in photos of their trips.

Even before arriving at the party site  and stupendous sights  guests anticipated something special, thanks to the invitation and its floral-lined envelope. The attire: Black tie or white dinner jacket for the men. Ladies: sparkle and shine. And they did.

Immediate visual excitement came at the pink-carpeted entrance, replete with paparazzi, where friends and family received libations. To receive, Virginia wore a Monique Lhuillier mode; Ellie, Galvan; and Michael (and Michael Jr.), special Club Elle jackets. Features of the al fresco cocktail hour included an electric-violin ensemble, all gowned in thematic pink, thrumming in the white pillar trees; pink planter boxes overhead; pink flowers in various shades covering the facade of the house; and a seafood ice bar topped with oysters, mussels, lobster tails, stone crab claws, and prawns. Come Fly with Me played on the sound system.

Synchronized swimmers ushered the party pack to the pool, where they performed twice; Iberico ham and manchego cheese (St. James Cheese Company) beckoned in the house; and off the living room, a tent was decorated with pink velvet and floral fabric, a floral wall behind the mirrored bar and a Murano glass chandelier. Caviar was the edible attraction and Annabels in London, the inspiration. The merry movement was then on to the main tent and its art deco arches that created seating alcoves backed by family-travel photos. The LED-paneled ceiling suggested Maxims in Paris and an area next to the stage had seating for the family. Getting the groove going was Rhythm Collective, followed by Az-Izz as the nocturnal hours clicked away. Dancing reigned.

Recalling the familys travels to the Mediterranean, the pool house area was enhanced accordingly with rattan chandeliers, monochrome tropical wallpaper with palm patterns (Fine Finishes by E. Lee) and custom backgammon tables. Food stations lured with grilled octopus, squid ink pasta, calamari salad and lamb. Club Elle tumblers held specialty drinks.

The Ice Room elicited a collective frisson of delight and the memory of a club in Prague. Recreated by the White family for the Crescent City, the room was filled with folks wearing Club Elle parkas, reveling in the delights of the martini ice bar, and lounging on sofas. They, like the coffee tables, lamps and art, were made of ice. Yes, all ice! The entire space just glistened.

Revelers included grandparents Hunter and Lynne White, Kathleen Frog and Terry White, Hunter White IV, the William Lieders, Peter Gibbons Burke, Mary Shea Burke, Adele Layrisson, Pearce Layrisson, Julia Cappel, the Paxton and the Evans Whites, Mrs. Len Moscati, the Emanuel Benjamins, Caroline and Bo Reily, Willie and Megan Nelson, John and Dathel Georges, Storey and Anne Lynne Charbonnet, Pam Reynoir, the Matthew LeCorgnes, the John Whites, Anne White, the Terry Kavanaghs, Elinor Bright, the Timothy Brights, Barry and Tina Kern and scores more.

To sate the late-night appetite, there were pizzas, sliders, F&Ms cheese fries and croque monsieurs, while the eye had it for entertainers wearing pink cotton candy wigs. Superlatives were the order of the evening with compliments galore directed to Joels Catering, Caviar Girls, Lance Hayes Florals, Dunn & Sonnier, and Urban Earth. Top credit for the menu, design and presentation went to AN.GLE Events and Margo Bouanchaud. The final thanks, bien sur, rested with the White family and honoree Ellie, who packed up their passel of pals and gave them a world-class and globally focused fete.

Plume Pack

The theme just fluttered into place: Girls of a Feather. And so it was for a half dozen debutantes, who have flocked together for a long time and honored their friendship with a unique theme. Under the title on the ivory-colored invitation was a feather and, in aqua, the listing of the parents, who requested the pleasure of ones company to Celebrate Our Daughters. The hosting consortium at The Civic Theatre consisted of Mrs. Vance Reynoir for Adele, Dr. and Mrs. Claude Williams for Barret, Mr. and Mrs. Scott J. Brown for Olivia, Mr. Murray Nelson and Mrs. Ashley K. Nelson for Julia, Mr. and Mrs. Sid Charbonnet for Christy, and Mr. Todd D. Reynolds and Dr. and Mrs. John Carradine for Lady. Adele and Lady are cousins and thus included overlapping guests, such as Michele Reynoir and Kevin Clifford, along with Caitlin, Myles and Porter Carrere. Joining Adele were brothers Jacques and Will Reynoir  the three Reynoirs are triplets, as well as James and Erica Reiss and Sally Suthon. Within Ladys legion were brother Jack Reynolds, stepsisters Lucy and Stella Carradine, grandmother Barbara Reynolds, and four Kohnkes: Rick, Richard, Sam and Helen.

Taking a chromatic cue from the invitation, the decor featured touches of gold, white and aqua with feathers, orchids, hydrangeas and palms. Lighting bathed the premises. In shocking pink lettering, This Must Be the Place, glowed behind a white-wood bar. Flanking it were two standards topped with blue and white ostrich feathers and cascading crystal streams. Cafe tables were covered with rich teal cloths and overhead disco balls projected bursts of luminescence.

We are planning a number of surprises for them, confided one of the mothers. Certainly, the honored sixsome was thrilled with the feathered bird dancers, who welcomed everyone, and the white-clad aerial artists, who poured Champagne.

Among the Brown brigade were deb brother S. Alex Brown, grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Krieg Brown from San Francisco, the David S. Alonsos (also San Francisco), Margie and Raul Bencomo, the Craig R. Dermodys, Dr. and Mrs. Philip J. Kahn, Holly and Guy Perrier, Lisa and Douglas Mills, and Edie and David Darragh. Christy Charbonnets deb sisters Sidney and Mary Lucy joined the fun, as did Christopher Lane, Virginia and John Rowan, Gwathmey and Fritz Gomila, Kelly and Tom Duffy, and Lauren and Nathan Schrantz.

They and dozens more enjoyed the purveyance by 12 Seasons Catering & Events and the thematically named, Bluebird Martini signature drink.

Murray Pearce Nelson Jr., Julies brother, was noted as were deb grandmothers Julie Breitmeyer and Harriet Nelson, Susu and Andrew Stall, Aimee and West Freeman with Ella, and the Edward Parrs with Celia and Tyler. From the Williams family came Barrets sisters Charlotte and Kate, as well as Christine Connolly, Ellie and Mark Edwards, and Erin and Teddy Conway.

New Orleans talent provided the scintillating sounds, starting with T-Ray the Violinist. Later, the big black curtain on the stage was cleared and the featured band, The Phunky Monkeys, dipped into their extensive song list and rallied dancers to the floor, giving Adele, Barret, Olivia, Julia, Christy and Lady a musical flight of Feathers.
This month marks the 60th anniversary of a New Orleans lakefront landmark: the Mardi Gras Fountain. It was dedicated on Twelfth Night  Jan. 6, 1962.

Like so many Carnival innovations, the fountain was the brainchild of Blaine Kern. In a 2012 article for Arthur Hardys Mardi Gras Guide, Kern explained that the idea for the fountain sprang from his travels to Europe in the 1950s. Everywhere I went in Europe, there was a fountain with great sculptures and beautiful works of art, Kern said. The float builder took his idea for a New Orleans attraction to his friend, Orleans Levee Board president (and future U.S. Attorney) Gerald Gallinghouse.

Gallinghouse convinced his fellow Levee Board members to fund the project on Lakeshore Drive between Canal Boulevard and Marconi Drive.

The original fountain included more than 60 ceramic tile plaques displaying the crests of the citys Carnival krewes. Familiar names such as Rex, Comus, Proteus, Hermes and Zulu are included, along with several ball organizations and krewes which are now defunct (such as Moslem, Hera and Omardz).

The fountains waters shot 30 feet into the air and at night were illuminated in shades of purple, green and gold.

In 2005, shortly before Hurricane Katrina, the Levee Board spent $2.5 million to repair the fountain and surrounding area. Plaques were added for krewes established since 1962.

In 2013, another renovation repaired damage from Katrina, added more new plaques and upgraded the fountains lighting and mechanical systems.
$5M grant aims to develop roundworm-resistant sweet potatoes

A team of LSU AgCenter researchers, along with those from four other universities, have been awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant of more than $5 million to develop sweet potato varieties resistant to the invasive guava root-knot nematode.

The AgCenter team, spearheaded by nematologist Tristan Watson, received a subgrant of nearly $1 million to support research on sweet potato breeding and characterization of resistance mechanisms and associated genes as well as extension of research findings to regional and national stakeholders. The funds were awarded as part of the NIFA Specialty Crop Research Initiative.

Bollinger Shipyards delivers ocean transport barge to General Dynamics-Electric Boat

Bollinger Shipyards has delivered the Ocean Transport Barge Holland to General Dynamics-Electric Boats Groton Shipyard.

The Holland will support the construction and maintenance of the United States Columbia Class Ballistic Missile Submarines and Virginia Class Fast Attack Submarines. The vessel will play an important role in the construction of the Columbia class of submarines, which will carry nearly 70% of the nations nuclear arsenal.

The 400-foot-long ship was designed and engineered at Bollinger's Lockport facility and built at its marine fabrication facility in Amelia.

Baton Rouge General Physicians Group opens Central clinic

The Baton Rouge General Physicians Group is open at 11111 Park Place Drive Suite B in Central.

Dr. Shaun Spinks is seeing patients from infants to geriatric and can provide a full range of medical services including labs, vaccinations and minor procedures.

To find out more or to schedule an appointment, call (225) 333-3636.

LSU researchers find climate change record in clam shells

For the first time, LSU researchers have been able to identify the monthly, and even weekly, ocean temperatures recorded in surf clam shells.

Because ancient civilizations consumed these fingernail sized clams and left the shells at archeological sites, researchers now have a new way to reconstruct climate and its fluctuations from nearly 3,000 years ago.

LSU Department of Geography & Anthropology doctoral candidate Jacob Warner is the lead author on this new research published in Chemical Geology.

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Warner and colleagues are focused on tracking a climate phenomenon that affects a large part of the world called the El Nino Southern Oscillation, which is characterized by warmer than normal ocean temperatures, increased rainfall and more tropical storms and hurricanes in the southern U.S.

Warners study sites are in northern Peru.

Baton Rouge Coca-Cola breaks ground on $42 million expansion

Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Co. has broken ground on a $42 million expansion of its Plank Road distribution and production center.

The work involves building 120,000 square feet of warehouse space and installing new case picking equipment that makes the work less physically demanding for warehouse staff. The expansion will create 15 new jobs to go along with the current 558 employees.

The work should be completed by summer 2023.

Bombshell Boutique under new ownership

Bombshell Boutique in Central is now under the ownership of Olivia Viccellio.

Bombshell, 14790 Wax Road, is a fashion forward womens boutique with clothing, shoes and accessories.

Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute opens new facilities

Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute has moved into its newly renovated facilities and started seeing patients.

The 19,500 square feet of renovated space will serve patients for imaging, nononcology infusion, palliative care, oncology infusion and Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Medical Oncology.

Cancer patients will enter at the newly designated Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute entrance at 7777 Hennessy Blvd., parking lot C.

The newly renovated facilities will be the home of the cancer institute until the freestanding facility is constructed. The institute is expected to break ground later this year.
Years of work and millions of dollars have gone into the restoration of Bayou Lafourche. Now its time to show it off.

A half dozen park projects are planned or underway along the once-clogged and stagnant bayou running from Donaldsonville to the Gulf of Mexico at Port Fourchon. New docks, boat launches, trails and other amenities will hopefully turn an increasing number of bayou visitors into better stewards of the waterway, said Ryan Perque, executive director of Friends of Bayou Lafourche, a nonprofit group that advocates for the bayous restoration.

People used to look at the bayou as a drainage ditch, he said. But over the last two years, theyve been recognizing its a viable recreational amenity [and] its a water source for over 300,000 people. Theyre recognizing they need to keep it clean.

Last month, the Friends group finished the first phase of improvements at the new Nicholls Bayou-Side Park, alongside Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. The narrow, nearly 8-acre property now has a paved parking area, open-air shelter and, for the first time, easy access to the bayou via a floating dock and launch for kayaks, canoes and other nonmotorized boats. The Friends group covered the $305,000 in design and construction costs and donated the finished amenities to Nicholls State.

While the bayou has always been across the street from the university, it has been very difficult to access, Nicholls President Jay Clune said. What the Friends of Bayou Lafourche have done is given our community a way to connect more deeply with our environment and our culture. I could not be more grateful for the work they have done."

In later phases of the Nicholls park project, the Friends group plans to build a boathouse, amphitheater, walking paths and other amenities for university and public use. The project, likely to cost $8 million, could also include features that slow traffic and improve pedestrian safety along the road that runs between the Nicholls campus and the bayou. The Friends group is raising money for the next phases and doesn't yet know when theyll be completed.

The group plans to complete at least three other park projects this year:

A disabled-access boardwalk and float dock in Napoleonville across Louisiana 308 from Assumption High School

A float dock with bays for small motorboats in downtown Thibodaux

A float dock near the Cajun Bayou Visitor Center on Louisiana 1 between Raceland and Mathews.

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Also in development are a boat launch between Thibodaux and Raceland and a float dock and parking area on the batture portion of the E.D. White Historic Site near Labadieville.

The park improvements come in the final stretch of a $180 million effort to reconnect the Mississippi River to the bayou. More than a century ago, Lafourche was sealed off from the river, its main source of freshwater, triggering a series of environmental problems, including the loss of wetlands south of Houma and New Orleans.

A long-delayed pump station in Donaldsonville, considered the lynchpin of the decades-in-the-making project, was approved by the Army Corps of Engineers in November. The station will triple the Mississippis flow into the bayou and help push out encroaching saltwater that is blamed for wetland loss and water quality issues in south Lafourche Parish.

The Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District, which is leading the project, also recently removed a small dam, known as a weir, that for decades had blocked boats in Thibodaux, essentially cutting the bayou into two parts. The dams removal allows boaters to travel all 106 miles of the bayou.

The weir removal was a big step that opened the bayou to boat traffic, Perque said. Bringing in the Bayou-Side Park and other [parks] is great timing."

+24 Bayou rebirth: Fixing a century-old mistake that robbed Louisiana of land and a scenic waterway This is the first of two articles on Bayou Lafourche and plans to use it to rebuild parts of the Louisiana coast. Read Part 2 here.
China, Maldives vow to push for stronger development of ties

Xinhua) 14:01, January 09, 2022

MALE, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- China and the Maldives have pledged to work together to push for the stronger development of their relations.

While meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday, Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih said his country and China reached an important consensus last year on consolidating the ties and broaden pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.

The president thanked China for its tremendous contribution to his country's socio-economic development, the firm support to his country's vaccination campaign against COVID-19, and its reduction and suspension of the Maldives' debt within the framework of G20.

The Maldives firmly upholds the one China policy, and their sound bilateral ties and solid mutual trust are rooted in the long and traditional friendship and adherence to the principles of sovereign equality and mutual respect, the president stressed.

Expressing his confidence in the future development of bilateral ties, the Maldivian president said his country is ready to seize the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries to deepen mutual understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation so as to push for the stronger development of bilateral ties.

For his part, Wang said this year marks the 50th anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and the Maldives, which have withstood the test of international vicissitudes and become more mature, thus contributing to the regional peace and stability.

The most precious experiences from the five decades' exchanges between the two countries are the mutual respect, equal treatment as well as unity and mutual help which have consolidated the political foundation of the bilateral ties, Wang noted.

Appreciating the Maldives' firm support on China's core interests, Wang said China has always supported the Maldives in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, seeking a development path suited to its own national conditions and pursuing an independent foreign policy, Wang said.

China is willing to expand cooperation with the Maldives in all fields and back its efforts to push for the strategy of diversified development, he said, hoping that a free trade deal between the two countries will be approved at an early date so as to facilitate the economic transformation and upgrading of the Maldives.

Wang also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is the common enemy of mankind, and China will continue to uphold the vision of a global community of health for all and fight the virus side by side with the Maldives.

China is willing to continue providing the Maldives with anti-virus supplies including vaccines as needed, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on strengthening coordination on international affairs.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
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Gentrification does not mean separate water fountains, but perhaps that just means we have become subtler since Jim Crow.

Younger generations, happy to spend serious money so they can sip from plastic bottles wherever they go, may not know what a water fountain is anyway. But unless those plastic bottles contain a beverage more potent than water, no one can have failed to notice that, as housing costs rose after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans became whiter and less populous.

This, in what seems a slur on our Black citizens, is what they call gentrification, a common aftereffect of natural disasters.

Gov. John Bel Edwards Wednesday reminded us of New Orleans' role in the genesis of Jim Crow by pardoning Homer Plessy for the crime of riding in a Whites-only railcar. This was a put-up job  Plessy had to tell the conductor he was Black because he did not look it  and part of a plan to force the courts to correct the injustices of segregation.

It backfired spectacularly when the U.S. Supreme Court 125 years ago gave America many more decades of White supremacy by rejecting Plessy's constitutional challenge to the spurious concept of separate but equal underlying segregation.

It is now nearly 70 years since the U.S. Supreme Court corrected its egregious Plessy v. Ferguson error, and it may be that economic and social disadvantages these days do not bespeak any prejudice in the law. But it is beginning to look as if the infamous Bring Back New Orleans Commission set up by then-Mayor Ray Nagin immediately after Katrina wound up getting its way to a large extent after all.

When the commission sketched out its vision of the post-Katrina cityscape, the reaction was immediate and furious. The commission's plan was to abandon low-lying areas to parkland, while reserving higher and less flood-prone parts for businesses and residences.

Considering that 80% of the city was under water after Katrina, commission members certainly had common sense on their side, but common sense is no match for emotion, and a backlash was inevitable.

The areas written off as uninhabitable, and marked on commission maps with green dots, had been home to lots of Black and working-class people who feared Katrina was being used as a pretext to get rid of them.

In fact, it is only natural the world over for the rich and powerful to commandeer the best spots, and ethnic cleansing could hardly have been the conscious intention of a government commission in modern America. But Broadmoor residents were so incensed by their green dot that their protests were instrumental in forcing the commission to rethink its survival-of-the-highest theory.

Thus, Broadmoor today keeps its head above water. It is not quite the neighborhood it was, however, with its population at 85% of the antediluvian level, and the Black share down from 68% to 61%.

These are not dramatic changes, relatively speaking. The city's overall population, at 384,000, is less than 80% of the Katrina level, while we went from being 66% Black to just over half, with huge numbers of evacuees failing to return, many because housing costs have risen beyond their means.

And those who are here have indeed largely clustered at higher elevations, close to the river for example, while the parts of the city that got the worst of Katrina, such as the Lower 9th Ward, remain out of favor.

Email James Gill at gill504nola@gmail.com.
Jan. 6 means one thing in Louisiana, the long-awaited start of Mardi Gras season and permission, for those who are superstitious, to take that first bite of king cake without inviting punishment from the Carnival Gods.

Last year, the date became forever linked to something far more sinister: the vicious attack on the U.S. Capitol and the law enforcement officers sworn to protect it, incited and reportedly cheered on from the White House by a defeated president who still refuses to accept the voters' verdict.

On the tragic anniversary of the attack, duly elected and certified President Joe Biden spoke the truth.

"You cant love your country only when you win, he said. You cant obey the law only when its convenient. You cant be patriotic when you embrace and enable lies."

At another time those would have been healing words, but of course, theres not much healing going on these days.

And for that, no thanks go to the members of former President Donald Trumps party who represent Louisiana.

U.S. Reps. Steve Scalise, Clay Higgins, Mike Johnson and Garret Graves and U.S. Sen. John Kennedy cast their lot a year ago, when they each, to greater or lesser degree, fueled the false belief that repeatedly litigated and upheld state election results were less than legit. The only exception was U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, who embarked on the high road after the election, voted to certify the results and never looked back.

Maybe they were busy toasting the arrival of Twelfth Night, but this Jan. 6, we didnt hear much from this crowd.

When the House gathered for a solemn commemoration, the Republican side of the chamber was empty save for the courageous conservative U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, long since booted from her third-ranking leadership post for putting country over party. She was joined by her father Dick, who, interviewed on his way out the door, allowed that todays GOP leaders are cut from different cloth than the people who ran things when he served in Congress.

"Well, its not a leadership that resembles any of the folks that I knew when I was here for 10 years  dramatically," the former vice president said.

He didnt name names, but one Louisiana member who did speak out Thursday was U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise of Jefferson, the Republican whip.

Last year and this, Scalise decried violence  thats the easy part  but also did his part to keep stoking division. After the attack in 2021, he could have stood by onetime ally Mike Pence, who we now know withstood ferocious pressure to violate his constitutional obligation as vice president to accept state-certified Electoral College results. Instead, Scalise joined Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in voting to reject results in two swing states  a move that sent the message to gullible Trump supporters that mainstream House leaders endorsed Trumps conspiracy theories.

On the anniversary of the tragic day, Scalise went on offense. He fell back on the old trope of equating the insurrection attempt with Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, which were mostly nonviolent, and in the cases where they werent, did not amount to an attack on our constitutional processes or the seat of our government.

And he blasted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi  like Pence a specific target of some who attacked the Capitol, according to their own recorded words  for somehow politicizing the date. Because there was nothing political about trying to disenfranchise the majority of voters in key states and around the country who gave Biden his winning margin, right?

Over on the Senate side, Kennedy did put out a statement condemning violence, but said nothing about his own decision to reject results in Arizona, even though some fellow senators whod originally planned to do so snapped out of it after witnessing the havoc that Trumps tall tales inspired.

The anniversary happened to coincide with a different kind of commemoration, the funeral of the late Republican U.S. senator from Georgia, Johnny Isakson. Isakson was a widely admired, old-school senator who looked for ways to reduce rather than exploit partisan enmity. Unlike the Jan. 6 remembrance, his sendoff attracted politicians from both sides of the aisle.

Its fitting, perhaps, that the funeral took place in Atlanta. A guy like Isakson would find few friends in todays Washington.

This column has been corrected to note that U.S. Sen. John Kennedy voted to reject certified votes in one state, not two.
Wind-whipped flames are marching across more of New Mexicos tinder-dry mountainsides, forcing the evacuation of area residents and dozens of patients from the state's psychiatric hospital as firefighters scramble to keep new wildfires from growing. The big blaze burning near the community of Las Vegas has charred more than 217 square miles. Residents in neighborhoods on the edge of Las Vegas were told to be ready to leave their homes. It's the biggest wildfire in the U.S. and is moving quickly through groves of ponderosa pine because of hot, dry and windy conditions that make for extreme wildfire danger. Forecasters are warning of extreme fire danger across New Mexico and in western Texas.
With the weather chill this week, it's safe to say winter has officially arrived. This also means non-profits need your help: donate some winter coats!

Pennsylvania 4-H

Pennsylvania 4-H -- the four H's being Head, Heart, Hands, and Health -- is a Penn State Extension youth program serving more than 204,000 Pennsylvania youth each year. Youth participants donate to community service projects and non-profit organizations in the state.

This year's state-wide service project is a coat donation in partnership with the non-profit One Warm Coat. The project is motivated by the poverty faced by Pennsylvania youth. According to One Warm Coat reports, 1 in 5 youth are currently living in poverty.

According to Pennsylvania 4-H, all collected coats will be donated locally to neighbors in need. The organization's goal is "to warm 1,500 people!"

The group has committed to a social media challenge to celebrate donation milestones. At 500 coats, the youth 4-H members will post a fun photo or video representing one of their H's. At 1000, they will participate in a pie challenge or ice bath, depending upon social media votes. At 1,500 there will be two drawings from the names of volunteers and members.

So far, the group has raised $176.45 of their $1,500 goal. How can you help?

How to Donate

1. Donate coats to the 4-H drive, whether new or gently worn! Donations are accepted from now until January 21; drop offs are located at a local Extension Office or in-person 4-H event.

2. The organization also accepts dollar donations that will be directed to the coat drive.

Family Promise of Lycoming County

Family Promise of Lycoming County is also seeking winter coat donations at this time, including men's coats of all sizes, women M-XL, girls 5T, and boys of all sizes.

Do not donate used coats if the zipper does not work. Make sure they are in overall good condition before donating.

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Williamsport -- PPL Electric Utilities recently donated $10,000 donation to the Community Arts Center through the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit program (EITC). The funds supported "The Nutcracker" production.

On December 4 and 5, the Community Arts Center, Lycoming College, and Saint Johns School of the Arts joined together to present the holiday classic. "The Nutcracker" featured a live orchestra composed of Lycoming College students and local musicians, as well as a completely local intergenerational cast of more than 100 dancers ages 4 to adult.

PPL is proud to support the Community Arts Center. Not only is it a beautiful historic venue, it allows the arts to thrive hosting performers from all over the country and inviting young people such as those who performed in 'The Nutcracker' this holiday season, said Tracie Witter, PPL Regional Affairs Director.

Educational Improvement Tax Credit grants allow approved organizations to invest in projects that improve access to high quality education programs. Organizations must be pre-qualified by the state Department of Community & Economic Development to participate.

EITC funds are essential in developing the arts through our region, and were thrilled to partner with PPL in supporting this mission, said Jim Dougherty, Executive Director. This generosity allows us to bring the wonder of live performance to young people throughout our community, both on the stage and in the audience.

Funding for the educational programming is derived from various sources, including EITC Funds, donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants.

Ana Gonzalez-White, Director of CAC Development, said This donation from PPL Electric Utilities will contribute greatly to our student-centered programming and is very much appreciated.

For more information about giving opportunities at the CAC, contact Ana Gonzalez-White, Director of CAC Development, at (570) 327-7657 or email awhite@caclive.com.

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The new year brings a new look and new services for Romega Digital

contributed The Neely is an event space in downtown Rome that was created with the idea of catering to corporate events but can be used for almost any event. Contributed You can just show up with your presentation and not have to worry about fiddling with speakers or hookups or screens, Romega Digitals Braden Keith said. Its all ready for you. My idea is that theres a blank canvas for you to transform into whatever you need. contributed Though it was designed primarily to host corporate events, The Neely has hosted an auction, team building events, a Christmas party and even a music concert.

After a big move at the end of last year, Romega Digitals Braden Keith is hoping for a big year of bringing new services and opportunities to Rome businesses.

And that means a new look, a new message and a new space.

Last February, Keith bought a building at the corner of East First Street and East Eighth Avenue. Remodeling was completed in July and he moved the offices of Romega Digital in. That included six in-office employees and more than 20 others distributed across the country and globally.

The company is known for its websites, helping businesses to establish a powerful online presence. But more recently theyve ramped up search engine services.

We do search engine marketing and search engine optimization, Keith said. We help identify businesses that are getting beat on Google. Through our optimization services, we make sure theyre performing better than other businesses.

This year will bring new branding and new messaging for the company. That will happen later this month. Keith said their search engine marketing and optimization services werent being pushed as much but that will soon change.

We started offering this back in August, he said. Some businesses caught wind of it and our success stories have been great. That has led us to believe this is the future of what Rome needs. This is what people need to be looking to us for.

Businesses can visit online at RomegaDigital.com for additional information and, in the coming weeks, a more streamlined look and messaging from the company.

But the move to a new building came with a big bonus  space. Keith had at his fingertips the makings of a versatile space in which he saw great potential.

Many people may not know this about me but I worked outside of Rome before I opened Romega Digital, he said. I traveled for a software company and provided a training program for them. So I got to see so many cool event venues. These places had a unique fingerprint for the city in which they were located. They were clean, functional and leaned toward a corporate atmosphere.

Keith saw that a similar space was needed in Rome. He knew there were several special event venues, but he wanted to cater to the business and corporate arena.

The Neely was born. The large, versatile event space can cater to a variety of needs. And its location in downtown Rome makes it accessible and conveniently close to a variety of amenities.

A lot of our businesses here in town have team members all over the globe, Keith said. Many of those people cant get here easily or, because of COVID, shouldnt be traveling. So The Neely offers a space where businesses can host meetings and conferences with ready-to-go streaming technology.

He said seminars and meetings can easily be streamed on YouTube and Facebook Live, so that team members outside of Rome can contribute in real time and are all plugged into one central location  The Neely.

But while The Neelys clean, open, airy feel makes it perfect for corporate functions, it can also be outfitted for almost any occasion.

Its played host to Christmas parties, rehearsal dinners, auctions, team building events and even a music concert.

You can just show up with your presentation and not have to worry about fiddling with speakers or hookups or screens, Keith said. Its all ready for you. My idea is that theres a blank canvas for you to transform into whatever you need.

In the short time Romega Digital and The Neely have been occupying their new spaces, Keith said hes been grateful for all the community interaction theyve received. And he hopes to offer Rome even more dynamic services in the year to come.

I would be very grateful if this was a breakout year for us, he said. I want to continue providing additional services to Rome. As we see new ideas come into Rome, and as we take risks and think ahead, Im really grateful that the community has stood behind us.
It is not clear why Sri Lankan government has not opted to import synthetic urea instead of nano urea at this time of crisis in agricultural field.

by N.S.Venkataraman

The historical and traditional glory of Sri Lanka have justifiably made millions of Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and in other countries as well as the expatriates justifiably proud. The fact that Sri Lanka has large followers of Buddhism, which advocates peace and non violence, is another feather in its cap.

India- Sri Lanka relationship :

India and Sri Lanka have traditionally strong relationship due to historical reasons and large section of Indians have always wished that Sri Lanka should prosper and advance from strength to strength.





The fact that India tops Sri Lankas tourism list is not surprising , since many Indians want to visit Sri Lanka atleast once in the life time to see the historical monuments and enjoy the Sri Lankan hospitality and natural beauty.

In such circumstances, most Indians too just like Sri Lankans feel sad that Sri Lanka is in news for wrong reasons these days.

Food emergency :

The recent declaration of food emergency  by Sri Lankan government shocked Sri Lankans and Indians alike and expatriates around the world, making them wonder as to whether any fundamentally disturbing development has taken place in Sri Lanka in recent times. Declaration of food emergency in any country would inevitably reflect poorly on the economic and social welfare status of the country.

It is said that food production in Sri Lanka has steeply gone down in recent times , as the Sri Lankan government took a decision to resort to organic farming in agricultural field in a massive way, which mean use of organic fertilisers and organic pesticides, replacing synthetic fertilisers and synthetic pesticides. This decision to go for large scale organic cultivation in Sri Lanka, without adequate and long term trials , was a calculated risk and certainly reflects poorly on the decision making capability of the present Sri Lankan government.

The concept of organic farming is still in the evolving stage all over the world and it is well known that the use of organic fertiliser instead of synthetic fertilizer like urea, di ammonium phosphate etc. result in low crop yield in agricultural operations. While organically produced agricultural products could be more ecologically friendly , the cost of organic cultivation is higher and consequently making organic products more expensive. Further, the organic fertilisers are known to have short shelf life and require proper handling , storage , packing and transportation techniques. It is not clear whether the farmers in Sri Lanka were trained to handle and use organic fertiliser. Obviously, Sri Lankan administrators have not taken these much needed precautionary factors into consideration.

Import of organic fertiliser from China :

Sri Lankan government has imported large quantity of organic fertiliser from China, which were proved to be ineffective while applying to agricultural field. Sri Lankan government was forced to pay huge price to China for such ineffective organic fertilizer procured from China , though Sri Lankas foreign exchange reserves were very low.

Import of nano urea :

As the crop production has gone down due to use of organic fertilizer , Sri Lankan government has made a knee jerk reaction and has gone for import of nano urea in a big way from India.

Nano urea is a recently introduced product as fertiliser and even in India, where nano urea has been developed , is not used in large scale at present and can be considered as being in introductory stage in India.

While there is no reason why nano urea would not be efficient, still, it may require some application development efforts in evolving proper techniques for use.

It is not clear why Sri Lankan government has not opted to import synthetic urea instead of nano urea at this time of crisis in agricultural field.

Has an enquiry been conducted ?:

It is not known whether Sri Lankan government has ordered an indepth enquiry into the whole episode and fixed the responsibility for such ill fated decision.

Inherent strength of Sri Lanka :

Over the years, Sri Lanka has slowly and steadily dipped into serious economic issues and now the foreign exchange reserves have reached precarious level. Sri Lanka now needs huge loan and financial assistance from abroad to carry on .

There is no reason as to why Sri Lankan economy should suffer to such an extent, considering the fact that Sri Lanka is a large exporter of tea, rubber etc. and is an important destination for global tourists bringing millions of dollars for Sri Lanka.

Rajapaksas governance :

While Sri Lanka somehow has got rid of the violent separatist movement by bravely fighting against the terrorist groups , it has not benefited by such victory so far.

Today, Sri Lanka has become a debt ridden country with policy planners and administrators in a blind and not knowing the way out.

Mahinda Rajapaksa who covered himself with glory by defeating the separatist movement and protecting the sovereignty of Sri Lanka is now responsible for leading Sri Lanka to such an economic distress conditions.

Today, Sri Lanka is under the governance of Rajapaksa family with one brother being the President, another brother being the Prime Minister and several members of the family holding crucial positions in the government and they have a lot to explain.

What way out for Sri Lanka ?

How can Sri Lankan government retrieve itself from such desperate conditions ?

One of the main reasons for Sri Lanka getting into debt trap is that the past governments in Sri Lanka have unwittingly placed Sri Lanka at the mercy of China , which has definite ambitions to expand its influence around the world by fair or foul means and dominate the world fully and entirely. Sri Lankan government has fallen into the trap by being tempted by China to avail huge loan at attractive terms and availing the project cooperation from China which would only meet the long term ambitions of global domination of China. Hambantota port is the ready example.

It is now absolutely essential that Sri Lanka has to extricate itself from the vice like grip of China to get out of the present mess.

All said and done, Sri Lanka is a democratic country with free press and it has to align itself with similar democratic countries , where there would be common interest and shared value system.

Sri Lanka and China are unlike friends and Sri Lanka shares no values with the present Chinese government. It is well known that Chinese government is totalitarian in outlook and China is under the leadership of coterie of so called communist leaders , who do not respect freedom of speech and personal liberty of citizens.

Sri Lanka should not go in the way that Pakistan government has gone by almost reducing Pakistan to the status of extended territory of China.

Sri Lanka has the potentials to become a rich country like Singapore. For this to happen, Sri Lanka has to choose the friends and allies with care, caution and pragmatism.

Today, Sri Lanka has no alternative other than cooperating with democratic countries like USA and West European countries and India , who have no vested interests to dominate Sri Lanka. Certainly, they would have economic interests but it could be to mutual benefit.

Of course, the western countries and USA and Canada have been highly critical of Sri Lanka for what they call as human rights violation by Sri Lanka while fighting the LTTE. In this regard, western countries criticizing Sri Lanka is like pot calling the kettle black. However, this irksome issue can be quickly sorted out across the table with mutual goodwill being the approach.

Moving away from China and moving towards democratic countries in fostering relationships will do lot of good for Sri Lanka by facilitating technology cooperation and investments. Building up of elegant relationships with western countries that have no conflict of interest is the best strategy for Sri Lanka

The question is whether the present leadership of Sri Lankan government has the strength of character and courage to reverse the present counter productive relationship with China.
Despite the widely held view that energy prices decline as COVID infections spread, the cost of crude and its products staged a massive rally, with crude gaining 6% on the week. Demand was not driving the heat-up, but shortages and long-term supply concerns stimulated the buying.

The mysterious rise could be justified by continued reports of the Omicron variant causing less severe disease than feared. Steady supply increases from Russia, OPEC producers, and the release of stockpiles from the U.S. should have held crude down, but the rally didnt stall until Friday.

The upward bias in crude could also result from production problems in Libya, Kazahkstan, and Nigeria. Also, Chinese gasoline stockpiles declined 42% on a week-to-week basis, while a severe cold spell plagued the upper Plains in North America. As a result, crude oil for February delivery traded at $79 per barrel midday Friday.

Wheat collapses

Like the dough bread is made from, wheat prices deflated last week, with Minneapolis  a hard wheat used for pizza and bagels  leading the way down.

Lack of cold weather threats in the Central Plains, low demand, and selling from Argentina contributed to the downward pressure.

March Minneapolis wheat was down 60 cents per bushel while Chicago March was down 35 cents on the week at $7.54.

Silver loses luster

The Federal Reserves release of its meeting minutes confirmed a hawkish and faster shift in monetary policy, which caused a sell-off in precious metals.

Gold and silver were hit particularly hard, with February gold down $30 per ounce and March silver down about $1.10 on the week. Many analysts are baffled by the decline as demand for silver rises and investors watch inflation statistics. Our USDA recently projected wholesale fats and oil prices could be up 37% to 40%!

March silver brought $22.40 per ounce midday Friday.

Opinions are solely the writers. Walt Breitinger is a commodity futures broker in Valparaiso. He can be reached at 800-411-3888 or www.indianafutures.com. This is not a solicitation of any order to buy or sell any market.

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As the chief meteorologist for ABC TV, Ginger Zee has been on the scene of almost every recent major weather disaster  hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and weather extremes ranging from the extreme colds of the Boston Blizzard to the searing heat of Death Valley. Her fascination with weather was inspired by a waterspout she saw forming over Lake Michigan. Only 8 at the time, Zee was so intrigued she ran forward, instead of away like everyone else.

But the storms shes chased were nothing compared to the internal tempests that were wrecking her psyche.

Zee first described her struggles in her 2017 book, "Natural Disaster: I Cover Them. I Am One," which she described as Ginger Lite. She really goes deep with her newest book, "A Little Closer to Home: How I Found the Calm After the Storm."

Zee, who has a bachelor of science degree in meteorology, with minors in Spanish and mathematics, from Valparaiso University, wasnt able to translate her achievements into a positive self-image. At her lowest, Zee avoided looking in mirrors, not liking what she saw. Depressed, anorexic and at times suicidal, therapy has helped Zee become stronger.

At first, when her publisher asked her to write a follow up to "Natural Disasters," she hesitated. But then she watched a "Good Morning, America" replay of Christine Blasey Fords testimony before the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. Senate, during which Blasey Ford alleged shed been sexually assaulted when a teen by two young men during a party. Zee had been sexually abused and in an abusive relationship, and listening to Blasey Ford, she became convinced that she owed it to people to tell about her experiences in a follow-up book.

It hit me that not only did I have more stories to tell, but it was one of the most important parts that hadnt been told yet, Zee said. Im so ready for it now.

This subject leads to Zee and I discussing how, in the not so distant past, women were often held to blame for sexual harassment or abuse, as in, if you hadnt worn that short skirt or you shouldnt have agreed to go to his apartment.

That realization was the impetus for me and I started diving really deep with my therapist, no matter how difficult it is, she said. Trauma doesnt leave your body. The shame and the feelings have to go somewhere. What I wasnt doing is going past my trauma. Once you get past it, life is so much better. Theres so much relief in letting go of the responsibility for something we had no control over.

These realizations helped Zee.

I think of my therapist as my personal trainer for the brain, she said. She sees herself in a much healthier place now that she is able to work through her feelings.

The shame isnt on me anymore, thats how therapy helped, she said. So did the Me Too Movement. ... I dont have to take responsibility for things that I didnt do and that werent my fault. Thats why I knew I had to write this book to help others who are going through what I did.

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GARY  A infant and mother who were killed Friday following a pursuit have been identified by the Lake County coroner's office.

The victims were identified as Ky'Air Lucas, 1, and Britni Griffin, 20, both of Matteson, Illinois, according to a report from Lake County Coroner David J. Pastrick. The reports said Griffin suffered extensive blunt force trauma and Ky'Air suffered blunt force injuries.

The driver, Eric White, 20, is in Lake County Jail after being released from the hospital, and criminal charges are pending against him. White's last known addresses include Gary and Calumet City.

Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. said White had been arrested in connection with a pursuit in November.

White was taken to a local hospital with head injuries after officers began chasing him about 11:30 a.m. and he crashed on westbound I-80/94, between the Burr Street and Cline Avenue exits, police said.

After receiving medical treatment, White was expected to be arrested on suspicion of illegal possession of a firearm and other charges, Martinez said.

"Any loss of life in such horrifying circumstances is tragic, but the loss of a child is especially disturbing," Martinez said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives."

Sheriff's police attempted to stop a driver in a black 2010 Audi A5 for speeding and disregarding a traffic signal near 25th Avenue and Broadway in Gary, according to Martinez and Indiana State Police.

The driver sped off south on Broadway and got on westbound I-94, according to a news release.

The officers briefly lost sight of the car before discovering the crash at the Colfax Street bridge, he said.

Griffin, who was riding with the driver, was killed instantly when the car rear-ended a semitrailer, Martinez said. Ky'Air, who was in a car seat, also was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.

Indiana State Police assisted with a crash reconstruction investigation and determined the driver of the Audi lost control and rear-ended a semitrailer in the right lane, Sgt. Glen Fifield said.

"After striking the trailer, the Audi spun across all lanes and drove into the median wall," Fifield said. "After hitting the wall, the Audi then continued back across the lanes in front of the same semi that it had rear-ended and was struck on the passenger side by the front of the semi."

The Audi came to rest wedged under the front bumper of the semi, he said.

The woman suffered fatal injuries during the initial impact with the trailer and was ejected, Fifield said.

"A small child who was in a car seat on the rear passenger side of the Audi also suffered fatal injuries," he said.

Martinez said the crash scene likely was traumatic for emergency crews who responded.

"Police officers are faced with tragedy daily, but considering the circumstances with this incident, we are offering to help officers cope, the sheriff said.

After the crash, police learned the driver previously had been arrested in connection with a pursuit, he said.

White was arrested on Nov. 24 by Lake County Sheriffs Department police officers following a traffic stop. White was taken into custody for resisting, police said.

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Anna Ortiz Night Crime/Breaking News Reporter Anna Ortiz is the breaking news/crime reporter for The Times, covering crime, politics, courts and investigative news. She is a graduate of Ball State University with a major in journalism and minor in anthropology. 219-933-4194, anna.ortiz@nwi.com Follow Anna Ortiz Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
GARY  Following the discovery of a dead 6-year-old boy near an abandoned home, the child's mother, brother and another juvenile sibling are facing charges.

On Saturday afternoon, the mother, Jannie M. Perry, 38, was charged with first-degree murder, concealment of homicidal death and obstruction of justice, the Lake County (Illinois) state's attorney's office said in a news release.

The child's 20-year-old brother, Jeremiah R. Perry, has been charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm to a child under 12, concealing a homicidal death and obstruction of justice.

A juvenile sibling, who has not been identified, faces unknown charges. All three family members have been in police custody since Friday night.

Damari Perry, of North Chicago, was reported missing Tuesday near north suburban Skokie, Illinois, said North Chicago Police Department Chief of Police Lazaro Perez.

Damari Perry was found 2:30 a.m. Saturday in the 700 block of Van Buren Street in Gary by police and FBI agents.

Family members initially provided a false story to police, Perez said. Family members told investigators that Damari Perry was last seen Tuesday evening, stating he may be missing in Skokie, Illinois.

Perez said the account family members told police about Damari Perry going with his sister to a party in Skokie and then disappearing were found to be false upon further investigation.

Damari Perry's sister allegedly told police she had several drinks and fell asleep at a party at an unknown residence, and when she woke up two hours later, the child and the man who is known as "Wacko" were not in the apartment, according to a report from NBC Chicago. Then she told police a woman drove her back to North Chicago.

During the course of the investigation, the FBI and North Chicago detectives and Department of Children and Family Services brought the child's family members to the Lake County state's attorney's Children's Advocacy Center.

On Thursday and Friday, agents, detectives, case workers, prosecutors and forensic interviewers interviewed multiple children in the family.

From there, authorities focused their investigations into Damari Perry's mother and adult siblings. Information from witnesses led police to the location of the child's body in Gary. Prosecutors and police worked through Friday and Saturday to finalize criminal charges.

Once the autopsy is complete and the investigation continues, more charges are expected to be filed.

Damari Perry's remains are in the care of the Lake County coroner's office, where an autopsy will be performed, Perez said. The coroner's office said the autopsy will be conducted at their facility on Monday in Crown Point.

"Coroner David J. Pastrick would like to thank the city of North Chicago Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police for their assistance," said Yvette Manfredy, chief deputy coroner. "No further information is available at this time."

In addition to the three family members being in police custody, Perez said all other juveniles in the family are in the care of the DCFS.

The police chief stated that he and his agency, along with agencies in Lake County and the Illinois state's attorney's office, worked together to press charges against those responsible for the child's death.

"Our hearts ache over the murder of 6-year-old Damari Perry," said Lake County (Illinois) State's Attorney Eric Rinehart. "We would not have reached the awful truth of this case without the work of the FBI, the North Chicago Police Department and the investigators and staff at the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center."

Rinehart said the family was charged with obstruction of justice due to their "completely false" story of the party in Skokie, and said that no Skokie residents were involved in the incident.

"Prosecutors, investigators and victim support professionals worked late into the night and into the early morning to make sure we understood this tragic crime now, because of their rigorous and detailed investigation, we will be able to bring Damari's killers to justice in a courtroom," Rinehart said.

The family members are scheduled to appear in court for a bond hearing Sunday morning.

Police asked anyone with information to call 847-596-8740.

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First responders were overloaded with crash calls as winter weather created slick, hazardous roads on Saturday.

Lake, Porter and Newton counties were put under a travel advisory Saturday evening, indicating that routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of hazards and individuals should use caution or avoid driving on those areas.

The warning remains under effect through Saturday night, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

A winter weather advisory was issued to last through early Sunday warning of accumulating ice, according to the National Weather Service.

Indiana State Police at the Lowell Post urged residents to reconsider their necessity to drive. The slick conditions are expected to continue through the night, with intermittent rain and drizzle.

One trooper was struck on Interstate 80 Saturday evening, as they were responding to crashes a chain reaction crash caused them to get nicked by a vehicle bumper, police said. The trooper reportedly escaped serious injury.

"Troopers are investigating numerous crashes and several have been rollovers," said Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield. "Interstate 80 and Interstate 65 are littered with crashes. Cars are reportedly crashing like 'pingpong balls' at crash scenes. Once one vehicle crashes, it's resulting in several secondary crashes at the same location."

Starting Saturday afternoon, Indiana State Police at the Lowell post have responded to more than 70 calls, with several more calls pending as of 7 p.m.

The main hot spots for crashes included northbound and southbound lanes of I-65 between Fair Oaks and Crown Point and eastbound and westbound lanes of I-80/94 between Lake Station and Hammond, said Indiana State Police Cpl. Bobbie Crowder of the Lowell Post.

"It is pandemonium," Crowder said early Saturday evening. "In the last hour, we have had a range of 25 crashes. One crash happened within 50 feet of a trooper while she was responding to another crash. She was not struck."

There was a back-up due to a crash on I-65 in the northbound lanes at the 240.2 mile marker, near the Lowell exit. Details on the crash are still developing.

Crowder said there are several slide-offs, and at this time, no serious injuries or fatal crashes have been reported on the Region's interstates. Multiple cars were have said to have crashed into median walls.

Several other crashes were reported on Northwest Indiana streets and rural roads.

Portions of U.S. 30 and U.S. 41 were reportedly extremely slick, with multiple slide-offs on U.S. 30 in Merrillville, east of Southlake Mall.

The Indiana Department of Transportation Northwest has more than 115 trucks that have been salting the roads starting at 1 p.m. Police said the freezing rain recoating the roads have made it difficult for salt to effectively melt the ice.

The department said that if possible, people should refrain from driving Saturday afternoon into the night. If they must go out, drivers are cautioned to slow down, increase stopping distance and be aware of the slick conditions.

A hazardous weather outlook issued for Northwest Indiana and Cook County stated that freezing drizzle is expected Saturday afternoon into the night, according to the National Weather Service.

This will cause travel hazards with icy roads, bridges, overpasses, sidewalks and parking lots.

Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 33 degrees, the weather service says.

There is a chance of light accumulating snow Monday morning.

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As the raging omicron variant of COVID-19 infects workers across the nation, millions of those whose jobs dont provide paid sick days are having to choose between their health and their paycheck.

While many companies instituted more robust sick leave policies at the beginning of the pandemic, some of those have since been scaled back with the rollout of the vaccines, even though omicron has managed to evade the shots. Meanwhile, the current labor shortage is adding to the pressure of workers having to decide whether to show up to their job sick if they cant afford to stay home.

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Its a vicious cycle, said Daniel Schneider, professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. As staffing gets depleted because people are out sick, that means that those that are on the job have more to do and are even more reluctant to call in sick when they in turn get sick.

Low-income hourly workers are especially vulnerable. Nearly 80% of all private sector workers get at least one paid sick day, according to a national compensation survey of employee benefits conducted in March by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But only 33% of workers whose wages are at the bottom 10% get paid sick leave, compared with 95% in the top 10%.

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A survey this past fall of roughly 6,600 hourly low-wage workers conducted by Harvards Shift Project, which focuses on inequality, found that 65% of those workers who reported being sick in the last month said they went to work anyway. Thats lower than the 85% who showed up to work sick before the pandemic, but much higher than it should be in the middle of a public health crisis. Schneider says it could get worse because of omicron and the labor shortage.

Whats more, Schneider noted that the share of workers with paid sick leave before the pandemic barely budged during the pandemic  50% versus 51% respectively. He further noted many of the working poor surveyed dont even have $400 in emergency funds, and families will now be even more financially strapped with the expiration of the child tax credit, which had put a few hundred dollars in families pockets every month.

A medical technician performs a nasal swab test on a motorist queued up in a line at a COVID-19 testing site near All City Stadium Dec. 30, 2021, in southeast Denver. Millions of workers whose jobs don't provide paid sick days are having to choose between their health and their paycheck as the omicron variant of COVID-19 rages across the nation. (David Zalubowski/AP)

The Associated Press interviewed one worker who started a new job with the state of New Mexico last month and started experiencing COVID-like symptoms earlier in the week. The worker, who asked not to be named because it might jeopardize their employment, took a day off to get tested and two more days to wait for the results.

A supervisor called and told the worker they would qualify for paid sick days only if the COVID test turns out to be positive. If the test is negative, the worker will have to take the days without pay, since they havent accrued enough time for sick leave.

I thought I was doing the right thing by protecting my co-workers, said the worker, who is still awaiting the results and estimates it will cost $160 per day of work missed if they test negative. Now I wish I just wouldve gone to work and not said anything.

A Trader Joes worker in California, who also asked not to be named because they didnt want to risk their job, said the company lets workers accrue paid time off that they can use for vacations or sick days. But once that time is used up, employees often feel like they cant afford to take unpaid days.

I think many people now come to work sick or with what they call allergies because they feel they have no other choice, the worker said.

Trader Joes offered hazard pay until last spring, and even paid time off if workers had COVID-related symptoms. But the worker said those benefits have ended. The company also no longer requires customers to wear masks in all of its stores.

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Other companies are similarly curtailing sick time that they offered earlier in the pandemic. Kroger, the countrys biggest traditional grocery chain, is ending some benefits for unvaccinated workers in an attempt to compel more of them to get the jab as COVID-19 cases rise again. Unvaccinated workers will no longer be eligible to receive up to two weeks paid emergency leave if they become infected  a policy that was put into place last year when vaccines were unavailable.

Meanwhile, Walmart, the nations largest retailer, is slashing pandemic-related paid leave in half  from two weeks to one  after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reduced isolation requirements for people who dont have symptoms after they test positive.

Workers have received some relief from a growing number of states. In the last decade, 14 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws or ballot measures requiring employers to provide paid sick leave, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

On the federal front, however, the movement has stalled. Congress passed a law in the spring of 2020 requiring most employers to provide paid sick leave for employees with COVID-related illnesses. But the requirement expired on Dec. 31 of that same year. Congress later extended tax credits for employers who voluntarily provide paid sick leave, but the extension lapsed at the end of September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

In November, the U.S. House passed a version of President Joe Bidens Build Back Better plan that would require employers to provide 20 days of paid leave for employees who are sick or caring for a family member. But the fate of that bill is uncertain in the Senate.

We cant do a patchwork sort of thing. It has to be holistic. It has to be meaningful, said Josephine Kalipeni, executive director at Family Values @ Work, a national network of 27 state and local coalitions helping to advocate for such policies as paid sick days.

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The U.S. is one of only 11 countries worldwide without any federal mandate for paid sick leave, according to a 2020 study by the World Policy Analysis Center at the University of California, Los Angeles.

On the flipside are small business owners like Dawn Crawley, CEO of House Cleaning Heroes, who cant afford to pay workers when they are out sick. But Crawley is trying to help in other ways. She recently drove one cleaner who didnt have a car to a nearby testing site. She later bought the cleaner some medicine, orange juice and oranges.

If they are out, I try to give them money but at the same time my company has got to survive, Crawley said. If the company goes under, no one has work.

Even when paid sick leave is available, workers arent always made aware of it.

Ingrid Vilorio, who works at a Jack in the Box restaurant in Castro Valley, California, started feeling sick last March and soon tested positive for COVID. Vilorio alerted a supervisor, who didnt tell her she was eligible for paid sick leave  as well as supplemental COVID leave  under California law.

Vilorio said her doctor told her to take 15 days off, but she decided to take just 10 because she had bills to pay. Months later, a co-worker told Vilorio she was owed sick pay for the time she was off. Working through Fight for $15, a group that works to unionize fast food workers, Vilorio and her colleagues reported the restaurant to the county health department. Shortly after that, she was given back pay.

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But Vilorio, who speaks Spanish, said through a translator that problems persist. Workers are still getting sick, she said, and are often afraid to speak up.

Without our health, we cant work, she said. Were told that were front line workers, but were not treated like it.

DInnocenzio reported from New York and Durbin reported from Detroit.
EAST CHICAGO  A 2022 salary ordinance approved by the City Council has left City Clerk Rich Medina disappointed with its action.

Medina currently receives an annual salary of $57,462 and had requested $75,000.

Instead, the City Council approved a $5,000 raise for Medina in 2022.

Medina had previously told the council that the East Chicago clerk's office had not received a salary increase in 17 years and that he based his request on Social Security Administration cost of living increases provided to recipients since 2004.

Medina addressed the council after it voted 8-0 on Dec. 22 to give final approval to the salary ordinance.

"You all have totally disrespected the office of the city clerk," Medina said. "Not only insulted me personally, but you disrespected the office of the city clerk of East Chicago."

Medina became clerk in February after being chosen in a caucus to replace former clerk and current North Township Trustee Adrian Santos.

The salary ordinance does give City Court Judge Sonya Morris the $75,000 annually she had requested.

Her current annual salary is approximately $61,000.

The salary ordinance had initially been worded to give both Medina and Morris the $75,000 figure, but numbers were changed after the ordinance was tabled.

The ordinance was adjusted to give Medina a $5,000 raise and Morris a $10,000 increase, but Councilwoman Gilda Orange, D-6th, made a motion to give Morris the whole $75,000, and that motion was approved by a vote of 5-3.

Morris has served as city court judge for 18 years.

"I definitely think she deserves a raise," Councilwoman Monica Gonzalez, D-1st, said. "I'm just not sure that we need to do this all at one time."

The council voted 8-0 to approve the salary ordinance on final reading.

Councilman Lenny Franciski, D-2nd, was not present at the Dec. 22 meeting.

In other city news, Councilwoman Stacy Winfield, D-4th, has announced the winners in her district's second annual Christmas Outdoor Decorating Contest.

The first place winner of a $700 prize donated by Winfield, Councilman Kenneth Monroe, D-at large, and North Township board member Richard Novak was the Cruz family at 4305 Stewart Court.

Second place went to the Robinson family at 4314 Stewart Court. A $250 prize was donated by Councilman Dwayne Rancifer, D-at large.

The Graham family at 4010 Alder St. won third place and a $150 prize contributed by Councilwoman Debra Bolanos, D-at large.

The contest was started last year as a way to lift spirits in the thick of the coronavirus pandemic.

"It brings the morale up in the community," Winfield said.

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CHICAGO  Closed-door negotiations resumed Saturday to resolve a standoff between Chicago school officials and the city's teachers union over COVID-19 precautions that canceled three days of classes this week, while the union went public with its latest proposal to keep kids and teachers online until mid-January.

Under the package, teachers and their students would resume remote instruction Wednesday but wouldn't return to classrooms until Jan. 18. The union softened its demand for broader mandatory testing, instead proposing a random screening program that students could opt out of.

The Chicago Teachers Union, which voted this week to revert to online instruction, told teachers not to show up to schools starting Wednesday while talks took place. The move just two days after students returned from winter break prompted district officials to cancel classes in the roughly 350,000-student district for three days, and many principals have warned parents they are unlikely to be able to hold classes on Monday.

Representatives for the district and Mayor Lori Lightfoot did not immediately respond Saturday to requests for comment on the union's proposal.

But both Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez and Lightfoot have maintained that moving the entire district to remote instruction is a nonstarter, preferring to reserve that step in response to infections within an individual school.

The union's proposal maintained a trigger to end in-person instruction if COVID-19 rates within the city increase at certain levels.

"We need to get a deal done absolutely," Lightfoot said in an interview with WGN-TV on Friday afternoon, prior to the release of the latest union proposal. "But we've got to get one that is fair, that is reasonable and that covers the entire school year because I'm not going to go back to the table again and again and again and say 'Pretty please' to the (Chicago Teachers Union) leadership to get our kids back in school."

Lightfoot also favors an opt-in testing program contrary to the union's stance, saying parents should be the ones making that decision for their children. Lightfoot said in the interview that negotiators made progress this week, without providing more detail.

Other sticking points include metrics to trigger individual school closures.

School districts nationwide have confronted the same issues, with most opting to stay open while ramping up virus testing and tweaking protocols in response to the shifting pandemic. But a growing number of U.S. districts, including some large school systems, have gone back to remote learning as infections soar and sideline staff members.

The union has blasted the district for not doing enough, like botching a testing program and maintaining unreliable data on infections in schools. They've sought demands similar to a safety agreement put in place last year after a fierce debate. However, the district says the pandemic is different now and requires a different response, particularly since 91% of school staff is vaccinated.

Attendance was low in schools earlier this week, with thousands of students in quarantine or opting to stay home to avoid exposure.

Still, many parents had to scramble to again make last-minute arrangements for their children. Others agreed that being out of school was riskier than being in classrooms where masks and social distancing are used.

Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen contributed to this report.
This lesson is a part of our new Accessible Activities feature, which aims to welcome a wider variety of learners to our site and to The Times. Learn more and tell us what you think here.

Lesson Overview

Featured article: Where Do Your Spices Come From? by Aina J. Khan

In this lesson, you will join the reporter Aina J. Khan as she visits a spice farm in Zanzibar, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean that is part of Tanzania, to find out how cinnamon, cardamom and other spices are produced.

Then you will research a spice youre curious about so you can teach others about it.

Warm-Up

What are your favorite spices? Which spices do you or your family members regularly cook with, eat or drink?
Elmo wants the oatmeal raisin cookie, which is on a counter. Next to the cookie is a rock.

But as Elmo reaches for it, his furry red hand is stopped by an orange one that belongs to Zoe, another Sesame Street character, who is concerned for the rock, a pet named Rocco.

No, no, no  wait, Elmo, Zoe says. Rocco says that he wants the oatmeal raisin cookie.

And it is at this point that Elmo  a childrens character usually associated with innocence, lighthearted fun and playfulness  reaches his breaking point.

Rocco? Elmo says, sounding astonished. Roccos a rock, Zoe! Rocco wont know the difference!

And when Zoe insists that Rocco will, indeed, know the difference, Elmo goes from incredulous to angry.

How? Elmo retorts. How is Rocco going to eat that cookie, Zoe? Tell Elmo. Rocco doesnt even have a mouth. Roccos just a rock! Roccos not alive!
The body of a Virginia man who tried to walk home after his vehicle had broken down during a snowstorm this week has been found, the Louisa County Sheriffs Office said on Friday.

The man, Jacob Whaley, 34, informed his family on Monday that he was going to try to walk back to his home in Louisa County after his vehicle had broken down in neighboring Hanover County during the snowstorm, which stranded hundreds of drivers on Interstate 95 in Virginia.

Mr. Whaley last texted his family at 8:45 p.m., according to WRIC-TV, telling his mother that he was lost. His family informed the Sheriffs Office that they believed Mr. Whaley was possibly near Greenes Corner Road.
Demonstrations against pandemic restrictions were waged across Europe on Saturday.

In cities across France, anti-vaccine protesters rallied a day after President Emmanuel Macron expressed no regrets for the harsh language he directed at millions of the nations unvaccinated citizens.

In Paris, protesters retorted by adopting his slangy wording, chanting, Well piss you off.

In Germany, there were large demonstrations in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Magdeburg, while rallies took place in many other cities where people opposed measures put in place to combat the spread of the Omicron variant.

There were also protests in Romania after stricter pandemic measures went into force there, and in Italy.
An Omicron-fueled surge of coronavirus cases sowed chaos across the United States this week, leaving employers and schools to wrestle with widespread disruptions caused by labor or testing shortages.

The issue has been particularly fraught at schools, just as tens of millions of students returned from winter break. Some of the nations largest school districts postponed their reopenings or switched to remote learning  in some cases issuing announcements the night before classes were set to resume, leaving parents scrambling to find alternative child care plans.

In many places, teachers unions are back at negotiating tables, pushing in some cases for a return to remote learning. The situation was especially tense in Chicago, the third-largest school district in the country. After two days of in-person classes, 73 percent of teachers voted to stop reporting to work, leading schools to shut down by Wednesday. The city responded by calling off school altogether, refusing the teachers call for remote teaching. The situation remained at a standstill on Friday, with no resolution in sight.

Earlier this week, President Biden, citing the lack of evidence that Omicron more severely impacts children, called for schools to remain open in the United States.
It was a startling disappearing act, one for the ages. Right at the moment when Hitler killed himself in his bunker on April 30, 1945, Germany was magically transformed from a genocidal Reich to a place where there were barely any Nazis to be found.

No one was a Nazi, the journalist Martha Gellhorn wrote about the end of World War II in Europe, mordantly recalling how all the Germans she met insisted they had hidden a Communist or were secretly half-Jewish. The photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White heard the phrase We didnt know! with such monotonous frequency that it sounded like a kind of national chant for Germany.

In Aftermath: Life in the Fallout of the Third Reich, 1945-1955, the Berlin-based journalist Harald Jahner is similarly skeptical, describing how the majority of surviving Germans were so preoccupied with their own suffering that the dominant mood was one of self-pity. They saw themselves as the victims, he writes, and thus had the dubious good fortune of not having to think about the real ones.

The pointedness of this sentence is quintessential Jahner; he does double duty in this fascinating book (translated into English by the gifted Shaun Whiteside), elegantly marshaling a plethora of facts while also using his critical skills to wry effect, parsing a countrys stubborn inclination toward willful delusion. Even though Aftermath covers historical ground, its narrative is intimate, filled with first-person accounts from articles and diaries. The original German title was Wolfszeit, or Time of the Wolf. The postwar Germans were fond of animal metaphors. Those who stockpiled supplies were hamsters, while those who stole from the hamsters were hyenas. One could never be sure what the wolf was up to, since the lone wolf had just as frightening a reputation as the whole pack, Jahner writes.
Airlines canceled thousands more flights in recent days as the industry tried to move past its holiday hangover.

Bad weather and coronavirus outbreaks among workers continued to disrupt schedules across the United States, but airlines have also called off many recent flights, in advance, so they can correct course at a traditionally slow time for travel without surprising customers with last-minute cancellations.

About 5,000 flights were canceled from Friday through Sunday, according to FlightAware, a data tracking service, with the daily number of cuts declining steadily over that period. Southwest Airlines suspended over 1,000 flights, more than any other carrier. SkyWest Airlines, which operates flights for several major carriers, and United Airlines each canceled more than 500 flights.

The turmoil began before Christmas, caused by bad weather in the West and staff shortages because of virus outbreaks among employees. Snowfall in the Northeast continued to wreak havoc at major airport hubs across the country into the first weekend of this month.
Patrick Murphy, 2 1/2 of Delray Beach, turns on the water for his dogs Bowie and Bean at Lake Ida dog park in Delray Beach. (Carline Jean / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The park, the beach, the grocery store: We South Floridians bring our dogs everywhere, even when were not supposed to.

The rules are sometimes confusing. Dogs are mostly not allowed on the beach, except in certain sections at specific hours. Some restaurants welcome leashed canines for outdoor dining; others will shoo you out as you try to enter with your pet.

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Those who have moved here from other states may also notice strange tropical pet diseases and unexpected menaces in the grass (learn below about the bufo toad).

Heres what you need to know about enjoying your canines in South Floridas hot and sticky weather and how to keep them safe.

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Pebbles, a 6-month American pitbull terrier, enjoys the afternoon at Kapow Noodle Bar in Boca Raton's Mizner Park last summer. (Michael Laughlin/Sun Sentinel)

Where can you bring your dog?

Dog parks: There are dog parks in almost every city in Broward and Palm Beach counties. These grass-filled pens are open every day, usually segregate the pups according to size and typically provide doggie waste bags and a washing area for a post-play hose down.

Heres a list of dog parks operated by Palm Beach County: discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Amenities/Dog-Parks.aspx.

Here are Browards: broward.org/Parks/ThingsToDo/Pages/DogParks.aspx.

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Bowie, a 3 year-old golden retriever, rests after a morning of running around at Lake Ida dog park in Delray Beach. (Carline Jean / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Dog beaches: Some coastal cities have their own dog beaches, including Fort Lauderdale at approximately 1269 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd (3 to 7 p.m. Friday to Sunday, street parking or $6 per car at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park) and Hollywood, between Pershing and Custer streets (free 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday to Sunday).

In Boca Raton, a weekend pass at Bark Beach is $11 per dog, plus $25 to park unless you have a special parking sticker. Its open Fridays to Sundays, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and late afternoon to sunset (3001 N. State Road A1A, between Towers 18 & 20).

Rachel Miller of Boca Raton wanted to explore Bocas beach with her 6-month-old bernedoodle, Snoopy, but found the hours and permit rules off-putting.

The beach is a big part of Florida, said Miller, who moved to Boca Raton from Jacksonville three years ago. But they made it difficult to get a pass. And the hours were kind of ridiculous.

Instead, she visits Canine Cove at South County Regional Park in West Boca, which is free and open every day.

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Out and about: Many South Floridians see their dogs as part of their families and dont leave home without them, even for a meal at a restaurant. Although some venues allow leashed dogs outside, they are not permitted inside, per federal and Florida laws. Service animals and patrol dogs are exceptions.

Call ahead to see if dogs are allowed on a restaurants patio and if there are pet-friendly perks, such as water bowls or pooch menus.

[ RELATED: Dogs bring pooch power to restaurant patios ]

Dogs are also banned from grocery stores and pharmacies unless theyre service animals. Heres what Publix says about its service animal policy:

A service animal is a dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks to assist an individual with a disability. Dogs, miniature horses, or other animals that provide only emotional support, comfort, or companionship are not considered service animals.

Despite such rules, you will often see customers walking their dogs down South Florida store aisles without being stopped by management. They also place their dogs in shopping carts, also explicitly forbidden.

Dogs should not be left in the car as you do your errands. The American Veterinary Medical Association says the temperature inside a car can rise 20 degrees in only 10 minutes, placing your dog in danger of heat stroke. And you risk a break-in to your car: In 2016, Florida approved a law making it legal to break into locked vehicles to rescue people or animals. The rescuers cannot be sued as long as they call 911 and remain on the scene.

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Dogs stop for a drink at the water fountain at Lake Ida dog park in Delray Beach. (Carline Jean / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Heres to canine health

As you walk your dog around your neighborhood, you will likely notice lush vegetation and slimy creatures in the grass. Steer clear! Dr. Alyssa Dayton, a veterinarian at the Humane Society of Broward County, urges dog owners to be on the alert for bugs, amphibians and reptiles that lurk in the foliage as well as tropical diseases and canine heat strain.

Watch out for heartworm. This parasite, which is a big problem for dogs in the southeastern United States, can be fatal. Your dog should get a blood test every year and take medication to prevent heartworm for his entire life.

The cane toad or bufo marinus has poisonous glands that can kill a dog if the secretion from these glands finds its way to the dog's mouth. The toad is well established in South Florida. (R.D. BARTLETT/AP)

Get to know the bufo toad. These toads are a non-native species introduced to control sugar cane pests almost a century ago. If touched, the toads poisonous glands emit toxins that can be rapidly absorbed in your dogs bloodstream and kill her quickly. Owners should turn the dog upside down, rinse the dogs mouth out with a hose at the side of her mouth and head to the vet immediately. It can be 15 minutes before theres a serious problem, Dayton said.

These toads are a non-native species introduced to control sugar cane pests almost a century ago. If touched, the toads poisonous glands emit toxins that can be rapidly absorbed in your dogs bloodstream and kill her quickly. Owners should turn the dog upside down, rinse the dogs mouth out with a hose at the side of her mouth and head to the vet immediately. It can be 15 minutes before theres a serious problem, Dayton said. And water creatures... Keep your dog away from lakes and stagnant water where an alligator could suddenly appear. Snakes are also common in Floridas grasses: Dogs get curious and the snake could retaliate by nipping at their paws. This is an emergency visit to the vet unless you know its not a venomous snake, she said.

Keep your dog away from lakes and stagnant water where an alligator could suddenly appear. Snakes are also common in Floridas grasses: Dogs get curious and the snake could retaliate by nipping at their paws. This is an emergency visit to the vet unless you know its not a venomous snake, she said. And problematic plants... Make sure dogs dont eat palm berries, which can block their intestines, or any part of a sago palm, which can be toxic. Any plant in your yard, they should avoid eating it, she said.

Make sure dogs dont eat palm berries, which can block their intestines, or any part of a sago palm, which can be toxic. Any plant in your yard, they should avoid eating it, she said. It can get scorching here. Avoid dog-walking during the hottest times of the day. Dayton recommends placing your palm on the pavement to check how fiery it is; if its super-hot, your dog can burn his paws or get blisters. The climate is also hard on squishy-faced dogs such as bulldogs and Boston terriers, who pant and overheat easily as temperatures rise. I would keep all dogs away from black asphalt from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., she said.

How to get a dog, where and which are allowed

There are breeders and puppy storefronts aplenty, but animal advocates agree you can do the most good by adopting from a shelter or rescue organization. There are rescues that focus on particular breeds and other quick-response groups that offer adoptions of unwanted dogs and cats, such as Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton and Good Karma Pet Rescue in Fort Lauderdale.

County shelters take in animals that have been abused or rejected by their owners. People wanting pandemic pets have helped lessen South Florida shelters overcrowding over the past two years, and the shelters have tried to make the process easier, including allowing adoptions by out-of-state visitors.

[ RELATED: Coronavirus adoptions empty animal shelter for the first time ]

People can just drop by. No appointment is needed, said Lisa Mendheim, spokeswoman for Broward Animal Care, the taxpayer-funded county agency that takes in strays and abused animals. Our adoptions are at no cost and include spaying/neutering; vaccinations; a microchip and Broward County pet license tag.

Some sites charge for adoptions. At the Humane Society of Broward County, the fee depends on the age of the dog or cat. They also have rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and ferrets (these are buy one, get one free). Fees include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchips, health testing and bag of free food.

Make sure to check the rules of your building or homeowners association before adopting or moving in with a pet. Many buildings welcome pets as a way to attract new residents. Some have their own dog parks, agility courses and monthly social events for dog owners. Then there are buildings that dont allow animals; others allow only those below a certain weight.

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Notice to pit bull owners: The city of Sunrise in Broward requires registration of pit bulls and the dogs must be muzzled when theyre outside. Tamarac used to have a similar law but repealed it in 2017. The state of Florida no longer allows such breed-specific regulations, but Sunrise was allowed to keep its requirements when the law went into effect in 1990, as was Miami-Dade County.

Cash Money, a 6-year old Chiweeni, enjoys dehydrated yogurt at Salty Paws cafe in Delray Beach. (Carline Jean / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Pampering, a day at the spa and dessert

Theres no shortage of businesses that will indulge dogs so they can live their best lives in the sunshine. Dog trainers are plentiful, as are mobile grooming vans, dog walkers and sitters, day cares and pet spas.

You may notice lovers of little dogs such as shih tzus taking their pups for a walk in specially designed strollers, complete with windows, cup holders and built-in fans. Designer outfits that include colorful sweaters and jeweled necklaces are also de rigueur for an evening stroll on Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale or Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach.

[ RELATED: Salty Paws ice cream shop in Delray Beach goes to the dogs ]

Specialized treats, too, are part of our dog-centric culture. In Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming promises to keep your pet healthy and spoiled. Farmers markets frequently have a dog treat booth; Happy Dog Bakery, which makes biscuits and birthday cakes, is a regular at several weekend markets in Broward.

For your dogs birthday or a break from the heat, head over to Salty Paws in Delray Beach for a dog-centered ice cream experience. Dogs (and cats, too) can sit inside with their owners, licking away at their bacon-cheddar cheese ice cream or scarfing down their donut tableside. Pets can also feast on cookies, ice pops, beer (actually beef bone broth), CBD treats and an assortment of meat products, including pig ears, deer antlers and cheese-filled cattle hoofs.

Cats take shelter under a car at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. (Carline Jean / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Cats ...

Dont despair, cat lovers. We know there are many of you out there. Stay tuned for a future story on feline life in South Florida.
Wesley Patterson was in the bathroom just before 11 a.m. on Sunday when his girlfriend knocked on the door to say that she saw flames coming out of another unit.

It took only moments for the apartment to fill with smoke, said Mr. Patterson, who has lived in the building for 20 years.

We were just trying to breathe, Mr. Patterson, 28, said. He rushed with his girlfriend and her brother, who lives with the couple, to a back window.

He tried to open it but the frame was so hot that he burned his hands. When he got the window open, he started screaming to firefighters who were helping a family in apartment 3M. The firefighters couldnt get to them just yet, he said.
To the Editor:

We Surveyed 1,320 Therapists Across the Nation. Theyre Worried About Mental Health in the U.S. (news article, Jan. 3):

Psychiatrists were not included in this Times survey, sent by Psychology Today to its professional members, but there were references to my field that illustrate a sad state of affairs.

A quarter of those polled said suicidal thoughts were among the leading reasons patients sought help. Sixty percent said more patients wanted medication. One clinical social worker noted that a person who was suicidal and depressed had to wait three months to see a psychiatrist for medication. That waiting time was not just for psychiatrists: Nearly a third of the therapists surveyed said it could take at least three months to get an appointment with them, if at all.

If a person is severely depressed and suicidal, a professional should evaluate them immediately. I know from being a hospital psychiatrist throughout my career that this evaluation can be accomplished in an emergency room.

The problem is that the necessary, close follow-up care is not accessible to most who cannot pay out of pocket. It is often difficult to find those who will accept fees paid by insurance. As a society, we have to examine our priorities for how money is allocated, and whether mental health is worth the financial investment.
Yet Mr. Putins demands for Yalta-style negotiations for a new security order in Europe are a non-starter. For one thing, the Biden administration has vowed to make no decision about Ukraine over the head of the Ukrainians, a policy summed up in the oft-heard phrase Nothing about us without us. That eliminates one Russian ambition  division of spheres of influence that would neutralize Ukraine without its agreement.

Mr. Biden and NATO would also not endorse any agreement that would bar a sovereign state from membership in the alliance. It is an article of faith in NATO that such decisions are up to individual nations and cannot be bartered away. Finland, for one, has declared that the option of joining NATO is key to its security, given its long border with Russia.

Step back from all of this, and it begins to look as if Russias real concern isnt the placement of weapons on its borders but the very existence of a sovereign Ukrainian democracy with the freedom to chart its own course in the world.

Still, there is room for negotiations. One constant Russian demand is that Ukraine meet its obligations under the six-year-old Minsk II agreement, a deal brokered by France and Germany that envisaged a degree of regional autonomy for rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine in exchange for an end to Russias proxy war there. Minsk II was something of a victors deal at the time and is unpopular in Ukraine, and both sides have dragged their feet on it. But it does offer a basis on which to revive a search for a resolution of the fighting in eastern Ukraine.

There are also ways in which the United States and NATO could signal that they have no immediate intention of bringing Ukraine into the alliance or giving it advanced weaponry, while not surrendering their right to do so. Meeting Russias offer to hold talks on European security may not be the worst way to narrow the rift between Russia and the West.

The problem is that there is no certainty about what might persuade Mr. Putin to pull back his soldiers. He is generally regarded in Western capitals as a ruthless autocrat and nasty adversary but also as someone who will not pick a fight he cant win. Yet after 22 years in power, he is surrounded by sycophants who are more likely to tell him what he wants to hear than to explain a changing reality.

His talk of historical unity between Ukraine and Russia, for example, overlooks the fact that his brazen seizure of Crimea and proxy war in eastern Ukraine have turned many once-wavering Ukrainians against Russia, thus helping develop the very national identity whose existence Mr. Putin denies. And while there is no dispute that Russia has the military power to swiftly overwhelm Ukraine, Ukrainian regular and irregular forces would most likely fight bloody rear-guard actions with heavy Russian casualties  something ordinary Russians would not long tolerate. In the end, Mr. Putin could end up as the Russian leader who lost Ukraine to the West.
In his 2020 book Politics Is for Power, Eitan Hersh, a political scientist at Tufts, sketched a day in the life of many political obsessives in sharp, if cruel, terms.

I refresh my Twitter feed to keep up on the latest political crisis, then toggle over to Facebook to read clickbait news stories, then over to YouTube to see a montage of juicy clips from the latest congressional hearing. I then complain to my family about all the things I dont like that I have seen.

To Hersh, thats not politics. Its what he calls political hobbyism. And its close to a national pastime. A third of Americans say they spend two hours or more each day on politics, he writes. Of these people, four out of five say that not one minute of that time is spent on any kind of real political work. Its all TV news and podcasts and radio shows and social media and cheering and booing and complaining to friends and family.

Real political work, for Hersh, is the intentional, strategic accumulation of power in service of a defined end. It is action in service of change, not information in service of outrage. This distinction is on my mind because, like so many others, Ive spent the week revisiting the attempted coup of Jan. 6, marinating in my fury toward the Republicans who put fealty toward Donald Trump above loyalty toward country and the few but pivotal Senate Democrats who are proving, day after day, that they think the filibuster more important than the franchise. Let me tell you, the tweets and columns I drafted in my head were searing.

But fury is useful only as fuel. We need a Plan B for democracy. Plan A was to pass H.R. 1 and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Neither bill, as of now, has a path to President Bidens desk. Ive found that you provoke a peculiar anger if you state this, as if admitting the problem were the cause of the problem. I fear denial has left many Democrats stuck on a national strategy with little hope of near-term success. In order to protect democracy, Democrats have to win more elections. And to do that, they need to make sure the countrys local electoral machinery isnt corrupted by the Trumpist right.

The people thinking strategically about how to win the 2022 election are the ones doing the most for democracy, said Daniel Ziblatt, a political scientist at Harvard and one of the authors of How Democracies Die. Ive heard people saying bridges dont save democracy  voting rights do. But for Democrats to be in a position to protect democracy, they need bigger majorities.
Luis Miranda, a spokesman for Customs and Border Protection, said the teams consist of highly trained evidence collection experts who gather and process evidence for investigations, including inquiries into human smuggling and drug trafficking. He also said the teams assist in investigations conducted by the agencys Office of Professional Responsibility, which looks into claims of agent misconduct and is akin to internal affairs divisions of police departments.

Another Homeland Security official, who was authorized to speak to a reporter about the teams on the condition that the officials name was not used, confirmed another role they have: collecting evidence that could be used to protect a Border Patrol agent and help deal with potential liability issues, such as a future civil suit.

Andrea Guerrero, who leads a community group in San Diego and has spent the past year looking into critical incident teams and their work, said it was an outright conflict of interest for the division charged with investigating possible Border Patrol misconduct to rely on assistance from Border Patrol agents on the teams. She has called on Congress to investigate and filed a complaint with the Homeland Security Department.

Customs and Border Protection officials said the El Paso sectors critical incident team merely helped with measurements for a reconstruction of the crash outside Las Cruces; the Office of Professional Responsibility, they said, is investigating the incident. Yet a member of the El Paso critical incident team reached out to the state police in the days after the crash seeking the departments full report for its own Border Patrol administrative review, according to an email released by the state police.

Few public answers

Border Patrol encounters that result in injury or death can be investigated by multiple entities: the F.B.I., state and local law enforcement, the Homeland Security Departments inspector general or Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and the Office of Professional Responsibility, where most such incidents land for review. But the findings on individual cases are rarely disclosed; such investigations tend to yield few public details beyond total numbers, which show only a fraction result in some type of discipline.

An incident in 2010 drew international attention and calls for change. A 42-year-old Mexican caught entering the country illegally died after he was hogtied, beaten and shocked with a Taser by Border Patrol agents. The Justice Department declined to investigate, but more than a decade later, the case will be heard this year by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights court  an apparent first for a person killed by a U.S. law enforcement officer.
CHICAGO  With infection rates mounting, the Omicron variant has ushered in a new and disorienting phase of the pandemic, leaving Americans frustrated and dismayed that the basic elements they thought they understood about the coronavirus are shifting faster than ever.

There were reasons for heightened concern and reasons for consolation: Omicron is more transmissible than previous variants, yet it appears to cause milder symptoms in many people. Hospitalizations have soared to new highs in some states, but incidental patients  people who test positive for Covid-19 after being admitted for another reason  make up close to half of their cases in some hospitals.

Public health officials, in response to the new variant, have halved the recommended isolation period for people with positive tests to five days from 10 days, while also suggesting people upgrade their masks from cloth to medical-grade when possible.

Omicron has turned, quickly, into something that is just different, said Dr. Allison Arwady, Chicagos top health official.
Officials in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin, near Beijing, said on Sunday that its entire population of 14 million would be tested for the coronavirus after it was found in 20 residents, at least two of whom were infected with the fast-moving Omicron variant.

Mass testing over the weekend revealed another 20 people with the coronavirus, according to a report late Sunday by the citys official news service.

The city also announced a raft of restrictions in an effort to contain the outbreak and trace its source. The first infections were confirmed on Saturday, in a 10-year-old girl and a 29-year-old woman who works at an after-school center. Tracing and testing later that day led to 18 more positive tests among their contacts, including 15 students.

Tianjin is about 70 miles from Beijing, so the burst of cases is especially worrisome for Chinese leaders, with the capital preparing to host the Winter Olympics in less than a month.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan  At least 5,800 people have been detained and more than 2,000 injured during several days of violence last week in Kazakhstan, government officials said on Sunday, after protests ignited by a fuel price hike set off a political crisis and prompted the president to seek help from a Russia-led security alliance to restore order.

The protests, which started last weekend in western Kazakhstan and spread hundreds of miles east, also left the countrys most populous city, Almaty, in disarray.

On Sunday, government officials said that the chaos had been gradually stabilizing, and that thousands of people had been swept up in an anti-terrorist operation.

On Monday, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, along with the leaders of other members of the Collective Treaty Security Organization, an alliance of several former Soviet states, will discuss the situation in Kazakhstan via video conference. To help quell the unrest, the alliance deployed about 2,500 troops to the country, including Russian paratroopers who are guarding vital facilities and social infrastructure, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The talks got off to a rocky start on Sunday when a senior Russian official warned that the United States had a lack of understanding of the Kremlins security demands, and the United States voiced doubts over whether Russia was serious about de-escalating the crisis in Ukraine.

In remarks reported by Russian news agencies, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei A. Ryabkov said he was intent on negotiating dynamically, without pauses, to prevent the West from putting the brakes on all this and burying it in endless discussions.

In appearances on Sunday mornings network news shows, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said the United States was not about making concessions under the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, eight years after it annexed Crimea.

Its about seeing whether, in the context of dialogue and diplomacy, there are things that both sides, all sides can do to reduce tensions, he said on CNN. Weve done that in the past.

The current threat to Ukraine follows eight years of low-level conflict. Russia intervened militarily in Ukraine in 2014, annexing the Crimean Peninsula and fomenting separatist uprisings in two eastern provinces, leading to the deaths of more than 13,000 people.

The issues concern all of Europe, including Ukraine, but Putin suggests discussions between Russia and the United States, Mr. Yelisieiev said. Russia in this way made an announcement of a sphere of influence. You leave us the former Soviet space and do what you want elsewhere.

A Ukrainian delegation will take part in the third of the three rounds of talks, scheduled for Thursday in Vienna under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The United States has said it is coordinating closely with the authorities in Kyiv, and Mr. Biden spoke on the phone with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine a week ago.
LONDON  Evelyn Forde hoped that January would bring some relief.

As the head teacher at Copthall School in north London, she spent the final weeks of 2021 dealing with major staffing shortages as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus began tearing across the city. But on Tuesday, as the all-girls secondary school reopened its doors, 13 of 120 teachers were absent.

One day later, another teacher tested positive.

We were just hanging on for dear life and just thinking, Its going to be fine when we come back in January, Ms. Forde said, only for the variant to kind of just spread like wildfire.

Such scenes were repeated across London last week amid a record surge in coronavirus infections, even as the government has held back from imposing a national lockdown, choosing instead to ride out the wave.

The calculus in London, as in the rest of England and much of the United States, appears to be the same. Many parents, politicians and school administrators are desperate to keep schools open after two years of chaotic openings and closures. But the variant is raising questions about those hopes, at least in the short term.
CORAL SPRINGS 

A 29-year-old man was killed in a shooting outside his Coral Springs home Sunday before dawn, police said.

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Officers responding to a 911 call at 4:37 a.m. arrived to find Marc Examon bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds outside his home in the 4100 block of NW 66th Terrace, said Christian Swinson, spokesman for the Coral Springs Police Department.

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Paramedics took Examon to Broward Health North, where he died.

Examon was new to the Turtle Run neighborhood. Property records show he bought the four-bedroom, three-bath home for $650,000 in June 2021.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact Detective Dave Young at 954-346-1219 or DYoung@coralsprings.org.

Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com or on Twitter at @Susannah_Bryan
There may be ground for renewing that, he said on ABCs This Week.

And Mr. Blinken raised the idea of revising an agreement on the deployment of conventional forces in Europe that could keep military exercises far from borders  and thus reduce the fear that an exercise could become the leaping-off point for an invasion. Those are certainly things that can be revisited if  if Russia is serious about doing it, he said.

The Russians were incensed this fall when the United States and allied NATO forces conducted exercises in the Black Sea, near the Ukrainian and Russian coasts.

Privately, American officials have little hope that President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia would be satisfied with agreements that restore the status quo of a few years ago. And their concern is that the Russians will emerge from the Geneva talks, and others this week in Brussels and Vienna, declaring that diplomacy has failed  and that Mr. Putin will attempt to seize more of Eastern Ukraine, or carry out cyber or other attacks to cripple the government in Kyiv.

Mr. Blinkens appeared intent on showing an openness to a range of diplomatic solutions while stressing that if Russia rejects that path, massive consequences would follow. They would go far beyond the penalties the United States and its allies imposed after the 2014 annexation of Crimea, and the subsequent American sanctions for Russian election interference in 2016 and the Solar Winds cyberattacks on American companies and the federal government in 2020.

American officials have detailed those consequences in recent days, describing the kind of financial, technology and military sanctions that would go into effect if Russia begins an invasion of parts or all of the country.

The State Department said that on Monday it would take up certain bilateral issues with Russia, but will not discuss European security without our European partners and allies.

Russia is seeking what it calls security guarantees from the United States and the NATO alliance that would essentially grant the country the kind of sphere of influence it has not enjoyed for more than 30 years, including Ukraine and other post-Soviet countries in Eastern Europe. The Kremlin has been backing up those demands by massing tens of thousands of troops and equipment near its border with Ukraine, signaling that it is prepared to use force if diplomacy fails.
After his removal, Mohammed bin Nayef was put under house arrest until March 2020, when he was arrested and detained.

At the start of his detention, Mohammed bin Nayef was held in solitary confinement, deprived of sleep and suspended upside down by his ankles, according to two people briefed on his situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Last fall, he was moved to a villa inside the complex surrounding the kings Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, the capital, where he remains, the people said.

Mohammed bin Nayef is kept by himself with no television or other electronic devices and receives only limited visits from his family, the people said. He appears to have sustained lasting damage to his ankles from his treatment in detention and cannot walk without a cane.

The government has not filed formal charges against him or explained why he is detained. Most Saudi experts assume that the detention is because Prince Mohammed worries that Mohammed bin Nayef could obstruct his quest to become the next Saudi king.

A spokesman for the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment about Princess Basmah or Mohammed bin Nayef.

Princess Basmah, 58, who was released with her daughter, Ms. al-Sharif, last week, never held a government position nor had any power. The youngest daughter of King Saud, Saudi Arabias second king, Princess Basmah spent much of her time in London and was best known for occasionally offering opinions about Saudi Arabia to the news media, which was rare for royals, especially women.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state governments, U.S. Census Bureau. The C.D.C. reported on Nov. 30 that booster doses are sometimes misclassified as first doses, which may overestimate first dose coverage among adults.

About this data Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state governments, U.S. Census Bureau. The C.D.C. reported on Nov. 30 that booster doses are sometimes misclassified as first doses, which may overestimate first dose coverage among adults.

The hot spots map shows the share of population with a new reported case over the last week.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (daily confirmed and suspected Covid-19 hospital admissions); Census Bureau (population data). Data prior to October 2020 was unreliable. Data reported in the most recent seven days may be incomplete.

This chart shows for each age group the number of people per 100,000 that were newly admitted to a hospital with Covid-19 each day, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dips and spikes could be due to inconsistent reporting by hospitals.

Sources: State and local health agencies (cases, deaths); U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (tests, hospitalizations, I.C.U. patients). Tests, hospitalizations, I.C.U.s and deaths show seven-day averages. Hospitalization and I.C.U. data may not yet be available for yesterday. Figures shown are the most recent data available.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state governments, U.S. Census Bureau. The C.D.C. reported on Nov. 30 that booster doses are sometimes misclassified as first doses, which may overestimate first dose coverage among adults.

About this data Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state governments, U.S. Census Bureau. The C.D.C. reported on Nov. 30 that booster doses are sometimes misclassified as first doses, which may overestimate first dose coverage among adults.

Sources: State and local health agencies (cases, deaths); U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (tests, hospitalizations, I.C.U. patients). The seven-day average is the average of the most recent seven days of data. Cases and deaths data are assigned to dates based on when figures are publicly reported. Figures for Covid patients in hospitals and I.C.U.s are the most recent number of patients with Covid-19 who are hospitalized or in an intensive care unit on that day. Dips and spikes could be due to inconsistent reporting by hospitals. Hospitalization numbers early in the pandemic are undercounts due to incomplete reporting by hospitals to the federal government. Tests represent the number of individual P.C.R. viral test specimens tested by laboratories and state health departments and reported to the federal government. Hospitalizations and tests are counted based on dates assigned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and are subject to historical revisions.

Sources: State and local health agencies (cases, deaths); U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (hospitalizations); Centers for Disease Control and state governments (vaccinations); Census Bureau (population and demographic data). The daily average is calculated with data that was reported in the last seven days. Hospitalized for each county shows the average number of Covid-19 patients hospitalized per 100,000 residents within any hospital service areas that intersect with the county and is updated once a week. Vaccination data is not available for some counties. All-time charts show data from Jan. 21, 2020 to present.

This table is sorted by places with the most cases per 100,000 residents in the last seven days. Statewide data often updates more frequently than county-level data, and may not equal the sum of county-level figures. Charts show change in daily averages and are each on their own scale. Texas typically releases new data each day. Weekend counts may be lower because fewer sources report to the state.

About the data

In data for Texas, The Times primarily relies on reports from the state, as well as health districts or county governments that often report ahead of the state. Texas typically releases new data each day. Weekend counts may be lower because fewer sources report to the state. The state reports cases and deaths based on a persons permanent or usual residence.

The Times has identified reporting anomalies or methodology changes in the data. More about reporting anomalies or changes April 15, 2022 to April 16, 2022: Texas did not report new data.

Texas did not report new data. Jan. 14, 2022: Texas audited cases data from previous years, which added about 26,000 cases to the state total and resulted in one-day increases or decreases in cumulative cases for many counties.

Texas audited cases data from previous years, which added about 26,000 cases to the state total and resulted in one-day increases or decreases in cumulative cases for many counties. Dec. 31, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2022: Texas did not announce new cases and deaths for the New Year's holiday. Some counties reported data independently.

Texas did not announce new cases and deaths for the New Year's holiday. Some counties reported data independently. Dec. 24, 2021 to Dec. 26, 2021: Texas did not announce new cases and deaths for the Christmas holiday.

Texas did not announce new cases and deaths for the Christmas holiday. Dec. 10, 2021: Texas added many cases from earlier in December that had not previously been reported because of a data processing issue.

Texas added many cases from earlier in December that had not previously been reported because of a data processing issue. Nov. 25, 2021: Texas did not announce new cases and deaths for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Texas did not announce new cases and deaths for the Thanksgiving holiday. Nov. 12, 2021: Texas added many deaths from previous months after reviewing records.

Texas added many deaths from previous months after reviewing records. Aug. 6, 2021: Texas added around 7,000 probable cases in Cameron County.

Texas added around 7,000 probable cases in Cameron County. June 9, 2021: Texas added a backlog of cases in Bell and Webb counties.

Texas added a backlog of cases in Bell and Webb counties. March 25, 2021: Brazos County announced a backlog of about 2,000 cases.

Brazos County announced a backlog of about 2,000 cases. Feb. 1, 2021: Texas announced many backlogged cases from unspecified days from Health Region 7 in Central Texas.

Texas announced many backlogged cases from unspecified days from Health Region 7 in Central Texas. Dec. 11, 2020: Texas began reporting probable cases, resulting in a one-day increase.

Texas began reporting probable cases, resulting in a one-day increase. Sept. 21, 2020: Texas added a backlog of many cases.

Texas added a backlog of many cases. July 27, 2020: Texas changed its methodology for reporting coronavirus deaths to use death certificates, causing a spike in the total number by including deaths that were not previously announced.

Texas changed its methodology for reporting coronavirus deaths to use death certificates, causing a spike in the total number by including deaths that were not previously announced. June 16, 2020: Texas added a backlog of 1,476 cases from prison inmates in Anderson and Brazoria Counties.

The tallies on this page include probable and confirmed cases and deaths.

Confirmed cases and deaths, which are widely considered to be an undercount of the true toll, are counts of individuals whose coronavirus infections were confirmed by a molecular laboratory test. Probable cases and deaths count individuals who meet criteria for other types of testing, symptoms and exposure, as developed by national and local governments.

Governments often revise data or report a single-day large increase in cases or deaths from unspecified days without historical revisions, which can cause an irregular pattern in the daily reported figures. The Times is excluding these anomalies from seven-day averages when possible. For agencies that do not report data every day, variation in the schedule on which cases or deaths are reported, such as around holidays, can also cause an irregular pattern in averages. The Times uses an adjustment method to vary the number of days included in an average to remove these irregularities.
TULLAMORE is clean to European norms but has dropped down the ranks in the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey.

In the last survey of 2021 Tullamore ranked 20th compared to coming home in fourth position in the previous year when it was deemed cleaner than European norms.

The news will come as a blow to Tidy Towns volunteers and council staff who have worked hard throughout the past 12 months to maintain the town's standing in the national league.

The judges in the An Taisce run league described the result as another strong showing by Tullamore.

Their report identified top ranking sites including OConnor Square / associated car parking and Lloyd Town Park.

Both of these were exceptionally well presented and maintained, they noted.

The judges also observed William Street was a very freshly presented shopping street with all aspects of the area surveyed in very good order.

But they noted that at the other end of the scale the Bring Centre was in a very poor state and subject to significant dumping.

Meath Lane had a variety of miscellaneous items and is well on its way to becoming a blackspot if not addressed, the judges warned.

The opportunity to separate waste is a very welcome addition to the town, as noted at both William Street and OConnor Square, the report stated.

Neighbourinmg towns Athlone, Portlaoise and Mulilingar were also all deemed to be clean to European norms in the IBAL report.

Nationwide the study found PPE litter was found to be at its highest level since the pandemic began, with an increase in the presence of both masks and gloves.

It would appear that this litter is accumulating as the pandemic continues, as there remains an understandable reticence to pick up other peoples PPE, says IBALs Conor Horgan.

The disposable blue face mask has become a ubiquitous part of the landscape up and down the country. People have not moved to reusable masks and people are not taking care of their masks. International research* has found PPE litter accounting for as much as 5% of all litter, and likely to have a devastating, lasting effect on the environment. Mask use is forecast to remain high into 2022.

There was a significant rise in other pandemic-related litter, such as coffee cups, while alcohol-related litter remained at previous levels despite hospitality reopening and the survey being conducted in winter.

IBAL has frequently criticised the failure of local authorities to clean up sites identified in its surveys as heavily littered, and this was again the case. Of 89 such sites highlighted in summer last year, only 33% had been addressed by the time of this most recent survey.

2021 was the 19th year of the IBAL Anti-Litter League.
A LIMERICK school girl has written an open letter to the Taoiseach and Minister for Education following the decision to reopen schools this week.

Sadhbh Ryan is a 5th year student in Ardscoil Mhuire Corbally who is hoping to become a vet and attend college in Poland.

The 17 year old said in her honest letter that she needs to do well in her Leaving Cert in order to attend college however classroom conditions are affecting her schoolwork.

Sadhbh said her school is fantastic and do everything they can for students however they are dealing with 'freezing' classrooms.

The letter read: "My school is fantastic and do everything and anything for us to reach our potential. I love seeing my friends and learning new things.

"I have loved walking in the doors of ASM as they welcome everyone with open arms and make you feel comfortable which is a hard thing to do for adolescent girls.

"However, for the past year and a half, I have dreaded going into school with the unbearable temperatures of the classrooms I am forced to sit in for at most nine hours a day (I do after school study as well)."

Sadhbh went on to say that the INTO have stated the minimum temperatures for classrooms should be 18 degrees for it to be considered working conditions.

She continued: "The classrooms in my school and every other school in Ireland do not reach this, instead they fall far behind reaching at most 14 degrees celsius (we recorded this temperature for a double chemistry class I had) and even falls below at times.

"It is freezing and I know in order to fix this is to layer up. I can see my school is trying their best by turning on the heating but that does nothing as heat rises and as it rises it goes out the window as they have to be kept open.

"It's hard for my school and many others listening to 600 students complaining that they are too cold. Some students don't attend school for this very reason.

"I can't feel my fingers as they are numb. I can't concentrate properly and I can't wait for 5:50 for the bell to ring so I can go home and warm up."

The teen asked in her letter for HEPA filters to be installed in every classroom in Ireland so pupils can enjoy school and reach their full potential.

Sadhbh's mother Tracie said that the school principal has since been in touch to say that HEPA filters are being installed in every classroom next week.

The principal spent Christmas sourcing the correct filters which Tracie says should have been supplied by the Department of Education.

Sadhbh finished off her honest correspondence by asking the Taoiseach and the Minister for help.

She said: "It's hard listening to the Taoiseach and members of the Teachta Dala claiming repeatedly that classrooms are a safe environment when they haven't been in a freezing cold classroom themselves for nine hours a day.

"It is unbearable and at this point I am begging you to please help. Of course our classrooms are well ventilated but what good is that when half of my classmates are out sick with the common cold or the flu.

"Claiming school are a safe environment is one thing but not experiencing the cold is another thing.

"We have missed so much these past two years because of covid, don't let our future be another thing we lose".
After a week of wintry weather and plenty of rain, the weather in Ireland is set to be more settled this week according to the latest weather forecast for Ireland from Met Eireann.

According to Met Eireann, Ireland is set to have a largely settled spell of weather for the coming week with only small amounts of rain or drizzle and high pressure dominating. Temperatures close to normal in general but a little on the cold side in the east. There'll be some frost and fog forming under cloud breaks by night.

Met Eireann weather forecast for Monday

According to Met Eireann, Monday will be mild, damp and mostly cloudy tomorrow, Monday, with patchy rain and drizzle but there will good dry periods too. Highest temperatures of 10 to 13 degrees in mostly moderate southwesterly winds, veering westerly later. Later in the afternoon, cooler and clearer conditions will develop in the west.

Patchy rain will clear southeastwards early on Monday night and it will become mainly dry and cold with clear spells. In light southwest or variable breezes some mist and fog patches will form along with a touch of frost. Lowest temperatures of 0 to 3 degrees.

Met Eireann weather forecast for Tuesday

According to Met Eireann, Tuesday will be a bright and largely dry day with long spells of sunshine and just a little patchy drizzle along southern coasts and isolated light showers in the northwest. Highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in light southwesterly winds, fresher near to the northwest coast.

Tuesday night will be a dry night with long clear spells, allowing lowest temperatures to fall to between -1 and +3 degrees with frost developing in places in mostly light winds. Some mist and fog patches forming also.

Met Eireann weather forecast for Wednesday

Staying mostly dry into Wednesday with spells of sunshine once the early mist and fog clears. Highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees, mildest in the west and southwest, in light to moderate southwesterly or variable winds.

Met Eireann weather forecast for Thursday and Friday

Thursday and Friday look to be mainly dry days though a little drizzle is possible at times on Atlantic coasts. Cloud cover will vary and winds will be generally light southerly or variable. Highest temperatures will range from 5 or 6 degrees in the east and northeast to a milder 8 or 9 degrees further west. Nights will be cold with some frost and dense fog patches forming.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has warned she is prepared to unilaterally override parts of the post-Brexit agreement on Northern Ireland if the negotiations she is newly leading fail.

Ms Truss said she will suggest constructive proposals to her EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic this week during their first face-to-face talks.

But she said she is willing to trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol, which would suspend parts of the treaty designed to prevent a hard border with the Republic, if a deal cannot be struck.



EU Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic

The Foreign Secretary was handed responsibility for the negotiations after Lord Frost resigned as Brexit minister last month.

Ms Truss is hosting Mr Sefcovic, a European Commission vice-president, at the Chevening country retreat afforded to the Foreign Secretary when he visits on Thursday.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, she said it is her absolute priority to resolve the unintended consequences created by the protocol to maintain peace in Northern Ireland.

When I see Maros Sefcovic this week for our first face-to-face talks, Ill be putting forward our constructive proposals to resolve the situation.

The current issues are myriad and manifest, she argued, citing issues such as bureaucracy on sending parcels between Northern Ireland and Britain and problems procuring kosher food.

I am prepared to work night and day to negotiate a solution, Ms Truss continued.

But let me be clear, I will not sign up to anything which sees the people of Northern Ireland unable to benefit from the same decisions on taxation and spending as the rest of the UK, or which still sees goods moving within our own country being subject to checks.

My priority is to protect peace and stability in Northern Ireland. I want a negotiated solution but if we have to use legitimate provisions including Article 16, I am willing to do that.

Last week, Mr Sefcovic warned that the foundation of the entire deal brokered between the UK and the EU would be jeopardised if Ms Truss takes the drastic step.

This is a very distracting element in the discussions. You try to achieve something together and  bam  theres the threat of Article 16 again, he told German newspaper Der Spiegel.

It touches on the fundamentals of our relationship.

The Northern Ireland Protocol was the most complicated part of the Brexit negotiations, and it is the foundation of the entire deal. Without the protocol, the whole system will collapse. We must prevent that at any cost.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise throughout Florida, Broward County distributed more than 20,000 at-home test kits to residents on Saturday afternoon.

The free test kits, which were limited to Broward County residents, were handed out at Margate Catherine Young Library, Broward College Library in Pembroke Pines and Tyrone Bryant Branch via drive-through, curbside service lanes. Each site was allocated 6,900 tests.

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The county began distributing the tests at 10 a.m. and ran out at 5:10 p.m., according to the Broward County Government Twitter account. The test kits were given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents were required to show proof of Broward County residency and were limited to two kits per household.

[ RELATED: COVID-19 update: Florida reports 69,914 new cases; hospitalizations up 70% in one week ]

The test kits were secured through a partnership with the state Department of Health in Broward County.

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Broward County is committed to making kits available to residents if and when they are received through state and federal distribution programs, according to a media release.

Florida reported 69,914 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday as hospitalizations climbed near 9,500, the highest level since Sept. 16, according to federal data.
NASA scientists have hailed a "milestone decades in the making" as the giant mirror of its new space telescope was successfully unfurled.
New Zealand Herald 13 Jan 2022

The World Health Organisation has said vaccine mandates should be a "last resort" as the fallout from the Novak Djokovic saga..
England lose the impressive Zak Crawley for 77 as he is trapped lbw by Cameron Green as Australia chase victory on day five of the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney.
A Chinese man who was brutally attacked while collecting cans in New York City has died of his injuries eight months later.
The Australian government did not tell Novak Djokovic that his "so-called medical exemption" would allow him to enter the country to compete in the Australian Open, court documents claim.
Police are appealing for information after three armed men burgled a house in Co Down.
The European Union is not too impressed with Foreign Secretary Liz Trusss threat to override parts of the post-Brexit agreement on Northern Ireland if negotiations fail.
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Funeral service for Joseph Harold Patt, 83, of Palestine, TX. passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Palestine. Viewing will be held on Friday, April 29 at Emanuel Funeral Home of Palestine from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral will be held on Sunday, May 1 at Emanuel Funeral Home in Palestine a
Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Heads ot State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have announced a series of stiff measures on Mali with immediate effect after it flouted an agreed time table for a return to democratic rule at the end of February 2022
The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has completed the construction of an initial 1MWp of a proposed 5MWp Floating Solar PV System on the Bui reservoir.



This makes it the first of its kind in West Africa.



A floating solar power plant is an innovative approach of using photovoltaic modules on water infrastructures to conserve the land along with an increase in efficiency of the module.



Additionally, the water is also conserved due to a reduction in evaporation of water from the water body.



The plant can be installed on a pond, lake, reservoir, or on any other water body.



Commenting on this, Board Chairman of the Electricity Company of Ghana, who is also a lawmaker for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for this achievement.



He said this is an indication that the government is committed to green and renewable energy.



This is testament to the governments commitment to green and renewable energy. Kudos Mr. President, he said.

Source: 3news









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold an Extraordinary Summit on the Political Situation in Mali in Accra today.



The meeting will consider the recent political developments in the West African nation, following a visit to the Malian capital, Bamako last Wednesday by the ECOWAS Mediator to Mali, former Nigerian leader Goodluck Jonathan, who met Mali's "strongman," Colonel Assimi Goita.



The regional grouping, chaired by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will examine at the meeting, the timetable submitted to the bloc by the Malian authorities to return the crisis-hit sahelian country to constitutional rule.



The Malian authorities are pushing for a five-year transition period, and the ECOWAS leaders, who have stated emphatically that the bloc would not accept such delays, will respond to the transition timetable at the Accra meeting.

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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An unidentified man, believed to be in his early 40s, has allegedly committed suicide by hanging, at Awudome Public Cemetery, in Accra.



The deceased with well-shaved hair and beard, dressed in a pair of black trousers, a grey pullover and wearing a pair of black slippers, was found hanging from a tree at the cemetery.



He wore what appeared to be a wedding ring, red shorts under black trousers, while a daggers cover hung out of his back pocket and had his tongue protruded out of the mouth.



A few residents of Awudome Estate, in Accra, and passers-by, rushed to the cemetery in an attempt to catch a glimpse of the body.



When the Ghanaian Times arrived at the scene, at 6.40.am, a handful of people had gathered, discussing what might have triggered the alleged suicide.



While some of them suspected foul play, others opined that he might have ended it all to run away from the pressures of life.



Some motorists, who operate around the vicinity, said the deceased was not familiar to them.



The Kaneshie Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Edward Faakye Kumi, confirmed the tragedy to the Ghanaian Times in Accra, yesterday.



He said the police at about 7:00 am received information about the suicide, and a team of experts from the Criminal Investigation Department at the police headquarters was deplored to the scene.



ACP Kumi said the team found the deceased hanging in nylon from a tree at the cemetery and conveyed it to the Police Hospital mortuary for investigations.



He said no Identity card, mobile phone, or suicide note were found on the deceased and gave the assurance that efforts were underway to trace the relatives of the deceased.



ACP Kumi appealed to the public to provide reliable information on the deceased to the police.

Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh









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The Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Mr Paul Adom-Otchere has disclosed that the company spent GH118,000 on Christmas decorations at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in December last year.



In a Facebook post, responding to allegations that the GACL spent GH84,000 on four Christmas trees while staff were owed December salaries, Mr Adom-Otchere said the four Christmas trees installed at the KIA cost a total of GHS34,000 while other decorations cost GHS84,000 out of which GHC 50,000 was paid for via sponsorship.



He also stated that GACL staff were paid all their December 2021 salaries and bonuses.



He said two companies, Jandel Limited and Favors and Arts submitted and won bids to provide the decorations which he explained had for many years been mounted around the terminal area to create a festive atmosphere for passengers and their families coming into the country.

Post below-









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As the country marks Constitution Day tomorrow, four governance experts have underscored the need for the country to build on the gains of the 1992 Constitution.

Constitution Day, a public holiday, has been set aside to mark the promulgation of the 1992 Constitution and the birth of the Fourth Republic.





The 1992 Constitution came into force on January 7, 1993 after it had been approved in a referendum on April 28, 1992.



It defines the fundamental political principles establishing the structure, procedures, powers and duties of the government, the structure of the Judiciary and the Legislature.



Consolidating gains



Apart from being the longest lasting constitution, the experts argue that it has witnessed a smooth transition from one party to the other.



Since the Constitution came into effect in 1993, it has witnessed the successful transfer of power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2001 to the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NPP also handed over power to the NDC in 2009 while the NPP assumed the reigns of governance again from the NDC in 2017.



It has also witnessed a period where the country had chalked up successes as one of the most peaceful, stable and democratic countries on the continent.



In order to strengthen the countrys governance system further, they suggested the need to make some amendments to make the constitution reflect the changing times.



The governance experts, who said this in separate interviews with the Daily Graphic ahead of Constitution Day tomorrow, January 7, 2022, are the Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr Kojo Asante; a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Political Science of the University of Ghana, Dr Alidu Seidu; a Senior

Lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, Dr George Asekere, and a Senior Lecturer at the School of Education, Valley View University, Dr Bonsu Osei-Owusu.



Constitution Day



January 7, subsequent to an election year, is also the day heads of state are sworn into office in Ghana.



Constitution Day was first observed in 2019 and designated to remind Ghanaians of their commitment to uphold the tenets of the rule of law, constitutionalism and democracy.



More importantly, the day is to remind the citizens of their collective commitment to a regime of uninterrupted constitutional order.



Progress



Dr Asekere noted that the county had made progress as far as the 1992 Constitution was concerned and in the Fourth Republic under which it was being operated.





But that is not enough, going forward we need to do certain things that will ensure that we build on the gains that we have made, he said.



One of the principal things he said the country needed to do was to avoid things that would lead to constitutional coup detat by using power whimsically to extend the tenure of a president, adding that when there were symptoms of those things, there was the need to openly oppose them.



So we should make sure that the people who are in charge are accountable to the governed. At any point in time, the government must know that legitimate power is derived from the masses and it should be able to listen to the masses and it is what the masses do that we should hold supreme because power actually comes from them, he said.



Dr Asekere said in addition to that, there was the need to entrench the freedom of the people and especially, freedom of the media which was very critical.



According to him, freedom of the media was critical to the gains the country had made so far.



We should be making progress, there should not be any attempt by people in authority to harass or dictate the editorial opinion of media house, he



said, saying that moving forward, we should entrench that aspect.



Political history



Dr Bonsu said marking Constitution Day was very important because of the countrys political history right from the First Republic through to the second and third which was chequered.



So this is the first time Ghana has been under civilian regime for close to three decades, so it is worth celebrating, he said.



In trying the build on the gains, he said there were certain clauses in the constitution that needed to be looked at and amended.



This constitution has travelled very far and we need to look at certain clauses, especially with regard to the issue of separation of powers as an example. The President choosing more than 50 per cent of ministers from Parliament makes the work of the Legislature ineffective, he said.



Moreover, he said the constitution should give a ceiling to the people who could become ministers in order to protect the national purse.



Again, he said the Executive seemed to be given too much power, especially with the appointment of heads of institutions.



Significant



For his part, Dr Asante described the 30th anniversary of the 1992 Constitution as significant having survived as the longest constitution in Ghanas political history.



He, however, said it was time for the constitution to be reviewed or amended to reflect the changing times especially a review of the executive powers to improve the checks and balances in the democratic dispensation.



He said as a trailblazer in democratic governance in the sub-region, it was important that the country took stock of the provisions of the constitution and found ways of improving on it.



He cited the winner takes all, the political culture where it becomes an association of people or friends who invest in politics for their personal or group benefits.



Dr Asante said if some of those loopholes were not corrected, Ghanaians would lose confidence in the democratic system and begin to look for alternatives.



According to him, talking of local governance reforms should not be limited to election of MMDCEs but reforms that would bring positive development to the people at the grass roots.



I think this is the time for us to reflect on the constitution and see what positive changes we can bring to bear on the people, he stated.



Dictates



Dr Alidu urged all Ghanaians to ensure that they were guided by the dictates of the 1992 Constitution in their daily lives.



According to him, all Ghanaians, irrespective of their class or status in society, must respect and recognise their commitment to upholding the tenets of the rule of law, constitutionalism and democracy on a daily basis and not just on January 7 when Constitution Day is marked.



He bemoaned the situation where some Ghanaians, especially the elite, set aside the constitution to satisfy their personal interests.



"It is one thing to have a Constitution Day and another thing to obey and live by the core tenets of the constitution.



"People have thrown the constitution aside,the elite have colluded to disobey and amend the constitution to satisfy their interests".



He said the significance of Constitution Day would only be meaningful if all Ghanaians lived by and respected the 1992 Constitution which came into force on January 7, 1993, after it had been approved in a referendum on April 28, 1992.



"We (Ghanaians) need to live by the constitution, not only the poor but the elite and the rich who make the laws for us to follow. The supremacy of the law is very important for democratic development but there must be equality before the law".



He said the day must be used to remind Ghanaians of the impact made by the people who compiled the 1992 Constitution and urge all to emulate them daily.

















Source: Graphiconline.com









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The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi says nothing but the mismanagement and reckless spending of the government is all to blame for the countrys present economic woes.

Contrary to assertions by the government, he says the present economic situation of the country cannot be blamed on the Covid-19 pandemic.



Sammy Gyamfi was addressing a press conference in Accra to react to governments decision to reverse benchmark discounts on selected imported products.



President Akufo-Addo during his Christmas Message to the nation asserted that the pandemic has affected every sector of the global economy and national life, visiting its ravages on virtually everything.



Read also: There are brighter days ahead for Ghana - President Akufo-Addo @ Christmas



However Sammy Gyamfi says the same Covid-19 Pandemic affected regional neighbours Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast but whose economies are doing far better than Ghanas economy.



It is worthy to note that, several countries in the sub-region such as Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, among others, have better budget deficit, debt to GDP ratio and other economic indices than Ghana despite being hit by the COVID pandemic. None of these countries has slapped their citizenry with the kind of draconian revenue measures the Ghanaian people are witnessing at the hands of the insensitive Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government. Therefore, COVID-19 can neither be a reasonable justification for the reversal of benchmark discounts on imported products nor the imposition of unprecedented hardships and misery on Ghanaians by this government.



Sammy Gyamfi insisted that the catastrophic decision by government to remove the benchmark discounts on imported products has been occasioned by the self-inflicted economic malice we find ourselves with our economy in tatters and government simply unable to find money to do anything.



He accused the government of economic mismanagement and reckless election drive for the past five years.



"The Akufo-Addo, Bawumia NPP government has decided to punish the already burdened Ghanaian people with more hardship for their own recklessness and economic mismanagement. This is why all manner of crippling taxes and killer revenue measures such as the reversal of benchmark value discounts are being imposed on suffering Ghanaians to shore up government's revenue just to create an artificial picture of a sound economy in order to convince the investor community on more and more borrowing. So don't be deceived that this policy has been introduced because government wants to support AGI and local manufacturers, it is not true. The reason for the introduction of this draconian policy is revenue and nothing else. Government is broke."



Background

Government, through the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), announced that effective January 4, 2022, benchmark values on some 43 selected items would be reversed.

Government in 2019 introduced the benchmark policy in accordance with the World Customs Organisations policy of regular review of valuation database, bringing a sigh of relief to importers and the business community, that previously complained of exorbitant customs duties.







Source: Graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Eazy Financial Services eazyPay, a leading Bahraini POS and online acquiring service provider, announces signing with Dose Cafe to implement its POS acquiring terminals across all its branches in Bahrain to accept debit and credit cards.

The POS (point of sale) terminals will serve Dose Cafe customers at all 12 branches in Bahrain, located at different regions of the kingdom.

Commenting on the occasion, Founder, MD & CEO of Eazy Financial Services, Nayef Tawfeeq Al Alawi, said: This comes in line with our ongoing commitment to offer our clients state of the art and innovative financial solutions, driven by our vision of being the leading provider of financial services in the kingdom.

Dose Cafe managing partner, Beshara Abdo Beshara noted on the implementation of the devices across its retail outlets, saying: We believe that this agreement will further help us to give more value to our customers in all of our branches in Bahrain.

The eazyPay terminals allows merchants to process customer payments in a manner that it secure, protecting the integrity of all retail transactions, ultimately offering a convenient contact and contactless transaction experience to customers.

The eazyPay POS terminals uniquely offers technology, where customers are able to make payments using a credit or debit card, and ewallet such as Apple Pay via smartphone. The unique technology is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain.-- TradeArabia News Service
Former US President, Donald Trump has responded to his successor, Joe Biden after he was heavily criticized in a speech on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.



Biden ripped into Trump on Thursday, the anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack, when Trump supporters stormed the capitol building in order to overturn the 2020 election results. Biden called Trump a 'failed president', saying his 'bruised ego matters more to him than our democracy or our Constitution, he can't accept he lost".



Responding to Biden's speech, Trump who is planning a 2024 presidential comeback accused Biden of invoking his name in his speech even though Biden referred to him only as the former president.

The Democrats want to own this day of January 6th so they can stoke fears and divide America, Trump said in an email statement. I say, let them have it because America sees through their lies and polarizations.



(Biden) used my name today to try to further divide America. This political theater is all just a distraction. Trump added.

Trump did not discuss the riot itself at all in his statement but repeated attacks on Biden policies on the economy, immigration and even the COVID-19 pandemic.



This political theater is all just a distraction for the fact Biden has completely and totally failed, Trump said.

Trump also repeated that the election was stolen from him.



They want all conversation concerning the Election Canceled. In actuality, the Big Lie was the Election itself. he said.



In a second message, Trump said Democrats are the ones who tried to stop the peaceful transfer with a rigged election.



Never forget the crime of the 2020 Presidential Election, he wrote. Never give up!









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The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has dismissed reports that the children of a close relative of President Akufo-Addo used the Presidential Jet for a shopping trip to the UK in December 2021.



In a statement released on Sunday, signed by the Acting Director, Public Relations, Commander Andy La-Anyane, GAF, said the claims are frivolous and without any basis.



He stated that the Falcon EX jet has not been to Europe for a very long time.



We believe that this unfortunate publication, which has been circulated widely, is a calculated effort to undermine the image of the Ghana Armed Forces in the eyes of the general public, part of the statement reads.



This is in reaction to allegations by the Executive Director of Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), Mr Mensah Thompson.



In a post on Facebook, Mr Thompson claimed that between December 20 and 30, 2021, the children of a close relative of the President took the jet on a trip to the UK to shop.



They didnt go alone; they went with their friends and partied in the sky all through the trip, taking snap videos and flaunting their lucky adventure, he stated.



Ghana has spent close to half a billion dollars in the last two years renting private jets for our President while his family members continue to lavish in our rejected aircraft at the expense of the poor taxpayer, Mr Thompson alleged.



However, the Ghana Armed Forces maintained that the claims are only a figment of the authors imagination. It added that the allegation can easily be verified since there is always a task order for the movement of all Ghana Air Force platforms.



They called on Ghanaians, especially politicians once again, not to drag the GAF into any partisan politics.



Meanwhile, GAF has referred the matter to the Police for investigation.



In view of the seriousness we attach to such malicious publications, the issue has been referred to the Inspector General of Police for further investigations, GAF hinted.

Source: JFM









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Here is Actress, Haillie Sumney slaying all through the year 2021.



Beautiful, eloquent and sassy is just a few words to describe her whenever she takes on our screens looking all fly.



The high fashion sense of Ghanaian Actress cannot be questioned. She is a true epitome of a classy African woman as she manages to look stylish on every single post on her social Media Pages.



Haillie Sumney, A Way Back Home Netflix movie Actress making headlines on social media.



When it comes to combining luxury items with Ghanaian brands, Actress Haillie Sumney is an expert.



Difficult to pull off modest fashion for others but not for the Nexflix SuperStar. Scroll through for our all-time favourite look from the fashionista.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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Zack Moyer of Walking Tall Ministry is hoping police are able to identify a man who shot a paintball gun at homeless people outside of his outreach center in Gloverville on Tuesday.

Tuesday afternoon, deputies with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to Walking Tall Ministry in reference to a shooting incident.

Police reviewed video surveillance footage showing a "grey small four door sedan drive by with a unknown white male hanging out of the passenger side window" shooting paintballs at homeless individuals, according to an incident report obtained from the sheriff's office.

"I was preparing breakfast in the building when I heard what sounded like an automatic weapon being fired into the parking lot," Moyer said.

He ran outside to investigate, but the suspects were gone.

"When I looked at the (surveillance) footage, there were a couple of guys in the car and they were riding by, they started firing off paintball shots at the people walking through the parking lot," Moyer said. "You can see he looks back at the fire barrel and points directly at those people  he got five or six shots off during that period of time."

The suspect shot a fence and dumpster behind where the people were standing, but nobody was hit.

Moyer said the incident put the people the ministry serves in danger.

"We have some older folks and some disabled folks who can be startled and maybe lose their footing and fall," he said. "I hope it was kids, but we haven't found out yet."

Investigators were not able to pick up a license plate from the video, but are working to identify the suspect.

"We do have a couple of suspected vehicles, but we've not yet been able to talk to the individuals," Moyer said.

Depending on the age of the suspects, he said the ministry may not press charges.

"If it's teenagers, I'm going to talk with them myself and see how they act about it," he said. "If they act right about it, I'll probably have a good talking to them and their parents and let it be since nobody was hurt. Now if they were an adult, then we will certainly press charges."

The ministry said generally, people in Aiken County are very compassionate and want to help the ministry.

"Our ministry is solely based on donations through our community," he said. "Sometimes people ride by hollering terrible things at the people or ride by and splash water on them  you have those incidents like that. But overall, people are very good and compassionate to the homeless in our community."
Several items are on Aiken City Council's plate Monday, including a concept plan for new apartments on the city's Southside and some changes to the city's noise ordinance, most notably affecting the downtown district.

The apartments, called The Mark at Woodford Trace, would be located on Neilson Street, encompassing 8 acres. The proposal is for a 90-unit multifamily rental development with four structures: three three-story structures with 24 units each and a two-story structure with 18 units.

Of those units, there would be nine one-bedroom units, 48 two-bedroom units and 33 three-bedroom units.

The units would range in size from 765 to 1,198 square feet, each with its own patio/balcony, as well as a community area for residents with a clubhouse and playground.

The city's planning commission previously voted 5-0 to recommend approval of this application.

The proposed development would be close to the existing Palmetto Crossing apartments and the Woodford Trace apartments being built off Owens Street, near Whiskey and Dougherty roads.

The complex would make use of the planned Pawnee-Neilson Connector, which will connect Pawnee-Neilson Street and Dougherty Road. There is an item on City Council's Monday agenda to vote on annexing the land for the connector into the city.

Council also will consider an amendment to the city's noise ordinance. The changes would include extending "daytime" hours within the downtown business zone district one hour later to 11 p.m., instead of 10 p.m., with all other areas of the city remaining at 10 p.m.

The allowed noise limit in decibels differs during daytime and nighttime hours, as well as a difference between what's generally allowed citywide versus specifically in the downtown business district.

This change is being considered as council desires "to see our downtown embrace a larger residential component while recognizing that a different expectation of noise exists as opposed to residential properties in a more traditional neighborhood setting," according to agenda notes.

To create the updated ordinance under consideration, other cities noise ordinances across the state were looked at "in an effort to ensure reasonableness while protecting the expectation of individuals to enjoy public and private facilities without the intrusion of nuisance noises."

City Council meets downtown in the Municipal Building, 214 Park Ave. S.W. Meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed on the citys YouTube page, youtube.com/cityofaikensc.

A work session is scheduled for 5 p.m. A closed-door executive session with follow, and the regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m.
Cathy Almquist, Trident Technical College's vice president of education, shows the new classrooms for the Dorchester County campus on May 18, 2021. The classrooms were designed to be flexible to adjust for different layout plans. Students in many of Trident's programs will receive free tuition under the state's Workforce Scholarships for the Future program, which covers tuition costs for students enrolled in fields like manufacturing, health care, computer science/information technology, distribution and logistics or construction at any of the state's 16 technical colleges.
The Carnival Sunshine, absent from Charleston's waterfront for nearly two years, is scheduled to pull into Union Pier Terminal on Jan. 11  the official kickoff to a cruise calendar that will bring a dozen ships making 104 port calls at the State Ports Authority's peninsula passenger terminal.

The year's first visit by a pleasure ship actually took place Jan. 4, when the Norwegian Gem made a port call in Charleston. The 2,394-passenger vessel also visited Union Pier on Dec. 21 and Dec. 28, marking the first official cruise ship visits since the pandemic shut down the industry in early 2020.

The Sunshine, which can carry 3,002 passengers, is the only cruise ship that begins and ends its cruises in Charleston. It will make the first of 74 voyages this year  mostly to the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean  on Jan. 13. Most of the Sunshine's trips last four or five days, although the vessel will make a pair of 10-day excursions as part of the cruise line's "Carnival Journeys" series.

The first of those extended sailings, leaving Charleston on Jan. 17, will visit St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Kitts and San Juan. The other 10-day voyage will start in Charleston on Dec. 5 and visit Aruba, Bonaire, Grand Turk and Princess Cays.

Most of the other ships that call on Charleston will visit just a handful of times. An exception is Enchantment of the Seas, a 2,446-passenger vessel operated by Royal Caribbean International. That ship, which sails from Baltimore to the Bahamas, will make 14 stops in Charleston including one on Christmas day.

The schedule is ramping up despite an increase in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks and a warning against cruise travel for all passengers, even those who have been vaccinated, by the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC called cruising a high-risk travel activity and noted in an advisory that "the chances of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high."

The Sunshine is among 94 cruise ships the CDC is investigating for having reported cases of COVID-19, either among staff or passengers, that exceed what the health agency deems an acceptable threshold. The CDC updated its list of ships under investigation on Jan. 6, and it also included five of the ships scheduled to make port calls in Charleston, including Enchantment of the Seas.

Most cruise lines, including Carnival, are recommending passengers get vaccinated before their cruise and have reinstated mask policies in situations where social distancing is not possible.

The Cruise Lines International Association, a group that represents the interests of the industry, called the CDC's advisory "perplexing," adding COVID-19 cases on cruise ships make up a small minority of the total population on board.

"The relatively rare instances of COVID-19 that have occurred since operations resumed have been addressed swiftly based upon pre-arranged response plans onboard every CLIA ocean-going member cruise ship," the group said in a statement.

Cruising accounts for about $100,000 a month in cash flow for the SPA, which said it is working with state and federal agencies as well as cruise lines to ensure healthy voyages. During its last full year of operations in 2019, Charlestons cruise industry hosted a total of 213,081 passengers.

Under its current voluntary agreement with the city of Charleston, the SPA has agreed to a limit of 104 cruise ship visits per year, and no visit from a ship larger than 3,500-passenger capacity. The Caribbean Princess, which will visit Charleston on Nov. 1, will be the largest to call on Charleston this year, with capacity for 3,140 passengers.
New Delhi, Jan 9 (UNI) Aumkareshwar Thakur, who allegedly created the Sulli deals app, has been arrested from Indore in Madhya Pradesh. Delhi Police said on Sunday



During preliminary interrogation, Thakur has admitted that he was member of a 'trad-group' on Twitter, which was created to defame and troll minority community women, KPS Malhotra, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO), Delhi Police.



He further said Thakur had allegedly developed the code on GitHub. He had shared the app on his twitter account. The photos of Muslim women were uploaded by the group members.





He joined a group on twitter under the name of 'Tradmahasabha' in January 2020, using the twitter handle @gangescion, the DCP said.



According to police, during various group discussions, the members had allegedly discussed about trolling Muslim community women.

After the uproar regarding the Sulli deals app, Thakur deleted all his social media footprints, they said.



Meanwhile, further analysis of the technical gadgets is underway to find out the codes/images related to the Sulli deals app, the police added.



UNI CM RNJ
A boutique hotel in downtown Charleston is under new ownership.

The 50-room Hotel Bella Grace was sold by 115 Calhoun Hospitality LLC to Odyssey Propco X LLC, which lists the same Fort Worth, Texas, address as TPG Capital, a global investment firm that manages $109 billion in assets and is preparing to go public in a $9.5 billion stock offering.

The sale price was $27.3 million, or $546,000 per room key, according to Charleston County property records.

The hotel, which is across the street from Mother Emanuel AME Church, opened in 2018.

Original owner Donald Semmler, a former Marriott executive who also opened the Andell Inn on Kiawah Island, told The Post and Courier at the time that the downtown lodging was inspired by the families of the nine Black parishioners killed at Emanuel AME in 2015.

In court, family members told the killer, an avowed white supremacist, that they forgave him.

Its a salute to that act of forgiveness, Semmler had said of the name at the Hotel Bella Grace's ribbon cutting.

The property, which included a historic home, the Delaney House, was bought in 2015 for $3.2 million. The house, built around 1830, was restored, serving as a gathering area and a place for drinks, breakfast and light bites to be served to guests.

In 2019, new plans were unveiled at the Delaney House. The Neighborhood Dining Group was brought on to open Delaney Oyster House, a seafood restaurant and raw bar.

Since 2019, the hotel has been part of the portfolio of the Atlanta-based hotel management company Davidson Hotels & Resorts.

Davidson also manages The Ryder, which opened in 2021 in the former King Charles Inn space, and recently took over management of the Mills House Hotel at Meeting and Queen streets in the fall.

A spokesperson for Davidson said Hotel Bella Grace's new ownership declined to comment on the acquisition.

Going for gold

A downtown Charleston hotel has been named to a list of the best hotels and resorts in the world to stay at in the new year.

The Dewberry, a high-end hotel housed in a former mid-century office building across from Marion Square on Meeting Street, made Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List" of the world's best lodgings for 2022.

The hotel was one of just 12 in the U.S. to make the cut. Other American picks included the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod, Bellagio in Las Vegas and The Moorings Village in the Florida Keys.

For the first time, editors across the travel magazine's seven international editions made the picks.

The list describes The Dewberry's "JFK-era cool factor" and "elevated and elegant" but not fussy vibe.

According to Conde Nast's editors, The Dewberry's "largest draw" is its rooftop for "sunset cocktails." That rooftop, Citrus Club, has been the subject of an ongoing court battle with the city of Charleston that could make its way to the state's highest court.

Following an October decision from the S.C. Court of Appeals that said the city was in the right when it said The Dewberry can't have its rooftop bar, the hotel filed a petition asking the S.C. Supreme Court to hear the case and reinstate a lower court's ruling in The Dewberry's favor.
If youve followed my columns, youll know this chaplain doesnt dance. Well, its not that I dont dance, its more like no one can bear to watch me dance.

But the part Ive never written about is the where, when and why of my rhythmically challenged life.

My aversion to dancing, initially square dancing, began in Mrs. Marinos third grade class at Strawberry Point Elementary School in Marin County, California

Despite the affluent location, my classmates largely came from families living at the recently closed campus of nearby Golden Gate Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

One day, in the mid-1960s, I handed my father a mimeographed notice that Mrs. Marino was teaching square dancing during our PE time.

That years classroom photo recalls Marino as a short Italian lady who wore her black hair in a bob. I wouldve given anything to dance with her but was not interested in a single one of my classmates.

Somehow, I must have communicated my displeasure to my dad, probably with a sneer or prepubescent squeal, because he suggested an option.

I can write a note, he said, stating dancing to be against our religious beliefs.

Even though Southern Baptists claim to be People of the Book, my dads proposal overlooked several positive references about dancing (Exodus 15:20; 2 Samuel 6:14; Ecclesiastes 3:4; Psalm 150:4; Luke 15:25).

I didnt care about any of those verses of course, I just wanted to get out of dancing with, yikes, a girl.

What dad was offering was the precursor for todays religious exemption being sought by vaccine opponents.

The thinking now is much like it was for me on the dance floor: religion can be used to avoid the uncomfortable things we dont want to do.

But its not just vaccine dissenters who seek exemption from things they dont want to do.

For instance, we shun a coworker or friend because of their politics. We treat someone from a particular political belief as an ungodly sinner.

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Or perhaps we ostracize a loved one because they identify as part of the LGBTQ community.

And even today, some churches reject women in ministry, all in the name of religion. Its not that they believe women cant preach, they just dont like change.

Folks that exclude people in the name of religion dont seem to have the same problem in the everyday work world where their doctor might be a woman or their childs teacher might be gay.

Like my dancing exemption, Im not sure that our hearts really agree with exempting these people from Gods love.

Franciscan priest Richard Rohr says our exclusion thinking stems from the fact that we see religion as goal-oriented.

Hes talking about the kind of conversation my wife recently had while leading childrens church. When she asked the kids why they should follow Jesus, they all replied, So we can go to heaven.

That goal is something were taught from childhood. The idea seems to be that following a precise list of do's and donts is the way to attain our gold stars and earn our merit badge.

In his book Everything Belongs, Rohr debunks that idea, suggesting the resulting guilt we feel in this merit system actually becomes our punishment for not meeting these impossible rules.

Its a cosmic game of crime and punishment, he says, in which we are denying ourselves Gods grace. Unfortunately, that denial becomes our own punishment.

So what is my punishment for not dancing?

I cant dance. Worse yet, my wife feels punished when she watches me bust a rhythmic move.

Why do our shortcomings always hurt those we love most? Thats a question for another day.

But while were talking about inabilities and exemptions, I should also mention that I dont know the first thing about poker either.

And Im not bluffing.

Readers: I will be coming to the Charleston area March 12-20. I will be available to speak to your church, civic or veteran group, hospital, or college. If your organization would like to host me, please email for details. Norris@thechaplain.net or leave voicemail at 843-608-9715.
Dorchester School District Two Superintendent Joe Pye fought back tears as a group of elementary students read him goodbye letters while crowded together in a reading nook. The goodbye letters were part of a class activity first and second grade students at Beech Hill Elementary School were doing to let Pye know how much they appreciated his leadership over the past 23 years.

Pye is one of at least 19 superintendents in South Carolina who have left their positions since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Pye, who is 74, announced his retirement in November.

He said that his retirement is not specifically due to the pandemic, but while hes proud of what hes done to navigate the district through the unprecedented health crisis, his fondest memories are of working with children.

While the number of superintendents leaving during the pandemic seems large, it is not unusual for that type of position. The average tenure of a superintendent is five to six years, and the average annual turnover rate is 14 to 16 percent, according to the American Association for School Administrators.

The rate South Carolina superintendents are leaving their jobs is also consistent with pre-pandemic levels. In the 2018-19 school year about 15 percent of total superintendents were new to their positions, according to S.C. Association for School Administrators. In 2020-21, 17 percent were new in their roles.

What is troubling education authorities is that the supply of superintendents is drying up both in the long and short term. Superintendents are now put in the frontline of political wars over masks and vaccinations. They have to educate children who jockey back and forth between virtual and in-person learning as new variants of coronavirus spread through the country. They have to navigate this all while morale among educators is at an all- time low and teacher retention rates in the state have plummeted.

District authorities are asking themselves: How can we convince people to become superintendents when we cant even get them to become teachers?

'Out of my element'

Pye had been thinking about retirement for some time, but it wasnt until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly everything he knew about the job that he finally made the decision to say goodbye.

I was, every year, finding myself being taken further out of my element, Pye said.

When the pandemic hit, school superintendents were forced to readjust every expectation they had about their jobs. Their priorities suddenly became masks, student quarantines, isolation periods and social distancing. They started pushing other school issues like student performance, funding and staff shortages to the wayside. They scrambled to keep students safe.

On top of it all, nearly every decision the superintendents were required to make became political. Board meetings sometimes turned aggressive as parents protested mask requirements and quarantine protocols.

Superintendents across the board have said the experience is harrowing. A National Superintendents Roundtable survey of 400 district leaders showed that 63 percent considered quitting their job over the 2020-21 school year. (Eighty-three percent of the respondents remained in their positions while about 10 percent retired.)

For some, it has impacted their home life, taking valuable time away from their families. Eddie Ingram, who served as superintendent in Berkeley County School District, retired last year after his wife had to go to North Carolina to take care of his granddaughter who was put in remote learning during the pandemic.

He said it was stressful worrying over how school decisions would impact the health of students. He also found himself concerned about students who went missing during the pandemic, meaning they didnt show up to virtual classes or respond to emails and messages.

When theyre home and we dont know where everybody is all the time, it concerns us, he said.

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Both Pye and Ingram left on good terms. For other superintendents, problems with the pandemic exacerbated fissures that already existed between them and their school boards.

Board tensions

Last June, the superintendent of Lexington Richland School District Five Christina Melton abruptly left a month after she was dubbed Superintendent of the Year by SCASA. Emails obtained by The Post and Courier show that in the months leading up to her departure there was eroding trust between her trustees.

On Dec. 29, the Charleston County Board of Trustees voted to accept former Superintendent Gerrita Postlewaits resignation. Though the vote was conducted in public, all discussions about Postlewaits departure were done in closed-door meetings.

School board members have stayed quiet since, citing privacy and confidentiality concerns about the public position.

Its not uncommon for superintendents to be asked to resign when board members feel that they arent living up to standards. Theres no data to show that these kinds of resignations are happening more frequently, but the pandemic has put education issues in the forefront.

The school boards are elected and they have constituents that they have to answer to, said Scott Price, executive director of the S.C. School Boards Association. But at the end of the day, they make decisions as an education team with their superintendents that are in the best interests of students and staff.

Supply shortages

Education leaders are concerned about how the pandemic is going to impact the supply of school administrators in the future. Typically, school administrators like Pye start off as teachers. They move on to be assistant principals, principals and eventually school administrators. From there, they might advance to superintendent.

Nearly 7,000 South Carolina teachers did not return to their school district after the 2020-21 school year, according to a November 2021 report from the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement. Only 23 percent of the 6,900 teachers who left went on to teach in another S.C. district.

Those gaps in teacher availability will ultimately lead to a dwindling supply of school and district administrators, SCASA Executive Director Beth Phibbs said.

When people sign up, when they choose a profession in education, it's to educate young people, its not to navigate through a pandemic, she said.

With the pandemic putting childrens safety in danger, actual education has fallen down the list of priorities, and its starting to show. In September, the 2020-21 South Carolina School Report Card showed students struggled to keep up, with standardized test scores dropping from the 2018-19 school year in nearly every area except for English I.

Its ultimately up to superintendents to find a solution. But the job will continue to require more resilience than ever.
Though the recent surge in COVID-19 cases has faith communities hesitant about welcoming people into their spaces, the goal of this year's interfaith month remains the same: coming together to break down misrepresentations and misunderstandings of faith traditions.

The Charleston Interreligious Council will hold hybrid events for its third annual Interfaith Harmony Month this month to promote diversity across the Holy City's religious landscape.

"It's changed with the pandemic, but it's still very much open and welcoming," Dena Moses, with the CIC, said of the monthlong initiative.

Events include tours of sacred spaces, services focused around the life and ministry of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and an interfaith dialogue on human existence. New to the series of events is Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim's Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat Evening Service, which the synagogue hosts each year.

Congregations are still adjusting to the virus. Circular Congregational Church postponed a campus tour planned with the harmony month due to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases. To safely accommodate all guests, most of the events will be both in person and virtual.

Interfaith Harmony Month Events Sacred Space Tour of The Unitarian Church in Charleston 1 p.m. Jan. 8 at 4 Archdale St., Charleston. In person or virtual at www.facebook.com/CharlestonCJC. Martin Luther King, Jr. Shabbat Evening Service 7 p.m. Jan. 14 at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Reform Jewish Congregation of Charleston (KKBE), 90 Hasell St, Charleston. For more information and to register, visit www.kkbe.org. The Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Concert with Lowcountry Voices 5-7 p.m. Jan. 15 at St. Matthews Baptist Church at 2005 Reynolds Ave., North Charleston. For more information, visit www.cicouncil.org/events and https://fb.me/e/2aXwpW5ZA Interfaith Discussion on the Purpose of Human Existence 4-6 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Hindu Temple of Charleston, 1740 Jervey Ave, Charleston. More information at www.cicouncil.org/events Martin Luther King Jr. Ecumenical Service 4 p.m. Jan. 16 at Greater St. Luke AME Church, 78 Gordon St., Charleston. In person and virtual. More information and registration available at www.ywcagc.org. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade 12 p.m. Jan. 17. Televised by NBC WCBD News 2 www.counton2.com Sacred Space Tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist 3 p.m. Jan. 23 at 120 Broad St., Charleston. In person or virtual at www.facebook.com/CharlestonCJC. CIC's 5th Annual Food and Faith Program Eating Jewishly and Islamically in an Age of Uncertainty 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the College of Charleston's Arnold Hal, 96 Wentworth St., Charleston. In person or virtual at www.facebook.com/CharlestonCJC.

The Hindu Temple of Charleston has traditionally been one of hosts. But the previously planned panel discussion entitled Interfaith Discussion on the Purpose of Human Existence has been postponed because of the pandemic.

Shaila Shroff with the Hindu temple said she believes people's spiritual beliefs shouldn't divide the country. She admires Hinduism because of the religion's long history of tolerance, she said.

Uplifting different faith traditions is important because it can also help eliminate biases, Moses said.

"I think from our own upbringings, and smaller perspectives, we may not understand truly another person, or understand their faith, until we speak to that person," she said. "I think that misunderstanding often creates fear. That fear often creates violence and discontent. I think it's quite important to break down that misunderstanding and fear and create a more cohesive community."

Mayor John Tecklenburg, who has officially declared January as Charleston's Interfaith Harmony Month, said he looks forward to this year's programs.

"Every year, these events help to remind us of the values we share as people of faith, and of the good that we can do together when we put those values to work in our community," he said.

The Charleston Interreligious Council's roots date back to 1979, when a group of rabbis and pastors began meeting in their homes to better understand each other's faith traditions. Those gatherings morphed into what is today a coalition of faith leaders who seek to build bridges between different belief systems.

Among their efforts, the group is also hoping to place religious leaders on the frontlines of societal issues, such as climate change. The council's upcoming speaker series will focus on climate change, hoping to emphasize how religious communities can play a role in protecting the environment.
NORTH CHARLESTON  A man was shot to death in the early morning of Jan. 8 outside a gas station on Dorchester Road.

North Charleston police responded for a possible shooting at approximately 4:30 a.m. at Cheap Way gas station, 3615 Dorchester Road, according to police spokesman Harve Jacobs.

Officers found a male victim suffering gunshot wounds at the business. Police and bystanders attempted to perform life-saving measures on the victim, but he was pronounced dead at the scene by Charleston County EMS, Jacobs said.

North Charleston police and the Charleston County Coroner's Office are investigating the homicide.

"This is an active investigation and no arrests have been made," Jacobs said.
The CEO of Palmetto State Bank in Hampton was fired Jan. 7 as questions swirl about his role in the disappearance of hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlement money intended for former clients of disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh.

The bank has severed ties with CEO Russell Laffitte, bank president, Jan Malinowski, said in a statement.

"The bank and its board of directors remain fully committed to their customers, employees, shareholders, and the communities Palmetto State Bank serves," Malinowski said.

Laffitte's departure was first reported Jan. 7 by The Island Packet.

The Bluffton-based newspaper reported it had obtained a copy of a subpoena sent by the S.C. Supreme Courts Office of Disciplinary Counsel seeking probate court records in Hampton County related to Murdaugh, Laffitte and another bank official, Chad Westendorf.

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel is responsible for investigating complaints made against lawyers and judges in South Carolina.

The Island Packet reported that Laffitte was fired after reporters inquired about his employment status with the bank.

Attorney Justin Bamberg is representing several former clients of Alex Murdaugh who were identified in the subpoena. He is also representing the estate of Hakeem Pinckney, who died in October 2011.

Bamberg said Laffitte was appointed as Pinckney's conservator and was responsible for protecting his financial interests in a lawsuit filed after a 2009 car crash that left him severely disabled.

Laffitte didn't do that, Bamberg said. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of settlement money intended for Pinckney and his family went missing in the case, likely into the pockets of Murdaugh, according to Bamberg.

Murdaugh has not been charged in connection to the missing money. Jim Griffin, one of his attorney, did not respond to a request for comment.

Palmetto State Bank was founded in 1907 by Laffitte's family. It manages more than $500 million in assets and has branches in Beaufort, Allendale and Hampton counties.

The bank has been under scrutiny since it was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed on behalf of the sons of Gloria Satterfield, a former housekeeper and nanny for the Murdaugh family who died in a slip-and-fall at a Murdaugh property in 2018.

The lawsuit claims that Murdaugh and Cory Fleming, his longtime friend and fellow attorney, swindled the Satterfield family out of a $4.3 million settlement they were supposed to receive after settling insurance claims related to their mother's death.

Fleming allegedly encouraged the Satterfields to appoint Westendorf, a vice president for Palmetto State Bank, to represent and manage their mother's estate.

Murdaugh was arrested in October on allegations he diverted millions of dollars intended for the Satterfield sons into his personal bank account.

Palmetto State Bank denied any wrongdoing in a court filing, claiming Westendorf represented the Satterfield estate in a personal capacity.

Palmetto State Bank, Westendorf and Fleming settled with the Satterfield family last year, according to court filings.

The S.C. Supreme Court has suspended the law licenses of Murdaugh and Fleming at the request of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

Hakeem Pinckney's case shares similarities with Satterfield's case, Bamberg said.

Pinckney was left quadriplegic and on a ventilator after a 2009 car crash, the attorney said.

Already deaf from chronic ear infections he suffered as a child, Pinckney "couldn't breathe on his own, he couldn't hear, he could speak and he couldn't move," Bamberg said.

Pinckneys cousin, Natasha Thomas, and Pinckneys sister, Shaquarah, were also passengers in the vehicle during the crash. Pinckney's mother, Pamela, was the driver of the vehicle.

Murdaugh represented the Pinckney siblings and their cousin in a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the car's tires, Bamberg said.

Murdaugh recommended Pamela Pinckney hire Fleming to represent her in the case. Laffitte was recommended to serve as conservator for Hakeem Pinckney, as well as Pinckney's sister and cousin, who were minors at the time of the crash, according to Bamberg.

The family settled their claims and received some money, Bamberg said, but not everything they were entitled to.

Altogether, he estimated that between $800,000 and $1 million was missing from the family's settlements.

Bamberg said Pamela Pinckney first learned of the missing money after she was contacted by Murdaugh's former law firm, Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth, Detrick.

Bamberg said he has not yet filed a lawsuit on his clients' behalf.

Murdaugh, 53, is jailed on a $7 million bond while awaiting trial on dozens of state charges tied to the theft of some $6.2 million from former clients he represented in civil cases.

Murdaugh also faces insurance fraud charges after confessing in September he had a hitman shoot him in the head in a bid to leave a $10 million life insurance payout to his son, Buster.

He survived the shooting and later checked into a rehab center for opioid addiction.

The attempted assisted suicide and avalanche of charges came in the wake of Murdaugh reporting he found his wife, Maggie, and son Paul shot to death on June 7 at their 1,700-acre hunting property that straddles the border of Hampton and Colleton counties.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Jan Malinowski is Palmetto State Bank's president of the board of directors.
A Dec. 30 letter writers view on the development of the James Webb Space Telescope was not in tune with my understanding of scientific principles and the universe.

There are considerably more than just a few scientists and engineers who will benefit from the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope.

Many of the designs and technological achievements resulting from the collaboration of thousands of scientists throughout the world will have numerous applications here on Earth as it relates to optics, medicine and other engineering principles.

This new advanced technology is exactly why NASA and the entire scientific community continue to push the limits of what is possible.

Once in orbit, the telescope should be able to help us visualize how the universe began and how our galaxies formed. It could easily put us on the edge of new scientific breakthroughs not yet imagined. We must take risks; the reward is worth the effort.

The writer seems to suggest that the Big Bang and other cosmological discoveries are unimportant ideas not widely accepted.

This space telescope could quite possibly answer some unknowns relative to what we now know about the formation of galaxies, stars, black holes and planets.

What I particularly find exciting is that the Webb telescope also will be able look at planets beyond our solar system and others to determine if there is the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

The telescope will be able to determine if a planet is in the Goldilocks region of its star, has an atmosphere, water and other characteristics that are conducive to life.

I, for one, would like to know if we are not alone.

RICHARD PORTER

Daniel Island

Ikes leadership

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott seems proud of his role in increasing defense spending.

He stated, At a time of growing and evolving global threats, it is unthinkable that the Biden administration asked for tens of billions in cuts to our military.

Perhaps Sen. Scott might restudy the actions of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who during his presidency demonstrated his characteristic thoughtfulness, compassion and concern for the well-being of the country.

Eisenhower, who knew a thing or two about war and global threats, slashed defense spending by 27% during his time in office.

He also budgeted two major infrastructure investments: the St. Lawrence Seaway and the interstate highway system.

In his first major speech on foreign policy, he stated, Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed.

As supreme Allied commander of all forces in Europe, Eisenhower oversaw the defeat of the Axis forces in World War II. Since then, no American general has come close to such an achievement.

Eisenhower knew the cost of war, and how to assemble a lasting, effective coalition.

His accountability was evident by the fact he wrote a letter the evening before the Normandy invasion in which he accepted blame in the event it was unsuccessful.

Eisenhower was the reason I considered myself a Republican for a number of years. I now feel an affiliation with neither party.

The lack of Eisenhowers attributes in todays Republican Party is responsible for that.

RICHARD GROSS

Mount Pleasant

Whytes generosity

It is no surprise that artist Mary Whyte gave such an inspirational bronze statue of a child at play to Joe Riley Waterfront Park.

I remember Mary from the years we both served at Church of Our Savior on Johns Island.

Let me tell you a story about her. Many years ago on a pledge Sunday, Mary had been asked to encourage the congregation to make contributions.

She told of the time when she was younger and lived in an apartment building.

Up the stairs from her apartment lived a desperately poor family with a young daughter. The child had no expectations of Christmas gifts that year.

Yet, when she opened her door, there were several small gifts waiting for her. She insisted that angels had brought them.

But Mary told us it wasnt an angel. It was her. She said we must remember that however small or large our gift, it makes someone happy.

I have never forgotten Marys speech that day. And I have no doubt that through her art, personality and generous spirit, while she may not be from heaven, Marys a blessing to the city of Charleston.

MARIE L. STONEHOUSE-WATTS

Charleston
COLUMBIA  In a legislative session that's sure to include debates on COVID mandates, voting lines and medical marijuana, the dominant theme for 2022 will be money  more precisely, what South Carolina lawmakers do with unprecedented heaps of it.

Legislators returning to Columbia on Jan. 11 have more than $6 billion in additional revenue to spend or sock away, fueled by federal aid and the state's far-stronger-than-expected economy amid the pandemic. In all, this year's spending packages are expected to top $16 billion, roughly double what legislators allotted from state taxes five years ago.

Budget debates "will and should dominate this session," said Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg.

"This is potentially transformational, and we can't squander it," he said. "We've got to give that thought and attention and take our time with it and make sure it's spent properly. It needs to be spent on projects that will make a difference, not just this year or next but for generations to come."

The windfall includes $2.5 billion in federal COVID aid from the American Recovery Plan passed by Congress last March and $525 million from a 2020 settlement with the federal government over plutonium stored at the Savannah River Site. How to spend those pots of one-time money will be decided separately from the state budget.

Here's what's at stake in the next five months for a session that opens Tuesday at noon.

Redistricting

The first priority when legislators return will be approving new, post-census voting lines for South Carolina's seven U.S. House seats. The Legislature needs to act quickly since the filing period for candidates is just over two months away in March. But a final map is far from completion. And lawsuits challenging whatever legislators decide could push back primaries into summer.

A state House panel is expected to advance a plan this week.

It's working off two maps. One aligns with a Senate proposal that's been widely criticized as gerrymandered to help Republicans keep the coastal 1st District held by Republican Nancy Mace  the only district in South Carolina considered winnable by either party. The other map is vastly different and could require lengthy negotiations with the Senate.

Legalizing marijuana

Next up in the Senate is a bill legalizing marijuana as medicine, potentially making South Carolina the 37th state to do so.

The floor debate, likely in late January, will fulfill a promise to state Sen. Tom Davis. The Beaufort Republican has led the effort since 2014, when legislators passed his bill allowing limited use of CBD, a non-psychoactive oil derived from marijuana.

"I don't know where the votes will be, but we all agree it's time to have a debate and move on," Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, said.

Davis fought to expand what's legal after hearing from patients with chronic pain and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, who have testified repeatedly they need the THC in marijuana to relieve their suffering. He contends the continued opposition from law enforcement has helped him craft a conservative approach that won't morph into accepted recreational use.

Officers, led by State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel, continue to argue that's not possible for a drug still in the same category as heroin, cocaine and LSD under federal law.

But Davis believes a majority of the Senate will side with him. The bigger question could be whether House leaders will then allow the bill to advance for a debate in that chamber.

House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford said it should.

"That is exciting," the Columbia Democrat said about the guaranteed Senate vote. "We should've passed that years ago."

Republicans who sponsored matching legislation in the House have argued legalizing medical marijuana could save lives as a better, safer alternative to addictive opioids. But those bills never made it out of committee.

Meanwhile, the opioid problem has only worsened, Rutherford said, noting state-sponsored TV commercials promoting Narcan to combat overdoses.

"That's how bad it is," he said. "People are dying, and they're dying because (legislators are) sitting on their hands."

COVID

As the COVID pandemic enters its third year, opposition to mandates of any sort is sure to ramp up.

Last month, House Republicans pushed through a bill that would ban state and local governments from requiring COVID vaccinations and set aside $20 million to help pay for weekly testing of employees in private businesses who refuse to get a shot. The vote was a response to an anti-mandate protest and social media barrage during a special session that was supposed to be limited to redistricting debates.

The bill sent to the Senate on Dec. 10 didn't satisfy the activists, who argue the worker protections didn't go far enough. The effort pits GOP stalwarts who want a total ban on vaccine requirements against South Carolina business leaders who oppose it.

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What happens in the Senate will largely depend on the U.S. Supreme Court, Massey said.

The nation's high court heard arguments Jan. 7 on two Biden administration vaccine mandates, one for employers with more than 100 workers and the other for health care providers.

"If the Supreme Court says the president has the authority, there's not a whole lot we can do legislatively," Massey said. "If they say the president doesn't, there may be things we need to do."

The Edgefield Republican said he'd like to avoid a fight over what business owners can and can't require in their workplace.

Amid labor market shortages, he said, "I would hope businesses wouldn't exclude people. I would prefer not to get engaged, but I would prefer businesses not make us."

Protests are less likely to goad senators into quick action. Unlike House members, who all face reelection this year and want to avoid a primary challenge, senators aren't up for reelection until 2024.

Big spending

Historically, big surpluses complicate the budgeting process, as requests for a chunk of it always tally many times more than what's available. Having more money than ever only increases the pressure.

And having a new Senate Finance chairman adds a wrinkle. Former Senate President Harvey Peeler, R-Gaffney, ascended to the role following the death in November of Hugh Leatherman, the chamber's chief budget writer for 20 years. Peeler has long held the No. 2 spot on the committee, so he's no stranger to negotiations, but he may approach them differently.

Most of the $6 billion or so in additional money available must go to one-time expenses. Areas of agreement include further expanding rural access to high-speed internet.

Gov. Henry McMaster's recommendations for the $2.5 billion in COVID aid include $500 million for water and sewer upgrades across rural South Carolina and $360 million to widen Interstate 26 between Columbia and Charleston.

He's also recommending spending the entire $525 million from the SRS settlement on projects in the three counties where the federal site is located, since they're directly harmed by the continued underground storage of plutonium.

Not even legislators who represent Barnwell, Aiken and Allendale counties expect their colleagues to agree fully to that. But having so much other money available for elsewhere helps their argument.

About $900 million of the windfall is available for recurring expenses. Expect Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg, to again urge her colleagues to finally give state employees a substantial raise. There will also be a push for a bigger hike in teacher salaries as a way to stem the exodus exacerbated by the pandemic. Last year, legislators approved a 2.5-percent raise for state employees and a $1,000 boost to every K-12 teacher.

"We've got to put some real attention on education and figure out what we'll do going forward," Hutto said. "We've got students who are falling behind because of the lack of in-class instruction, and then, in the pandemic a lot of teachers realized, 'Hey, I don't know if I want to continue teaching' and a lot of people in college were thinking, 'I don't know if I want to be a teacher.'"

Tax reform

Republicans who have been pushing for years to overhaul South Carolina's tax code see the excess as an opportunity to get some traction on sweeping changes.

Sen. Sean Bennett, R-Summerville, said the goal is to reduce income and corporate taxes while eliminating loopholes and sales tax exemptions. The idea of broadening the tax base while lowering rates overall is something the state Chamber of Commerce has pushed for years without success.

While some Republicans may be tempted to simply cut taxes, Bennett said he will oppose that as creating more problems.

"The piecemeal approach we've taken over the last 50 years has created this Frankenstein monster," said Bennett, who has again introduced tax reform legislation. "We've got to take it on and deal with all of it."

But he recognized it's a "heavy lift" to try to accomplish over the next five months.

Hutto considers tax reform among the topics that could distract from what otherwise must get done.

"We've got to do reapportionment. We've got to spend this money properly. We've got to address education," he said. "If we did that properly, there wouldn't be time to do much more. What we can't afford to do is get sidetracked."
The Work Zone

Many of us didnt grow up with a strong male influence in the home. My parents split before I was 10, so the majority of the wisdom I picked u Read more
Chinese FM arrives in Sri Lanka on two-day visit

Colombo, Jan 8 (UNI) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday evening arrived in Sri Lanka on a two-day visit to mark the 65th anniversary of Diplomatic Ties between the two countries as well as 70 years of the Rubber-Rice Pact.

He was received on arrival late Saturday evening by Namal Rajapaksa, Sri Lankan Minister for Youth and Sports, and the son of current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

An honor to welcome HE Wang Yi to #LKA. As we celebrate #CNLK65 of diplomatic relations & 70yrs of the Rubber Rice Pact! #CHN & #LKA share rich history between our nations & our people! Looking forward to many more years of friendship!, Namal Rajapaksa tweeted, greeting the Chinese Foreign Minister at the airport.
Alec Baldwin goes on a tirade in which he joins O.J. in seeking the real killer, and also recalls Harvey Weinsteins pledge to battle the NRA with a Tourette-like reference to January 6.

In a bizarre rant Alec Baldwin just compared his shooting of his cinematographer to Jan 6 and seemed to blame both on right wing hate pic.twitter.com/BHrIdxugHy  Jack Posobiec  (@JackPosobiec) January 8, 2022



The truth, Alec, is that you shot her. And, as Jack Posobiec points out, it appears that Baldwin recorded the video on the same phone that he seems not to want to turn over to the Arizona sheriff. As for the Splenda, it is anyones guess.
Shareholders in Alphabet, the parent of Google and YouTube, have introduced a resolution calling for disclosure of any collusion between Alphabets companies and the Biden administration in suppressing information that is critical of administration policies:

The National Legal and Policy Center, an ethics watchdog group that holds a voting stake in Google and YouTubes parent corporation Alphabet, submitted the shareholder proposal to the company this week, following a string of controversies over Google and YouTubes removal of videos that question the Biden administrations COVID-19 policies. The proposed disclosure requirement could shed light on whether the administration has directed tech companies to remove information that it deems misleading, a scenario that raises concerns about government censorship. In July, the White House said it was in regular touch with social media platforms to discuss ways to combat misinformation online.

Tech companies say that as private corporations, the First Amendment does not apply to them, and they can engage in whatever censorship they may deem appropriate, for political or other reasons. But that isnt necessarily true if tech companies (or other information sources like newspapers or television networks) are acting at the behest of, or in collusion with, the government:

The NLPC said coordination between Alphabet and the Biden administration could amount to unconstitutional censorship, opening the Company to liability claims by victims, citing Supreme Court rulings that private entities may not engage in suppression of speech at the behest of government, as it has the same effect as direct government censorship.

Shareholders have a right to know whether management is engaging in conduct that could give rise to legal liability, and if such liability ensues down the road, there is potential for shareholder lawsuits against management.

I believe that Alphabet is owned largely by left-wing insiders, so this proposed shareholder resolution probably isnt going anywhere. But pressure from shareholders is one way to disrupt the cozy and perhaps illegal relationship that exists between the Biden administration and the tech platforms.
Governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), will on Sunday meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss the proposed national convention of the party.

The meeting is exected to hold at the State House, Abuja.

Although the party has fixed February for the convention, it is yet to select a date for the event thereby provoking concerns among party faithful that it may be postponed.

Similarly, the ruling party is yet to resolve the issue of where the positions in the National Working Committee (NWC), particularly that of the national chairman, should be zoned to.

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau, who doubles as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, confirmed that Sundays meeting will address these concerns.

He spoke to journalists after a meeting with Mr Buhari at the State House on Friday.

You know, when a convention is coming, there are fears here and there; some people will tell you it will work, some will say it will not work.

I dont want to jump to conclusions, but the visit to the president has already assured us and you know that there is already a notice that all the governors are meeting on Sunday. By Sunday we will tell you when we are having the convention, Mr Lalong said.

No fewer than 10 members of the APC have already indicated their interest in contesting for the position of the national chairman.

They include former Nasarawa State governor and current senator, Tanko Al-Makura, former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, former Benue State governor and current Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, Niger North senator, Sani Musa and former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari.

They aspirants are from different geopolitical zones of the country.

it is not clear who among the aspirants Mr Buhari would support for the position, especially because the zoning of the chairmanship position may likely determine where the partys presidential candidate will be picked from.

Mr Buhari, in an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) on Thursday, gave the impression that he had been under pressure to throw his weight behind one of those jostling to lead the party.

He said his party, the APC, may lose its chances of retaining power in 2023 if the underlying issues around the convention were not resolved.

The president specifically said the governors should allow things to work in the party.

The governors should allow the system to work. I am not a kingmaker. I have tried to get my position known that party leadership needs a bottom to top approach.

Those who want power must work for it. If the APC cant agree on the convention, the opposition will naturally take over, Mr Buhari said during the interview.

Of the 36 state governors in the country, 22 are members of the APC, many of whom are expected to attend the crucial meeting.

The party is being administered at the national level by a caretaker committee appointed in June 2020 after the exit of the Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC.

The committee, headed by Governor Mala Buni of Yobe State, was constituted not only to run the party but to also organise a national convention to elect new officers of the party.

The life of the committee has been extended several times.

Some members of the ruling party have challenged the legality of the committee, especially that of its chairman, who they argued should not occupy the position since he is holding an executive position as governor.

However, whether the APC leaders eventually make their decision concerning the convention public tomorrow or not, the party has till February 9 to notify the countrys electoral body, INEC, of its intention to organise the event.

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This is in line with Section 85 (1) of the Electoral Act, which mandates all politics parties Nigeria to give the commission at least 21 days notice before holding a convention.
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed outrage at the latest reports of several villagers being massacred by escaping bandits in Zamfara.

Garba Shehu, the presidents media aide in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the president, who was reacting to reports of the large-scale killings, said:

The latest attacks on innocent people by the bandits is an act of desperation by mass murderers, now under relentless pressure from our military forces who are well equipped to effectively confront these enemies of humanity.

In keeping with my commitment to tackle the monster of terrorism head on, let me reassure these besieged communities and other Nigerians that this government will not abandon them to their fate because we are more than ever determined to get rid of these outlaws.

These criminals will be history because we are not going to relent in our current military operations to get rid of these thugs who have been terrorising innocent people.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the attack on five villages in Anka and Bukkuyum local government areas from Tuesday to Wednesday.

By Saturday, residents said they had buried about 200 victims of the attack.

On Saturday, President Buhari appealed to the affected communities for patience, saying: We are fiercely determined to smoke out and destroy these outlaws who have no regard for the sanctity of life.

He extended his sympathy to the survivors and families of those killed.

According to him, the army and the air force are working together to get rid of the callous criminals.

He added that already, the army had acquired more equipment to track down and eliminate criminal gangs that are subjecting innocent people to the reign of terror, including illegal imposition of taxes on the communities under siege. (NAN)
At least 30 students and a teacher of Federal Government College Yauri, Kebbi State, have regained freedom after spending six months in bandits den.

In his statement confirming the release, the Kebbi governor, through his spokesperson, congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for the success.

The victims, whose total number are yet to be disclosed, were suspected to have been kidnapped by the notorious banditry kingpin, Dogo Gide, in June 2021.

Two days after the abduction, PREMIUM TIMES reported how some of the students were rescued by Nigerian troops.

The Special Adviser to Governor Bagudu on security matters, Garba Rabiu, told PREMIUM TIMES that some of the students were released unconditionally by the bandits.

He said there were some students still being held by the bandits but efforts are being made to rescue them too. He, however, did not disclose the total number of people still being held.

The governors spokesman, Yahaya Sarki, however, said in a statement that they would undergo medical screening before they are handed over to their family.

Today, Saturday 8th January 2022, 30 students of Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri, and one teacher have arrived Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital, following their release.

They shall undergo medical screening and support while being re-united with their families.

The spokesperson then thanked security agencies and congratulated the president for the release.

We thank all security agencies and those who have helped in securing the release, while congratulating Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, for the success, the spokesperson said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 30 students of the same school were released on October 21, 2022, brought to Birnin Kebbi and reunited with their families. This is in addition to some who were earlier released to their parents.

Thousands of people were killed or kidnapped in Kebbi and other North-west states last year. The attacks, by terror groups operating as bandits, have continued despite the efforts of security agencies.
In the same week that President Muhammadu Buhari claimed that Nigerians are more secure under his administration than that of his predecessor, at least 218 people were killed by non-state actors across the country.

The president in an interview on Channels television insisted that his administration had largely succeeded in tackling the countrys security woes.

The presidents remarks were despite persistent attacks on citizens in almost every part of the country.

Findings by this newspaper, as part of its weekly review of attacks by armed non-state actors, paint a different picture from what the president said.

Last week, between January 2-8, at least 218 people were killed in separate incidents across the country, compared to the less than 30 in the previous week. One of the incidents last week was in Zamfara State where bandits ransacked five villages and killed over 200 persons.

The total tally of casualties for the week was compiled by PREMIUM TIMES from media reports. Thus, unreported cases were not included.

Below are the recorded incidents:

Seven in Kaduna

At least seven people were confirmed dead in separate attacks in Igabi, Zangon Kataf and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

Two separate statements by the states Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, on Sunday confirmed the killings by suspected bandit terrorists.

200 in Zamfara

About 200 victims were buried as of Saturday morning after the attacks by an army of bandits on rural communities in Zamfara State, earlier this week.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the bandits stormed five villages in Anka and Bukkuyum local government areas from Tuesday to Wednesday and left behind a trail of blood.

The bandits burnt down the five villages, killed many residents and mutilated their bodies. The survivors have since moved to communities in the headquarters of the two affected local residents.

Three in Plateau

Three persons were killed on Sunday in Rafin Bauna community of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau the state.

The governor, Simon Lalong, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Monday in Jos by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Makut Macham.

Two in Niger

At least two security guards were confirmed killed on Tuesday as some gunmen abducted three Chinese nationals working at a hydropower plant in Zungeru in Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State.

Witnesses said the gunmen kidnapped the expatriates who were working on a transmission line tower in Gussase village, after a firefight with security agents.

Three in Akwa Ibom

There was tension in Afaha Oku, Ikpa community, in the Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, following the killing of two scrap collectors in the community.

The report gathered that the victims were lynched in retaliation for their alleged involvement in the death of an indigene, identified as Anietie.

Three in Ondo

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Gunmen reportedly shot three persons dead in Molege, an agrarian settlement in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The men were said to have stormed the area at about midnight on Thursday, setting some houses and farms ablaze.

Contrary claim

In the interview on Channels television aired on Wednesday and monitored by PREMIUM TIMES, President Buhari insisted that insecurity has reduced under his government when compared to previous governments.

Mr Buhari, while reacting to a question on the worsening security situation across the country, preferred to focus his attention on the North-east

If you ask anybody from the North-east, there were a number of local governments that were in the hands of BH or ISWAP. None of these local governments now are in their control.

He also said the armed forces have recorded a number of successes in recent weeks in the North-west and North-central in the fight against banditry.

Within the last four weeks, there are improvements in the North-east and North-central, Mr Buhari said.
RTHK: US warns Russia of risk of 'confrontation'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday said Russia had to choose between dialogue and confrontation, ahead of talks in Geneva on soaring tensions over Ukraine.

"There's a path of dialogue and diplomacy to try to resolve some of these differences and avoid a confrontation," Blinken told CNN's "State of the Union" show.

"The other path is confrontation and massive consequences for Russia if it renews its aggression on Ukraine. We are about to test the proposition about which path President Putin is prepared to take."

Vladimir Putin's government has reportedly massed tens of thousands of troops along Russia's border with Ukraine, drawing Washington into a Cold War-style stand-off.

Blinken warned that any positive outcome from the talks would rely in part on Russia's willingness to stand down from its aggressive posture, which he likened to "an atmosphere of escalation with a gun to Ukraine's head".

"So if we're actually going to make progress, we're going to have to see de-escalation, Russia pulling back from the threat that it currently poses to Ukraine," US President Joe Biden's top diplomat said.

On Sunday Moscow ruled out any concession at the highly anticipated talks, which open a week of diplomacy in which Russian officials will meet with Nato and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The Kremlin, wary of Nato's potential eastward expansion, has insisted the grouping never grant membership to Ukraine, a former Soviet state which is pushing to join the trans-Atlantic body.

Washington has also acknowledged that Moscow has expressed interest in discussing the future of missile systems in Europe. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2022-01-09. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Feature: Lahore Orange Line, epitome of China-Pakistan friendship

14:02, January 09, 2022 By Jiang Chao ( Xinhua

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- A familiar broadcast sound from the Dera Gujran station reminded Mohammad Nauman of the first stop of his career. In 2020, the young Pakistani man worked in Lahore to prepare the opening of the Orange Line, the country's first metro train service, and witnessed the friendship between the locals and Chinese workers.

Officially open to traffic on Oct. 25, 2020, the eco-friendly Orange Line metro train is an early project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

On April 20, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Islamabad for state visit to Pakistan. The two countries agreed to form a "1+4" cooperation structure with the CPEC at the center, and the Gwadar Port, transportation infrastructure, energy and industrial cooperation being the four key areas to achieve win-win results.

The two countries have signed over 50 cooperation deals, including the Orange Line project.

"When President Xi witnessed the signing of this project in 2015, I was a university student majoring in transportation. So it was very amazing for me that this whole connectivity was coming to my country," said Nauman.

In February 2020, when the project in the second largest city of Pakistan started recruiting operation technicians, Nauman applied and became a member of the operation team.

The team needed to fully master professional skills for train operation, dispatching, driving and maintenance within only eight months before the official opening of the metro line, he recalled, saying that "it almost seemed an impossible task."

Li Chen, chief executive officer of Orange Line Metro Rail transit system operation &maintenance joint venture, faced similar difficulties.

"The group training was organized for local employees, and all of them were required to inspect the Orange Line on the spot to understand all technical details," he said.

"Everyone is amazed and wonders how our Chinese trainers can put so much effort into this project," said Nauman, adding that the Chinese trainers showed great patience while teaching the Pakistani employees technical knowledge.

"Most people cannot bear to stand in the scorching sun for two minutes on the overpass, however, the Chinese trainers walked back and forth along the 26 km metro line doing training and inspections," Li said.

Their hard work had greatly encouraged Nauman and his co-workers, who quickly improved their professional skills, Li added.

After the Orange Line started commercial operation, Nauman began to work as a station master at the Dera Gujran station. "My family is very proud of me being a part of this international project," he said.

With his own efforts and the help of his Chinese colleagues, Nauman was awarded the "excellent employee of the CPEC in 2020," and has been transferred to the operation control center (OCC) to work as a train dispatcher. In his new position, Nauman took on a heavier responsibility.

"My position in the OCC, the heart of the Orange Line, is one of the most key positions as far as safety is concerned. We are ensuring the safety for all passengers in Lahore," Nauman said.

No accidents have occurred so far on the Orange Line which carries 25 million passengers a year, a hard-won achievement, Li said.

"The CPEC has not only connected the technology and economy of the two countries but also strengthened people-to-people contact. That's what the Orange Line has been doing," he added.

The sentiment was echoed by Nauman, who also sees the line as a token of friendship between China and Pakistan.

"China generously shares its resources with other countries, and other countries are getting benefits from that. So I think this is going to give real potential to Pakistan and make the country prosperous," said Haris Iftikhar, a local passenger.

"I am feeling delighted traveling on this train. We have excellent relations with China. China is a very good friend of Pakistan. So I'm proud of China, and I'm also proud of my own country," said another passenger named Nyla Zulfiqar.

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
New Delhi, Jan 8 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday held a telephonic talk with his Iranian counterpart H. Amirabdollahian, during which the two discussed the challenges in Afghanistan, the prospects of Chabahar port and the Iranian nuclear issue.

The EAM posted a tweet on the talks.

A wide ranging conversation with my Iranian colleague, FM

@Amirabdolahian.

Discussed the difficulties of Covid, challenges in Afghanistan, prospects of Chabahar and complexities of the Iranian nuclear issue.

On Friday, he had spoken with his South African counterpart Dr. Naledi Pandor and said that the cooperation between the two sides in combating Covid and addressing other global challenges has been notable.

A message of solidarity and warmth to my South African colleague Dr. Naledi Pandor in the New Year.

Our cooperation in combating Covid and addressing other global challenges has been notable, he posted.

He added that he looked forward to an early convening of the Joint Commission Meeting.

Look forward to an early convening of our Joint Commission Meeting.

The EAM has also touched base with the Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and said that 2022 is special as it marks 75 years on the bilateral diplomatic ties.

Very pleased to greet FM Sameh Shoukry of Egypt in the New Year.

This year is special, marking 75 years of our diplomatic relationship. Look forward to working together to take it to even greater heights, he posted.

UNI/RN
The efforts of the Lagos State Government to avert the three-day warning strike declared by the nurses in the state proved abortive on Saturday as the angry workers walked out of the meeting called by the government towards addressing their concerns.

The nurses, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), had on Friday at a congress held at their secretariat at Agidingbi area of Ikeja, declared the three-day warning strike to begin on Monday, January 10, and end on Wednesday, January 12.

Their demands include resolution of what they termed acute shortage of nurses and midwives, retention incentives to arrest the turnover rate, proper consolidation of CONHESS salary structure and improved working conditions.

But a meeting at the Marina home of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday which was attended by some cabinet members in the state including the health commissioner and his counterpart at the ministry of establishments, Akin Abayomi and Ajibola Ponnle respectively; permanent secretary at the ministry of health and his counterpart at the health service commission, Olusegun Ogboye and Benjamin Eniayewu respectively; chief medical director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Adetokunbo Fabanwo, among others, failed to hold.

The nurses, who were led into the meeting by the associations chairman, Olurotimi Awojide, and the secretary, Toba Odumosu, disagreed with the composition of the governments representatives, insisting that they were only ready to meet with the governor.

According to reliable sources, who did not want to be mentioned for fear of sanctions, the union officers said they had held several meetings with the same officials including the head of service in the state, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, without a logical conclusion and that they were unsure if their matters were being raised before the governor.

They said it would only be appropriate to raise the matter directly with the governor, saying only a commitment made by the governor would be taken to their members for deliberation.

NANNM secretary speaks

Meanwhile, the unions secretary, Mr Odumosu, in a terse response to PREMIUM TIMES enquiry on Sunday, said it was true that the union refused to meet with the government officials for fear of repetitions.

He said: Yes, we had to walk out of the meeting because the invitation we received was to meet the governor and not representatives. We had met those same officials several times in the past without resolution. So it is important that we hear from the horses mouth.

He said though they met the governor on their way out of the venue, he apologised for not making himself available for the meeting.

The governor apologised and he already scheduled another meeting with us for today (Sunday) by 5p.m. So we are patiently waiting for the outcome of the meeting, Mr Odumosu said.

Govt confirms development

The chief press secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Akosile, on Sunday, confirmed that he was aware that the meeting could not hold.

Mr Akosile, however, could neither confirm nor deny that another meeting was already scheduled with the union. He said he would confirm and revert to our reporter.

However, as of the time of filing this report, Mr Akosile had yet to revert on the matter.

Nurses demands

According to the association, the exodus of its members abroad for greener pastures is leaving untold pressure on those left in the system, saying the high turnover of workforce in the state is already becoming unbearable to the existing members.

Breaking down the statistics, the union wrote: The increased foreign labour migration of nurses is no longer news. Understandably this has led to an acute shortage in the staffing of health facilities. According to our records, more than 496 nurses left the service of the Lagos State Health Service Commission alone between 2019 to 2021 and with less than 15 per cent due to statutory retirement. For context, the commission has only about 2,350 nurses. Over 200 nurses left the service of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital within the same period. Over 80 left the primary healthcare board within the last two years which has only about 700 nurses and midwives.

It is clear that nurses do not find job satisfaction or fulfillment here. Nurses are quitting within weeks of taking appointments. And this mass exodus continues to further overburden and overstress the nurses still within the service. The government has a replacement-on-exit policy in place which has been rendered ineffective by the inability to easily find replacements. Nurses are critical assets. Out of the 500 vacancies approved for recruitment by the governor for the Health Service Commission recently, less than 300 applied. This is in a country with a 33.2 per cent unemployment rate. It is certain far much less would actually take the job. LASUTH experienced the same fate in its own recruitment effort and it would be the same for the Primary Healthcare Board when it starts its recruitment.

The inherent danger is that while the government is finding it difficult to fill entry-level positions, more senior nurses are also leaving the service. A replacement-on-exit policy does not cater to the deficiency of experienced hands that result from this mass exodus. The effect on the quality of care can easily be inferred.
After hours of extensive meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, nurses in Lagos on Sunday night agreed to suspend the planned three-day warning strike as soon as a circular containing the agreements is issued by the government on Monday and the same is discussed at an emergency congress of the nurses union.

Credible insiders at the meeting, who do not want to be named, said the governor has approved in principle almost all the demands by the nurses, especially the retention allowance, and recruitment of more persons to fill the vacuum created by the exodus of our colleagues abroad and based on retirement.

The sources confirmed that an emergency congress of the states chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has been tentatively fixed for 12 noon at the unions secretariat on Monday.

The new development, according to the sources, however, implies that the strike would continue until the congress finalises its deliberations on the contents of the circular that is expected by the union from the government on Monday.

But joining the meeting on Monday alongside the governor were the same set of government officials whose composition had earlier been rejected by the workers for what they described as their consistent failure to address their concerns.

The officials included the health commissioner and his counterpart at the ministry of establishments, Akin Abayomi, and Ajibola Ponnle respectively; permanent secretary at the ministry of health and his counterpart at the health service commission, Olusegun Ogboye, and Benjamin Eniayewu respectively; chief medical director of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Adetokunbo Fabanwo, among others

Government confirms

This was corroborated by the governors chief press secretary (CPS), Gboyega Akosile, who spoke to our reporter on the phone shortly after the meeting on Sundat night.

According to Mr Akosile, most of the requests by the nurses that could be approved immediately were granted by the governor, and those requiring further deliberations have also been approved for further discussion.

In a short message shared with our reporter, Mr Akosile wrote that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu held a closed-door meeting with members of the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Council at the State House, Marina on Sunday evening. The meeting was called by the Governor to address the grievances of the nursing workforce in the State.

At the end of the two hours meeting, both the Government and the union agreed on a number of issues that had been causing disaffection between the two parties. Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged Governments sincerity in the implementation of all that was agreed on, to the delight of the representatives of the nurses.

On his part, chairman, Lagos State Council of the association, Comrade Olurotimi Awojide, thanked the governor for acceding to most of their requests, describing the Governor as a true leader and father who cares about his children. Awojide promised to call an emergency congress of the association on Monday, where the union will announce her decision to call off the planned industrial action.

Union keeps mum

But the leadership of the association has barred its members from engaging the public on the issue, saying no interview should be granted until the issues are logically resolved. Just like 24 hours earlier, the team of the nurses was led by its chairman and secretary, Olurotimi Awojide and Toba Odumosu, respectively.

But a reliable source confirmed that the unionists have said they could only trust the government when they receive a circular containing the contents as agreed at the meeting.

We have told our members to maintain the status quo ante as agreed at the congress on Friday until another congress decides otherwise. So we cannot say the strike has been called off or suspended for now until we see the governors promises in black and white, one of the sources said.

The source accused the government of marginalising nurses, saying as the most populous workforce within the health sector and a strong pillar upon which the sector rests, they are poorly treated by the government at all levels.

Backstory

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier on Sunday reported how the angry nurses walked out on the representatives of the government at a meeting scheduled to hold on Saturday. The development forced Mr Sanwo-Olu to abort his planned trip out of Lagos on Sunday as he pledged to meet physically with the health workers as demanded by them.

The nurses, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), had on Friday at a congress held at their secretariat at Agidingbi area of Ikeja, declared the three-day warning strike to begin on Monday, January 10, and end on Wednesday, January 12.

Their demands include resolution of what they termed acute shortage of nurses and midwives, retention incentives to arrest the turnover rate, proper consolidation of CONHESS salary structure and improved working conditions.

But the meeting fixed for Saturday with the governor could not hold when the union representatives insisted they were ready to meet the governor in person, saying they had held several meetings with the same officials including the head of service in the state, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, without a logical conclusion and that they were unsure if their matters were being raised before the governor.

They said it would only be appropriate to raise the matter directly with the governor, insisting only a commitment made by the governor would be taken to their members for deliberation.

Hurting statistics

According to the association, the exodus of its members abroad for greener pastures is leaving untold pressure on those left in the system, saying the high turnover of workforce in the state is becoming unbearable to the existing members.

Breaking down the statistics, the union wrote in a release that the increased foreign labour migration of nurses is no longer news. Understandably this has led to an acute shortage in the staffing of health facilities. According to our records, more than 496 nurses left the service of the Lagos State Health Service Commission alone between 2019 to 2021 and with less than 15 per cent due to statutory retirement. For context, the commission has only about 2,350 nurses. Over 200 nurses left the service of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital within the same period. Over 80 left the primary healthcare board within the last two years which has only about 700 nurses and midwives.

It is clear that nurses do not find job satisfaction or fulfillment here. Nurses are quitting within weeks of taking appointments. And this mass exodus continues to further overburden and overstress the nurses still within the service. The government has a replacement-on-exit policy in place which has been rendered ineffective by the inability to easily find replacements. Nurses are critical assets. Out of the 500 vacancies approved for recruitment by the governor for the Health Service Commission recently, less than 300 applied. This is in a country with a 33.2 per cent unemployment rate. It is certain far much less would actually take the job. LASUTH experienced the same fate in its own recruitment effort and it would be the same for the Primary Healthcare Board when it starts its recruitment.

The inherent danger is that while the government is finding it difficult to fill entry-level positions, more senior nurses are also leaving the service. A replacement-on-exit policy does not cater to the deficiency of experienced hands that result from this mass exodus. The effect on the quality of care can easily be inferred.
Taliban forces have detained a university lecturer in Kabul who publicly criticised their policies in a live television debate last year.

Faizullah Jalal, a professor at Kabul University, was arrested in his home by Taliban security service officers on Saturday and taken to an unknown location, his wife Massouda Jalal, who ran for president of Afghanistan in 2002 and 2004, confirmed on her Facebook page.

Hours after widespread domestic and international reactions, the Talibans chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the arrest of the outspoken professor and accused him of inciting people against the Taliban government and toying with the dignity of people.

The Taliban shared screenshots of an unverified Twitter account that they said belonged to Mr Jalal and cited comments made there as the reason for his arrest.

Mr Jalals family, however, said the Twitter account attributed to him is fake.

The academic criticised the regimes policies in an outspoken debate with a Taliban spokesman on live television on November 21.

He criticised the Taliban for suppressing critics of the regime and also called the groups spokesman a calf, an Afghan insult.

Mr Jalal has taken part in debates on Afghanistans most popular television channels for years.

He is known for his outspoken criticism of the countrys leaders, including former presidents Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani.

In response to the debate in November, Mr Jalal received huge praise for his courage in openly criticising the Taliban and was even called the voice of the Afghan people.

At the time many social media users also swapped their profile pictures for a picture of Mr Jalal, while others expressed concerns for his safety.

On Saturday, both ordinary Afghans and many international human rights organisations came out in support of Mr Jalal.

The Taliban has never tolerated criticism or free speech, said Patricia Gossman, associate director for Asia at Human Rights Watch.

He should be released immediately, she added.

Rising numbers of government employees have been detained and the number of extra-judicial killings has increased since the Taliban seized power in August 2021.

(dpa/NAN)
The National Reconciliation Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday arrived in Osogbo, the Osun capital, to reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

A statement issued by Ismail Omipidan, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Gboyega Oyetola, said the committee was led by a former Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Adamu.

Mr Adamu during a courtesy call on Governor Oyetola said members of the committee were ready to ensure fair hearing, equity and justice in carrying out their assignment in the state.

He said the committee would be attending to petitions and complaints from some aggrieved members of the party before coming up with its findings.

We want to thank Mr Governor for personally being available to receive us.

We are the committee appointed and inaugurated sometime in November last year to serve as members of the reconciliatory committee on issues that border on relationship and institutional matters.

We have done much on the Northern states and we started that of South-West on Thursday in Lagos.

Yesterday, we were in Ogun State, and today, we are in Osogbo, the Osun State capital city.

As a matter of tradition and respect, when we go to a state like this, where our party is in power, we owe it a duty to pay courtesy on the Governor, because here (Government House) is our home, to announce and inform him we are in his land.

Our intention here is to maximise the opportunity of getting evaluation of relevant materials after which we will go to Abuja and sit as a committee and develop what we have in the report, which we will share with the authority of the party at the national level that appointed us, Mr Adamu said.

In his response, Mr Oyetola assured the committee of his administrations absolute cooperation and support to carry out its assignment.

He expressed confidence in the composition and ability of the members of the committee to dispense justice and ensure fair play throughout the exercise.

I appreciate this visit and I thank you most sincerely for taking the trouble to come to us. No organisation without issues, but what is important is to find possible way of reconciliation.

We will give you all the support, you will have the maximum cooperation expected of us.

I welcome the idea of accepting petitions and finding solutions to all contentious issues.

We are peaceful people. Looking at the calibre of people that are involved in the committee, I have no doubt that reconciliation is possible.

The Chairman of the Committee had done so well when he served as Nasarawa governor, ditto the other governors in the Committee as well as other members of the Committee

On our part, we are willing to give you all necessary support to make this a success.

I hope you will enjoy the hospitality of our State. By any standard, we have not disappointed the party. Within the little we have, we have justified the confidence reposed in us, Mr Oyetola added.

(NAN)
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila over their failure to probe, and to refer to appropriate anti-corruption agencies fresh allegations that N4.1bn of public money budgeted for the National Assembly is missing, misappropriated or stolen.

The suit followed the publication of the annual audited report for 2016 in which the Auditor-General of the Federation raised concerns about alleged diversion and misappropriation of public funds and sought the recovery of any missing funds.

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1609/2021 filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel Dr Lawan and Mr Gbajabiamila to perform their constitutional oversight functions to promptly probe the allegations that fresh N4.1bn budgeted for the National Assembly may be missing.

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that the National Assembly has legal and constitutional duties to prevent and combat corruption, as well as promote transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

According to SERAP: The National Assembly can only effectively perform its anti-corruption role if it can demonstrate exemplary leadership to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement involving the legislative body.

SERAP is also arguing that transparency and accountability in the management of public resources and wealth is essential for promoting development, peoples welfare and well-being, and their access to basic public services, as well as good governance and the rule of law.

SERAP is arguing that The failure of the National Assembly to promptly and thoroughly investigate, and to refer to appropriate anti-corruption agencies the allegations documented in the annual audited report for 2016 is a fundamental breach of the oversight and public interest duties imposed on the legislative body.

According to SERAP, The National Assembly has no legally justifiable reason to refuse to investigate the allegations documented by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, read in part: Granting this application would serve the interest of justice, reduce corruption and mismanagement, as well as end impunity of perpetrators, and advance the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

This suit seeks to vindicate the rule of law, the public interest, and to promote transparency and accountability. Government agencies and institutions are responsible to a court of justice for the lawfulness of what they do, and of that the court is the only judge.

SERAP had last year sent a letter to Dr Lawan and Mr Gbajabiamila requesting them to use their good offices to urgently probe and refer to appropriate anti-corruption agencies allegations that fresh allegations of missing N4.1bn of public money.

The letter, read in part: these fresh allegations are not part of the disclosure by the Auditor-General in the audited reports for 2015, 2017 and 2018 that N4.4 billion of National Assembly money is missing, misappropriated or stolen.

According to the Auditor-General report for 2016, N4,144,706,602.68 of National Assembly money is missing, diverted or stolen. The National Assembly paid some contractors N417,312,538.79 without any documents. The Auditor-General wants the Clerk to the National Assembly to recover the amount in question from the contractors.

The National Assembly reportedly spent N625,000,000.00 through its Constitution Review Committee between March and June 2016 but without any document. The Auditor-General wants the Clerk to the National Assembly to recover the amount from the Committee.

The National Assembly also reportedly spent N66,713,355.08 as personnel cost but the payees in the Cashbook did not correspond with those in the Bank Statement. The Auditor-General wants the irregular expenditure recovered from the officer who approved the payments.

The National Assembly also reportedly paid N116,162,522.60 to some contractors between April and June, 2016 without any document. The National Assembly deducted N56,985,568.55 from various contract payments in respect of Withholding Tax and Value Added Tax but without any evidence of remittance.

The National Assembly also reportedly paid N126,264,320.00 as cash advances to 11 staff members between March and December, 2016 to procure goods and services but failed to remit the money.

The Senate reportedly paid N747,286,680.00 as personal advances to staff members between February and December, 2016 for various procurements and services but failed to retire the money. The Senate also deducted N118,625,057.48 as Withholding and Value Added Taxes but failed to show any evidence of remittance to the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The Senate also spent N109,007,179.73 from the Capital Expenditure vote but without any document.

The House of Representatives reportedly deducted N821,564,296.48 from staff salaries but failed to remit the money to tax authorities. The House also paid N254,059,513.70 as advances to staff members to procure goods and services between January and December, 2016 but failed to retire the money.

The National Institute for Legislative Studies reportedly spent N375,867,000.00 to buy 11 motor vehicles in April 2016. But the Institute also paid the same contractor N36,610,000.00 in September 2016 under the same contract without approval.

The Institute also reportedly paid N10,927,768.80 to 7 members of staff who were redeployed from the National Assembly to provide specialized services but without details about the staff paid, and without any justification.

The National Assembly Service Commission reportedly approved N109,995,400.00 to train some officers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates but spent N127,629,600.00 as Estacode Allowances to participants, and fees for two consultants engaged for the training. The Commission also spent N9,975,000.00 as course fees for 34 officers but it also paid a consultant N4,987,500.00 for the same course fees.

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The Legislative Aides Section earned N12,274,587.77 as interests on Bank accounts in a commercial bank between January and December 2016 but failed to remit the money to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director
The police in Osun have arrested the General Manager of Western Sun Hotels, Ede, Samuel Owolawi, over attempted land grabbing, assault and malicious damage to property.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that Mr Owolawi was taken into custody in Ede on Saturday after he allegedly led hoodlums and armed soldiers to demolish an ongoing building construction and chased away workers on a site behind the hotel.

The builder on site, Mutiu Tijani, said in a statement to the police that Mr Owolawis gang also demolished the building on the orders of Kamal Yusuf, a serving major general in the Nigerian Army and chairman of Western Sun Hotels.

According to him, the gang also beat up the workers and threatened the men never to return to the site, claiming that the general recently bought over the property from Ede North Local Government Area.

While bricklayers were working on site, to my surprise, General Manager of Western Sun Hotels, Samuel Owolawi, asked the workers to leave the site on the order of Gen. Yusuf.

In fact, they demolished all works we have done and wasted the materials  bricks, sand, cement, we had to run for our dear lives, the builder said in his statement at Oke Iresi Police Division, Ede.

NAN learnt that the police have also invited the incumbent chairman of Ede North Local Government Area, Adeyemi Elliot, for questioning to explain his role in assisting the General in the land scandal.

When contacted about the incident, Osun police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that a report of malicious damage was reported at Police Division Ede.

Ms Opalola said the matter was a land ownership tussle and and appealed to the parties involved to maintain peace while the police carry out further investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, Adeyemi Giwa, counsel to the owner of the property, Akinwale Ojetimi, has vowed to press further charges against the serving general, his agents and some council officials over their roles in the brazen illegality.

All those involved in this brazen illegality will face full weight of the law and pay dearly for it.

It is inconceivable for anyone, no matter how highly placed, to surreptitiously want to wrestle our clients property from him.

The era of impunity is long over, the lawyer said.

According to him, the land in question is a local government scheme which was legitimately allocated by the council to Ojetimi in 2004.

He said that the evolving developments, allegedly coming from the council, is an unimaginable travesty and monumental fraud which must be promptly halted.

Mr Giwa had in a December 7, 2021, petition asked the council to warn Mr Yusuf, Western Hotels, and his agents against trespassing on the property.

(NAN)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 76-year-old grandfather, Osagie Robert, in Edo State for allegedly importing drugs into Nigeria.

The spokesperson for the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Babafemi said a suspected fake security agent, Godwin Ilevbare, otherwise known as Edwin Agbon, was also arrested for importing drug chocolates and cookies from Canada into Nigeria.

He said the septuagenarian popularly called old soldier was arrested on January 7 in Egor, Oredo area of the state for dealing in Cannabis.

Mr Babafemi said Mr Ilevbare was nabbed during a controlled delivery of a consignment shipped into Nigeria through a courier company.

Soon after the suspect signed for the consignment, undercover operatives embedded in the courier firm arrested him at his apartment in Benin city on January 4.

The consignment, which emanated from Canada, contains Colorado brand of Cannabis concealed inside chocolates and cookies weighing 6.491 Kilogrammes.

The drug cookies and chocolates weighed 5.566kg and 0.383kg respectively, he said.

In a related development, NDLEA arrested 48-year-old Iloduba Augustine, a passenger on Ethiopian airline that arrived at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on New Year eve.

Mr Babafemi said the suspect was placed on observation during which he confessed to have swallowed 58 pellets of cocaine.

He said the suspect excreted 48 pellets which were delivered to a Kenyan while on transit in Addis Ababa for a fee of N1 million.

According to Mr Babafemi, the suspect said he continued his journey to Nigeria with the remaining 10 pellets in his stomach, which according to him, he intends to sell in Lagos.

The wraps of cocaine were later excreted at 10:40 a.m. on New Year day, he added.

The NDLEA spokesperson also said that NDLEA operatives arrested 23-year-old Simon Richard, a 500 level student of the Department of Agric Economics and Extension, Federal University of Technology, Minna in Niger state.

Mr Babafemi said the suspect was arrested at Gidan Kwano Talba Road, Minna, with different quantities of Loud and Tramadol on January 6.

He said a 21-year-old lady, Shidoo Ben, was also arrested with 14 pinches of crack cocaine at Jada Hotel Otukpo, in Benue State on January 7.

She traveled from Abuja to sell the drug in Benue. This is even as a raid in Jigbele Lota camp, Owo area of Ondo State led to the recovery of 598kg cannabis and the arrest of Chukwuemeka Azi on January 6.

In Ogun state, two suspects: Mrs Ajoke Samuel, 60, and Ogundairo Taye, 37, were arrested in Itaka and Odo Eran areas of Abeokuta North with different quantities of cannabis sativa.

Two suspects, Ibrahim Adamu and Yahaya Mohammed were nabbed with 81kg cannabis along Ilorin-Jebba expressway on January 4, he said.

Mr Babafemi said three siblings, Emmanuel Jajoang; Timothy Jajoang and Markus Jajoang, were arrested on January 6, at Kwakwi village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State with different quantities of cannabis and a locally made pistol.

At least, two suspects again, Sunny Daniel and Joseph Chukwube, were arrested in different parts of Rivers state with quantities of Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cannabis Sativa and Cocaine as well as N364,500 cash on January 6.

In Delta state, NDLEA operatives, supported by soldiers, on January 5, raided a warehouse in Abbi town, Ndokwa West LGA.

Two variants of cannabis, Loud and skunk weighing 56.5kg believed to be imported from a neighbouring country, as well as two suspects, Miss Lillian Echicheli and Collins Uzokwe were seized, he said.

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Mr Babafemi quoted the Chairman, NDLEA, Buba Marwa, as commending the officers and men of Edo, Enugu Airport, Niger, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Rivers, Ondo, Benue and Delta commands.

Mr Marwa also commended those of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigations for starting the New Year with a strong message to drug cartels.

He assured that the agency would not relent in its determination and efforts against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

(NAN)
The police in Ogun say they arrested a 38-year-old man for allegedly stabbing his mistresss husband to death.

The police spokesperson in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Ota, Ogun, on Sunday, said the incident happened at Onipanu area of the state.

Mr Oyeyemi explained that the suspect was arrested on January 7 for allegedly stabbing one Emaka Umonko, husband to a woman with whom he was allegedly having a secret love affair.

He said that the suspects arrest followed a distress call received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Onipanu Divisional Headquarters, Bamidele Job, a Chief Superintendent of Police.

Mr Oyeyemi said the deceased, who had been suspecting the suspect, confronted him for having an illicit affair with his wife, adding that this led to a serious fight between the two men.

While the fight was going on, the suspect, a commercial driver, brought out a knife and used it to stab the deceased severally at his back and chest, which made him (the deceased) to collapse.

Upon the distress call, the DPO Onipanu Division, CSP Bamidele Job, immediately detailed his men to the scene, where the suspect was promptly arrested and the knife recovered as an exhibit.

The victim, a welder, was rushed to the State Hospital Ota, but was unfortunately pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.

The remains of the victim were subsequently deposited at the Ifo General Hospital mortuary for post mortem examination, he said.

Mr Oyeyemi quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Lanre Bankole, as directing that the suspect be transferred to the homicide section of the state criminal investigation and intelligence department, for further investigation.

He said that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded. (NAN)
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has said that the Ijaw communities deserve more from the Edo State Government than the procurement of gunboats to enhance security in riverine areas of the state.

Omaghomi Olu-Derimon, the secretary, IYC Western Zone, stated this in a statement made available to reporters in Benin on Sunday.

Mr Olu-Derimon, who commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for the enhanced security across the state, said the Ijaws desire infrastructural development in their communities.

He said the people would have been elated if the funds used for procuring gunboats were directed to addressing the huge infrastructural deficits bedeviling the riverine communities.

The secretary said the first sets of gunboats procured by the government were yet to be utilised.

It will be wrong if we say the governor is not doing his best in terms of security as it affects the state.

Even the blind can attest to the fact that security in the state has improved tremendously under the leadership of the governor.

Thanks to all security agencies and the Edo State Vigilante Network who are on ground in almost all communities, including our riverine areas.

Just recently, the government announced that it has acquired some gunboats for the riverine areas mostly occupied by the Ijaws of Edo state.

Edo State Government bought similar boats a while ago and we are equally aware these boats are still very new and are yet to be fully utilised as far as we are concerned, so why buy more?

We have cried out that Ijaws are marginalised in terms of infrastructure, political appointments and elective positions, he said.

Mr Olu-Derimon said that Ijaws in Ovia South West could not access Benin City because of the deplorable state of Udo Ofunama Inikorogha Road

He said that people in those communities have to travel through water to Gelegele or Sapele, Delta State, before embarking on a road journey to access the state capital or their local government headquarters.

Mr Olu-Derimon said that Gelegele Ekewan Barracks Road, which serves as a major access route to the state capital, is now bad.

According to him, We have been crying for a long time that Mr Godwin Obaseki should cover up with the infrastructural underdevelopment in the riverine areas of the state since he came onboard but the story is almost similar with that of the previous administrations.

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I know if the story does not change under this present government, a 100 gunboats will not be able to change the insecurity that will greet the waterways which will extend to the hinterlands. I am saying this based on past experiences.

We have over time demanded for three development centers for the three local government areas where Ijaws are domiciled.

We also demanded for Edo State Riverine Development Agency and a Marine Academy in the areas, he said.

Mr Olu-Derimon said their demands were to fast-track development in the communities.

He added that none of their requests has been attended to instead the government is acquiring gunboats which would be in use only when the governor visits or any other VIP visits the areas.

Its a New Year and we want to urge the governor to change the narrative in our area by giving us adequate development attention, he said.

(NAN)
The Kaduna State Government has directed all public schools in the state to migrate to the four-day working week, as schools reopen on January 10 for the second term of the 2021/2022 academic session.

The Commissioner for Education, Halima Lawal, gave the directive in Kaduna on Sunday in a notice for school resumption for second term of the 2021/2022 academic session.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Kaduna State Government had on Dec. 1, 2021, begun transition to a four-day working week.

A statement by Muyiwa Adekeye, media adviser to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, had explained that the new measure would eventually affect the organised private sector in the state.

According to the statement, the measure is designed to help boost productivity, improve work-life balance and enable workers to have more time for their families, for rest and for agriculture.

Mr Lawal explained that in view of the new development, the 2021/2022 academic calendar would be adjusted to ensure coverage of the curriculum for the academic session.

She said all parents, guardians, and the public should note that the state government has approved January 10 as the resumption date for the 2nd term of the 2021/2022 academic session.

The Kaduna State Government wishes to inform parents, guardians and the public that the resumption date for the second term of the 2021/2022 academic session earlier slated for Monday, January 10th, 2021, remains unchanged.

The Ministry of Education expects all Principals and Head Teachers to receive boarding students on Sunday, Jan. 9, and day students on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, respectively.

The ministry further advises parents, guardians and students to comply with all public health guidelines by adopting all protective measures against COVID-19.

Additionally, administrators and proprietors of public and private schools and other learning centres, including Islamiyya and Madrasas, are encouraged to sustain school-based security committees set up to ensure safety of students in schools, she said.

The commissioner also urged the school administrators and proprietors to adhere to the Safe School Learning Initiatives as directed by the Federal Ministry of Education.

She advised members of the school security committee to ensure proper monitoring of security apparatus and prompt reporting of any security threats in their schools through the following numbers: 09034000060 or 08170189999. (NAN)
New Delhi, Jan 9 (UNI) Amid the continuous upsurge of Covid-19, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday cautioned that the city government will not have to impose the lockdown if everyone wears masks.

"We don't want to impose lockdown on the city. We will not have to until everyone wear masks," he said during his digital address.

"The lockdown will affect the livelihood badly," Kejriwal added.

The statement has come a day before the meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority scheduled for Monday. Sources suggest that the government could further intensify the restrictions put in place to stop the infection spread.

The Minister also said Delhi is likely to report around 22,000 new Covid infections today. However, he also appealed to the people to not panic and strictly follow the Covid Appropriate Behaviour.

"Yesterday more than 20,000 cases, today around 22,000 cases will be logged in the evening's health bulletin. The increasing cases are concerning but there is no need to be scared," Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal further said the analysis of the current Covid-19 situation compared to the second wave state that the hospitalization and deaths are less this time.

"On May 7, 2021, we recorded over 20,000 cases and all the beds were occupied in Delhi. There were 341 deaths as well. However, yesterday we reported a similar number of infections but only 1,500 beds are occupied and around seven deaths were reported," he added

Earlier today, the Delhi CM had announced on Twitter that his isolation period is over and he is "back to the public service."

"I also got infected. I had a fever for about two days but after that I was fine. I stayed in home isolation for about 7-8 days but kept an eye on the situation in Delhi over the phone," he said.

On January 4, Kejriwal said that he tested positive for Covid-19 and had 'mild' symptoms. Subsequently, the CM home isolated himself and asked his close contacts to get a check-up.

UNI ASH SY 1547
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Faruk Yahaya, has restated commitment to ensuring comprehensive medical treatment to wounded officers and soldiers of the armed forces.

Mr Yahaya, a lieutenant general, made the pledge while felicitating with officers, soldiers and their families on the occasion of the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC).

This was contained in a goodwill message by Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, on Sunday, in Abuja.

Mr Yahaya said the AFRDC was in recognition of the fallen heroes; gallant men and women, who paid the supreme price in the defence of peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria and the world at large.

He said many of the fallen heroes laid down their lives during the World War I, World War II, Nigerian Civil War and other peace support operations across the globe.

According to him, they are also engaged in various internal security operations, including ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry and secessionism, amongst other threats to national security.

Mr Yahaya said their sacrifices would not be forgotten and prayed for the repose of their souls, adding that the AFRDC also presented opportunity to honour veterans who are still alive.

The COAS said many of the veterans regrettably sustained varying degrees of injuries in the course of their service to the nation and humanity, stressing that care for the injured and maimed personnel would remain a cardinal focus under his command.

While appreciating troops for their sacrifices in achieving successes across spectrum of operations, Mr Yahaya urged them not to relent but to sustain and consolidate on the feat achieved so far.

The COAS also called on officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to be loyal to the constituted authority as well as ensure greater synergy with sister services and agencies in the pursuit of peace and security in Nigeria.

He further reaffirmed the unalloyed loyalty of Nigerian Army to President Muhammadu Buhari and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (NAN)
The President General of Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijaniyya), Nigeria, Muhammad Sanusi, has advised eligible voters in Nigeria to register, get their voters card (PVC) and vote the best and competent candidates in all positions in subsequent elections.

Mr Sanusi made the call on Saturday in Lokoja, on the last day of the three-day Annual Conference of the 4th Nigeria World Maulid Anniversary, in honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, with the theme: The Prophetic Solutions To The Questions of Humanity.

Mr Sanusi, a former emir of Kano, urged the group to vote for the best person that is most competent in every position irrespective of political party or religious affiliations.

If our youths get employed, the economy of the entire country will improve.

Most importantly, we are not a political party but we cannot fold our arms and ignore politics.

Every member of Attijaniyya from 18 years old and above, male or female, go and get your voters card.

Allah commands you that you should place trust in the hands of those people who are trustworthy.

Now, we are at the time where those who appoint leaders are the people, your vote is your power, you have a responsibility.

I am not saying you must vote only for members of Attijaniyya, Muslim, or for any political party; you are to vote for every position the best person that is most competent, he said.

He added: If you dont take this responsibility you have betrayed Islam. We must preserve the unity of this country to ensure self-reliance, education peace and unity.

He commended Governor Yahaya Bello for hosting the conference, and for accepting their request for the provision of land in the state to build an International Islamic Centre to honour Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim Niass.

He emphasised that the movement used the opportunity to pray for peace, unity and a good country whose leaders will always do the right thing.

He stressed the need to continue to promote peace, pray and eschew extremism, saying no matter the difficult situation, Allah will be able to see the country through.

We must therefore not relent in our prayers for this country. We need to educate our children, he said.

In his remarks, the Kogi State Governor, Mr Bello, described the conference as a historic day for him and the people of Kogi State and Lokoja.

According to him, the state is hosting the world Maulid anniversary in honour of Prophet Muhammad and late Ibrahim Niass, whose son, Muhammad Niass, was in attendance.

Mr Bello noted that as a governor, he is bound to be fair, just and ensure equity for all, irrespective of religious affiliations or ethnicity.

He said that he had learnt a lot from the gathering; great messages of unity, love, hard work, peace, tolerance and taking our destinies into our hands, which remains the message of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He appreciated Muhammad Niass for the gift of the Holy Quran presented to him and his prayers for him to end well as the governor of Kogi State, as well as fulfilling all his ambitions.

NAN reports that the highlight of the occasion was the Islamic recitations and presentation of Holy Quran to the governor by the son of late Ibrahim Niass, Muhammad Niass from Senegal.

Dignitaries at the occasion were Ambassadors of Morroco, Palestine, Mauritiana, Cameroon and representatives of Senegal, other diplomats, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries across the 36 States of the federation and the FCT.

(NAN)
Anyone still in doubt about the need for state policing must have other motives other than security of lives and property. The voices of governors Nasir el Rufai and Rotimi Akeredolu, both members of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), are most strident about the need for states to have their own police services to maintain law and order. But the Federal Government wants to continue running the country as one huge barracks

A wagging tail is usually found at the rear end of an excited dog; but a wagging dog in front of a static tail? Only in Nigeria, where the barrack mentality of military dictatorship has been smuggled into the unitary constitution to reduce the people to subjects and their elected local leaders to paper tigers.

What happened in Lagos last week when, without reference to the state governor, the federal Attorney-General deployed armed policemen from Abuja to a residential estate, was unprecedented. The deployment could have led to wanton bloodshed, but the governor displayed commendable sagacity in not letting the situation get out of hand.

Chief security officer my foot! There is no greater evidence of the fraudulent nature of the 1999 constitution than the designation of governors as Chief Security Officers of their states, when in actual fact they are, at best, generals without troops. Nigerian governors are nothing but mere local prefects without any power over their own security and the security of the people they govern. Thats why a chief superintendent of police will defy an elected governor of a state of 20 million people.

Anyone still in doubt about the need for state policing must have other motives other than security of lives and property. The voices of governors Nasir el Rufai and Rotimi Akeredolu, both members of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), are most strident about the need for states to have their own police services to maintain law and order. But the Federal Government wants to continue running the country as one huge barracks with command and control flowing from one overwhelmed central source.

Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who chairs the South-West Governors Forum, roundly condemned the Lagos incident as another proof of the incongruity of the current federal structure, where the tail wags the dog: An arrangement, which compels the governor of a state to seek clarifications on security issues in his jurisdiction from totally extraneous bodies or persons is a sure recipe for anarchy We, on our part, will continue to interrogate the current system, which treats elected representatives of the people as mere prefects, while appointed office-holders ride rough shod over them as Lords of the Manor.

 If Supreme Court gives a judgement and the state disobeys, the next action is to file contempt proceedings, not resort to self-help by importing policemen from Abuja to Lagos to chase people out of their houses. That is a recipe for anarchy and Malami and fellow travellers ought to knowif indeed their interest in this matter is about public good.

The unitary system being operated in Nigeria in the name of federalism is the cause of most of the security and development problems the country has. The Federal Government itself is not famous for obeying court orders (ask El Zak-Zakky and others). The Attorney-Generals claim that he was only protecting the rule of law by trying to enforce a Supreme Court judgement is a fib best told to the marines. Did it not take a court order to force the Federal Government to declare bandits as terrorists?

I fondly recall that during the First Republic we had federal, regional and local police. Each had its jurisdiction; and all collaborated whenever necessary. The argument being made by those who feel advantaged by the current hopeless unitary system shows that they think that the Federal Government is a kind of overlord managing recalcitrant children.

The argument that state governors will misuse any security force under their power is equally fraudulent. The greatest champion of impunity and self-help in Nigeria over the years is the Federal Government  and no one has suggested that we should strip the Federal Government of the power to control forces of coercion.

Indeed, Segun Adeniyi, a frontline Nigerian journalist, author and columnist, wondered how the police authorities, who are already buffeted on many fronts, decided to add Magodo to their problems: It ought to concern the rest of Nigerians, argues Adeniyi, that a police force faced with widespread insecurity across the nation can draft a huge contingent to Lagos for over two weeks to enforce a doubtful mandate. Clearly, the Magodo matter has once again exposed the hollow reign of narrow interest in todays Nigeria.

Let it be restated for the umpteenth time that we have always had local police before the military intrusion into our affairs. I fondly recall that during the First Republic we had federal, regional and local police. Each had its jurisdiction; and all collaborated whenever necessary. The argument being made by those who feel advantaged by the current hopeless unitary system shows that they think that the Federal Government is a kind of overlord managing recalcitrant children.

That kind of thinking flows directly from a philosophical position of a divine right of sorts. It can be seen in how the shift from parliamentary democracy to the presidential system has birthed another monster: A Kabiyesi presidency which confuses the modern concept of a president as chief executive with the monarchical, unquestionable, rights of a despotic king.

That is precisely why those in power think they are doing the nation a favour. Once in power, they become fiefs, no longer responsible to the people but above the people. Since 1999 when Baba Obasanjo came on the democratic scene, what Nigeria has been operating is Babacracy  government of Baba, for Baba and by Baba. Baba is infallible. Baba is a gift to Africa. Long live Baba!

Which modern democracy operates that way?

Some states in Nigeria are bigger and more populous than several countries in Africa and Europe. To argue that their governors are mere children who cannot be trusted with managing their own security is an insult for which I blame not only the executive arm of the Federal Government but, more importantly, the legislature, which has the power to correct the many anomalies in the constitution, even if piecemeal, until a proper conference to comprehensively address the issue of keeping Nigeria one in a sustainable way, is held.

President Buhari had, in his recent interview with Channels TV, stated that handing over local security to traditional rulers will solve the problem of insecurity. Is he talking about the same traditional rulers who are being kidnapped left, right and centre? No modern society works that way.

To make progress, we dont have to remain rooted on the spot that our forebears left off. We cannot continue tilling the soil of our collective development with the rusty hoes inherited from pre-history. The rest of the world is cultivating, nurturing and investing in their youth to become technological natives.

Once upon a time, man was a hunter-gatherer. Over time, man began to settle down in social groups. The innate need for interconnectedness made man form communities which, with time, became distinct societies. In the modern world of sovereign states comprising various cultures, it is the duty of the government to assist those still mired in ancient ways to leapfrog into modernity and enjoy its benefits, like their other compatriots. The alternative is the current untenable situation of embarking on a futile search for non-existent grazing routes in order to federalise roaming in the wilderness in the name of cattle rearing.

To make progress, we dont have to remain rooted on the spot that our forebears left off. We cannot continue tilling the soil of our collective development with the rusty hoes inherited from pre-history. The rest of the world is cultivating, nurturing and investing in their youth to become technological natives.

At the said interview, President Buhari advised youths not to think that the government owes them a job when they graduate. I dont think our youths are even interested in government jobs if governments at all levels do their own jobs competently and provide a conducive environment for creativity to flourish. We ought to ask ourselves why our youths excel the moment they cross our borders to other climes, where there is security of lives and property, efficient municipal facilities and rule of law. Truth be told, there is a sense in which governments at local, state and federal levels can be said to be the stumbling block between the youths and the realisation of their dreams.

We can borrow a fairly used idea from those who have developed their own human resources and become reference points in the world today.

In his New York Times article titled Pass the books: Hold the oil, Thomas L. Friedman argues that the way to sustainable development is to follow the example of a place he describes as his favourite country, Taiwan  Rather than digging in the ground and mining whatever comes up, Taiwan has mined its 23 million people, their talent, energy and intelligence  men and women Sure, its great to have oil, gas and diamonds; they can buy jobs. But theyll weaken your society in the long run unless theyre used to build schools and a culture of lifelong learning.

Friedman buttresses his point with a quote from the well known mathematician and researcher, Andreas Schleicher: Knowledge and skills have become the global currency of 21st-century economies, but there is no central bank that prints this currency. Everyone has to decide on their own how much they will print

I commend these wise words to the Nigerian President.

Wole Olaoye is a public relations consultant and veteran journalist. He can be reached on wole.olaoye@gmail.com, Twitter: @wole_olaoye; Instagram: woleola2021.

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The Edo State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested four suspected illegal gold miners in Edo State.

The Commandant of the corps in Edo, Aniekan Udoeyop, disclosed this while briefing reporters in his office in Benin on Saturday.

Mr Udoeyop said the suspects, who hailed from Kogi, Kebbi, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory, were arrested on December 7.

They were caught by NSCDC operatives in conjunction with local vigilance groups at Damgbala community in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state, he said.

The commandant said the suspects contravened the Edo State Government law banning mining.

According to him, the suspects would face the full wrath of the law, to serve as a deterrent to others who may want to engage in similar ventures.

He said the state government banned mining in Damgbala community, following influx of foreigners and insecurity in the community.

He stressed that the NSCDC would continue to protect national infrastructure and would never compromise on its mandate.

The suspects, who confessed to their crimes, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they regretted their actions.

They said there were ready buyers whom they sell their products to at Ojirame town, a neighbouring community, and that they went into the business in order to earn a living.

Some mined substances suspected to be raw gold and implements like shovels, head pans, diggers, among others things, were recovered from the suspects.

(NAN)
Except for the tray  filled with agidi  which he carries on his head, you may be tempted to think that Moses Eteng works with one of the banks in Nigeria.

Mr Eteng, 24, who lives and does his business in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, wears a neat suit with a well-knotted tie every day he goes out to hawk corn flour jellos commonly called agidi in many Nigerian languages.

The wraps of agidi are carefully stacked in the tray, the price for each is N100. A full tray is about N20,000.

To sell agidi in Nigeria is considered a low level business, and those hawking it are usually dressed in ways that are less than attractive.

But not with Mr Eteng.

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday, Mr Eteng said he chose his dressing style to enable him stand out while he is hawking on the streets.

When youre doing business, you must study people to know what people like. What Im doing, people like it but they cannot do it, and thats what makes me stand out. I dress like this because this is my brand and I am trying to promote my brand.

Anybody that looks at me will know that my products are exactly the way I look. Most times, people dont want to buy but when they look at me, they will say, if you are neat like this, it means your product is neat.

So my dressing encourages a lot of people to patronise me, he said.

A PREMIUM TIMES reporter, who spoke with Mr Eteng on the street where he was hawking, witnessed when a customer bought the agidi and said, Im buying from him because he is a hardworking guy and I love how he is dressing, not necessarily because I need it (the agidi).

Apart from attracting customers to him, Mr Etengs dressing has also earned his business the nickname educated agidi among the customers.

Mr Eteng, a self-sponsored secondary school graduate, began selling agidi for his aunty in 2008 till 2018. He started his own business of selling agidi in July 2018.

He is from Yakurr Local Government Area, Cross River State.

I have done this business for 14 years (now). My 14 years of being in Akwa Ibom State makes me 14 years in this business. I started by serving someone. I served a woman for 10 years, from 2008 to 2018, when I left her.

I decided not to stay with her again so she took me back to my village. I had to gather money and come back to Akwa Ibom. When I came back, I started the business by myself.

Then, I was still in school and this is the business I used to train myself from my SS1 to SS3. That is how I started the business, he added.

He said he goes through a rigorous process to prepare the agidi in order to maintain good hygiene.

Like many other hawkers on the streets of Uyo, Mr Eteng sells till as late as 8 p.m. before returning home.

In a random interview with PREMIUM TIMES, some of the customers confirmed that Mr Etengs agidi tastes really nice.

Mr Eteng is a success story, one that aptly captures the saying that there is dignity in labour.
The newly inaugurated Anambra Cargo Airport has recorded 142 flights with 3,865 passengers landing and taking off from the airport after one month of the opening of the facility.

The airport was opened for commercial services on December 7, 2021.

The Anambra Commissioner for Works, Marcel Ifejiofor, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Umueri, near Awka, where the airport is located.

He said that although the flight and passenger figures surpassed projections when compared with the airports contemporaries, it would have been more, if more airlines were using the airport.

NAN reported that so far, only Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines are landing and taking off at the Anambra Airport.

Mr Ifejiofor, who is also the head of the Anambra State Airport Project Committee, said the airport contributed significantly to easing passenger traffic during the yuletide.

He said that passengers who would have landed at Asaba and Enugu Airports flew straight into the Anambra airport.

Anambra Airport is a hub, there is no place you cant go to in Nigeria from Anambra State. We are just scratching the surface in terms of activities that will take place here.

Also speaking, Martin Nwafor, the managing director of the Anambra Airport Management Authority, said the service quality at the airport has continued to improve.

Mr Nwafor said that all the regulatory agencies in the aviation sector, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, among others, were now domiciled at the airport.

He said there had not been any issue since the opening of the airport and that the airport management was prepared to handle issues as they arose.

Mr Nwafor said workers deployed to the airport were trained and that they had been given sufficient orientation on how to do their job.

(NAN)
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a media conference after an extraordinary meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs via video link at NATO headquarters, in Brussels, Friday. NATO foreign ministers on Friday discussed Russia's military build-up around Ukraine amid skepticism about the credibility of President Vladimir Putin's offer to ease tensions, ahead of a week of high-level diplomacy aimed at ending the standoff. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)
Sellig Will Drive Enhanced Customer Service and Go-To-Market Strategy

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., Jan. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Adare Pharma Solutions ("Adare"), a global, technology-driven contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced the appointment of Tom Sellig as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Sellig, a 30-year veteran of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, will lead the organization in supporting pharmaceutical companies in the development and manufacturing of transformative medicines that improve patient health and outcomes.

"Tom's track record of driving commercial and operational excellence in pharmaceutical services uniquely prepares him to lead Adare, at a moment when pharmaceutical companies are increasingly seeking partners to solve their most complex formulation and commercialization challenges," said Vivek Sharma, who resumes his position as Chairman and Board Director after serving as the company's interim CEO.

Adare offers technology-driven solutions to solve pharmaceutical companies' challenges from product development to commercial scale manufacturing and packaging. The company's differentiated offerings and end-to-end services make it an innovative partner in the CDMO space. Adare has developed proprietary technologies that enable the production of critical pharmaceuticals, including technologies for taste masking, controlled release, and precision injectable delivery. Additionally, Adare's recently expanded service offerings include a high potency suite for pilot and commercial scale high potency projects and extensive packaging capabilities from high-speed bottle filling to stick pack and blister packaging.

"This is a watershed moment when pharmaceutical and biotech companies are introducing transformative medications into market," said Sellig. "Adare has developed innovative solutions that make these medicines more widely and readily available to patients through our partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies. I could not be more excited to join such a talented team as we help widen access to critical healthcare."

"Adare is a global leader in CDMO services," said Megan Preiner, Managing Director at Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., a financial sponsor of Adare. "Tom's leadership will bolster Adare's services and support to its pharmaceutical and biotech partners, advancing the interests of patients and extending access to best-in-class, patient-centric medications."

"We are thrilled to welcome Tom to Adare," said Nathan Every, General Partner at Frazier Healthcare Partners, a financial sponsor of Adare. "Tom drove remarkable expansion and transformation in his prior roles at LabConnect, ConnectiveRx, and Patheon. His skills, relationships and leadership will be incredibly valuable as Adare continues to grow."

Sellig brings 30 years of executive experience in life sciences, with a focus on CDMO. He served as Chief Executive Officer of LabConnect, a leading global provider of central laboratory and support services for the biopharmaceutical industry. Prior to LabConnect, Sellig was Chief Commercial Officer at ConnectiveRx, where he was responsible for all commercial and customer-facing activity at the patient-support and patient-access company. Before joining ConnectiveRx, he served as Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Patheon, where he played an integral role in the company's sale to and integration with Thermo Fisher. Earlier in his career, he served as Global Vice President of Sales and Client Services at Covance. Sellig received his bachelor's degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University and MBA from New York University.

The announcement of Sellig's appointment comes on the heels of Adare's acquisition of Frontida BioPharm, which expanded Adare's global footprint to seven manufacturing and R&D sites dedicated to contract services for the pharmaceutical industry. Adare is backed by private equity firms Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P., and Frazier Healthcare Partners.

About Adare:

Adare Pharma Solutions is a leading specialty contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and global provider of advanced pharmaceutical technologies, development services, and manufacturing. The Company utilizes its differentiated pharmaceutical technology and microbiome platforms to develop novel, improved medicines, and therapies for the global market.

Adare Biome is a division of Adare Pharma Solutions focused on postbiotic production through a proprietary ECHO fermentation process. Adare Biome operates from Houdan, France, a GMP Drug facility for microbial fermentation. Adare Biome's activity is to develop, produce, and commercialize microbiological products including its pharmaceutical product Lacteol, and its ingredient for digestive health applications, LBiome.

To learn more, visit https://www.adarepharmasolutions.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1699408/AdarePS_RGB_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Adare Pharma Solutions
PM Modi invites German business leaders to invest in India's youth 02 May 2022 | 11:28 PM New Delhi, May 2, (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi while co-chairing a Business Round Table with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday "invited the business leaders to invest in Indias youth."

"In his remarks, Prime Minister emphasised on the broad-based reforms carried out by the government and highlighted the growing numbers of start-ups and unicorns in India. He invited the business leaders to invest in Indias youth," the PMO said. see more..

RaGa, Kejriwal extend wishes for Eid-ul-Fitr 02 May 2022 | 10:41 PM New Delhi, May 2 (UNI) Opposition leaders on Monday extended greetings to the people on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr as the month of Ramzan came to an end here on Monday. see more..

Ukraine finds mention in joint statement, Germany condemns Russian aggression 02 May 2022 | 9:52 PM Berlin/New Delhi, May 2 (UNI) Germany reiterated its strong condemnation of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian Forces even as India and Germany condemned the civilian deaths in Ukraine and both sides agreed to remain closely engaged on the issue, the joint statement said. see more..

PM Modi stresses India's position on Ukraine, as India, Germany ink green partnership agreement 02 May 2022 | 9:36 PM Berlin/New Delhi, May 2 (UNI) The Ukraine conflict found prominent mention in the deliberations between India and Germany today, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasising Indias position that no party would emerge winner and that India is for peace, even as the two sides inked nine agreements, including one on green energy partnership. see more..
STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ReneSola Ltd. ("ReneSola Power" or "the Company") (www.renesolapower.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading fully integrated solar project developer, today announced that in December, 2021, The Company closed on the sale of 37 MW of solar projects located in Poland to Obton, a leading international solar investment company headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark. The 37 MW portfolio is in addition to the 38 MW sale to Obton announced in July 2021, for a combined total of 75 MWs.

The portfolio comprises 37 solar utility projects across Poland with capacity of 1 MW each for 33 MW and a 4 MW project. The projects were awarded to ReneSola Power in the country's solar power auction in September 2021. The projects are qualified under Poland's Contract for Difference (CFD) regime and eligible for a 15-year guaranteed tariff and are expected to be grid-connected within the next year.

The projects are being sold at the "Ready to Build" (RtB) stage. Upon closing of the sale, ReneSola Power will be responsible for EPC management, project financing, and final delivery of the projects to Obton at the COD stage.

Mr. Josef Kastner, CEO of ReneSola Power European Region, commented, "This transaction marks another step in our partnership with Obton. Obton is a strong partner across all of Europe, and we look forward to future collaboration."

ReneSola Power CEO Yumin Liu added, "Our momentum in Europe demonstrates our expertise in developing and operating solar projects, closing financing transactions, and profitably monetizing projects in the region. This transaction further solidifies our leadership position in Poland, which is an especially attractive market for us. We expect Poland to produce profitable growth in the quarters ahead."

About ReneSola Power

ReneSola Power (NYSE: SOL) is a leading global solar project developer and operator. The Company focuses on solar power project development, construction management and project financing services. With local professional teams in more than 10 countries around the world, the business is spread across a number of regions where the solar power project markets are growing rapidly and can sustain that growth due to improved clarity around government policies. The Company's strategy is to pursue high-margin project development opportunities in these profitable and growing markets; specifically, in the U.S. and Europe, where the Company has a market-leading position in several geographies, including Poland, Hungary, Minnesota and New York. For more information, please visit www.renesolapower.com.

SOURCE ReneSola Ltd.
With the aim to secure global competitiveness in diverse ICT areas such as semiconductors, 5G and AI, the three companies plan to carry out joint business activities in the global market by leveraging SK Square's innovative investment, SK Telecom's AI and 5G technologies and SK hynix's future semiconductor technologies.

From January 2022, the three companies will operate 'Synergy Council' chaired by Vice Chairman Park Jung-ho, and joined by Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, and Lee Seok-Hee, CEO of SK hynix. The Synergy Council will be the highest decision making body, where the executives discuss R&D cooperation and joint investments in semiconductor and ICT areas, and promote global market expansion.

Increasing the presence of SK Telecom's self-developed AI semiconductor SAPEON

SK Telecom, SK Square and SK hynix will first create synergies in introducing SK Telecom's AI chip SAPEON* to the global market. The three companies will jointly invest to establish SAPEON Inc. in the U.S. and make inroads into the global AI semiconductor market.

* SAPEON is SK Telecom's self-developed AI chip launched in November 2020. Although it is about half the price of a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), its deep learning computation speed is 1.5 times faster and it uses 20% less power than GPU.

SK Telecom plans to lead the development of SAPEON-related technologies by leveraging its R&D capabilities and service experience accumulated in 5G and AI. In the mid-to long-term, the company will expand its SAPEON model lineup by developing AI chips dedicated to data centers and autonomous driving.

SK Telecom will also promote synergies between its AI semiconductor and SK hynix's semiconductor memory technologies, while also attracting strategic and financial investors in cooperation with SK Square.

SAPEON Inc. will serve as an outpost for expanding the AI semiconductor business to the global market by attracting U.S.-based big tech companies as major clients. It will also secure an edge in luring semiconductor development experts and drawing in outside investors. Moreover, as the subsidiary of SAPEON Inc., SAPEON Korea will take charge of business in Korea and the Asian region.

Projecting that the convergence of AI and metaverse will define the future world of ICT, SK Telecom plans to innovate its three key services, T Universe, Ifland and AI Agent, in an accelerated manner. Moreover, it will also introduce new services by adding connected intelligence to future devices such as UAM aircrafts, self-driving cars and robots.

"By proactively responding to changes taking place in the areas of AI, metaverse and 5G, we will prepare ourselves for the next decade," said Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom.

Creating an ICT investment capital of over KRW 1 trillion

SK Telecom, SK Square and SK hynix plan to establish a base to make investments overseas this year and attract investment from overseas financial investors to create and operate a total investment capital of over KRW 1 trillion. Detailed discussions on investments are already underway with prominent global investors.

With this investment capital, the three companies will actively invest in companies with innovative technologies such as AI, metaverse, block chain and semiconductors.

Through these investment activities, they will be able to stay ahead of the convergence trend within the ICT industry and discover unicorns that can change the industrial landscape, which will lead to valuable business synergies.

SK Telecom and SK hynix will be able to strengthen business partnerships with the companies they invested in or even secure an advantage in the acquisition of these companies in the future. SK Square expects to build a good track record as an investment company, while increasing its corporate value.

According to market research company Mergermarket, the size of the global buyout market reached around KRW 1,400 trillion (USD 1.172 trillion) in 2021, increasing by about twofold from the previous year. Industries are being rapidly reorganized via M&As between global companies, and those that fail to keep up with this trend are left behind the competition.

SK hynix to increase its global market presence through 'Inside America' strategy

SK hynix aims to become a top global tech company that leads the rapidly changing ICT industry.

Recently, the semiconductor market is witnessing more diversified demand from sectors like AI, autonomous driving and metaverse, and pluralization is taking place within the system architecture field like CPU, GPU and MPU. Since the existing law of competition no longer applies to this market, it is imperative for companies to develop new business models and technologies to remain competitive.

With the acquisition of Intel's NAND and SSD business, SK hynix is now fully set to strengthen the competitiveness of its NAND flash business. The company also aims to break away from its existing role as a semiconductor supplier and become a company that leads future technologies along with global ICT companies.

Moreover, SK hynix will carry out its 'Inside America' strategy in the U.S., world's largest ICT market and battlefield, to enhance its business competitiveness and expand into new partnerships. It will also establish a new business unit and R&D center in the U.S. Based on SK hynix's competitiveness, the three companies expect to strengthen their collaboration with global ICT companies.

"SK hynix will take a leap to become a top-notch global tech company by offering more innovative technologies and products, and creating value for the society and humanity," said Lee Seok-Hee, CEO of SK hynix.

Meanwhile, SK Square plans to accelerate the creation of synergies among the three companies by making innovative investments. In response to SK hynix's moves towards global market expansion and new technology development, SK Square will make joint investments in the semiconductor ecosystem. In parallel, it will increase its investment in platforms that will drive future innovations such as metaverse and blockchain.

SK Square will also enter the new global block chain market by leveraging Korbit, a virtual asset exchange it recently invested in, and build a blockchain-based economic system in collaboration with SK Telecom's metaverse platform Ifland.

"This year, the SK ICT Alliance will join forces to achieve new innovations and make a big leap forward in the global market," said Park Jung-ho, Vice Chairman and CEO of SK Square and SK hynix. "As leading players in the global semiconductor and ICT industries, we will also make best efforts to contribute to the Korean economy."

About SK Telecom

SK Telecom (NYSE:SKM) is Korea's leading ICT company, driving innovations in fixed & wireless telecommunications, AI service, and digital infrastructure service. Armed with cutting-edge ICT including AI and 5G, the company is ushering in a new level of convergence to deliver unprecedented value to customers. As the global 5G pioneer, SKT is committed to realizing the full potential of 5G through ground-breaking services that can improve people's lives, transform businesses, and lead to a better society.

SKT boasts unrivaled leadership in the Korean mobile market with over 30 million subscribers, which account for nearly 50 percent of the market.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit our LinkedIn page www.linkedin.com/company/sk-telecom.

About SK hynix Inc.

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world's top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips ("DRAM"), Flash memory chips ("NAND Flash") and CMOS Image Sensors ("CIS") for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company's shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

SOURCE SK Telecom
DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Mobility Call, the first world-class sustainable mobility event, was introduced today to business and institutional leaders gathering for the opening of the Travel and Connectivity Week at Expo Dubai. Spain's Mobility Minister and IFEMA MADRID, one of Europe's leading congress operators, urged MENA leaders to show the way to a sustainable mobility future.

MENA is one of the fastest-changing regions, leading major global energy and environmental shifts together with deep socio-economic changes, all disrupted by the challenges the pandemic is posing to citizens' lives and mobility and to the trade of goods.

In this context and after the international presentations at COP26 in Glasgow, and in Paris in December, Global Mobility Call arrived in the United Arab Emirates, to engage with leading companies involved in the development of safe, inclusive, connected and sustainable mobility in the region.

Global Mobility Call is aimed at becoming the world's most important event for sustainable mobility in the context of the economic and social recovery following the pandemic. Organized by IFEMA MADRID and Smobhub on 14-16 June 2022, Global Mobility Call will bring together leaders across all sectors involved in the development of sustainable mobility policies and business initiatives.

"Here in Dubai and many cities in the region, we see exciting initiatives that are revolutionising the way we move. But the truth is that there's no clear leadership at the global level, neither shared strategies nor a common space for debate," said Eduardo Lopez-Puertas, Managing Director IFEMA MADRID.

"Global Mobility Call, will offer the opportunity for visionary leaders to fill this vacuum, shape the narrative and interconnect strategies to collectively define the new sustainable mobility ecosystem," he added.

"From the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda we want to show Spain's leadership in connectivity. We are promoting a new concept of mobility for the present and the future: safe, sustainable and connected mobility, as set out in our Strategy, recently approved by the Spanish Government, in which society actively participates, which is a lever for social and territorial cohesion and which drives innovation," said Spain's Minister of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, Raquel Sanchez Jimenez.

"Transforming the mobility systems requires sharing experiences and knowledge, building collaborative networks, increasing awareness and fostering innovation with public-private partnerships as a cornerstone. In Spain, we have both the momentum and the experience to become an international reference. Global Mobility Call will be a 360-degree global stage to showcase and drive this great transformation towards sustainability. I invite our partners and all mobility actors in the MENA region to join the movement," said Maria Jose Rallo, General Secretary of Transport and Mobility of the Government of Spain.

A round table about "The Need to Accelerate the Transformation towards Sustainable Mobility. Successful case studies: Dubai & Global Mobility Call" brought together Emirati multinational logistics company DP World, Spanish global information technology company INDRA and Spanish leading multinational in clean energy Iberdrola.

"Electrification of transport is a critical element to achieve COP26's ambitious goals for decarbonization. Iberdrola is delivering on its Global Mobility Plan to install 150,000 charging points by 2025. We aim to lead public charging networks in core countries by investing over EUR 150 million in mainly fast-charging stations," said Santiago Banales, Managing Director of Iberdrola Innovation Middle East.

"We also expect to leverage our global expertise and contribute to the deployment of mobility solutions in the Middle East, building upon our large history of open innovation with public and private entities in the region led by our Iberdrola Innovation Middle East centre," he added.

Alex Moya, General Manager INDRA UAE, global company in information technology solutions for Transport, Air Traffic and Defence, said that "technology is central for achieving a new mobility ecosystem that puts people at the centre, and that is more sustainable, safer, smarter and better connected."

"Digitalisation, data and the integration of public and private transport management are the keys to this unprecedented shift in the mobility model. But for this to happen, technological change must be accompanied by a major cultural change, a regulatory transformation and the promotion of public-private partnerships," he added.

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Contact:

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SOURCE Global Mobility Call
Kisun Chung, President and CEO of Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Do-hyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus, and John McDonald is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ABS, attended the signing ceremony.

As a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), ABS is a maritime classification society that identifies technological suitability and selects the relevant criteria for cutting-edge maritime technology and offshore structures while promoting stable maritime industry development.

With the MOU signed, Avikus starts stage-by-stage demonstration tests for its various solutions including Hyundai Intelligent Navigation Assistant System (HiNAS): Hyundai Intelligence Berthing Assistance System (HiBAS): and Hyundai Intelligent Navigation Assistant System 2.0 (HiNAS2.0), in compliance with the ABS Guide for Autonomous and Remote Control Functions published in July 2021.

Through the tests, Avikus will be capable of obtaining each certificates by stage for its autonomous vessel technologies, while ABS will review the design, regulate testing procedures and verify the implementation for each stage based on the actual operation data of Avikus. From trials of the autonomous technologies in real-life conditions, the joint efforts from the two companies will be an important step in making maritime autonomous operations a practical reality. Lessons learnt from this collaboration will also contribute to the development and improvement of standards and regulations for autonomous technology and operations.

After the successful demonstration of the full autonomous cruising as the first in Korea in June 2021, Avikus plans to jointly demonstrate the autonomous shipping technology with ABS for a transoceanic voyage of a large-scale commercial vessel which is currently under development.

According to Acute Market Reports, a global market research firm, the autonomous vessel and related material and equipment markets are expected to grow by 12.6% annually and reach USD 235.7 billion in its market size by 2028.

"The agreement with ABS holds a great significance as it promotes the technology standardization through the stage-by-stage certification of Avikus' proprietary technologies. With these commitments, we will contribute to expanding the autonomous vessel market and proactively preoccupy the related markets," Avikus CEO Lim said.

"Autonomous vessels will have a significant role to play in the future of maritime transportation but they will need to be at least as safe as existing vessels. It will take extensive research and development activity, teamwork and sharing of expertise among the leading maritime players to get us there. That's why this agreement is a game changer, as it unites ABS' insight with HHI's expertise to develop practical applications of the technology,"said John McDonald, ABS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Avikus introduced a leisure boat equipped with the full autonomous navigation technology at CES 2022 and presented a future vision of the maritime mobility sector centering on autonomous vessel technology through simulated navigation applying the virtual reality technology.

SOURCE Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) Group
NEW YORK, Jan. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Chegg, Inc. (NYSE: CHGG) between May 5, 2020 and November 1, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the February 22, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Chegg securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Chegg class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2232.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 22, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Chegg's increase in subscribers, growth, and revenue had been a temporary effect of the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in remote education for the vast majority of United States students and once the pandemic-related restrictions eased and students returned to campuses nationwide, Chegg's extraordinary growth trends would end; (2) Chegg's subscriber and revenue growth were largely due to the facilitation of remote education cheating  an unstable business proposition  rather than the strength of its business model or the acumen of its senior executives and directors; and (3) as a result, Chegg's current business metrics and financial prospects were not as strong as it had led the market to believe during the Class Period. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Chegg class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2232.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] or [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

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The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : Created from the thought of humans beings an extension of nature, the idea of us, who we are as a connecting factor between the natural and man-made world, and how we are able to strike a balance between the two is what went behind the conception of 'Between Body and Imagination, Shovin Bhattacharjee's Inner Quest,' an exhibition of sculptures, physical and digital installations inaugurated recently at Dhoomimal's renovated and expanded gallery space in the capital.

Curated by the artist himself, the exhibition covers the works done over the period of the last four years and is an amalgamation of his thematic concerns.

A BFA and MFA holder from Assam University, Bhattacharjee who works across mediums with sculptures in stainless steel, wood and aluminum, primarily trained as a painter. This solo show features his sculptures, physical and digital installations.

This Assam-born and Delhi-based artist asserts, "Being a multidisciplinary artist, I have no favourite medium. I am able to utilize one more than the other which gives me respect and admiration for each medium I work with." One of the pioneers of digital art in the country and among the first Indians to list his work as an NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens), he tells IANS that there have been numerous challenges in this realm. "The biggest one is the idea that digital art is often not seen as a serious medium in the art space, something that pushes me further. Digital art is important for me as being born in this era, the artworks I create always reflect my surroundings and documented time. I want to utilise what is currently available as a new medium to work on." Although the show was scheduled to be held earlier, it had to be postponed owing to the Pandemic. Now, despite the new variant crating havoc, he continues to remain optimistic. "Let us not forget that survival is our natural instinct, as humans we have and always will have the ability to look at things with a positive lens." For him, the previous lockdowns were an opportunity to introspect and look at it from a point of creating something new. "I never felt suffocated and had a very optimistic view of the future. Through this came 'Body and Imagination'," he says.

For someone practicing in the physical and virtual world, the shift to the hybrid model which most galleries have adopted did not come as a shock. "If the real world is in disarray the virtual world becomes my alternative space. So, a hybrid model works well. We cannot deny that we are in a digital era which must be utilised. Physical shows and virtual shows are equally important. Both come with challenges, but also opportunities." Ask him if he finds it amusing when people try to look for his self-portraits in his work, and he replies, "Yes, seeing the curiosity from them is something that makes me glad. Sometimes, when I don't put my image in a work of art, I get questioned about where I am. I mostly reply - 'In your heart'."
Jaipur, Jan 9 : A silent revolution is in process in Jodhpur where youths of the Bishnoi community are collecting funds to build a grand memorial in the memory of the blackbucks that were buried here in Kankani village after being poached by Bollywood star Salman Khan 24 years ago.

Salman Khan was accompanied by actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu and Neelam on this trip when the blackbucks were hunted.

The land where these blackbucks were buried will have a memorial soon, said Prem Saran, one of the youths behind the project.

The memorial will have a statue of a blackbuck and 1,000 trees will be planted on the land where the mute animal was buried, he said adding that a few young boys from his community have formed a WhatsApp group which has started a fund collection drive. They are collecting around Rs 500 to Rs 1000 from each person to ensure they have around Rs 2 lakh for the memorial.

Recently, a team with JCB machines was here to clear the land of debris and now we shall start growing trees and construct a statue of a black buck. The memorial will be built in around a year, said Prem.

The reason it will take time is because trees take time to grow. We want deer, blackbucks and other animals to have a jungle feel while located here. Many deer die of fear after becoming scared as people pass by, so we want to make them feel secure, he added.

This is the land where deer and blackbucks can be seen roaming freely. In fact, they were roaming freely here 24 years back too when Salman Khan along with the other stars killed them, he lamented.

They came here as tourists and Bollywood stars but then shot the animals. We don't want this to ever be repeated and hence will create a dense jungle so that animals are safe in its green periphery.

We will also ensure that the place has a rescue centre with doctors so that if any animal gets injured, it can be treated right away as presently the forest team takes a lot of time to come, Prem said.

About 7 bighas of land around the Chabutra has been cleared with JCB machines recently and now nearly 1000 trees are going to be planted. "It will take around a year to complete the project, however we want people to come here and take inspiration soon to save the environment and animals", said Prem.

Kankani is the village where Salman Khan and the other stars of 'Hum Saath Saath Hai' allegedly poached blackbucks in 1998. The Bishnoi community stood against them and approached the court.

On April 5, 2018, the Rajasthan Sessions Court convicted Salman Khan and sentenced him to five years' imprisonment. Salman's lawyers appealed against the sentence, and the matter is still pending in the Rajasthan High Court.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : Even after a decade of the Gadgil report and the subsequently appointed High-Level Working Group Dr. K. Kasturirangan Committee report for remedial steps for protection of ecology of the Western Ghats, implementation of the report to conserve the fragile mountain ranges is still a far cry from the actual circumstances.

In the latest notification on December 31, 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change amended the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, extending the deadline to notify the new rules till June 30, 2022, due to the Covid pandemic.

Prior to that, while responding to a plea before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on December 2, 2020, the Union Environment Ministry submitted that the Covid-19 situation has persisted and indicates rising trends in the majority of the States. Despite best efforts, the working in the respective states, including the holding of public consultations and meetings, has been adversely affected, it said.

In this situation, some state governments are yet to provide the information required for finalisation of the Notification of the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). That information is also pending from the states in the context of other Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) draft notifications, the Ministry said responding to the plea filed by petitioner Goa Foundation's execution application in the matter on December 22.

Notably, the last few years in Kerala, where the Western Ghats cover nearly 56 per cent of the total geographical area, has been facing repeated natural disasters including landslides and flood situations.

Rapid climate changes have also been witnessed in the neighbouring Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and other states sharing the mountain ranges.

Notable recommendations of Kasturirangan report Dr. Kasturirangan had recommended an ESA of 59,940 sq.km which prohibits development activities in the ecologically sensitive area spread over Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

However, the draft notifications, issued from time to time, have considered area of 56,824.7 sq.km, thereby excluding an area of 3114.3 sq.km falling in Kerala. In Karnataka, nearly 20,668 sq.km of the ESA area covers 1,576 villages.

The report recommends a complete ban on mining, quarrying, setting up of red category industries and thermal power projects. It also stated that the impact of infrastructural projects on the forest and wildlife should be studied before permission is given for these activities.

The Environment Ministry said that some exclusion was made in 2013 itself at the request of Kerala. The said area primarily pertains to the Idukki region where landslides and natural disasters have been witnessed in recent years. Therefore, such areas shall also have to be considered for purposes of Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area. However, to bring such an area under ESA, a fresh draft notification is required to be issued so as to seek public comment, it said.

Protests from various states During a virtual meeting on the implementation of the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats, chaired by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Labour Bhupender Yadav on December 4, 2021, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had said that declaring the Western Ghats as an ESA would adversely affect the livelihood of the people in the region.

During the meeting, Bommai "strongly" presented his state's stand.

He drew the attention of the participants to the fact that the state cabinet had decided to oppose the Kasturirangan report.

The decision had been taken after exhaustive discussions with people of the Western Ghat region and officials.

Karnataka has the distinction of being one of the states with extensive forest cover.

"Our government has taken extreme care to protect the biodiversity of Western Ghats. People of the region have adopted agriculture and horticultural activities in an eco-friendly manner.

"Priority has been accorded for environment protection under the Forest Protection Act. In this background, bringing one more law that would affect the livelihood of the local people is not appropriate," Bommai had said.

The Kasturirangan report has been prepared based on the satellite images, but the ground reality is different, the Chief Minister claimed.

In Kerala, in the recent past, the issue stirred political, religious, and social resistance and the environmental issue turned ugly with the Church leaders backing the protesting farmers in high ranges of the state.

Recently, Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) president Cardinal Mar George Alencherry wrote to Yadav urging him to extend the final notification on implementation of the Kasturirangan report and give the state time to redraw the geo coordinates.
January 09 : With more and more Bollywood celebs testing positive for Covid-19, many producers are cancelling shoots and postponing the dates. The rising numbers of Covid cases across the country have affected shooting of several upcoming films such as Tiger 3 and Rocky Aur Ranu Ki Prem Kahani.

Reportedly, as Delhi is under weekend curfew, the shoot schedule of Yash Raj Films Tiger 3 in the national capital has been cancelled. Helmed by Maneesh Sharma, Tiger 3 is a Yash Raj Films project. The big budget spy thriller is the third instalment of the blockbuster Tiger franchise. While Salman will return as special agent Avinash Singh Rathore, Katrina as Zoya Humain. Tiger 3 slated to release in 2022. The cast and crew of the film was supposed to head to Delhi sometime this month to shoot a crucial schedule and finally wrap up the shooting of the film. But Yash Raj Films have reportedly decided to cancel the schedule as the time is not conducive to plan the crucial outdoor shooting. The 15-day schedule was expected to begin on January 12.

YRFs Pathan starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, has also been affected due to the pandemic, it is reported.

Several Dharma Productions films also reportedly cancelled its shoot schedule. Shooting of Liger starring Vijay Deverakonda and Ananya Panday, and Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatts Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani have also been reportedly postponed. Karan Johar, who is directing Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani was about to shoot a song featuring Ranveer and Alia in Mumbais Goregaon Film City on January 10. Reportedly, shooting for the same has been postponed for the time being. A set was already being built on a large scale. Reportedly, the set will stay up until shoot starts again.

Liger actor Vijay Deverakonda also confirmed that shooting for his film has been cancelled. He took to Instagram and shared an update on the film. Apparently, its another wave Storm. Shoots cancelled. Back to us just chilling at home.

The director of Liger, Puri Jagannadh had reportedly scheduled a high-octane action sequence, after which he was supposed to wrap the film.

However, amidst the pandemic, producer Ramesh Taurani will reportedly go ahead with the shoot schedule of his film, Merry Christmas. Shooting will continue with Katrina Kaif under strict safety protocols. After her wedding and honeymoon, Katrina had resumed work recently and returned to the sets.

Helmed by Sriram Raghavan, Merry Christmas is an edge-of-the-seat thriller and is backed by Ramesh Taurani under his banner Tips. Reportedly, the 90-minutes-long film will be shot over just 30 days. Earlier, it was reported that Sriram Raghavan wanted to cast Salman Khan in Merry Christmas. The actor and the director also had discussions over the script. But Salman and his team politely refused as it was too small a film for the superstar.
Tehran, Jan 9 : Iran's Foreign Ministry has blacklisted 51 more US individuals for their "roles" in the assassination of former military commander Qasem Soleimani.

In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry said the new list of sanctioned American individuals, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and former National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, was in line with implementing Iran's law on "combating human rights violations and the adventurous and terrorist acts of the US in the region", reports Xinhua news agency.

"The designated persons, as the case may be, have taken part in decision-making, organising, financing, and carrying out the terrorist act or have otherwise justified terrorism which is a threat to the international peace and security through supporting such egregious terrorist attack," it said.

Former US President Donald Trump and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, among others, were previously listed to be sanctioned for the same reason, according to the statement.

A US drone strike on a convoy killed Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, along with an Iraqi militia commander near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020.

In a public address here on January 3 to mark Soleimani's second death anniversary, President Ebrahim Raisi said that Trump and Pompeo must be "prosecuted for their criminal activity" through a fair mechanism, warning Iran's revenge in case those involved in and behind the "criminal act" are not punished.
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on parties in Kazakhstan to refrain from violence and promote dialogue so as to address the volatile situation, said his spokesman on Thursday.

The world body continues to follow the situation in Kazakhstan very closely and there have been several contacts between the United Nations and the national authorities, including a call on Thursday morning between the secretary-general's special representative for Central Asia, Natalia Gherman, and Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin of Kazakhstan, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman.

"During these exchanges, appeals to exercise restraint, refrain from violence and promote dialogue to address the situation were reiterated by Natalia Gherman on behalf of the secretary-general," Dujarric told a daily press briefing.

On reports of casualties, he said it is hard for the United Nations to confirm them.

"But what is clear is that all demonstrations need to be peaceful. People have a right to express their grievances. It needs to be done peacefully. And security forces need to protect that right and show and act with restraint," he said.

On the arrival of troops from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Kazakhstan, Dujarric said the United Nations was informed on Thursday morning by the CSTO of the troop deployment.

"I think, for us, the important thing is that security forces, whether they are Kazakh or whether they are non-Kazakh troops, need to uphold the same human rights standards, which is to show restraint and protect people's rights to demonstrate peacefully," said the spokesman.

Up to 101 international personnel and 530 national staff fall under the UN security arrangements in Kazakhstan. Everyone is safe and accounted for, said Dujarric. 
Bengaluru, Jan 9 : Ever since the arrest of Deepthi Marla a.k.a Mariyum on charges of alleged links with the ISIS by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier this week in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, it has sparked off a debate on "Love Jihad" in the state.

Hindu organisations have planned special campaigns and programmes in coastal Karnataka through retired police officers, religious leaders and advocates among others in educational institutions and other places to create awareness about Love Jihad. They claim that Love Jihad is a reality and every day they are getting calls from the parents of girls who have disappeared.

They explain that groups are formed to prevent Hindu girls from falling prey to Love Jihad and students are trained to observe closely in academic institutions for suspicious movements on the campus.

The leaders of the ruling BJP which has already got the Anti-Conversion Bill passed in the Assembly are openly stating that they would also bring legislation on Love Jihad. However, state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has rubbished it saying that all legislation brought by the Bharatiya Janata Party targeting minorities would be thrown into the dustbin after his party comes to power.

Deepthi Marla, a Hindu girl from Kodagu who married Anas Abdul Rahman after falling in love with him while studying BDS, has converted to Islam and changed her name to Mariyum. Anas is the grandson of late Congress three-time MLA B.M. Idinabba.

Later, she is alleged to have come in contact with the ISIS terrorist outfit. She is also alleged to have recruited local youths for the ISIS.

The incident has shocked the people of the state especially in the communally sensitive coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada. Hindutva forces who have been protesting against Love Jihad are claiming that Deepthi Marla's case is an example of Love Jihad and it shows how Hindu girls are trapped in love, married, converted to Islam and then used against the Hindu community and nation.

Progressive thinkers dub it as a mere Hindutva agenda and allege that the National Investigation Agency has been getting instructions from Nagpur (RSS Headquarters) to carry out the Hindutva agenda and target the minorities.

Senior Counsel S. Balan, explained to IANS: "Love Jihad is a phrase coined by right wing elements after instructions from Nagpur and that venom is spewed all over India including the security forces, police forces, NIA, everywhere. They have also coined it like another phrase 'Urban naxals.' It is a bogus word created by right wing elements." "Love Jihad per se is punishable under section 153 A of the IPC for creating a rift between two communities. It is per se an offence under section 295 of IPC. This is a language to question the integrity, sovereignty and security of the state. It challenges the basic structure of the constitution. How is Love Jihad defined? A woman and man can love, marry it is their right, who has got any right to declare that it is Love Jihad?" he questioned.

"The NIA is a 'National Inhuman Agency', gets instructions from Nagpur. It is the most communal minded organization and they are bent upon implicating anyone. I am seeing certain cases also. It is a predictive policing algorithm. The moment something happens, the victim is predicted, the culprit is predicted, the ideology is predicted, the organization is predicted, the moment Love Jihad is mentioned, it is predicted that the offenders are Muslims. The victims are Hindus. Many religions preach violence. Even the Hindu religion, if you take the Mahabharata and the Ramayan, it is a war. Like that every religion is violent. Christianity is violent, Judaism is violent, Parsi religion is violent. How and why do you brand one person?" he asked.

Pramod Muthalik, the Founder of Sri Ram Sena, explained to IANS that the term 'Love Jihad' was coined by him in 2009. "I have written my first book on the subject. In the period of 15 to 20 years as many as 3,000 Hindu girls who have gone away with Muslims have been traced and brought back. They were married back to Hindus. This is happening. Now, the issue is being discussed all over the country. Many states have brought legislation in this regard. The matter has also reached the Supreme Court." "Kerala is a big centre of Love Jihad. Before four years, 4,000 girls are targeted for Love Jihad, government documents say that among these 3,000 are Christian girls. Love Jihad is a reality. This is done to increase population and misuse Hindu girls and women. They get married and leave them after having children. They would be pushed into brothels and sold in Arab nations. They will also use them for terrorist activities," he claimed.

"Our activists have struggled a lot to bring back victim Hindu girls. They have managed to bring out Hindu girls who were kept in Mosques. The activists have faced assaults and gone to jail. Till date, we get five to six phone calls every day from people about their daughter absconding. This is happening. We have formed squads in all the colleges and they keep a vigil," Muthalik stated.

Afsar Kodlipet, State Secretary of the Social Democratic Party of India, said that the concept of Love Jihad is a castle built in the air and a conspiracy by the Sangh Parivar elements to target minorities.

"In 2009, NIA came to Karnataka to investigate the alleged rape, murder of 37 women. It was alleged that Hindu women were used sexually and converted forcefully to another religion as part of Love Jihad. After a detailed investigation the NIA uncovered the role of Cyanide Mohan, a psycho serial killer, behind the death of 27 women. He targeted Dalit women and girls and after exploiting them, fearing exposure he killed them. Later, it came to light that there is no Love Jihad in all the cases," he said.

"The issue was raised in Parliament in 2009-10. The then government at the Centre gave a written answer that there is not a single case of Love Jihad in the country. In Karnataka BJP MLC Ravikumar raised the issue in the Legislative Council when B.S. Yediyurappa was the Chief Minister. Then Social Welfare Minister Govind Karajol explained in the House that there is not a single case of forceful conversion in connection with Love Jihad allegations," he stated.

T.S. Chandrashekar, international affairs analyst and BJP TV panellist, maintained that Love Jihad is a reality. "In Kerala, the fundamentalist elements will gather inputs on girls who are single daughters and rich. They think if they trap these girls, they would also get resources. Uneducated, poor girls are not targeted. Only, working, educated women are being trapped in love and later brainwashed." Sharan Pumpwell, Zonal Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Dakshina Kannada, claimed that since 15 years the cases of Love Jihad are increasing. Every day such cases are reported in the coastal Karnataka region. Hindu girls are brainwashed and even become victims of sex jihad. In Kerala, they are targeting Catholic Christian girls.

"We are launching a campaign on January 17. Seminars are being conducted in colleges and religious leaders, caste leaders, retired police officers, advocates are involved in the campaign to create awareness among people about Love Jihad," he stated.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday greeted everyone, especially the Indian diaspora on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "Greetings to everyone, especially the Indian diaspora on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Our diaspora has distinguished itself all over the world and has excelled in different spheres. At the same time, they have remained connected to their roots. We are proud of their accomplishments." On January 9, the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is observed to strengthen the engagement of the Indian community overseas with the India government and reconnect them with their roots. It is celebrated to mark the contribution of the Indians living abroad in the development of the land of their ancestors.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan will address a virtual youth Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas conference on 'the role of Indian diaspora' with regard to innovation and new technologies.

January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since, in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, had returned to India from South Africa, on this day, and led the country's Freedom Struggle which changed the lives of Indians forever.

Started in 2003, these conventions provide a platform to the Indian community overseas to engage with the government and the people from the land of their ancestors, for mutually beneficial activities. These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.
Chennai, Jan 9 : Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district of south Tamil Nadu is located 74 km from Madurai and it is said that most of the flights to Madurai airport are packed with buyers and agents from across India wanting to reach the sleepy town. The reason, it is the hub of the Indian firecracker and matchbox industry with 70 percent of the matchboxes and firecrackers of the country being manufactured in this small town.

The town boasts of one of the most sophisticated printing industries of the country with 30 percent of the diaries being printed here.

However, the first day of 2022 commenced for the firecracker units and the people of Sivakasi with a shock and a tragedy when a blast occurred at R.K.V.M Fireworks killing four persons and injuring eight. The workers had assembled at the factory at 8.30 a.m. for a special puja to welcome the New Year. When the door of the room where chemicals were stored was opened, friction led to the blast killing four people on the spot and injuring eight.

This is not new to Sivakasi as blasts and explosions have taken place earlier also in this sleepy town that employs more than 7,00,000 people in the three major industries of firecrackers, printing, and matchbox manufacturing.

After the January 1 incident, four days later on January 5 tragedy struck again. This time it happened in the adjacent town of Satupetti when a firecracker unit exploded killing four people and injuring 6.

The Tamil Nadu government has already announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh to the families of each of those killed in the explosion and Rs 1 lakh to those who are injured. However, the big question is why these back-to-back tragedies happened and are there flaws in the security aspect leading to grave risks to the lives of the workers including the owners of the units as most of them are small cottage industries.

Industry players are of the opinion that multiple bodies regulating and licensing the sector is one major issue plaguing the industry. Some are getting clearances for the units from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) which the big players in the industry get. However temporary and small players are given the license or permission to operate by the District Revenue Officers (DROs). In the two recent explosions, the owners had the permission of the DROs.

A study of the licensing pattern revealed that of the 1010 firecracker units in Virudhunagar district alone, 741 were given the license to operate by PESO while 269 received the license from DROs.

K. Kannan, General secretary of The Indian Firecrackers Manufacturing Association (TIFMA), told IANS that "The multiple licensing mechanisms is a major issue that we are facing. Major players are getting licenses from PESO for making all the items, the small players are licensed by the DROs. These small players flout the rules and try to make what they are not entitled to make or rather they indulge in areas where they don't have either the expertise or technical know-how and this is the cause of the accidents that happen in Sivakasi." Another major drawback is the skeletal structure of both PESO and the DROs where there are only a few officials to manage the more than 1000 firecracker units in the district.

In the last three years, the district of Virudhunagar alone had 70 to 75 accidents in the firecracker industry and more than 55 people lost their lives. In each of these accidents, double and in some cases three to four times of those dead are injured with more than 20 to 30 percent burn injuries. Some are maimed for life, losing limbs, some lose palms and in the worst cases have lost eyes and many have hearing impairment.

Dr John Abraham Thankan, a medical doctor who had worked at Sivakasi town hospital, told IANS, "I had seen innumerable cases of workers losing their limbs, disfigured from face downwards and still surviving. In the earlier days life was miserable for these workers who don't have anything else to do, nowhere to go and the owners of the companies where they had put in their service will also turn their back after meeting the initial medical expenses and a small compensation. You can see many such persons in and around Sivakasi." He said that things have changed in the past few years with the active intervention of non-governmental organizations and other social groups who studied the impact of the accidents and the poor living conditions of the workers.

He added: "The workers are now getting compensation from the Chief Minister's relief fund and also support for medical expenses. But for all these proper licensing is required and there are several homegrown units that don't have any license and if any mishap occurs, they are left to their fate." The Tamil Nadu government has recently set up a separate Fireworks Welfare Board to provide compensation to accident victims as also to those who are injured in the mishaps.

Human Resource Foundation (HRF), a non-governmental organization working among the Sivakasi firecracker industries, has been conducting regular awareness programmes among the workers, inculcating the culture of green fireworks and also making workers aware of the need for proper technical training and sound knowledge of the chemicals they are using to prevent mishaps.

Vijayakumar, Director of HRF, said, "The district manufacturing units are not following any proper norms and employees are not properly trained to handle the explosives and this lack of knowledge is the main reason for accidents. In many cases, the storage of chemicals exceeds many times more than what was sanctioned and the friction leads to explosions. This is the failure of the institutions like PESO and DROs that provide licenses to these units. The multiple licensing system is another issue that plagues the industry and there has to be a proper streamlining of this to bring down the mishaps in an era where every technology is at the fingertips." The PESO and DRO officials however said that routine inspections are carried out and those who err are fined heavily.

M. Seethanathan, the owner of a fireworks unit, told IANS, "If a mishap occurs you must understand that two things would have happened. One there was no proper inspection or even if such an inspection had taken place, the authorities had turned their back for various reasons. Secondly, untrained manpower is the root cause of such accidents and if proper training and strict licensing are not done, such mishaps will continue." He said that the industry is already facing a problem following the entry of Chinese firecrackers but the demand for Sivakasi firecrackers is much higher when compared to Chinese crackers.
Varanasi, Jan 9 : The modest 'mosambi or sweet lime can now be used to prevent cancer.

Researchers at IIT (BHU) claim that the 'mosambi' (Citrus limetta) peels can be used to remove heavy metals from water and prevent cancer and other life-threatening ailments.

The researchers at the School of Biochemical Engineering, IIT (BHU) have synthesized an eco-friendly and cost-effective adsorbent, which can remove toxic heavy metal ions such as hexavalent chromium from contaminated water and wastewater.

Dr Vishal Mishra, associate professor, School of Biochemical Engineering and his student Veer Singh's study has already been published in the international journal 'Separation Science and Technology'.

Mishra said that the hexavalent chromium is responsible for several types of health problems in humans like cancers, liver and kidney disease and liver malfunctioning, and skin problems.

"This is a new eco-friendly product, synthesized from the Citrus limetta (mosambi) peels biomass. This adsorbent is very effective for removal of hexavalent chromium from waste water compared to other conventional methods and takes less time to separate hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution." According to Veer Singh, this adsorbent can be easily separated from the aqueous medium after the metal removal process. The researchers have tested the hexavalent chromium removal capacity of this adsorbent in synthetic simulated waste water and have got satisfactory results. The heavy metal removal efficiency of this adsorbent was also tested for other heavy metal ions, such as lead, copper and cadmium, and found emerging heavy metal removal efficiency of this adsorbent.

The heavy metals have carcinogenic properties which cause cancer of all types.

Explaining the procedure, he said, "We collect the mosambi peels, dry them, grind them into granules and then modify it with chitosan, a biopolymer. After this, the peels are put in water and they begin to separate the heavy metals." He said that in developing countries, water-borne diseases are the major problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), each year 3.4 million people, mostly children, die from water-related diseases.

According to a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) assessment, 4,000 children die each day due to the intake of bacterial contaminated water. WHO reports that over 2.6 billion people lack access to clean water, which is responsible for about 2.2 million deaths annually, of which 1.4 million are children.

Improving water quality can reduce the global water-borne diseases.

Cancer due to hexavalent chromium and other heavy metal ions is a severe problem worldwide. A report from the water resources ministry says that a large number of the Indian population drink water with lethal levels of toxic heavy metals.

About the socio-economic aspect of this research, Mishra said that mosambi peels are readily available as fruit waste. Adsorbent synthesis from this and chitosan is a cost effective and eco-friendly method.

Replying to a question, Mishra said that the research had shown successful results and they now planned to take it to a larger scale and make it cost-effective.

He said that clinical trials would begin soon at the lab level and then scale up.
Lucknow, Jan 9 : The Uttar Pradesh government has banned any increase in school fees across all the boards for the upcoming academic session (2022-23) because of the prevailing pandemic situation.

The schools will continue to charge fees as per the 2019-20 session.

Additional chief secretary, secondary education, Aradhana Shukla has issued directives to all private schools across the state in this regard. This is for the second successive year that the state government has prohibited schools from increasing fees.

"All schools in the state affiliated to CBSE, ICSE or UP Board will not be allowed to increase fees for the academic session 2022-23. The schools will only be allowed to charge fees which were applicable in the year 2019-20," Shukla said.

Shukla also communicated the same to the director education, the secretary, secondary education, along with the divisional education director and the district inspectors of schools through a letter.

As per the letter, the officer has also warned strict action against schools violating the order by increasing fee.

The decision was taken in the interest of parents to save them from inconvenience caused due to hike in school fees, she said.
Seoul, Jan 9 : South Korea's exports of kimchi, a traditional spicy side dish of salted and fermented vegetables, hit an all-time high last year due to its growing popularity, data revealed on Sunday.

Outbound shipments of the traditional side dish came to a record $159.9 million in 2021, resulting in a trade surplus of $19.2 million in the sector, according to the data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

It is the first time in 12 years that South Korea registered a surplus in the kimchi trade, reports Yonhap news Agency.

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish normally made of fermented cabbage, salt and hot peppers and is eaten with almost all meals.

Exports of kimchi grew 18 per cent on average per year in the past five years, and the number of import countries increased to 89 in 2021 from 61 countries in 2011.

The agriculture ministry attributed the increase in kimchi exports to growing awareness of the fermented dish amid the growing popularity of "hallyu", the Korean wave of pop culture.

K-pop and the broader Korean Wave have resonated with young people around the world, burnishing South Korea's image as a cool country, home to K-pop phenomenon BTS and 'Gangnam Style', South Korean rapper Psy's 2012 megahit song.

Experts said the Korean Wave generated by K-pop and TV dramas could turn fans in foreign countries into active consumers of South Korean products.
Patna, Jan 9 : The Bihar government's 'Satat Jeevikoparjan Yojana' (Sustainable Livelihood Scheme), which empowers poor households, traditionally engaged in production and selling of country liquor/toddy through diversification of livelihoods and improved access to finance, has changed the lives of many women in the state.

Nagia Devi, resident of the Vikrampur village in Gopalganj district, was left penniless after her husband, who sold country liquor illegally, died in a road accident and alcohol was banned in the state soon after.

However, the mother of five daughters did not lose hope and opened a shop through financial assistance provided by the state government through 'Satat Jeevikoparjan Yojana'.

Today, Nagia owns a shop, four flour mills, and is also rearing a buffalo and a cow. Talking to IANS, she said: Earlier, we had money but our source of income was not something to be proud of. Also, that business was very fickle and did not ensure security of my children's future. Today I have Rs 4 lakh in the bank." There are 595 such women in Gopalganj and 886 in Purnia district who have turned their lives around with the help of the Sustainable Livelihood Scheme. Some of them own cosmetic shops and some grocery stores.

Ajay Rao, the Nodal Officer of Gopalganj district sustainable livelihood, told IANS: "The prohibition of liquor in the state made women's lives easier. A total of 2,317 families in the district have been provided loans under this scheme. Around Rs 37,000 have been given to each woman in different phases.

He further added: "There are 89 such women who have left the business of liquor and 509 women have taken loan from this scheme and have started their business, as per the need of their village." A woman from a village in Dhamdaha block of Purnia, said: "When I was in the liquor business, people came to my house and molested not only me but also my daughters and daughters-in-law. Me and my husband couldn't stop them. But today we lead a good and decent life." Sangeeta Devi, a resident of Andi Tola of Dhamdaha block in Purnia, said: "Erlier when I sold liquor, I earned good profits every year. But after the prohibition of liquor in the state, I did not have money to put food in the plate. After this, I opened a shop by taking loan under the Satat Jeevikoparjan Yojana and with Rs 1,500 a month, now I can again feed my family." According to an official of Purnia, 143 women in the district have given up liquor business and 743 have quit selling toddy

Even though, the opposition had initially criticised the state government for banning liquor in the state, they have been silenced by the improvement made in the villages through the Satat Jeevikoparjan Yojana, the official added.
Chennai, Jan 9 : Tamil Nadu Police are maintaining a strict vigil in the areas bordering Kerala following the Sunday lockdown and the increasing Covid-19 and Omicron variant in the state.

Tamil Nadu reported 10,000 fresh cases on Saturday with 196 Omicron cases and, hence the state has enforced stringent vigil, especially those coming from Kerala.

The police have closed one way to the state at the Walayar check post and are not allowing any vehicle from Kerala, which is not travelling into Coimbatore if it is not an essential reason. Tamil Nadu Police are allowing people into the state from the Wayalar border who are travelling to Coimbatore airport as also for medical emergencies to Coimbatore and other parts of the state.

R. Sadanagoplan, Sub Inspector of Tamil Nadu Police, who is leading a team into inspecting vehicles from Kerala, while speaking to IANS said, "There is a total lockdown in Tamil Nadu today and it has been announced much earlier. So only those vehicles that are travelling to the state in an emergency are allowed into our state, including flight travel as well as medical emergencies." Tamil Nadu has also made it strict that only those who have a negative RT-PCR certificate taken within 72 hours are allowed to travel if the passenger has not taken the two jabs of vaccine. It means either an RT-PCR negative certificate taken within 72 hours of the journey or two doses of vaccine are mandatory to travel to the state of Tamil Nadu.

At Kaliyakkavilai bordering Kerala and Tamil Nadu from Thiruvananthapuram also there is a strong police contingent that is manning the Tamil Nadu side of the border. Police have enforced strict vigil and vehicles that are reaching the state for purchase of groceries and other essentials are not allowed to cross the border given the lockdown on Sunday.

M. Joseph Sundaran, Sub Inspector of Police who is part of a team of policemen on guard at the border while speaking to IANS said, "The government of Tamil Nadu has announced lockdown for Sunday and we are not allowing any vehicle from Kerala to cross the border. We have already announced several days ahead of this that vehicles and people will not be allowed except for some funerals or weddings if there is proper proof." At the Idukki border in Vandiperiyar also vehicles and people are not allowed to enter Tamil Nadu following lockdown in Tamil Nadu.
Hyderabad, Jan 9 : Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) is operating over 4,000 special buses from Hyderabad to various destinations in both the Telugu states in view of Sankranti festival.

TSRTC managing director V.C. Sajjanar said 3,338 buses will be operated to various places in Telangana and 984 buses to Andhra Pradesh till January 14.

He said these special buses will be operated without additional charges to the passengers. The public transport body has deployed 200 officers to monitor the special services.

Sajjanar appealed to people to use these services and reach their destinations safely to celebrate the festival with families. He appealed to people to book their tickets from the official website www.tsrtconline.in.

The TSRTC has opened two helplines at Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) in Hyderabad and Jubilee Hills Bus Station (JBS) in Secunderabad to provide information about the special services. Passengers can contact MGBS helpline on 9959226257 and JBS on 9959226246.

The special buses in Telangana will be operated from Hyderabad to destinations like Karimnagar, Adilabad, Warangal, Nalgonda, Medak and Siddipet. For Andhra Pradesh, the buses will be plied to Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Bhimavaram, Tenali, Guntur and Kakinada.

The TSRTC has deployed officers at various bus stations in Hyderabad including MGBS, JBS, Central Bus Station, Miyapur X Roads, Ameerpet, Telephone Bhavan, Jeedimetla, Uppal X Roads and LB Nagar to ensure smooth running of special buses.

Thousands of people have already started leaving Hyderabad and surrounding areas to various destinations in both the Telugu states for Sankranti, which will be celebrated on January 14.

MGBS, JBS and other bus stations started witnessing Sankranti rush from Saturday.

Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has also announced that it will operate 6,970 special buses from January 7 to 18. However, it is charging 50 per cent extra fare.

APSRTC Managing Director D. Tirumala Rao explained that since the buses would run one side empty, they were charging additional fare. He hoped that people would understand the situation.

The APSRTC is running special services from Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai to various places in Andhra Pradesh.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : The Pakistan Opposition and citizens of the country have slammed Prime Minister Imran Khan for his reaction to the Murree incident, where 22 people froze to death due to heavy show, saying the ruling PTI government has gotten used to blaming others for their own mistakes, Geo News reported.

In a tweet on Saturday, Khan said: "Shocked (and) upset at tragic deaths of tourists on road to Murree. Unprecedented snowfall (and) rush of (people) proceeding without checking weather conditions caught district admin unprepared." The tweet, however, did not sit well with the people, particularly the Opposition, as they lashed out at him for his "insensitive and shocking response".

Bushra Gohar, a former member of Parliament, urged the Prime Minister to stop blaming victims of the tragedy. "It is because of your #PuppetGovernment's callousness, incompetence (and) mismanagement." "Accept responsibility and resign. Enough!" she said, alongside hashtags "LivesMatter", "ArrestBrandKhan" and "GayaPakistan".

Taking to his Twitter handle, PML-N Vice President Pervaiz Rasheed demanded Khan to take his "ruthless, cruel and stupid" tweet back.

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb wrote: "This statement is the height of (your) indifference, cruelty, and incompetence." Lashing out further at the premier, she said that "corruption" and "incompetence" aside, Khan should resign after blaming those who lost their lives, Geo News reported.

She demanded he answer for his "criminal negligence" and regretted that his statement comes from a man who claims he wants to model Pakistan after Madina.

Journalist Absa Komal wrote: "Insensitive and shocking response, it is your administration's failure, accept it at least! They could have easily taken preventive measures knowing that a huge number of people were heading towards Murree." Calling Khan a "callous person", PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said the Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) issued a warning on December 31 about heavy snowfall and "everyone in the government was sleeping".

"He is now blaming the people for failing to check the weather before coming. Those who brought such a person in to the office of PM will taste Allah's wrath for the suffering of people," he said.

(Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at Sanjeev.s@ians.in)
Aerial photo taken on Jan. 9, 2022 shows a testing site for nucleic acid test in Nankai District of north China's Tianjin. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

TIANJIN, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- North China's Tianjin, a 13.86-million-people municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday.

The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, said the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control.

The other 18 infections are mainly students and their family members related to a daycare center and a primary school where the first two cases were from, Gu Qing, director of the municipal health commission, said at a press conference late Saturday.

The virus has spread in at least three generations in the latest resurgence, and more cases may emerge, said Zhang Ying, deputy director of the city's center for disease control and prevention.

The nucleic acid testing is expected to be completed in 24 hours in districts of Jinnan, Nankai, Dongli, and Xiqing from 7 a.m. Sunday and in other districts from 7 a.m. Monday. Residents will not be given a green health code until receiving a negative test result, the headquarters said.

The municipal and district departments of commerce have activated emergency response for market supply. They also organized more than 40 supermarkets and produce markets for stable necessity supplies to the residential communities with closed-off management.

A number of catering companies will also provide warm meals for the frontline epidemic-control workers, said the Tianjin municipal bureau of commerce.

Currently, the market supply for daily necessities in the city is abundant, with prices stable, the bureau said.

Commuters between Beijing and Tianjin have been advised to work at home, according to the Beijing municipal center for disease control and prevention. The center also told people in Beijing not to go to Tianjin unless necessary. 

A medical worker takes a swab sample from a child, accompanied by a parent, for nucleic acid test at a testing site of Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Staff members scan citizen's codes for registration procedure of nucleic acid test at a testing site in Nankai District in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A staff member gestures for citizens to line up at a designated passageway for nucleic acid test at a testing site in Nankai District in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A volunteer (R) gives citizens tips on nucleic acid test at a testing site in Nankai District, north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

A medical worker takes a swab sample from a citizen for nucleic acid test at a testing site in Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A staff member helps a citizen go through registration procedure for nucleic acid test at a testing site in Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Community worker Xu Hongwei (1st, R) addresses concerns of citizens at a residential area in Xiqing District in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Citizens line up for registration before nucleic acid test at a testing site of a residential area in Xiqing District in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

A medical worker takes a swab sample from a citizen for nucleic acid test at a testing site in Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

Citizens line up for nucleic acid test at a testing site in Binhai New Area in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo)

A parent holds a child for nucleic acid test at a testing site of a residential area in Xiqing District in north China's Tianjin, Jan. 9, 2022. North China's Tianjin, a municipality that neighbors Beijing, has decided to start a citywide nucleic acid testing after 20 people tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Sunday. The infections were reported from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Saturday in Jinnan District, and the gene sequencing found the first two locally transmitted confirmed cases were infected with the VOC/Omicron variant, according to the municipal headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control. (Xinhua/Li Ran)
Kolkata, Jan 9 : With the sudden steep rise in the Covid cases in Kolkata and adjacent areas affecting not only the common people but a section of the police force too, the Kolkata Police have introduced WhatsApp numbers for all the police stations so that the people can register their complaints on the digital platform.

This will not only stop the people from crowding the police stations, but also help the administration to keep the spread of the virus under check. The decision has been taken after several policemen, including Commissioner of Kolkata Police Vineet Goyal and Commissioner of Bidhannagar Commissionerate Supratim Sarkar tested Covid positive.

In a high-level meeting, it was decided that the people won't have to come to the police station to register their complaints. Each of the 79 police stations under the Kolkata police jurisdiction has been provided with a smartphone with a dedicated number where local residents can lodge complaints and GDs by sending their complaints on WhatsApp. They can also send audio messages as evidence or to lodge a GD.

"The complainant will have to write the duly signed complaint on a plain sheet of paper and send it on the WhatsApp number. The complaint will be registered and a complaint number will be sent to the complainant within the due period and action will be initiated on the basis of the complaint. At present there are many police stations in Kolkata including Kalighat, Bhawanipur where the situation is such that it is very risky to allow people inside the police station. This process will help in avoiding spreading," a senior police officer said.

In addition, any photographs that will be used as evidence can also be forwarded on this number. All complaints sent over WhatsApp will be deemed as filed and the policemen will visit the scene of crime as required. In specific cases of distress or further query, even calls on these numbers will be allowed.

A total of 296 officials have been affected so far and many have been discharged from hospital. "This is one more initiative on our part to reduce physical contact," said a joint commissioner.

The policemen though reminded that the use of this number, in the beginning, will be limited to petty crimes. "For major crimes, our doors will always remain open for complainants," said an OC from north Kolkata. Primarily, it will be the duty officer who will receive the complaints on WhatsApp and then put-up entries. He will also inform senior officers on serious crimes. All the numbers will have the common 8100796 as the initial seven digits. The last three digits will denote the particular division and finally the particular police station.

Kolkata Police has announced a number of measures to cut down on physical interaction. Lalbazar has halted the breathalyzer test and asked traffic police personnel to fall back on citation cases in traffic rather than seizures. The brass has also asked the police personnel not to go out of the city for petty raids and ensure that there is social distancing inside lock-ups. The barracks have been divided to cut down on crowding.
London, Jan 9 : The Tom Holland-led 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' may be leaping from one box-office record to the next in this time of the pandemic, but audiences in the UK and Ireland have shown their loyalty to their favourite spy, James Bond, by ensuring that British actor Daniel Craig's final outing as 007, 'No Time to Die', tops the 2021 charts.

According to data released by the media measurement and analytics company, Comscore, and reported by 'Variety', the year's UK and Ireland box-office was led by 'No Time to Die', which is the No. 3 film of all time with 96.5 million pounds, behind 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' (123.2 million pounds) and another James Bond movie, 'Skyfall' (103.2 million pounds).

'Spider-Man: No Way Home', which is still running in cinemas, is No.10 in the all-time chart with 74.8 million pounds and is most likely to overtake 2019's 'The Lion King' (76 million pounds) and will then challenge 'Titanic' (80.2 million pounds) for the eighth position, reports 'Variety' quoting Comscore data.

Cinemas in the U.K and Ireland were closed for the first 19 weeks of 2021 and allowed to reopen from May 17, but unlike 2020, which had repeated closures, 2021 did not see any enforced shutdowns since reopening.

The final 2021 admission numbers are not yet available, but Comscore, according to 'Variety', expects the UK total to be around 74 million and some six million in Ireland, almost 70 per cent up from 2020's figures of 47.6 million for the UK and Ireland combined, which represented a steep fall from 2019's total of 191.1 million.

The U.K./Ireland Top Ten, according to Comscore data for 2021, were:
New Delhi/Srinagar, Jan 9 : Jammu and Kashmir recently bagged national level awards for Covid-19 management and Panchayat Development Index at the 24th National Conference on e-Governance held at Hyderabad.

District Srinagar secured first position in the category of Covid-19 management with effective use of technology and Bandipora district was conferred the award for innovative digital product 'Panchayat Development Index'.

Two J&K districts being on top vis-a-vis managing administrative affairs in the country have once again proven that the Centre's August 5, 2019, decision -- to scrap the so-called special status of erstwhile J&K state and its transition into a Union Territory -- was a step in the right direction. The move set new benchmarks of governance in the strife torn Himalayan region, which was declared as "Red Zone" for the past three decades by the traditional politicians in Kashmir.

When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in Kashmir, Srinagar was the worst hit as maximum cases were reported in the district. The Srinagar administration led by then Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Chaudary, took several innovative and effective steps to contain the virus. The efforts of the officers helped in saving many lives and curing the patients.

Officials in North Kashmir's Bandipora district in 2019 launched a dashboard "www.realchangers.com" for data entry in all its 151 Panchayats. The aim was to develop the Panchayat Development Index -- a vital statistical tool to capture movement in development at grassroots level and to witness impact of the centrally sponsored schemes at the Panchayat level.

The index is applicable to all Panchayats across the country. The index evaluates a base score of each Panchayat and keeps stakeholders viz. district officers, PRI functionaries, frontline workers, etc., motivated towards improving PDI through a real time monitoring feature.

A booklet titled "Panchayat Development Index" was formally released by the District Development Commissioner Bandipora on December 21, 2019. The sincere efforts of the J&K officials were recognised at the 24th National Conference on e-Governance with Bandipora district winning the national award for "innovative digital product".

Officials given freehand After J&K's transition into a Union Territory the administration has become more efficient and responsive. The officials have been given a freehand to come up with new ideas and innovations to make the system more vibrant and people friendly. The steps that have been taken during the past two years have turned J&K into an entirely different place. A common man no longer has to wait in queues to get his grievances addressed. The online platforms and helpline numbers have made the administration accessible to everyone.

The former political regimes in J&K used to appoint the administrators on the basis of recommendations and their political leanings, but after J&K's reorganisation, the officers are being appointed on merit and their potential.

Efficient and dedicated officers managing the affairs of the Union Territory have brought a sea change.

Time proves politicians' wrong Different surveys conducted by various agencies in 2021 described J&K as the top performing Union Territory in the country.

A survey conducted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India put J&K on top in the country.

The Public Affairs Centre (PAC), a not-for-profit research think-tank, had adjudged J&K as the second best governed Union Territory.

The LEADS 2021 index, released by the Union Commerce Ministry, had also put J&K on top. In NITI Aayog's Health Index, Jammu & Kashmir emerged as the leading performer in terms of incremental performance. Among the Union Territories, Delhi followed by Jammu & Kashmir had shown the best incremental performance.

When Article 370 -- a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution -- was scrapped the traditional politicians in Kashmir had predicted that the Valley would burn and the entire system would go haywire. But time has proven them wrong.

No change in workforce The politicians, who ruled J&K for the past 70-years, need to understand that the present dispensation led by J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, has not made any drastic changes. It's also handling the same workforce which was available to former rulers. The government employees are the same. But their efficiency has increased. They are performing their duties with sincerity and dedication.

Associations of the government employees don't call for strikes anymore, nor are they seen hitting the streets. Their genuine concerns and demands are being addressed without even them (employees) asking for it. The employee-friendly approach of the present regime in J&K is making them feel secure and more comfortable. Everyone is trying to contribute in a positive way and the results are evident.

The present J&K Government launching a crusade against corruption and making the service rules stringent too have played a major role in making everyone accountable. The government employees have understood that they don't have to work to appease any of their political bosses. They are public servants and have to work for the welfare of the people.

Prior to August 5, 2019, all the top officials used to mark their attendance in the durbars of ministers and other politicians of the ruling party. In the last two years this precedence has changed. They are focusing on their jobs without any interference or political pressure.

They have been an integral part of J&K's development in every sphere of life. The good work of the employees is being acknowledged and the ones who are not fitting into the system are being shown the exit door.

J&K govt roping young blood Besides focusing on the existing workforce, the J&K Government is roping in young blood to make the system more vibrant and efficient. The abrogation of J&K's special status and its transformation into a Union Territory has proven to be a blessing for a common man. The efficient and transparent administration has made lives easy for the denizens of the Union Territory.

The way J&K has been handled during the past two years should serve as an eye opener for all those politicians for whom good governance was never a priority. Their slogans and narratives were just aimed at sticking to the chair. But now the times have changed and the government employees along with a common man of J&K are busy building "Naya Jammu and Kashmir" and their efforts are proving fruitful.
Kanpur, Jan 9 : Abhijeet Sanga, a BJP MLA from Kanpur, has stirred controversy after he allegedly made indecent remarks against the Sikh community in a social media post.

The Yuva Sikh Morcha staged a protest in Motijheel area on Saturday and burnt an effigy of the MLA.

Morcha leader, Kawaljeet Singh Manu, alleged that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security breach issue in Punjab, the MLA, from his Twitter account, used inflammatory, anti-social, language against the Sikh community.

The Morcha made an appeal to the Chief Minister, saying such an MLA should be immediately dismissed from party.

Sanga, meanwhile, claimed that his Twitter account had been hacked and "disrespectful content" was posted.

He expressed regrets and stated that he had high regard for Sikhs.
Addis Ababa, Jan 9 : Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat hascommended the release of senior opposition political figures detained in Ethiopia.

"The Chairperson welcomes this important gesture of appeasement of the political situation in Ethiopia," an AU statement read.

The statement came a day after the Ethiopian government on Friday released high-level and senior opposition party members who were in prison over the past years, reports Xinhua news agency.

Among those released include Sibhat Nega, former senior leader of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a rebel group currently engaged in a deadly conflict with the Ethiopian government.

Nega was detained during the early days of the ongoing conflict that started in November 2020.

According to the chairperson of the pan African bloc, the move will trigger a political process, paving the way for the implementation of a genuinely inclusive national dialogue process for the peaceful and consensual solution to the political and institutional problems facing the federation.

Mahamat further encouraged all the actors to engage in it with courage and determination while assuring them, to this end, of the resolute support of the African Union.

Among the released also include Jawar Mohamed, Eskinder Nega and Bekele Gerba -- influential opposition political figures in Ethiopia.

Upon announcing the decision, the Ethiopian government said "the key to lasting unity is dialogue. Ethiopia will make any sacrifices to this end".

It said Ethiopia's problems need to be addressed in a comprehensive dialogical approach.

"The government took the initiative to pardon some prisoners for the betterment of the political situation," the statement from the Ethiopian Government Communications Service read.

It said that a National Dialogue Commission has been set up to deal with contemporary political issues in the country and unresolved discourses in the East African country.
Washington, Jan 9 : Citigroup, the American multinational investment bank, has reiterated its Covid-19 vaccination mandate and told its US-based workers to be inoculated before January 14, or they will be fired by the end of the month, according to media reports.

Bloomberg cited a Citigroup spokesperson as saying that the company will place workers who refuse to get vaccinated against the virus by January 14 on unpaid leave, then their employment will be terminated at the end of the month, reports Xinhua news agency.

Headquartered in New York, the bank rolled out the vaccination mandate two months ago, requiring all of its US-based employees to be vaccinated as a condition of their employment.

Citi's Head of Human Resources Sara Wechter wrote on LinkedIn in October 2021 that there were two key factors behind the mandate: the bank has an obligation to comply with the White House mandate that individuals supporting government contracts be fully vaccinated; a vaccinated workforce ensures the health and safety of Citi staff when returning to the office.

She also explained that Citi will assess all requests for religious, medical or any other accommodation required by state or local law on a case by case basis.

Citigroup has some 70,000 US employees, and so far about 95 per cent of them have been vaccinated, according to media reports quoting sources.

The Supreme Court has heard arguments concerning President Joe Biden's mandate that all US companies with at least 100 employees have them either be vaccinated or subjected to weekly tests.

Many of the large companies including Delta Airlines, Ford, GE and Wall Street giants have tightened their restrictive measures against Covid-19 since the breakout of the Omicronvariant, and most of them have announced their own vaccination policies either mandating vaccination or prohibiting entry into offices by the unvaccinated.
Chennai, Jan 9 : Top Tamil actor Karthi, who is actively involved in helping farmers, has signed an online petition to prevent genetically modified foods from entering Indian kitchens.

Posting the link to the online petition on his Twitter page, the actor, who is well informed about farm practices and products, said, "Dear friends, an important online petition that should concern all of us. It is about the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India altering the regulations on GM & GE Foods which could open floodgates to GM foods coming into our lives. I am signing on. Pls sign, if you agree to this." The link to the online petition claims that the Indian government is gearing up to allow Genetically Modified (GM) foods despite studies showing adverse impacts on health and food safety.

The article accompanying the petition, posted by the petitioners identified as Sustainable Agriculture and Safe Food enthusiasts - Ananthoo, Rajesh Krishnan and Usha Soolapani, claimed that in different studies, GM foods were found to cause health problems like allergies, immune system impairment, stunted growth and development, organ damage, reproductive health impacts and even pre-cancerous growths.

Pointing out that a majority of countries around the world had not accepted GM crop cultivation, and that GM food crops were not allowed to be grown in India also precisely because they were not deemed to be safe for the environment and health, the petitioners asked why then was the government moving to allow (import of) GM foods by framing weak new regulations by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The petition, addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), made a list of demands even as they stressed the point that the citizens of the country did not want GM foods, labelled or unlabelled.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : Migrant labourers, who during the previous coronavirus-induced lockdown, ran out of food, struggled to access healthcare and faced acute livelihood problems, are once again returning to their home states fearing that the weekly curfew may be converted into a lockdown as Covid surge continues.

Fearing lockdown in the national capital, migrant labourer Hemant Maurya has already left for his home state.

"Last time, I got stuck in the national capital with my family. Duration of lockdown was extended gradually and I faced a lot of hardship. That's why when this time I heard of curfew, I left the national capital," Maurya said.

He further said: "If the curfew is not extended, we will come back. Fearing lockdown, I left for home on January 6. Will face problem due to unemployment, but if life will be saved, will find some work. This time I was accompanied by four fellow labourers." Hemant is not the only one, 33-year-old Raju, resident of Gonda district, also returned home.

Raju said: "In the previous lockdown, my kids were staying with me. We did not have money and had to survive without food for one day. After borrowing money from my friend, I returned home. This time, I did not wait for anything. If curfew will not be extended, we will return." "One of my villagemen Vinod has also returned along with me. Covid cases are increasing. We will think about going back when the situation becomes normal," Raju further said.

Delhi's daily Covid tally has crossed over 20,000 cases in a day. Due to surge in infection, lockdown is likely to be imposed, which is a cause of concern for the migrant labourers.

Although the government has imposed night and weekend curfew to contain Covid, but given the current situation, migrant labourers are taking no chances this time and are either preparing or opting to leave for home.

Toufiq Ahmed, a contractor in a society in Delhi's Prem Nagar, is a resident of Ambedkar Nagar. Many people from his village work under him. Even before the imposition of curfew in the national capital, eight of the migrant labourers left for their home.

Ahmed told IANS that eight labourers have already returned home and others are likely to follow.

"Despite our assurance to the migrant labourers that there will be no shortage of food, they are scared," Ahmed added.

"The workers who faced hardships during previous lockdowns are frightened and are rushing for their homes. At the same time, bus fare has also increased. Earlier, a private bus from Prem Nagar to Ambedkar Nagar used to charge Rs 1,000 which has now been increased to Rs 1,200," he pointed out.

Ahmed said: "Labourers of Bihar, Gonda and Moradabad have left for their homes. Three labourers left two days ago and earlier, three workers left. We want that they should return early, failing which work would be affected. All the labourers who have left for their homes have not informed when they will come back." However, many private operators, who sit outside Anand Vihar Bus Stand and look after buses operating for Bihar, said the situation is grim, so they are charging the high fare.

Most of the people who work in Delhi come from other states. If Covid situation does not improve, the national capital could re-witness the problems faced during the previous lockdowns.

On Monday the Kejriwal government will review the Covid situation in Delhi and will take a call whether to impose lockdown or not.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
San Francisco, Jan 9 : Tech giant Amazon is cutting paid leave time for US front-line workers who test positive for Covid-19 or have to quarantine after exposure to the virus.

According to a company notice sent to employees, which was viewed by CNBC, all US-based Amazon workers who test positive for Covid-19 and those required to quarantine will now be eligible for one week, or up to 40 hours, of paid leave.

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed the policy change, the report said.

The e-commerce giant initially offered up to two weeks of pay for any employees diagnosed with Covid-19 or placed into quarantine, but shortened paid leave to 10 days, in line with earlier guidance from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The company said it was adjusting its policy after "reviewing the newly released guidance" from the CDC, which halved isolation requirements for asymptomatic people to five days.

The updated recommendations also shortened the time that close contacts need to quarantine.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Hyderabad, Jan 9 : Alleged harassment by financiers drove a family of four belonging to Telangana to die by suicide.

A day after a couple and their two sons committed suicide in Vijayawada in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, their relatives alleged that the harassment by some financial institutions drove them to the extreme step.

Puppala Suresh, 57, P. Sri Latha, 49, P. Akhil, 24 and P. Ashish, 26, natives of Nizamabad district in Telangana, committed suicide on Saturday.

While Sri Latha and Ashish killed themselves by taking some injections, Suresh and Akhil jumped into the Krishna river.

Preliminary investigations revealed that before resorting to the extreme step, they wrote suicide note, mentioning the names of those who harassed them to recover the loans.

Suresh also sent a selfie video to his relatives explaining the reasons for ending lives. He reportedly gave details of those who put pressure on them. Unable to bear the harassment, the family killed themselves.

According to police, the family came to Vijayawada on January 6 to have darshan at Kanaka Durga temple and checked into Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Choultry.

Bodies of Sri Latha and Ashish were found in the room. Police suspect that they took some injections laced with poisonous substances to end their lives. Police recovered saline bottles, syringes, injections and IV fluid bottles from the room.

Suresh and Akhil allegedly jumped into the Krishna river and their bodies were fished out.

After an autopsy at the Government General Hospital, the bodies were handed over to relatives who rushed to Vijayawada from Nizamabad.

This is the second such incident in a week. A 45-year-old businessman, his wife and their 12-year-old twin daughters immolated themselves at their house in Paloncha in Telangana's Bhadradri Kothagudem district on January 3.

In suicide notes and selfie video, later recovered by police, M. Naga Ramakrishna alleged that they were resorting to extreme step due to the harassment by Vanama Raghavendra Rao, son of Kothagudem MLA Vanama Venkateswara Rao.

The businessman, who had debts to the tune of Rs 30 lakh, alleged that Raghavendra had asked him to bring his wife to Hyderabad. He said Raghavendra tried to use his political and money power to satisfy his carnal desire.

Ramakrishna also blamed his mother Suryavati and his sister K.Lova Madhavi saying they tried to do injustice to him in sharing the property.

After evading arrest for a few days, Raghavendra was finally apprehended on January 7. A court on Saturday sent him to judicial custody for 14 days.
Tan Jianyong does exercise at a gathering center for disabled people in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jan. 6, 2022. Tan Jianyong is a 49-year-old policeman in Nanning. In 1998, three years after he became a policeman, Tan was shot in the chest by a gunman and got paralyzed from the chest down. Encouraged by his family, colleagues and friends, Tan was pulled out of the mire of depression. He gradually regained the self-care ability and returned to his post with supporting policies from work. Apart from work, Tan also involved himself in community, as he is willing to help disabled people alike mired in depression. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)

Tan Jianyong exercises at a park in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jan. 5, 2022. Tan Jianyong is a 49-year-old policeman in Nanning. In 1998, three years after he became a policeman, Tan was shot in the chest by a gunman and got paralyzed from the chest down. Encouraged by his family, colleagues and friends, Tan was pulled out of the mire of depression. He gradually regained the self-care ability and returned to his post with supporting policies from work. Apart from work, Tan also involved himself in community, as he is willing to help disabled people alike mired in depression. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)

Tan Jianyong and his wife are seen with their son in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jan. 6, 2022. Tan Jianyong is a 49-year-old policeman in Nanning. In 1998, three years after he became a policeman, Tan was shot in the chest by a gunman and got paralyzed from the chest down. Encouraged by his family, colleagues and friends, Tan was pulled out of the mire of depression. He gradually regained the self-care ability and returned to his post with supporting policies from work. Apart from work, Tan also involved himself in community, as he is willing to help disabled people alike mired in depression. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)

Tan Jianyong (4th, R, front) poses for a group photo with his friends and staff members at a gathering center for disabled people in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jan. 6, 2022. Tan Jianyong is a 49-year-old policeman in Nanning. In 1998, three years after he became a policeman, Tan was shot in the chest by a gunman and got paralyzed from the chest down. Encouraged by his family, colleagues and friends, Tan was pulled out of the mire of depression. He gradually regained the self-care ability and returned to his post with supporting policies from work. Apart from work, Tan also involved himself in community, as he is willing to help disabled people alike mired in depression. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)

Tan Jianyong (L) works in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Jan. 6, 2022. Tan Jianyong is a 49-year-old policeman in Nanning. In 1998, three years after he became a policeman, Tan was shot in the chest by a gunman and got paralyzed from the chest down. Encouraged by his family, colleagues and friends, Tan was pulled out of the mire of depression. He gradually regained the self-care ability and returned to his post with supporting policies from work. Apart from work, Tan also involved himself in community, as he is willing to help disabled people alike mired in depression. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)

Photo taken on Jan. 6, 2022 shows Tan Jianyong saluting in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Tan Jianyong is a 49-year-old policeman in Nanning. In 1998, three years after he became a policeman, Tan was shot in the chest by a gunman and got paralyzed from the chest down. Encouraged by his family, colleagues and friends, Tan was pulled out of the mire of depression. He gradually regained the self-care ability and returned to his post with supporting policies from work. Apart from work, Tan also involved himself in community, as he is willing to help disabled people alike mired in depression. (Xinhua/Zhou Hua)
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 9 : Medha Patkar, Social Activist and Chief of the National Alliance of People's Movement (NAPM), on Sunday opposed the K-Rail project, a dream project of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, in Kerala while speaking to the media at Kochi.

She said that given the critical situation of environment in the state after back-to-back floods and landslides, a proper study needs to be conducted on environment and its impact on society.

The Social Activist added that there has to be a proper study on the social impact and without such studies giving clearance to the project was not advisable in the state.

Patkar in a scathing attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the latter was not easily approachable and that this was not good for the Left unity against communalism that the CPM has been propagating.

The project proposed at a whopping Rs 1.25 lakh crore is a semi-high speed rail corridor running from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod and the state government and proponents of the project have been claiming that the high-speed train will cover a distance of more than 600 km in four hours.

Stiff opposition to the project has already come with opposition Congress and the BJP protesting against the project and even in the CPM district conferences which are being conducted, scathing criticism has come against the project.

The CPM has also gone on the offensive with the party's Kannur District Secretary, M.V. Jayarajan, saying that the former would protest against those who are opposing the silver line project.
Houston, Jan 9 : A suspected gunman is at large after shooting one person dead while leaving two others wounded at an club in Houston, the largest city in the US state of Texas, authorities said.

The shooting took place at around 8 a.m. on Saturday, according to Houston police.

About 10 minutes before the shooting, a commotion happened inside the club and the DJ stopped the music, Xinhua news agency quoted report from local news outlet ABC13.

It was at that point that several people were removed from the club.

The suspect opened fire in the parking lot before fleeing, wounding a customer, a security guard and an employee at the club.

Houston police later confirmed the customer died from his injuries.

Cities across the US are experiencing a rise in homicides and gun violence incidents.

In Houston, homicides rose 18 per cent last year from 2020, according to local media reports.
Ankara, Jan 9 : Three Turkish soldiers were killed when a bomb exploded on the country's border with Syria, the Defence Ministry in Ankara said.

The improvised explosive device planted by "terrorists" on the borde in Akcakale district, the Ministry said statement without providing more details.

The explosion occurred when a military vehicle was passing by Syria's northern border town Tal Abyad, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Tal Abyad town has been under control of Turkish forces and Turkey-backed rebels since Ankara launched Operation Peace Spring against a Syrian Kurdish group in October 2019.

The Turkish army launched Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016, Operation Olive Branch in 2018, Operation Peace Spring in 2019 and Operation Spring Shield in 2020 in northern Syria, in order to eliminate Syria's Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) along its border with the neighbouring country.

Turkey sees the YPG group as the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

On Friday, the Defence Ministry said eight YPG members were killed in northern Syria when they "attempted to attack" Turkish forces at the Operation Peace Spring zone.

Turkish forces and the YPG members in the region often exchange fire on the Syrian border.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Ankara government for more than three decades, claiming more than 40,000 lives.
Tripoli, Jan 9 : UN envoy Stephanie Williams welcomed a meeting between military leaders from the Libyan interim government and the eastern-based army, reiterating the world body's support for a peaceful resolution to the country's longstanding conflict.

The UN Secretary-General's special adviser for Libya made the remarks after Muhammad Al-Haddad, chief of staff of the Government of National Unity, and Abdel Razek Al-Nadori, acting general commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army, met on Saturday in the northern coastal city of Sirte, reports Xinhua news agency.

A number of senior military figures from both sides also attended the meeting, the second of its kind between the two military leaders.

"I reiterate the support of the United Nations for all efforts made at various levels to unify the military institution," Williams wrote on Twitter.

The oil-rich North African country has been in turmoil since the fall of the Muammar Gaddafi's government in 2011.

The escalating tensions between a number of political forces in 2014 resulted in two separate governments -- the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord recognized by the UN and the House of Representatives allied with the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar.

On February 5, 2021, the UN-led Libyan Political Dialogue Forum selected a temporary unified executive authority to take Libya to national elections on December 24.

The country's High National Elections Commission suggested on December 22 that the elections be postponed by a month to January 24, 2022 over technical and legal concerns.
San Francisco, Jan 9 : Tech giant Microsoft has rolled out a new feature for Teams that can automatically delete recording files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint after a pre-set period of time.

Microsoft flagged the new feature in its December updates for the Teams collaboration platform, which included end-to-end encryption for calls and fixes for an issue between Teams and Android that caused some devices to freeze after making an emergency call, reports ZDNet.

Admins can disable the auto-expiration feature which will be on by default. Once rolled out, all new recordings automatically expire 60 days after they are recorded if no action is taken.

Microsoft expedited the feature's roll out "due to overwhelming customer requests," Microsoft said in a blogpost.

"All newly created Teams meeting recordings (TMRs) will have a default expiration of 60 days. This is on by default for all tenants," the company explained in a support document.

"This means that by default, all TMRs created after this feature was turned on will be deleted 60 days after their creation date," it added.

Admins can also set meetings to never auto-expire in the Teams admin centre or by using PowerShell commands.

Microsoft described the feature as a "lightweight housekeeping mechanism to reduce storage clutter" created by old recordings, which on an average consume about 400 MB of cloud storage per hour of recording.
Lucknow, Jan 9 : The Samajwadi Party (SP) has written a letter to the Election Commission of India, seeking the removal of two IAS and two IPS officers in order to ensure free and fair elections in Uttar Pradesh.

The letter sent by SP secretary Rajendra Chaudhary alleges that these officers were working like "BJP workers".

The officers named in the letter are Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Avanish Awasthi; Additional Chief Secretary (Information) Navneet Sehgal; Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order Prashant Kumar; and ADG Special Task Force Amitabh Yash.

The letter further states that since these officers are holding influential positions, free and fair elections would not be possible unless they are removed.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : For close to two years, members of the Delhi Gymkhana Club (DGC), located in the heart of Lutyens' Delhi, are fighting a legal battle with the Centre, which has appointed an administrator to manage the affairs of the club, to retain its decades-old exclusivity. In December last year, over 90 per cent members voted against the changes in the accounting of the club at the annual general meeting (AGM), and similarly, the members have vehemently opposed many other decisions of the administrator.

On January 7, one of the oldest members of the Gymkhana Club wrote to the Finance Minister (FM) and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) highlighting the major faux pas committed by the administrator, Om Pathak, a former UP cadre IAS officer, in the club after taking over the reins. Jay Bhattacharjee, in an email, said rejection of the DGC's accounts at the last AGM by an absolutely overwhelming majority of the members (shareholders) is something that must not be overlooked by either MCA or the government. Pathak is the third administrator in past one year.

He further, in the email, added, "Clearly, there was very little due diligence carried out on OP (Om Pathak). His career record, insofar as is available in the public domain, is hardly flattering. His involvement in the Delhi Public School society affairs has question marks all over the place. It is impossible to say with any degree of confidence that OP was a good choice as an Administrator of the DGC from the MCA's / UOI's perspective".

The email added that Pathak is spending funds liberally to host a number of cultural / intellectual events that were non-starters and committing a sheer act of vandalism in destroying the club's green patch that was not only ecologically necessary and viable but also contributed to the revenue. "Presenting accounts to the AGM of the Club that were based on a new set of accounting norms that are not followed by any other Section 8 clubs in the country. The Statutory Auditors' advice to seek the views of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on this change of accounting policy was cavalierly disregarded by OP", added the email.

Bhattacharjee emphasized the consequent rejection of the DGC's accounts at the last AGM in December 2021 by an absolutely overwhelming majority of the members (shareholders) is something that must not be overlooked by either the MCA or the government.

"The DGC, I will always say, is an epitome of a Lutyens' Zone institution that needs a drastic course correction. However, what is being done in this case is not an appropriate treatment of the malady but an extension of the earlier reign of wrongdoings and unethical conduct", added the email.

According to the email, the Minister of State, Rao Inderjit Singh, had recently made a personal visit to the club.

In July last year, Bhattacharjee had written email to the FM and the MCA highlighting the abysmal corporate governance in the club. "The Administrator, who had earlier occupied the highest position in the Indian Railways, took over in late February 2021. His performance and track record, after assuming charge, has been woeful. He has attended to his work in the DGC on a very limited number of days. Even assuming that he has been functioning remotely from his residence or some other location, there is not a single tangible contribution he has made. What I am saying can be easily demonstrated if there is a forensic audit of his regime" said the email written in July.

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, on February 15 last year, dissolved the club's General Committee and directed the Centre to appoint an administrator to manage its affairs, after the Ministry of Corporate Affairs moved the tribunal alleging corruption, mismanagement, and nepotism in the club.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)-Post graduation (PG) counselling 2021 will start from January 12, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday.

"The NEET-PG counselling is being started by Medical Counselling Committee from January 12, 2022, following the Supreme Court order as assured by the Union Health Ministry to the resident doctors," Mandaviya said in a tweet.

He gave best wishes to all students appearing in the NEET exam counselling, adding that it will strengthen India's fight against Covid-19 infection.

The Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA), which led the nationwide agitation against delay in the counselling thanked the Union Minister for declaring the counselling date.

Talking to IANS, Manish Nigam, FORDA President, said, "We all welcome this step to begin counselling from January 12." "We are hopeful that we will have new batch of resident doctors from January 20 to 25. As more than hundreds of doctors have tested positive for Covid-19 in last one week in Delhi's several hospitals and we are facing staff crisis, it will help us fight the Covid infection more efficiently," he added.

Ending the agitation over the delay in NEET-PG counselling, the Supreme Court in an interim order on Friday directed that counselling may proceed on the basis of the July 29, 2021, government notification by which 10 per cent seats were reserved for economically weaker section (EWS) and 27 per cent for Other Backward Class (OBC) candidates.

A bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and A.S. Bopanna also accepted the recommendation to continue the prescribed Rs 8 lakh income limit for EWS quota for the current admission cycle.
San Francisco, Jan 9 : Tech giant IBM could reportedly be looking to sell the Watson Health division for more than $1 billion, media reports say.

According to Axios, IBM spent more than $4 billion to build Watson Health via a series of acquisitions.

The business now includes health care data and analytics business Truven Health Analytics, population health company Phytel and medical imaging business Merge Healthcare.

IBM first explored a sale of the division in early 2021, with Morgan Stanley leading the process, the report said.

WSJ reported at the time that the unit was generating roughly $1 billion in annual revenue, but was unprofitable. Sources said it continues to lose money.

The report mentioned that IBM in late 2021 engaged BofA Securities to find a buyer for Watson Health. Bids were due last week, according to one source who said IBM hopes to select the winner by month's end.

IBM and BofA declined to comment, but last year IBM CEO Arvind Krishna acknowledged that sometimes the company has promised more than it has delivered.

"Watson was one of IBM's highest-profile initiatives in recent years and a big bet on the growing healthcare sector, though results disappointed in part because physicians were hesitant to adopt artificial intelligence," a report said last year.

"IBM is studying alternatives for the unit that could include a sale to a private-equity firm or industry player or a merger with a blank-check company," the report added, citing sources.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : The Special Cell of Delhi Police, which arrested ISI-trained Mohammed Asraf alias Ali Ahmad Noori, a Pakistani national for allegedly planning terrorist attacks across the country, has got extension of 90 days to file the charge sheet 'as the investigation was continuing'.

The special cell moved the court seeking the extension. Advocate Deepak Tyagi opposed the move and said that not more than 15 to 20 days extension should be given. The court after hearing the whole argument agreed to the Delhi Police's demand and granted more time.

The investigation so far has revealed that Mohammed Asraf travelled to Thailand and UAE which showed that he was not only in touch with the ISI but had links with others who wanted to create a riot-like situation in India.

The Special Cell has made the sketches of his associates, who are said to be living in India. The cell conducted raids at their premises but failed to get anything.

ISI-trained Asraf was held in October last year from Delhi's Laxmi Nagar. The special cell found that he had been illegally residing in India since 2004 and was involved in espionage and supplying arms.

Mohammed Asraf was working at the behest of Pakistan's Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) with the sole purpose of spreading terrorism across India.

Asraf was in constant touch with his Pakistani handler, Nasir, who had been giving him directions to do spying and anti-India activities.

Asraf confessed to the Special Cell that he had been involved in terror activities, including transporting illegal weapons.

The special cell had said that the accused was in advance stage of procuring arms and explosives to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi and several other states. The special cell has so far recorded the statement of seven persons who testified against Asraf.

The special cell had recovered a hand grenade, one AK-47 assault rifle with its 2 loaded magazines, two pistols and a bag containing 50 live cartridges. The Special Cell took the help of National Security Guards (NSG) Gurugram to dismantle the hand grenade. It was then sent to CFSL, CBI for expert opinion.

The Special Cell also conducted Asraf's Polygraph test at CBI's CFSL, Narco test and Brain Mapping test at FSL Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The cell has said that they have identified a lot of suspects and are in process of busting the ISI-sponsored terror module.
GAZA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The coastal enclave of Gaza has witnessed a huge hike in population, which might be a bane rather than a boon for the overcrowded and besieged area, said officials and analysts.

"As of the end of 2021, the population has reached 2,313,747," the Hamas-run General Administration of Civil Status at the Ministry of Interior said in a press statement.

Some observers said the situation is alarming as residents of the coastal Strip are facing dire economic conditions that are expected to deteriorate if the population continues to grow.

Amjad al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian Non-governmental Network in Gaza, told Xinhua that the Gaza Strip is living its "worst humanitarian crisis" as a result of the 15-year long Israeli siege and the internal Palestinian division.

"The large shortfall in international financing has also greatly affected the reality," al-Shawa said.

"Since the start of the new year, the situation is becoming more difficult and does not spell any good for an immediate improvement in light of figures indicating high rates of unemployment, poverty, and deteriorating economic conditions," he added.

Hamed Gad, a Gaza-based economist, told Xinhua that the Strip needs to create more than 60,000 jobs as thousands joined the unemployed annually.

He said the ongoing Israeli blockade on the Strip has left numerous "scars" on the lives of the residents, who hope that the situation would change for the better.

"Unfortunately, the young generation is the most affected group, as the unemployment rate among them is about 70 percent," he said, calling on the government to take measures to support those in need.

Maher al-Taba'a, director of the Chamber of Commerce in Gaza, told Xinhua that the Israeli military actions on the Strip "deepened the economic crisis as a result of the massive destruction they left in the infrastructure and various sectors."

Al-Taba'a cited that the recent round of tensions cost the Strip 500,000,000 U.S. dollars in losses, at a time when the reconstruction process has not yet begun.

The business leader stressed that this coincided with an unprecedented trade stagnation due to the continuation of the blockade and the restrictions on import and export, which led to a slump in imports for 2021 compared to previous years.

This, in turn, has caused other social problems, such as more beggary in public places, the increase in divorce cases, the financial failure of merchants and businessmen, and bankruptcy," he added.

Officials and observers in Palestine are calling for effective international intervention to lift the blockade and introduce comprehensive measures to ensure a great improvement in people's lives. 
New Delhi, Jan 9 : After limiting fund collection from abroad, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) may face a financial crunch for campaigning in four of the five poll-bound states it is contesting in the February-March elections.

Two days ago, the Election Commission increased the expenditure limit from Rs 28 lakh to Rs 40 lakh in candidates in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 28 lakh in Goa.

Earlier, the NRI wing of the party, which was considered very strong in Punjab, used to donate crores of rupees to the party's coffers. During the 2017 Punjab elections, NRI Joban Randhawa was the Youth Deputy Convener of the NRI cell of the AAP.

As many as 30,000 NRI supporters had registered themselves with the party for campaigning and around 2,000 NRI supporters reached Punjab that year.

However, the support for the party in Canada, California, New York, New Jersey is not very aggressive this year, giving rise to a financial crunch.

Former co-ordinator of AAP's Fund Raising and NRI Wing Hoshiarpur, Varinder Singh Parihar had accused party leaders of transferring Rs 200 crore to Rs 500 crore, collected from NRIs living in the US, from Punjab to Delhi. He alleged that party MP Bhagwant Mann had gone to Vancouver, while Sukhpal Singh Khaira went to the US and held meetings with NRIs in Seattle, California, New York, New Jersey and other places.

"Therefore, the party has millions of dollars donated by the NRIs stored and does not need to focus on overseas fund this year," Parihar said.

Even after investigations into its foreign fund-collection were conducted by the Home Ministry under both the UPA and the BJP government, the AAP has received a clean chit on both occasions.

According to the party, despite having complete control over the Central Bureau of Investigation, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate, Intelligence Bureau, and Delhi Police, the BJP government did not find anything wrong in the AAP funding process.

Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, said: "The AAP had launched a nationwide campaign called 'Aap ka Daan, Rashtra ka Nirmaan' a few years ago to solve its ongoing financial crisis. That's how it will be contesting the Assembly elections. The party is accepting donations from our home-grown traders." Talking to IANS, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, said: "This year, we are focusing on issues, not funds. So, there is nothing to worry about." Highlighting the party's plans to raise money through crowdfunding, AAP Rajya Sabha member Sushil Gupta told IANS: This time the party is working to collect funds by meeting traders in all states including Punjab, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Goa. Along with this, separate meetings will be organised to collect donations from the general public and party workers as well." "This time, the party is collecting less foreign donations. As far as election announcements are concerned, after the party comes to power, the government's tax collection money will be used to fulfil the promises made to public. When AAP came to power in Delhi, there was a tax turnover of Rs 35,000 crore, which we increased to more than Rs 65,000 crore," he added.
Mumbai, Jan 9 : Telugu superstar and producer Ram Charan, whose upcoming release 'RRR' has been postponed till further notice, states that big releases play a vital role in regulating the economy of the film industry.

The big-budget films not only generate employment but also make sure that people working at the lower rung of the crew get paid well.

The actor recently spoke with IANS over the importance of star value for a film, the need for big-ticket releases, and the evolution of his working equation with filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli from 'Magadheera' to 'RRR'.

Elaborating on the hardwiring of star value with a film, the actor said, "The aspect of star value is only to bring the masses to the theatres. Post that the story takes over and the story has the responsibility to talk and make the audience sit in the theatre." Laying down the framework of commercial potboilers vis a vis the film industry, the producer opines, "Every film has its own role to play the business part of the entire industry but these (big releases) are the films that bring glory back to the theatres. Not differentiating between the OTT films or theatre films but on the whole all these (spectacle) films have their own part to play. Their numbers and their economy are integral to not just the industry but also to the government in the form of taxes." Ask him how his working with Rajamouli has changed over the years, and he quips, "As actors we evolve with every year, there has been a sea change especially since the last decade. S.S. Rajamouli has evolved multifold and just to work with such a person, who knows what he exactly wants from us, is a pleasure." A filmmaker with clarity of thought at the helm is a blessing for any artiste working on a film set, "Our job gets so much easier when we are working with someone, who is so sure about what he's making. He has evolved so much, I am really blessed to work with him." Although the third wave played spoilsport for the film's release, he is hopeful that normalcy would soon return and the audience while relieving the stress would also appreciate the efforts into putting this film together, "What I am really looking forward to from this movie apart from it becoming a huge hit is that people appreciate the hard work of the entire team for making a film of this scale." "I think it's been so long that I have been in a theatre enjoying popcorn. Films like 'Suryavanshi', 'RRR' and 'Radhe Shyam' are those that should bring back the theatre days to glory and provide a holistic experience of movie watching to people", he concluded.
Hyderabad, Jan 9 : Nani and Sai Pallavi's hit movie 'Shyam Singha Roy' will start streaming on OTT from January 21.

'Shyam Singha Roy', which was released in theatres on December 24, is still running and earning good numbers.

The Nani-starrer is a time-travel story, with the '70s-era Bengal and contemporary Hyderabad backdrop. Nani has played the role of a social reformer, while Sai Pallavi allured the audience in the role of a devadasi.

Rahul Sankrityan's second directorial venture features Nani in a dual role. Nani, Sai Pallavi, Krithi Shetty, and Madonna Sebastian have been receiving critical acclaim ever since the release of the movie.

As the Sankranti season is to bring in new releases, the makers of 'Shyam Singha Roy' have taken this decision to start streaming the movie on OTT.

Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya's 'Bangarraju' is slated for release on January 14, which would have an impact on 'Shyam Singha Roy'. So, the OTT option is one better way to catch up with digital viewers.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : In the upcoming five state elections, the Congress has decided to go without declaring the chief ministerial face despite having incumbent face in Punjab as a chief minister.

Sources in the Congress say that it will only be decided after the results and Congress legislative party will decide the new leader with the consent of the high command, except at few occasions the party does not project a chief minister's face.

The Congress leaders in Punjab and Uttarakhand want that Chief Ministers should be projected. Supporters of Harish Rawat, former CM and Navjot Singh Sidhu, Punjab Congress chief want to be projected as Chief Minister's face. But party says it will not take risk to alienate other factions ahead of polls.

The Congress faces major challenge of retaining power in Punjab, and to come up with a credible show against the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.

Except in Uttar Pradesh, the party is in direct contest with the BJP in three states, while in Punjab, it faces the Akali Dal-BSP and Aam Aadmi Party.

Though it is not the main challenger in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress wants to be ahead of the BSP in the contest.

The Congress is faced with a crisis in Goa, where almost all the MLAs have deserted the party, the party has three former Chief Ministers -- Digambar Kamat, Pratap Singh Rane but has not decided to project anybody as the face though former Chief Minister Francisco Sardinha is one of the contender for the top post.

In Manipur too, the Congress has faced an exodus ahead of the polls. But there Okram Ibobi Singh, the former Chief Minister could be given one more chance if the party comes to power but won't project anybody. The party is paying special attention to the northeastern state and has appointed Jairam Ramesh as the senior observer. In the last elections in Manipur, the Congress could not form the government despite emerging as the single largest party.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is top choice of the party in UP, but it's unlikely that anyone could be projected as CM though party has very less chance in the state compared to other election going states.
Chennai, Jan 9 : Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac), the state government entity that sells liquor has netted Rs 210 crore from sale of liquor on Saturday on the eve of the lockdown of Sunday. Tasmac shops remain closed on Sunday due to the lockdown.

According to a statement from Tasmac Chennai, three adjoining districts of Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur accounted for 25 per cent of the total liquor sale on Saturday.

Generally, the combined weekend sale of Tasmac liquor outlets on Saturday and Sunday touches Rs 300 crore on an average.

The Tasmac is divided into five zones -- Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy and Salem and there are around 30,000 employees working in the organization that sells liquor in retail and wholesale markets of the state.

Recently the contractors attached with Tasmac had conducted a protest march to the residence of Tamil Nadu Minister for Excise and Prohibition, Senthil Balaji alleging discrepancies in the awarding of contracts to retail food outlets attached with the Tasmac shops.

A total lockdown is in force in Tamil Nadu and people are allowed to move out only in emergency situations including health emergencies and other inevitable work. Heavy police deployment has been made across the state and all the areas bordering Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry are being strictly monitored by the state police.
Shimla, Jan 9 : With Tashigang village in the Spiti Valley, the country's highest polling station located close to the India-China border, connected with tapped water, a record 7.93 lakh households in Himachal Pradesh have been connected with taps in two years, and the new connections are more than 7.63 lakh taps installed in 72 years, a statement said on Sunday.

To provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps, the Central government had initiated the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

The state has made rigorous efforts to ensure successful implementation of the scheme.

The state aims to provide tapped water in every household by year 2022, while the national target is to provide water by 2024.

Under the JJM, the state's Jal Shakti Vibhag, previously named the Irrigation and Public Health (IPH), has set up 14 district-level and 42 subdivision-level water testing laboratories to ensure safe water supply.

Out of these, 37 laboratories have been certified by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration laboratories (NABL).

A state-level laboratory is also being set up, where water samples would be tested to ensure safe drinking water.

Under Jal Gunvatta and Sanrakshan theme, the Jal Shakti Vibhag had organised programmes as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of statehood. In the last two years, 371,080 water samples were tested.

A campaign was also launched in June and October, 2021 to increase sampling of water in the state. During this period, 64,701 water samples were tested in laboratories and 54,394 water samples were tested through field testing.

The state has ensured connectivity of potable tapped drinking water in every nook and corner of the state.

Himachal Pradesh has also secured first place in the country in providing adequate potable drinking water through functional household taps.
Agra, Jan 9 : At least 236 new Covid-19 cases have been recorded in the last 24 hours in Uttar Pradesh's Agra, taking the overall caseload to 979 in the first six days of January 2022, officials said on Sunday.

Before January 1, as per the state health department data, the total number of Covid-positive cases was 26,761 with 25,323 recoveries and 458 deaths.

The total number of Covid samples collected was 22,33,309 with a recovery rate of 94.62 per cent. The number of people vaccinated with a single dose of vaccine is 30,20,082 while 17,37,900 people received their second vaccine dose and 25,712 adolescents between 15-18 years' age group received their first dose of vaccine.

Arrival of tourists has been severely hit and the markets are beginning to look deserted as night curfew has been enforced across Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath in a set of guidelines issued on Sunday after a meeting with senior officials, has asked the district administration to remain alert and provide adequate infrastructural support through the central command system.

The medical kits must be immediately provided and a list of phone numbers of doctors for tele-consultations will be circulated.

The District Divisional Commissioner has asked Agra and neighbouring districts of Mathura and Firozabad to formulate plans to contain the Covid-19 infection by strictly following the prescribed protocol.

In Vrindavan, half a dozen foreign devotees have been found to be Covid-positive. The district administration has asked the Bankey Bihari temple management to allow entry through online registrations.

Mathura and Firozabad have also reported rising incidence of the infection after the New Year. The Taj city has created half a dozen containment zones to isolate the Covid-positive cases.

A major worry for the district authorities is how to manage the tourists at the monuments. To avoid transmission, entry to the Taj Mahal is allowed through online registrations. However, the ticket windows are now shut.

The medical fraternity in the city is concerned at the laxity and a callous approach of the citizens who are still thronging markets without the masks.

"All precautions have been thrown to the winds. People do not realise prevention is better than cure," lamented a senior citizen Sudhir Gupta of Vijay Nagar colony.

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New Delhi, Jan 9 : With the announcement of polling dates for the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, all major political parties have intensified their campaign, apart from taking pot-shots at one another.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is confident of making a comeback in the state despite the opposition parties -- the Congress, Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party, giving the saffron party a tough fight.

The party has been sounding confident on the issues it has taken up for the elections, as well as on the popularity of its faces in Delhi and Lucknow.

In fact, the BJP veterans have been continuously claiming that the party will repeat its last election's performance.

The party which has often backed the idea of "a double engine government", is constantly putting forth the issues and agendas related to Hindutva along with the development work. According to party sources, the BJP leaders will try to woo people on the basis of this strategy.

Apart from listing the achievements of the public welfare work of the Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath governments, the BJP leaders will also discuss the issue of Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura, its core agenda.

Terming the issue of law and order as the biggest achievement of the Yogi Adityanath government, the BJP leaders are likely to be seen appealing to people to vote in favour of the party to keep the momentum going.

The BJP has also prepared a blueprint for the digital campaign in an attempt to reach out to the voters amid restrictions imposed by the Election Commission following rise in the number of Covid cases.

A BJP leader associated with the election campaign told IANS the party would be making an effort to woo every section of the electorate to vote in favour of the party. Hence, "the party has taken special care of the youth, women, elderly, the workers as well as the voters associated with the party over the Hindutva ideology".

The party will continue to focus on its core agenda of "Ayodhya-Kashi-Mathura" as well, he said.
Chennai, Jan 9 : Actress Aishwarya Rajesh on Sunday released the trailer of director Ramesh Subramanian's thriller 'AGP', featuring actress Lakshmi Menon in the lead.

The film has evoked considerable interest in film buffs as this will be the first time that Lakshmi Menon will be seen playing the solo lead in a film.

The trailer of the film shows that the story of the film revolves around a hospital which is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Patients visiting the hospital, we are told, are committing suicide. The protagonist is seen explaining to a nurse that she had bought her boyfriend to the hospital to get a bandage on his leg removed. However, an hour later, she says, he isn't there.

The trailer keeps viewers guessing if whether the film is a horror thriller or a psychological thriller.

Cinematography for the film is by Santhosapandi and music has been scored by Jaikrish. The film, produced by KSR, has editing by Chandrakumar.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : Aumkareshwar Thakur the alleged creator of "Sulli Deals", knew that police would be on his trail after the uproar over the app to "auction" Muslim women and had deleted all his social media footprints in a bid to escape detection, police sources said on Sunday.

"He is very sharp and technically sound. He had deleted a lot around 10 GB data. We have hope that we will be able to find more evidence once the data is retrieved," said a source.

Thakur, who holds a BCA degree from IPS Academy, Indore, was held from the city by a team of the Delhi Police's Special Cell.

During preliminary interrogation, he had admitted that he was a member of a "Trad" group on Twitter where the idea to defame and troll Muslim women was shared.

Joining the group "Tradmahasabha" in January 2020 using the Twitter handle @gangescion, he participated in various group discussions about trolling Muslim women.

He had developed the code on GitHub, which could be accessed by all the members of the group. He had shared the app on his Twitter account, and photos of the Muslim women were uploaded by the group members.

After the uproar regarding the app, he had deleted all his social media footprints.

The Special Cell is further analysing the technical gadgets to find out the codes/images related to the "Sulli Deals" app.

The police sources also claimed that they have identified a few people who were assisting him.

However, as of now, the police have not found any connection between him and the "Bulli Bai" creator.
SUVA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Fiji announced on Sunday tightened measures to contain spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the South Pacific island country.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Fiji's health ministry and police, Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya said that with a rapid spread of the Omicron variant confirmed in the country, the key measures against COVID-19 should be tightened to contain the variant's transmission.

According to the minister, people who fail to comply with the health protocols over COVID-19 will face fines from Monday.

The minister said those who fail to wear a mask in the required settings will be fined 250 Fijian dollars (about 117 U.S. dollars). For the failure to conduct temperature checks, the fine for individuals will be 250 Fijian dollars (about 117 U.S. dollars), and 1,000 Fijian dollars (about 468.6 U.S. dollars) for businesses.

High-risk businesses failing to verify vaccination status will face 1,000 Fijian dollars (about 468.6 U.S. dollars) in fine.

Among other measures to be strengthened From Monday, group sizes for gatherings in homes, communities, and community halls will be limited to 20 persons.

Koya said the authorities will not hesitate to fine people or shut down businesses including hotels if necessary.

The minister also urged Fijians to take the booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Health Ministry James Fong reported five new deaths from the pandemic, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded since confirmation of the third wave of infections to 12.

There have been 1,280 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded since Wednesday in the country, bringing the total tally to 57,187 with 709 deaths, according to the health ministry.

Currently, 94.2 percent of the adult target population in Fiji are fully vaccinated, while 97.9 percent have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Fiji, which has a population of around 900,000, reported its first confirmed coronavirus infection in March 2020. It was hit by the second wave of COVID-19 in April last year. 
Islamabad, Jan 9 : While the crypto currency is fast overlapping the global financial investments; crypto currency scams are also making full use of the lucrative offer, luring them into making online investments, only to end up being scammed.

In Pakistan, a crypto exchange company Binance Pakistan lured locals to invest in crypto currency, scamming them for a massive fraud worth $100 million. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken note of the matter and has issued notice to Binance in relation with the scam, which has resulted in the country's largest scam through crypto currency exchange.

"The organizers used crypto currency. We have launched a probe after receiving complaints regarding a fraud involving billions of rupees being committed using nine online applications", said Imran Riaz, Director FIA.

As per details, Binance, referred to as the fraudster, employed mobile apps offering locals opportunities of investment in crypto currency exchange through lucrative offers of profits on their investments.

As per estimates, people sent between $100 and $80,000, making an average of up to $2400 per person. The money was sent into the Binance wallet after investors would register themselves and transfer money to accounts linked to the application.

The fraud came to light after many investors reached out to authorities with complaints about over a dozen apps, which had stopped working suddenly.

"During the inquiry, it was found that the fraudulent account of different applications, namely, MCX, HFC, HTFOX, FXCOPY, OKMINI, BB001, AVG86C, BX66, 91fp, TASKTOK, were linked with Binance wallets", officials said.

"Each of the apps had at least 5,000 customers each", the officials added.

The FIA has issued a notice to a person named Hamza Khan, identified as representative of Binance in Pakistan, summoning him to appear in person on January 10, 2022.

"The FIA Cyber Crime Sindh has issued order of attendance to Hamza Khan, General Manager/Growth Analyst at Binance Pakistan to explain his position on the linkage of fraudulent online investment mobile applications with Binance. A relevant questionnaire has also been sent to Binance Headquarters Cayman Islands and Binance US to explain the same", stated an FIA official.

Separately, a letter has also been dispatched to Binance Holdings Limited to give details of these block chain wallet accounts, along with an intimation to block them with immediate effect.

"We have also requested supporting documentation and information about the apps' integration with the coin trading platform", said FIA.

Binance is the latest unregulated virtual currency exchange, in which, Pakistanis have invested in millions. FIA has warned that non-compliance could lead to recommendation to impose financial penalties through State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The FIA is also sending notices to social media influencers also, who have been promoting the apps.

The trade of crypto currency remains prohibited in the country. However, even with the ban in place, reports suggest that Pakistanis have invested about $20 billion in crypto assets.
Colombo, Jan 9 : Amidst the ongoing financial and forex crisis, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has requested the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for possible restructure of the debt repayment.

"It would be a great relief if it could be focused on restructuring the debt repayments as a solution to the economic crisis that has arisen due to the Covid-19 pandemic," President Rajapaksa said.

President Rajapaksa met China's Foreign Minister and State Councilor Yi who was visiting Sri Lanka marking the 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Sri Lanka is the final destination of Chinese Minister who visited five countries in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from Africa to Asia Eritrea, Kenya and Comoros in Africa and the Maldives in Asia.

In the back drop of financial crisis faced by the Indian Ocean island nation, President Rajajapaksa also said, "if a concessional trade credit scheme could be obtained for imports from China, it would enable industries to run smoothly".

During the meeting, President Rajapaksa also has requested Minister Yi to assist in attracting Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka by allowing visit using the bio-bubble program, President's Office said in a statement.

During the meeting Sri Lankan leader thanked the "Chinese government for the material and financial assistance given to battle the Covid-19 pandemic and for its continued support in providing Sri Lanka with Sinopharm vaccines for the successful implementation of the vaccination program", President's Office stated.

In response, Chinese Foreign Minister has stated that "China would always support the island nation as a close friend".

Meanwhile Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who met Wang Yi at the Temple Trees has thanked Chinese government for its financial support in the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic.

"As you know, similar to many other countries, Sri Lanka's economy was also greatly impacted by the pandemic. We appreciate China's assistance towards our economic revival and financial stability," said Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"There is still a long way to go in establishing normalcy, but we're confident that with support from friendly countries like China, we will be able to overcome these challenges soon. I look forward to continue working closely with you and the Government of China in addressing common challenges," PM Rajapaksa said.

Foreign Minister Yi has assured to assist Sri Lanka and has said "China will continue to do its best to provide all the necessary help and support [to Sri Lanka]," Prime Minister's Office stated.

Chinese Foreign Minister's visit comes amidst strained relationship due to shipment of 20,000 metric tonnes of organic fertilizer from China which was rejected by Sri Lanka after it was found to be infected with harmful bacteria.

In last September, the Hippo Spirit ship carrying organic fertilizer left for Colombo from China's Qingdao Port. Initially Sri Lankan court ordered state-run People's Bank not to pay for the shipment and in response Chinese embassy blacklisted the bank. However, bowing to the pressure of Beijing on Saturday (January 8) the bank paid the fertilizer company Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group $6.87 million while settling legal dispute.
Kathmandu, Jan 9 : The Nepal government has decided to make vaccination cards compulsory to enter in public places like government offices, hotels, restaurants, cinema halls, stadiums, domestic flights, banks and other public places from January 17.

The decision has been taken to tackle the fast spreading Omicron virus. Nepal has witnessed a sharp rise of Covid cases in the last one week.

The country recorded an alarming surge in the coronavirus cases with the daily count reaching 1,167 in the past 24 hours.

A high level Covid Crisis Management Centre whose chairman is Prime Minister of the county on Sunday, released its several decisions to curb the Covid pandemic inside the country.

The CCMC has decided to shut down all schools till February.

A meeting of the CCMC held on Sunday, made the decision effective for the primary and secondary schools. Sunita Nepal, spokesperson for the CCMC, said the meeting has decided to close the academic institutions till January 29. "The step is expected to break the chain of infection at this end," Nepal said.

Similarly, the government also made it mandatory to carry vaccination cards against Covid in all domestic flights.

"A lot of schools have given its students a winter vacation so we want to ensure that no child is leaving home during a time when cases are increasing every day," says Nepal. "We hope this will help us break the chain." She also adds there is a high chance that different districts would implement a smart lockdown to ensure stopping Covid-19 from spreading rapidly.

The CCMCC has also urged all students to take this chance and get vaccinated. Vaccination drive for children aged between 12 and 17 has started in the capital, Kathmandu from Sunday itself.

Similarly, the government has banned gathering of more than 25 people in public places and put a ban on holding mass meetings and gatherings.

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New York, Jan 9 : The US Food and Drug Administration has warned against using self-collected throat swabs for home Covid-19 tests.

The warning comes after anecdotal reports of sore throats with coronavirus infection and early studies suggesting that saliva may be a better way to detect the Omicron variant, some people began taking antigen test swabs intended for nasal samples and using them to swab their throats, CNN reported.

The home test tweak took after after people began posting their results on social media with the hashtag #SwabYourThroat.

The agency cautioned that people should use the tests as instructed.

"FACT: When it comes to at-home rapid antigen #Covid19 tests, those swabs are for your nose and not your throat," it said Friday on Twitter.

Throat swabs are common in some places. In the UK, the National Health Service notes that some rapid tests for people without Covid-19 symptoms may require both a nose swab and a throat swab. But in the US, most self-tests require nasal specimens; a few involve saliva collected by spitting into a tube, the report said.

"The FDA advises that Covid-19 tests should be used as authorised, including following their instructions for use regarding obtaining the sample for testing," an FDA spokesperson was quoted as saying to CNN.

"The FDA has noted safety concerns regarding self-collection of throat swabs, as they are more complicated than nasal swabs -- and if used incorrectly, can cause harm to the patient. The CDC recommends that throat swabs be collected by a trained healthcare provider."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, Jan 9 : Six months after the registration of a case against the creator of the Sulli Deals mobile application, where photos of Muslim women were displayed for auction, the Delhi Police has finally arrested the mastermind behind the creation of the derogatory application.

Aumkareshwar Thakur, the creator of the derogatory app 'Sulli deals', who was apprehended from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, has been sent to 4-day police custody by a local court in Delhi on Sunday.

"Thakur has been arrested and a four-days police custody has been granted by the court," an official said here.

The derogatory 'Sulli Deals' mobile app had surfaced in July last year where photos of Muslim women were displayed without their consent for auction.

Thakur -- a resident of Newyork City Township in Indore was apprehended on January 8.

The Cyber Crime Unit of the Delhi Police had registered an FIR under section 354-A (Sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code on July 8.

According to the police, the 25-year-old accused admitted that he was member of a group on Twitter that defamed and trolled Muslim women.

"He had developed the code on GitHub. The access of GitHub was with all the members of the group," the police said.

Apart from Sulli deals, another shocking incident of harassment and insulting women of the minority community on the social media came to light on January 1 after a Delhi-based woman journalist lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police, stating that she was being targeted by some unidentified group of people on a mobile application, this time named as 'Bulli Bai', yet again created on GitHub platform.

'Bulli Bai' had a number of pictures of women, including journalists, social workers, students and famous personalities, accompanied by derogatory content. The app listed hundreds of Muslim women for "auction".

The creator of the Bulli Bai app, Niraj Bishnoi, was also arrested by the Delhi Police on January 6.

During the interrogation of accused Niraj Bishnoi (in Bulli Bai matter), it emerged that he used to interact with various virtual identities on social media and used to engage in group discussions.

In the month of July 2021, in one of the groups in which Niraj Bishnoi was a member, the other group member shared the details of Sulli Deals app.

That was the first time Niraj Bishnoi or other group members had heard about the Sulli Deals app on GitHub.

The Twitter handle was backtracked and it was learnt that after the Sulli Deals uproar, the said Twitter handle and other footprints were erased from various social media platforms.

"A Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty request has also been sent to the Department of Justice to obtain details from GITHUB," the police said.

Niraj Bishnoi further dwelled into the details that the said Twitter handle belonged to a person who stays in Indore.

Based on technical analysis, one Twitter handle in the name of the accused Aumkar Thakur was identified and on January 8, a team of IFSO, Special Cell went to Indore.

The accused Aumkareshwar was examined and his technical gadgets were subjected to preliminary analysis.

During investigation, he was subjected to interrogation, in which he confessed that he had created the Sullideal app.

"The necessary digital footprints in his laptop and on the cyber space are being probed," a senior official said.

During interrogation, Aumkareshwar revealed that he had developed the code on GitHub.

The access of GitHub was with all the members of the group. He had shared the app on his Twitter account where the photos of the Muslim women were uploaded by the group members.

"Further analysis of the technical gadgets is underway to recover the codes and images related to the Sulli Deals app," the police added.
London, Jan 9 : Covid should be treated as an endemic virus similar to flu, and mass vaccination must end after the booster campaign, the former chairman of the UK's vaccine taskforce has said.

According to Dr Clive Dix, there is a need to protect the vulnerable and not all must be vaccinated. Dix called for a major rethink of the UK's Covid strategy, the Guardian reported.

"We need to analyse whether we use the current booster campaign to ensure the vulnerable are protected, if this is seen to be necessary. Mass population-based vaccination in the UK should now end," he was quoted as saying.

He said ministers should urgently back research into Covid immunity beyond antibodies to include B-cells and T-cells (white blood cells). This could help create vaccines for vulnerable people specific to Covid variants, he said, adding: "We now need to manage disease, not virus spread. So stopping progression to severe disease in vulnerable groups is the future objective." His intervention comes as it was revealed that more than 150,000 people across the UK have now died from Covid. Official figures published on Saturday recorded a further 313 deaths, the highest daily number since February last year when the last peak was receding. It takes the total recorded deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test to 150,057, the report said.

"Coronavirus has taken a terrible toll on our country and today the number of deaths recorded has reached 150,000," UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a tweet.

"Each and every one of those is a profound loss to the families, friends and communities affected and my thoughts and condolences are with them. Our way out of this pandemic is for everyone to get their booster or their first or second dose if they haven't yet," he added.

Meanwhile, Dix's remarks on ending mass-vaccination come as the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) ruled that fourth doses were not currently needed because most older people who had received boosters were still well-protected against Omicron, three months after the booster campaign began.

The UK Health Security Agency said protection for over-65s was about 90 per cent, three months after a booster jab. The JCVI's deputy chair, Professor Anthony Harnden, said the committee was monitoring the impact of Omicron on older and vulnerable people on a weekly basis.

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New Delhi, Jan 9 : Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Sunday spoke to his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian and discussed what France and India can achieve together in 2022 and how to make France's EU presidency an accelerator for EU-India ties.

"Delighted to speak to French Foreign Minister @JY_LeDrian today. We recognized that our achievements of 2021 are a strong foundation for 2022. The presidency of EU that France occupies adds an important dimension to our strategic relationship," he said in a tweet.

According to an official statement, he congratulated France for taking over the presidency of the European Union after 13 years and celebrates the French commitment towards a more digital, ecological, and social Europe.

The year started with 16th staff talks conducted between the Indian and the French Navies in the first week of January.

France was the first foreign partner of India to post a liaison officer at Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), set up for collaborating and cooperating with partners towards enhancing maritime safety and security in the area.

Vice Admiral Christophe Lucas, Head of Foreign Relations, French Navy, visited the IFC-IOR and was briefed on the efforts of the Centre towards enhancing maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region as the two nations are sharing more and more real-time, sensitive information on maritime awareness in the area.

With the establishment of the strategic partnership in 1998, there has been significant progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation through regular high-level exchanges at the Head of State/Head of Government levels and growing cooperation and exchanges including in strategic areas such as defence, counter-terrorism, nuclear energy, and space.

France was the first country with which India entered into an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation following the waiver given by the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, enabling India to resume full civil nuclear cooperation with the international community. There is also growing and wide-ranging cooperation in other areas such as trade and investment, culture, science & technology, and education.

France has consistently supported India's increasing role in international fora, including India's permanent membership of the UNSC.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : Airline company IndiGo on Sunday said it will cancel around 20 per cent of its scheduled flights due to rising Covid cases.

"We anticipate that around 20 per cent of our current scheduled operations will be withdrawn from service," it said in a statement.

"Where possible, cancellations of flights will be done at least 72 hours in advance and customers will be moved to the next available flight and will also be able to change their travel through the use of Plan B on our website," the statement said.

Besides, it decided to waive change fees for all new and existing bookings made up to January 31, 2022, for flights up to March 2022.

The airline operator urged the passengers to avoid connecting to the call centre, instead use its digital channels where possible, as it is getting a large volume of calls.
Imphal, Jan 9 : Tribal leader and Congress MLA Chaltonlien Amo of Tipaimukh Assembly constituency joined the ruling BJP on Sunday -- a day after the Election Commission announced the schedule of the elections to the 60-member Manipur assembly.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur state president A. Sharda Devi welcomed the 67-years-old tribal leader Amo, who is also the Manipur state Congress vice-president in the saffron party at a simple function here.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Pratima Bhowmik were also present.

Yadav and Bhowmik both are Central leaders of the BJP, overseeing the assembly election affairs in Manipur on behalf of the party.

Sharda Devi said the joining of Amo is an example of conviction in the proactive policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and N. Biren Singh led governments to develop Manipur and the entire northeastern region.

"I welcome Chaltonlien Amo Tipaimukh to the BJP family. The BJP is going from strength to strength in Manipur due to people's belief in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the great work being done by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the state," Yadav tweeted.

Earlier also, several Congress leaders including state Congress president Govindas Konthoujam and few MLAs quit the party and joined the BJP.

After 15 years, the Congress was ousted by the BJP-led alliance in the 2017 Assembly polls, despite emerging as the single-largest party with 28 seats.

But the saffron party, which had bagged 21 seats, stitched together a coalition government with the support of four National People's Party (NPP) MLAs, four Naga People's Front (NPF) members, the lone Trinamool Congress MLA and an Independent member.

The assembly elections would be held in Manipur in two phases on February 27 and March 3.

The counting of votes will take place on March 10.
New Delhi, Jan 9 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday instructed officials to accelerate the vaccination drive for adolescents in "mission mode" during a high-level meeting to assess the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country.

During the meeting, he also reviewed the ongoing preparations of the health infrastructure and logistics, status of the vaccination campaign in the country and the emergence of new Omicron variant of the Covid, and its public health implications for the country.

A detailed presentation highlighting the surge in cases currently being reported globally was given by the Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, followed by the status of Covid-19 in India highlighting various states and districts of concern, based on the surge in cases and high positivity being reported.

Further, various efforts taken by the Central government so far in terms of supporting states to manage the upcoming challenge were highlighted.

Various predictive scenarios of peak cases were also presented. The support to the states to upgrade health infrastructure, testing capacity, availability of oxygen and ICU beds, and buffer stock of covid essential drugs under Emergency Covid Response Package (ECRP-II) was also presented.

The Prime Minister stressed on the need to ensure adequate health infrastructure at the district level. He asked officials to maintain co-ordination regarding this with the states.

The presentation brought attention to India's consistent efforts towards the vaccination campaign, with 31 per cent adolescents aged 15-18 years having been administered with the 1st dose so far within 7 days.

The Prime Minister noted this achievement and urged the officials to further accelerate the vaccine drive for adolescents in mission mode.

After a detailed discussion, the Prime Minister directed that intensive containment and active surveillance should continue in clusters reporting higher cases and required technical support be provided to states which are reporting higher cases presently.

He highlighted the need to ensure effective usage of masks and physical distancing measures as a new normal to control the spread.

The Prime Minister further exhorted the need for effective implementation of Home Isolation for mild/asymptomatic cases and to disseminate the factual information to the community at large.

He further highlighted the need to ensure continuity of non-Covid health services while managing Covid cases presently.

He also spoke about the need to leverage tele-medicine to ensure availability of health related guidance to people in remote and rural areas.

While conveying his gratitude for the relentless services provided by healthcare workers in managing Covid-19 so far, he suggested to ensure that the vaccination coverage through precaution dose for healthcare workers, front line workers should also be taken up in mission mode.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the importance for continuous scientific research in testing , vaccines and pharmacological interventions including genome sequencing given that the virus is evolving continuously.

The meeting was attended by Amit Shah, Union Home Minister; Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health and Family Welfare; Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare; VK Paul, Member (Health) NITI Aayog; Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary; AK Bhalla, Home Secretary; Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary (MoHFW), Secretary (Pharmaceuticals), and others.

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JERUSALEM, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Some 250,000 Israelis have received the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine since the country began offering it to the elders and medical personnel a week ago, the prime minister said on Sunday.

"Almost a quarter of a million people have been vaccinated with the fourth booster," Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in televised remarks at the start of his weekly cabinet meeting.

"This is an exceptional response that will prevent much severe morbidity and suffering," he added.

Also on Sunday, 5,000 doses of Merck's antiviral pills against COVID-19 arrived in Israel. Bennett said hospitals will use the pills for treating high-risk Omicron patients. In addition, Israel received the first batch of Pfizer's COVID-19 medicine last Thursday.

Israel has seen a surge of COVID-19 cases caused by the outbreak of the Omicron variant. The country of 9.45 million people reported 17,517 new cases on Sunday, according to the health ministry. 
Hyderabad, Jan 9 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that his Telangana counterpart K. Chandrasekhar Rao betrayed the people, especially the unemployed youth.

Addressing a meeting organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Hanamkonda town, he said Chief Minister KCR failed to fulfill his promise of providing jobs.

Sarma claimed that despite being a smaller state than Telangana, Assam is doing well in providing jobs to the unemployed.

He said the BJP government in Assam was working to fulfil the election promise of providing one lakh jobs in one year.

He alleged that KCR had failed to provide two lakh jobs in a year as he had promised. He said the Telangana Chief Minister was not giving jobs despite vacancies in government departments.

The meeting was organised by the BJP to demand amendment to government order 317 regarding transfer of government employees and teachers.

The Assam Chief Minister was invited to address the meet as part of party's efforts to rope in top leaders from across the country to target Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government for 'illegal' arrest of BJP state unit chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other party leaders.

Sanjay and others were arrested during the protest over GO 317 in Karimnagar on January 2.

Stating that BJP will come to power in Telangana in 2023, Sarma warned that the party will take revenge for the humiliation meted out to its leaders.

Alleging that police broke into Bandi Sanjay's office, the BJP leader said in 2023 the police may enter KCR's farm house.

The Assam chief minister said that both the government employees and unemployed youth were unhappy with the TRS government.

"The government has support of only the police," he remarked but reminded KCR that police merely obey the directions of those in power.

Sarma said KCR was frustrated over the defeat of TRS in recent by-election to Huzurabad Assembly seat and was hence resorting to steps like using police against the BJP leaders.

He also targeted KCR for being concerned only about his family and for running the government from his farm house.

"A chief minister has to come to the secretariat and meet 500 to 1,000 people. The government can't be run from a farmhouse," he remarked.

He also alleged that the KCR was running the government with the support of AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi.

"Owaisi will not be able to save you. The way Article 370 was scrapped and Ram temple's construction started, the name of Nizam and Owaisi will also be written off. That day is not very far," he said.

Sarma also criticized KCR for luncheon meetings with leaders of CPI-M and CPI. He reminded the TRS chief that the CPI-M had opposed formation of Telangana state.

Meanwhile, TRS legislator and KCR's daughter K. Kavitha hit back at Assam chief minister. She pointed out that the TRS government has so far created 1.3 lakh jobs.

"Your remarks today once again restated the intent of BJP to erase the glorious history of Telangana. I wonder, why you and your party are so threatened with idea of unity? Did you forget the verdict of Telangana in 2018, where BJP lost deposits on 107 seats," she told Sarma.

She also reminded him that the unemployment rate of India has been scaling up and it now stands at 8 per cent.

"The TRS party is made from the struggle of peoples's rights, we fought for Telangana all by ourselves. As promised, we have generated over 1.3 lakh jobs so far for our people and we continue to create avenues," she tweeted.

Kavitha mentioned schemes like Rythu Bandhu, KalyanaLaxmi and Mission Bhageeratha launched by KCR saying they have been a testimony for the entire country.

"If you look up for these schemes, you'll find some similar projects. Fun fact, your party renamed these schemes of Telangana government," she wrote.
Vasco Da Gama : , Jan 9 (IANS) Kerala Blasters brought Hyderabad FC's unbeaten run to an end with a 1-0 win and jumped to the top of the table in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at the Tilak Maidan Stadium, here on Sunday.

Alvaro Vazquez (42nd) scored a first-half goal which eventually proved to be the winner as Kerala stretched their unbeaten streak to nine games, moving to the top of the points table with a better goal difference than Mumbai City FC, both being on 17 points from 10 games.

Hyderabad, on the other hand, saw their eight-game unbeaten run come to an end as they dropped to the third in the table having 16 points from 10 matches.

Hyderabad had a chance to take the lead early on when Edu Garcia's free-kick was deflected onto the crossbar by Prabhsukhan Gill. Bartholomew Ogbeche was shown his fourth yellow card in the next minute, meaning he will miss the next match. Kattimani pulled off a brilliant save in the 24th minute to deny Jorge Diaz as Kerala kept knocking on the door.

As the match progressed, both teams tried to carve open a clear-cut chance before Vazquez helped the yellow shirts' nose ahead. A long throw-in was met by Sahal Abdul Samad who flicked it behind in the danger area where Vazquez struck a sweet volley to beat the keeper all ends up.

Hyderabad came close through Ogbeche on the cusp of half-time but the Nigerian shot wide. In the second period, Hyderabad tried to up the ante but failed to muster any real opportunity in front of goal barring one where Kerala skipper Jessel Carneiro kept his side in the lead with a goal-line clearance.
Hyderabad, Jan 9 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday said that the state government is ready to face any situation in view of the current surge in Covid-19 cases.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government is well equipped to tackle the pandemic situation.

He said Covid's new variant Omicron is spreading all over the world, people should be on alert, take self-regulatory measures, follow the government guidelines and should not entertain any fear or anxiety over the variant.

KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known, reviewed Covid situation in the state at a meeting attended by health minister T. Harish Rao and senior officials of the medical and health department.

The Chief Minister advised people not to entertain any fear about coronavirus but should wear masks, ensure hand sanitation, maintain the physical distance and follow other such self-regulations.

KCR said everyone should take the vaccine. The vaccination for children in the age group of 15 to 18 years is currently underway. From Monday onwards, the third dose (Booster dose) will be given to healthcare workers, other frontline workers and people above 60 years of age. He said all those who are eligible should get vaccinated. In case of symptoms, people should approach the nearest government hospital for treatment.

He appealed to people not to move in groups especially during the Sankranthi festival and try to remain in their homes and celebrate the festival with all precautions.

The officials explained to the Chief Minister that adequate oxygen beds, medicines and other essentials are available to deal with any situation.

Meanwhile, the state government has extended Covid-19 curbs till January 20. Rallies, meetings and other public gatherings will remain prohibited across the state.

The state on Sunday reported 1,673 new cases and one death. The daily count, which was 2,606 on Saturday, dropped apparently due to fewer tests conducted during the last 24 hours that ended at 5.30 p.m. on Sunday.

In Greater Hyderabad, the Covid tally dropped to 1,165 from 1,583 on Saturday. Neighbouring urban districts of Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri also saw a decline in the daily count.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
London, Jan 9 : 50 years ago on January 10, a British Royal Air Force Comet aircraft flying from London carrying Sheikh Mujibur Rahman landed in Delhi to a remarkable reception at Palam Airport. The entire Indian cabinet led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was on the tarmac to receive him. It was the climax of a co-operation between India and the freedom fighters in East Pakistan - a territory that had now become Bangladesh.

25 days earlier - on December 16 - Indian armed forces liberated Pakistan's eastern wing and obtained the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani servicemen from generals to foot soldiers. Two day before his descent on Delhi or January 8, under irresistible international pressure, Pakistan was compelled to release Mujib, who had been incarcerated in West Pakistan for nine months and sentenced to death for allegedly waging war against Pakistan.

London-based Indian diplomat Sashanka Banerjee, who was deputed to accompany Mujib as an officer on special duty on the flight, recalled: "After about an hour of small talk, 'Bongo Bondhu' stood up and started singing 'Aamar Shonaar Bangla, Aami Tomaye Bhalobashi' (Oh my golden Bengal, I love you dearly). I was seated next to him, and as he started singing, I too stood up as he did. Mujibur Rahman asked me to join him in singing the song with him, which I did." He went on: "At the end, he turned towards me and asked what I thought of the song. I had understood that Mujib wanted the song to be the national anthem or 'jaatiyo shongeet' of Bangladesh. Who could deny that it was a beautiful song fit to be the Jaatiyo Songeet of Bangladesh. 'You are right', he said, 'that was what I was thinking too. Good then, that will be the song that will be the national anthem of Bangladesh'." Composed by the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore in the first decade of the 20th century, it was duly adopted as such.

After arriving in the Indian capital, Mujib rested for a while before formal discussions with Gandhi. Banerjee informed the Prime Minister that Mujib desired withdrawal of Indian forces from Bangladesh be advanced to March 31 from June 30. She, according to Banerjee, asked him to communicate back to Mujib that this be officially mentioned at the ensuing meeting. This Mujib did bring up, and she immediately accepted the request.

British Prime Minister Edward Heath was holidaying in the country when Mujib was flown from Rawalpindi to London. He quickly returned to his official residence-cum-office at 10 Downing Street to meet him. The talks lasted about an hour and Mujib asked Britain to recognise Bangladesh. Following this, Heath told the House of Commons: "We would do our utmost to help Bangladesh in the present situation." Less than a month later, the United Kingdom announced the establishment of full diplomatic relations with Dhaka.

Mujib also requested Heath to persuade the US - which had nakedly supported Pakistani General Yahya Khan's junta in their brutal repression of East Pakistan - to acknowledge Bangladesh as a sovereign nation. Heath argued before Nixon: "If we delay too long, the Communist countries will get a start on us." The US duly fell in line in the spring of 1972.

Heath shared with Nixon: "He (Mujib) was anxious to reach Dacca (as Dhaka was then spelt) as soon as possible and we gave him an RAF aircraft for the onward journey." Mrs Gandhi had arranged an Air India plane for the purpose but now agreed with Heath that the British jet would stop in Delhi en route to Dhaka. The Sheikh heartily endorsed this.

After spending a few hours in Delhi, Sheikh Mujib returned home to a tumultuous welcome. Banerjee's eye-witness account portrayed: "Over a million people had gathered to receive the Bangladesh leader at the Romna Maidan, echoing slogans of 'Joy Bongo Bondhu, Joy Bangla'. Raising his very masculine voice, Bongo Bandhu (friend of Bengal) declared standing on the podium: 'My countrymen, rejoice. Bangladesh is now a sovereign, independent nation'."
Bengaluru, Jan 9 : Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said the Congress has undertaken the "politically motivated" Mekedatu padayatra to fool the people.

".... But you can't fool the people again and again," he said while interacting with the media persons.

The previous Congress government failed to submit a proper detailed project report (DPR) during its 5-year-term, Bommai said.

"The Congress party has no commitment. DK Shivakumar himself was the Water Resources minister in the previous coalition government and then too, no concrete action was taken in this regard. The party had not bothered to raise its voice for the project in the last 3 years," he said.

Further hitting out the Congress party, the Chief Minister said: "Now, as the assembly elections are approaching, they have taken out the Padayatra with a political motivation. The sense of guilt is haunting them as they had not done anything for implementing the project during their reign in power. So they are out to fool the people. This is a political Padayatra." "The Congress has not worked with commitment for any irrigation project. They had vowed to provide Rs 10,000 crore for Upper Krishna Project during their Krishna padayatra. But in their 5 year term they failed to release even Rs 7,000 crore," Bommai said.

He said the BJP has proved its commitment for the Mekedatu project. "After I became the Chief Minister, the DPR has been sent for approval by the Central Water Commission and Cauvery Monitoring Board. A meeting over the project would be held this month and suitable decisions are expected. The state government has geared up on the legal front too before the Supreme Court," Bommai said.

In the past, the National Green Tribunal had taken a serious view on just a visit of some farmers' outfits to the project site and had issued a stay order for the project. Now Congress has launched a programme on a large scale and the Congress leadership is aware of the consequences. But still politicking remains to be their priority, Bommai said.

Congress would not have launched the Padayatra if the leaders were sensible about the legal issues of inter-state water dispute, Cauvery Tribunal award and court orders involved in the Mekedatu project. But Congress leaders are interested only in politics. People will take the call on this issue, Bommai said.

Congress could not prepare even a DPR when it was in power. "As a saying goes 'digging a mountain to catch mice', all they did was to prepare a feasibility report of the project," the Chief Minister said.

A notice has been served for Congress party against taking out the Padayatra violating Covid norms. Action in accordance with law would be taken against any violation, he said.
Bhopal, Jan 9 : A Madhya Pradesh Police constable has been suspended for refusing to cut his hair and trim his over-long moustache, despite being instructed by his senior officials.

The suspension order, issued on Friday to constable Rakesh Rana, posted as a driver in MP Police's motor transport wing, surfaced on social media on Sunday.

The order, issued by Assistant Inspector General Prashant Sharma, said that Rana faced action for not improving his appearance.

"During a check, constable Rakesh Rana was found with hair and moustache grown long. He was instructed to cut his hair and trim his moustache as his turnout was awkward, but he did not follow the order," it read.

The order said Rana's absurd and ugly moustache had left a negative impression on other employees and as he failed to comply with order, he was suspended as part of disciplinary action.

Sharma also said that Rana was adamant on keeping long hair and moustache, which was not accordance with the norms of uniformed personnel.

Calling it a matter of self-respect, Rana said he will not compromise on this issue as he had been keeping the moustache since long time.

In a video surfaced on social media, he was heard saying: "I can't understand why I was suspended for keeping long moustaches when the fact that several senior police officials have also serving with long moustaches. I have been serving under him (Sharma) for the last one year, he could have said it to me earlier, but never questioned me on my moustache. I will rather accept suspension order but not compromise with my self respect."
Guwahati/Agartala/Kohima, Jan 9 : With a surge in the Covid-19 cases, all the northeastern states have taken diverse measures including night curfew, closure of educational institutions and curb on gatherings to control and curb the spread of the infection, officials said on Sunday.

According to the officials, Tripura and Nagaland announced night curfew while the Mizoram government ordered closure of schools for students of classes 1 to 9, and 11, colleges and universities.

All the state governments have made wearing the masks compulsory. Police and other authorities would impose fine on the people found without masks.

The Assam government while imposing various restrictions on Friday including closure of elementary standard classes of schools and rotational classes for non-elementary classes, advanced the night curfew to 10 p.m. from 11.30 p.m., and it would continue till 6 a.m.

In Tripura, Information and Cultural Affairs minister Sushant Chowdhury after a review meeting on Sunday said that the night curfew has been imposed across the state from Monday between 9 p.m. till 5 a.m. till January 20, when the situation would be reviewed again.

The Education Department would decide on the closure and functioning of the schools, colleges and universities on Monday, the minister told the media.

In Nagaland, the state government has imposed the night curfew in the entire state from Sunday between 9 p.m. till 5 a.m. till January 31.

The classes with physical presence for students studying up to Class 8 have been suspended till January 31.

"Any student of Class 9 and above and who has completed 15 years of age, shall be allowed or attend regular classes with physical attendance, only if he/she has taken at least one dose Covid vaccine," a Nagaland Home Department official said.

In Mizoram, an official statement said that schools and hostels for students of class 1 to 9, and class 11 shall remain closed.

Classes in all colleges and other educational institutes of higher education and universities shall remain closed and the classes of both schools and higher institutions can be conducted in online mode.

Schools and hostels are permitted to be opened as per the instruction issued by School Education Department for students of Class 10 and 12, who will be appearing for board examinations, with strict observance of Covid appropriate behaviour.

The statement said that various rural development and construction related works would be allowed following the Covid protocols strictly.

In Meghalaya, Principal Secretary in-charge of Health department, Sampath Kumar said that measures have been put in place and enough care is being taken against spread of the coronavirus in the hill state.

He said that considering the ongoing tourism.season, tourists have been asked to not venture out until and unless their RT-PCR test results of the samples are declared and their movement also being monitored.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS India got a helping hand from Iran to transport humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan .

As External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar had a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian, the latter offered to allow transportation of Indian wheat, life-saving drugs and Covid vaccines to Afghanistan through its territory.

Recently, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India was talking with Pakistan for transportation of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan is a landlockedAcountry.

India supplied the third batch of medical assistance consisting of two tons of life-saving medicines to Afghanistan a few days back. On January 1, it supplied humanitarian assistance consisting of 500,000 doses of Covid vaccine (Covaxin) to Afghanistan.

India has committed to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghan people consisting of food grains, one million doses of Covid vaccines and essential life-saving drugs. Last month, India delivered 1.6 tons of medical assistance to Afghanistan through the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Bengaluru, Jan 10 : Karnataka police on Sunday arrested the son of an astrologer in connection with the case of blackmailing a state cabinet minister over the "private video" of his son and demanding an extortion amount of Rs 1 crore.

The arrested individual has been identified as Rahul Bhat.

According to CCB police who are investigating the case, the accused had sent a video to the cellphone of Minister for Cooperation, S.T. Somashekar in the last week of December 2021.

The video contained footage of his son. The accused demanded Rs 1 crore ransom from the minister to stay quiet.

Minister Somashekar had referred the case to the police department and his son Nishanth had lodged a complaint in this regard.

The police after investigations arrested Rahul Bhat and took him into their custody for five days after presenting him before the court.

The investigations revealed that the video had been sent from the mobile number of the daughter of Indi constituency Congress MLA Yashwanth Rao Patil.

MLA Patil has told the police that his daughter is presently in the US and while she left the country, she had given a SIM card to one of her friends.

The police now have got details of her friend and launched a hunt for him. Further investigation is on.
Chennai, Jan 10 : AIADMK Chief Coordinator and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, O. Panneerselvam (OPS) has called upon the state government to shut the Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (Tasmac) liquor shops.

He said that the liquor outlets must be closed till the Covid situation becomes normal in the state. Panneerselvam said that at present the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) is now 8 per cent and the liquor outlets of Tasmac must be closed at least till the TPR comes down to 5 per cent.

Panneerselvam in a statement on Sunday said, "Within three days those tested positive for Covid-19 have doubled. The state government allowing these shops to function is a reason behind this rise in cases." He said that when M.K. Stalin was Opposition leader, he had staged a protest before the Tasmac shops on May 7, 2020, to shut the shops down and the Covid-19 positive cases were only 580.

Panneerselvam said that after he had become Chief Minister he went on to announce on June 14, 2021, that the liquor shops would continue to function from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the total number of cases was then 12,772.

The former Chief Minister lashed out against the DMK and said that he condemns the stand taken by the Chief Minister regarding the Tasmac shops.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
TRIPOLI, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- United Nations envoy Stephanie Williams on Saturday welcomed a meeting between military leaders from the Libyan interim government and the eastern-based army, reiterating UN's support for a peaceful resolution to the country's longstanding conflict.

The UN secretary-general's special adviser for Libya made the remarks after Muhammad Al-Haddad, chief of staff of the Government of National Unity, and Abdel Razek Al-Nadori, acting general commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army, met on Saturday in the northern coastal city of Sirte.

A number of senior military figures from both sides also attended the meeting, the second of its kind between the two military leaders.

"I reiterate the support of the United Nations for all efforts made at various levels to unify the military institution," Williams wrote on Twitter.

The oil-rich North African country has been in turmoil since the fall of the Muammar Gaddafi's government in 2011. The escalating tensions between a number of political forces in 2014 resulted in two separate governments -- the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord recognized by the UN and the House of Representatives allied with the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar.

On Feb. 5, 2021, the UN-led Libyan Political Dialogue Forum selected a temporary unified executive authority to take Libya to national elections on Dec. 24. The country's High National Elections Commission suggested on Dec. 22 that the elections be postponed by a month to Jan. 24 over technical and legal concerns. 
New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Sunday has written to the Election Commission of India suggesting an introduction of e-voting mechanism for citizens to cast their votes.

The traders' body appreciated the commission's higher usage of technology, apps, and the latest move to allow candidates to file their nomination papers online.

"In this context we would like to suggest that the Commission should also introduce an e-voting system through which the electors can cast their votes with any device with access to the internet from anywhere in the world," it said in the letter.

"The secrecy of the ballot can be maintained under the high security standards by using online voting software. The casting of votes remains anonymous as the technology system's architecture can strictly separate personal data from the electronic ballot." It added implementation of such a mechanism would reduce costs.

On Saturday, the commission announced the Assembly poll dates as well as counting dates for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab.

The polls would be held in seven phases. Uttar Pradesh would have voting on February 10, 14, 20, 23 and March 3 and 7; Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand would have polling on February 14 while Manipur would have voting in two phases, February 27, and March 3.
Chennai, Jan 10 : The one-day lockdown on Sunday, announced by the Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin was total with strong police contingents monitoring the movement of people and vehicles across the state.

While health care professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical laboratory technicians were allowed to carry out their routine jobs, police were vigilant on people who had come out of their homes unnecessarily.

Police blocked the flyovers or in some flyovers, restricted entry was allowed. Passengers who were traveling to airports and railways stations were allowed by showing the journey tickets.

Suburban trains in Chennai worked with fifty percent occupancy. Metro rail services and bus services were not allowed to function.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister, Ma. Subramanian inspected several places in Chennai and met people who were traveling to airports and railway stations, and cautioned them on the spread of the new variant of Covid.

Ma. Subramanian while speaking to IANS said, "I went around some areas and told people who were traveling to airport and railway stations for their pre-planned travels to be cautious and to adhere to all Standard protocol measures announced by the health department including wearing masks, social distancing and use of sanitizers and washing of hands regularly with soap water." The hotels were allowed only to deliver take away food parcels from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and food delivery boys were allowed to travel by showing their identity cards.

In a similar manner health workers, essential services like gas agency staff, petrol pump staff, electricity and water authority staff were allowed to travel with their identity cards.

Police also charged cases against people who did not wear masks and the total number of cases charged in the state is yet to be announced.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin had ordered a night curfew from 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and a Sunday lockdown on January 9th to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The Tamil Nadu health department is apprehensive of a huge spread of Covid-19 with both the delta and Omicron variant amounting to the spread.
Green River Airport, Green River, Papua New Guinea [ GVI / ]

If you are planning to travel to Green River or any other city in Papua New Guinea, this airport locator will be a very useful tool. This page gives complete information about the Green River Airport along with the airport location map, Time Zone, lattitude and longitude, Current time and date, hotels near the airport etc... Green River Airport Map showing the location of this airport in Papua New Guinea. Green River Airport IATA Code, ICAO Code, exchange rate etc... is also provided.

Green River Airport Info:

Green River Airport IATA Code: GVI Green River Airport ICAO Code: Latitude : -3.91667 Longitude : 141.167 City : Green River Country : Papua New Guinea World Area Code : 804 Airport Type : Small Green River Airport Address / Contact Details :

Green River (GVI), Papua New Guinea Timezone : Pacific/Port_Moresby Green River Airport Timezone : GMT +10:00 hours Current time and date at Green River Airport is 13:11:55 PM (+10) on Tuesday, May 3, 2022

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Green River Airport Map - Location of Green River Airport Load Map Papua New Guinea - General Information Country Formal Name Independent State of Papua New Guinea Country Code PG Capital Port Moresby Currency Kina (PGK)

 1 PGK = 0.284 USD

 1 USD = 3.522 PGK

 1 PGK = 0.27 EUR

 1 EUR = 3.707 PGK

 More PGK convertion rates Tel Code +675 Top Level Domain .pg

This page provides all the information you need to know about Green River Airport, Papua New Guinea. This page is created with the aim of helping travelers and tourists visiting Papua New Guinea or traveling to Green River Airport. Details about Green River Airport given here include Green River Airport Code - IATA Code (3 letter airport codes) and ICAO Code (4 letter airport codes)

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GVI - Green River Airport IATA Code
Keene Village Plastics (KVP), known for their high-quality, engineering grade 3D filament, is pleased to announce the expansion of their online store to include MakeShaper, a brand of user-friendly, economical 3D filament, starting in April 2022.

Since its foundation in 2004, KVP has developed a strong reputation in the 3D printing industry among dealers, distributors, and customers for its extensive variety of high-end filaments, as well as its commitment to quality & service.

Back in 2019, KVP announced the acquisition of a North Carolina based 3D filament manufacturer, MakeShaper. In addition to providing materials for the 3D printing industry, both companies shared a common denominator in that all their filaments were engineered, tested, and manufactured in the USA.

The addition of MakeShaper brought with it a portfolio of products, including several of the most popular 3D printing filaments, specifically designed to be used with fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers for the consumer and hobbyist market.

Since then, KVP has been able to extend its reach to provide high-quality filaments to a much wider demographic amongst the 3D community. However, such efforts up to this point have been done through two separate channels the KVP online store and the MakeShaper online store.

Starting in April 2022, MakeShapers selection of user-friendly, economical 3D filament will be available to purchase exclusively through the KVP online store. This will include their PLA (Polylactic Acid), PETG (Polyethylene Glycol-Modified), and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), all of which will be listed at $21 per 1kg spool.

As a company that prides itself on having an open, community-based, village mentality, this divided model of business is proving to be antithetical to our core values, said Beau Kuhn, Director of Marketing for both KVP and MakeShaper. Ultimately, our goal for both companies is to foster the ideas of the 3D community by inspiring Makers of all skill-levels, need-levels, and I-can-change-the-world levels to make anything.

The phrase make anything is a line pulled directly from MakeShapers original tagline We make filament so you can make anything"  which, according to Kuhn, will be reintroduced throughout the marketing campaign for the website merger.

For further information call 330.753.0100 or email: makeshaper@villageplastics.com. KeeneVillagePlastics.com, MakeShaper.com.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/09/2022



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

alum Loren Goldstone has revealed she wants to have "head to toe" plastic surgery once she finishes having children with husband Alexei Brovarnik Alexei and Loren are parents of sons Shai Josef, 20 months, and Asher Noah, 4 months, and they'd like to have another baby soon.And then after that, Loren apparently wants to focus on herself and undergo a serious makeover."I want to have a mommy makeover done within the next few years," Loren, 33, told Us Weekly on Friday while promoting the couple's new spinoff Loren & Alexei: After the 90 Days."So time's ticking [on having another baby]."When asked what her makeover will consist of, Loren shared, "Head to toe everything.""We're going to tuck [my chin] in and get [my breasts] out and we're going to tighten [my stomach and waist]. A little bit [of work on my arms]," she explained."I think it's crazy!" Alexei chimed in with a smile."Everything!" Loren insisted. "Nothing crazy. If I'm under [anesthesia], I'm under, so just do it!"But Alexei asked his wife to leave her face, including her nose and mouth, alone. Loren agreed and said she isn't interested in a facelift or anything like that.Loren admitted she "one million percent" feels pressure to bounce back, physically, after having children."I will say that's the downfall about sharing your postpartum journey on social media," Loren said. "But there's also a positive to it because not everybody bounces back like some people and that's okay.""I want to show people that women go through these life changes," Loren continued, "and you grow a human inside of you, so it takes time to let your body heal. And I actually loved sharing that journey with people."Loren noted, for example, that she's been dealing with hair loss after having her second baby. However, she is "finally getting into a groove."And Alexei said he'd like to have another baby in the near future, revealing, "The faster, the better.""We want to go for a girl," Alexei revealed. "[Loren] wanted a girl all this time, and I always wanted a boy.""And now I want a boy but he's probably going to get twin girls, knowing my luck. Oh God!" Loren joked.Loren said she loves cuddling with her sweet boys and cherishes those moments, and in terms of their parenting styles, Alexei acknowledged how his wife is a rule-follower and he essentially lets the kids to whatever they want.Loren and Alexei's new spinoff, Loren & Alexei: After the 90 Days, is set to premiere Monday, January 10 at 9:30PM ET/PT on TLC.The couple's show will immediately follow another new spinoff, David & Annie: After the 90 Days, starring David Toborowsky and wife Annie Suwan . David and Annie's show debuts a half-hour earlier at 9PM ET/PT on TLC.Both couples have married on television and shared their trials and tribulations with fans, and now viewers will be made privy to raw footage exposing the "reality of growing a family."Loren & Alexei: After the 90 Days promises to be a "wild" and "emotional" journey.The series will feature a pregnant Loren expecting the couple's second child.Loren and Alexei will take a last-minute trip to Israel for Alexei, attend mommy-and-me classes, and enjoy babymoons. And viewers will also witness a "scary trip" to the NICU.However, Loren and Alexei will eventually be shown bringing their newborn home and embarking on a life of raising two children under the age of two Loren from Hollywood Beach, FL, and Alexei from Nazareth Illit, Israel, initially appeared on Season 3 of followed by the first two seasons of : Happily Ever After?.After meeting on Loren's birthright trip to Israel, she visited Alexei five times in one year before he popped the question.Alexei said he applied for a Tourist Visa twice but got denied and so the couple decided to apply for a K-1 visa instead.Once Alexei got approved for the K-1 visa and traveled to America, the couple had to overcome some challenges, such as Loren having strippers at her bachelorette party, but they still got married during his 90-day visit in September 2015.Loren, who took Alexei's last name of Brovarnik, and Alexei also subsequently had a second ceremony in Israel in July 2016 so both of their families could celebrate and witness their union.It didn't take long for Loren to get baby fever, and the couple welcomed their first child , Shai, on April, 14 2020 -- just five months before their five-year wedding anniversary.Loren and Alexei announced they were expecting Baby No. 2 in March 2021, and Loren gave birth to another son on August 16. After the baby spent a little time in the NICU, Loren and Alexei were able to take him home.The pair revealed the name of their second baby, Asher, about a month later in September 2021.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage!
The British royal family has released three new portraits of Prince William's wife, Kate Middleton, who celebrates her 40th birthday on Sunday.

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"These new portraits which have been released to mark the 40th will be shown in the community in three meaningful places: Berkshire, St Andrews, and Anglesey, as part of the @NPGLondon nationwide 'Coming Home' exhibition, ahead of the Gallery reopening in 2023," the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Twitter account said Saturday.

The photos were snapped by Paolo Roversi.

One shows the duchess smiling widely, directly at the camera. She is wearing a red gown with one puffy sleeve and one bare shoulder.

Another is a more serious, sepia-toned profile shot of Middleton wearing a voluminous, light-colored dress and showing off her engagement ring, which once belonged to William's late mother, Princess Diana, who died in a Paris car crash in 1997 when she was 36.

The third image is a closeup, vintage-looking photo of Middleton smiling and wearing a ruffled frock.

"Thank you for all of your very kind birthday wishes, and to Paolo and the National Portrait Gallery for these three special portraits," Middleton posted on Sunday.

Middleton married William in 2011. They are the parents of Prince George, 8, Princess Charlotte, 6, and Prince Louis, 3.
TRAVERSE CITY  A new wave of COVID-19 washing over northern Michigan has resurrected concerns the virus could irreversibly damage Indigenous communities most precious cultural and historic resources: elders.

COVID-19 is particularly more lethal among older adults than other age groups, and according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, especially Indigenous elders. American Indian or Alaska Natives are over three times more likely to be hospitalized for the virus and twice as likely to die from it.

The latest on COVID-19 Continuing coverage of COVID-19 and its impact. If you have a question about the novel coronavirus pandemic and haven't been able to find an a

For Anishinaabek communities, the loss of an elder has devastating impacts on the community, not only from the loss of a loved one, but the cultural and living knowledge that goes with them.

Tealeigh Sloma, 26, said that the increase of covid cases in Michigan worries her with the threat of losing more elders, which could wipe out irreplaceable pieces of knowledge for Anishinaabek tribes and those, like her, trying to reclaim their culture.

For the past year she has been studying Anishinaabemowin under elder Isabelle Osawamick, at the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe over Zoom one-on-one calls.

Our elders are so precious, I am so fortunate to be learning from her, Sloma said.

Anishinaabemowin is Osawamicks first language, she really pulls the language from memory from those who passed it down to her, during lessons, Sloma explained that not only is she learning how to speak the language, but is given life lessons, teachings, and knowledge.

That is all embodied in the language, Ive really learned the heart behind Anishinaabemowin, she said.

After she lost her nokomis (grandmother), GTB elder, Elizabeth-baa Crockett, to COVID-19 last spring, Sloma said she felt compelled to learn Anishinaabemowin and reconnect with her culture because the time is vital, but especially during a pandemic.

Sloma said her grandmother was stripped of her cultural identity when she was young by laws and government policies that made it illegal for Native Americans to practice their culture or religion, including Residential Boarding Schools that operated nationwide.

Our languages and cultures, and sacred teachings have gone through centuries of oppression, and we have people within the community possessing the knowledge that was able to make it out, but theyre passing away, its really devastating, Sloma said.

The rapid spread of COVID-19 in recent weeks  the seven-day positive rate in Michgian jumped to 31.49% as of Jan. 5  is a cause for concern for officials at the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the tribe has taken strong steps to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus and to protect the community by implementing proactive policies, such as aggressive testing and vaccination availability.

As previously reported by the Record-Eagle, GTB has been among those leading in the region to roll out availability for newly approved COVID-19 vaccinations to those eligible, which included GTB elders 55 and over.

Health administrator GTBs health clinic, Soumit Pendharker said in the new year, GTB officials already tracked an increase in COVID cases. During the two testing days  Monday and Tuesday  they recorded 21 new cases.

Weve never had a day like this throughout the whole pandemic, Pendharker said.

Pendharker also said in the last two weeks the clinic has seen a slight increase of COVID-19 cases in patients younger than 21.

Elders remain vulnerable but especially in this pandemic, Pendharker said, adding that especially in increase of new cases and infections, it is important for the community to stay vigilant with the new variant.

Anishinaabek elders, Tom Binesiwegiizhig and his wife Karen Kay-Peters said they both did what they felt was right to protect themselves and their community. They were among some of the first vaccinated by GTBs health clinic in December 2020.

We needed to do what we could, because were elders, Binesiwgiizhig said. We also did what we felt was to keep our community safe.

He said recently the community has lost a lot of important language, faith and culture keepers.

There is a significant impact in our communities with these losses, Binesiwegiizhig said.

GTB is increasing testing at all health clinics within its six-county service area, and is currently giving at-home-testing kits to citizens and community members. Pendharker said people should test at home before joining family events, or visiting, especially with GTBs elders.

Vaccinations and boosters remain a priority for GTB because data and research shows that vaccines play a vital role in the severity of impact the virus may have, Pendharker said.

When Peters contracted COVID in October, she had already received her booster, and was sick for about three weeks.

She sought monoclonal therapy at Charlevoix Hospital  more than an hour from where she and Binesiwegiizhig live  because it wasnt offered at GTB yet, and the treatment wasnt available in Grand Rapids.

They were told by medical staff that there were 600 patients in front of her, Peters wasnt sure she would receive the treatment in the 10-day window for it to be effective.

She was told the night before that window closed that she could receive the treatment the next morning.

Im still not at 100 percent, Peters said. I still have a slime in my cough.

GTB now offers two monoclonal antibody therapies, including Sotrovimab, the only antibody therapy that effectively treats the omicron variant.

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune systems ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses.

Pendharker said the tribe is fortunate to offer this care for their patients, especially because Michigans current supply of antibodies is growing tighter to access.

Weve administered the therapy to about nine patients now, and were seeing good results, Pendharker said.

The tribe also received Pfizers COVID-19 antiviral pill, Paxlovid, last week, which has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and severe illness significantly. GTBs health clinic will use Paxlovid, along with the antibody therapies for patients onsite and those who have tested positive within 10 days.

These treatments are vital, Pendharker said. And we are very fortunate to be able to have more tools to offer our patients who are sick with the coronavirus.
Greece this week takes delivery of an ancient fragment that once adorned the Parthenon temple, the country's most important archeological site. The return from a museum in Italy is being seen as the strongest nudge yet to the British Museum, which holds the largest collection of Parthenon Sculptures and has refused for centuries to return the antiquities to their ancient home.

The marble fragment will be unveiled at the Acropolis Museum Monday, displayed in a full-size representation of the Parthenon's frieze.

The return is part of a groundbreaking loan deal signed between the Acropolis Museum and the Antonio Salinas Regional Archeological Museum in Sicily, where the artifact has been on display since the 19th century.

The Parthenon fragment, depicting the foot of a goddess, will be lent for a four-year period in exchange for a fifth century B.C. headless statue of the goddess Athena and an eighth century B.C. amphora as part of an extensive cultural exchange agreement. The loan period may be extended a further four years, and the fragment's move to Greece could eventually become permanent.

Sicily's councilor for culture, Alberto Samona, said this is an important cultural exchange that can pave the way for even bigger international exhibits organized by the Salinas museum and the Acropolis museum.


Fred L. Goldenberg is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and the owner of Senior Benefit Solutions, LLC, a financial services, and certified health insurance organization, now affiliated with Michigan Planners, in Traverse City. Questions or comments about this column or interest in our monthly Medicare classes can be directed to (231) 922-1010 or fred@srbenefitsolutions.com.
Kelly Richardson is new to northern Michigan. She is currently writing a book about driving across America. You can reach her at kellyrichardsonwrites@gmail.com.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Light rain early. Then remaining cloudy. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Light rain early. Then remaining cloudy. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.
KAMPALA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan parents rushed for shopping of scholastic materials ahead of the scheduled reopening of schools on Monday. Schools have been closed due to COVID-19.

Brenda Kizito, 28, who sells general merchandise and second-hand shoes in the capital Kampala, told Xinhua by telephone on Sunday she had a "bumper harvest" in terms of sales.

"Actually for the past one week sales have more than doubled. Parents come with long lists of requirements and tick off as they pick each item," Kizito said.

She added that some parents were picking items on credit as they also had to clear school fees.

"I am sure sales will continue throughout next week because some learners will report to school at the next weekend," she said.

Henry Musisi, a parent who went shopping on Sunday, said he had to hire a motorcycle taxi because the scholastic materials he was going to pick were quite many.

"I had to buy stuff for three children who are in different classes ranging from primary to secondary school classes," he said.

Several admission letters to schools have indicated sanitizers, masks and soap as a "must-take" requirement in a bid to protect learners against COVID-19. 
People gathered in Harmony Parking lot in Brattleboro on Friday, April 22nd for a street festival and parade in celebration of Earth Day. According to Nancy Braus of 350 Brattleboro, the goal was to celebrate the ways in which the community is working towards climate justice and to empower 
STAMFORD  Elia Kazan's 1947 movie "Boomerang" opens on a shot of downtown Stamford. All the old hallmarks of city center are firmly in sight.

Actors climb the storied steps of Old Town Hall; trees peek out from present-day Columbus Park in the background; the camera rolls past the Stamford Savings Bank, then surrounded by other storefronts. It's supposed to be any small bustling city, and Stamford is teeming with life on the screen.

That downtown effervescence caught on the silver screen has ebbed and flowed over the years. Still, experts and residents overall agree that Stamford's downtown is successful, even with the challenges that any city faces like low retail occupancy rates and urban renewal-era design.

In spite of the overall victories, criticisms of Stamford's downtown range from too many restaurants to too high rents.

Amiel Gause, a 22-year-old student at UConn Stamford, said he thinks Stamford has a ways to go in terms of having something for everyone. Gause works at Honey Joe's, one of the neighborhood's smattering of coffee shops.

"On Bedford where I live, there are a lot of bars, and that's not really my thing," he said. Simply put, he wants to see "more artsy" offerings nearby, like art galleries and open mic nights.

Gause's coworker, UConn student Michael Roca, has a roughly favorable view of downtown, too, though he admits he doesn't spend much time there outside work and school. However, his praise came with a caveat: "There's nothing wrong with it, but I think we should fix the mall."

As head of the neighborhood's business improvement district, part of Stamford Downtown President David Kooris job involves addressing concerns like Gause and Roca's and developing a cohesive strategy for the neighborhood, its stores and restaurants.

The mall is a beast in its own right, and one Kooris said he is acutely aware of, though he pointed to the ongoing efforts to revitalize it. The 761,000-square foot fortress lost flagship businesses throughout 2021, including longtime tenant Gap and Saks Off 5th, one of its flagship businesses. However, under new ownership, the Town Center hopes to reconfigure itself as a more community-oriented space.

"We have to strengthen the relationship between downtown and the mall, make those connections easier... and not have it be this kind fortress on the periphery," Kooris said.

When he looks toward the future of downtown, he says he understands that it's constrained by the city's size. So understanding what Stamford can achieve and what it cannot is an exercise in setting expectations.

"You have to be sure, first and foremost, that you are holding yourself to an achievable standard," he said. "It doesn't make any sense to compare ourselves to New York City  at least to Manhattan  or to Boston, or to Salt Lake City just because it's a totally different scale."

Instead, he looks to the smaller cities near large metropolises for inspiration. Think Santa Monica, Calif.; Arlington, Va.; or Bellvue, Wash.

Emulating those places has meant embracing urban design hallmarks that most people agree are beneficial for cities and people. For example, city officials have backed outdoor dining, more street trees and broader sidewalks in the past year. All three features have lent themselves to increasing walkability  how easy it is to navigate an area by foot  in Downtown Stamford.

Comparing Stamford with those cities also acknowledges the unignorable  Stamford has grown tremendously in the past decade. The citywide population soared by more than 10 percent between 2010 and 2020.

In many ways, downtown is one of the epicenters for the city's growth, along with its southern neighbor Harbor Point. Census data released in 2021 shows that the city's central neighborhood became home to thousands of new residents in the past decade.

That population growth has been central to building out the city's central district, according to Kimberley Parsons-Whitaker of Connecticut Main Street Center, a nonprofit dedicated to downtown growth.

"Retail follows people," she said. So the more people who live in a community, the more businesses will open up there.

But nothing is that easy, especially when it involves profit and loss.

Particularly in the past year, brick-and-mortar stores have shuttered nationwide at a historic rate. Business Insider reported that retail vacancies are at a seven-year high in the United States as the pandemic exacerbated conditions in the already-vulnerable market.ook and cranny of the quarter.

Kooris knows there are now a lot of restaurants in Stamford's central corridor  "It's over 100 now," he said  but he views the abundance as a distinctive positive feature of the neighborhood rather than a detractor.

"We are a regional tourism destination because of our cluster of restaurants," Kooris said. He said it gives people a sense of ease to have so many restaurants in one area.

"If someplace interesting that you want to go to doesn't have a table, you want to know that there's going to be other things close by that you can just pop over to," he continued.

Yet downtowns are more than just shops and restaurants, wider sidewalks and street trees, Parsons-Whitaker said. They also rely on the energy of a place  and the people who live there.

Parsons-Whitaker said she thinks of downtowns as a series of overlapping circles, each containing a vital component of life on Main Street. There's economic vitality, inclusivity, sustainability, stewardship, connectivity and a firm sense of place. Without one link, the entire chain falls apart.

"Without being inclusive, you can have all the parades and events and gorgeous architecture that you want, but you don't have a downtown," she said.

Fostering inclusivity means making Downtown Stamford's physical environment into one where people feel welcome. It means giving everyone something to do and a place where they can exist without necessarily engaging with restaurants or retail, officials said.

Problems aside, Downtown Stamford looks more like it did in the opening scene of Kazan's "Boomerang" than in years past. The players have changed, and the neighborhood has too, but the streets are still teeming with people hustling from place to place at the right times of day, as they did on the silver screen.

veronica.delvalle@hearstmediact.com
Daovone Phachanthavong, the vice executive president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, speaks in an interview with Xinhua in Lao capital Vientiane, Jan. 7, 2022. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

By Chanthaphaphone Mixayboua, Zhang Jianhua

VIENTIANE, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, could bring great economic development opportunities to the region, and the agreement is very beneficial for Laos, said Daovone Phachanthavong, the vice executive president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).

Being part of the agreement would provide more market opportunities for Laos to expand production for export and promote the tourism sector, the LNCCI official told Xinhua in an interview here on Friday.

"Laos is very fortunate to build a community with a shared future with China and sign the RCEP agreement," said Daovone.

"With the opening of the Laos-China Railway, Laos has become an important node on the China-ASEAN land corridor. The lion's share of the railway transportation of goods between China and ASEAN will pass through Laos, which can greatly promote the economic development of Laos."

RCEP, taking effect on Jan. 1, groups 10 ASEAN members namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.

The entry into force of RCEP has provided Laos with the best cooperation opportunities in terms of personnel exchanges and business exchanges, and deepened the interconnection between Laos and other ASEAN member countries.

Daovone said, "RCEP and the Laos-China Railway can effectively reduce the cost of commodity trade. It will help support our economic growth by stimulating new investment and providing greater market access for Lao products. More and more commodities from Laos can be exported to other ASEAN countries."

Daovone has been engaged in the business of logistics and trade with Chinese companies since 2002 and his business has expanded to more than 10 industries so far.

"After the agreement takes effect, it can reduce intra-regional trade costs and transportation prices. The cost of our export products is much lower than before," said Daovone.

"RCEP can also bring more employment channels to the people in the region."

Laos-China Railway has transformed Laos from a land-locked country into a land-linked country, through which the country has achieved interconnection with China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and other countries, said Daovone.

Meanwhile, RCEP, covering nearly a third of the world's population and gross domestic product, is a mega trade pact that aims to break down trade barriers and promote investment.

"I believe that the ASEAN economy will definitely have better development in the future," said Daovone. 


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Disha Patani took to her social media account on Sunday to share a stunning picture of herself in a bikini. This is not the first time the Bollywood actor has flaunted her pink bikini, and her rumoured beau Tiger Shroff did not miss the opportunity to drop a comment. The picture seems to be from the duo's recent getaway and several fans hailed her in the comments section.

Disha Patani's sizzling picture grabs Tiger Shroff's attention

Patani headed to her social media account on Sunday and shared a picture of herself with her back turned away from the camera. She seemed to be standing in a pool and looked to her right, giving fans a glimpse of her face. Apart from several fans dropping hearts in the comments, Patani's rumoured beau Tiger Shroff also headed to the comments section. He posted three fire emoticons almost immediately after the picture was uploaded.

The actor recently shared several pictures from her trip and had fans in awe of her. She posted a picture in which she can be seen laying gracefully in a pool of water, and also shared some images of the scenic beauty around her.

This is not the first time Shroff has commented on one of Patani's pictures. A few months ago, she showcased her dance skills with choreographer Ankan Sen. She was seen in a half-pony and wore a mustard yellow sweatshirt and brown pants. The duo danced to Ty Dolla Sign's single Spicy and stunned netizens with their moves. Shroff then headed to the comments and commended the star for her moves and wrote "clean" as he added clapping, fire and heart-eyed emoticons to his comment.

On the work front, Disha Patani rose to fame after the role in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story and has also taken on roles in Radhe, Kung Fu Yoga and other films. She recently wrapped up the shoot for her next project Yodha, and shared a picture from behind the scenes of the action-thriller. The picture also included Sidharth Malhotra, who will star opposite Patani and Raashii Khanna. Sharing the picture she wrote, "thank you my most fabulous team for such an amazing experience, cant wait"

Image: Instagram/@tigerjackieshroff, @dishapatani
The British Sikh Association has condemned the serious security breach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that occurred in Punjab's Ferozepur on Wednesday during his visit. In its statement, the British Sikh Association has stated that the Prime Minister is a democratically elected leader who represents entire India and not just one state. It has also called out and condemned the "unruly mob" that hampered his visit.

"It is a sad indictment of the security arrangements surrounding his visit that allowed a handful of an unruly mob to hamper the visit planned to exercise his democratic right to meet and greet the public. In fact, the nation was waiting to see what message the Prime Minister had for the people of Punjab whom he holds in the highest esteem," the statement by British Sikh Association read.

Dear PM @narendramodi Ji, we at the British Sikh Association are saddened by the security laps in Punjab. We feel ashamed of the way a handful of people marred your visit. We admire your love for Punjab and especially the Sikh Gurus who stood for religious freedom in India   The British Sikh Association (@BritSikhAsso) January 5, 2022

It further hailed the Prime Minister for contributing to the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor and for promoting the teachings and lives of the Sikh Gurus in the world through Indian diplomatic missions. The statement which is penned by Lord Rami Ranger CBE also mentions PM Modi's celebration of birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak Dev, Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Tegh Bahadur.

British Sikh Association on the repeal of 3 farm laws

In a big statement, the British Sikh Association has also mentioned the repeal of the three farm laws that were announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It has been remarked that the people of Punjab should have shown their respect and gratitude to the Prime Minister for the Centre's decision to repeal the farm laws.

"As a mark of respect for the Punjab farmer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked the three farm bills enacted democratically by the Parliament. If anything, the people of Punjab should have shown their respect and gratitude to the Prime Minister for taking back those contentious bills that too on the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji," it added.

The British Sikh Association has urged that leaders of Punjab should extend an apology to PM Modi. Moreover, it also avered that PM Modi does not depend on Punjab for power, in fact, the state depends on him for goodwill and development. Moreover, it added that Punjab needs the Centre's support to fight terrorism and drug menace emanating from Pakistan.

PM Modis security breach

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was scheduled to inaugurate projects worth Rs 42,750 crores and address a joint BJP-PLC-SAD(D) rally in Ferozepur, returned to Delhi after a brief security breach. As per the MHA, PM Modi was scheduled to visit the National Martyrs Memorial via road instead of the helicopter due to bad weather. Around 30 km away from Hussainiwala, the Prime Minister's convoy was blocked by some protestors leading to PM Modi being stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. The MHA termed it a major lapse in the security of the Prime Minister and his cavalcade was reversed to Bathinda airport.

The Supreme Court has directed the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to secure and preserve the travel records of PM Modi's Punjab visit. Moreover, SC has also stayed the probes by both MHA & Punjab govt till the next hearing on Monday, January 10. A 7-member NIA team has been constituted to probe into PM Modi's security breach apart from the 3-member Punjab govt committee probing the issue.

Image: ANI
Itanagar, Jan 8 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has stressed on the importance of the presence of civilian population in border regions, asserting that the Centre is focused on speedy development of such areas.

He also said border areas in the state will soon have the facility of 4G connectivity.

The government now is focused on speedy development of the border regions by constructing roads and building other vital infrastructure. It is because of such aggressive stance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that road connectivity has extended to places like Taksing and other remote border areas in Arunachal, which was earlier unthought of, Khandu said.

The chief minister was speaking at a public rally on Friday in Nacho constituency in remote Upper Subansiri district bordering Tibet.

Regions near the international borders in the state will soon be connected with 4G mobile connectivity, Khandu was quoted as saying in an official release.

Khandu said people along the border areas should be able to move freely and take up activities for sustenance.

He said in Tawang, activities like yak rearing are gaining importance, and tourism and pilgrimage centres are being developed.

Arunachal Pradesh shares a 1,080-km border with China, 440 km with Myanmar and 160 km with Bhutan. PTI UPL RBT RBT

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar on Sunday asserted that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh helps the poor and needy in the nation and it is the job of the Maharashtra government and the Centre to investigate the anti-national activities that are taking place in the state. His remarks come after one of the four JeM terrorists arrested in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar recently admitted to visiting Nagpur to conduct a recce of the RSS headquarters.

"I want to say, RSS helps the poor and needy in the nation. Looking over anti-national activities is a job of both the Maharashtra government and the Indian government. I want the Maharashtra government to take the required action and probe into this," Kumar told Republic.

Out of the four terrorists nabbed from Srinagar on Thursday one has been identified to be among those who conducted recce at RSS headquarters earlier in 2021. "He carried out reconnaissance of 4 vital installations in Nagpur, Police Commissioner of Nagpur Amitesh Kumar said.

Indresh Kumar on Uttar Pradesh polls

Attacking Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav over his comments comparing Jinnah with Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the senior RSS leader said that the people will take revenge of the insult of revolutionaries and nationalists.

Slamming the Samajwadi party further, Kumar said, "OBC thinks that forming a government of these people won't do any benefit. Rather, they cause an insult to Hindu Samaj. Minorities are tortured in Pakistan and Bangladesh. These people will keep quiet on this. The situation of minorities has worsened."

Praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government, he said, "Since the BJP came to power, the state is free of crime and criminals. riots have decreased. People are having a roof on them. They are getting jobs and students are getting scholarships."

The elections in UP will take place in seven phases from February 10 to March 7. The votes will be counted on March 10.

Indresh Kumar also spoke on the security breach of Prime Minister Narendra Narendra Modi during his visit to Ferozepur on Wednesday. "The security breach is an insult to the nation," he said adding that an anti-national environment is being created in the state."
Activist groups are raising voices against the Imran Khan administrations appointment of extremist elements in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to Just Earth News, the United Kashmir Peoples National Party (UKPNP)s Central Secretary and Director for Committee on Foreign Affairs (Brussels and Eastern Europe) wrote a letter to the Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee in the EU Parliament, David McAllister and President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen regarding the appointment of extremists people in PoKJ.

The UKPNP opposed the Pakistan government and military for deploying undemocratic tools to undermine local governance in PoJK. In the letter, the group cited the specific case of an associate of a Pakistan Army General bagging an important post in the PoJK administration after flouting local rules. They said that Irfan Ashraf was appointed as Direct-General Kashmir Cultural Academy even after openly threatening the public with weapons and being seen with Talibani terrorists during elections in the region.

Moreover, the UKPNP also mentioned other extremist appointments in PoJK by the Imran Khan-led government. They mentioned Mazhar Saeed, who was given a ticket for elections of the local legislature of PoJK by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party. They said that earlier Saeed was associated with the TTP (Tahreek-i-Taliban Pakistan), which has claimed multiple terror attacks in the nation, including the 2014 Peshawar Army School attack that killed over a hundred children.

Activists highlight human rights abuses, corruption in PoJK

Citing human rights abuses and rising corruption in the region, the activist group also went on to underline the issue to European lawmakers. UKPNP stressed that local youth are deprived of job opportunities, women are deprived of primary health care and young girls are vulnerable at the hands of the Pakistani army in the region.

In a public meeting, the Jammu and Kashmir Awami workers party also highlighted the issue of people affected by the hydropower project in Patan Sher Khan. They condemned Pakistans hypocritical policy in PoJK and complained that many mega hydel power projects are being constructed in the region without any consultation with the PoJK government.

(Image: ANI/AP)
Amid the surge in COVID cases all across the world, governments are imposing new restrictions to curtail the spread of the deadly virus. Although the measures being implemented are for the safety of the people, there are a large number of people who stand against the COVID protocols. In France, more than 100,000 people gathered on the streets to protest against the upcoming rules that include a mandatory vaccine pass for entry into various public spaces. The demonstrators, who were present in a very large number, raised slogans against French President Emmanuel Macron and held placards over Marcon's vow to "piss off the unvaccinated".

As per the interior ministry's estimate, around 105,200 people took part in 179 rallies, including 18,000 in Paris. Protesters became violent in several locations after police officers fired tear gas at them, resulting in a clash that left 10 police officers injured and 34 demonstrators arrested. The bill proposed in the lower house of France's parliament mandated a COVID vaccine report instead of a negative COVID-19 test to gain access to various public spaces.

The protestors believe that the government is snatching their rights and freedoms and creating a division in society. While thousands targeted at Marco's remark he made earlier this week telling Le Parisian newspaper that he would make life harder for the unvaccinated people and "piss off" those who refuse to take the vaccine. On the other hand, a separate rally including only vaccinated people had gathered to show support for Macron and his idea of vaccine pass. "Thanks, Macron, for thinking about us," read the placards waved by supporters.

However, this is not the first time the country has witnessed a protest against the COVID vaccine mandate. Earlier on December 18, more than 25,000 people gathered on the streets protesting against COVID restrictions. Among other European countries, France has the highest rate of vaccination as more than 90% of people over age 12 have received both shots. While more than 5.2 million people in the country have opted to remain unvaccinated.

COVID situation France

Meanwhile, COVID cases across France are rising rapidly as a new variant of COVID-19, Omicron, is getting stronger. The country reported 303,669 new cases in the last 24 hours, a day after 328,214 people tested positive and the daily infection reached 332,252 on Wednesday, marking a third-day record that exceeded the 300,000 mark.

Image: AP
As Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was accused in the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) findings that the PTI hid millions of rupees worth of funds, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif has stated that Prime Minister Imran Khan should resign. As per a report by ANI, Sharif said that the audit found that the PTI hid funds worth millions of rupees, and a person who hides facts, steals and lies, cannot occupy constitutional government, or political posts.

In addition, the PML-N leader stated that Imran Khan's urgent resignation is required under Pakistan''s Constitution, law, and ethics. He further said that all parties and workers who believe in the Constitution and the rule of law will have to play a role in dragging Pakistan out of this constitutional vacuum.

PTI gave fake information: ECP

The ECP investigation stated that PTI gave fake information about the party's funding and that the party received Rs 1.64 billion in finance from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), according to the ANI report. The PTI also failed to disclose funding worth more than Rs 310 million to the ECP. The PTI's foreign funding was audited by a scrutiny committee that was constituted in 2019. The PTI said it was in the clear and had not withheld anything from the ECP when the report surfaced in the media earlier this week.

Shehbaz Sharif also said that if the law can apply to a popular leader like Nawaz Sharif, why can't it apply to Imran Khan and that if a Panama Papers JIT report can be constituted against Nawaz Sharif and monitored by the Supreme Court's honourable judges, why can't the same thing be done for Imran Khan, according to a report by The News International.

The country is run without a true Prime Minister

He also claimed that the country is run without a true Prime Minister and that it is ruled in a constitutional and legal vacuum. He said that there is no leader of the Parliament in Pakistan. Shehbaz further stated that Imran Khan cannot decide on the affairs of the country under the law and Constitution, according to the News International report.

He continued by stating that any action made by the government after the ECP scrutiny report cannot be regarded as constitutional or legitimate.

(With inputs from ANI, Image: AP)
People wearing face masks visit the National Maritime Museum in London, Britain, Jan. 8, 2022. Britain reported a further 313 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 150,057, according to official figures released Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

LONDON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Britain reported a further 313 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 150,057, according to official figures released Saturday.

The country also reported another 146,390 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 14,333,794.

Professor Andrew Hayward, a British government advisory scientist, told the BBC that Britain recording more than 150,000 COVID deaths was "absolutely tragic."

"I think we could have done better. I think some of the deaths are even more tragic for the fact that many of them were avoidable if we had acted earlier in the first and second wave," said Hayward, a University College London academic.

Britain is the seventh country to pass 150,000 reported deaths, after the United States, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Peru, according to the BBC.

A government spokesman said: "Every death from this virus is a tragedy and our sympathies are with everyone who has lost loved ones."

The latest figures came as scientists have said COVID booster jabs provide 90 percent protection against hospitalization in the over-65s for at least three months.

It means that there is "no immediate need" for a fourth jab to be administered to vulnerable people, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

More than 90 percent of people aged 12 and over in Britain have had their first dose of vaccine and more than 82 percent have received both doses, according to the latest figures. More than 61 percent have received booster jabs, or the third dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

To bring life back to normal, countries such as Britain, China, Germany, Russia and the United States have been racing against time to roll out coronavirus vaccines. 

People wearing face masks visit the National Maritime Museum in London, Britain, Jan. 8, 2022. Britain reported a further 313 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 150,057, according to official figures released Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

A woman wearing a face mask walks downstairs at the Queen's House in London, Britain, Jan. 8, 2022. Britain reported a further 313 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 150,057, according to official figures released Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

People wearing face masks go shopping in London, Britain, Jan. 8, 2022. Britain reported a further 313 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 150,057, according to official figures released Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

People wearing face masks visit the National Maritime Museum in London, Britain, Jan. 8, 2022. Britain reported a further 313 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 150,057, according to official figures released Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

People wearing face masks go shopping at a market in London, Britain, Jan. 8, 2022. Britain reported a further 313 coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 150,057, according to official figures released Saturday. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
An infant, who went missing after he was handed to a soldier over an airport wall amidst the chaos of US evacuation following the Taliban's takeover in Afghanistan in August, has been found and reunited with his family. According to Sky News, the parents, Mirza Ali Ahmadi and his wife Suraya handed over their baby, Sohail Ahmadi to a US soldier on 19 August fearing that the infant would be crushed in the crowds as people tried to leave Afghanistan after the extremists claimed control of the war-ravaged country.

Reportedly, it took them over half an hour to get to the other side of the airport fence after passing their child over the wall of the airport with barbed wire. However, when they did finally reach, their two-month-old son was nowhere to be found. Both Mirza and Suraya spent days searching for Sohail but were told that their baby might have been evacuated.

The report stated that Mirza worked as a security guard at the United States embassy in Afghanistan and he was put on an evacuation flight to Qatar with his wife, and four other children eventually landed in the United States. According to Sky News, in November, Sohail was finally located in Kabul, in the care of a 29-year-old taxi driver named Hamid Safi who had found the baby at the airport and took home to raise as his own.

Reportedly, it took over seven weeks of negotiations and pleas and even intervention of Taliban police, who detained Safi, to get the man to give Sohail back to his grandmother and other relatives who were still in Kabul. The media outlet stated that the infants family are now trying to reunite him with his parents and siblings in the United States. Safi said that he found Sohail alone and crying on the ground at the airport in Afghanistan on the same day the baby was separated from his parents.

As per the report, Safi also said that he was unable to find Sohails family and then decided to take the baby to his home. Safi has three daughters but reportedly said that his mothers biggest wish before dying was for him to have a son. Sky News stated that in November, Safi said he decided, I am keeping this baby. If his family is found, I will give him to them. If not, I will raise him myself.

Sohails family visited Safi and brought gifts

Shortly after the story of the missing child was published, Safis neighbours recognised him and posted comments about his whereabouts on a translated version of the article. As per the report, Sohails grandfather, Mohammad Qasem Razawi said that he visited Safi and even brought gifts including slaughtered sheep and clothing, asking to get the child back. However, Mohammed said that Safi refused.

Eventually, the babys family contacted Taliban police and reported a kidnapping. Because Safi denied kidnapping Sohail, the complaint was dismissed, as per Sky News. The local police commander held to arrange a settlement with Mohammed agreeing to pay Safi around 100,000 Afghani or 700 for the cost of looking after the bay for five months.

Image: Unsplash/AP/Representative
Colombo, Jan 8 (PTI) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday on a two-day visit and will meet the country's top leadership, marking the 65th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Wang, who arrived here from the Maldives, will meet President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister G L Peiris during the visit, Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage said.

His visit marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and the 70th anniversary of the Lanka-China Rubber Rice Pact.

Signed in 1952, the Rubber-Rice Pact was a trade agreement between Lanka and China under which Colombo supplied rubber to Beijing in exchange for rice, leading to the establishment of diplomatic relations and expansion of trade between the two nations.

The events marking the occasions will be held at the Chinese-built port city in central Colombo, one of the many mega infrastructure development projects supported by China since 2010.

Colombage said new Chinese investment opportunities might be sealed by Sri Lanka during the foreign minister's visit.

The relationship between the two countries has been under stress in the recent months.

China protested against Sri Lanka's rejection of an organic fertiliser shipment which the local farmers and some experts claimed was contaminated.

The Sri Lankan commercial high court here blocked payment for it despite top level interventions by China. The Chinese black listed the Sri Lankan state bank for not honouring the payment.

Sri Lankan scientists had questioned the quality of the Chinese fertiliser consignment, saying that instead of helping, it could prove harmful to the crops.

However, on Friday, on the eve of Wang's visit, the Sri Lanka's People's Bank released USD 6.9 million US to the Chinese company.

China's blacklisting of the Sri Lankan bank, and the public clash between officials on both sides, had come amid growing concerns over an acute agriculture crisis in Sri Lanka, following President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's decision in May last year to abruptly switch from chemical to organic fertilisers.

The decision triggered protests from farmers who said the fertiliser ban would result in reduction in harvest, leading to a food crisis this year.

China in December suspended a project to install hybrid energy plants in three islands of Sri Lanka, citing "security concern" from a "third party", amid reports of India raising concern over its location.

In early 2021, India lodged a "strong protest" with Lanka on the award of the tender to the Chinese company for the construction of renewable energy power plants in Delft, Nagadeepa and Analthivu.

The visit also happens at a time when Sri Lanka is facing its all-time worst foreign exchange crisis.

By December, the reserves position had plummeted to just one month's imports or a little over USD 1 billion.

However, by the end of the year, the Central Bank announced that the reserves position had improved and the cash realisation was believed to have come from a previously agreed currency swap with China. PTI Corr RS AKJ VM VM

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Haitian businessman and a convicted drug trafficker, Rodolphe Jaar, was arrested on suspicion that he played a crucial role in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise. According to a Miami Herald report, Jaar was taken into custody in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Friday. The latest development came six months after unidentified gunmen stormed Moises resident in a Port-au-Prince suburb and killed the President, wounding his wife.

Jaars arrest was confirmed by Haitian and Dominican officials, who reportedly had the knowledge of the matter. Sources told Miami Herald that the convicted drug trafficker had spent several months in hiding after escaping into the Dominican Republic from Haiti. Both countries share the island of Hispaniola.

A Haiti National Police report seen by the paper has described the suspect as a central player in the assassination plot. It further said that the Haitian businessman had housed Colombian commandos. Jaar even kept vehicles and weapons at his Port-au-Prince home just days before Moises assassination.

Jaars arrest came after Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry survived a failed assassination attempt on Sunday, 2 January at a church in the city of Gonaives during a mass dedicated to the 218th anniversary of the country's independence, reported VTV broadcaster. The report had also stated that armed people had opened fire at Henry. While at least one person was killed and several others were injured, Haitian PM did not suffer any wounds in the Sunday incident.

Henry was warned against attending any events in Gonaives

Local media reports had previously stated that Henry was warned by local gangs against attending any events in Gonaives. Following the failed assassination attempt on Henry after the brutal killing of Moise, the authorities had cancelled all other events organised to mark the independence anniversary.

It is to note that Henrys failed assassination was reported after it was stated earlier that a suspect in the killing of the Haitian President would not be extradited to Haiti. It was stated that the suspect would instead be transported to Colombia.

Image: AP
After a pause for a few months, the youth activists of Nepal have yet again resorted to street drama, flash mob and display of banners and placards in a bid to protest the imposition of luxury tax on menstrual products and tampons. Previously, the Nepal government had committed to making efforts to bring the price of menstrual pads and tampons down. However, after months of inaction against the imposition of the tax, the youth activists resorted to peaceful protests on Friday.

Speaking to ANI, Priyanka Budhathoki, one of the producers of the podcast series "Talks About Periods", said, This is huge discrimination to all the women who bleed. Government should not actually impose any tax because menstruation products are not luxury, we are not using it as luxury items but it is an essential item that every bleeding people, not only just women but every individual who bleeds needs this.

"So, therefore we are here today to tell our government that it is complete crap, everything they are doing by imposing all these taxes on menstruating people is actually very wrong," she added.

Protest against the imposition of tax on sanitary pads

It is to mention that the protests in Nepal against the imposition of tax had started after the House of Representatives approved a replacement bill amending the annual budget plan of 2021/22. The approval led to an increase in the price of sanitary pads in the market. Ultimately, this pushed the campaigners to hit the streets and protest against the government. They even urged the ruling administration to remove pads and tampons from the list of luxury items.

In response, the Nepali Ministry of Finance in September stated that some people were spreading fake news and attacking the government without doing due research. But subsequently, the ministry later accepted that a 15% customs tax has been imposed on sanitary pads since the fiscal year 2012-13. A 10% tax was also imposed on raw materials used to make sanitary napkins in Nepal.

Last year, while the ministry did not increase or decrease the tax on the products imported from abroad, it reduced the tax on raw materials used to make the pads in Nepal to 5%. The Ministry of Finance had said that it changed to 5% as the government wanted more businesses to make sanitary pads in Nepal instead of importing them. Regarding the allegation made by businesses, the ministry said that it has not increased any form of tax on sanitary pads.

Since then, the demonstrators had waited for the government to make efforts to reduce the price of menstrual products which is yet to be brought into practice. It is to mention that even though the Nepali government has not increased the taxes, it still imposes a 13% VAT (Value-added tax) on the products that are imported from abroad as well as produced within the nation.

(With inputs from ANI)
At least seven people have died after a towering slab of rock broke from a cliff and toppled onto boaters near a waterfall on a Brazilian lake on Saturday. While speaking at a news conference, Minas Gerais fire department commander Edgard Estevo informed that in addition to the dead, as many as nine people have been seriously injured and another 20 people may still be missing.

In the clip, small boats can be seen moving slowly near the sheer rock cliff on Furnas Lake when a fissure appeared in the rock and a huge piece toppled directly onto at least two of the vessels. In the news conference, Estevo said that the incident occurred between the towns of Sao Jose da Barra and Capitolio, from where the boats had left. Officials suggested that the earlier rains could have contributed to the wall coming loose.

Brazilian Navy to investigate the accident

While speaking to AP, the press office of Minas Gerais state said that the fire department had even deployed divers and helicopters to help rescue the victims. The Brazilian Navy, who also helped the rescue operation, said that it would further investigate the causes of the accident.

Meanwhile, it is to mention that the region has been under heavy rainfall for two weeks now, which could have loosened the rock face. Furnas Lake, called the sea of Minas, is a popular tourist draw in the area roughly 420km north of Sao Paulo. The heavy rains in the region have forced almost 17,000 people out of their homes due to flooding.

(Image: Twitter/Unsplash)
Ahead of the first anniversary of the horrifying US Capitol riots, a new report has revealed that highly trained and heavily armed tactical teams with shoot-to-kill- authority' were pre-deployed in Washington DC last year on January 6 in a bid to protect then US Vice President Mike Pence and members of Congress.

According to an exclusive report by Newsweek, on the weekend of 2-3 January 2021, senior leaders of the FBI, US Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) met to discuss contingency plans and possible threats ahead of the Joint Session of Congress where now US President Joe Biden's electoral victory was sealed. The forces gathered at Quantico, around 50km from Capitol Hill. The teams pre-deployment was approved by acting Donald Trump attorney-general Jeffrey Rosen, and they were tasked with swooping into the city in the event of a major emergency.

Neither the contingency plans nor their actions that day were public knowledge before Monday. As per the report, under the plan, law enforcement against that makeup catastrophic response units were given sweeping orders to do whatever was necessary for officials defence, even if it meant taking a life. The forces included commandos from the FBIs Hostage Rescue Team, the Render Safe team and FBI SWAT, along with ATF Special Response Teams and the US Marshals Special Operations Group.

The decision to deploy the special elite forces in Washington DC was not requested or known of by US Capitol Police or the DC Metro Police forces, or even members of Congress. Therefore, they proved to be ill-prepared for the events which unfolded on January 6 at the Capitol building, offering almost no persistence to rioters as they stormed the legislature.

DOJ focused on 'high risk' operation instead of 'crowd control'

Back in May, Jeffrey Rosen had testified saying that his department had been focused on high risk operations that day rather than crowd control. He confirmed that his office had directed various entities to take cautionary steps to alert or pre-position tactical teams if needed for support on January 6.

I believe that DOJ reasonably prepared for contingencies ahead of January 6, understanding that there was considerable uncertainty as to how many people would arrive, who those people would be, and precisely what purposes they would pursue, Rosen had told lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee.

According to Newsweek, the FBI tactical teams ended up being deployed at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, and they were pre-deployed the weekend ahead of the horrifying riot. In the event of an explosive or other terror attack, the teams were then to travel to the site of the incident by helicopter. If the intelligence indicated a potential threat to FBI Headquarters or its field office in Washington, units were to move to downtown areas of the capital on the morning of January 6.

When the Trump supporters breached the Capitols parameters, members of the Hostage Rescue Team were among the first law enforcement officers in the building. The team assisted present law enforcement in securing Pence and his family in an underground area of the Capitol complex. The agents were also deployed as selective security for members of Congress trying to evade protesters, the Newsweek report said. The military was also present in the DC metropolitan area on January 6, 2021, though the extent of their efforts or coordination with the DOJ teams is unknown.

(Image: AP)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken denounced Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev's shoot to kill order and said Washington was seeking clarification on why the Central Asian nation needed to call in a Russian-led security force amid domestic unrest.

"The shoot-to-kill order, to the extent it exists, is wrong and should be rescinded," Blinken said in an ABC-TV interview on January 9.

Cities throughout Kazakhstan have been struck by protests that initially erupted in the western region of Mangystau on January 2 over the doubling in the price of subsidized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The protests have spread and morphed into calls for political reform in the tightly controlled country.

Mobs stormed government buildings, setting some of them on fire, looted businesses, and torched and overturned cars as they called for reforms after decades of stifling rule in the oil-rich former Soviet republic.

In response, Toqaev declared a nationwide state of emergency until January 19, with curfews, restrictions on movements, and bans on mass gatherings.

Toqaev gave permission for security forces to "shoot to kill" demonstrators, whom he described as bandits and terrorists, labels protesters have dismissed.

Kazakhstan also requested help from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) made up of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Armenia.

Russia has sent a few thousand troops to Kazakhstan under CSTO auspices.

"We have real questions about why they felt compelled to call this organization that Russia dominates," Blinken told CNN. "We're asking for clarification on that."

In earlier comments, Blinken said Kazakh authorities certainly have the capacity to deal appropriately with protests in a way that respects the rights of protesters while maintaining law and order.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
TEHRAN -- Hundreds of Iranian judiciary employees gathered in front of the parliament building in Tehran on the second day of protests over the lack of pay raises despite previous government promises.

Many in the rare demonstration on January 9 expressed anger at Parliamentary Speaker Mohmmad Baqer Ghalibaf, chanting "liar, liar" and "Ghalibaf, disgrace."

Ebrahim Raisi, the ultra-conservative Iranian president who took office in August, had proposed salary increases in the final weeks of his previous job as judicial chief.

But the new government has since rejected pay hikes amid severe economic hardships caused in part by crippling sanctions imposed by the United States when it pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018.

AFP reported protesters chanting, "If our problem is not resolved, we will shut down the justice system!"

Videos posted online have shown similar protests by judiciary employees in other cities, including Karaj.

Mohammad Hossein Aghasi, a lawyer, tweeted from the Karaj courthouse on January 8 that the citys courts are practically not working, judges have refused to appear in court."

He also referenced a "week-long strike by judges" and said that "I have never seen such strikes or protests from judges since 1974.

Reformist newspaper Arman Melli reported that "some judicial personnel organized rallies [on January 8] in most of the country's cities to protest the rejection of the plan for parliament to increase their salaries."

Meysam Latifi, head of the Administrative and Recruitment Affairs Organization, said in parliament last week when a pay increase was rejected that "we are concerned about the demand to raise judicial salaries because that would lead to the same thing at other agencies."

With reporting by AFP
People wearing face masks line up to enter a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Toronto, Canada, on Jan. 8, 2022. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

OTTAWA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Canada reported 30,435 new COVID-19 cases Saturday morning, raising its national total to 2,512,577 with 30,742 deaths, according to local media CTV.

Ontario, the most populous province in the country, reported 13,362 new COVID-19 cases and 31 new deaths on Saturday.

The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 has continued to rise in Ontario over the last week, with at least 2,594 people being treated in hospital as of Saturday.

The province reported 385 people with COVID-19 in intensive care units on Saturday. Of those patients, 219 were breathing with the assistance of a ventilator. The province had 337 ICU patients on Friday and 288 on Thursday.

Quebec, another populous province, confirmed 15,928 new cases and additional 44 deaths on Saturday. Nova Scotia, a province with a population of nearly one million, reported 1,145 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday.

Omicron has been spreading at a rate unlike anything Canadians have ever seen before, completely overwhelming the country's testing capacity and infecting more Canadians than at any other point in the pandemic as hospitalizations reach record highs.

Canada is responding to the Omicron-driven surge by reimposing strict public health measures - ranging from curfews to the closure of bars, restaurants and gyms, and even delaying the return to school.

COVID-19 cases are expected to continue to increase dramatically before they peak in the coming weeks.

On Friday, Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam called for "increased vigilance" as "exponential growth of Omicron" predominates across Canada over the coming weeks.

In a statement on Friday, the health official stressed that the Omicron variant spreads extremely quickly and the number of infected people can rise rapidly.

During the period between Dec. 30 and Jan. 5, the latest data from the Public Health Agency of Canada showed that a daily average of 41,743 new cases and 3,646 hospitalizations were reported, up 65 percent and 91 percent respectively from the previous week. 

People wearing face masks walk past a notice of the seating area's closure at the food court in a shopping mall in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, on Jan. 8, 2022. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

People wearing face masks order at a Blaze Pizza with the closed seating area at a shopping mall in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, on Jan. 8, 2022. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

A COVID-19 screening notice for customers is seen at the entrance of a store in a shopping mall in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, on Jan. 8, 2022. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)
Authorities continued to detain people in Kazakhstan's biggest city, Almaty, on January 8 following anti-government protests, violent incidents, and a deadly crackdown on protesters. AP filmed the detention of a man on an Almaty street. On January 9, some stores in downtown Almaty still had smashed windows. Travelers willing to leave for Russia lined up at the city's airport.
As an unprecedented wave of protests swept Kazakhstan and spiraled into violent unrest, China remained largely muted about the crisis unfolding in the Central Asian country with which it shares a 1,782 kilometer border, saying it was an internal affair that it hoped would soon stabilize.

It wasnt until Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev gave a defiant, menacing speech on January 7 in which he blamed the violence on alleged terrorists trained abroad and said security forces were given a shoot to kill order to suppress protests that Beijing finally weighed in, with Chinese President Xi Jinping offering his support for Toqaevs efforts to put down what Beijing deemed a color revolution in Kazakhstan.

At a key moment you took resolutely effective measures, quickly restoring calm, Xi told Toqaev, according to a readout of their conversation published by Chinese state media. China opposes any foreign forces to plot 'color revolution' in Kazakhstan.

While China has thrown its support behind the embattled Toqaev, analysts say Beijings reaction toward the fast-changing crisis in its oil-rich neighbor points to its measured approach to the region as a whole, where China has rigorously pursued its economic goals and often found itself navigating the interests of another one of Central Asias influential neighbors: Russia.

In the face of unrest that has taken on evolving dimensions, from popular protests sparked by fuel prices and long-simmering political resentment, to violent riots and infighting within Kazakhstans political elites, as well as intervention by Russian troops, Beijing has moved cautiously and walked a supportive but somewhat distant line behind Toqaev and the Kremlin.

China understands that it doesnt have the power to influence the situation in the same way as Russia and it also doesn't want to get too entwined, Temur Umarov, an expert on China in Central Asia at the Carnegie Moscow Center, told RFE/RL. Beijing has a pragmatic approach towards this crisis and, for them, the most important thing that they want is to see Kazakhstan become stable again.

A Crisis Next Door

Central Asia -- and Kazakhstan in particular -- has seen an expansion of Chinese influence in recent years, with Beijing fostering deep economic ties with its neighbors.

In Kazakhstan, China has invested tens of billions of dollars, primarily into its lucrative energy sector, and used the country as a launching-pad for the Belt and Road Initiative, Xis signature infrastructure and foreign policy project.

But despite its strategic interests and growing influence in the country, Beijing has largely observed events at a distance, such as the arrival -- at Toqaevs request -- of Russian troops in Kazakhstan under the guise of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

While Russian forces in Kazakhstan have focused on securing airports and other strategic sites instead of suppressing protests, Moscows intervention to prop up Toqaev is seen as part of a longer-term play by Russian President Vladimir Putin to build even deeper loyalty to the Kremlin and boost Russias influence across the region, potentially at the expense of China.

Beijing and Moscow have increasingly warm ties with one another, but Central Asia -- where Chinese investment and security interests have begun to erode Russian influence -- has been seen as a potential area of competition between the two countries.

Umarov says that while the swift intervention of Russian forces in Kazakhstan may have caught China off guard, Moscows moves are not seen as unwelcome by Beijing.

This idea of a rivalry between Russia and China in Central Asia is overestimated right now, Umarov said. If the CSTO mission can be successful and support Kazakh forces, then China doesnt have a problem with this.

Part of that acceptance may be that the arrival of Russian troops has officially taken place through the CSTO at the Kazakh governments request, rather than a unilateral move by the Kremlin.

Kazakhstan has a large ethnic Russian population concentrated along its northern border with Russia and the arrival of Russian forces in the country has led several observers to draw parallels with past military interventions by Moscow, such as its 2014 annexation of Crimea. While much is yet to be seen, the CSTO has said its mission has a limited time frame and, so far, Russian forces have seemingly played a minimal role.

If Moscow intervened on the pretext of protecting ethnic Russians, that would ring alarm bells in Beijing, Raffaello Pantucci, a senior associate fellow at London's Royal United Services Institute, told RFE/RL. But the justification for the mission is that Toqaev went to Putin for help. China can live with that so long as it delivers stability at the end of the day.

The View From Beijing

The reaction inside China to events in Kazakhstan has been quiet, but slowly coalesced around supporting the Kazakh regime in the face of alleged and unnamed foreign threats.

Initial comment on the unrest came from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on January 6 that events in Kazakhstan were an internal affair and that Beijing hoped for order to be restored.

Early coverage in Chinas tightly-controlled state media was measured and focused narrowly on the status of Chinese investment in Kazakhstan, primarily in the energy sector.

But that changed following Xis January 7 talks with Toqaev.

Since then, coverage has shifted to Chinese offers of economic assistance to the Kazakh government and the threats posed by terrorism in the country, which the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a China-led regional security bloc, said it was ready to help Kazakhstan oppose.

There is no indication that the crisis in Kazakhstan has any external origin, but those remarkable claims have been echoed by several Chinese commentators.

Zhu Yongbiao, a professor for the Research Center for the Belt and Road Initiative at Lanzhou University, told the state-run Global Times that the SCO could help Kazakhstan deal with foreign threats, while Pan Guang, the director of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Studies Center at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, warned about the risks of terrorism to the Chinese news site Guancha.cn.

Will terrorist organizations such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement be encouraged by the Kazakh riots? The situation is indeed unpredictable, Pan said, referring to a Uyghur extremist group that Beijing blames for attacks in its western Xinjiang Province.

Stability Now, Then What?

As protests in Kazakhstan turned violent, with some saying they had been hijacked by organized groups, Toqaev blamed the crisis on foreign elements and called demonstrators a band of international terrorists. This language has since been adopted by Russia and later Beijing.

Initially, China was quite silent about what was going on, said Pantucci. Only after this narrative of foreign interference was locked in publicly by Toqaev and then by Russia did Beijing start to run with it as well.

A similar level of apprehension has been extended to what appears to be a battle for control raging within the Kazakh government between Toqaev and forces loyal to Nursultan Nazarbaev, the countrys former long-time president who still maintains sweeping authority.

In a bid to consolidate power, Toqaev has since removed Nazarbaev from his position as head of the influential Security Council and moved against other Nazarbaev loyalists. Nazarbaevs spokesman claimed on January 8 that the former president had voluntarily given up his council seat to Toqaev.

On January 8, Karim Masimov, the former head of the National Security Committee, Kazakhstans domestic intelligence agency, was detained on suspicion of high treason. Several other officials were also detained, the security agency said in a statement.

According to the Carnegie Moscow Centers Umarov, Beijing has no desire to be involved in elite infighting in Kazakhstan and only made its positions clearer after the Kremlin had thrown its support behind Toqaev and the beleaguered president signaled he intended to stay in power.

China was able to wait and see, Umarov said. Beijing knows that whoever would be in power would have to work with China because its too powerful economically to be ignored.
What began as peaceful protests that quickly enveloped Kazakhstan in major upheaval just after the new year seems to have spawned something quite different -- a battle for control of the upper echelons of power in the country.

Mass protests in recent days in dozens of cities over poor socioeconomic conditions in a country rich in oil and other resources is being overshadowed by a struggle for power between President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaevs administration and loyalists of the countrys first president, Nursultan Nazarbaev.

The January 8 announcement of the arrest on suspicion of treason of the former head of the Committee for National Security (KNB), Karim Masimov, was the clearest indication yet that while security forces continue their anti-terrorist operations around the country, another battle is being waged between Kazakhstans most powerful officials.

Moves And Countermoves

Masimov, who was relieved of his duties as KNB chief on January 5, is a big fish in Kazakhstans political sea, though he has not been mentioned much in the media in recent months.

But the arrest of the Nazarbaev loyalist is a leading indication that Toqaev is using the alleged failure of domestic intelligence and security forces to notice foreign-trained terrorists in the country -- Toqaev claims they were behind the unrest -- to cleanse the government of Nazarbaev holdovers.

The 81-year-old Nazarbaev -- who led Kazakhstan for nearly 30 years until 2019 -- was given important positions and he and some of his family members continue to hold great influence in the country. So much that Toqaev is often derided by critics and analysts as being beholden to Nazarbaev, who many claim still calls the shots in the Kazakhstan despite leaving the presidency.

Toqaevs action after the outbreak of the mass protests to remove Nazarbaev from his role as chairman of the Kazakhstans Security Council on January 5 and the subsequent arrest of Masimov were the first signs that he was cleaning house.

Masimov has been a very powerful man in the government for more than 20 years, serving two stints as prime minister under the authoritarian Nazarbaev. Before that he was transport and communications minister, economy and budget planning minister, state secretary, and head of Nazarbaevs presidential administration before becoming KNB chief in 2016.

His career prior to his government service is equally important because, as a China specialist, Masimov represented Kazakhstans commercial interests in Beijing and Hong Kong in the early 1990s and was alleged to have played a role in transferring money to Hong Kong banks for Nazarbaev, who is considered one of the wealthiest men in Kazakhstan.

The fact that Masimov is under arrest and to be charged with serious crimes seems to bode ill for Nazarbaev and the wealthy and powerful members of the first family, none of whom have been seen publicly since the protests started.

At the same time, Nazarbaev press secretary Aidos Ukibay tweeted on January 8 that Elbasy (Nazarbaevs honorific title meaning leader of the nation) is in the capital of Kazakhstan, the city of Nur-Sultan."

That wording is significant as there were unconfirmed reports on January 7 that Nur-Sultan was no longer the name Kazakh officials were using for the capital, adding fuel to the rumors that Nazarbaev and his legacy were being ousted entirely by Toqaev.

It was Toqaev who renamed the capital from Astana to Nur-Sultan immediately after Nazarbaev stepped down on March 19, 2019, and handed power to Toqaev, his longtime loyalist.

Nothing To See Here

In an apparent effort to dispel the notion there are any problems between the two leaders, Ukibay said that Elbasy is conducting a series of consultative meetings and is in direct contact with Toqaev. He urged the media not to spread false and speculative information and, most importantly insisted that Nazarbaev had voluntarily given up his position as head of the Security Council to Toqaev.

A follow-up tweet from Ukibay added that Nazarbaev has had several conversations by phone with the leaders of governments that are friendly to Kazakhstan.

Although there have been no reports of Nazarbaev speaking with the heads of friendly neighboring countries such as Russia or China, who have said publicly theyve spoken to Toqaev, a January 5 report said Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka had indeed spoken with Nazarbaev about the upheaval.

Ukibay also wrote on Twitter that Elbasy calls on everyone to rally around the president of Kazakhstan to overcome the current challenges and ensure the integrity of our country."

The comments are interesting in that they suggest Nazarbaev should still be known as the leader of the nation and, secondly, that he is in contact with and supports Toqaev in efforts to crack down on protesters in an effort to regain control of the country after the unrest that has officially left dozens dead, hundreds injured, nearly 5,000 people detained, and hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage.

But due to a state-imposed Internet blockage and disruption of mobile phone services within Kazakhstan, those figures are impossible to verify though the few reports that have emerged from the communication blackout speak of larger casualty figures.

Throughout the entire crisis, Nazarbaev has not been seen or heard from, though that is not necessarily an indication something is amiss with Elbasy or that hes being silenced by the president.

It has been Nazarbaevs habit in recent years to vanish from public when there has been unrest in Kazakhstan.

But the fact that a loyal official such as Masimov is under arrest is certainly not a good sign for Nazarbaev. It is, however, worth noting that Masimov has no ties to the powerful clans in Kazakhstan and therefore was an easy target for Toqaev.

The Beginning

The peaceful protest over a drastic hike in fuel prices that started in the western oil town of Zhanaozen right after the new year quickly ballooned into protests over economic problems, lack of opportunity to participate in the political process, and failure of the government to do much to resolve any of those problems.

Toqaev ordered the price of fuel lowered, then accepted the resignation of the government on January 4 in attempt to calm the unrest that was growing faster than anyone could have expected.

But on January 5, he changed his tone and said foreign-trained terrorists were behind the protests and Toqaev used that pretext to order a security operation that eventually covered the entire country and call for aid from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Up until then, and with Masimov still in charge of the KNB, the police and security forces had been uncharacteristically passive as protests grew in size and spread throughout the country.

Ever since Toqaevs appointment as acting president in 2019 there has been a new era of protests in Kazakhstan unseen since the late 1990s, and law enforcement and security forces have become increasingly adept at countering public expressions of discontent, speedily rounding up people by the hundreds in some cases and usually detaining activists and organizers in advance of planned demonstrations.

These latest protests had no clear leaders and they erupted spontaneously, but it does seem strange that as protesters marched through city streets and gathered in large number in main squares, authorities waited to deploy forces to quell the growing unrest until Masimov had been axed as KNB chief.

20,000 Terrorists

There were some armed people among the many thousands of demonstrators in Almaty during the evening of January 5 and they engaged in shoot-outs with security forces as government buildings were occupied or burned and many shops looted.

It is unclear who was behind the violence, though Kazakh officials will most surely provide further claims of who they are and what motived them.

Toqaev claimed there were 20,000 terrorists in Almaty alone and, by January 7, the whole country was on a red level alert due to a terrorist threat.

He then announced he had authorized security forces to shoot to kill without giving any warning.



How such a large number of terrorists could have been present in Kazakhstan -- seemingly without attracting any notice from security services that have proved so efficient at thwarting the efforts of the small opposition groups active in Kazakhstan -- is very difficult to imagine.

Toqaev posted on his Twitter account on January 7 that there had been six waves of attacks by terrorists on Almaty, and again said there were 20,000, some of them speaking non-Kazakh languages, who were beating and killing policemen and young soldiers looting private premises and shops, killing secular citizens, [and] raping young women."

Those tweets were later deleted.

One of the theories making the rounds is that those who were armed and presumably looting were members of organized criminal groups that thrived under Nazarbaevs government and were perhaps unleashed to counter any attempt at removing Nazarbaev and his inner circle from power.

That suggestion tied Nazarbaevs nefarious brother Bolat and also Nazarbaevs nephew, Samat Abish (the son of Nazarbaevs deceased brother Satybaldy), who is the deputy KNB head, to organizing the armed groups.

Abish was reportedly sacked on January 5 but according to the KNB press service on January 8 he is still at his post. His apparent reinstatement has fueled speculation that despite the reports, Nazarbaev still retains power.

Why Now?

What could have triggered the government infighting is also a matter of conjecture, with many saying the protests were used to make a power grab.

Akezhan Kazhegeldin, who was prime minister in the 1990s under Nazarbaev before going into self-exile, said he believed there was a conspiracy against Toqaev by the security forces -- which might explain why Toqaev sought help from the CSTO, having lost trust in his own security forces.

Kazhegeldin questioned why local law-enforcement officials failed to implement the nationwide curfew that had been imposed and asked how is it that the KNB [building] in Almaty was plundered and weapons fell into the hands of unknown people?

Another reason for the maneuvering could come from the video of a visit by Toqaev and Nazarbaev to Moscow on December 27 that shows Nazarbaev to be quite frail, leading some to believe that supporters of the first Kazakh president believe he is close to death and were using the opportunity presented by the unrest to try and oust Toqaev.

Others say for the same reason that it was Toqaevs people who acted in an attempt to increase their power before Nazarbaev died.

Some interpret Russias quick decision to deploy a small force of CSTO peacekeepers to Kazakhstan -- the first time in the 30-year existence of the CSTO it has deployed such a force -- as being a sign of the Kremlins support for Toqaev.

There are even theories that suggest Nazarbaev and Toqaev are working together as part of a plan to rid themselves of other, unspecified officials.

Kazakh political analyst Dimash Alzhanov noted that if Nazarbaev and/or his family get out or have already left Kazakhstan they could only do so with Toqaevs knowledge and approval.

New information revealed in the coming days as events continue to unfold will no doubt enhance or refute some of the analysis and even more scenarios could emerge of the behind-the-scenes machinations.

It is fair to say that even as a few of the peaceful protests linger on, and as security forces hunt for Toqaevs foreign-trained terrorists, there is another battle taking place within the halls of power in Nur-Sultan that will shape the future of the country in the coming months and possibly years.
Delegations from the United States and Russia have concluded eight hours of talks in Geneva as part of what is expected to be a week of high-stakes diplomacy prompted by Moscow's demands for a security deal and its threatening military buildup near Ukraine.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the head of the U.S. delegation, described her bilateral talks with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as "serious" and "businesslike."

Sherman described the meeting as talks, rather than negotiations, and said the United States did not go line by line through Russia's demands.

Sherman said the United States came to the meeting with a few proposals, including details about the deployment of missile defenses in Europe and limits on military exercises.

She said the U.S. proposals must be reciprocal and rejected Russian calls for a reduction in U.S. troop levels in Eastern Europe, saying that issue was "not on the agenda" on January 10.

For his part, Ryabkov said he had assured Sherman that U.S. and NATO concerns about Russia's military buildup on its border with Ukraine are unfounded.

"We explained to our colleagues that we have no plans, no intentions, to 'attack' Ukraine.... There is no reason to fear any escalation in this regard," Ryabkov told reporters after the talks.

Ryabkov also said the United States "took Russian proposals very seriously" and that Moscow was "for the continuation of dialogue."

But Ryabkov also said after the meeting that "no progress" had been made on Moscow's demand that Ukraine not be allowed to join the NATO alliance. He insisted that future progress in talks with U.S. diplomats depends on this issue.

Sherman said Washington will "not allow anyone to slam closed NATO's open-door policy," which she said was "central to the alliance."

"We will not forego bilateral cooperation with sovereign states that wish to work with United States," Sherman said. "And we will not make decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine, about Europe without Europe, or about NATO without NATO. As we say to our allies and partners: 'Nothing about you, without you'."

Sherman said Washington offered to meet again "soon" with Russia to discuss the issues in more detail.

The talks come amid a standoff over the Russian military buildup near Ukraine's border. The West fears it could signal Moscow is preparing an invasion of Ukraine. Russia seized and forcibly annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014. It also has backed separatists who've been battling government forces in eastern Ukraine since 2014.

Before the official start of talks, Sherman and Ryabkov met for a working dinner on January 9 in Geneva.

The bilateral talks in Geneva will be followed by a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council in Brussels on January 12 and separate multilateral talks under the framework of the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna on January 13.



The U.S. State Department said ahead of the January 10 meeting that the United States will not discuss European security without our European allies and partners, in a reference to Russias demands from the United States and NATO for security guarantees.



"The deputy secretary underscored that discussion of certain subjects would be reserved for the NATO-Russia Council meeting in Brussels on January 12 and the OSCE Permanent Council meeting in Vienna on January 13," the State Department said.



Sherman "stressed the United States' commitment to the international principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the freedom of sovereign nations to choose their own alliances," the statement said, in a reference to Ukraine and its aspirations of joining NATO.



Sherman "affirmed that the United States would welcome genuine progress through diplomacy," it added.

Ryabkov told reporters ahead of the January 10 meeting that he expected the talks would be difficult.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held two phone calls in December, accompanied by a flurry of diplomacy involving officials from the United States, its European allies and Ukraine, and Russia that culminates in the three meetings this week.



Putin has issued a series of demands, including guarantees that NATO will not further expand eastward to former Soviet states like Ukraine and Georgia. The Kremlin also wants the alliance to roll back troop and weapons deployments in Eastern Europe.



Ahead of the talks in Geneva, Ryabkov laid out Russia's three demands: no further NATO expansion, no missiles on Russia's borders, and for NATO no longer to have military exercises, intelligence operations, or infrastructure outside of its 1997 borders.



"The Russian side came here with a clear position that contains a number of elements that, to my mind, are understandable and have been so clearly formulated -- including at a high level -- that deviating from our approaches simply is not possible," Ryabkov said.



U.S. officials have said some Russian demands are nonstarters, while others are open to discussion.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that talks with Moscow would not make progress as long as Russia -- which has amassed almost 100,000 troops near its border with Ukraine -- has a "gun to Ukraine's head."

"There's a path of dialogue and diplomacy to try to resolve some of these differences and avoid a confrontation," Blinken told CNN on January 9.



"The other path is confrontation and massive consequences for Russia if it renews its aggression on Ukraine. We are about to test the proposition about which path President Putin is prepared to take."

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who will meet with the Russian delegation on January 12 in Brussels, warned Moscow of "severe costs" in case of an invasion of Ukraine, but added that Russia and the West could find a pathway to avoid conflict.



"We also need to send a very clear message to Russia, that we are united and that there will be severe costs -- economic, political costs -- for Russia if they once again use military force against Ukraine," Stoltenberg said at a news conference in Brussels with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna.

"What we are hoping for is that we can agree on a way forward, that we can agree on a series of meetings, that we can agree on a process," he said.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, Interfax, and RIA Novosti
The United States has warned Iran that it will face "severe consequences" if it attacks any U.S. citizen after Tehran sanctioned 51 U.S. nationals for their alleged role in the death of a powerful Iranian commander two years ago.

"Make no mistake: The United States of America will protect and defend its citizens," Jake Sullivan, the White House national-security adviser, said in a statement on January 9.

"Should Iran attack any of our nationals, including any of the [Americans] named yesterday, it will face severe consequences."

Tehran on January 8 announced the sanctions -- including on U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley -- for their role in the death of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.

The move would allow Iranian authorities to seize any assets held in Iran by those sanctioned. But the move is mainly symbolic given the lack of assets held by Americans in the country.

Soleimani, who headed the elite Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, was killed on January 3, 2020, in a U.S. drone strike at Baghdad airport.

Soleimani was considered a main architect of Iran's Middle East military strategy and his assassination brought the United States and Iran close to a military conflict. Tehran retaliated by launching a missile strike targeting U.S. forces in Iraq.

In addition to Milley, Iran announced sanctions against former national-security adviser Robert O'Brien and Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

"Looks like I'll have to cancel my relaxing getaway to Iran," Haley tweeted in response.

"When you get sanctioned by Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terror, you know you're doing something right," she wrote.

In his statement, Sullivan said that Americans may have "our disagreements on Iran policy. But we are united in our resolve against threats and provocations."

"We are united in the defense of our people [and] work with our allies and partners to deter and respond to any attacks carried out by Iran."

With reporting by AFP and Reuters
NEW YORK, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Artists from the U.S.-China Music Institute of the Bard College Conservatory of Music will present two concerts celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year in late January, said a recent release by the U.S.-China Music Institute.

The concerts are scheduled to take place on Jan. 28 in the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College and on Jan. 30 in the Rose Theater of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City, respectively.

The concerts celebrating the Chinese Year of the Tiger will feature both traditional and contemporary music of China.

The first half of the program includes "Ode to Pear Blossoms" from The Royal Consort of Tang, a newly created Peking opera, as well as two pieces honoring the Yellow River, the cradle of Chinese civilization, according to the release.

Meanwhile, the second half of the program includes the performances using traditional Chinese instruments like pipa and suona in addition to vocal music.

This program represents a selection of pieces that show how Chinese music and Western music can interact with one another, according to Jindong Cai, director of the U.S.-China Music Institute.

Cai added, "Music transcends culture, and I always say that it is the best way for people to understand one another, no matter who they are or where they are from. Obstacles are all around us, both from nature and from the political environment. But through music we have a language that can connect people together and to help us see beyond our differences."

Founded in 2017, the U.S.-China Music Institute has been active in promoting the study, performance, and appreciation of music from contemporary China and supporting musical exchanges between the United States and China. 
The first of the edgy, regional Bull Taco stands -- and the last remaining one -- has ceased operations at San Elijo State Beachs campground after a lease dispute, and someone else will be filling that space.

Bull Taco, which held a subcontract for more than seven years allowing it to operate a taco stand in San Elijos camp store building, violated its contract agreement last year when it changed its name and its menu without prior approval from the California State Parks, said Lisa Urbach, interim sector superintendent for the state parks north coastal sector.

The operators -- restaurateurs Greg Lukasiewicz and Laurel Manganelli -- had renamed the place Fish Mama and had a new menu focused on fish dishes instead of Bull Tacos famous exotic taco fillings. After state parks officials discovered the changes, they notified the operators that the place needed to revert back to its original status, Urbach said.

We gave them a list of requirements and those requirements were not met, she said, adding that the place officially closed in mid-December.

The closure of the walk-up taco stand, which had a jaw-dropping view of miles of coastline and surfers riding the waves, marks the end of an era.

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This was the place where Lukasiewicz first experimented with unusual taco meat fillings, including duck, when he and Manganelli moved into the region fleeing the hectic pace of Los Angeles high-end restaurant scene a decade ago.

They picked the campground location because Manganelli had family connections to the camp store business -- her relatives have held the contract to operate the store for decades.

The success of that taco stand led the couple to launch other Bull Tacos, including in Oceanside and San Clemente.

Lukasiewicz said Friday that hes been on the leading edge of many food trends, including the farm-to-table movement, so experimenting with exotic taco fillings came naturally to him.

Restaurant projects that he and Manganelli have been involved with in San Diego County range from Pandoras Pizza in Encinitas to taco stands at Petco Park.

With Bull Taco, he found it far easier to start a chain than to keep it going.

Building a chain is the hardest thing in the world, Lukasiewicz said Friday as he described the rise and fall of Bull Taco.

Keeping the quality of food at a high level while dealing with seasonal staffing fluctuations in several coastal locations at once and other issues was beyond challenging, he said, adding that he figures he only took three-, four-day vacations in 10 years.

In mid 2017, he filed for bankruptcy protection for the Bull Taco business, but withdrew that filing later in the year.

He said Friday that he changed the campground stands name recently because he felt Bull Taco was just losing its buzz. I wanted to put it to sleep and give it a nap.

A break is just what hes planning to give himself, too. Next month, he expects to leave on a one-year visit to Nicaragua -- hes half Nicarguan. When he returns, he plans to bring Bull Taco back to life in a new location along El Camino Real, he said.

Meanwhile, State Parks is getting ready to re-let the camp store contract. The competitive bidding process is expected to open within months and the contract will likely be awarded in July, Urbach said, adding that she expects there will be a great deal of interest and competition because of the stores prime location in a very busy coastal campground.

Whoever operates the camp store will also manage the former taco stand area, she said.

Potential store concessionaires can find information on the concession bid process at this link: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22560
The pre-war co-op on New Yorks Upper West Side, across the street from Central Park, was the fictional home of Seinfeld character Elaine Benes.

In real life its where an accused Sinaloa drug kingpin stashed fentanyl to be weighed, bagged and labeled for sale on New York streets under the names UBER, Panda, and Wild Card.

When narcotics agents raided Apartment 6D in August, they found 1,100 glassine envelopes of the deadly synthetic heroin, plus everything else needed for a distribution mill: bags of bulk fentanyl, stamps, ledgers, gloves, masks, rubber bands, a heat sealing device and a gun stuffed between couch cushions.

The iconic building was the final stop on just one artery of an illicit pipeline stretching all the way back to China.

Flowing in one direction, this fentanyl pipeline runs through Mexican cartel strongholds and heads north on well-established drug trafficking routes. It funnels 80 percent of the drug through the San Diego border before dispersing throughout the U.S.

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The pipeline flows in another direction, as well, direct from Chinese laboratories to U.S. customers through the mail, bringing small, hard-to-detect packages of extremely pure fentanyl to suburban doorsteps.

Both channels are feeding a deadly epidemic, moving a drug so potent that the equivalent of a few grains of table salt can be fatal.

In 2016, fentanyl-type drugs were responsible for killing nearly 20,000 people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sealing the fentanyl pipeline, however, has proven to be thus far an insurmountable challenge. The effort involves navigating delicate political relations with China and Mexico, addressing weaknesses at U.S. borders and within international mail systems that continue to allow narcotics to slip through unnoticed, battling nimble and powerful drug traffickers, and trying to keep up with enterprising chemists who constantly skirt drug controls with new formulations.

Piece of cake

Fentanyl was first developed in 1960 as a powerful painkiller and surgery anesthetic without the side effect of nausea. It is 100 times more potent than morphine and up to 50 times stronger than heroin.

It is prescribed in controlled settings for the most serious conditions, such as to treat cancer pain, and usually dispensed in patches or lollipops.

Then drug traffickers realized its potential.

The first major wave of illicit fentanyl-laced heroin hit the U.S. around 2005 and 2006. Now, it has completely invaded the illegal drug market.

Mexican drug cartels often take bulk pure fentanyl from China and then cut it with any number of substances, from heroin to cocaine to methamphetamine to cheap fillers such as sugar and acetominophen.

The end result is packaged wholesale into powdered bricks that are extremely diluted, 6 to 7 percent typically, and smuggled across the border.

The street dealers then call it whatever they want, leaving most customers completely unaware that the drug they just bought is actually fentanyl.

The guy who is addicted to heroin has no idea what hes getting, he just knows hes getting that same feeling, said Dean Kirby, a senior forensic chemist at the DEA lab in San Diego.

Small amounts of pure fentanyl are also commonly mixed with the same kinds of fillers and pressed into pills. They are then falsely marketed as pharmaceuticals such as oxycodone or Xanax, seizing upon Americas heavy demand for prescription painkillers.

Poorly blended batches can create fentanyl hotspots, proving fatal for unsuspecting users. While some traffickers brag about using top-of-the-line mixers  sometimes the same machinery used by pharmaceutical companies  others use rudimentary equipment, authorities say.

Why take the risk of killing off customers? It all comes down to economics. Fentanyl can be cheaply procured from Chinese laboratories, and a little bit goes a long way.

Consider what it takes to produce heroin  large plots of secure land to grow opium poppies, a labor force for farming and refining, and several months of time. Then youve got weather, pests and water supply issues to deal with.

Move the entire process to a lab and it is so much more predictable  and profitable.

With fentanyl, you need about 20 times less product to achieve the same high as heroin.

One kilogram of pure fentanyl from China, costing about $3,300 to $5,000, can be turned into a diluted powder sold on San Diego streets at a $300,000 value, according to the DEA. As it travels farther away from the border, the value skyrockets.

If it is in pill form, 1 kilogram of pure fentanyl can be made into 1 million pills containing 1 milligram of fentanyl each. Sell each pill for $10 to $20 a piece on the street and that is a $10 million to $20 million product.

Obviously, theres lots of money to be made in this, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri Hobson, who prosecutes fentanyl traffickers in San Diego.

Or, drug traffickers can make the fentanyl themselves.

The immediate precursor chemical for fentanyl, called 4ANPP, can be purchased from China for $1,000 per kilogram and mixed with a few other chemicals to produce about 1 kilogram of pure fentanyl.

And if 4ANPP is unavailable, a cook with a more advanced skill set can use the chemical NPP to make 4ANPP.

If you get the right ingredients, its like making a cake, Kirby said.

Whack-a-mole

It all starts in China, where a booming legitimate chemical industry hides illegal producers, and precursor chemicals and other items such as pill presses have been scarcely regulated, according to a March report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

It wasnt until February that the precursors NPP and 4ANPP were deemed controlled substances under Chinese law.

Much of the U.S. diplomatic effort in China focuses on regulating chemicals and fentanyl analogues legislatively. And therein lies the problem with controlling synthetic drugs: regulate one form and a chemist figures out how to slightly tweak the molecular structure to make it technically something else.

Theres butyrlfentanyl, brifentanyl, furanylfentanyl, lofentanyl and acetylfentanyl, for starters.

Its a game of whack-a-mole, one U.S. official told a group of San Diego County law enforcement officers in a gathering on fentanyl in November, but the alternative is no better.

In February, the DEA took a swing at the whole fentanyl family by controlling any substance with a similar chemical makeup.

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The pipeline from China to the U.S. is connected by an online marketplace that is moving commerce deeper underground on the dark web, where drug purchases can be made with anonymity.

The nature of fentanyl  extremely potent in small doses when pure  makes it ideal to move through the mail, keeping packages small and inconspicuous.

Experts say its hard to know just how much fentanyl is coming direct from China to the U.S.

A few U.S. investigations suggest it is on a large scale.

One network allegedly led by Jian Zhang of China sent thousands of packages of fentanyl, pill presses, stamps and dye to U.S. customers since 2013, according to federal prosecutors.

Another operator, Xiobing Yan, is accused of running at least two chemical plants in China capable of producing ton quantities of fentanyl and selling the drugs to U.S. customers online.

In a San Diego case, a Clairemont man was caught with homemade gelatin tablets of fentanyl and meth that hed been selling over the dark web and shipping through the U.S. mail. Hed bought the tablets from an Oklahoma man over the dark web, who had made the pills from fentanyl purchased from China, Hobson said. The Clairemont man was also found with carfentanil, 100 times more potent than fentanyl, Hobson said.

With fentanyl deaths rising and the discovery of new networks, U.S. authorities are trying to figure out how to weed out the drug deliveries from the nearly 500 million international packages coming into the countrys five U.S. mail inspection facilities each year.

Part of the problem is Chinas complex and misleading freight forwarding system, which moves parcels from shipper to shipper, making it virtually impossible to trace it to its original source. Fentanyl shippers will often mislabel the package as an extra layer of caution and forward the package through another country, such as Tonga, to avoid U.S. suspicion, federal authorities said.

A recent Senate investigation found another hurdle is the U.S. Postal Services failure to fully deploy a program to require more detailed sender and recipient information on packages  a tool that helps law enforcement target suspicious shipments.

Private shippers such as UPS and FedEx, however, are required to include the information, apparently making the U.S. Postal Service a more attractive option for illicit shippers, the report found.

In fiscal 2017, Customs and Border Protection interdicted 118 shipments totaling 240 pounds of fentanyl from express consignment carriers and 227 seizures totaling 92 pounds from the international mail, according to recent CBP testimony to Congress.

Mexicos phantom drug

Much more fentanyl is being seized along the Mexican pipeline. But just how the fentanyl gets there from China, and how much, has been something of a mystery.

Fentanyl has been something of a ghost, said analyst Alejandro Hope, formerly a high-ranking official with the Mexican security agency, CISEN. Nobody knows how much is being produced, how much is being imported, there is very little sound information about it.

Renato Sales, Mexicos national security commissioner, told the Mexico City newspaper, Reforma, in a recent interview that most fentanyl entering Mexico from China comes through the busy Pacific Coast port of Manzanillo in the state of Colima. In the interview, Sales also linked fentanyl trafficking to the rise in violence in the state.

Despite these statements, there have been no announcements of significant seizures or the drug or its precursors at the port.

On one subject there is little dispute  that the smuggling of fentanyl through Mexico to the U.S. border is largely conducted by the long-established Sinaloa cartel, and the rising powerhouse Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, or CJNG, both large trafficking organizations with international reach.

The fentanyl that passes through Mexico to the U.S. border travels through many of the same routes used to smuggle heroin, meth, cocaine and marijuana  with seizures reported in recent months all along the western corridor that runs through Jalisco, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Baja California. The drug has been found hidden inside shoes, in a passenger bus, and in numerous cargo parcels at the Tijuana airport.

In March 2017, Mexican military at a checkpoint in Sonora found 18 kilograms of fentanyl hidden in a semi-truck load of bell peppers. In August near the same area, the Mexican military made a record seizure after intercepting a big rig with grocery supplies headed from Mexico City to Tijuana that also carried 30,000 pills and 63 kilos of powder, both containing fentanyl.

While there is evidence of increased seizures of fentanyl in recent years, there remains debate as to just how much comes to the United States through Mexico. I would believe that the majority come directly from China, said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a scholar at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., who studies illegal economies.

Another sensitive question is how much fentanyl is produced in Mexico.

Both Felbab-Brown and Hope, the security analyst, say there there would be little incentive for Mexican trafficking organizations to produce the drug, because of low weight and high potency. Its not really advantageous to buy precursors and make it, she said. To the extent that it is happening, it is still in the very nascent stages.

Still, clues there have been indications of at least some efforts to produce the drug.

A 2006 overdose outbreak in Chicago led back to a fentanyl lab near Toluca, Mexico, where one of the operators told authorities hed bought NPP from a Chinese company.

In 2016, Chinese customs agents seized 70 kilograms of fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl in a cargo container that was bound for Mexico.

In November, the Mexican military found a clandestine lab outside Culiacan, Sinaloas capital city, seizing 16 drums of NPP, as well as 40 kilograms of an unidentified solid substance, according to news bulletin from the Mexican attorney generals office.

There is at least one documented case of a fentanyl precursor being sent south from the United States to Mexico.

In August, a CBP officer working the Los Angeles International Mail Facility intercepted a 1 kilogram package of 4ANPP from China. It was destined to a Post Office box in San Ysidro.

Investigators switched out the dangerous substance for a decoy, allowed the package to be delivered, and did round-the-clock surveillance to see who would pick it up.

It was Cesar Daleo, a former Border Patrol agent living in condo hed bought in Mexico, authorities said. He placed the package in his trunk, then headed south on Interstate 5 to the border. He was pulled over just before he drove into Mexico, according to court records.

He is headed for trial next month.

Over the border

Much of the fentanyl is headed for San Diego, to be crossed in cars, in semi-trucks or by pedestrians at the ports of entry as all other drugs are.

In fiscal 2017, CBP seized 355 kilograms of fentanyl at San Diego ports of entry, accounting for 82 percent of all border crossing seizures nationwide, according to updated CBP data.

The couriers are Mexican citizens, U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents and drivers with SENTRI passes, according to review of numerous border prosecutions. Some claim to be blind mules. Some know they are smuggling drugs, they just dont know what kind. Some say they they drove the load across the border under threats of harm to them or their families.

Other smugglers appear to be more involved in the distribution cells. In one San Diego case, prosecutors say two women would smuggle drugs, including fentanyl, across the border and then use the Las Vegas restaurant they own as a front for sales and to launder money.

As that case illustrates, along with the massive amount of fentanyl seizures being reported across the U.S., most of the fentanyl that crosses here moves on.

The Midwest and East Coast have been especially hard hit by fentanyl overdose deaths. DEA experts attribute some of that to a long established demand for heroin in those parts of the country.

We know when we see fentanyl seizures in Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, Boston, New Jersey, said Hobson, the federal prosecutor, these highway interdictions of fentanyl are going to be traced back to the border.

The fentanyl seized from the Seinfeld apartment came from Mexico, smuggled through California or Arizona. An alleged trafficker with Sinaloa ties, Francisco Quiroz-Zamora, is accused in an indictment of coordinating the loads from his home in San Jose del Cabo in Baja California Sur.

But San Diego has not been spared from the clutches of fentanyl.

Fentanyl-related overdose deaths have risen steadily in the county, from 33 in 2016 to 81 last year, according to medical examiners data.

Richard Summerfruit, a 26-year-old Poway man who had gotten clean from addiction several months earlier, relapsed a week before Thanksgiving in 2016.

We dont know what triggered him that day, his mother, Pam Summerfruit, said in an interview.

In text messages, hed asked his dealer for Percocet, or oxycodone.

Later that day he was found in distress in his car, and he died at a hospital.

The half pill hed smoked was blue with the markings of a Percocet M30. Lab results revealed it was fentanyl instead.

Had he known that, he wouldnt have done it, his mother said. I know in my heart.

The dealer, Alfred Lemus Jr., was prosecuted on a murder charge, with evidence that hed known he was selling fentanyl-laced drugs from Mexico.

In a jail holding cell, Lemus bragged he was selling up to $3,000 in drugs a day, mainly the pills, according to court records.

S**ts dangerous though, he said, adding someone died off them pills.

Lemus pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and earlier this month was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

The Summerfruits will never be the same.

Were still healing. We have good days and bad days, Pam said of her family, including her husband and their two daughters, both in their 30s. Its kind of like a rollercoaster. Well never be like we were as a family again.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis


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Twice in the last two months, Kendra Riley appeared before legislative committees to implore for the passage of a bill that she feels could ease the burden for parents who endure the heartbreaking ordeal that befell her family in March 2020.
Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou Railway, the first high-speed railway to receive the majority of its funding from private capital in China, started operation today.

With a total investment of about 6.95 bln USD, the 266.9 km line links eight cities in east China.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service 
Volunteer search and rescue crews discovered the body of the skier who went missing at Northstar Ski Resort on Saturday morning, two weeks after he was last heard from during a blizzard on Christmas Day, authorities said.

Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue and Nevada County Search and Rescue volunteers found body of missing skier Rory Angelotta in an area north of the resort, located roughly half a mile from a residential neighborhood near Schaffer Mill Creek, Placer County sheriffs officials said on Saturday.

Angelotta had traveled a considerable distance from the ski resort boundaries and the backside of the resort, where searchers believed Angelotta had gotten lost during the whiteout conditions on Dec. 25, sheriffs officials said in a Facebook post. It is possible Angelotta was attempting to find the neighborhood near Truckee when he succumbed to the elements.

Emergency search crews did not search the area where Angelottas body was recovered because of the considerable distance he traveled from the resort, sheriffs officials said on Saturday. A rescue canine from the California Rescue Dog Association assisted with search efforts on Saturday, authorities said.

Angelottas family said in a statement to the community that they are deeply touched by the overwhelming outpouring of prayers and support during this extremely difficult time and personally wants to thank everyone that accompanied in the search and assisted them during these last two weeks.

Authorities suspended rescue search efforts on Dec. 30, saying at the time that there was no realistic possibility he could have survived the severe storm conditions that pummeled the Sierra since his disappearance.

More than 200 personnel with more than a dozen agencies searched for Angelotta in the days that followed his disappearance on Christmas Day, when he didnt show up to a dinner with his friends. Earlier that day, sheriffs officials said Angelotta scanned his ski pass at a chairlift around 11:30 a.m., attempted a phone call before his phone turned off and was never again heard from.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Sheriffs officials said there is no indication of any suspicious or unusual activity in this incident.

We offer our condolences to the family and hope that this will provide them closure to this tragic event, sheriffs officials said.

Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter:

@ByLHernandez
As they await the release of Gov. Gavin Newsoms proposed 2022-23 state budget, school district officials across California are worried about losing millions of dollars all at once, resulting in staffing cuts in a time when students need more attention than ever.

After two years of not being penalized for declining enrollment during the pandemic, school districts are bracing for a sudden drop in revenue next year as their funding gets recalibrated to match current enrollment, which plummeted since COVID-19 first closed Californias schools.

Ive never ever seen a drop in enrollment come all at once like this, said Andy Johnsen, superintendent at San Marcos Unified in north San Diego County. The pandemic changed everything.

In 2020, state lawmakers decided to allow districts to use their pre-pandemic, 2019-20 enrollment and attendance figures to calculate their funding for the next two school years. But starting in the fall of 2022, funding levels will be determined by this years enrollment and attendance.

Just to put it into perspective, we lost a few hundred students each year before the pandemic, said Harold Sullins, an associate superintendent at San Bernardino City Unified School District. Last year, we declined by 2,000 students. Thats about eight years worth of decline.

Without assistance from the state, San Bernardino City Unified could lose $27 million in funding due to the enrollment decline, a hefty chunk of the districts $971 million budget. Districts statewide stand to take similar blows.

The impact of such cuts can vary by district. It could mean laying off employees or cutting language and art programs. Ultimately, it will mean eliminating services many students need, especially in the coming years as they try to recover from the challenges of virtual learning.

In 2018-19, California schools statewide lost about 23,000 students. Between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years, public school enrollment in California dropped by nearly seven times that figure, with more than 160,000 students dropping out.

To calculate what it pays to individual districts each year, the state uses average daily attendance, so not only does enrollment matter but so does making sure students are in class every day. A new bill introduced on Monday by state Sen. Anthony Portantino, a San Fernando Valley Democrat, seeks to change this policy and fund schools based on enrollment, which would generate $3 billion for schools statewide.

Before COVID-19, low birth rates and migration patterns caused the annual shrinkage of public school enrollment. During the pandemic, kindergarten enrollment fell by about 61,000 students, accounting for much of the overall decline.

Kindergarten is not compulsory, Sullins said. At our earlier grade levels, a lot of our parents opted to hold their students back.

When physical classrooms reopened in the fall of 2021, stringent rules about quarantine and independent study also hurt attendance. Districts failing to offer independent study to students in quarantine were required to count those pupils as absent, losing out on their attendance-based funding. Sullins said this policy had a tremendous impact on attendance rates.

District leaders said a sudden drop in funding would punish districts for both drops in enrollment caused by the pandemic and for failing to comply with unreasonable independent study requirements.

The public doesnt understand, said Lisa Gonzales, the chief business officer at Mount Diablo Unified. Were all facing colossal funding decreases next year.

Gonzales said her 30,000-student, Northern California district could lose $24 million if the state does nothing.

Gonzales declined to comment on exactly where the district would make cuts, but she said she expects to issue layoff notices.

Administrators interviewed by CalMatters raised several possible solutions, but they fell under two general categories  and seek to take advantage of the fact that the state anticipates a big budget surplus.

First, the state could increase overall funding to schools by adjusting the formula that determines most of the money districts receive from the state. The formula consists of base funding for all students and additional supplemental and concentration grants for districts serving English learners, foster children and students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

A second option: The state could cut funding gradually, giving districts more time to downsize.

A spokesperson for the governor declined to comment on the contents of the forthcoming proposed budget. The state Legislature is aware of the fiscal crisis looming over districts.

Mike Fine, the chief executive officer of the states Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, spoke at a Nov. 30 hearing for the state Assemblys Education Finance Subcommittee and recommended that districts be temporarily funded based on their three-year average attendance rates.

Fine said that pre-pandemic, about 60% of districts were declining. Last year, all but one of the 58 counties in the state had a decline.

The governor and Legislature have tried to help districts recover from the pandemic. The 2021-22 state budget ushered historic investments in K-12 education. Much of that went to ongoing funding like sending more money to districts with higher concentrations of at-risk students.

Jonathan Kaplan, a senior policy analyst at the California Budget & Policy Center, said these commitments signal that lawmakers in Sacramento are aware of just how hard some communities were hit by COVID-19.

Even so, both the state and local districts underestimated just how low enrollments and attendance rates would plummet this year.

Could they have really known there was going to be such large numbers of students who werent coming? Kaplan said. Could they really know how much hardship there would be? I dont think so.

Joe Hong writes for CalMatters, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
In video footage The Chronicle obtained of a San Ramon police stop from December 2020, Ali Badr, an Egyptian immigrant and Uber driver, appears to be standing outside his car and slipping on his shoes when an officer releases the dog that tears open his arm.

This grisly scene shouldnt happen in a rational public safety system. Yet Badrs horrifying experience is far too common in the U.S. and Bay Area, according to the reporting of our colleagues at the Marshall Project, San Jose Mercury News and Oaklandside.

Its long past time law enforcement agencies let go of the lie that a canines bite is critical to public safety. Not only does the damage inflicted often exceed the threat posed, but police disproportionately use dogs as weapons against a certain kind of suspect. According to a study in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 42% of the people sent to emergency rooms with police dog injuries from 2005 to 2013 were Black.

Count Jamar Lindsey among them. He was bitten by a police dog in San Pablo in February.

More for you Video: San Ramon cops released dog to badly maul Uber driver whod missed rental payment

According to a federal lawsuit he filed against the city and its Police Department in August, Lindsey was on the ground and compliant when one of three officers allegedly allowed a canine to sink its teeth into his calf. The attack lasted one or two minutes, Lindsey told me. Recovering from the physical and mental damage has taken much longer.

I actually have a dog phobia now, and I used to have dogs, Lindsey said.

More Information An earlier version of this column overstated the study finding from the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. See More Collapse

In all of the worst ways, commonalities exist between what happened to Lindsey and Badr.

Lindsey told me he had just arrived at a bus stop when a police officer approached him and asked him to identify himself. Badr was pulled over while driving a rental car that had been reported stolen after he missed some payments.

Neither man was charged with a crime, but both ended up in the hospital with life-altering injuries stemming from their encounters.

The San Pablo Police Department declined to comment on what happened to Lindsey, citing the ongoing federal lawsuit. And the San Ramon Police Department told The Chronicle that an investigation was conducted into the arrest of Badr, but the department declined to provide more details.

Dogs as tools of oppression go way back in this country.

Canines were bred in America with the specific intent of quelling slave rebellions. Emancipation didnt stop the practice. During Jim Crow, Black sharecroppers had to fear dog attacks if they tried to leave a plantation.

Cops continued to use canines as instruments of terror during the civil rights era. Even in the 1980s, members of the Los Angeles Police Department were said to have used the term dog biscuits when referring to suspects.

Theyve sort of been a staple of police cases, unfortunately, for the last 20-25 years, said Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris, who represents Lindsey and has filed other lawsuits on behalf of victims of police dogs. Dog bites can be used to be more than pain compliance by police. They can become a form of street justice for officers.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

As much as this is a police policy issue, theres a societal element at play: Law enforcement is still too willing to embrace a tool that represents a vestige of the racism America was founded on. And the Bay Area is still too willing to look the other way.

For instance, the San Jose Mercury News found that 60% of use-of-force incidents in Richmond resulting in serious injuries from 2014 to 2019 involved police dogs. And from 2013 to 2015, the city of Hayward paid out multiple large settlements to police dog victims, according to the East Bay Times and Mercury News.

Police dogs are trained to bite hard. And theyre not above making mistakes, like attacking innocent bystanders or other officers. Sometimes they kill people. And sometimes they die in the line of duty. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, heatstroke accounted for nearly 30% of the 21 police dog deaths last year.

As the son of a former cop, I understand that canines can play a beneficial role in policing. Sniffing out bombs, search-and-rescue efforts, sure, but mauling people upon command shouldnt be among their responsibilities.

Nearly a year after being bitten, Lindsey said he just started physical therapy. Theres still pain when he walks, and tasks that once came easy, like climbing stairs, remain difficult. As for healing his trust in a policing system whose job it is to protect him from harm, not inflict it upon him, theres a much longer journey ahead.

I try to take it one day at a time, Lindsey said. But its been hard.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips appears Sundays. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips
Even as the omicron variant of the coronavirus fuels an unprecedented surge in cases across the Bay Area, many health experts say theres reason to be hopeful that the region will come out the other side of this wave better protected than before, and further along the path toward a less chaotic coexistence with COVID.

The Bay Areas omicron swell already has hit record levels in the now 2-year-old pandemic, and it probably wont top out until later this month. Lately, more than 10,000 coronavirus cases a day on average are being reported across the region  double the peak of last winters surge.

The next few weeks will be truly awful, Dr. Robert Wachter, chief of medicine for UCSF, said during a recent virtual chat with The Chronicle. The pressure on hospitals may become overwhelming. Though omicron causes milder disease, thousands of people in the Bay Area will still become severely ill before this surge is over, and hundreds will die.

But once the omicron flood subsides, in its wake will be a population with even higher levels of community immunity  and the Bay Area, with more than 80% of residents having at least one shot, already is among the most vaccinated places in the world.

Many of those who arent vaccinated and have avoided becoming infected in earlier waves have been, or will be soon, bitten by omicron, leaving them with some degree of natural immunity. Even some of the vaccinated are becoming infected, probably giving them a boost of immune protection.

The questions then facing the region, as the winter surge wanes, will be how our wall of immunity stands up against the next curveball thrown by the coronavirus.

Were not going to completely lack immunity against some future variant. I dont see that being the case, said Nadia Roan, an investigator and immunologist at the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco.

And though Roan, like most health experts, noted that this coronavirus has proved especially tricky to forecast, I dont think well have surges like the previous ones, she said. This wont be the last surge, but the hope is that the next surges will be less and less and less. Im hopeful, but we need to be vigilant.

Each wave of the pandemic has been caused by a new variant, able to exploit whatever weaknesses exist in the community. Omicron, with its dozens of mutations, managed to evade some aspects of hard-won immunity but not all, the result being a cascade of infections. But at least hospitals havent been overrun with severely ill patients so far.

In the coming months, the Bay Area will have not only higher levels of immunity in its favor, but other tools too: Antivirals that can prevent severe illness are in short supply now but should be more widely available in a few months. Vaccine manufacturers may have boosters ready in the spring that target omicron and delta and could be more protective against future variants. The smallest children, those younger than 5, may soon become eligible for vaccines.

The next variant  and there almost certainly will be a next one  probably will still take advantage of whatever weaknesses remain in the community. Perhaps the biggest area of uncertainty is around how long immunity will last, and especially how well it will protect against severe illness. The potential exists for a variant to emerge that manages to evade immunity almost entirely, experts warn.

But as societys vulnerabilities narrow, and the virus has less room to maneuver and cause devastating illness, COVID may start looking more like an endemic threat than a public health crisis.

Were maybe beginning to enter that phase of the pandemic, where it shifts gradually toward an endemic situation, said Dr. Lee Riley, an infectious disease expert at UC Berkeley. Were not quite there yet, but I think that is whats going to happen.

Endemic is defined in part by a virus or other pathogen circulating at a level deemed acceptable by society. Measures are still taken to control the pathogen and limit casualties, but life goes on with relatively few disruptions for the general public.

Mask mandates may come and go, especially if COVID turns seasonal and winter surges become an annual, alarming event. There may be need for more boosters at some point, or rejiggered vaccines that provide more durable protection. But the next surges could be milder and less impactful, on everything from health care and education to dining in restaurants, traveling and going to the gym.

The assumption is that things will be markedly better in the spring and summer, said Dr. Art Reingold, a UC Berkeley epidemiologist. But he added, echoing the caution of his peers: For next winter, a year from now? I honestly have no clue.

Last week, a group of former scientific advisers to President Biden published a letter suggesting it is time to start shifting the national pandemic response from crisis to control. They wrote: Policy makers need to specify the goals and strategies for the new normal of life with COVID-19 and communicate them clearly to the public.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Bay Area health officials say they too are thinking about how their response may shift after this surge. But they note theyre currently in the middle of the largest wave yet of infections and still concerned about the demand on health care systems in the coming weeks.

There is a place where we can be effective and keep our schools open, keep our hospitals running, and its going to be really challenging in the next few weeks to do all that, said Dr. Grant Colfax, head of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Hopefully things will improve dramatically. Some of our models suggest that. But Ive learned to be humble.

In some ways, omicron has humbled San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area more than any other variant, just based on the scale of infections in recent weeks, and given how cautious the region has been over the past two years. An estimate by UCSFs Wachter has 1 in 15 people in San Francisco currently infected, though many do not have symptoms.

Colfax and other health officials worry that some residents are feeling a sense of fatalism  that infection is inevitable. Thats not true, they say: There are enough reasons to feel optimistic that people should carry on protecting themselves and others.

Residents of the Bay Area, as eager as they may be to reach the end of the pandemic, seem still to be leaning into caution. Lines to get tested for the coronavirus are longer than ever before in many places, but so are the lines for booster shots and even first doses of vaccine.

San Francisco resident Nancy Gonzalez, 23, said it was this surge that finally persuaded her to get immunized despite still feeling anxious about the vaccines. Her sister recently got COVID, and that changed her mind. Gonzalez and her 8-year-old daughter got vaccinated together Thursday.

A lot of people around me have gotten COVID before. But this was something different, because it was my sister, Gonzalez said. Out of nowhere she started feeling really bad. Now shes in bed, and if she stands up she feels dizzy, like shes going to faint. She started describing all her symptoms, and I started thinking, What if something happens to me? Whos going to take care of my kids? And then I thought, You know what, lets get vaccinated.

Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday
Black-necked cranes sport at a field in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Jan. 8, 2022. The population of black-necked crane is estimated to reach nearly 10,000 in Tibet, according to the regional department of ecology and environment. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)

Black-necked cranes fly in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Jan. 8, 2022. The population of black-necked crane is estimated to reach nearly 10,000 in Tibet, according to the regional department of ecology and environment. (Xinhua/Huang Huo)

Black-necked cranes fly in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Jan. 9, 2022. The population of black-necked crane is estimated to reach nearly 10,000 in Tibet, according to the regional department of ecology and environment. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)

Black-necked cranes fly in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Jan. 8, 2022. The population of black-necked crane is estimated to reach nearly 10,000 in Tibet, according to the regional department of ecology and environment. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)

Black-necked cranes fly in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Jan. 8, 2022. The population of black-necked crane is estimated to reach nearly 10,000 in Tibet, according to the regional department of ecology and environment. (Xinhua/Huang Huo)

Black-necked cranes fly in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Jan. 9, 2022. The population of black-necked crane is estimated to reach nearly 10,000 in Tibet, according to the regional department of ecology and environment. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)

Black-necked cranes fly in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Jan. 8, 2022. The population of black-necked crane is estimated to reach nearly 10,000 in Tibet, according to the regional department of ecology and environment. (Xinhua/Huang Huo)

Black-necked cranes fly in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Jan. 8, 2022. The population of black-necked crane is estimated to reach nearly 10,000 in Tibet, according to the regional department of ecology and environment. (Xinhua/Zhang Rufeng)

Black-necked cranes fly in Lhunzhub County of Lhasa, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Jan. 9, 2022. The population of black-necked crane is estimated to reach nearly 10,000 in Tibet, according to the regional department of ecology and environment. (Xinhua/Huang Huo)
(This is the second of a two-part series.)

I had already been driving for two hours, as I retraced my moms holiday drives on surface streets, in the time before freeways, 80 miles across Southern California. And I was only halfway from Hawthorne, the city where shed grown up near LAX, to Redlands, the San Bernardino County city where her family had lived.

Imperial Highway, my route for the first half of the journey, would get me no closer; the road, once extending all the way to Imperial County, now expires at the Anaheim-Orange border.

So, I turn north head through Brea Canyon on a dusty, traffic-crammed road paralleling the 57 freeway. Without a map, Im in search of Baseline, where Ill turn east.

It was once among the most important routes in all of California.

Indeed, Baseline is older than almost everything around it. In the 1850s, U.S. government surveyors, charged with establishing an initial point for Southern California surveys established a north-south meridian line and an east-west baseline to guide future surveys.

That baseline became Baseline, which today goes by various names  Base Line or Baseline, Baseline Avenue or Baseline Street, or, in Upland, 16th Street. Just as the 105 freeway shadows Imperial Highway, the 210 tracks the Baseline corridor it replaced over the past two generations.

The housing is newer here  my mom recalls the Baseline as a strip of development and services, running largely through groves and farms. But the buildings seem sun-bleached and in need of repair  a reminder that Californias housing stock is older than that of the Rust Belt states.

I head through Upland, with ranch houses and a few parks, and then into Rancho Cucamonga, which seems to have a dozen dentists along Baseline. Why all the dentists? I ask myself. Then I think: Its all the doughnut shops!

In Rialto, Baseline becomes a divide. On the south are homes, protected by sound walls. On the north are warehouses, their Now Hiring signs getting big as I go deeper into the Inland Empire, now an American center for logistics.

Sidewalks are replaced by dust, and the landscape gets browner, except for the brilliant green colors of Eisenhower High School. I feel like Im in the country  until I enter the city of San Bernardino.

To this point, the roads have been relatively smooth. But San Bernardino only emerged from municipal bankruptcy in 2017. Baseline here is full of ruts and potholes, and my Prius bounces up and down.

Ive been driving for more than three hours, and Im getting close to my destination. A few minutes east of San Bernardino, I reach East Highlands, where my great-grandmother and other relatives worked in the orange groves and packing houses after arriving from Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl.

The packing company provided a small, green house for the family to live in here in East Highlands; thats where my mom was heading from Hawthorne six decades ago. That green house, in a line of houses once known as the Green Row, is long gone, but I find the spot, on a hillside in a planned community.

Baseline dead-ends at an orange grove, which provides a bit of agricultural respite, and beauty, between the development and a dry hillside crisscrossed with hiking trails. Many of the oranges lay unpicked, rotting on the ground.

My great aunt and uncle, Fern and Don, remain in Redlands, near the 800-square-foot house my grandparents saved up to buy that we would visit on those traffic-choked drives on the 10. I turn south, taking Orange Street through the Redlands downtown and up to the retirement community where Fern and Don now live.

More than eight hours have passed since I started. My total drive time, excluding stops, has been more than four hours. But the journey has felt even longer, with time moving in reverse as I retrace my moms family drives from six decades ago, and follow thoroughfares that date to the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.

After navigating the communitys COVID checks, I knock on my aunt and uncles door. I hug Fern, and spend a half-hour arguing good-naturedly with Don about what hes watching on Fox News. But I am eager to get home, without delay.

In less than five minutes of driving, Im on the 10, heading west toward L.A. This drive will take me only 90 minutes, because of some traffic around West Covina. The route is not particularly scenic. But as I drive home, I suddenly feel fresher and renewed  with new memories of Southern California surface streets and with my mothers enduring gratitude for our freeways.

Joe Mathews writes the Connecting California column for Zocalo Public Square.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ponte delle Guglie bridge in Venice, Italy, is engulfed with tourists, crisscrossing from one end to the other. An easy walk today, this passage was under tight control until the 18th century, when the bridge was the main entrance into the only legal home for Venetian Jews, sealed off at night by city policy. This neighborhood was called the ghetto  an oft-forgotten origin point for one of the most contested, contentious descriptors of modern urbanity.

The first ghettos were physical ghettos, and their distinguishing feature was physical separation. Some have referred to them as urban condoms, preventing the citizens of medieval Europe from encountering Jews on the streets. After World War II, the term came to more generally denote disadvantaged neighborhoods across the world. This new kind of ghetto was not marked by explicit mobility restrictions  but obvious differences in demography and social life that made them clearly visible to the naked eye.

Today, after successive waves of gentrification and inner-city migration, ghettos are becoming increasingly invisible. However, our cities are now marked instead by the emergence of subtler forms of segregation. The modern ghetto taken on a new forms  we propose calling them liminal ghettos  and it takes new, technologically augmented eyes to see them.

Big Data revolutionizes the way we see our built environment, particularly by moving our focus from the physical city  long the primary subject of our quantitative investigations  to the human interactions that take place within it. Adorned with electronic prosthetics, homo electronicus leaves ubiquitous traces of her passage. These leftovers, harvested from phones, smart watches and the like, can be transformed into valuable raw material for the experimental urban scholar.

Leveraging this data, our group at the Massachusetts Institute Technology has shown how modern segregation takes subtly different forms. For example, we used two types of cell phone data  anonymous location tracking and calling between contacts  to create two distinct indices. The first index, physical segregation, estimates the probability that people from different socioeconomic strata bump into each other on the street. The second, communication segregation, measures how often people from different backgrounds connect with each other.

Instead of being split obvious dividing lines  as in the ancient Venetian ghetto  we quietly divide ourselves according to where we go and whom we talk to in the course of a day. These liminal, transitional ghettos are delineated by invisible fault lines, like bone fractures visible only through the use of X-rays. Society is ghettoized when shared human experiences fall beneath a certain threshold.

In the motions of everyday life, people are now ghettoizing themselves.

In Stockholm, for instance, we see that people are more likely to be exposed to people with similar levels of income and education even as they exit their home neighborhoods. In the transitional spaces of daily life, the wealthy interact with the wealthy and the poor interact with the poor. This effect is more than just a spillover of residential segregation: given two areas the same distance from ones home, with the same concentration of amenities, any given Stockholm resident is more likely to travel to the one that is socioeconomically similar to their own.

Working toward socioeconomically integrated residential neighborhoods, in other words, without accounting for these divisions will fail to further genuine integration.

Beyond the physical fabric of the city, changes in day-to-day culture and ways of life are playing a role in the construction of our new liminal ghettos. The growth of home delivery companies, which allow urban consumers in the industrialized world to have food, clothes and almost anything else delivered at the touch of a button, erodes opportunities for social interaction in shops and restaurants. To the extreme, it becomes possible for those who can afford it to seclude themselves even more from interaction with people from different walks of life, incognizant of the essential labor that goes into their consumption.

We have measured such phenomena in another European city, Porto, Portugal, which had drops in diversity of interaction among its residents of up to 35% as COVID-19 cases peaked in January 2021. These drops were more acute for certain groups of people: women and older people became especially ghettoized and even more restricted in their social encounters to those socioeconomically similar to them. The very rich and the very poor also saw larger pandemic-era decreases in social segregation, while the middle-class remained relatively well-mixed. These differences between identity groups in level of access to some of cities most valuable resources  diverse interactions with other people  pose critical questions about urban equity. It remains to be seen how permanent these drops will be, and monitoring them should be a consistent part of the conversation about recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond understanding liminal ghettos, we also need to develop tools for reintegration. Recently, economic research in New York has elucidated for the first time a causal relationship between parks and social integration; parks have an exceptional ability to attract visitors from all walks of life. In Stockholm, together with the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, we have found a significant correlation between schools and integration; campuses encourage relationships among students and staff that persist well beyond initial moments of contact in classes and dining halls.

Yet, the mere understanding of liminal ghettos will give us a new advantage as we seek to manage the two key forces that have been at play in cities since their inception around 10,000 years ago: integration and segregation. We need cities to focus on the former and perform their first primordial function  making us exceed the sum of our parts, free from the interference of division and exploitation. To do so, we will need to identify invisible urban fault lines and build new bridges to cross them  just as today we can cross Venices Ponte delle Guglie with ease.

Carlo Ratti teaches at MIT and is a founding partner at the design and innovation firm Carlo Ratti Associati. Richard Sennett teaches at MIT and serves as senior adviser to the United Nations Program on Climate Change and Cities.
When the holier-than-thou crusade of the San Francisco Board of Education to rename 44 schools became an international punch line, it was time  well past time, actually  for a total makeover.

Board members rushed headlong into rewriting history, advancing easy symbolic solutions while ducking issues of overriding importance. When board member Alison Collins was stripped of her committee assignments after the discovery of her insulting past tweets about Asian Americans, she sued the school district and her colleagues for a cool $87 million.

While these antics were playing out, deep-seated problems  the adverse consequences of distance learning on students performance, their learning loss and the widespread emotional trauma they suffered, the growing academic gap and the budget deficit  took a back seat. Even though COVID rates were lower in San Francisco than any other major American city, the board refused to reopen the schools. That dithering led to a mental health crisis among students, prompting the city attorney to take the unprecedented step of suing the school board.

Whats more, in order to keep district Superintendent Vincent Mathews, vexed by the boards officious meddling in school affairs, from quitting, board members had to pledge that they would behave in a dignified and professional manner  in other words, that they would do their jobs.

Getting rid of three miscreant members of the board in Februarys special election is a way to let off steam, and perhaps, promote sounder budgeting. But it is only a Band-Aid remedy, a short-term response to a long-term headache.

Will the citys taxpayers have to shell out $3.25 million  the cost of holding this special election  whenever school board members behave badly?

The school board has often focused on the wrong thing at the expense of the big picture, Mayor London Breed rightly pointed out last month, as she unveiled a plan to solve this problem  give city officials the power to withhold millions of dollars from classrooms unless board members do their job.

As a longtime San Francisco resident who, over the years, has advised former superintendents and school board members, I am as angry as anyone at the boards antics. But Mayor Breeds plan to revamp the board is not the answer.

In fact, it could well make the situation worse.

Instead of spending their time renaming schools on dubious historical grounds, board members would be required to set a coherent policy direction, engage the community, draft a prudent budget and keep their hands off the day-to-day affairs of the schools.

In any other city, these expectations would be taken for granted. The fact that they have to be spelled out offers a reminder of how terrible the situation has become.

But heres whats wrong with the mayors approach  it punishes students for the sins of their elders. While the board members would still receive their stipends, fewer dollars would be spent to improve students education.

There is a sound way to accomplish Breeds goals  shift the power structure to give the mayor, perhaps in concert with the city Board of Supervisors, the authority to appoint school board members. That is how many big cities, including New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, operate.

With good reason  it makes the mayor accountable for what is happening in the schools.

Instead of ceaseless infighting among members, research shows that mayoral-appointed school boards generally maintain better relationships with city government. Their members are more likely to care about kids needs, not their own stepping-stone political ambitions. No more finger-pointing or ducking responsibility  if the board goes off the rails, a mayor must step in.

The evidence, laid out in a 2013 Center for American Progress report, shows that in mayoral-control cities, there are fewer administrators and more teachers. Teaching and learning get priority, which may explain why this model is associated with substantially improved achievement scores on state tests as well as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the nations report card.

Moreover, students who lag furthest behind their classmates benefit the most  the biggest gainers are Black and Latino students as well as those eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

While mayoral control doesnt necessarily have an inherently positive impact, the report concludes that it can be a catalyst for reform when the mayor is ready, equipped and dedicated to providing strong educational leadership and to setting a clear and cohesive vision for educational improvement and innovation.

Brown University professor Kenneth Wong, who led the study, tells me that nothing has changed since the report was published. Mayoral appointed boards clarify accountability, broaden cross-sector collaboration, invest in instruction (especially in low-performing schools that need the support) and elevate public education (and children and youth agenda) as a citywide priority. The districts that continue to show steady academic progress are NYC, Boston, Chicago and D.C., all major urban districts with mayoral governance.

Securing voter approval will be a tough fight, but Mayor Breed should enter the fray. Because of the present mess, the window of political opportunity is now. If mayoral control becomes a reality, the kids will be the winners.

David Kirp, a professor of public policy at UC Berkeley and longtime San Francisco resident, writes frequently about educational policy.
Lorena Gonzalez will soon become the face of organized labor in California. So if you thought labor was already a powerful force in California politics, hang on, because it probably will become bolder, louder and more fearless when the 50-year-old San Diego Democrat assumes the leadership of the California Labor Federation later this year after nearly a decade in the state Assembly.

What else would you expect from someone who dropped a Twitter f-bomb on billionaire Tesla founder Elon Musk when he threatened to move the company out of California? The FoxNews.com headline last week on her departure says it all: Lorena Gonzalez  known for f-bombs against Trump, Musk  is stepping down.

Gonzalezs response: I am officially adding known for f-bombs against Trump & Elon Musk to my bio. Thank you Fox News.

Gonzalez, who resigned from the Assembly last week, will take over the leadership of the 2.1 million-member labor federation in July from Art Pulaski, its influential, longtime leader who is stepping down. Gonzalez will be the first woman, the first person of color and, it is believed, the first former legislator to lead the fed. She is not only the face of organized labors future but its present: Half of the members of the federation  an umbrella group of 1,200 affiliated unions  are women, and half are people of color.

She was a labor leader before she was a legislator and insisted to me that organized labor is not the Democratic Party. (Roughly 30% of the federations members are Republican.) She envisions a future of more organizing in Starbucks, Amazon and other union-averse businesses, particularly outside of union strongholds in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, and more outreach to a younger generation that desires union protections but is unfamiliar with how to get them.

Personally, she is different, too. She is open and vulnerable in a way that few public figures are, most poignantly over the past few months when she publicly shared intimate details of her recent battle against breast cancer, the disease that took her mothers life at 62.

Politically, she wont be shy about pushing back  publicly and privately  against fellow Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom. State law prevents her from lobbying legislators for about 18 months, but theres no ban on her giving Newsom an earful.

This idea of being close to governors  yes, you should be able to talk, you should be able to advocate, but my friend is the workers, Gonzalez told me. Im not too worried about whether (Newsom) is going to send me a birthday card.

Raised by a single mother  her father immigrated from Mexico and initially worked in the strawberry fields  Gonzalez knows what it is like to grow up in a working-class family that didnt enjoy union protections. Her mother, a nurse, didnt work under a union contract until her last week on the job.

She combined that background with an elite education, receiving an undergraduate degree from Stanford, a masters from Georgetown University and a law degree from UCLA. Gonzalez is the rare lawmaker to come from the union movement. In 2008, she became CEO of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council.

Elected to the Legislature in 2013, she never hesitated in saying that her top priority was working Californians. She was the author of AB5  a law that limits when companies can classify a worker as a contractor instead of an employee, with access to benefits such as health insurance and workers compensation. (In 2020, California voters approved a ballot measure carving app-based drivers out of the law but courts last year declared it unconstitutional.)

Her openly pro-union stance was  and often still is  a rarity, even among Democrat lawmakers who gobble up corporate campaign contributions while mouthing populist rhetoric. (While the vast majority of the $5.1 million Gonzalez has raised over her career has come from labor, she has received some from other interests as well, according to the nonpartisan FollowTheMoney.org).

For now, she doesnt have an official title, as she will apprentice under Pulaski until taking over in July. That makes her hesitant to opine on specific legislation, upcoming campaigns or the direction of the organization  whose policy and political direction is set by its board and member unions.

But that doesnt mean that Gonzalez doesnt have much to say. She rarely doesnt. Starting with her relationship with Newsom, which will be key in shaping Californias politics.

Pulaski is tight with both former Gov. Jerry Brown and Newsom. How tight? Pulaskis former chief of staff, Angie Wei, is Newsoms legislative affairs secretary. Most disagreements Pulaski had with Sacramento were handled behind closed doors or on the phone  not on Twitter.

But Gonzalez is likely to do things a little differently. Her relationship with Newsom is long and complicated

It started well. When she was working for the San Diego labor federation, Gonzalez backed Newsom during his ill-fated first campaign for governor that began  and ended  in 2009. And (eventual winner) Jerry Brown never forgot it, Gonzalez told me and laughed.

Last year, Newsom signed one of Gonzalezs bills that bars companies from penalizing warehouse workers for complying with health and safety laws that slowed their work pace. But the governor vetoed a measure of hers that would have enabled farmworkers to vote remotely in union elections.

Im truly devastated that Gavin Newsom vetoed the most important union organizing bill of the year, Gonzalez tweeted in response. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month.

Something that may help their relationship: Newsom is friends with Gonzalezs husband, San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher. I think sometimes my husband probably serves as a translator for me to the governor, Gonzalez told me.

Im really direct, and people who dont deal with me a lot think Im being mean, Gonzalez said. Being direct doesnt mean I dont like you. It just means Im going to tell you exactly how I feel while I feel it.

Oddly, Newsom had a hand in steering Gonzalez into her current job. In 2019, she announced that she was running for secretary of state in 2022, when Alex Padilla would be termed out. But when Newsom appointed Padilla to the Senate to replace Vice President Kamala Harris, the governor instead chose Gonzalezs fellow San Diegan, Shirley Weber, to be secretary of state. Gonzalez would have been termed out in 2024.

It was was tough to see my former seatmate (in the Legislature), my good friend, somebody who never had expressed interest in the office, be appointed, Gonzalez told KQEDs Political Breakdown last week. I think shes doing phenomenal work. But it made me really re-examine: Is that the best road forward for me?

So did her breast cancer diagnosis last July. When she received her diagnosis, my ears were ringing and I really didnt hear anything else, she said.

Because of my experience with my mother, being told I had breast cancer was being told youre going to die. It was just a matter of when, she said. Her husbands voice cut through the din, reassuring her that it had been caught early  thanks in part to her regular screenings. She has shared each step of her journey on social media and elsewhere. She is now cancer-free.

Her diagnosis also made her ponder what she wanted her legacy to be, which solidified her return to the labor movement. Thats who I am, she said.

But dont expect her to turn down her social media volume. Thats how the next generation of union members and prospective members communicates. And its how she communicates, too.

Turn it up! she told me. A labor leaders job is to get into pissing matches with Elon Musk since our biggest gripe with him is how he treated workers. Im not going to lick the boots of corporate billionaires. Thats not my job.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli
With more than 500 students testing positive for the coronavirus and teachers present in fewer than half of classrooms, Hayward Unified School District will shut down in-person instruction for at least a week starting Monday and hold classes remotely.

By switching to distance learning, the central Alameda County district risks losing $2.5 million a day in per-pupil funding if the remote instruction doesnt meet state requirements, Trustee Ken Rawdon said during an emergency meeting online Friday, though he supported the move. The board voted 4-1 to suspend in-classroom instruction, then meet again Friday to reassess.

Just one trustee, Sara Prada, opposed the decision, saying the suspension should be for longer, at least a month.

A week isnt enough for a sick person to get well, Prada said in the meeting. None of us want to be in distance learning. But we have the opportunity to be proactive and protect more of our students. ... A week is nothing.

Milpitas Unified School District, in Santa Clara County, reversed plans to hold classes remotely this week. District officials notified families Saturday that after consulting with health officials, they determined that they didnt have the authority to declare a district-wide quarantine. They had initially told students they would be online only for the next week of instruction.

And Bishop ODowd, a private Catholic high school in Oakland, has told families that it will hold remote instruction for the next two weeks.

The K-12 schools are following some universities, including Stanford, Cal State East Bay and seven UC campuses including Davis and Santa Cruz, which also have paused in-person instruction.

The school closures come during a surge of the highly infectious omicron coronavirus variant that has not spared children, as earlier variants largely did. A huge shortage of coronavirus test kits has also fueled anxiety among some school officials and parents. In Oakland, a dozen schools were forced to shut down Friday when 500 teachers  about 20%  called in sick, some of them as part of a sickout to protest what they said are unsafe working conditions during the omicron surge. That protest followed a similar one in San Francisco on Thursday, when 900 teachers didnt show up.

Some county offices of education and county health officials are urging districts not to shut down in-person instruction.

The Santa Clara County Office of Education issued a joint statement Friday with county health officer Dr. Sara Cody urging districts to continue in-person learning.

We need to find ways to coexist and live with COVID, Cody said in the statement, adding that remote learning does not support student mental health, emotional health, and academic well-being the way that in-person learning does.

Mary Ann Dewan, superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education, noted that her office was helping school districts practice safety protocols.

Students learn best when they are amongst their peers and have access to school resources, the statement said.

Hayward Unifieds Superintendent Matt Wayne said the Alameda County Office of Education had encouraged his district to remain open. Nevertheless, he recommended that the trustees suspend in-person classes.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

The decision was made in the interest of student and staff safety, Wayne later told The Chronicle. The time away will allow our staff to complete quarantine periods, access testing, and receive test results that have been delayed due to high demand for testing.

Most children are not yet boosted, which accords the best protection from omicron, and those younger than 5 still cant receive vaccines. Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved boosters for people ages 12 to 17.

On Friday, Stanford University announced it will delay the start of in-person classes after more than 700 students, staff and faculty tested positive for the coronavirus.

Cal State East Bay announced Thursday that it will begin its spring semester Jan. 18 fully online, but return to a mixture of in-person and remote classes as soon as Jan. 31.

The move will help us maintain a high level of safety, campus President Cathy Sandeen said in a statement.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Jill Tucker contributed to this report.

Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
A QAnon promoter with tens of thousands of followers on Facebook and Telegram has died after contracting COVID-19.

Cirsten Weldon, who went by the name "CirstenW" online, died at a hospital in Camarillo, Calif., the Daily Beast reported.

On her last video, posted on December 28, Weldon was coughing and admitted she felt "exhausted" and "weak."

Weldon was virulently anti-vaccine, both online and in real life. In one video posted to her social media channels, she can be seen harassing people in line to be vaccinated against COVID-19. "The vaccines kill. Don't get it," she shouts. "This is how gullible these idiots are. They're all getting vaccines."

Weldon was so well-known as a QAnon influencer that she even livestreamed with comedian Roseanne Barr, who has now devolved into a full-time conspiracy theorist. An October livestream with Weldon has over 70,000 views on Barr's YouTube channel. In it, Weldon rambles about how Donald Trump is still the "real" president and claims without evidence that "arrests are happening in California" of her political enemies.

ALSO READ: After California politician dies of COVID, a battle breaks out on her husband's Facebook page

Weldon livestreamed constantly and posted relentlessly on Instagram, Telegram and Facebook, inadvertently tracking her own symptoms. She began showing signs of illness around Christmas. In a December 27 stream, she started off by saying, "Good morning, patriots, I didn't think I was going to make it. I'm sorry. I'm exhausted, and I'm very, very weak. I have no strength. I haven't eaten in four days."

On December 31, she posted a photo of herself wearing an oxygen mask with the caption, "Almost died at hospital in CA from Bacterial Pneumonia." "Bacterial pneumonia" is a phrase commonly used in anti-vax circles to explain a COVID-related hospitalization without admitting to contracting the virus.

Weldon also posted on Telegram, where she had nearly 100,000 followers, that she rejected treatment with remdesivir.
A Northern California woman who went missing on a sightseeing trip to Washington, D.C., may have died at the hands of a suspected serial killer, police say.

Police in Virginia say 35-year-old Anthony Robinson of Washington is the lead suspect in the deaths of at least four individuals found in two different locations. Dubbed the "shopping cart killer" by Fairfax County police Chief Kevin Davis, police believe Robinson met women on dating apps, murdered them at hotel meet-ups and then used shopping carts to dump their bodies in vacant lots.

On Friday, Davis and Fairfax Major Ed O'Carroll held a joint press conference to announce one of the victims has been identified as Stephanie Harrison of Redding, California. Harrison last had contact with her loved ones on Aug. 19, 2021, when she was on a sightseeing trip to the nation's capital. According to a missing person flyer, Harrison's last bank transaction was a check-in at the Moon Inn.

Aware Foundation/Handout

"We believe based on the [missing person] flyer and check-in records that she stayed at the same hotel as our killer," Fairfax County Police Department spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi told WTOP.

Guglielmi said investigators flew out to Redding to obtain a DNA sample from Harrison's family, which was compared to the unidentified body. According to Harrison's family, she was a "beloved mother and even a better grandmother."

"We will forever miss Stephanie," her family said in a statement to Action News Now. "There wasnt a day that went by when my mom didnt call multiple times a day. I miss hearing her voice. Due to COVID I had been separated from her for the last two years. I never thought that last time I hugged her would be the last time."

Police believe Robinson is responsible for the deaths of Tonita Lorice Smith, 39, of Charlottesville, and Allene Elizabeth Beth Redmon, 54, of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Robinson was arrested in November in connection with those slayings, and evidence uncovered after the arrest led police to search an area near the Moon Inn south of Alexandria. During the search, detectives noticed a shopping cart and recalled that a cart had been used to transport the bodies in the Harrisonburg cases.

Near the shopping cart was a large plastic container that held the remains of two women. One was identified as Cheyenne Brown, 29, whose disappearance had been under investigation by Washington, D.C., police, and the other is Harrison.

Police are also probing the possibility there are even more victims.

"He didn't suddenly turn into who he is three months ago," Davis said. "That's why we are painstakingly going through his whereabouts, his relationships [and] employment history to figure out if in fact there are other victims."

The good thing is hes in custody. The challenge that remains is identifying other victims, Davis added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Scholars from both sides of the Taiwan Strait have said that erroneous actions taken by foreign forces over the Taiwan question, which concerns China's core interests, will only aggravate tensions across the Strait.

The last few days saw the signing of a defense pact between Japan and Australia and talks between the United States and Japan on foreign affairs and defense, instigating interference in the situation across the Taiwan Strait.

Zhu Songling, a Taiwan studies professor with Beijing Union University, said the United States is engaging its allies in the Taiwan Strait through various means and hyping up the so-called "China threat," attempting to make up excuses for further interference in the Taiwan question.

Taipei-based professor Cheng You-ping said the latest moves by the United States, Japan, and Australia were aimed at using Taiwan as a pawn to play the "Taiwan card" when dealing with the Chinese mainland.

Cheng noted that as tensions mount across the Taiwan Strait, investment and the economy on the island will be severely impacted, especially in the semiconductor industry.

Moves by the United States, Japan, and Australia threaten regional peace and stability and undermine regional economic recovery, restructuring of industrial chains, and joint response to the global crisis, said Tian Feilong, associate professor with the Law School of Beihang University.

Western anti-China forces' attempts to contain China with Taiwan are bound to fail, said Zhu. Zhu added the Democratic Progressive Party authority in Taiwan will only push the island towards disaster by engaging in provocative activities to seek "Taiwan independence" in collusion with external forces. 
Richard Leakey, a member of a renowned family of fossil hunters in Kenya, who discovered skeletal remains that illuminated the study of human origins and became a best-selling author, television host and a powerful voice for the preservation of African wildlife, died Jan. 2 at his home in Kona Baridi in the Ngong Hills outside Nairobi. He was 77.

The death was confirmed by Trish Sewe, a spokeswoman from WildlifeDirect, an organization Leakey helped found to protect endangered animals. The cause was not disclosed.

Leakey was a third-generation Kenyan descended from English missionaries who went to Africa in the 19th century. He spent most of his life in his native country and always considered himself Kenyan and, in a broader sense, African. When Kenya became independent from Britain in 1963, Leakey chose Kenyan citizenship. He spoke Swahili and other African languages.

His parents, Louis and Mary Leakey, were celebrated paleoanthropologists who had been searching for fossils in East Africa since the 1930s. Their discoveries of skulls and other remains in Tanzania's Olduvai Gorge helped prove that human life first emerged in Africa.

Leakey made his first fossil discovery at age 6 - the jawbone of an extinct giant pig - but throughout his youth he had no intention of following his parents' profession. He quit school at 16, became a pilot and ran a safari business for a few years. But the lure of the fossil beds remained strong, and his discovery of the lower jaw from the genus Australopithecus, an early hominid, brought him back into the field.

Leakey, whose training came from his parents, did not attend college or call himself a scientist.

"I'm not a biologist. I'm not an evolutionist," he told an interviewer for the Current Biography reference work in 1995. "I'm a naturalist."

During a plane flight near the border of Kenya and Ethiopia in 1967, Leakey looked down and saw that the geological formation surrounding Lake Turkana (then called Lake Rudolf) could be a promising source of fossils. He did not tell his father about it until they were meeting officials of the National Geographic Society in Washington the next year. Leakey, then 23, asked for funding to begin exploring the site and received a generous grant.

He and a group of fossil hunters known as the "hominid gang" began excavating at Lake Turkana and soon unearthed many remarkable artifacts - which led to a sense of competition with his father and a years-long rift.

Leakey and his team found Stone Age tools almost 2 million years old, an Australopithecus skull and, in 1972, a 1.9 million-year-old skull from a large-brained species that was an ancestor of modern humans. The skull, which was known by its museum registration number of 1470, was eventually determined to belong to a new species, Homo rudolfensis.

Leakey showed the skull to his father, whose pride in his son's discovery led to an immediate reconciliation. Louis Leakey died days later.

The fossil record at Lake Turkana led Leakey to propose a theory that different forms of early human life did not necessarily succeed each other in a continuous line of evolutionary progress. Instead, he said there was evidence that at least three different kinds of early humans inhabited the same place at more or less the same time, from 1.5 million to 2.5 million years ago. The idea is now widely accepted by scientists, who believe four separate forms of early humans lived there.

"He made East Africa the central playing field for the study of human evolution," Lawrence Martin, director of the Turkana Basin Institute, which Mr. Leakey co-founded in partnership with New York's Stony Brook University, said in an online National Geographic obituary. "By good luck, good fortune, good organization, hard work, he really hit on a place that's turned out to be the mother lode."

Leakey outlined his ideas in several books, including the best-selling "Origins" (1977) and "People of the Lake" (1978), both written with Roger Lewin. Leakey, who was on the cover of Time magazine in 1977 and was the host of a popular BBC series, "The Making of Mankind," initially broadcast in 1981, believed that the first links in the human evolutionary chain reached back more than 7 million years.

In 1984, he and his team at Lake Turkana, led by paleontologist Kamoya Kimeu, found an almost complete skeleton of a boy, believed to be about 12, from the species Homo erectus. Dated at 1.5 million years old, it is the most complete skeleton ever found of an early human.

Leakey described the thrill of discovering the skeleton in a 1992 book written with Lewin, "Origins Reconsidered":

"How very human he looked in that setting! It was a moving moment for me. . . . This was a deeper emotion, one derived from the broad sweep of prehistory that I am privileged to see in my work. I realized I was face to face with a link in the chain that joins me, today, with the earliest human ancestors, apelike creatures who lived perhaps 7.5 million years ago."

Richard Erskine Frere Leakey was born Dec. 19, 1944, in Nairobi, the second of three sons. (A sister died in infancy.)

He spent much of his childhood working alongside his parents. The family had close relationships with Kenya's native Black populations, which once led Leakey's White schoolmates to taunt him, lock him in a cage and urinate on him.

In the mid-1960s, Leakey went to Britain with the aim of continuing his education, but he ran out of money and returned to Kenya with the equivalent of a high school diploma. In addition to his field research and other projects, he began working for the National Museums of Kenya in 1968. He became the director six years later and was instrumental in making Kenya's museums of science and culture among the best in Africa. He issued a ruling that all artifacts unearthed in Kenya had to remain in the country.

In 1989, Leakey was put in charge of the Kenya Wildlife Service, with the aim of reducing the poaching of wild animals, particularly elephants and rhinoceroses. Leakey persuaded the World Bank and other international donors to give $150 million to the country to improve animal conservation. He organized the burning of Kenya's 12-ton stockpile of seized ivory to prevent it from being sold. President Daniel arap Moi gave park rangers the authority to shoot poachers on sight. Leakey resigned from the post in 1994, after disagreements with political leaders.

Blunt and outspoken, Leakey did not shrink from disagreements with scientists, political opponents or even members of his family. He kept a loaded gun in his briefcase.

"When I was head of the Kenya Wildlife Service I had five bodyguards, night and day, 24/7," Leakey told Newsweek in 2014. "And I needed them. There were many, shall we say, interesting incidents."

Leakey's first marriage, to Margaret Cropper, ended in divorce. Survivors include his wife since 1970, the former Meave Epps, a paleoanthropologist who has made significant discoveries of her own; a daughter from his first marriage; two daughters from his second marriage; two brothers; and three grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Leakey was prone to illness and mishaps, beginning with a fractured skull in his youth. He developed an infection that led to chronic kidney disease and had two kidney transplants, including one in 1979 from a brother, Philip, from whom he had been estranged for 10 years. (Philip Leakey was the first White person elected to Kenya's Parliament.)

In 1993, Leakey crashed his single-engine airplane - he suspected sabotage - resulting in the amputation of both legs below the knee. He learned to walk on prosthetics within weeks. After years in the sun, he developed many cancerous lesions that had to be removed. He had a liver transplant in 2013.

In the mid-1990s, Leakey helped form a new political party called Safina (Swahili for "Noah's ark") to challenge what he viewed as Kenya's corrupt political leadership. He was attacked in the street by thugs with whips and clubs, but he was nevertheless elected to Parliament, along with several other members of his party.

He was named head of Kenya's civil service in 1999, only to resign after two years because of political interference. From 2002 to 2015, Leakey divided his time between Kenya and New York, where he was an anthropology professor at Stony Brook University on Long Island and led the Turkana Basin Institute.

He returned permanently to Kenya in 2015, serving as chairman of the country's wildlife service for three years and raising money for a proposed museum on human origins.

"I'm determined," he said in 1996, "not to end up a frail old man in a wheelchair who's done nothing and so has nothing worthwhile to look back on."

- - -

The Washington Post's Emily Langer contributed to this report.
To the casual eye, there was nothing amiss about the bottle of whiskey sitting on a shelf at Acker, a wine store on New Yorks Upper West Side. But for anyone who knew what to look for, the warning signs were clear.

The whiskey, a bourbon called Colonel E.H. Taylor Four Grain that Acker was selling for about $1,000, normally came packaged in a special cardboard tube; this one sat there tubeless. Its strip stamp, attached over the top of the cork, was on backward.

Still, when a producer from the TV news program Inside Edition asked in April about the bottles authenticity, the store assured him it was legitimate.

The producer bought the whiskey, then took it to Buffalo Trace, the Kentucky distillery that makes the Colonel E.H. Taylor line of bourbon, for chemical analysis. The bottle, it turned out, was fake: It had been refilled with cheap whiskey and resealed, then sold to Acker as part of a private collection.

The store said it had already pulled several bottles from the collection off the shelf and offered refunds on bottles it had already sold. But that didnt stop Inside Edition from featuring the incident in an eye-opening news report a few weeks later.

It was just the latest high-profile example of what distillers, retailers and consumers describe as a growing problem for the bourbon industry and its millions of enthusiasts. Over the past few years, counterfeiting, long a problem for purveyors of fine wines and single malt Scotch, has come to American whiskey.

Weve had fans from across the U.S. contact us to tell us theyve been duped, Mary Tortorice, general counsel for Sazerac, the company that owns Buffalo Trace, said in a statement in September.

The scammers are finding fertile ground. Luxury bourbon was once an oxymoron; now, its the hottest thing in whiskey. Domestic sales of super-premium American whiskey  bottles valued at more than $50  nearly doubled from 2016-20, to 4 million cases, compared with an average growth of 30% for all American whiskeys, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

At the high end, where bottles sell for $500 or more, demand has vastly outstripped supply, creating long lines at liquor stores and a robust secondary market, mostly within private social media groups. Trading or selling in such groups is illegal, although some places, including Kentucky and New York state, are starting to loosen their laws to allow private collectors to sell through an auction or to licensed retailers like Acker.

The disruptions caused by the pandemic have also created a new cohort of swindlers, some driven by economic desperation, others by boredom. And it has spawned a new pool of victims, as bourbon drinkers stuck at home with disposable income join the collecting fray, eager to show off their latest trophy.

Part of the problem is the culture I see around bourbon, where it is about bragging rights and being able to Instagram a bottle you just bought, said Adam Herz, a whiskey collector in Los Angeles and an expert in counterfeit bottles. Most people I see ending up with fakes are partly to blame themselves. Any good con man knows how to take advantage of someones greed.

Bourbon in 2021 is, in other words, a counterfeiters dream, shaped by enormous demand, limited supply and a steady inflow of new and naive fans all too willing to part with their money  and unlikely to go to authorities when they realize theyve been swindled in a transaction that is by definition illegal.

ROZETTE RAGO/NYT

To make the deception even easier, most distilleries are only slowly taking action. Few are willing to admit the problem publicly, for fear of encouraging counterfeiters and discouraging interest in their own, legitimate products. Many still package their bottles with common shrink-wrap seals, despite the ease with which such closures can be faked.

Even speaking publicly about phony bottles poses a dilemma. Because the barriers to counterfeiting and the penalties for getting caught are so low, any discussion of fake whiskey may push more people to try their hand at it  or, if theyre already involved, give them tips to improve their game.

Herz said he is regularly contacted by people posing as would-be whiskey buyers, asking if he can tell them whether a particular bottle is fake  when, in fact, he suspects theyre scammers looking for his unwitting advice on how to improve their technique.

To realize you inspired a faker is just awful, he said.

EMON HASSAN/NYT

Herz, who by day works as a Hollywood producer and is best known for creating the American Pie franchise, first grew suspicious about fake bourbon around 2016, when he started noticing that empty bottles of high-end whiskey were selling briskly online.

What bothered me was all the empty Pappy Van Winkle bottles for sale on eBay, he said. I said, What do you think all these people are buying the bottles for? 

Each bottle of Pappy Van Winkle, a coveted brand that often fetches more than $5,000 on the secondary market, comes with a unique identification code. Herz was able to read the number in a photo of an empty he found on eBay.

He then went to one of the countless private bourbon fan groups on Facebook, where people buy and sell brands like Pappy. Within a few minutes, he said, he found the once-empty bottle, refilled and resealed, on sale for thousands of dollars.

AMARA ENO/NYT

At that time, few brands beyond Pappy Van Winkle commanded the sort of prices that might justify the effort to counterfeit them. But over the past five years, as wealthy collectors started snapping up rare and prestigious bottles, more than a dozen other brands began to skyrocket in price, especially on the secondary market, drawing scammers interest.

Many of those whiskeys, like Pappy Van Winkle and Colonel E.H. Taylor, are made by Buffalo Trace, including George T. Stagg, W.L. Weller 12 Year and Double Eagle Very Rare. Five years ago a bottle of Blantons Single Barrel, another Buffalo Trace brand, cost about $65 at retail in New York City; it now sells for up to $1,000 on the secondary market.

Theres also an increasingly brisk demand for bourbons made by other distilleries, among them Michters, Willett and Brown-Forman. And there is a small but passionate trade in so-called dusty whiskey, bottles that might have sat on a liquor store shelf for decades, when bourbon was declasse, but are now suddenly unicorns. Dusties, as theyre often known, are especially easy to fake because they usually come with screw tops and because most consumers are unfamiliar with their packaging.

The American counterfeit trade is still a few years behind the market for counterfeit single malt Scotch, where fakery has a much longer and more sophisticated lineage.

Isabel Graham-Yooll, director of Whisky.Auction, an online auction website, said that worldwide, counterfeit Scotch has long been a thriving business, often run by organized crime and focused on volume, churning out thousands of outright fakes and knockoffs with deceptively familiar names  James Walker, for example, or Cutty Stark.

Most of that high-volume, low-value trade takes place in developing markets, where demand for Western luxury goods is strong and regulatory oversight is weak.

A different problem confronts the makers of high-end single malt Scotch and bourbon. Much of the counterfeiting is done by small groups or individuals, and bottles may pass through several unsuspecting hands before they reach the expert eyes at auction houses. (To make matters harder for auctioneers like Graham-Yooll, private trade in bottles is largely legal in Britain.)

I saw one collection that was in its entirety fake, and it had all been gathered 20 to 30 years ago, she said. There are some really well-known fakes that keep popping up.

Reliable statistics on the size of the problem are hard to come by. Graham-Yooll dismissed as hyperbolic a 2018 study saying that up to one-third of all rare single malt bottles were fake. But she conceded that fakery is a sizable problem, and growing worse.

There is no shortage of anecdotes like the encounter at Acker. In 2017, a Swiss hotel drew notice for selling the worlds most expensive dram to a Chinese tourist. Subsequent analysis of the liquid, which was purported to be a single malt Scotch made by the Macallan distillery in 1878, showed that it was a blended Scotch made sometime after 1970.

Like the Acker bottle, the fake Macallan had flaws obvious to an expert eye: the wrong cork, modern glass. In part because the field of counterfeiting is so new, Herz said, its not hard to spot counterfeits  drip stains on a paper label, for example, are a good indication that the bottle has been used before.

Most people are lazy and impatient, he said.

The whiskey trade has yet to see its version of Rudy Kurniawan, a prolific, highly skilled counterfeiter whose 2013 conviction for making and selling millions of dollars worth of precisely detailed fake Burgundy and California cabernet rocked the wine world.

But it may be only a matter of time. Experts say they have seen an increase in the quality of counterfeits; Herz suspects that at least a few counterfeiters have inside connections at Kentucky distilleries, allowing them to build fake bottles from scratch, with pristine labels and expertly crafted closures.

A cottage industry has popped up in response, especially in Britain, promising high-tech countermeasures like through-the-glass chemical analysis, which allows sellers and collectors to assess a bottles authenticity without having to open it. But those are still in development and years away from widespread use.

Easier solutions already exist. The Macallan, among other distilleries, has started to place holographic images on its seals. Ardnamurchan, another Scottish distillery, is adding QR codes to its labels, allowing retailers and consumers to check for authenticity with their smartphones.

In October, Buffalo Trace placed security tags inside the aluminum caps on some bottles in its highly sought-after Antique Collection line; scanning the tags with a special app will tell you if, and when, the bottle has been opened before. Its a start, but such tags work only when a bottle has been opened  so its no help for retailers or collectors who want to hold on to it for a while.

For now, the best, if imperfect, response is for buyers to change their expectations when hunting for a good deal. Simple rules apply: Do your homework. Never trust a pushy stranger, especially online. And always be willing to pass on a bottle that looks too good to be true, because it probably is.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
San Francisco is not the same anymore. It's lost its culture. It's lost what made it unique and quirky.

It's a common refrain, but one glance at Instagram user @pueo_in_sf's page shows that someone with a fresh eye in San Francisco with a camera at hand can still show the rest of us what makes the "City by the Bay" so special.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

Sage Akaboshi provides that fresh perspective. Born and raised in Japan, he moved to Hawaii before settling in San Francisco eight years ago.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

"I really enjoy photographing San Francisco because it is a different culture from Japan," explained Akaboshi. "It never gets boring."

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

Last year, Akaboshi shared an image with SFGATE's Instagram that was one of our favorite photos of the year. It shows a small dog with a Luigi figure riding on its back.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

"Actually, I saw the dog a few days before when I took a photo. When I saw that dog again, I wanted to take a photo of the dog without the owner, like the dog walking alone," Akaboshi explained. "At that time, coincidentally, the F-line that matched color was passing."

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

Many of his street photography photos have a nice, whimsical sense of humor to them and wonderfully capture the San Francisco of today.

"I just want people to see what's happening in front of me, like a funny moment," he added. "I hope to capture in the images my visual interpretation of the city around me."

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

Akaboshi's love of photography started when he was young when he would every day take photos with a film camera, often in black and white, or a Polaroid camera.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

After moving to San Francisco for work, Akaboshi started wandering the streets of San Francisco, always ready to take a photograph with his phone's camera.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

"My photography made me explore more of the city," he said. "Every time I go out for a walk, I discover something new."

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

Akaboshi noted his favorite location to take photographs is along Market Street, where a never-ending amount of tourists, workers, or kids are often the focus of his images.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

"It's street photography style, but I would say a mix of styles," said Akaboshi about his photographic eye. "It's street, architectural, candid, cityscape and more. It's everything I am interested in."

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

Another of his favorite neighborhoods in the Mission District. "I love cultural diversity," he added.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

Although most of his images are of people, he also occasionally features the natural beauty of San Francisco.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

"Especially, fog makes me feel excited," Akaboshi said. "It's beautiful."

Instagra / pueo_in_sf

Skateboarders feature in many of Akaboshi's images as well. "When I hear the rumble of a skateboard on the street, I turn on my camera app before finding out where they are," he said with a laugh.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

Another one of Akaboshi's favorite locations is on public transit, especially San Francisco Muni trains, where he never knows what he will see.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

"Also, I like events that people are wearing costumes such as Santa Con, Halloween and the How Weird Festival," he said.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

"I'm almost always waiting and looking for something to happen around me," he added.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

Despite always shooting on the street, Akaboshi noted he often captures his images unnoticed.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

"When I really see someone close, something such as the outfit and object that they have, I'll talk to them first."

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

But Akaboshi loves the challenge of documenting the city that never bores him.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

"If I have more courage, I'll take more funny photos," he explained.

Instagram / pueo_in_sf

You can follow Sage Akaboshi's photographic journey around San Francisco on Instagram at @pueo_in_sf.
Occurred on January 4, 2022 / Richmond, Virginia, USA



Info from Licensor: "It was the first cold night in January, right after a 6-ft snowfall in Virginia. After having stalled whether I would even go out or not, I decided to just go ahead and go. As I was driving down the road. I saw something in the road. I slowed down, and because that something looked strange, I decided to turn on my phones video recorder. To my surprise, as I got closer, I realized, it was a toddler, just standing there in the middle of the road. Then I noticed an oncoming car! I put my car in park, turned on my emergency flashers, jumped out of my car, yelled to the child, (repeatedly), where is your Mommy? I know I startled him. I didnt mean to, but at that point, my goal was to get him OUT of the road. I turned on the flashlight of my phone, and began to wave to the oncoming car to STOP! He stopped. It was a man inside. He patiently sat there while I chased the toddler who was wildly running in the MIDDLE of the road. I got him by the arm, and while walking him to the safety of MY car, and quickly conversing with the patient driver who almost hit him, I assured the (now crying hysterically) toddler, that "I will not hurt you. I promise." I explained to him that "I have to keep you safe, so I am going to call the police." After calling the cops, I sat with him, still assuring him his safety with me. The police arrived in less than 10 minutes. The child calmed down after seeing them. The police asked him the same questions I asked him, and since he had calmed down, he was able to tell the police where he lived. We walked him down to his house. The police asked me to step aside while he spoke with whoever it was that came to the door. I noticed the child going inside. I walked down to the end of the driveway and ended up leaving. I met my goal, which was to make sure that child was safe. I arrived at my friend's house and had a cocktail because I was just too through."
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Im just some guy from Melbourne, says Michael Kahan, who still cant figure out why people are willing to have a conversation about how they overcame personal failures on the podcast Funny in Failure.

Why a podcast about failure?

Where do I begin? The reason I started the podcast is that I was living a life that I didnt feel was quite mine. I was listening to a lot of external voices of how my life should be. I realised that something wasnt quite right, and I knew I wasnt alone in these feelings. After speaking to a lot of my peers and friends I realised we were sharing in universal feelings that were not living our best life. Working in corporate I realised that wasnt the best job for me. Fast forward, I started improv comedy.

Bit of a shift, then.

Doing improv comedy can be really tough when you have no performing background, you havent done anything quite like that before. I actually failed a class, which was quite tough to deal with, I didnt know how to process it. And speaking to a lot of the people in that field, I realised they were going through what I was going through, at a much larger scale. Essentially, I didnt really understand the topic of failure, and I wanted to learn more about it: what did it mean? Because its so multifaceted and it means a lot of things to so many people. I wanted to normalise the stigma behind failure, show that its normal, youre not defined by failure, everyone goes through it, its actually essential to growth and moving forward. And its a learning experience that can propel you in ways you never thought possible.

Michael Kahan, host/producer of the podcast Funny in Failure.

Have you been surprised by just how universal these feelings are?

Yes, every single podcast I am constantly surprised. You dont need to be in arts, or be a comedian or actor or director or writer to experience these feelings. Just hearing these stories is mind-boggling, and I feel very privileged, that my guests would spend time [telling] a complete stranger about the highs and lows of their life. I had Bronnie Ware on the podcast, internationally best-selling author. She was rejected at least 20 times with her book, and she didnt let that stop her. Often when we get a no, we go, OK, I guess this cant be done. But when you hear a story of such resilience, and how the person doesnt stop, but says, OK, I got a no, how can I work on this, how can I grow, how do I move forward? Its ... inspiring and empowering to hear how people, through what can be perceived as a negative experience, move forward and achieve great success.
But collectors, including Balch, say current demand has never been higher (even with major events being continually postponed or Zoomified in the pandemic). They are reaching new consumers, thanks in part to more celebrities and stylists crediting them on social media, and reshaping how they do business. Aralda Vintage, which provided Rodrigo with the rhinestone butterfly earrings she wore to the VMAs as well as the 90s Chanel suit she wore to the White House in July, has a storefront in Beachwood Canyon in Los Angeles  a quiet neighbourhood that became somewhat less quiet in 2020, after Harry Styles mentioned a local cafe in a song and attracted a stream of enthusiastic new visitors. The small store feels like a secret, dimly lit and warm, with racks of sequins and feathers and tulle and tweed lining the walls. Zendaya wearing vintage Valentino at the Euphoria premiere and the original backstage at the Valentino spring-summer 1992 collection in Paris. Supermodel Linda Evangelista modelled the dress. Credit:Getty Brynn Jones, the owner, said she plans to open a second store this year, in the Los Feliz neighbourhood. It will be larger, with more unlabelled vintage clothing and more accessible prices, while the smaller store will remain stocked with the kind of high-end archival pieces sought out by celebrities and their stylists. (When Justin Bieber wanted to buy vintage looks for his wife, Hailey, for her birthday, their stylist, Karla Welch, reached out to Aralda, Jones said.) When it comes to getting vintage looks on the red carpet, Jones said, the biggest challenge is often sizing. Temporary alterations can be needed to achieve a perfect fit, but not without risking the original structure of the piece.

Its tough, because I dont want to risk a one-of-a-kind piece, she said. There are all these judgment calls  having boundaries for my business and myself but also wanting to possibly have this moment with this team. Julia Roberts in vintage Valentino collecting her oscar in 2001. Credit:Getty Images She once lent a piece to a major magazine for a photo shoot with a celebrity, but the garment was never returned; she later tracked it down after seeing the celebrity wearing it in paparazzi photos. Its not like we have 10 more in different sizes, Jones said. Vintage collectors, by nature, care deeply about preservation. While some have stores with pieces for sale, like Jones and Balch, others only rent pieces.

I feel strongly about giving pieces a permanent home, said Haile Lidow, whose business Lidow Archive fills a sprawling house in Los Feliz imbued with 1990s drag spirit  a lot of hot pink, clashing prints, giant props and wigged mannequins everywhere. Which is difficult, because monetarily, it would be more beneficial if I did sell, but I dont. While Lidow has lent items for red-carpet appearances, like the BET Hip Hop Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards, she more often fields editorial requests. (Her first major magazine cover placement was model-actress Hunter Schafer on V, wearing a veiled white hat that Lidow thrifted in Santa Fe for $20.) For a celebrity, Lidow said, there is simply more risk in wearing vintage at a live event than in an edited photo shoot. When its red carpet, it has to be perfect  and vintage isnt always perfect, she said. So many things have to go right. Balch, who runs Shrimpton Couture from her home in Canada, has shared a similar sentiment with her 88,500 followers on Instagram, where she likes to provide the histories of her pieces: who made it, who wore it, why its special  stories that dont necessarily exist yet for brand-new runway-to-red carpet gowns.

Ive said in the past, whenever someone actually wears vintage, its kind of a bit of a miracle, Balch said. Thats not just being dramatic, its the actual truth. These people have access to anything. Ruth Negga in vintage Arnold Scassi on the green carpet of the Opening Gala for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Credit:Getty Beyond the challenge of achieving the right fit, or competing with brands that pay celebrities to wear their designs  and Ive lost that battle before, Balch said  some vintage may just be too fragile. The pieces are unsuitable for sitting through dinner and drinks at the Golden Globes, for example, in addition to the preshow parade and post-show parties. Some vintage may look too obviously vintage. Celebrities and their stylists tend to prefer timeless, more streamlined pieces for the red carpet. But that may be changing. In September, Ruth Negga, star of this years Passing, was praised by Vogue and others for wearing a 1992 dress by Arnold Scaasi with Princess Diana-level puffy emerald velvet sleeves. It was borrowed by her stylist, Welch, from Shrimpton Couture.

Thats an obvious vintage gown, Balch said. Honestly, even I was shocked that it ended up being the one. I was like: OK, Im going to send it. I dont know if youre going to use this one because this one is very vintage looking. Loading When the gown was returned, Balch decided not to raise its price ($2400) despite the positive press. (The dress has since sold.) Public opinion of vintage has evolved, too, and this wave of collectors is revelling in that. I was always the weird one, Lidow said, recalling her work as an intern at fashion magazines in her late teens and a public relations assistant in her early 20s. Jones said that as a rebellious Mormon teenager in Oregon, she daydreamed about escape through magazines, MTV and videotapes of award-show red carpets. When I was growing up, Balch said, women were taught to never be seen in public wearing the same thing twice. Not only was it just like an unspoken rule, it was an actual rule written down on the cover of many magazines.
After almost two years of benefitting from a decline in interstate and overseas tourism, NSW regions are rapidly spending to keep a $15.8 billion local travel boom from going bust.

One day after Queensland reopened its borders to double vaccinated travellers from NSW last month, Coffs Harbour Council launched its summer with a $2 million facelift to its holiday parks. Two weeks later, the Lake Macquarie Ferry - a 135-year tradition in the Hunter region - was resurrected in a bid to keep their COVID-induced tourism surge alive.

A family enjoys their time by the Coffs Harbour jetty. Credit:Destination NSW

Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said its important to invest in tourism to ensure visitors, and in particular families, keep returning to their region.

Were just trying to give Lake Macquarie a boost so we can get those tourism dollars here and money spent in our city, she said.
After a tumultuous first year of teaching high school, Heather Brown of Engadine recalls that some of her wonderful students asked where she was going in the summer holidays. I told them I was excited to be going to New Zealand. They helped me by researching and reporting which students from the school were also visiting New Zealand that summer (C8). The list made me wonder about cancelling. Luckily, I avoided all dubious ones for a month.

This contribution from Antoinette Hirst of Double Bay checks both the small world (C8) and historical significance boxes. When Sir Zelman Cowen was in Germany in May 1945, he met prisoners just released from the Dachau concentration camp. One prisoner he happened to speak with was my uncle, Michael Dortheimer. When my uncle heard Cowen was from Melbourne, he said, I have a sister in Melbourne. Perhaps you know her? Indeed I do! was the amazing reply. Michaels sister was my mother, with whom Zelmans wife Anna had become good friends after she taught Anna in year 12 Science at St Catherines School in Toorak.

During the holidays my mother, 98 and going strong, reminded us of her fathers way of protecting their hens from snakes, writes Brendan Lawler of Sherwood. China eggs, too big to fit through the chicken wire, would be placed just on either side of the wire. The snake would swallow one then the other and, unable to move further, would be awaiting dispatch in the morning.

Helen Kay of Springside was correct when she wrote in to say she was sure many of your readers can remember, when they were children, going to the grocer and buying a bag of broken biscuits for a few pennies. Brown paper bags of broken biscuits for threepence was the common remembrance from readers.

For Joy Cooksey of Harrington, it brought back memories of her then six-year-old brother dashing across the busy highway to buy a large brown paper bag full of broken biscuits (C8) on his way to school. He thought this was much better value for money than doing what he was told, keeping on the footpath, and spending his threepence on a piece of fruit for play-lunch at the greengrocer.
Prohibition in America

The following Friday (January 16) was the date upon which the United States of America was to go constitutionally dry and prohibition organisations throughout the world celebrated the event in various ways. The New South Wales Alliance arranged a luncheon, presided over by the Rev R. B. S. Hammond, and the guest of honour was Mr Edward J. Norton, American Consul. Several American citizens accepted invitations to attend.

State funeral of Sir Edmund Barton

The Herald reported extensively on the previous days State funeral for Sir Edmund Barton, first Prime Minister of the Commonwealth and Senior Judge of the Federal High Court. All classes and all institutions were represented at the impressive ceremonial at St Andrews Cathedral. As the funeral proceeded from the Cathedral to South Head, great crowds made manifest their respect for one who had played such a notable part in his countrys history.

Unsafe currency

In an address to the Printers Overseers Association Mr J. A. Burke, recently returned from England and America, condemned the Australian currency note printing system as being readily open to forgery beyond the possibility of detection. In Australia running off notes on an ordinary printing press from electrotype plates made it a very easy matter for any ordinary, unskilled printer to imitate the currency, as had recently been the case with forged 5 notes.
NSW will rely on the mass use of rapid antigen tests as part of its back-to-school plan on February 1, with the Premier adamant the date is set despite the escalation in COVID-19 cases and delays to childrens vaccinations.

The key strategy will be a test to stay program, which will involve the rapid testing of students in the same cohort as any who test positive to COVID-19. If they test negative, they can continue to go to school.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet delivering his press conference at Nepean Hospital on Sunday. Credit:Dean Sewell

The program will be run in public schools and can also be used by private schools and childcare centres. The 2022 program will be an expansion of one trialled and used sporadically around the state late last year.

Parents sign up to receive the test. They test their children at home in the morning, and then upload a picture of the negative result onto an app run by analytics company BioConnect.
A child under five and a man in his 30s are among the record 18 COVID-19 deaths in NSW on Monday, as the vaccine rollout for primary schoolchildren begins.

NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the 20,293 new COVID-19 cases recorded on the states deadliest day of the pandemic clearly is an underestimate, with rapid tests still unable to be registered through the Service NSW app.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet watches on as Ines Panagopailos, 8, receives her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination at the Sydney Childrens Hospital in Randwick on Monday. Credit: Pool/AAP

There are now 2030 people in hospital with the virus, of whom 159 are in intensive care units.

The new infections were reported from 84,333 tests, resulting in a positive rate of 24 per cent.
Radioactive soil excavated from Sydneys lower north shore will be trucked interstate and then shipped to the United States following opposition to the waste being stored at a facility in the citys south-east.

The NSW government last year resolved to remove up to 1800 tonnes of soil beneath six properties along Nelson Parade in Hunters Hill, where a carbolic acid plant and a uranium refinery operated in the 1900s.

Hunters Hill residents Rosemary Manusu, 83, is among those who welcomed the governments plan to remediate contaminated land. Credit:Janie Barrett

The decision ended a decades-long battle waged by residents who demanded the government remove contaminated soil from waterfront sites next to Kellys Bush Park.

Then planning minister Rob Stokes approved plans last April for a meticulous operation to excavate the contaminated material and send it to a specialised waste disposal facility in the northern US state of Idaho.
Ku-ring-gai Council saw numbers jump around. The number of identified dogs, the term for dogs up to six months old, rose from 1127 in 2019 to 1346 in 2020, only to drop back to 1242 in 2021, while registered dogs, older than six months, dropped to levels lower than 2019. A spokesperson for the RSCPA said it had not seen a rise in the number of pandemic pets being returned. A spokeperson said if some dogs had been purchased by people impulsively  its doors were always open to assist and help the dog find the right home. President of the new consumer site, DogsAustralia.org.au and lifelong labrador breeder, Hugh Gent. Credit:David Gray But Monika Biernacki, the founder of a no-kill shelter Monikas Doggie Rescue at Ingleside, said she is at capacity. She now has 100 dogs and other dogs being fostered. People are going back to work, and all the offloading is starting to happen, said Ms Biernacki who is getting frequent calls from pounds asking her to house dogs.

She is also caring for dogs dumped by members of the public who bought expensive designer dogs without thought to ongoing costs or their temperament. A lady bought a puppy in COVID-19, a designer dog, a cross between a border collie and a poodle, and she couldnt cope with it. It was too high energy, she said. Ms Biernacki said the shelters vet is also caring for a German shepherd puppy that was having seizures. The owner couldnt afford its vet bills. When she got the discharge from the vet, she wouldnt even pay for the medication. And she checked it into the pound, said Ms Biernacki. People dont think it through, she said. Usually at this time of year members of the public visit the shelter looking to adopt a rescue dog. But this year people were escaping Sydney, or staying home because of COVID.

To encourage future dog owners to think more carefully about their purchases, Dogs Australia will launch a campaign in February to help consumers with videos, guides to different breeds, and a quiz to help select the best dog. The new consumer website, a non-profit site, is run by the Australian National Kennel Council, which Mr Gent has headed for 20 years.

Since emigrating to Australia in 1969, Mr and Mrs Gent have become the doyens of the canine world. She is a champion breeder of labradors, and Mr Gent is a former deputy chairman of the Companion Animals Working Group in the federal government-sponsored Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, and a director of the Australian Companion Animal Council. Mr Gent was also an ambassador for Pal dog food when it launched its campaign in which top breeders recommended its dog food. Mr Gent said the new website DogsAustralia will encourage potential dog owners to consider the three Rs: The right time, the right breed and the right breeder. So many dogs finish up in pounds ... people think, lovely dog, and then six months later, the dog Jimmy, is about two metres high and a metre wide. And they say, this isnt what I wanted. Mr Gent scours Gumtree for scammers, backyard breeders, puppy farms and kennel club members, not doing the right thing by breeding their dogs too often. He checks for fake breeder registration numbers and fake microchips. Often they may have too few or too many digits. Under NSW regulations, you should microchip a dog and register its number on the NSW Pet Registry. But many scammers will add the microchip, but not register the number.

Loading Registered pedigree breeders agree to limits on the number of times a bitch can breed, but many Gumtree vendors dogs had frequent litters. And dogs were often sold to buyers, sometimes shipping overnight, without checks by either party. Often these dogs are bred for colour or attractiveness, breeding in genetic abnormalities, he said. In contrast, pedigree dogs were often less expensive than those found on Gumtree and come up with a documented history. You can have your caboodle, and all those dogs, but you dont know their history, he said.
Queensland schools will remain closed to most students for an extra two weeks while the state manages a peak in Omicron cases expected later this month and into the first week of February.

The first term of 2022 will now begin on February 7 instead of January 24, however years 11 and 12 students will begin home learning from January 31.

Home learning is back on the cards for Year 11 and 12 students as of January 31, while the school year begins on February 7 for other school students. Credit:Cory White

To make up for the lost time, the school year will now end on December 16 instead of December 9. Schools will still be open to vulnerable students and children of essential workers from January 24.

The announcement from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk comes a day before children aged 5-11 can begin receiving COVID-19 vaccinations in Queensland.
He said those who kept working would need to return negative results to daily rapid antigen tests over a five-day period. They would also not be able to enter shared break areas, and must wear face masks  N95 or P2 if they are available  throughout their shift, and both the worker and their employer must consent to them returning to work. Mr Foley also announced more amendments to Victorias coronavirus restrictions that would come into force from 11.59pm on Wednesday. Among the changes were new rules for visitors to hospitals and aged care facilities and the closure of dance floors at most indoor hospitality venues. Those [hospitality] venues can still operate and there are no changes to density settings currently in place, Mr Foley said. The Health Minister said while weddings were excluded from the rule, authorities encouraged wedding hosts and guests to put their dance floors outdoors.

Residents at aged care facilities would still be allowed up to five visitors a day, as long as their guests returned a negative rapid antigen test result before their arrival. However, if test results could not be provided, the number of daily guests to each resident would be reduced to two. Victorians planning to visit a hospital from Thursday would need to prove they had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Those unable to provide that evidence would be required to return a negative rapid antigen test before they enter, and wear a mask to N95 or P2 standard or equivalent. Hospitality venues wont be able to operate indoor dance floors, unless for a wedding, under the restrictions announced Monday. Credit:AP Victorian Healthcare Association chief executive Tom Symondson welcomed the decision to bolster visiting restrictions, saying hospitals had been using rapid tests to screen visitors for COVID-19, but many had run out of supplies. He said unvaccinated people were more likely to catch and transmit COVID-19 and the policy would reduce the risk to healthcare workers and vulnerable patients, including pregnant women, newborns and those receiving cancer treatment.

Victoria looks towards national approach for school return Victorias state schools are set to resume classes on Monday, January 31, but Mr Foley said the state was looking for a national approach to decide if the start of term should be delayed to allow more children to get vaccinated. He said national cabinet last week agreed the issue of a consistent approach to the return to school is very important. I understand that the Commonwealth this week [is] commencing the discussions to try to get a consistent approach to those issues, and Victoria will be a part of those discussions, Mr Foley said.

Loading Weve all done it really hard, but kids in particular havent been able to get vaccinated  theyve missed a lot of school to protect the rest of the community. We want to make sure that their sacrifice - their effort  is recognised and that we get them back to school as quickly as possible and  that we do so safely, and we will be active participants in that national approach. Professor Cowie said between late November through to early December, COVID-19 cases in five to 11-year-olds accounted for more than 30 per cent of Victorias total infections, but that figure had now dropped to 4 per cent. With schools having closed and kids not attending school, that proportion ... has dropped quite drastically, suggesting whether its within the school or associated with school, there are significant amounts of transmission that occurs.

Meanwhile, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who returned to work on Monday after taking leave, said schools had been one of the issues he had been discussing with NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet as he published a screenshot of the pair talking over Zoom to his social media account. Mr Foley said almost 9000 of the self-reported COVID-19 cases recorded in Victoria on Monday reportedly came from rapid antigen tests taken on Sunday. The Health Department later said another 3000 were from tests done on January 8 and the remainder came from swabs taken over the prior five days. The two people whose deaths from COVID were reported on Friday were both in their 70s. The deaths take the total number of COVID-related fatalities in Victoria since the pandemic began to 1580. The number of people in hospital with the virus has grown to 818, and there are 118 people in intensive care. Twenty-eight are on a ventilator.

NSW reported 20,293 new coronavirus cases and 18 deaths  the most daily deaths in the state since the pandemic began. Victorias COVID-19 vaccination program expanded on Monday to include children aged between five and 11, with paediatric Pfizer jabs available at state-run clinics, along with general practice clinics and pharmacies. While state-run hubs were reportedly ready to go ahead with the five-to-11-year-old rollout on Sunday, peak medical bodies complained doctors and pharmacists were forced to delay or even cancel coronavirus vaccine appointments. Balwyn Health Care general practitioner Dr Mary-Anne Lancaster was among those affected by delivery cancellations.

Loading Were going to have to cancel, as are a lot of other clinics [for] kids today, she told 3AW on Monday morning. Weve got hundreds [of people booked in to receive a COVID-19 vaccine] this week. We ordered our vaccines on [December 12], they were promised to arrive the week of [January] the 7th. A spokesperson for the Pharmacy Guild of Australia said Victorian pharmacies were in much the same position as GPs. Federal COVID-19 task force commander Lieutenant-General John Frewen said on Monday authorities would have more than enough vaccines for every kid to have their first dose before the end of the year.
The Queens Counsel barrister was behind the push for former chief justice Wayne Martins review of the Criminal Property Confiscation Act (2000), which called for a complete overhaul of the act and also addressed WAs drug laws and mandatory sentencing. Attorney-General John Quigley initially endorsed holding a review after attention was brought to Tam Nguyen, a single mother and factory worker, who faced losing her Girrawheen home because of her former husbands drug crimes. Supreme Court Justice Peter Martino was forced to rule that her childrens home, which she solely paid the mortgage on for two years, be confiscated because there was no discretion in the act to allow otherwise. Tam Nguyen and former Liberal Democrat MP Aaron Stonehouse, who lobbied for a review of WAs criminal confiscation laws in 2018. Wayne Martin consulted extensively with judges, lawyers, police, the Corruption and Crime Commission and university researchers and found the act had the undeniable potential to inflict injustice, and to operate arbitrarily and unfairly.

Even the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which gets tasked with applying for the seizures, rebuked parts of the act. But the review has sat dormant before Parliament since 2019. Its probably one of the most disgraceful things that the McGowan government hasnt done, Mr Percy said. And the disappointing aspect is that there are a number of lawyers in the McGowan government who do know better; Quigley knows better; McGowan, hes a lawyer, he should know better. And there are others. They know that tough drug laws get you nowhere, you need an alternative approach.

The government says the report remains under consideration. Tough drug laws did not deter those who hid 99 kilograms of the drug in a latex pillow shipment into WA on December 30, which police allege held an estimated street value of $100 million. One of the first amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act that the McGowan government brought in was life for 28 grams, Mr Percy said. Is that really discouraging people from bringing massive amounts of drugs into Western Australia? Of course it doesnt. The methamphetamine was found in a shipment of latex pillows. Credit:Australian Federal Police

He said WA had the most lucrative drug market because of its tough drug laws, meaning customers paid a premium for this higher risk product. The confiscation act then allows the government to claim frozen cash and assets from police raids under five circumstances: Unexplained wealth, criminal benefits, crime-used property, crime-derived property and where the person is a declared drug trafficker. They will not jail their way out of this problem. Tom Percy QC Almost all raids target drugs, and once declared a drug trafficker for an offence punishable by imprisonment for more than two years, all that person owns or that they gifted before or after their conviction can be seized. There is no capacity for someone to say to a court, hey, wait a minute, this is legitimate. This came to me in my grandmothers will, go and have a look at the probate documents. Thats gone, Mr Percy said.

WA jails are bursting with people facing drug charges or serving time for drug offences. Last financial year, police statistics showed they laid 25,910 drug charges, which was the third highest offence behind fraud and related charges (27,129) and stealing (58,145). WA had the second highest imprisonment rate of the nation with 318 per 100,000 people for September quarter of 2021, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Its almost a third more than the national average of 211, which was significantly bolstered by the Northern Territorys rate of 987 per 100,000 head of population.

Currently, WA prisons house 6662 people daily at $354 each, totalling $2.36 million a day. Notwithstanding that weve got the most punitive and Draconian drug laws and asset confiscation laws in Western Australia, drugs are still out of control, Mr Percy said. Its not as though weve just marginally better rates of offending than other states; we have worse. Its unsustainable. The Australian Federal Polices December latex pillow bust ended a year in which WA Police Force reported three major drug smuggling raids of vehicles crossing the border, plus a joint operation with the AFP that uncovered 77 kilograms of heroin from a Bibra Lake business in 2021.

The vehicle raids resulted in the seizure of 210.6 kilograms of meth and $8.1 million in cash. WA police also froze $83 million worth of assets, including cash, between July 2020 and June 2021. According to court documents, the justice department confiscated more than $9 million cash and eight properties from convicted drug traffickers and suspected criminal enterprises in 2021. More than 80 per cent of Australian cash seizures has occurred in WA, according to state police. The state also benefited from undisclosed amounts in five bank accounts, 11 cash seizures and the sale of four out of the eight seized properties. The four property sales were worth $1.184 million collectively.

Yet most of the house seizures were not related to major organised crime. A Lake Clifton couple, with two young children, were forced to buy back their family property after it was confiscated in August over a marijuana crop that yielded 1 kilogram of cannabis, which the 26-year-old mother told a court she watered under duress. In another example, an older Camillo man has met with great hardship as his only asset, a house he owned for almost 30 years, was stripped from him in November. His crime was growing 13 cannabis plants, only five of which were maturely grown under a hydroponic setup, in his shed for personal use, which resulted in a $3500 court fine. What the government gets back [in confiscation funds] is just a fraction of what it costs to jail people, Mr Percy said.

Its an exercise in futility  not enough to fund the drug squad for six months. WA Police Forces annual budget runs at a total cost of $1.68 billion; $100 million of regulatory fines, such as speeding tickets, or $83 million in seized assets barely makes a dent. Courts and tribunals cost $433 million to run last year, while adult prisons cost just over $1 billion, according to the Department of Justice annual report. The Martin review delivered 60 recommendations but Parliaments upper house attempted to address only one last year, when Brian Walker of the Legalise Cannabis Western Australia Party tried to slightly amend the misuse of drugs act with his independent bill.

Dr Walkers amendment gave judges the discretion over whether a person should be declared a drug trafficker on the balance of probabilities that the person has not engaged in the trafficking of significant quantities of drugs for commercial reward. Yet the bill went nowhere. A spokesperson for Mr Quigley said the existing criminal property confiscation scheme was complex and any reform would be a large body of work. The recommendations remain under detailed consideration by the government, they said. Mr Percy believes that with the increasing legalisation of cannabis globally, in 20 years people will look back at WAs drug laws as being as unenlightened as jailing homosexuals for sodomy  which he was defending West Australians against until 1990.
The 27 known close contacts of a COVID-19 positive security guard, who worked at the Hyatt quarantine hotel in the Perth CBD, with the Omicron variant have tested negative to the highly transmissible strain adding to the confidence of authorities that a further outbreak has been avoided.

There was one new locally transmitted case of COVID-19 overnight but it was for an individual connected to the Delta-variant backpacker cluster who was already in quarantine and was not infectious while in the community.

All close contacts of a hotel quarantine guard working at the Hyatt who tested positive for COVID-19 have come back negative. Credit:Getty/Matt Jelonek

It has been 17 days since Western Australia first became aware of the backpacker cluster and three weeks since the main spreading event connected to the case, after a recently arrived traveller from Queensland attended the Perth Mess Hall while infectious.

The total number of cases connected to the backpacker cluster is now 22.
Addis Ababa: An air strike in Ethiopias Tigray region killed 56 people and injured 30, including children, in a camp for displaced people, two aid workers said, citing local authorities and eyewitness accounts.

The government has previously denied targeting civilians in the 14-month conflict with rebellious Tigrayan forces.

Residents sift through rubble from a destroyed building at the scene of an airstrike in Mekele, in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, in late October. Credit:AP

The spokesman for the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) that has been fighting the central government, Getachew Reda, said in a tweet on Sunday (AEDT) that Another callous drone attack by Abiy Ahmed in an IDP [Internally Displaced People] camp in Dedebit had claimed the lives of 56 innocent civilians so far.

The strike in the town of Dedebit, in the north-west of the region near the border with Eritrea, occurred late on Friday night (Saturday AEDT), said the aid workers, who asked not to be named as they are not authorised to speak to the media.
After more than seven weeks of negotiations and pleas, and ultimately a brief detention by Taliban police, Safi finally handed the child back to his jubilant grandfather and other relatives still in Kabul.

Following an exclusive Reuters story published in November with his pictures, the baby was located in Kabul where a 29-year-old taxi driver named Hamid Safi had found him in the airport and taken him home to raise as his own.

Sohail Ahmadi was just two months old when he went missing on August 19 as thousands of people rushed to leave as the country fell to the Taliban.

Kabul, Afghanistan: An infant boy handed in desperation to a soldier across an airport wall in the chaos of the American evacuation of Afghanistan has been found and reunited with his relatives in Kabul.

They said they would now seek to have him reunited with his parents and siblings who were evacuated months ago to the US.

During the tumultuous Afghan evacuation in August, Mirza Ali Ahmadi  the boys father who had worked as a security guard at the US embassy  and his wife Suraya feared their son would get crushed in the crowd as they neared the airport gates en route to a flight to the US. Ahmadi said in early November in his desperation that day, he handed Sohail over the airport wall to a uniformed soldier who he believed to be an American, fully expecting he would soon make it the remaining five metres to the entrance to reclaim him.

Baby Sohail Ahmadi, went missing after being handed to a soldier over the wall of Kabul airport in August. He has now been found and returned to family.

Just at that moment, Taliban forces pushed the crowd back and it would be another half an hour before Ahmadi, his wife and their four other children could get inside. But by then the baby was nowhere to be found. Ahmadi said he searched desperately for his son inside the airport and was told by officials he had likely been taken out of the country separately and could be reunited with them later.

The rest of the family was evacuated  eventually ending up at a military base in Texas. For months they had no idea where their son was. The case highlights the plight of many parents separated from their children during the hasty evacuation effort and withdrawal of US forces from the country after a 20-year war. With no US embassy in Afghanistan and international organisations overstretched, Afghan refugees have had trouble getting answers on the timing, or possibility, of complex reunifications like this one.
Moscows talks about spheres of influence rarely correspond to reality, said Gleb Pavlovsky, a former top adviser to Putin. But these are dreams that of course affect the behaviour of the Kremlin, he added. From Ukraine to Georgia to Armenia to Belarus to Kazakhstan, a popular revolt has at some point demanded the end of each countrys Soviet-era legacy and leadership. And the challenge to authoritarian regimes in Putins backyard is seen by the Kremlin as a challenge to him and the system he has installed in Moscow. The protests in Kazakhstan have proved to be a pivotal moment. Putin could not risk having the unrest bring in a new government unfavourable to Moscow, analysts say. So he opted to intervene, deploying troops as part of a Russian-led regional military alliance to help quell the protests. Propping up Kazakhstans regime also appears to be a longer-term play for Putin: to build even deeper loyalty to Moscow and to curb the influence of Chinas growing investments and the Wests overtures for closer ties. Bespoke influence

In April 2009, then US president Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev had a first face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in London. Medvedev had ascended to the presidency because Putin had just served out the maximum two consecutive terms in that office. Yet Putin, then Russias prime minister, was still largely running things. It was during that meeting that Medvedev cited Moscows privileged sphere of influence amid Russias push for Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet republic in Central Asia, to close a US military air base at Manas, said Michael McFaul, who became the Obama administrations ambassador to Russia two years later. Obama told him, I dont get this privileged spheres of influence stuff, McFaul said. (The Manas base closed in 2014.) Washington has continued to push back on the concept of a sphere of influence  which is at the centre of the upcoming talks between the United States and Russia. Moscow has posted more than 100,000 troops near its border with Ukraine in an obvious threat to re-invade the country nearly eight years after its illegal annexation of Crimea and the beginning of Kievs war with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Putins end-of-year news conference on December 23 was a lesson in how he views Russias geostrategic family. He said that in 1991, we divided ourselves into 12. The Soviet Union was made up of 15 states. But Putin, probably on purpose, excluded the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania  all European Union members that turned away from Russia years ago.

Leaders of ex-Soviet nations members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, from left, Azerbaijans Ilham Aliev, Armenias Nikol Pashinyan, Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakhstans Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Russias Vladimir Putin, Kyrgyzstans Sadyr Zhaparov, Tajikistans Emomali Rakhmon, Turkmenistans Gurbanguli Berdymukhamedov, and Uzbekistans Shavkat Mirziyoyev, meet in Strelna, Russia, on December 28. Credit:Kremlin/AP The other 11 countries of the former Soviet Union  Eastern Europes Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, the Caucasuss Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and Central Asias Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan  all get different treatment from Russia. The ones seen as loyal are rewarded with economic support such as loans, investment contracts and discounts on energy imports, or even the promise of military assistance. But Moscow also wants some things in return  that they limit cooperation with the West and keep alive the Russian language in those countries, for example. The Kremlin playbook for how to handle the countries that push back against Moscow  such as Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia  has included backing pro-Russian separatists who have carved out breakaway territories. Moscow has denied instigating those conflicts. Putin thinks as a kind of 18th-century or 19th-century leader about spheres of influence  most certainly that was the case when I was in the room with him, and thats been there for a while, McFaul said.

His ambitions are bigger than just his own neighbourhood, he added. Putin thinks of himself as a leader of a kind of nationalist Orthodox conservative movement fighting the decadent, liberal and multilateral West. That has grown over time without question. Kazakhstans case Kazakhstans Nazarbayev was considered the lone leader in the region who could say no to Putin. Twelve years Putins senior and a Soviet legacy, Nazarbayev had Putins admiration. Many even speculated that Putin might try to follow Nazarbayevs example of how to continue ruling even after officially relinquishing the presidency. Nazarbayev handpicked his successor and took on a leader of the nation title that has allowed him largely still to call the shots. An armed riot police officer detains a protester in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Saturday. Credit:AP

Then, on January 5, Kazakh protesters pulled down a statue of Nazarbayev  an act analysts say was a chilling development for Putin. I think any time where autocrats are at risk of being overthrown by their own citizens and through the streets, I think Putin views that as a direct threat to his own survival and the survival of his regime, said Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a Russia expert at the Centre for a New American Security, a Washington-based think tank. Putin has a history of supporting authoritarian leaders, even outside the former Soviet Union. He provided critical aid to Syrias Bashar al-Assad during Arab Spring protests and backed Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro. In 2020, when Belaruss Lukashenko was facing mass protests calling for his resignation, Putin offered a public show of unity and said Russia would send in military reinforcements if necessary. Lukashenko claimed, without evidence, that the opposition movement was a Western plot to oust him. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has similarly likened his countrys protesters to terrorists, some of which he alleged without offering proof are from abroad.

These are favourite scapegoats of Putins, too. Share scapegoat During his news conference last month, Putin said that opponents have been saying throughout the centuries that Russia cannot be defeated, but can only be destroyed from within, which they accomplished in the 1990s, when the Soviet Union was being dismantled from within. Kazakhstan has turned for help to a Russian-led security bloc, the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, to quell protests. Thousands of Russian troops have now been dispatched to the country. Credit:RDM/AP Who was doing it? Putin asked. Someone serving the interests of others that run counter to the interests of the Russian and other peoples of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Russian Federation today.
I feel like I have so little to say about this episode because, as usual, it was pretty tight. One of the things this show continues to do so well is to illuminate current issues while never losing sight of the story.

Client: A woman looking for the child that was taken out of her arms by Immigration.

A young mother, Alma Castillo, does everything shes been told to do in order to legitimately seek asylum in The U.S.It wasnt a shock when Border Patrol didnt listen to a word she said. They simply took her six-year old son out of her arms and tossed her in a patrol car.She was deported without her son. Given that he wasnt born in the United States, Im not sure why this was done, but, considering the state of the bureaucracy, it could have been anything.Its a year before shes able to get back into the U.S. and get Robyns help to find her son.The revelations along the trail Robyn followed to find Pedro werent story revelations as much as revelations about a situation many of us only heard about on the news.I loved that Pedro had such faith in his mother that he didnt want to be adopted, so he let another little boy use his name. Yes, its dubious logic, but hes seven. At least his friend ended up in a good home.Cheers to the adoptive couple who chanced broken hearts because it was the right thing to do.Robyn did figure out that one of the immigration agents was selling those kids to an adoption rings, sweat shops and who knows what else.Given the story, it was especially cathartic to watch her beat up the bad guys.

Life: Harry

I assumed this episode would be all about Robyn and Mel trying to rescue Harry. Instead Bishop spent the episode trying to make the negotiate Harry out of jail.Bishop thought he had a compromise the government could agree with, but Harry is a man of principle. He wouldnt go to work for the man just to get out of prison.That aspect of Harrys personality has been consistent throughout the series. Its why he risked this outcome by hacking the CIA to save Bishops so.In the end, Bishop called in a pretty major favor. The President owed Bishop one, and he called it in.All Harry has to do is never get on a computer. I think the best anyone can promise is that Harry wont hack the CIA again.It was a good episode. We only got a hot minute with Vi this week, but it was an important couple of minutes.Robyns conversation with Vi was another moment that underlined why Im glad Robyn told her family about her night job. Vi was able to support Robyn when she was feeling as though she couldnt fix anything.Another great episode. What did you think?
A light glaze of freezing rain could impact southern Connecticut on Sunday, potentially contributing to hazardous sidewalk and road conditions, the National Weather Service warned.

And a cold front is approaching later this week, the weather service predicted, which could bring windchills below zero degrees.

The weather service issued a winter weather advisory until noon on Sunday. Residents are advised to travel with caution on potential slippery roads and to prepare for possible power outages.

On Sunday, highs will be near 40 degrees, but wind chill will measure between 25 and 30 degrees, with possible high wind gusts as high as 24 miles per hour. The weather service said little ice or snow accumulation is expected from the mornings wintry mix.

The rest of the week will be wintry as well, the weather service said, with temperatures ranging from the 10s to the low 30s. A cold front is approaching from the north on Monday night, the weather service predicted.

Though Monday will see sunny skies and a high near 30 degrees, wind chill values could be between 15 and 20 degrees. Monday night, temperatures will drop to the single digits with wind chill values near zero.

On Tuesday, the weather service predicts lows near zero, with windchill values before zero.

And Monday night may lead to the coldest night of the season so far, with wind chills dipping as low as 5 degrees below zero, the weather service predicted.

There is also a 20 percent chance of snow showers on Monday night, the weather service said.

Tuesday morning will be only marginally warmer, with a high near 19 degrees.
In Kazakhstan is "a disturbance of the constitutional order", Romania not being involved in any way in this area, the National Defence Minister Vasile Dincu said on Sunday, in the military port of southeastern Constanta.

He added that any event in Kazakhstan "impacts" the negotiations that NATO has at the moment with Russia.

"At the moment, the Western chancelleries and NATO are watching with concern what is happening there, in terms of the loss of human life. It seems that there is at the moment a stable situation, as it is reported from this area, from Kazakhstan. (...) For now, we are not involved in any way in this area, but whatever happens in our wider geographical area is sure to be important for the security of the area and it is the more important because, after all, any event in this area impacts the negotiations that NATO has at the moment with Russia," said the Minister of National Defense, after attending a military ceremony, answering a question about the situation in Kazakhstan, agerpres.ro informs.

"Kazakhstan is an important place for us, for Romania, not for the Romanian Army, but for Romania, our trade with Kazakhstan, the import is over one billion in terms of gas and other products like this and we hope that the situation will stabilize in this area," Vasile Dincu added.
Romania imported, in the first nine months of 2021, crude oil and natural gas in the amount of 2.498 billion euros, up by 47.3 pct compared to the same period of the previous year, according to data centralized by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).

Exports amounted, in the mentioned period, to 156.1 million euros, increasing 15.2 times, Romania registering thus in this category of products a deficit of 2.342 billion euros, Agerpres.ro informs.

In the first nine months of 2021, Romania's crude oil production was 2,409 million tonnes, down by 109,700 tonnes (-4.4 pct) compared to the same period in 2020. Also, the production of usable natural gas amounted to 6.682 billion cubic meters (+77.6 million cubic meters, +1.2 pct respectively).
Several vehicles collided on the A1 motorway on Sunday, ahead of the western Romanian border with Hungary, a person being injured and traffic diverted by police on the national road DN 7G.

According to the Arad County Police Inspectorate, the road incident took place before the Nadlac II Border Crossing Point, where an automobile and a truck collided. Shortly after, a chain buffering occurred, involving eight other vehicles.

A man from Bulgaria was injured and is being medically evaluated, Agerpres.ro informs.

According to the source, the traffic was diverted to the Nadlac city, on the descent brace on the motorway, respectively on DN 7G, thus being made the connection with the Nadlac I Border Crossing Point.

Infotrafic announces that on the A1 Deva-Nadlac motorway visibility is reduced below 100 meters due to thick fog.
The presence of military sailors in the theatres of operations demonstrates the high capacity of the Romanian Army to provide security in the extended Black Sea region, within the specific missions led by both the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union and the UN Security Council, the Minister of National Defense, Vasile Dincu, said on Sunday, in the military port of Constanta, on the occasion of the arrival in the country of the mine layer 274 Vice-Admiral Constantin Balescu.

The ship has returned from a EU-led mission in the Mediterranean Sea.

"Your sacrifice is important, because we, for the first time in Romania's history, have a security umbrella, we actively participate in a political-military alliance, an alliance that for the first time strategically assures us of our security. We participate in the actions of NATO or those of the European Union and through this we ensure the present and future security of Romania. I want to tell you that your sacrifice is not only a special effort that you make, we are very glad that through your professionalism we manage to be proud in the North Atlantic Alliance and to accomplish all the obligations we have assumed," Vasile Dincu highlighted.

He expressed the hope that new investments will be made for the endowment of the Romanian Army, so that the military will benefit from developed countries' level of endowment.

The mine and net layer 274 Vice-Admiral Constantin Balescu returned from the Mediterranean Sea on Sunday to the military port of Constanta, after participating in the European Union Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI.

According to the Naval Forces General Staff (SMFN), between October 1 and December 31, the Romanian military ship was integrated into the permanent EU naval grouping in the Mediterranean. It has carried out missions to ensure compliance with the arms embargo imposed on Libya by the United Nations and to combat illicit trafficking in petroleum products, drugs and human beings by monitoring maritime trafficking and carrying out inspections of suspicious ships in the Mediterranean Sea. It traveled 10,000 nautical miles in 1,200 hours of march, interrogated over 230 merchant ships, executed 25 IMINT (Imagery Intelligence) actions, and ten of them were visited to promote the values of the European Union and to understand the importance of regional maritime security, agerpres.ro informs.

This is the second military vessel of our country to participate in an EU-mandated operation, the first participation being recorded ten years ago, in 2012, through the participation of the King Ferdinand frigate in the EU Atalanta Operation to fight against naval piracy in the Indian Ocean (Aden Bay and Somali Basin).

Headed by captain-commander Daniel Mihai Gheorma, the Romanian military ship fulfilled, for the second year in a row, a mission of major interest for the Romanian Naval Forces. Between January and June 2020, the mine layer 274 Vice-Admiral Constantin Balescu provided the command of the permanent NATO naval group to fight against the SNMCMG-2 mines (Standing NATO Maritime Counter Measures Group Two), with which he executed specific missions in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, being the longest fighter mission executed by a Romanian military ship in a theater of naval operations.
One eagle does not a winter make. That isnt exactly what Aristotle wrote some 24 centuries ago, but its close.

Many times over the years, generally in the dead of winter, we have set out predawn in bitter cold to drive up from St. Louis along the Mississippi River in search of migrant bald eagles.

By then, as temperatures nose-dive in Minnesota, Iowa and elsewhere north of here and rivers freeze over, the magnificent birds move south for open water and the winter. They can be seen, sometimes in large numbers, around the rivers locks and dams, perched in the trees along the banks, or fishing from ice floes in the water. (The trip over a dam stuns fish, making them easier targets for the birds.)

But of course for all this to occur, it has to be seriously cold for a while, which doesnt usually happen until the end of December or in January. Yet here we were in early December, on a daylong odyssey in Missouri and Illinois hoping for some sightings. (If you dont have an entire day to spend at it, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, south of Interstate 270 off Riverview Drive can also be a fine spot to see wintering eagles.)

Pleasantly, as things turned out, eagles or no eagles, the route wed chosen is wonderfully scenic  wooded rolling hills, serene countryside, quaint towns, fine river vistas, plus theres a fine Audubon Center, the National Great Rivers Museum, three sets of locks and dams and two ferryboat rides.

Our first stop was the Audubon Center on 3,700-acre Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton. The Audubon is one of 41 such environmental education and conservation centers around the country. Its in a lovely marshland setting, overlooking grassy Ellis Island and Ellis Bay in the Mississippi.

New in 2011, the center is about five miles north of the Great Rivers confluence (Mississippi and Missouri), and on the Mississippi Flyway, one of the countrys four major routes used by migrating birds, said interpreter John McGrath. Each year, some 325 species make the round trip along the flyway, which stretches from central Canada to near the Gulf of Mexico, he said.

Dozens of exhibits featuring birds, rivers and the flyway are here. But best is the wide two-story circular bay of windows for viewing the birds and other wildlife. This day an array of ducks and trumpeter swans was on hand at the water, and a solitary  probably resident  eagle flapped in the distance over the bay.

Its too early for the eagle migration, said Harold Means, 82, a frequent visitor to the center, where his excellent raptor photos are displayed. Come back in a month and you should see plenty of birds. Disappointing, though not really unexpected.

Return to Highway 67, cross the Clark Bridge into Alton, and take River Heritage Parkway (Illinois Highway 143) south to the National Great Rivers Museum and Melvin Price Locks and Dam (tours of the dam are offered daily at 10 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.).

We stopped to see a huge nest Means had photographed; a viewing platform has been built nearby. Nothing doing there this day, but he had said a pair of bald eagles returns every year. They touch up and add to their nest  then raise a family.

Dozens of exhibits at the 9,300-square-foot museum tell the story of the Mississippi, shaped by powerful geologic forces some 600 million years ago. Yet by 4,600-million-year-old Earths reckoning, its young.

Maps illustrate the rivers many meanderings over the eons. A timeline details mans activities along it. The river is depicted in photos and text as home, highway, muse. A variety of Mississippi River fish cavort in a 1,000-gallon aquarium. And, oh, the plastic trash that gets dumped in the river  volunteers remove more than 250 tons a year. (In the entryway at the Audubon wed seen bundles of the trash crafted into poignant, elaborate mobiles by artist Libby Reuter of Washington University.)

The museums 10-minute film Where Eagles Soar, by the Missouri Department of Conservation, is a wealth of information about the bird that has been the countrys emblem since 1782. Eagles can live up to 25 years; they mate for life; dive at 60 mph. The film also explains the birds close brush with extinction, and the efforts that have brought it back.

The only bald eagle we had a good look at this day flies in a first-rate diorama featuring limestone bluffs such as those along the Mississippi, which are habitat for eagles and other birds of prey, as well as small rodents, reptiles and mud daubers.

Leaving the museum, we drove back north, through antique Alton, once the largest city in Illinois, and continued along the Great River Road, one of the loveliest drives anywhere. The road arcs along the silver-blue river, hugging the base of the towering bluffs for miles, offering superb views. Stop for a look at the mythical Piasa bird painted on a bluff just north of Alton. According to local Native American legend, the Piasa was a fire-breathing dragon that devoured humans. He does look pretty fierce.

River-town Grafton, the home of wintering bald eagles, according to signs, is 14 miles ahead. The quaint town, at the point where the Illinois River joins the Mississippi, claims just 650 residents  and it seems to have nearly as many eateries, spread along the road all through the town. We chose at random  Grafton Pub  and enjoyed the biggest (and possibly best) hamburgers wed ever had.

The Brussels (free) Ferry, run by the Illinois Department of Transportation, is a couple of miles north of town, providing pleasant five-minute rides across the mirror-smooth Illinois on the Liberty Belle, which operates 24/7.

Continue on Illinois River Road through floodplain statued with a forest of spindly trees, and stop at 9,360-acre Two Rivers Wildlife Refuge. A sign explains that the refuge, established along the Mississippi Flyway in 1958 to protect habitat for migratory birds, spans 28 miles of the Mississippi in Missouri and Illinois, and nine miles of the Illinois.

A viewing platform with spotting scope is here  but this day looked out on only a wide expanse of prairie grasses and distant misty blue hills to the north. No wintering birds here just yet.

On to tiny Centerville, then left on Golden Eagle Road  to the Golden Eagle Ferry on the Mississippi, six winding miles ahead. This landscape is a world of stout hills wrapped in cornfields, occasional trim farm houses and barns, and fine, wide scenic views, with a sudden, sharp descent to the river. (The ferry runs 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; $8 per car.)

Our next destination was Eagles Landing near Lock and Dam 25 at Winfield, Missouri. Again, no eagles as yet  though we did see an eagles nest in a giant cottonwood at the river  and it was the same story 30 miles north along Highway 79 at Clarksville, and Lock and Dam 24. Both dams have been reliable for eagle watching on other occasions, just farther into winter.

We made the drive again two weeks later  200+ miles, counting the return to St. Louis on Highway 79  with similar results: the sighting of a distant eagle in a tree through the Audubon windows our only spotting. Still, its a fun, interesting trip  really, for any time of year.

But be assured, eagle enthusiasts, there will be eagles. The Audubon Center (riverlands.audubon.org), Rivers and Routes of Southwest Illinois, Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa Street (RiversandRoutes.com) and National Great Rivers Museum (mtrf.org) have a number of eagle-related events planned  including live eagle meet and greets  for the coming weeks.

UPCOMING EAGLE EVENTS

Alton  Forty-five minute eagle watching shuttle tours will leave from the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa Street, at 10 and 11 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. on Jan. 15, 22 and 29. Tickets cost $10. RiversandRoutes.com

Grafton  Two-hour eagle watching tours will leave from the Grafton Visitor Center, 950 East Main Street, at 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, 22 and 29. Tickets cost $23. RiversandRoutes.com

Audubon Center  Raptor Saturdays and Eagle Sundays will be held at the Audubon Center, 301 Riverlands Way in West Alton, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Jan. 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 and Feb. 5, 6, 12 and 13. Live birds of prey (eagles and other raptors) from Treehouse Wildlife Center in Dow, Illinois, will be on hand, plus guided bird hikes and other activities. riverlands.audubon.org

National Great Rivers Museum  The museum, 1 Locks and Dam Way in Alton, will host Jam at the Dam at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 19. Events include wildlife presentations, eagle nest viewing and other winter-themed activities. mtrf.org
Tony Messenger Tony Messenger is the metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Tony Messenger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

It was the summer of 2015, and Fred Wellman was lost, politically speaking.

A lifelong Republican, West Point graduate and 22-year veteran of the Army, Wellman was distraught over the rise of Donald Trump, and he cut ties with the GOP after Trump famously trashed the reputation of former U.S. Sen. John McCain, who had been a prisoner of war in the Vietnam War.

It wasnt so much his saying that but the way it was accepted so easily by his supporters and my fellow veterans, Wellman says. That should, and would have been, the end of any political campaign in U.S. history, and instead it was just brushed off and even supported. I knew I had no place in that party anymore.

A public relations professional, Wellman ended up being the executive director of The Lincoln Project for a time, the political organization started by former Republican operatives who sought to defeat Trump at the polls in 2020. Last year, Wellman moved back to his native St. Louis  he graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1983  seeking purpose as he transitioned to a new stage in his life.

Jan. 6, 2021, provided the fuel for a new project. The insurrection, an attempted coup by Trump and his supporters, seeking to overturn the election he lost to President Joe Biden, marked the sort of scary turn to authoritarianism that so many people like Wellman feared during Trumps first run for office.

Now a year later, Wellman and co-founder Cyrus Shick introduced the world last week to The Beer Hall Project, a new super PAC with a goal of battling those in the Trump orbit who are trying to erase the devastation of what Jan. 6 really was: an attack on American democracy.

The erasure and rewriting of what happened that day is painfully obvious to most Americans, but for so many it is being framed as simply a mass trespassing or demonstration that got out of hand. Even as evidence mounts it was planned well ahead of time and coordinated to disrupt the Electoral College certification, Wellman says. We want to truly dive into how to break through these bubbles. We dont pretend we will find those answers ourselves and want to work with anyone who is asking those questions, highlight their work with our platforms, and spread the information to those that can use it. We have to figure this out before we lose our republic.

The Beer Projects first video, narrated by actor Ed Norton, whom Wellman met on the social platform Twitter, compares the Jan. 6 insurrection with another time in history: Adolf Hitlers Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, a failed coup by Hitler and his fellow Nazis that, because of Germanys weak response to it  Hitler served just nine months in prison  became fuel for the eventual takeover of the country.

There is a familiar rhythm to what happened there, and then, Norton says on the video, titled Parallels, and what is happening here and now. First, they try brute force ... then they co-opt the process. ... Right now, the Republican Party is restricting voting rights across the country and installing followers in all levels of the election process so they can do in 2024 what they failed to do in 2020  steal the election.

Wellman and Shick, a former campaign staffer for ex-U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, both Democrats, plan for The Beer Hall Project to elevate truthful discussion about what happened Jan. 6. They have chosen as a key target for their organization U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, the Missouri Republican whose objection to the election results helped fuel the insurrection. A silhouette of the infamous photo of Hawley raising his fist to cheer on the insurrectionists is the organizations logo.

We have a lot of problems that were facing in this country, and my patriotism teaches me that we can solve them all. But whats standing in our way is the cancer of nihilism, cynicism, and disinformation, Shick says.

Its an ambitious goal  battling the disinformation put out by copious Trumpian propagandists  but one that is necessary if American democracy is to be saved, Wellman says: If you cant see the incredibly critical moment we face, its only because you arent paying attention. Cyrus and I arent famous or important, but we wanted to do something more than complaining to our friends. We all have to do our part. Democracy can die here. Its happened before, elsewhere.

For the record, Im one of those friends Wellman complains to. We met when he moved back to St. Louis. One of his biggest concerns is the effect of the insurrection on people in the military and veterans like him, who have a long and distinguished history in America of serving the countrys commander in chief with distinction, regardless of political party.

Trump changed that, not just when he trashed a veteran like McCain but when he went after the career of soldiers like Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, whose wife, Rachel, is a supporter of The Beer Hall Project.

So many Americans are carrying on thinking its politics as normal and completely unaware of the far rights efforts to attack our democracy, Vindman says. The historic example is right there to see. They just need to see it.

From City Hall to the Capitol, metro columnist Tony Messenger shines light on what public officials are doing, tells stories of the disaffected, and brings voice to the issues that matter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
PAHRUMP, Nev.  The woman dubbed the Hollywood Madam when she was accused in the mid-1990s of running a Los Angeles prostitution ring said she is moving out of a southern Nevada town where she has lived for about 15 years.

Heidi Fleiss told the Pahrump Valley Times she is angry that someone shot one of her cherished pet parrots with a pellet gun just before Christmas.

Fleiss told the newspaper she contacted Nye County Animal Control officers and kept the pellet that a veterinarian removed from the birds leg as evidence. She said she would pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the shooter.

Fleiss said she bought a property in the Missouri Ozarks, where she plans to relocate her exotic bird collection by the end of February.

Fleiss, 56, has lived for about 15 years in Pahrump, a high desert community about 60 miles west of Las Vegas.

Her pandering conviction was overturned in California, but she served 20 months of a federal prison sentence for a 1996 tax evasion conviction.

She later moved to southern Nevada with a menagerie of parrots, and was a close friend of Dennis Hof, owner of several legal brothels in Nevada and star of the HBO adult reality series Cathouse.

Hof ran for state Legislature in 2018. He fashioned himself as a Donald Trump-style Republican and won the election despite having been found dead a month earlier after celebrating his 72nd birthday.
The United States and Russia find themselves reviving Cold War tactics when it comes to using or defeating guerilla warfare. The Soviet Union, and communist movements it sponsored around the world for over half a century, adapted ancient irregular warfare to 20th century technology and politics. The Western World War II Allies, especially the U.S., and Britain, developed successful techniques to foster and support resistance movements in areas occupied by the Germans or Japanese.

Russia was a special case because it had to operate both in support of guerillas and in suppressing them. About half the population of the Soviet Union preferred to be independent and during the Cold War Russia did not publicize its internal counter-insurgency operations as much as they did successful World War II and post-World War II insurgent operations. Some of the World War II era Soviet insurgents were not just hostile to the Germans but also to the Soviet forces. After World War II Russia found itself successfully using insurgent operations to impose communist government in East European nations where they had chased the Germans out of at the end of the war. Inside the Soviet Union there were anti-communist insurgents seeking to expel the Russians in places like Ukraine, where the Russia was still fighting the Ukrainian insurgents into the 1950s.

At the same time the U.S. Army created its Special Forces in the 1950s, to revive anti-communist insurgent operations in areas occupied or threated by Russian or communist forces. The U.S. had a long tradition of winning and defeating insurgent operations, including post-World War II communist ones.

The United States freed itself from the British Empire with one of the first modern insurgent operations. The British American colonies contained an unusually (for the time) literate and well-armed rural population. Before the revolution the British tolerated and often encouraged local militias to share the cost of defending their American colonies against local and European threats. During the revolution the American insurgents started small, driving British forces and officials out of most colonies. The various rebellious colonies united and formed a regular army. This force was not meant to defeat British troops in conventional battles, but to exist as a threat while American insurgents made life difficult for the British and German mercenary troops who were better trained and equipped for conventional warfare but were confined to urban areas by the numerous insurgents and the threat from the rebel army led by George Washington, a former militia commander who had campaigned alongside British regulars. Washington understood that his main job was to keep his army intact so it could threaten British forces who would otherwise defeat the insurgents one area at a time. The rebels sent skilled emissaries to Europe to cultivate foreign support for the rebellion. That succeeded in bringing French ground and naval forces, seeking revenge against the British more than independence for the American colonists. The French understood that the rebels were too strong for the French forces to usurp and turn the British colonies into French colonies. The French did appreciate the failed American rebel efforts to extend their rebellion to the former French colony (Quebec) in Canada. French forces returned to France just in time to get involved in the French Revolution, usually as rebels with practical experience in carrying out a successful rebellion.

Before and after World War II American forces successfully defeated over a dozen major insurgencies. There were some insurgencies that succeeded despite American intervention and those provided confirmation that under certain circumstances insurgencies succeed or fail more because of the presence of foreign intervention (with weapons and other supplies, not troops) than the determination of the rebels.

This brings us to the 2020s where American and Russian Special Forces are confronting each other in several regions, especially Eastern Europe (Ukraine) and the Middle East (Syria). The Russians are trying to suppress another Ukrainian insurgency, which succeeded in 1991 with an independent Ukraine. Since 2000 the Russian government has been dominated by former Cold War era KGB officers who consider the demise of the Soviet Union a tragic loss for mankind and are trying to repair that damage. In 2014 the Russians used their well-tested insurgency techniques to take one Ukrainian province (Crimea) and half of two other provinces in Eastern Ukraine. The Russians were hoping for a collapse of Ukrainian morale, which would allow the Russians to seize all of Ukraine. This turned out to be overly optimistic as the Ukrainians had more resolve, and foreign assistance, than during their failed insurgencies of the 1940s and 50s. One of the primary reasons for going after Ukraine was to prevent this former key component of the Soviet Union from joining NATO, as many other new nations created by the collapse of the Soviet Union and communist controlled nations in East Europe by 1991 had already done.

In Syria the Russian Special Forces (or Spetsnaz) succeeded in keeping the Assad government alive, despite a seemingly overwhelming rebel threat in 2011. Russia Special Forces and diplomacy saved the Assad government and left Russia with a long-term lease for a naval base and military air base on the Syrian Mediterranean coast. There were also profitable economic opportunities. The Russian special operations troops also confronted their American counterparts and found the U.S. forces more formidable than expected. The American Special Forces also noted that the new Russian Special Forces were quite capable, having learned from earlier defeats in the 1990s. There are also Russian and American Special Forces in Ukraine, more to evaluate each other than to fight.

The Americans consider the current Russian Special Forces as competitive with their Western equivalents and a more serious threat than during the Cold War. Both Russia and the Americans have also noted that China has developed competent, and sometimes world class, Special Forces and counter-insurgency capabilities. There are other new players from places like Iran, Israel and Turkey. The Israelis were long noted for their skills in insurgency operations, but they rarely operated far from Israel. Iran has, via its Quds Force, become active, and often successful, throughout the Middle East as well as distant areas like Venezuela and other parts of South America.

Both Russia and the United States have made greater use of armed military contractors. The armed contractors are usually military veterans, often with special operations experience. Both Russia and the Americans hire or support armed locals to sustain their insurgent or counter-insurgent operations. For example, Americans continue to work with autonomous Kurds in northern Iraq and neighboring northeast Syria. In return for sustaining Kurdish autonomy, the Kurds became a key element in defeating Islamic terrorists in general and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) in particular in both countries. The Russians use Syrian Arab mercenaries in Syria and Libya.

Irregular warfare operations are still fundamentally the same as they were a century ago but the major practitioners have also adapted to new technology and opportunities. Russia has had a hard time keeping up with the competition. The U.S., especially after it united all the special operations troops into one command (SOCOM or Special Operations Command) in the 1980s, was able to find and take advantage of new technology and still attract enough qualified volunteers for the exacting training and challenges encountered after the Cold War ended in 1991.

The low point for Russian special operations troops was 1999-2004, during the height of the Second Chechen War. Spetsnaz and airborne troops suffered major reversals and defeats at the hands of Chechen guerrilla fighters, with an entire company of supposedly "elite" paratroopers being wiped out during one infamous battle. The most embarrassing moment for Russia's elite was the 2002 Moscow theater siege and the 2004 Beslan school siege. During the former, Spetsnaz troops, instead of executing a well-planned attack on the hostage-takers, bungled the rescue operation resulting in the deaths of hundreds of hostages along with all the terrorists. During the Beslan incident Russian special forces conducted a conventional-style assault on the building, including the reckless use of rocket launchers with incendiary warheads, tanks, and RPG-7V1s to blast their way into the school. Both incidents not only damaged Russia's reputation abroad, as it was seen as callously disregarding the lives of its own citizens, but also the reputation of the country's best soldiers.

After Beslan, Spetsnaz leaders decided to set things right and by 2014 the improvements were obvious. For example, Russians know that their elite forces are the most effective, reliable troops they have and can't afford to have them spread thinly across the military in different formations. Instead the Russians concentrated their most effective troops into specific units and proved the resources for these few units to train and be equipped for immediate use.

One of the more public examples of this was seen in 2008 when a Spetsnaz reconnaissance battalion led the Russian invasion of Georgia in the Caucasus and displayed a high degree of skill and ability. Spetsnaz soldiers obviously had a lot of new equipment, as they could be seen employing a wide variety of specially developed small arms and light weapons.

Russia has several different special operations, or Spetsnaz organizations and most are of recent origin. After World War II it took the Soviet Union a while to note the success of U.S. and American commandos and attempt to emulate their success. In the 1960s, the Red Army began to organize "troops of special purpose" ("Spetsialnoye nazranie", or Spetsnaz for short) units. The Soviet Union had always had some form of commandos but they were special units of the secret police (KGB). For special operations the army would form temporary units consisting entirely of officers.

The original Spetsnaz were organized more like a massive use of commando teams. A Spetsnaz brigade of 1,300 men could field about 100 8-10-man teams. A Spetsnaz company had 135 men further divided into 15 independent teams. The actual organization of these brigades was four parachute battalions, an assassin company, a headquarters, and support troops (mainly communications). A naval Spetsnaz brigade had two battalions of "combat swimmers" comparable to U.S. SEALs, a parachute battalion, a midget submarine company, and other units the army Spetsnaz brigades had. There were also many independent Spetsnaz companies assigned to armies or smaller units.

In wartime each team would be given an objective to destroy deep inside enemy territory. Or, if not to destroy something, to go deep and find out what was happening in the enemy rear. Put simply, the job of the Spetsnaz was reconnaissance and sabotage. The Spetsnaz teams would get to the target by parachute, ship, submarine, or as "tourists" before the war began. At the height of the Cold War the Soviet Union had about 30,000 Spetsnaz in service.

There was one flaw with this system: most of the Spetsnaz troopers have long been conscripts, in the army for two years. The Russians made this work by being selective in who they accepted from the conscripts who volunteered for the Spetsnaz and putting the recruits through a rigorous, and violent, training program. You could think of the Soviet era Spetsnaz as paratroopers with additional training in demolitions, infiltration and reconnaissance techniques, along with foreign language training, which many Russian conscripts achieved sufficient fluency in high school. Perhaps most importantly, the Spetsnaz recruits were taught to think for themselves. This was a rare directive in the Soviet (or Russian) armed forces. But for commandos to be effective they had to think independently, and the Soviets realized this when they set up the Spetsnaz and the Spetsnaz training program.

During the Soviet period the Spetsnaz were seen as an elite organization and a career enhancing thing to have on one's resume. The Spetsnaz had more volunteers than it needed and would often take the top graduates from other selective training programs. A favorite method was to send Spetsnaz applicants to the six-month NCO course, which had a high wash out rate. Those who made it through were competent leaders and just the kind of people the Spetsnaz needed. Even after the Soviet Union fell the Spetsnaz were still seen as elite. It did not go unnoticed that Spetsnaz veterans were always in demand as well-paid bodyguards and security experts.

The Soviets knew they were getting a lot of eager, motivated, and not thoroughly trained Spetsnaz troopers. But they had so many of them that it was felt enough of them would do enough damage to make it all worthwhile. We'll never know if the original plan would have worked, but the Spetsnaz were effective during the 1980s Afghanistan war. The main reason wasn't the superior Spetsnaz combat skills but their initiative and ability to think for themselves. The Afghans facing them noted this and learned to clear out of any area where Spetsnaz were operating in.

The Spetsnaz recognized the need for career troops for some jobs. The assassin company in each Spetsnaz brigade was staffed with 70-80 career soldiers, whose job was to find, identify, and kill key enemy political and military leaders.

When the Soviet Union fell in 1991 the Spetsnaz didn't disappear. The new nations formed from parts of the Soviet Union inherited any Spetsnaz units stationed in their territory. Many of these non-Russian Spetsnaz still exist, although most are not of the same quality as they were when the Soviet Union still existed. Although there are fewer Spetsnaz today there are still about 10,000 of them in Russian service. And most of them are career soldiers. Currently more than half are careerists, versus 20-30 percent during the Soviet period. Eventually all Spetsnaz will be volunteers because conscription is fading away in Russia. Many of the current Spetsnaz are specialists, with specific skills needed for underwater operations (like U.S. SEALs) and anti-terrorist operations (like the U.S. Delta Force). The post-Soviet Union Russian government maintained the strength of their commandos because they knew they would need some skilled and dependable troops for emergencies.

The Spetsnaz selection and training methods were used to create commando units in the FSB (the successor of the KGB), the Interior Ministry (the national police), and various other paramilitary organizations. But most (about two-thirds) of the 15,000 Spetsnaz troops are in the ten army Spetsnaz Brigades.

Russia had much less money for its special operations forces after 1991 and had to buy as much of the new Western gear as they could. The Russian defense industries rapidly declined in the 1990s as did the number of qualified personnel available. Rebuilding took over a decade and fundamental reforms were necessary to create the current force. Russia still has an edge with its less restrictive ROE (Rules of Engagement) than the Americans. The current Spetsnaz also suffers from less popular support. Too many Spetsnaz combat deaths, especially outside Russia, is a major problem. Russia gets around this by using more expensive military contractors for the most dangerous jobs. When a lot of contractors get killed there is less of a problem with public opinion back in Russia. After all, the military contractors are not officially soldiers and get paid more to face such risks. After 1991 the Russian military found they had an image problem that the average Russian could now openly express in many ways. Evading conscription became more acceptable and lower post-1991 birth rates among a Russian population that was half the size of the Soviet Unions added to the problem. The desired all-volunteer force is indefinitely delayed and few military contractors can be hired because the money is not there.

SOCOM has five times as many personnel as all Russian special operations forces combined, and all the Americans are career volunteers. SOCOM personnel encountering their Russian counterparts in Ukraine and several foreign areas found that the Russians are still formidable, but a long way from meeting Western standards. This is one reason Russia wants to keep Ukraine out of NATO, because joining NATO and the EU means meeting Western military standards and access to Western economies to spur economic growth. Keeping Ukraine out of NATO is what the Russians are after and the Russian leader, a former KGB officer, has been increasingly aggressive with his demands, but no longer threatening nuclear war over it. Earlier nuclear threats did not go over well in Russia, where public opinion is even more important than during the Soviet period. Even Stain quietly tracked public opinion and when the secret KGB reports on that opinion revealed problems, Stalin quietly adjusted his methods to calm the population. The Soviet Union eventually collapsed because too many Russians refused to believe, or obey, their government. Some things never change, even if they are state secrets.
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) is pleased to announce the election of four new partners to the firms partnership effective January 1, 2022: Andrea Stein Fuelleman of the Intellectual Property group, Eric M. McLimore of the Taxation group, David C. Presser of the Corporate & Securities group and Collette A. Woghiren of the Litigation group.

This is a special moment for the firm. Each one of this diverse group of talented lawyers are highly regarded in their respective areas of law and deliver exceptional results for our clients. The promotions of Andrea, Eric, David and Collette reflect NGEs ongoing commitment to excellence in a year defined by a global health crisis, said Managing Partner Robert G. Gerber. This dynamic group contributes to our inclusive, collaborative and industrious culture in meaningful ways and we know that they will continue to raise the bar as our partners and leaders in years to come. We are incredibly proud of each of them and thrilled to welcome them to our partnership.

Fuelleman focuses her practice on brand protection and intellectual property enforcement matters. She counsels clients on developing and managing international anticounterfeiting programs and online enforcement programs and assisting clients with various trademark and copyright matters, including clearance, registration, prosecution, portfolio management and enforcement. She also works with clients to structure licensing agreements to commercialize their intellectual property. Fuelleman received her J.D. from University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (cum laude) and her B.A. from Ohio University.

McLimore advises corporations, partnerships and individuals on international, federal, state and local tax planning, transactional and controversy matters. He focuses on tax matters concerning income, employment, and sales and use tax issues and controversies arising from business formations and reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, and other business transactions. A certified public accountant, Eric represents clients in all phases of complex tax concerns. McLimore received his J.D. from the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and his B.A. from Claremont McKenna College.

Pressers practice focuses on private equity, venture capital and hedge fund formations. He advises fund sponsors on all stages of fund formation and compliance with securities law, regulations and contractual provisions. David also advises limited partners investing in private funds, including negotiating the terms of limited partnership agreements and side letters, co-investments and managed accounts. Additionally, David advises clients on forming various special purpose vehicles to invest with third-party investors in seed, early-stage and late-stage emerging companies. Presser received his J.D. from the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law (cum laude) and his B.A. from Northwestern University.

Woghiren represents clients in complex civil litigation matters impacting their businesses nationwide, including breach of contract, tort defense, business torts and products liability. She has served as co-first chair before state and federal courts and represents pro bono clients in all phases of litigation, ranging from employment law to civil rights actions. She is a three-time winner of the prestigious Excellence in Pro Bono Service award presented by The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and The Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. Woghiren received her J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, her M.A. from Georgia State University, and her B.A. from Florida State University.

About NGE

Neal Gerber Eisenberg is a leading law firm dedicated to handling sophisticated matters for entrepreneurs, public companies, and private businesses and their owners. More than one-third of the lawyers at Neal Gerber Eisenberg were recognized in 2021 in Best Lawyers, and the firm represents scores of the Fortune 100 and many of the best-known private companies. The firm also acts as the trusted advisers to nonprofits, startups, growth companies and entrepreneurs. The firm has built over thirty years of trusted partnerships with clients that span the globe, and we meet each unique client need with the same personalized service and collaboration that provide the most practical solutions for every matter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220107005436/en/

John Albrighton

Marketing and Business Development Director

p: (312) 269-8065

e: [email protected]

Source: Neal Gerber Eisenberg
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At CES 2022, SK Telecom, SK Square and SK hynix announced the launch of the 'SK ICT Alliance' to jointly develop and invest in ICT convergence technologies, and create global market opportunities.

The alliance comes as SK hynix celebrates the tenth year since joining the SK Group and SK Square successfully spun off from SK Telecom, marking the beginning of a new era of synergies between semiconductor, telecommunication and investment.

With the aim to secure global competitiveness in diverse ICT areas such as semiconductors, 5G and AI, the three companies plan to carry out joint business activities in the global market by leveraging SK Square's innovative investment, SK Telecom's AI and 5G technologies and SK hynix's future semiconductor technologies.

From January 2022, the three companies will operate 'Synergy Council' chaired by Vice Chairman Park Jung-ho, and joined by Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, and Lee Seok-Hee, CEO of SK hynix. The Synergy Council will be the highest decision making body, where the executives discuss R&D cooperation and joint investments in semiconductor and ICT areas, and promote global market expansion.

Increasing the presence of SK Telecom's self-developed AI semiconductor SAPEON

SK Telecom, SK Square and SK hynix will first create synergies in introducing SK Telecom's AI chip SAPEON* to the global market. The three companies will jointly invest to establish SAPEON Inc. in the U.S. and make inroads into the global AI semiconductor market.

* SAPEON is SK Telecom's self-developed AI chip launched in November 2020. Although it is about half the price of a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), its deep learning computation speed is 1.5 times faster and it uses 20% less power than GPU.

SK Telecom plans to lead the development of SAPEON-related technologies by leveraging its R&D capabilities and service experience accumulated in 5G and AI. In the mid-to long-term, the company will expand its SAPEON model lineup by developing AI chips dedicated to data centers and autonomous driving.

SK Telecom will also promote synergies between its AI semiconductor and SK hynix's semiconductor memory technologies, while also attracting strategic and financial investors in cooperation with SK Square.

SAPEON Inc. will serve as an outpost for expanding the AI semiconductor business to the global market by attracting U.S.-based big tech companies as major clients. It will also secure an edge in luring semiconductor development experts and drawing in outside investors. Moreover, as the subsidiary of SAPEON Inc., SAPEON Korea will take charge of business in Korea and the Asian region.

Projecting that the convergence of AI and metaverse will define the future world of ICT, SK Telecom plans to innovate its three key services, T Universe, Ifland and AI Agent, in an accelerated manner. Moreover, it will also introduce new services by adding connected intelligence to future devices such as UAM aircrafts, self-driving cars and robots.

"By proactively responding to changes taking place in the areas of AI, metaverse and 5G, we will prepare ourselves for the next decade," said Ryu Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom.

Creating an ICT investment capital of over KRW 1 trillion

SK Telecom, SK Square and SK hynix plan to establish a base to make investments overseas this year and attract investment from overseas financial investors to create and operate a total investment capital of over KRW 1 trillion. Detailed discussions on investments are already underway with prominent global investors.

With this investment capital, the three companies will actively invest in companies with innovative technologies such as AI, metaverse, block chain and semiconductors.

Through these investment activities, they will be able to stay ahead of the convergence trend within the ICT industry and discover unicorns that can change the industrial landscape, which will lead to valuable business synergies.

SK Telecom and SK hynix will be able to strengthen business partnerships with the companies they invested in or even secure an advantage in the acquisition of these companies in the future. SK Square expects to build a good track record as an investment company, while increasing its corporate value.

According to market research company Mergermarket, the size of the global buyout market reached around KRW 1,400 trillion (USD 1.172 trillion) in 2021, increasing by about twofold from the previous year. Industries are being rapidly reorganized via M&As between global companies, and those that fail to keep up with this trend are left behind the competition.

SK hynix to increase its global market presence through 'Inside America' strategy

SK hynix aims to become a top global tech company that leads the rapidly changing ICT industry.

Recently, the semiconductor market is witnessing more diversified demand from sectors like AI, autonomous driving and metaverse, and pluralization is taking place within the system architecture field like CPU, GPU and MPU. Since the existing law of competition no longer applies to this market, it is imperative for companies to develop new business models and technologies to remain competitive.

With the acquisition of Intel's NAND and SSD business, SK hynix is now fully set to strengthen the competitiveness of its NAND flash business. The company also aims to break away from its existing role as a semiconductor supplier and become a company that leads future technologies along with global ICT companies.

Moreover, SK hynix will carry out its 'Inside America' strategy in the U.S., world's largest ICT market and battlefield, to enhance its business competitiveness and expand into new partnerships. It will also establish a new business unit and R&D center in the U.S. Based on SK hynix's competitiveness, the three companies expect to strengthen their collaboration with global ICT companies.

"SK hynix will take a leap to become a top-notch global tech company by offering more innovative technologies and products, and creating value for the society and humanity," said Lee Seok-Hee, CEO of SK hynix.

Meanwhile, SK Square plans to accelerate the creation of synergies among the three companies by making innovative investments. In response to SK hynix's moves towards global market expansion and new technology development, SK Square will make joint investments in the semiconductor ecosystem. In parallel, it will increase its investment in platforms that will drive future innovations such as metaverse and blockchain.

SK Square will also enter the new global block chain market by leveraging Korbit, a virtual asset exchange it recently invested in, and build a blockchain-based economic system in collaboration with SK Telecom's metaverse platform Ifland.

"This year, the SK ICT Alliance will join forces to achieve new innovations and make a big leap forward in the global market," said Park Jung-ho, Vice Chairman and CEO of SK Square and SK hynix. "As leading players in the global semiconductor and ICT industries, we will also make best efforts to contribute to the Korean economy."

About SK Telecom

SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM) is Korea's leading ICT company, driving innovations in fixed & wireless telecommunications, AI service, and digital infrastructure service. Armed with cutting-edge ICT including AI and 5G, the company is ushering in a new level of convergence to deliver unprecedented value to customers. As the global 5G pioneer, SKT is committed to realizing the full potential of 5G through ground-breaking services that can improve people's lives, transform businesses, and lead to a better society.

SKT boasts unrivaled leadership in the Korean mobile market with over 30 million subscribers, which account for nearly 50 percent of the market.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit our LinkedIn page www.linkedin.com/company/sk-telecom.

About SK hynix Inc.

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world's top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips ("DRAM"), Flash memory chips ("NAND Flash") and CMOS Image Sensors ("CIS") for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company's shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxemburg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sk-telecom-sk-square-and-sk-hynix-launch-sk-ict-alliance-for-synergies-301456186.html

SOURCE SK Telecom
TICKERS: LIT; PNXLF; OAY3, AZT; AZZTF, FIND; BSENF, CIA, DV; DOLLF, GSHR; GSHRF, WCU; WCUFF

Source: The Critical Investor (1/9/22)

The Critical Investor was asked again by Streetwise Reports to provide his top 7 picks for the new year  at a point where the COVID-19 pandemic is playing out the Omicron variant, inflation is reaching levels not seen in decades, the Fed surprising the markets with a more hawkish stance than anticipated, with metal prices at very high levels although gold and silver seem to be consolidating and setting up for a breakout.



Since my portfolio usually consists of a mix of commodities, themes, and stages, this year is no different. For example uranium is a commodity that could gain momentum this year. I anticipate a potential run for 2022 in uranium related equities, as I view the Sprott Uranium Trust efforts to kickstart utility contract buying by cornering a significant part of the spot market not without merit, since I expect Sprott to have done their homework before they intend to spend US$1.3B on uranium oxide speculation. My uranium play of choice is an explorer, with in my opinion the single best uranium geologist at the helm, who among other discoveries found the Arrow deposit (owned by NexGen Energy): James Sykes.

Another interesting theme is the EV market, and its related metals like copper and lithium. Although lithium product prices are trending extremely high right now (US$34,000/t battery grade carbonate), and could correct soon, I expect them to remain well above US$20,000-25,000/t for the foreseeable future, still rendering lots of lithium projects extremely economic.

After watching the explosive run-up and crashing down of the iron ore price, it seems the bottom is in, and I selected the primary pure play on this metal to follow an eventual recovery.

The cornerstone of my holdings consists of a number of precious metals plays in various stages, although I must express some preference for advanced plays here, after running into a fair share of failures with binary, early-stage exploration narratives. So no swing-for-the-fences 2050 baggers here for this year, but several (at least in my view) solid chances for 35 baggers.

Without further ado, here are my top seven picks for 2022.

1. World Copper Ltd. (WCU.V)

Market cap C$44.68M, share price C$0.74, cash position C$5M

We kick off with World Copper, a copper developer, who owns 2 advanced copper projects, Escalones (oxides/sulfides) in Chile and Zonia (oxides) in Arizona, and a greenfields copper project, Cristal, also in Chile. Management and Board of Directors contain some heavyweights, like Executive Director Marcelo Awad (18 years with Codelco, 8 years CEO of Antofagasta), Roberto Freraut (just retired early as Exploration Manager for Codelco Chile), and Patrick Burns (directly involved in the discovery of Escondida and Zaldivar). A 2018 PEA was completed on the Zonia oxide project, where a M&I resource of 77M short tons (@0.33% Cu) and Inferred resource of 27M short tonnes (@0.28%) result in an after-tax NPV8 of US$192M and IRR of 29% based on a copper price of US$3.00/lb Cu. At a US$4.00/lb Cu copper price the after-tax NPV8 increases to US$447M.

The Escalones project contains an Inferred 426Mt @0.47% Cu oxide resource, and when benchmarking this to the Marimaca oxide project (owned by Marimaca Copper > MARI.TO), a back-of-the-envelope NPV8 estimate of US$1B based on $4.00/lb Cu doesnt seem unrealistic at all. The Escalones PEA is expected soon, at the end of January. There is also lots of exploration potential to expand the Escalones deposit. On top of this, World Copper is planning a small drill program at their Cristal project of 4-6 holes of 500-1,000m each, to test large porphyry potential.

2. Aztec Minerals Inc. (AZT:TSX.V; AZZTF:OTCQB)

Market cap C$14.29M, share price C$0.22, cash position C$2M

An interesting advanced explorer in the Americas is Aztec Minerals, founded by Chairman Bradford Cooke, who also founded (and is Executive Chairman of) Endeavour Silver (EDR.TO, C$835M market cap). Aztec is operating two JV-ed projects, Tombstone (65/35) in Arizona, and Cervantes (75/25) in Sonora, Mexico. Both projects have already seen enough drilling to calculate some back-of-the-envelope estimates, and for both projects potential estimates come in at 600-800koz Au.

The mineralization for both projects is hosted in heap leachable oxides, and intercepted grades so far for both projects indicate pretty economic potential. The wildcard for both projects is large scale exploration potential at depth: at Tombstone the company is focusing on CRD style mineralization, at Cervantes drilling is ongoing at porphyry gold-copper targets. Drill results for Cervantes are expected in the second half of February, another drill program for Tombstone is being planned.

3. Baselode Energy Corp. (FIND:TSX.V; BSENF:OTCQB)

Market cap C$74,79M, share price C$0.91, cash position C$20M

When people talk about uranium exploration in the Athabasca Basin, there is basically one name to rule them all: James Sykes. The CEO of Baselode Energy singlehandedly discovered the Tier I Arrow deposit of NexGen Energy (currently at a market cap of C$2.8B, just based on developing Arrow) against orders from management who told him to drill elsewhere, before this he expanded the Roughrider deposit of Hathor Exploration (sold to Rio Tinto for C$654M) by remodeling their data and showing a completely different strike direction of mineralization, and in turn caused Fission Energy to discover the high grade J-Zone directly adjacent to and on strike with this new strike direction of Roughrider, and this J-Zone was bought by Denison a few years later for C$70M.

A long story short: Sykes knows how to find uranium like no other, and he is now running his own show over at Baselode. Their flagship project is called Hook, with the current focus on the Ackio-GMX target, and they already made a near surface high grade discovery in a basement-hosted host rock environment, comparable to Arrow and Roughrider. The only difference is that Sykes is looking just outside the traditional boundaries of the Athabasca Basin, to see if he can avoid the technical challenges that a lot of the current Basin mines and deposits are facing. The company has strong institutional support, as 50% is owned by them, an equally strong cash position, and drilling is ongoing.

4. Argentina Lithium and Energy Corp. (LIT:TSX; PNXLF:OTC; OAY3:FSE)

Market cap C$29.38M, share price C$0.40, cash position C$6.5M

As a member of the Grosso Group, Argentina Lithium is firmly focused on Argentina for doing business. Joe Grosso and his people have been conducting exploration and development for decades in the LatAm country, and as such know exactly how to successfully navigate the sometimes complex processes in Argentina. After a period of relative inactivity due to lowering lithium sentiment, Argentina Lithium acquired several prospective brine lithium properties in the so-called Lithium Triangle, raised almost C$6M, and is completing surveys and exploration permitting at the moment, as preparation for drill programs at 2 of their projects later this year.

One of these projects is the Rincon West project, and interestingly the next door Rincon project (owned by Rincon Mining, a private company owned by Sentient Equity Partners) was recently acquired by Rio Tinto for $825M. With lithium product prices at all time highs and over 4 times the levels needed to render 300-400Mg/L Li grades for brines economic, there seems to be a pretty good chance at exploration success this summer.

5. Champion Iron Ltd (CIA:ASX)

Market cap C$2.72B, share price C$5.38, cash position net positive C$182.9M

Champion Iron is the largest listed pure play iron ore producer in the world and also managed very well, and as such for me the best possible proxy for the iron ore price. The company is looking to meaningfully expand their production (from 7.4Mt to 15Mt per annum), while the iron ore price is recovering again. Flagship project Bloom Lake is projected to double production after the ongoing Phase II expansion is completed. Over fiscal year 2021 Champion Ore realized C$819.5M in EBITDA, but already C$605.8M in EBITDA over the first 6 months of fiscal year 2022 (ending Sept 30, 2021).

Champion Iron has some of the best quality iron ore at Bloom Lake, and is one of the lowest cost producers in the world. The company also owns the nearby 7.8Mtpa Kami project (once explored and developed by Alderon Iron Ore, which defaulted on debt repayments, seeing creditor Sprott seizing the asset, followed by the acquisition by Champion in 2021), planning to update the FS by the end of 2022. Fun part is Champion also acquired Bloom Lake out of bankruptcy protection years ago. Another large project is their former flagship 9.3Mtpa Fire Lake North project.

6. Dolly Varden Silver Corp. (DV:TSX.V; DOLLF:OTCQX)

Market cap C$82.46M, share price C$0.63, cash position C$15M

After acquiring the Homestake Ridge project from Fury Gold Mines for C$50M (C$5M in cash and C$45M in equity, causing the pro forma market cap to increase by 58% after closing of the transaction), Dolly Varden Silver gained almost 1Moz high grade Au, and 20Moz Ag, next door to their namesake Dolly Varden project which already contained 32.9Moz Ag Ind and 11.4Moz Ag Inf. The combined project will be called Kitsault Valley project, and will benefit from synergies when developed into a mine.

The Homestake Ridge project had a PEA completed in 2020, providing already sound economics at an after-tax NPV5 of US$173M at conservative metal prices. At current spot prices I estimate the NPV5 to increase to over US$300M. When combining the two projects, a back-of-the-envelope estimate of economics generated a hypothetical NPV5 of US$500M. Dolly Varden management is looking at a season of exploration first, in order to unlock the size and potential of the deposits, providing a solid base for the combined PEA. Eric Sprott owns 11% of the company.

7. Goldshore Resources Inc. (GSHR:TSX; GSHRF:OTC:F:8X00)

Market cap C$72.74M, share price C$0.63, cash position C$16M

Goldshore Resources is a relatively new explorer/developer that listed in the summer of last year. Their Moss Lake project was acquired from Wesdome for about C$52M in staged payments, of which C$32M has been completed now, and the balance is due in shares only. The Moss Lake deposit has a 2013 historic resource of 4Moz Au, with most of it being open pit potential, at an average historic grade of 1.1g/t. The 2013 PEA resulted in an after-tax NPV5 of US$444M based on a gold price of US$1700/oz Au.

Management aims at proving up 6-8 Moz Au, which would mean a Tier I deposit. As it is a large project, this means a lot of drilling, and management doesnt shy away from the task, and initiated a 100,000m drill program, planned to be completed at the end of Q2, 2022, and is looking to go on full force with 4-5 drill rigs after this, of course depending on drill results and market conditions which will determine pricing and timing of capital raises.

Management is looking to prove up and meaningfully expand the resource and as a consequence the open pit size and depth as well, and is looking at lots of other parameters to improve. For example recoveries in the 2013 PEA were just 80-85%, management thinks it could improve them to maybe even as high as 95%. Other items are strip ratio, average grade, processing and mine production.

* * *

This concludes my article about my top picks for 2022, I hope you found some interesting starting points for doing your own due diligence, as always. To never miss a thing, please subscribe to my free newsletter at http://www.criticalinvestor.eu/, in order to get an email notice of my new articles soon after they are published.

The Critical Investor is a newsletter and comprehensive junior mining platform, providing analysis, blog and newsfeed and all sorts of information about junior mining. The editor is an avid and critical junior mining stock investor from The Netherlands, with an MSc background in construction/project management. Number cruncher at project economics, looking for high-quality companies, mostly growth/turnaround/catalyst-driven to avoid too much dependence/influence of long-term commodity pricing/market sentiments, and often looking for long-term deep value.

Getting burned in the past himself at junior mining investments by following overly positive sources that more often than not avoided to mention (hidden) risks or critical flaws, The Critical Investor learned his lesson well, and goes a few steps further ever since, providing a fresh, more in-depth, and critical vision on things, hence the name.

[NLINSERT]

The author is not a registered investment advisor, and currently has a position in these stocks: World Copper Ltd., Aztec Minerals Inc., Baselode Energy Corp., Argentina Lithium and Energy Corp., Champion Iron Ltd, Dolly Varden Silver Corp., and Goldshore Resources Inc.

Aztec Minerals Inc., Argentina Lithium and Energy Corp., and Dolly Varden Silver Corp. are sponsoring companies. All facts are to be checked by the reader. For more information go to the companys website and read the companys profile and official documents on www.sedar.com, also for important risk disclosures. This article is provided for information purposes only, and is not intended to be investment advice of any kind, and all readers are encouraged to do their own due diligence, and talk to their own licensed investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions.

All charts and graphics provided by the author.

All pictures are company material, unless stated otherwise.

All currencies are in U.S. dollars, unless stated otherwise.

Streetwise Reports Disclosures:

1) The Critical Investor's disclosures are listed above.

2) The following companies mentioned in the article are sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp., Dolly Varden Silver Corp., and Goldshore Resources Inc. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Streetwise Reports for this article. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy.

4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.

5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the decision to publish an article until three business days after the publication of the article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Dolly Varden Silver Corp. and World Copper Ltd., companies mentioned in this article.
(Tribune News Service)  Not long after nightfall on New Years Day, a short, slight man picked a spot along one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world, a quarter-mile from the nearest platoon of soldiers, and scaled a 10-foot-tall wire fence.

Warning lights flashed and an alarm blared. The man hurried over rough terrain dusted with snow, navigating the threat of untold land mines left over from a last-century war, his movements slipping in and out of view of thermal cameras.

By midnight, hed made it across the 2.5-mile demilitarized zone. He was back home  in North Korea.

Hours later, South Korean soldiers, who discounted the evenings disturbance as a false alarm, would realize theyd missed the mans footprints and the wisps of down feathers from his winter jacket clinging to the concertina wire atop the border fence.

More than 33,000 North Koreans have risked their lives to flee their oppressive homeland in recent decades, leaving behind an impoverished economy, fear bred by political gulags and a third-generation cult of personality that demands unquestioning reverence of leader Kim Jong Un and his forebears. The New Years fence-jumper, who has not been publicly identified, became one of a much smaller number to make their way back to the isolated communist state after a taste of the outside world.

Officially, about 30 North Koreans are known to have returned after settling in the South, according to South Korean intelligence. Researchers and advocates estimate that the real number is likely much higher, possibly in the hundreds. Some of those who return become propaganda tools for the North Korean state, appearing in videos or news conferences making tearful statements about how much they regretted leaving. A handful change their minds yet again, escaping once more.

Its hard to approximate, but its probably many more, said Baek Nam-seol, a professor at the Korean National Police University who has worked with and researched North Korean refugees. There are surely ones who arent picked up by North Korean authorities. We only get confirmation when North Korea chooses to publicize it.

The mans crossing spurred a frenzy in South Korea over the breaches in border security, particularly after the revelation that the man had crossed into South Korea in November 2020 along the same route, twice evading detection by South Korean military. Among those working with or researching North Koreans resettlement in the South, though, his decision to return after barely a year marked the latest testament to the challenges North Korean refugees face adjusting to their new home, their isolation and economic difficulties furthered by the pandemic.

Nearly 1 in 5 North Korean refugees in South Korea said they have thought about going back, according to a 2021 survey by the nonprofit Database Center for North Korean Human Rights. The reason most often given is missing ones hometown or family. Some said they experienced discrimination in South Korea or found the capitalist society too competitive, according to the survey.

Joo Seong-ha, who left North Korea in 2002 and works as a prominent journalist at a South Korean newspaper, said he still finds himself thinking of home.

Ive thought about it. If you have family there how can you not? he said. Even so, most refugees put down roots after a few years and make their way in an adopted land. Every community has its outliers, and the North Korean refugee community is the same. Its just that this outliers way of acting out happened to be crossing the DMZ.

Park Young-ja, a research fellow at the South Korean government-funded think tank Korea Institute for National Unification, said those who dont have family members in the South have a harder time adjusting. Their continuing challenges  even as tens of thousands of North Koreans have been living in South Korea for decades, appearing on television, running for office and starting businesses  suggest how much further South Korean society has to go toward embracing them, she said.

It does show the limits to the potential for integration between North and South Koreans, Park said. At the end of the day, whats needed is integration of the heart.

Even though the Koreas share a common language, food and culture, in the seven decades since the Korean War, lives on either side of the border have increasingly diverged as the South grew wealthier and North Korea more isolated. On top of international economic sanctions for Kims nuclear and military ambitions, North Korea has imposed severe COVID-19 restrictions, furthering control of people and information in and out of the country.

After a brief thaw in relations in 2018, during which Kim met South Koreas president and both sides dismantled some guard posts in the demilitarized zone as a sign of goodwill, Kim has rejected entreaties and offers of help from the South Korean government.

Kims father, Kim Jong Il, who ruled for 17 years, had little regard for refugees, seeing them as traitors. But not long after his son took over in 2011, North Korea began a concerted effort to lure escapees to return, offering them amnesty and a comfortable life in exchange for information about other North Korean refugees in South Korea, according to researchers.

Under Kim Jong Un, they saw the refugees in South Korea as a threat to his hereditary rule, said Kim Yun-young, an adjunct professor at Cheongju University and former researcher at the Police Science Institute. There was much more of an effort for conciliation and enticement, sometimes using their remaining families as hostages.

In one 2016 video posted by a North Korean government-affiliated website, a 40-year-old man who returned out of concern for the wife he left behind said he faced discrimination and economic strife trying to make it in South Korea.

I spent only a year and six months in South Korea, but every moment there felt like a decade, and every day was like hell, Kang Chul-woo, dressed in a dark Mao suit with a pin of Kim Jong Uns father and grandfathers face affixed near his heart, said in the video. I was treated with contempt and disdain wherever I went because I was a North Korean refugee.

That man again escaped North Korea eight months later, according to South Korean court records. He was sentenced to three years and six months in prison for providing North Korean authorities with information about fellow refugees.

Other court cases involving North Koreans attempts to return reveal a desperation that pushes escapees to go back. One man who worked in construction as a day laborer was defrauded of about $50,000 and was chased by debt collectors. Another had the deposit to his home seized when he couldnt pay back about $800 he owed the broker who had facilitated his initial escape. Another in his 60s had suffered a stroke and wanted to see his wife and son once more before his death, and begrudged being treated like a migrant worker in South Korea, according to court records.

Some prepared lump sums of cash to pay loyalty fees to North Koreas ruling Workers Party to be absolved of having escaped the country, which is normally punished as a criminal offense with time in a prison camp or forced labor, according to the records.

The New Years jumper, who was about 30 and reportedly told investigators hed been a gymnast in North Korea, worked as a janitor and struggled to make ends meet, according to local media reports.

The economic plight North Korean refugees can face was highlighted in 2019 when Han Sung-ok, a single mother, and her 6-year-old son were found dead in their Seoul apartment, possibly of starvation. The mother and sons deaths became a rallying cry for fellow refugees. South Korea provides initial resettlement funds and housing for the first five years, but many are left with nothing once theyve paid brokers fees, and struggle to find stable jobs.

Jeon Su-mi, an attorney who works as an advocate for North Korean refugees, said many feel disillusioned by the individualism and capitalism of the South. The choice of refugees to voluntarily return should be an opportunity for reflection in South Korea, she said.

How ready was South Korea to genuinely welcome and accept these refugees in our midst? Jeon said. They risked their lives to get here and then risk their lives once again to leave. That should be a sign.

2022 Los Angeles Times.

Visit latimes.com .
A powerful, permanent tribute to the outstanding courage and achievements of Police staff is taking shape at the RNZPC.

He Toa Taumata Rau - The Place of Many Brave Deeds - will tell the stories of operations and events which led to the award of royally warranted bravery honours to members of Police and the public.

It will take the form of a walkway of decorated pou - co-designed with Ngati Toa Rangatira - along a path in the colleges lower grounds, below the New Zealand Police Museum and within sight of the road.

Its proudly publicly accessible, says Museum Director Rowan Carroll. Its a way to showcase the bravery, integrity and professionalism of our people and illustrate how were delivering the service the public expect and deserve.

We celebrate our staff and their achievements, and this is a very visible sign of how we value and respect our people and their mahi.

Its position at the RNZPC means recruits can be inspired and take pride in the achievements of the people who came before them.

The 14 steel pou will represent 27 events since 1950 which led to the award of the George Cross, George Medal, New Zealand Cross, New Zealand Bravery Star, New Zealand Bravery Decoration and New Zealand Bravery Medal.

Visitors will be able to read brief details and scan a QR code to get more information, including audio accounts.

The team. Backrow, from left: Ammon Katene (Ngati Toa), James McLean (Story Inc!), Senior Sergeant Rob Rutene, Callum Katene (Ngati Toa), Evan Hippolite (Ngati Toa) Front Row L-R: Te Roera Puna Pouwhakataki Wellington NZ Police , Raylene Bishop (Ngati Toa), Rob Lee Media and Comms NZ Police and Rowan Carroll Museum Director NZ Police.

The Police working party included Rowan, Senior Sergeant Rob Rutene and Inspector Owen Maurirere from the RNZPC, and Rob Lee from Media and Communications as editor and web liaison.

They and our partners from Ngati Toa worked with design specialists Story Inc.

We had been using the working title Home of the Brave, but Ngati Toa gifted us the name He Toa Taumata Rau, says Rowan.

They selected Tama Coker as our liaison and put us in touch with carvers Nathan Rei and Hermann Salzmann. They loved the ideas Story Inc put forward and we fleshed out with them what we wanted the installation to achieve.

We wrote the narratives using the award citations as a basis, had them translated into te reo Maori, recorded the narratives in English and te reo, found photographs of everyone and created a website.

Because there was so much information we decided to use a QR code so we could make the physical design as sleek and uncluttered as possible.

The steel pou tops feature water-cut designs by Nathan Rei: the mangopare represents the hammerhead shark, revered for its strength, courage, fighting spirit and determination to live.

Visitors will be greeted at the start of the walk by a carved totara pou, representing a warriors wero challenge.

The steel pou will stand 2.5 metres tall on a concrete base and follow the chronological order of the events, with the most recent at the lower end of the path. They will be uplit at night.

The tops feature water-cut designs by Nathan Rei: the mangopare representing the hammerhead shark, revered for its strength, courage, fighting spirit and determination to live; alternating with the puhoro, a split koru pattern symbolising courage, speed and strength.

At the end of the walk will be a pou whakamaumahara, a traditional structure erected to memorialise a person, group of people or a significant event.

The installation is designed so further pou can be added.

The events include Operation Stingray, the Napier siege; Operation Buckingham, following the shooting of Jeremy Snow; Operation Aramoana; Operation Earthquake and many more, says Rowan.

There are faces youll recognise and some you wont  we should be honouring all these extraordinary people.

Work at the site continues and He Toa Taumata Rau will open in 2022.

The puhoro design is a split koru pattern symbolising courage, speed and strength.

-Police Ten One Magazine.
With summer in full swing, our pets are just as keen as us to spend more time outdoors.

Their innate tendency to stalk and injure wildlife mean its our responsibility to ensure theyre kept under control, to protect our precious native species.

Domestic moggies like to calmly curl up on our laps, yet theyre highly efficient killers, says Michelle Le Long, Chief Operating Officer for pet insurance provider PD Insurance

A 2010 University of Otago study estimated that New Zealands 1.4 million domestic cats kill at least 18.76 million animals a year, including 1.12 million native birds, says Michelle.

The study found species like piwakawaka or fantail only existed in urban areas because they restocked their populations with birds from outlying areas, as cats killed all the urban birds.

Piwakawaka or fantail. Photo: SunLive.

Jingle all the way

The good news from the research is placing bells on cats halves the number of birds caught. And in a 2019 study on cat-owner behaviours to reduce wildlife predation, researchers found the best method for cat owners to help wildlife was to keep them inside from dusk till dawn.

Other recommendations included microchipping your cat and registering it with local council, containing it with a fence or outdoor run, limiting the number of cats per home, and desexing.

Pooches on beaches

Dogs can also have a negative impact on native species via predation or disturbance. Flightless birds such as kiwi and weka, and birds that nest on our beaches such as dotterel, blue penguin, godwits and oyster catchers, are particularly vulnerable.

The Department of Conservation  DOC - website says the mere presence of dogs is enough to stress shorebirds.

Little blue penguins in their burrow. Photo: Melissa McLuskie.

Off-leash dogs that chase birds interrupt the foraging and resting time of shorebirds, and the birds expend large amounts of valuable energy escaping pursuing dogs.

Dogs are also, unfortunately, a major predator of kiwi. DOC notes that predation of adult kiwi by dogs and ferrets can cause catastrophic declines in local populations. It says in some populations dogs have surpassed stoats and ferrets as the main cause of decline.

A kiwi. Photo: DOC.

Brush up on the rules

Many conservation areas administered by DOC are closed to dogs or have leash or permit requirements, but Laura Boren, Science Advisor at DOC, says many people either arent aware of the rules or disregard them. Its a good idea to jump online at http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/dog-access/ to see what the rules are for dogs, says Laura.

Laura has three tips for observing the rules when you and your dog are exploring this summer:

Know before you go: check online for rules at different locations - councils may have recently changed rules and signs may not be up to date. Keep an eye out for wildlife: always carry your lead and leash your dog when anywhere around wildlife populations. Also, let others around know if seals or penguins are present. Call your dog to you as soon as you spot wildlife: if your dog doesnt return to you consistently on command, consider obedience training. Classes help you and your dog to bond and become a team, so you know they will be under control and safe.

Dogs are allowed in many parks managed by city and regional councils. Check for permitted dog trails at www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/walking-and-tramping

Protecting our islands

Last summer, DOC and Auckland Council urged the public to report sightings of dogs on the Hauraki Gulfs pest-free islands after a spike in potentially illegal incidents. The Gulf has 47 pest-free islands, all home to a variety of threatened native species.

Staff from both agencies received reports of people breaking the rules over the busy summer recreational boating period. DOC Senior Biodiversity Ranger, David Wilson, says dogs can do considerable damage to recovering bird populations in a very short amount of time, by killing or injuring the birds or destroying their nests.

Anyone planning to visit a pest-free island needs to know the rules, and its actually pretty simple  dogs are not permitted, says David.

Serious consequences

Anyone caught breaking the rules could face a hefty fine or court prosecution, depending on the nature of the offence.

DOC can enforce the Dog Control Act 1996, which includes prison time or a fine of $20,000 for the owner of a dog that kills protected wildlife.

As the court can also order the destruction of your dog, its crucial to know and follow the rules to ensure you and your pooch can enjoy a safe and stress-free summer.
A tropical low near Fiji is expected to reach storm status, with gale force winds around the centre, which means it will become a named tropical cyclone, says a WeatherWatch spokesperson on Sunday morning.

For now this is a marginal storm, with the Fiji Met Service only expecting Category 1 strength initially.

Computer modelling this past week has been quite messy, with some days showing a storm forming and other days showing a very large low instead.

Large lows can stretch the energy further which reduces the winds overall, making it harder to reach that "tropical cyclone" status.

The tracking is also a bit sluggish, expected to be zig zagging about for a while at sea between Fiji and Vanuatu, says a WeatherWatch spokesperson.

As for New Zealand - long range data suggests it may get close, but it's not locked in yet if NZ will be impacted. Either way though, the storm may increase rips, currents and wave heights at some northern beaches at the end of this coming week even if it remains well offshore.

Powerful high pressure over the South Island is expected to 'push back' against the storm as it tracks south.

Severe marine heatwave on east coast of the North Island

WeatherWatch reports that marine heatwave conditions are likely to persist for the east coast of the North Island from January 6 - 12 and in the Wairarapa region, which is still experiencing a severe marine heatwave.

Water temperatures around Raglan and Taranaki will continue to increase but conditions need to persist for longer to be classified as marine heatwaves.

The Cook Strait and Chatham Islands are no longer experiencing marine heatwave as water temperatures decrease, but are likely to rise again at the end of next week.

For the South Island, although the waters will be warmer than the long-term average, no marine heatwaves are expected over the coming week.

New Zealand continues to lean drier than average

Hot weather is likely to expand further across New Zealand today with most places recording temperatures in the mid to late 20s and some in the early 30s. This hot dry weather is likely to speed up the chances of water restrictions in some areas.

We don't expect to lock in the potential cyclone's chances of rain in NZ for a number of days - but your local WeatherWatch.co.nz or RuralWeather.co.nz forecasts are already crunching the data and giving you the chance of rainfall in seven to ten days time in percentage form, says a WeatherWatch spokesperson.

At this stage our IBM data shows an increased chance of windier easterlies and cloud - but the rain still being held at sea. Our public forecast data is updated every hour of every day and within IBM it's as frequent as every 15 minutes - so it's the current best thinking on the planet).

A fine line between very dry and very wet later this coming week as a likely tropical low gets very close to New Zealand.
The Ministry of Health is reporting 85 new community cases and 64 new cases identified at the border over the past two days since the last update.

Of the new community cases, there are 57 new community cases in Auckland, 16 in Bay of Plenty, seven in Waikato, two in Lakes, two in Wellington and one in Taranaki.

There are 31 cases in hospital - Northland 1; North Shore: 5; Auckland: 11; Middlemore: 12, Tauranga: 2. There are two people in ICU, both in Middlemore Hospital.

The Ministry of Health is urging all eligible New Zealanders to get vaccinated.

The vaccine remains our key defence against all variants of COVID-19, including Omicron, says a Ministry of Health spokesperson.

We continue to ask everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, including people who are now eligible for a booster dose.

In the past 24 hours, 21,821 booster doses (previous day: 44,466 doses), 746 first doses (previous day: 1,284 doses) and 2,333 second doses (previous day: 3921) were administered.

More than half a million doses of Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year old children arrived in New Zealand this weekend. Immunisation of children aged 5  11 years old starts on Monday January 17.

Regional updates

Bay of Plenty

There are 16 cases to report in the Bay of Plenty over the past two days. Thirteen of these cases are in Tauranga, and three are in the Western Bay of Plenty District. All cases are linked to previously notified cases.

Lakes

There are two cases to report in Lakes, both in Rotorua, over the past two days. One is linked to a previously notified case and the other is being investigated.

Waikato

There are seven cases to report over the past two days.

Three of the cases are in Te Kuiti and have all been linked to previous cases, two cases are in Te Awamutu, one has a Taupo residential address (and is linked to a previous case), and one case where the location is under investigation. Three cases are currently unlinked.

Pop-up testing sites are operating in Whangamata and Waihi and testing is available at the Whangamata Medical Centre and Whitianga general practices. For details of all dedicated testing sites operating over the holiday period, please visit Healthpoint, the DHB webpage or DHB Facebook page.

In the Waikato, Public Health, primary care and manaaki providers are supporting 34 cases to isolate at home.

Auckland

There are 57 new cases in the Auckland region over the past two days.

Taranaki

There is one previously reported case for Taranaki which is being added to the tally today.

The case is a household contact of a previous case and linked to the Eltham cluster. They have been in isolation across the festive period. This is currently the only active case in Taranaki.

Details for both testing and vaccinations in Taranaki are provided here: TDHB - COVID-19 testing and TDHB - COVID-19 vaccine

Wellington

There are no other cases to report other than the two announced yesterday and which are being added to the case tally today.

The Ministry encourages anyone who has visited any of the locations of interest in the Wellington and Otaki areas who have symptoms  no matter how mild  to get tested, even if youre vaccinated and to please stay at home until they return a negative test result.

We are continuing to ask anyone in New Zealand with symptoms  no matter how mild  to get tested, even if youre vaccinated, says a Ministry of Health spokesperson.

Please stay at home until you return a negative test result. We are also asking people to regularly check the locations of interest as these are regularly updated and to follow the advice provided https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/contact-tracing-covid-19/covid-19-contact-tracing-locations-interest

Testing and vaccination centre locations nationwide can be found on the Healthpoint website.

Covid-19 vaccine update

Vaccines administered to date (percentage of eligible people): 3,980,481 first doses (95%); 3,873,275 second doses (92%); 31,795 third primary doses; 490,107 booster doses

Vaccines administered yesterday: 746 first doses; 2,333 second doses; 194 third primary doses and 21,821 booster doses.

Maori (percentage of eligible people): 502,069 first doses (88%); 466,598 second doses (82%)

Pacific Peoples (percentage of eligible people): 270,269 first doses (94%); 260,070 second doses (91%)

Paediatric Pfizer vaccine doses arrive

More than half a million doses of Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year old children arrived in New Zealand this weekend. Immunisation of children aged 5  11 years old starts on Monday January 17.

Children need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected and it is recommended that these are given at least eight weeks apart, although the interval can be safely shortened to a minimum of 21 days if needed. The vaccine is free. A parent, caregiver or legal guardian will need to accompany the child to their immunisation appointment and provide consent for them to be vaccinated.

Vaccination rates by DHB with active cases - percentage of eligible people

Northland DHB: First doses (89%); second doses (85%)

Auckland Metro DHBs: First doses (98%); second doses (97%)

Waikato DHB: First doses (94%); second doses (91%)

Bay of Plenty DHB: First doses (94%); second doses (90%)

Lakes DHB: First doses (92%); second doses (88%)

Taranaki DHB: First doses (93%); second doses (90%)

Tairawhiti DHB: First doses (91%); second doses (87%)

Hawkes Bay DHB: First doses (95%); second doses (91%)

Canterbury DHB: First doses (98%); second doses (96%)

Capital and Coast DHB: First doses (98%); second doses (96%)

Hutt Valley DHB: First doses (96%); second doses (93%)

Hospitalisations

Cases in hospital: 31; Northland 1; North Shore: 5; Auckland: 11; Middlemore: 12, Tauranga: 2.

Vaccination status of current hospitalisations (Northern Region wards only): Unvaccinated or not eligible (8 cases / 30%); partially immunised <7 days from second dose or have only received one dose (7 cases / 26%); fully vaccinated at least 7 days before being reported as a case (11 cases / 41%); 1 unknown (4%).

Average age of current hospitalisations: 58

Cases in ICU or HDU: 2 (both in Middlemore).

Cases

Seven day rolling average of community cases: 30

Number of new community cases: 85 over past two days

Number of new cases identified at the border: 64 over past two days

Location of new community cases over past two days: Auckland (57), Waikato (7), Taranaki (1), Bay of Plenty (16), Lakes (2), Wellington (2)

Number of community cases (total): 11,142 (in current community outbreak)

Cases epidemiologically linked (total): 8,387

Number of active cases (total): 1,087 (cases identified in the past 21 days and not yet classified as recovered)

Confirmed cases (total): 14,298

Contacts

Number of active contacts being managed (total): 5,176

Percentage who have received an outbound call from contact tracers (to confirm testing and isolation requirements): 82%

Percentage who have returned at least one result: 81%

Tests

Number of tests total (last 24 hours): 11,845

Tests rolling average (last 7 days): 11,942

Auckland tests total (last 24 hours): 6,201

Wastewater

There were no unexpected wastewater detections.

NZ Covid Tracer

Poster scans in the 24 hours to midday yesterday: 2,431,664

Manual diary entries in the 24 hours to midday: 37,650

My Vaccine Pass

My vaccine pass downloads total: 4,702,725

My vaccine pass downloads (last 24 hours): 10,628

New cases identified at the border:

New cases identified at the border Arrival date From Via Positive test day/reason Managed isolation/quarantine location 18 December United Kingdom Qatar Day 1 / routine Auckland 28 December Great Britain United Arab Emirates Day 8 / routine Auckland 28 December Australia Direct Day 9 / routine Auckland 28 December Australia Direct Day 10 / routine Auckland 29 December Singapore Direct Day 8 / routine Auckland 29 December Great Britain United Arab Emirates Day 8 / routine Auckland 30 December India United Arab Emirates Day 7 / symptomatic Auckland 30 December India United Arab Emirates Day 7 / symptomatic Auckland 30 December Tanzania Qatar Day 8 / routine Auckland 31 December Singapore Direct Day 0 / routine Christchurch 31 December India United Arab Emirates Day 5 / routine Auckland 1 January Qatar Direct Day 4 / routine Auckland 1 January United Kingdom United Arab Emirates Day 6 / routine Auckland 2 January United States of America Direct Day 4 / routine Auckland 2 January Australia Direct Day 3 / routine Auckland 2 January United States of America Direct Day 6 / routine Auckland 2 January United States of America Direct Day 5 / routine Auckland 2 January United States of America Direct Day 5 / routine Auckland 2 January Spain United Arab Emirates Day 5 / routine Auckland 2 January Great Britain United Arab Emirates Day 5 / routine Rotorua 3 January Fiji Direct Day 3 / routine Auckland 3 January Turkey United Arab Emirates Day 4 / contact of a case Auckland 3 January Fiji Direct Day 3 / routine Auckland 3 January Ireland United Arab Emirates Day 3 / contact of a case Auckland 3 January India United Arab Emirates Day 1 / routine Auckland 3 January Singapore Direct Day 3 / routine Auckland 3 January United States of America Fiji Day 3 / routine Auckland 3 January Australia Direct Day 6 / routine Auckland 3 January Australia Direct Day 6 / routine Auckland 3 January Sri Lanka United Arab Emirates Day 3 / routine Auckland 3 January India United Arab Emirates Day 3 / routine Auckland 3 January India United Arab Emirates Day 3 / routine Auckland *4 January Singapore Direct Day 1 / routine Christchurch 4 January Kenya Singapore Day 3 / routine Auckland 4 January United States of America Direct Day 3 / routine Rotorua 5 January United States of America Direct Day 1 / routine Christchurch 5 January Singapore Direct Day 1 / routine Auckland 5 January Australia Direct Day 1 / routine Auckland 5 January United Kingdom United Arab Emirates Day 1 / routine Rotorua 5 January Ireland United Arab Emirates Day 1 / routine Auckland 5 January India United Arab Emirates Day 1 / routine Rotorua 5 January United States of America Direct Day 2 / routine Rotorua 6 January United States of America Direct Day 0 / routine Auckland 6 January United States of America Direct Day 0 / routine Auckland 6 January United States of America Direct Day 0 / routine Auckland 6 January United States of America Direct Day 0 / routine Auckland 6 January United States of America Direct Day 0 / routine Auckland 6 January United States of America Direct Day 3 / routine Auckland 6 January United States of America Direct Day 0 / routine Auckland 6 January United States of America Direct Day 0 / routine Auckland 6 January Australia Direct Day 1 / routine Auckland 6 January Australia Direct Day 1 / routine Auckland 6 January United Kingdom Singapore Day 1 / routine Christchurch 6 January United Kingdom Singapore Day 0 / routine Christchurch 6 January India United Arab Emirates Day 1 / routine Rotorua 6 January France United Arab Emirates Day 1 / routine Rotorua 6 January Pakistan United Arab Emirates Day 1 / routine Rotorua 6 January Pakistan United Arab Emirates Day 1 / routine Rotorua 6 January Australia Direct Day 1 / routine Auckland 7 January United Kingdom Singapore Day 0 / routine Christchurch 7 January United States of America Direct Day 1 / routine Auckland 7 January Brazil United Arab Emirates Day 0 / routine Auckland 7 January Brazil United Arab Emirates Day 0 / routine Auckland 7 January United States of America Direct Day 0 / routine Auckland

*historical case




ISLAMABAD, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- At least 22 tourists died in freezing temperatures after being stranded in heavy snow in Pakistan's northern Murree city, police sources said on Saturday.

All the bodies have been recovered by civil and military rescue teams and shifted to Army Schools of Logistics in the city, sources from the Murree police told Xinhua.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said earlier that over 1,000 vehicles were stuck in the mountain resort city after the blockage of roads by heavy snow and falling trees.

Part of the roads have been opened after clearing of snow by rescue teams, while all the roads leading to the city have been closed in the wake of an emergency in the hill station, the sources added.

Hassan Khawar, spokesman of the government of Punjab province, where Murree is located, told a press conference that all the victims were in five vehicles, and the exact cause of their death was being ascertained.

"Their vehicles were not hit by trees, neither did they meet any other accident. Apparently, all of the victims chilled to death due to extremely cold weather, but the exact causes will be determined by rescue teams," he said.

According to the sources, the killed include eight of a family from the east Chakwal district, four young friends from north Mardan district, two kids and their mother from Islamabad, among others.

Rescue work was underway in the area at full pace, and the authorities hoped that all operations would be completed by Sunday.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
15:16 | Lima, Jan. 9.

"President (Pedro) Castillo has reiterated, at various national and international forums, the importance that the Government attaches to investment as an essential instrument to achieve economic revival after the serious effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

The high-ranking official noted that the strategic sectors of the Peruvian economy face an infrastructure gap of around S/300 billion (US$75.8 billion), thus making it necessary to have private allies that will contribute to closing such gap with social and environmental awareness.

In addition, he welcomed the agreement reached with Las Bambas mining company and nearby communities, noting that "said achievement will be seen as a sign of confidence by foreign entrepreneurs wishing to invest in the country."





"Maintaining and developing significant projects, such as that of Las Bambas mining company in harmony with nearby communities will allow us to achieve growth with tangible benefits for all parties involved and to develop different regions of the country in a balanced and inclusive way," Maurtua added.
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Tahlequah, OK (74464)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Damaging winds, large hail and possibly a tornado with some storms. Low around 50F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong early, then cloudy skies after midnight. Damaging winds, large hail and possibly a tornado with some storms. Low around 50F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
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Todas las vacunas que tenemos en el Peru son seguras y han sido probadas rigurosamente. Que esperas? Vacunate. Conoce mas en https://t.co/SShpOdAnsJ #VacunadasyVacunadosUnidos pic.twitter.com/eyPTWXityg
If Texans are genuinely interested in learning how $2.5 million of its tax dollars are being wasted each week, please take a look at ProPublic
A hot potato: QNAP issued a security statement urging their NAS users to take immediate action and secure their data against ongoing ransomware and brute force attacks. While the responsible parties have not been identified, the widespread attacks appear to target any vulnerable network devices. The company has provided security setting instructions and mitigation actions that any QNAP NAS users should implement immediately.

A security statement released by the storage appliance provider on Friday issued very clear instruction to QNAP NAS users: take immediate action to secure your network appliances or take them offline. The attacks, which appear to indiscriminately target any network device exposed to the Internet, pose the most risk to devices with internet connectivity but little to no protection in place.

QNAP users with the ability to access and secure their devices can verify whether their device is exposed to the internet using the QNAP Security Counselor. According to the company's statement, the user's NAS is exposed and at high risk if the Security Counselor console displays a result stating, "The System Administration service can be directly accessible from an external IP address..."

In the event that a user's NAS is exposed to the Internet, QNAP's security statement provides instructions to determine which ports are exposed as well as how to disable port forwarding on the user's router and UPnP on the NAS device.

Port forwarding, also known as port mapping, redirects requests from the original address and port to another address and port. Some users and administrators no longer view port forwarding as a major risk, as software firewalls packaged with most modern operating systems are capable of providing adequate protection when properly configured.

However, QNAP has specifically stated that enabling port forwarding, UPnP, or demilitarized zone (DMZ) functionality can result in the NAS connecting directly to the internet, making the device vulnerable to attack. The recommended preference is for the NAS to remain behind a user's router and firewall with no public IP address.

NAS users without access to or familiarity with the Security Counselor console still have one last nuclear option--simply disconnect the device, terminating any potential connectivity to the outside world. While it may seem drastic, the fact remains that attackers scanning for vulnerable targets can't hit what they can't see.

Image credit: Michael Geiger
In brief: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope mission on Saturday checked off another pivotal milestone as the observatory's primary mirror was successfully deployed and latched into place over a two-day period. So far, so good.

The 21-foot, gold-coated primary mirror had to be folded to fit inside the nose cone of the rocket that carried it to space. The maneuver came after several other critical spacecraft deployments including the unfurling of the five-layer sunshield, and completes the final stage of all major deployments.

Webb will spend the next couple of weeks continuing its journey to the L2 insertion point. Along the way, the launch team will begin calibrating its 18 primary mirror segments using 126 actuators on the backside of the mirror segments to properly align the telescope optics.

#NASAWebb is fully deployed! 



With the successful deployment & latching of our last mirror wing, that's:

50 major deployments, complete.

178 pins, released.

20+ years of work, realized.



Next to #UnfoldTheUniverse: traveling out to our orbital destination of Lagrange point 2! pic.twitter.com/mDfmlaszzV --- NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) January 8, 2022

Before the first images from Webb can be delivered this summer, NASA must calibrate the observatory's onboard science instruments.

There's also a third mid-course correction burn on the docket that'll help position the craft into orbit around the second Lagrange point nearly a million miles away from Earth. The observatory has to be positioned so far away in order to protect it from the light and heat of the Sun, Earth and Moon.

Webb is the largest, most complex telescope ever launched into space. It blasted off from Kourou, French Guiana, on Christmas Day courtesy of an Ariane 5 rocket following years of cost overruns and delays.

NASA said late last month that due to its precision launch and smooth initial course correction maneuver, Webb should have enough fuel to significantly extend its planned 10-year mission duration.
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A Baton Rouge criminal court judge who is suing 14 of his colleagues and three former judges in an attempt to use his seniority to move to the civil bench is challenging their use of court funds to pay their legal bills.

State District Judge Beau Higginbotham revealed in a recent court filing that most of his fellow 19th Judicial District Court judges voted in October to use Judicial Expense Fund monies to hire and pay private attorneys.

The minutes of that Oct. 27 full judges meeting are attached to the filing and indicate that 11 of the 19th JDC judges voted to allocate from the JEF $10,000 for each judge and former judge named as defendants in the lawsuit to pay their legal bills. Higginbotham abstained.

Thats a total of $170,000.

Higginbotham and his lawyer, sister Whitney Higginbotham Greene, are questioning that arrangement and asking a retired judge appointed by the state Supreme Court to hear the case, or the high court itself to look into the matter.

"Plaintiff prays for guidance to address the expenditure of court resources and government money that may not comply with LSA R.S. 13:992 in that these disbursements are not made to enhance the function of the court," Greene writes in her brother's third amending and supplemental petition.

The 19th JDC Judicial Expense Fund is embodied in that state statute.

Higginbotham initially sued only East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court Doug Welborn in December 2020, complaining of the clerk's refusal to assign civil cases to him after longtime 19th JDC Judge Janice Clark retired at the end of 2020.

After retired Judge Emile St. Pierre told Higginbotham he needed to add his 19th JDC colleagues as defendants, Higginbotham amended his lawsuit last summer and named his 14 sitting colleagues as well as former 19th JDC Judges Bonnie Jackson, Richard Anderson and Clark as defendants.

In his third amended petition filed Jan. 3, Higginbotham and his attorney argue it "may be appropriate" for St. Pierre to address the JEF issue, "or alternatively, request that the Louisiana Supreme Court invoke their supervisory jurisdiction  to address the expenditure of court resources and governmental money from the 19th JDC Judicial Expense Fund that does not seem to enhance the function of the court per LSA R.S. 13:992."

The JEF receives two-thirds of its funding from the city-parish and most of the remainder from court costs and fines.

The state statute says the judges can use the JEF to pay the salaries of their court reporters, secretarial, clerical, research, administrative or other court personnel.

The statute also says the judges may utilize JEF monies to pay all or any part of the cost of establishing and/or maintaining a law library for the court, or for buying or maintaining any type of equipment, supplies or other items consistent with or germane to the efficient operation of the court.

"In general, the judicial expense fund is established and may be used for any purpose or purposes connected with, incidental to or related to the proper administration or function of the said court or the offices of the individual judges ," the statute reads.

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Several former 19th JDC insiders said what the judges voted to do in terms of the JEF and Higginbotham's lawsuit appears to be lawful but looks bad and doesn't pass the smell test.

In Higginbotham's third petition, he also says his 19th JDC colleagues have rejected his latest request to move to the civil bench and take over the docket previously held by former Judge William Morvant, who retired at the end of 2021.

Higginbotham claims his colleagues have ignored his seniority on the court in terms of Clark's and Morvant's civil seats "contrary to law and their own policy/rule."

"Allowing a judge in the 19th JDC to consent to move to the civil bench is non-discretionary, the procedure has been laid out and has been followed until it became Judge Higginbotham's turn," Greene claims in the petition.

+3 Judge Higginbotham presses his claim to the civil docket. Could it be a stepping-stone move? Baton Rouge state Judge Beau Higginbotham told a special judge Monday that a majority of his 19th Judicial District Court colleagues ignored t

She says judges on the 19th JDC have moved between the criminal and civil bench based on seniority for at least 35 to 40 years.

"Ironically, every 19th JDC judge ever to occupy the civil bench, past and present, got there by the existence of a rule. If a rule exists, then it must be followed," Greene argues.

Greene suggested during a hearing in the case last month that the 19th JDC's vote in December 2020 denying her brother's request to move to the civil bench was "personal," but she did not elaborate.

Higginbotham was elected to the 19th JDC Division M seat in 2014, then to the Division C seat nearer to his home in 2019. Both seats are criminal divisions. When Clark retired at the end of 2020, Higginbotham claimed he was "next in line" based on seniority to move to the civil bench.

But a majority of Higginbotham's colleagues decided he lost his seniority on the court when he switched criminal divisions, and lost his right to lay claim to Clark's old civil seat. Higginbotham claims there was "no gap" in his service on the court and that he has a "rightful claim to the civil bench."

+3 Why judge Beau Higginbotham is suing to move into a vacant civil seat in Baton Rouge Judge Beau Higginbotham, who has sat on the 19th Judicial District Court's criminal bench for six years, is fighting for what he calls his "ri

His lawsuit says that at a Dec. 9, 2020, meeting of the 19th JDC judges, he formally moved to be assigned to the civil bench, and Morvant seconded the motion, but it did not pass. Judge Don Johnson then offered a motion to assign the civil spot to his twin brother, Judge Ron Johnson, and the motion was approved. Ron Johnson was elected in 2019.

For the past year, Ron Johnson and fellow 19th JDC Judge Kelly Balfour have evenly shared those civil cases while also splitting a criminal docket.

Higginbotham is the son of former state 1st Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Toni Higginbotham and ex-19th JDC Judge Leo Higginbotham.
Baton Rouge law enforcement officers were not looking for Deaughn Willis when they knocked on the door of a Baton Rouge apartment Saturday afternoon.

They were looking for his twin brother Keaughn Willis, who was suspected of kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend earlier that day and driving to the Alexandria area, where she ultimately broke a car window and fled to safety, according to police.

But when police sought to question their suspect, his twin allegedly answered the door armed with a gun and pointed it at the officers. An East Baton Rouge deputy opened fire in response, leaving Deaughn Willis, 25, dead from a gunshot wound to the head.

State Police, the agency tasked with investigating the deadly shooting, identified the man who died in a news release Sunday afternoon. Officials said troopers would "continue to review all evidence and aspects of the incident to ensure a complete and thorough investigation" before turning over their findings to the East Baton Rouge district attorney.

+3 Deputy shoots, kills kidnapping suspect's brother in Baton Rouge, officials say Several hours after Baton Rouge police received a call about a man accused of kidnapping his girlfriend late Saturday morning, his brother poi

The case, which quickly escalated into gunfire around 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the Spring Brook apartment complex off George O'Neal Road, comes on the heels of a holiday spike in domestic abuse arrests across East Baton Rouge Parish. Such investigations often present volatile situations for law enforcement, resulting in heightened risk for everyone involved.

The investigation that led officers to the apartment complex began several hours earlier, when the Baton Rouge Police Department received a complaint about the alleged kidnapping from relatives of the victim. City police identified Keaughn Willis as a suspect, whom they were trying to contact at the Spring Brook apartment complex. But they requested assistance from East Baton Rouge deputy sheriffs because the address is outside city limits.

While all city police officers are equipped with body cameras, deputies are not  though the process of getting them outfitted with bodycams is underway  so footage of the shooting will likely be limited.

Not long after learning that law enforcement had killed his brother, the kidnapping suspect was arrested and the victim was found safe.

According to his arrest report, Keaughn Willis got into a fight with the pregnant woman Saturday morning. During the argument, he "grabbed her with both his hands and forcefully pulled her inside of his vehicle," the report says.

He said he was taking her to Oklahoma and refused her desperate requests to get out, according to police. While driving, he pulled her hair, spoke to her using derogatory language and took her cellphone, police said.

Finally, Keaughn Willis parked somewhere in Alexandria and tried to rape her, according to the police report. He eventually gave up and continued driving. After asking again to be released, the woman somehow broke the front passenger-side window of the car, and when Keaughn Willis finally pulled over, she climbed out the window and ran away, police said.

Hours later, he showed up to the apartment where his twin brother had been killed, officials said. There, he was taken into custody and booked on the following counts: simple kidnapping, domestic abuse battery on a pregnant victim, attempted third-degree rape and sexual battery.

Court records show Keaughn Willis has a documented history of domestic abuse. He was arrested most recently in June and accused of beating a pregnant woman, including kicking her in the stomach, court records show.

Police said he sent the victim threatening text messages and posted on Facebook that he was going to kill her. The victim told police "this is an ongoing problem" because her abuser "does not stop," according to an arrest report.

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Keaughn Willis was arrested on domestic abuse battery with child endangerment and improper telephone communication. He posted $10,000 bond and agreed to several conditions, including a signed declaration that he possessed no firearms. A protective order was issued, forbidding him from coming within 100 yards of the victim.

After the defendant failed to appear in court for his November arraignment in that case, the judge issued a bench warrant.

+2 Pregnant woman choked, held at gunpoint; it shows how domestic violence rose during holidays The day after Monrico Jones was arrested and accused of holding his pregnant girlfriend at gunpoint for hours, then choking her when she tried

About four years earlier, Keaughn Willis caught his first domestic violence charges. He was arrested in September 2017 after Baton Rouge police responded to complaints about a couple fighting at a house off Hyacinth Avenue. The responding officers witnessed Keaughn Willis threatening the victim with a metal pipe, police reports show.

The woman in that case told police he had forcibly taken her money, hit her multiple times on her head and body, then grabbed her throat and choked her. He finally picked up the metal pipe, but she kept backing away, police said in their report.

When police arrived on scene, Keaughn Willis "took a handgun out of his pants and forcibly put it into her pants," the victim told officers.

He admitted to fighting with the victim about car keys and taking her money, according to the report. He also admitted to giving her a gun when police arrived, the report says. He was arrested and later charged with simple robbery and felony domestic abuse battery. He ultimately pleaded guilty to lesser charges in 2019 and was placed on probation.

Court records show he attended domestic violence classes and community service. After he completed a year on probation without new arrests, a judge decided to dismiss the charges and set aside his convictions in March 2021  three months before he would again be arrested on domestic violence charges.

Deaughn Willis also had been arrested on domestic violence counts, including twice in December 2017. He had an outstanding bench warrant from those cases, which was issued in February 2021 when he failed to appear for a probation review hearing, court records show.

Though sources mentioned his bench warrant in the aftermath of the encounter that left Deaughn Willis dead, that warrant had nothing to do with officers showing up to the apartment Saturday afternoon looking for his twin.

Still, the backdrop of domestic violence underscores an alarming trend both in Baton Rouge and across the country: more domestic violence cases during the pandemic. Experts have pointed to a confluence of factors likely responsible for the increase, including lockdowns and pandemic hardship, increased financial stress and issues with childcare and education.

East Baton Rouge jail records show an even more pronounced spike over the Christmas holiday, an influx of recent domestic abuse arrests now plaguing the local court system. That followed a year of record-breaking domestic and intimate partner homicides, which rose to 35 parishwide in 2021, compared to 19 the year before.

Such cases present unique challenges for both law enforcement officers and the courts.

In April 2020, during the earliest months of the pandemic, a domestic violence suspect attacked Baton Rouge police, shooting one officer to death and severely wounding another.

Police were searching for the suspect, Ronnie Kato, who had allegedly opened fire during an argument with his girlfriend hours earlier, leaving her stepfather dead before fleeing the scene. Lt. Glenn Hutto Jr. died in the attack, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Kato.
Superintendent Sito Narcisses ambitious plan to turn public high schools in Baton Rouge into early colleges  dramatically increasing the number of students who take "higher level, rigorous" dual enrollment courses  faces resistance from educators and parents who favor a different approach to college preparation.

We are going to set the floor, and students will be exposed to these courses, Narcisse says.

His critics say the initiative goes beyond exposing students and is, fundamentally, a mandate that forces students to take college-level work whether they are prepared or not. They prefer Advanced Placement courses and worry that super-charging dual enrollment will come at AP's expense.

+14 Baton Rouge school superintendent pitches plan for college-level classes: 'Open the floodgates' Speaking before a room full of community and business leaders, Supt. Sito Narcisse on Tuesday unveiled plans to dramatically reshape Baton Rou

It seems like it would be a step backwards, said Susan Beasley, whose children attend Glasgow Middle and Baton Rouge Magnet High and who serves on the PTO at Glasgow.

Beasley told the board Dec. 2, when the issue was first raised publicly, that she transferred her children from private to public schools because of the districts advanced courses. She worries if Narcisses plan is enacted, schools would downscale AP and other advanced courses, a move she described as potentially detrimental to the schools that are excelling now.

Under dual enrollment, high schools offer courses also authorized by a college or university. If students receive a grade of C or better, they earn both high school and college credit.

Advanced Placement, or AP, is a series of academic high school courses developed by The College Board, the maker of the SAT college placement exam. AP courses follow a national curriculum that mirrors introductory college courses. Students earn only high school credit, but have the chance to earn college credits if they earn a passing score on a national exam.

Narcisse says he prefers dual enrollment because credits are guaranteed, placing students closer to a two- or four-year degree once they enroll in college and possibly saving them time and money. Louisiana maintains a master list of transferable credits and 31 colleges and universities in the state have signed on.

Dual enrollment, however, lacks the stature of AP courses, posing problems for students who hope to attend an out-of-state college that might not accept dual enrollment credits. About 11% of Louisianas 2020 high school graduating class went to college in another state.

Baton Rouge could require almost all high school students to take multiple college classes After months of work, Supt. Sito Narcisse is forging ahead with an ambitious plan that would automatically enroll public high school students 

Narcisses initiative, dubbed Pathways to Bright Futures, goes all-in on dual enrollment, placing students in as many of these courses as possible. Many traditional high school courses would be replaced by dual enrollment courses, beginning with next year's ninth-graders.

A Dec. 16 workshop with the School Board focused on the relative merits of both programs, and Narcisse has scheduled six community forums over the next month to sell his plan. The first is a Jan. 19 forum at Northeast High and the last will be Feb. 9 at a yet-to-be-determined location in north Baton Rouge.

School Board members appear to largely support Narcisse's plan, but it isn't clear whether the panel will formally OK the initiative or just let it move forward.

Louisiana has promoted both dual enrollment and AP in an effort to boost the number of college graduates, and both have grown over the past decade.

In 2019, about 30,000 students in Louisiana took dual enrollment courses  about 50% more than a decade earlier. That same year, about 25,000 students took AP exams, or triple the number from the preceding decade.

Coronavirus leads fewer Louisiana students to take Advanced Placement exams, but more pass Even as many students decided not to take Advanced Placement exams last summer amid difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic, more Louis

In East Baton Rouge Parish schools, AP courses are much more common, with 4,000 students in Advanced Placement classes and 500 in dual enrollment.

Baton Rouge Magnet has the highest AP participation, with more than 1,200 students, and none in dual enrollment. Woodlawn High has the most in dual enrollment, 116, and 412 in AP. Northeast High had the fewest taking college-level work, with 49 students in dual enrollment and none in AP.

AP passage rates, however, are much lower. In 2020, about 16% of AP students in the district took an AP exam and received a passing grade. At Baton Rouge High, about half eventually received a passing score. At Broadmoor High, fewer than 1% did.

AP is theoretically open to all, but many schools limit enrollment to their most-prepared students. Dual enrollment courses in Louisiana currently require students to have a minimum 2.5 GPA to enroll.

The Louisiana Board of Regents is willing to relax those rules if a high school is organized as an "early college," one where students try to earn an associates degree while still in high school  a possibility if students start college work early enough. Narcisse would take advantage of that exemption and make all high schools an early college.

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The superintendent argues that all these new dual enrollment courses won't hurt Advanced Placement, that the two programs will complement each other.

Its not an either-or but an and, Narcisse has said.

Some parents remain skeptical. At last month's workshop, parents opposed to the change handed out a flier suggesting that AP courses wouldn't disappear but that the program would be harmed.

Mandatory (dual enrollment) doesnt kill AP, but it does starve it, according to the flier. Consider AP History. Requiring students to take (dual enrollment) history will dramatically reduce demand for AP History by filling up what is likely the only history slot in the students course schedule.

Dual enrollment debate sparked over plan for out-of-state college to teach EBR virtual students After igniting controversy with a memo calling for all ninth-graders to take dual enrollment courses through an out-of-state university, the l

Narcisse has lined up support for his initiative from an array of local and state leaders, including East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and the office of Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed.

This is exciting times, this is extraordinary work and we are happy to be a partner with you, Lisa Williams, Reed's associate commissioner, told the board at its Dec. 16 workshop.

Earlier that day, Narcisse heard positive things from an even higher source, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. After a short tour of Glen Oaks High, and conversations with six of its students, Cardona said hes excited to see high schools where students can try their hand at college-level courses and feel like, I can be successful in college.

The evolution of our high schools is something Ive been talking about, Cardona said. Were seeing examples of that here already.

A big increase in dual enrollment could potentially be a big lift for the school performance scores of the 15 high schools Narcisse oversees, most of which struggle academically.

State Superintendent Cade Brumley has proposed overhauling the states school accountability system in a way that would place dual enrollment and AP at the same level  currently, students who pass AP exams earn a school more points than a dual enrollment credit. Schools would get the most points if students manage to get an associates degree. That is the case now, but under Brumleys proposal, schools would get even more points.

At the Dec. 16 workshop, Narcisse enlisted UCLA education professor Kimberley Gomez to speak via videoconferencing about the differences between AP and dual enrollment. While her curriculum vitae lists no publications or presentations on this topic, Gomez told the School Board it is an area that Im very familiar with, write about and conduct research on.

Gomez acknowledged that the AP courses have the rigor colleges are looking for and they help students express themselves better in the classroom, but they are less help when students take college courses that require analytic and synthetic thinking, reasoning and writing.

Dual enrollment, she said, has the benefit of introducing students not only to college-level work but also college-specific resources such as books and counselors.

It serves as evidence that a student has intellectual curiosity and a love of learning, and these are, frankly, very strong, very positive factors, Gomez said.

Kimberly Simpson, an independent college admissions counselor based in Covington, however, said that, in her experience, dual enrollment is generally not rated as highly as AP courses by colleges when they judge applications.

She said colleges value AP because students in every part of the country take the same exams.

With the highly competitive colleges, with dual enrollment they dont know what they are getting, Simpson said. But they know what they are getting with AP.

Students who have the option of AP but take the dual enrollment version of that course instead may end up regretting that choice, she said.

(Colleges) think youre running away from a challenging curriculum, and that is penalized against you, Simpson said.

In an interview, Narcisse dismissed such concerns. He argued that earning college credits, especially enough for an associates degree, will more than compensate for any perceived lack of AP courses on their transcript.

I would argue, Narcisse said, that an associates degree is telling a school way, way more than telling a school I had an AP (course).
Auburn Community Hospital is among 40 hospitals that the state has directed to limit elective and non-essential surgeries due to bed capacity and staffing levels amid the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Auburn is one of nine hospitals in central New York, including three in Syracuse, that have been ordered to curtail non-essential procedures.

Matthew Chadderdon, vice president of marketing and public affairs at Auburn hospital, told The Citizen this is the first time since Gov. Kathy Hochul's executive order in November that Auburn has been subject to the directive. The order requires hospitals that fall below 10% of staffed bed capacity to curb non-essential surgeries.

There are two factors that led to the hospital landing on the state's list. Chadderdon said there were health care workers, including some doctors and nurses, who missed work due to illness.

Along with the lower-than-normal staffing levels, Chadderdon said the hospital has an "unusually high census" because of a "significant amount of people" who delayed seeking care and require longer hospital stays.

He urged residents who are sick not to delay seeking treatment and reminded them that the hospital is a safe environment for patients. He noted that the health care workers are vaccinated and wear masks during their shifts.

The post-holiday COVID-19 surge hasn't helped. Since Christmas, Cayuga County has reported at least 1,322 confirmed COVID-19 cases. There is also a backlog of more than 1,000 positive cases that the local health department hasn't been able to contact.

Hospitalizations have been fluctuating during the recent surge. The health department said on Friday that 18 county residents are being treated for COVID at four area hospitals, including Auburn.

But the hospital may not have to limit non-essential surgeries for long. Many of the employees who were out sick are either returning to work or will be back soon, which should boost the hospital's staffing-to-bed ratio.

"Since this order is measured on a seven-day rolling basis, we believe we are trending in the right direction and will be back performing these procedures as soon as late next week," Chadderdon added. "We are already rebooking procedures."

Online producer Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

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Even as many students decided not to take Advanced Placement exams last summer amid difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic, more Louisiana students earned scores of 3 and above this year than in years past  good enough to make them eligible for college credit.

The number of public school AP test-takers in Louisiana declined by almost 18% compared with the year before, but the number with passing scores increased by 9%. The statewide AP passage rate jumped from 35% to 46%.

The new numbers cover just public schools in Louisiana. Public schools have historically accounted for about 80% of the AP test-takers in the state. The College Board, which created Advanced Placement, plans to release its annual state-level report for Louisiana soon, a report that will also include results from private school students.

The nonprofit College Board, best known as the maker of the SAT college placement test, has developed 38 Advanced Placement courses in seven subject areas. Students who earn a 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams  passing scores  are awarded college credit at many colleges and universities.

Since 2011, Louisiana has pressed to get more students to take college-level work while still in high school, primarily Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses offered through state colleges. The state has mixed financial incentives with potential negative consequences, like lower letter grades for schools that don't make it a priority.

Currently, about 40% of public high schools in the state have at least 50 students taking AP exams, more than double the percentage in 2011.

After the coronavirus outbreak hit last spring, the College Board canceled in-person exams across the country. Instead, the organization had students take the exam online at home. The exams, which typically last several hours long, were shortened to 45 minutes each.

Class notes, previously forbidden, were allowed. So were textbooks, dictionaries and old assignments, all of which were also previously forbidden.

All did not go as planned. While the College Board reported that less than 1 percent had technical problems, many students said they ran into difficulties. Some, though not all, were allowed to try again on retest dates later in the summer.

We did have students who had some problems, said Nan McCann, principal of Baton Rouge Magnet High, the school with the most test-takers in Louisiana. The College Board did take those cases individually and allowed some students to retake them.

Math and physics exam proved particularly problematic, she said.

They had to actually take screenshots of their work and send them in, McCann said, but the photos in some cases didnt go through.

Good news, bad news in latest report on Louisiana high schools' Advanced Placement results While low nationally, the number of public high school students who earned college credit this year rose 10 percent, state Superintendent of E

Among public school districts, East Baton Rouge Parish led the way again, with 2,047 students taking almost 3,400 tests. That was well ahead of second-place Orleans Parish, which had 1,511 students taking about 2,400 tests.

Interim East Baton Rouge Parish schools superintendent Adam Smith said hes extremely proud of the school district continuing to lead in multiple AP categories, including participation rates by African-American and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, which he said is essential to building the future of Baton Rouge.

We see a clear link between this and the college enrollment rates of our district. This speaks to the growing college and career readiness opportunities offered for our EBR students, Smith said.

Livingston and Ascension parishes, also in the capitol region, ranked third and fifth overall, with 1,457 and 1,133 test-takers, respectively. Livingston was second in the state in terms of the number of AP tests taken  students can take more than one test  with about 2,500 tests, just above Orleans Parish.

Of the top 10 districts, only three  Bossier, Livingston and St. Tammany parishes  had more students take the test this past year than the year before. Orleans had the biggest decline, with 639 fewer test-takers, followed by Ascension, which had 492 fewer test-takers.

Still, all but two of the top 10 districts  Jefferson and Lafayette parishes  ended up with more students with passing scores.

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Some school leaders say they would have had even more students pass if not for pandemic.

We expected it to be higher. We were a little disappointed, said Chandler Smith, chief academic officer for the Central Community school district. But with how we were at the end of the school year, I was happy with what we have been able to do.

It's Baton Rouge High vs. Ben Franklin in race of best AP test-takers Baton Rouge Magnet High School led the way in Louisiana this past year when it came to Advanced Placement with more students taking the colleg

Baton Rouge Magnet High had 865 test-takers, 22 more than last year. In all, 63% of test-takers at the high school scored a 3 or above, up almost 3 percentage points from the year before.

But Principal McCann said the school was on track for substantially higher numbers. About 200 students obtained refunds rather than take their AP exams. Nevertheless, she said was pleased with the numbers considering the circumstances.

Our students are very competitive, McCann said. They want that college credit.

Only about 40 public high schools in Louisiana increased the number of AP test-takers this year. Locally, the high schools with the biggest growth in test-takers were Central High, 77; Denham Springs High, 74; Liberty High, 63; Live Oak High, 61; and French Settlement High, 49.

About two-thirds of the high schools went the other way.

Some schools nearly bottomed out. Scotlandville High in Baton Rouge went from about 200 test-takers to less than 30. St. Helena High School went from more than 70 test-takers to less than 10.

Twenty-seven high schools saw declines in both the number of test-takers and the number of students who passed.

East Ascension High in Gonzales is the most dramatic example. Almost 300 fewer students took AP exams last year and almost 40 fewer students passed. Similarly, Donaldsonville High School, also in Ascension Parish, dropped in both areas, though only a small slice of its students were enrolled in AP courses.

Dutchtown leads state in high school students earning AP college credit High school students earning college credit in Ascension Public Schools continues to grow, with Dutchtown High School leading the state in one

The other two high schools in Ascension, Dutchtown and St. Amant high schools, said big drops in test-takers, but were still able to produce more passing scores. Despite 136 fewer test-takers, Dutchtown was still second in the state, behind Baton Rouge Magnet High, on this measure.

A common thread among many of the high schools with the most active AP programs is they have received or are continuing to receive grant money from the Dallas-based nonprofit, the National Math and Science Initiative. Primary funding for the NMSI initiative has been provided by ExxonMobil, which gave it $13 million in 2016.

NMSI, which began its College Readiness Program in 2007, touts big gains in passage rates on Advanced Placement exams for all students, particularly noting the gains made by female, Hispanic and African-American students. The initiative offers a variety of help for participating schools: a summer training institute, mentors for teachers new to AP, three Saturday help sessions for students at participating schools, and extra money for schools to buy additional AP instructional materials.

Some have worried that high schools would fall back to where they were once the grant money ended.

However, Andrea OKonski, chief of accountability, assessment and evaluation for the East Baton Rouge Parish school system, said she's seen NMSI-backed schools continue to build on their previous progress.

Whats ended up happening is the momentum is just there, and it becomes part of the culture of the school, OKonski said.
Angie Bueche moved to St. Helena Parish a decade-and-a-half ago to get away from the crowds, traffic and noise that had become common around her old home in the bustling Livingston Parish suburb of Watson.

But the move a couple of miles north brought a new set of challenges for the elementary school teacher, who works with disabled students. In rural St. Helena, high-speed internet is out of reach for most people  its pricey, and, for those who can afford a connection, tends to be excruciatingly slow.

For Bueche, 50, those obstacles mean her work days usually begin around 5 a.m., when she wakes up to drive past the Livingston-St. Helena line to her job at South Live Oak Elementary. In a quiet classroom, she spends the early morning hours crafting presentations on Google Slides for her students, who often require individually tailored class plans. They show up at around 7:30 a.m.

Bueche said she would prepare for classes at home if she could. But with just one painfully slow hotspot connection to share with her daughter and her husband, juggling class prep and her daughters college coursework becomes a challenge.

The slow internet brings endless frustrations.

It would be nice to have a movie night, Bueche said. But we dont know if a movie can play all the way through or if its going to buffer because we cant rely on the internet service. It feels like to me that that should be a given in 2022.

In many ways, Louisianas broadband problem is a microcosm of one felt across the rural United States. Fast internet tends to be less accessible in the states expansive and sparsely populated north, an area thats rapidly hemorrhaging jobs and residents. Internet providers see little incentive in those places to shell out money needed to install fiber cables  the gold-standard of broadband connectivity.

A rural Delta town withers amid population loss. It represents a broader trend in Louisiana. WATERPROOF  Chuck Barice stomped around the remnants of a former department store on Main Street, cleaning up what was left  mostly bricks a

But at a time when so many everyday tasks have moved online amid the COVID-19 pandemic, even residents on the outskirts of cities like Baton Rouge find themselves off the broadband grid.

In St. Helena, a parish of some 10,000 people in the pine-forested hills leading to the Louisiana-Mississippi line, just 6.3% of people have access to internet connections strong enough to support playing video games, according to a 2021 study by Broadband Now, an industry watchdog. The research firm found that provider choice in Greensburg, the parish seat, is essentially non-existent.

Most people are left to make do with connections rigged by setting up satellites near their homes. Those are expensive  usually costing between $100 and $200 a month for a subscription  and tend to yield painfully slow connections.

Streaming a class at home with his satellite internet is a "dreamy concept," said Dusty Lott, another parish resident.

"When we have had to do it on the past some days our satellite internet is so slow that it makes more sense to drive and sit in the parking lot at the library or McDonald's and connect to the free wifi," Lott said.

'We don't have enough broadband'

Though many Louisianans find themselves in Lott and Bueche's position, lack of firm data makes it difficult for officials to grasp the exact extent of the state's high-speed internet problem.

The Federal Communications Commission maps broadband service, but the agency draws data from industry self-reporting widely understood to be inaccurate.

Independent organizations that aggregate data from a mix of sources, however, like Broadband Now, show that internet woes are most pronounced in rural parishes to the north such as Catahoula, Lasalle and Bienville. In all, about 1.6 million Louisianans lack regular access to high-speed internet, according to an analysis by consulting firm McKinsey & Co.

Rural areas just beyond sprawling suburbs can fare just as badly.

In St. Helena, Washington and the Feliciana parishes, a 2,000-square-mile area north of Baton Rouge inhabited by fewer than 100,000 people, Broadband Now found that just 18% of residents have access to internet connections that allow downloads of 100 megabytes of data per second  the speed required to play video games or stream on two devices at the same time.

In Greensburg, the company found average internet speeds hover around 12 megabytes per second. The average in Houston is 187 mbps. New Yorks exceeds 500 mbps.

Recovery from Hurricane Ida in late August further illuminated the already pronounced lack of access in St. Helena, as residents struggled to communicate in the aftermath of the storm. With no cell service and inconsistent internet at the police jury building in Greensburg, parish officials resorted to driving south and setting up a makeshift command center in Pine Grove, a tiny community a few miles east of where Bueche lives.

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Wifi was one of the final utilities to return to nearby Tangipahoa Parish after the storm  and residents grew angry as companies took months to reconnect service in areas on the outskirts of Hammond, the parishs largest city.

In St. Helena, though, we dont have enough broadband for that to be an issue, state Rep. Robby Carter, D-Amite, said after the storm. Carter said he relies on a satellite for internet service at his home near Greensburg.

'It messes me up'

Often, in Bueches home, the question of who gets to use the internet comes down to a game of rock, paper, scissors.

Thats because the households single AT&T hotspot cant support more than one person streaming or working at a time, leaving the family to check each other and negotiate whose tasks are most important, Bueche said.

Even having one person on the hotspot can pose issues: While taking college classes remotely due to COVID-19, Bueches daughter would resort to taking tests in her moms classroom at Live Oak or at a friends house  places where she could work free from the anxiety that her internet connection might suddenly cut out, obliterating her progress.

At times, Bueche has found the poor connection impacting her work. Her students are with her from the time they get off the bus to the time they get back on, she said, meaning her class prep has to happen after-hours.

And if Im not able to do something that I need to do at home because the internet is down, it messes me up, she said. I go into the classroom not prepared. Or I have to set my alarm way early the next morning to make sure that I get it done.

'An integral part of day-to-day existence'

Funded by a windfall of coronavirus relief, and with money from the federal governments $3.2 trillion infrastructure bill likely to follow, Louisiana is in the midst of launching an ambitious program to grow broadband access in its many poorly serviced areas.

'The internet failed them': Louisiana plans $180M investment for broadband in rural areas When the coronavirus pandemic struck, and society turned to technology to stay connected, the rural town of Ville Platte was left in a lurch. 

State officials have been traveling from town to town across Louisiana, talking with local leaders about how to best meet communities broadband needs across three areas: Access, affordability, and knowing how to best use digital tools, said Veneeth Iyengar, head of the states new office of Broadband Development and Connectivity.

Iyengar said the office has made progress on its efforts, with about a quarter of the state establishing task forces focused on growing broadband access composed of local leaders. To address the lack of solid data about broadband access, the office has also encouraged residents to fill out a survey issued by the Delta Regional Authority assessing local broadband speeds, and is preparing to make applications received for its initial $90 million of funding for local-level broadband progress public in the coming weeks, he said.

That money is likely to be supplemented by another tranche of funds approved through in upcoming state legislative session. And even more money is likely to follow through the infrastructure bill.

The goal for us is to have fiber in every home, said Roderick Matthews, St. Helenas director of emergency operations. We have been talking about it, looking at it as a possibility with all these other funding sources. But I think the fact that the infrastructure bill passed, now its like, this will probably be a reality.

For residents like Bueche, that reality can't come soon enough. For her, it feels like each passing month of the pandemic and its accompanying digital boom have left the place she lives behind.

"The reliance of the internet in life has changed," she said. "Its become an integral part of day-to-day existence."

Where she lives, however, accessibility has yet to catch up.
Moments after the Louisiana Department of Health last week tweeted about a new program promoting COVID-19 vaccinations for teenagers, the Twitter comment section filled with derogatory statements.

Bambi Barnett needed two exclamation points to get across her view that recruiting teenagers to promote vaccinations among fellow 12- to 17-year-olds was a disgrace!! John Francis Crifasi reached for a Nazi allusion to articulate his contention that COVID vaccinations were in the same league as sadistic medical experiments of the 1940s.

From day one back in March 2020, an angry Dont Tread on Me clique in Louisiana  and nationwide  has pushed against institutions trying to leash a virus that spreads quickly and kills often. Louisiana's attorney general has joined lawsuits seeking to block President Joe Bidens efforts to get folks vaccinated.

Now with the new omicron variant surging along a line that is going straight up, Biden and the Democrats are being blamed.

U.S. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, emailed supporters Thursday that because of Biden's failed vaccine-only strategy, we have a severe testing shortage and a deadly lack of therapeutic alternatives.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also emailed Republicans Thursday boasting that he never conceded to Bidens authoritarian government lockdowns and mandates  please send money.

COVID infections hit another daily record in Louisiana as hospitalizations rise Louisiana notched a new single-day record for COVID-19 infections Thursday, reporting more than 14,000 additional cases, as the highly contagi

A weary Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards stopped short Thursday of returning to mask mandates.

The main difference this time is that omicron, while spreading more easily and deadly serious for the unvaccinated, is milder than earlier variants for those who have been inoculated, says Joseph Kanter, the states chief medical officer.

Vaccinations dont prevent people from getting COVID. You can breathe in COVID  or the flu or a cold  while waiting at the lunch counter. The intruder attaches to your nasal epithelium and how sick you get depends on your immune system.

A COVID inoculation beefs up those antibodies, so you still may get sick. But after binge watching The Crown, youll feel better by the end of the third season, rather than spend your final hours of life sucking on a ventilator.

Hospitalizations are indeed up, but those beds are being filled primarily by patients who havent been vaccinated, said Catherine ONeal M.D. The LSU specialist in infectious diseases is chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge.

The Lake had 110 admissions who had tested positive Tuesday, she said. After seeing about 100 new patients for several days running, the states largest hospital was quickly reaching capacity with 85% of the new patients unvaccinated.

Amid highest single-day COVID spike, Gov. Edwards asks public to ring in New Year at home With COVID-19 infections surging across Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards asked the public to ring in the New Year from home and take personal 

Also on Thursday, six of the biggest names in medicine published three pieces in the venerable Journal of the American Medical Association, opining that the nation needs to change strategy from trying to eradicate COVID to learning to live with it, which means continually updating vaccines that adapt to new variants.

ONeal agrees that COVID is now the new normal and that the best tool to lessening its severity is vaccination. The key question: How do we make it less and less significant? she said.

Residents of New York City and Boston voiced frustration over renewed pandemic mitigation efforts during the holidays. But their anger was more about having to run the same play again. Masks are required. Vaccination cards  like that one pinned unused on my Baton Rouge refrigerator  are required to gain entry to restaurants, museums, and theaters.

On the other hand, the latest figures show 72% of New Yorks residents have gotten the shot, 75% in Massachusetts. Hospitals in those states are seeing increased admissions but no longer need to set up temporary morgues in their parking lots.

New Orleans, another epicenter early in the pandemic, now claims near 80% vaccinations and adopted similar mandates. The residents of those epicenter cities "don't want live through that again," thus are more willing to revisit pandemic precautions, O'Neal said.

In Louisiana and the rest of the South, about half of the population remains unvaccinated. But many of those towns and cities saw few COVID cases back in March 2020, though they still had lockdowns. So, if I live in, I dont know, Jennings, I dont even think this thing is real, ONeal said.

Only a few masks were seen in the packed P-MAC when LSU beat Kentucky Tuesday night.
Tesla, born in Silicon Valley, never outsourced their software. They write their own code, said Morris Cohen, a professor emeritus at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania who specialises in manufacturing and logistics. They rewrote the software so they could replace chips in short supply with chips not in short supply. The other carmakers were not able to do that. Loading Tesla controlled its destiny, Cohen added. Tesla sold 936,000 cars globally in 2021, an 87 per cent increase for the year. Ford, GM and Stellantis, the company formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot, all sold fewer cars in 2021 than they did in 2020. Measured by vehicles delivered globally, Tesla vaulted past Volvo and Subaru in 2021, and some analysts predicted that it could sell 2 million cars this year, as factories in Berlin and Austin, Texas, come online and a plant in Shanghai ramps up production. That would put Tesla in the same league as BMW and Mercedes  something few in the industry thought possible just a couple of years ago.

GM and Ford, of course, sell many more cars and trucks. Both companies said last week that they sold around 2 million vehicles last year just in the United States. Tesla, which rarely answers questions from reporters, did not respond to a request for comment for this article. It has said little publicly about how it managed to soar in a down market. We have used alternative parts and programmed software to mitigate the challenges caused by these shortages, the company said in its third-quarter earnings report. The performance is a stark turnaround from 2018, when Teslas production and supply problems made it an industry laughingstock. Many of the manufacturing snafus stemmed from Musks insistence that the company make many parts itself. Other car companies have realised that they need to do some of what Musk and Tesla have been doing all along and are in the process of taking control of their onboard computer systems.

Mercedes says it will standardise its computer chips rather than having 1000 different types. Mercedes, for example, plans to use fewer specialised chips in coming models and more standardised semiconductors, and to write its own software, said Markus Schafer, a member of the German carmakers management board who oversees procurement. In the future, Mercedes will make sure we have customised, standardised chips in the car, Schafer said in an interview Wednesday. Not 1000 different chips. Mercedes will also design its own vehicle hardware, he said. Without mentioning Tesla, Schafer added, Probably some others were earlier going down this road. Doing more on its own also helps explain why Tesla avoided shortages of batteries, which have limited companies like Ford and GM from selling lots of electric cars. In 2014, when most carmakers were still debating whether electric vehicles would ever amount to anything, Tesla broke ground on what it called a gigafactory outside Reno, Nevada, to produce batteries with its partner, Panasonic. Now, that factory helps ensure a reliable supply.

It was a big risk, said Ryan Melsert, a former Tesla executive who was involved in construction of the Nevada plant. But because they have made decisions early on to bring things in-house, they have much more control over their own fate. The Tesla lineup is also more modest and easier to supply. The Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV accounted for almost all of the companys sales in 2021. Tesla also offers fewer options than many of the traditional carmakers, which simplifies manufacturing. Because they have made decisions early on to bring things in-house, they have much more control over their own fate. Ryan Melsert, former Tesla exceutive Its a more streamlined approach, said Phil Amsrud, a senior principal analyst who specialises in automotive semiconductors at IHS Markit, a research firm. They are not trying to manage all these different configurations. Tesla software, which can be updated remotely, is considered the most sophisticated in the auto business. Even so, the companys cars likely use fewer chips, analysts said, because the company controls functions like battery cooling and autonomous driving from a smaller number of centralised, onboard computers.

Tesla has fewer boxes, Amsrud said. The fewer the components you need right now, the better. Loading Of course, Tesla could still run into problems as it tries to replicate the growth it achieved in 2021  it is aiming to increase sales about 50 per cent a year for the next several years. The company acknowledged in its third-quarter report that its creative maneuvering around supply chain chaos might not work so well as it increased production and needed more chips and other parts. The electric vehicle market is also becoming much more competitive as the traditional carmakers belatedly respond with models that people want to buy rather than the small electric vehicles typically made to appease regulators. Ford said this past week that it would nearly double production of the Lightning, an electric version of its popular F-150 pickup truck, because of strong demand. Teslas pickup truck wont go on sale for at least another year. The outlook for the traditional carmakers is likely to improve this year as shortages of semiconductors and other components ease, and as manufacturers get better at coping.
My two youngest grandchildren, aged nine and seven, have COVID-19. Both are high-risk immuno-compromised children. The nine-year-old is also prone to lung infections and has damaged lungs from an especially virulent infection three years ago.

Over the past two years, their parents have done everything possible to protect them against COVID-19. My grandchildren havent been to school since mid-June 2021. They lost weeks more schooling than other children in 2020, too.

Neither child had contact with other children for months on end and, when they did again have contact, it was with a small number of similarly protected children. They avoided places where children would usually go and stayed away from many social gatherings. Their parents have been waiting anxiously for them to be vaccinated.

After 22 months, COVID-19 finally caught up with Chris Sidotis grandchildren. Credit:iStock

After 22 hard months, COVID-19 finally caught up with them. On Christmas Eve, their father brought it home from work. My grandchildren were infected two weeks before they could get a vaccine; the rollout for those aged five to 11 is only just beginning.
Of little faith

The following words and phrases do not inspire faith in the federal governments ability to lead, manage, organise and plan in the short, medium and long term  It is not a race, signing agreements with vaccination producers, JobKeeper and profitable companies, vaccine distribution and wastage, slow vaccination of people at risk, aged care, quarantine facilities, repatriating Australians and not in our jurisdiction.

You would think it would learn from the past two years, but no, this attitude has continued with the booster vaccine process, the issues of distribution and profiteering of the rapid testing kits and visas.

Despite this, I expect the government to base its election strategies around its superior money management, governance and forward thinking.

Phil Mackenzie, Eaglemont Can-do gouging

The Prime Ministers can-do capitalism and small government obsession has led to untrammelled rapid antigen testing price-gouging without intelligent regulation or oversight.

Greg Curtin,

Blackburn South Reef madness

The reality of our wonderful Great Barrier Reefs future is deeply saddening (Great bleaching reef battle brewing, The Age, 8/1). The Australian public should be made aware that 1.5 degrees of warming will see us lose 70-90 per cent of existing reefs and 2 degrees will cause the reef to almost entirely disappear.

To keep global warming below 1.5 degrees and give the reef a fighting chance, we need to cut emissions by 75 per cent by 2030. Despite our politicians assertions, no amount of funding for foundations can save the reef unless we curb climate change.

If we want to keep the dream of our children experiencing the sheer joy of snorkelling in the majestic Great Barrier Reef alive, we voters must hold our federal government accountable for drastic emissions reductions this decade.

Amy Hiller, Kew Not so clever

John Howes is right about the dangers posed by unvaccinated people (Letters, 9/1). In bending the rules to allow privileges to the unvaccinated, theres a wider risk of demonstrating the limits of Australias real values and priorities: money, entitlement and personal choice matter more than public health, scientific evidence and legal obligation. Not a good image for a clever country.

Jenifer Nicholls, Armadale Kudos to Ashes

How wonderful that this years Ashes series has been played in great spirit and sportsmanship, seemingly without sledging, and with players from both sides treating each other with respect. Both Joe Root and Pat Cummins have presented themselves and their teams in a professional manner that is to be commended. Coupled with the amazing on-field performances of the humble pair Scott Boland and Usman Khawaja, it appears that cricket is once again the gentlemans sport, providing great viewing for all the family.

Diane Maddison, Parkdale

The friendly spirit

Am I alone in thinking that this Test series seems to be being played in a remarkably friendly spirit without removing the competition. I have even seen players smile at, and talk to the opposition. If I am right, it makes a pleasant change from the constant stream of invective that used to pour out in the win at any cost days. No doubt there is still sledging, but one hopes it is more banter than antagonism.

Peter Valder, Toorak And justice for all

It seems the US legal system is finally embracing the concept of justice for its non-white citizens and that will be significant for more harmonious race relations in that country.

Tony Delaney, Warrnambool Its all Victorias fault

Victoria is still being blamed for just about everything by the Morrison government. Apparently, Novak Djokovic was given an Australian visa by Victoria. The Treasurer caught the virus from a Victorian. The let-it-rip policy enacted by the NSW government only came about because NSW was determined to be seen to be different and not to follow the strict lockdowns done by Victoria. The Australian economy will take longer to recover because of Victoria. Vaccine booster rollout is being slowed by Victoria. Hospitals around Australia are being overwhelmed because of high case numbers in Victoria.

Next, we will hear that a Victorian was on the grassy knoll in Dallas in 1963. There are even rumours that Adam and Eve only got the apple because a Victorian slipped over the border to Eden and didnt use the fruit fly bin!

Greg Tuck, Warragul Power psychology

Nicholas Reeces article (Commonwealths power failure, 9/1) is a revelation in the psychology of leadership. We have a complement of state premiers who would be classified as P for Power personalities operating under a H for Hustler Prime Minister, by nature incapable of leading. I doubt the Commonwealth would have descended to this chaos under Malcolm Fraser, John Howard, Paul Keating or Bob Hawke. We can only hope that, by the next election, the parties vying for power are all led by powerful leaders capable of bending our Commonwealth back into shape.

David Marshall, West Brunswick Shooting is not sport

Its about time duck shooting was banned, it is not a sport; give a gun to the ducks and then it would be a sport.

Bird numbers are down, so many native birds are killed or injured by hunters who dont care. Shooters do not bring any economic benefit to the regions and cause more harm than good. Spent cartridges left around, lame birds left to die and the locals have to put up with all the mess. Not safe for local children and with our updated knowledge on our wildlife it really is time to stop this archaic practice.

Susan Kerr, Rye

Leave the ducks be

If there was an excess of ducks then it would be appropriate for the duck season to go ahead. This year duck numbers are down almost 60 per cent. If the shooters want future seasons then this one should not go ahead.

Andrew Cowell, Castlemaine Shine a light

Vaccines for children are not received at many GP clinics. I am confused with so many previous instructions for moving forwards  do we open up, take wickets, shake and bake, live with it, get on with it, declare war on China, France and Serbia? Leadership please.

Belinda Burke, Hawthorn Leadership vacuum

As I tuned into the ABC midday news I heard a great deal about the COVID crisis in NSW and, if I so decided, to hear about the Queensland situation. There was a clear direction in these presentations to explain the current situation and to bring what positive aspects that could be found to the public.

But Victorias situation was ignored. This from a national broadcaster, whose income is limited and obviously found a relatively cheap way to present the news. While this was disturbing, I asked myself, where is the federal governments response? Providing facilities and equipment is certainly most important, but so too is the national morale. We do not need a Minister for Morale, but leadership should surely take initiative in these needs. I believe in all situations, leadership carries enormous humane responsibilities. In the nest midday news I would like to know what is happening in Australia, and that a federal response could offer us national morale and leadership.

Keith Hallett, Gisborne Some things dont change

About this time last year a privileged female tennis player complained about her detention in Park Hotel and the lack of fresh air. A year later a privileged male tennis player is complaining not only about the lack of fresh air but of unhygienic conditions and poor food. How things have changed and not changed in a year.

Why do these conditions only make headlines when a sports star brings it to attention? What conditions will be brought to light this time next year? And will it be met with the same indifference to the long-term prisoners held in unacceptable conditions?

Peta Price, Ballarat Djokovic side effects

No one needs Novak Djokovic here although hes provided Scott Morrison with his own children overboard moment. Last Wednesday it was a Victorian government decision, Thursday it became rules are rules and a federal matter. Seems rules only apply to borders, not for blind trusts and sitting male Liberal members.

Michael Thomas,

Box Hill

AND ANOTHER THING Novak Djokovic

In light of the leaked letter from Tennis Australia: Djokovic 40, Tiley 30.

Ian Cameron, Chelsea Whats the point of being leader of the free world if you cant bluff your way through border security?

Tom Fanning, Forest Hill I have always had admiration and respect for Rafael Nadal. Now I have more.

Dan Drummond, Leongatha Bear in mind that Novak Djokovic comes from Serbia, a country where only about 47 per cent of people are fully vaccinated.

Terry Kelly, Fitzroy North

Imagine if Novak Djokovic is legally permitted to stay by the courts, but contracts COVID-19 at a hotel with a history of transmission events, and cant play.

Anita White, Kew Craig Tiley has forfeited the match. He should now offer his resignation.

Matthew Doyle, Point Cook The jokes on Djokovic  were serious about our health rules.

David Gentle, East Ivanhoe Furthermore

Looks like the safest activity now is hibernation.

Meg McPherson, Brighton As an educator, I join the call for a return to normal in our schools. As a grandparent, I urge caution. Better safe than sorry.

Tony Haydon, Springvale
There are a few nerves before she gets her first COVID-19 vaccine, but the good side, says Marlie Sinclair, 11, is it will allow her to not fear getting sick as much.

The grade 5 student, from Hurstbridge, said she will feel better about going to school and to the shops, once she has the jab on Monday, the first day children aged five to 11 are eligible for the vaccine.

Nervous but happy: Marlie Sinclair, 11, right, pictured with her parents and four brothers, is due for her first COVID-19 vaccination on Monday. Credit:Meredith OShea

Marlies mother Melissa Sinclair said she booked Marlies vaccination as soon as the federal health authorities gave their approval for the age group last month, and easily got an appointment at a local medical centre.

Mrs Sinclair, 47, her husband Paul, 52, and Marlies brothers Mitchell, 20, Trent, 18, Austin, 15 and Jarred, 13, have all been double vaccinated and Mrs Sinclair is keen for Marlie to follow suit.
Every time Emma Dalton sets foot in a shop, supermarket or cafe, she reaches into her handbag and pulls out her portable carbon dioxide monitor.

The $350 device allows her to quickly detect how much fresh air is circulating in her surrounds information that helps protect her against COVID-19.

Emma Dalton measures the air quality of her local shopping strip in St Kilda East Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

If the C02 levels are too high  a sign that a space is not well ventilated  the device beeps and she swiftly leaves. She sometimes requests that a door or window be opened.

If you are in a poorly ventilated environment, you are breathing in a lot of air that someone else has exhaled, she explains. Its kind of disgusting.
The U.S. Department of Justice has approved grants for the Auburn Police Department and the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office to buy body cameras for its officers.

Christina Selvek, Auburn's director of capital projects and grants, said in an interview with The Citizen Thursday that the city was informed on Dec. 17 that it was awarded a $120,000 grant for a body-worn camera program. In order to encourage law enforcement agencies to implement a body-worn camera program, Selvek said, the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance was providing a $2,000 incentive per body-worn camera for each sworn officer. Sixty officers will be assigned the body camera equipment.

A resolution approved by the Auburn City Council in early July said that the $120,000 amount would require a 50% local cash match of $60,000 for a total body-worn camera grant application budget of $180,000 over three years. The city's $60,000 is set to come from funds received through the federal American Rescue Plan.

A background memo from the city on the camera program said the APD proposed acquiring 60 body-worn cameras at a total estimated five-year cost of $504,230. The memo noted that updated tasers that link with the cameras' software are also needed. The taser equipment was estimated to cost an additional $126,230, the memo continued, coming to a total estimated program cost of $630,460. Selvek said the remaining sum not covered by the grant also would come from American Rescue Plan funding.

She added that the grant is a reimbursement program, so the city first will have to buy the body camera equipment and then submit for reimbursement.

The camera program was one of the items included in the APD's community policing plan adopted last year. Law enforcement agencies across the state were ordered by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in summer 2020 to review their practices and policies through a reform plan or risk losing state funds.

Auburn Deputy Police Chief Roger Anthony said the tasers the APD is looking to buy along with the cameras would activate a camera when a taser has been used.

Anthony talked about the benefits of body cameras, including being "really good evidence when we're interacting with people that have committed crimes or when interviewing victims or witnesses; it documents all those interactions, in addition to when there's a use of force  that's documented as well."

He said there are times when officers have to use force, so having a body-worn camera "could only help tell the whole story of what happened" in such a situation. Anthony compared it when a larceny happens on a street, as officers will go to houses and stores in the area to see if there is video of the incident.

"Every now and again, we get a complaint against an officer and you can't have better evidence to either refute or confirm whether something happened in the way it's being portrayed by somebody," he continued.

Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck said in an interview with The Citizen Thursday that he will be informing the county Legislature Judicial and Public Safety Committee at its Wednesday, Jan. 12, meeting that the sheriff's office was awarded a grant for a body-worn camera program by the Department of Justice. Approval from the full Legislature would be needed for the office to accept that grant. Schenck said the office would also need the Legislature to approve additional funding for the program.

The grant is for approximately $66,000 toward buying the body-worn cameras, initial equipment and software, plus the office would require the Legislature's approval for $35,000 a year for camera maintenance and upkeep and additional software, Schenck said.

The sheriff's office is eyeing 33 cameras for the road patrol division. So far the office is not currently looking at acquiring tasers to go with the cameras, which is the APD's plan, but Schenck said they will explore that option. Another element Schenck plans to discuss with the Legislature is hiring a clerk to handle downloading and reviewing the video from the cameras and providing that video to the Cayuga Count District's Attorney Office.

Implementing a body camera program has been one of Schenck's priorities for a while, as it also was one of the key aspects of the sheriff's office mandated reform plan submitted to the state last year.

He said Thursday he feels strongly about starting the camera program.

"I think it's the best evidence when it comes to criminal investigations or any incident that we're involved with. It gives you an accurate picture of exactly what happened," Schenck said. "I think another plus is the transparency of our operations, it helps us be very transparent to the public we serve because we can show exactly what was done in a particular incident."

The sheriff added that the road patrol members he has spoken with about the camera initiative have been positive about it.

"I think our members want them. I think they see the benefit to themselves when they're out there on a daily basis to document incidents that they're involved with and provide transparency for the work they do and protection for them to show that they are doing the right thing, that they are following our policies and procedures and living up to our mission," Schenck said. "I think that they see the benefit in having that documentation to show that they are doing the right thing out there."

Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.

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Doctors and pharmacists are having to delay or even cancel coronavirus vaccine appointments for children aged five to 11 despite the federal government saying there is an abundance of doses available.

The delays came as the Victorian government, which is to launch its state-run child vaccination program on Monday, said it was working towards school resuming as scheduled from January 28 (January 31 in government schools).

And Premier Daniel Andrews, who returned to work on Sunday, has extended Victorias pandemic declaration for another three months after the state recorded another 44,155 coronavirus cases and four deaths.

The spread of the Omicron strain  over 80 per cent of new cases in Victoria are now Omicron infections  has increased pressure on all levels of governments to vaccinate as many people as possible, including those in the five-to-11 age group. Children must get vaccinated as soon as possible if they are to have any immunity to COVID-19 when school returns.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: The President of Turkmenistan is calling for an end to one of the countrys most notable but infernal sights  the blazing natural gas crater widely referred to as the Gates of Hell.

The crater fire named Gates of Hell is seen near Darvaza, Turkmenistan, last year. Credit:AP

The Karakum Desert crater located about 260 kilometres north of the capital, Ashgabat, has burnt for decades and is a popular sight for the small number of tourists who manage a visa to enter the country.

The Turkmen news site Turkmenportal said a 1971 gas-drilling collapse formed the crater, which is about 60 metres in diameter and 20 metres deep. To prevent the spread of gas, geologists set a fire, expecting the methane to burn off in a few weeks.
In a sustainability report, Tesla said all the right things. By working directly with a mine, rather than buying nickel from a middleman, the company could address sustainability issues such as biodiversity impact, energy consumption, human rights and tailings management. Tesla still depends on metals from mines in other countries dogged by allegations of environmental and human rights abuses. And as the world shifts from fossil fuels to renewable energies, the race to lock up access to these minerals has left companies scrambling. Earlier this year, Musk wrote on Twitter that his companys biggest concern for expanding battery production was ensuring an adequate nickel supply. (Nickel is used to cram more energy into batteries.) Marie-Michele Robert-Agourere, a laboratory technician, tests samples at the Prony Resources nickel mine processing plant in Goro. Credit:Adam Dean/The New York Times If any place can pull off the feat of green nickel, it is New Caledonia. Because of its status as a French overseas territory, the archipelago, with a population of 270,000 people, is bound by rigorous European environmental and labor standards. Its own government  led by a coalition representing Indigenous Kanaks, generations of European settlers and newer French arrivals, as well as Asians and Pacific Islanders who came to work in the mines  is also eager to protect local rights. Other major nickel producers, like Indonesia and the Philippines, have loose regulations and even looser oversight. They can produce nickel far more cheaply than New Caledonia. To compete against these low-cost rivals, New Caledonia is now positioning itself as a supplier of top-grade nickel for rechargeable batteries rather than the cheaper product used for stainless steel.

New Caledonia, in its way of exploiting its ore, is perceived as a country which contributes to the fight against global warming, the territorys president, Louis Mapou, said. We have very high production costs in New Caledonia, it is true, but we respect human rights, respect the rights of local people and respect the environment. Tesla wants to reinvent nickel mining, crucial to electric car batteries, by turning the Prony mine in New Caledonia, pictured, into an experiment in sustainability. Credit:Adam Dean/The New York Times Even with guardrails in place, natural resource extraction remains a sensitive issue in New Caledonia. Nickel prices are up by about 25 per cent this year, reflecting the minerals importance in the campaign to move away from fossil fuels. But so far, that has not led to greater profits for miners. Goros previous owner, the Brazilian mining giant Vale, was desperate to rid itself of the mine. Tensions over who would buy the nickel-processing plant led to protests that forced Goro to shut for months, the kind of supply chain disruption that could be disastrous for Tesla. The conflict also triggered the fall of New Caledonias government last year. In the history of nickel in New Caledonia, a battle exists between the multinational and the local populations, and there is also the colonial history, said Mapou, who took power after the Goro conflict and is the territorys first Kanak president. With Tesla, with the new ownership, we have a compromise now that makes it possible to open the Goro plant, but it remains fragile.

Battle lines The coastal road to Goro, meandering past a bay studded with colourful coral, is littered with charred cars from the months-long struggle that idled the mine and led to the collapse of the government in February. And they are a visceral reminder of the tense politics that could stymie Teslas efforts to secure a steady supply of nickel. Andre Vama was one of hundreds of Kanaks who barricaded the road with burning tires and vehicles this year, strangling the mines operations. From the start, we have been against this mine, said Vama, who is a leader of a local environmental alliance. This is our national patrimony, our assets, and the Kanaks, who are victims of history, are not in control of what should be ours. Andre Vama, a Kanak tribal member who opposes the Prony mines operations, at home with a granddaughter, in Goro, New Caledonia. Credit:Adam Dean/The New York Times

Local opposition to the mine draws both from political concerns and environmental fears. Goros processing plant, which depends on pumping acid at high pressure, began operations in 2010, after years of wrangling over land rights with local Kanaks. Within five years, the facility suffered five chemical spills. The biggest leak, in 2014, led to 100,000 litres of waste gushing into a creek. Thousands of fish died, according to environmental groups. Elon Musk wants to guarantee the supply chain for Teslas electric vehicles. Credit:AP Goro has repeatedly been a flashpoint in the territorys decades-long struggle for independence. In 2014, after the spill, Kanaks set fire to Goros facilities, which were linked in local minds to a colonial authority. The mine suspended production for more than a month. Vale estimated the damage at $US30 million ($42 million). The most recent protest began late last year during a fraught political season when New Caledonians were voting in an independence referendum. When the no vote narrowly prevailed again  the third time a vote was held according to an agreement with France  Kanaks took to the streets. Vale had already announced it wanted out of New Caledonia and was negotiating to transfer ownership to, among others, Trafigura, a scandal-tainted international commodity trader.

Largely excluded from the original Goro negotiations, the Kanak community demanded more control this time. With provocative rumours about Vales intentions spreading, Kanak workers and villagers stormed the Goro complex, again setting facilities on fire. The destruction, blockade and subsequent mine closure again cost the mine complex tens of millions of dollars. Loading Months of negotiation led to a compromise in March: 51 per cent of Goros new ownership consortium, Prony Resources, is controlled by the provincial government, mine workers and local members of the community. Trafigura has 19 per cent, rather than the 25 per cent it was first slated to take.

The Tesla deal, announced half a year later, was greeted with jubilation by Kanak political leaders, who say that it will force Goro to adhere to high standards. Loading Riches in the Pacific Goros earth is rich in nickel and cobalt, key ingredients in the lithium-ion batteries most commonly used for electric vehicles. To extract the useful minerals takes a lot of energy. That means a lot of hazardous emissions. First, giant excavators, loaders and trucks running on fossil fuels scoop up the earth and trundle it away. Then the soil slurry is fed into a coal-fired facility that uses high-pressure blasts of sulfuric acid at high temperature to extract nickel and cobalt.

Prony Resources is promising to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral 10 years after that. Waste from the plant, which is currently held in a tailings dam as a toxic sludge, will be filtered and transformed into a less corrosive dry waste, using a new system with $US420 million in investment. The dirty coal that powers the processing plant will be replaced by a large collection of solar panels, say Prony executives. There is another stumbling block in efforts to streamline the battery-making process. Most of the nickel destined for electric vehicle batteries, Goros included, goes to one place: China. After more than a decade of state encouragement, China dominates battery making. For now, no Western carmaker  not Tesla, Ford or Volkswagen  can charge all its electric cars without Beijing. Europe controls less than 5 per cent of the process, according to Trafigura. The US is barely a player. Tesla has plans to produce batteries in Texas and Germany, and General Motors in Ohio, which would help avoid an overreliance on China. By securing nickel in places like New Caledonia or Australia, then sending the mineral directly to its own battery-making facilities, Tesla would be able to reduce its shipping carbon footprint.
The 100th Anniversary of Famed Route 66 +VIDEO

SEE ALSO: Route 66 Content Archive

The 100th anniversary of famed Route 66 at Illinois State Museum

CHICAGO - January 9, 2022: This article is a public service courtesy of CBS CHICAGO; This story is both a trip back in time and a look ahead.

Historic Route 66, which of course had one of its terminal points in Chicago, turns 100 in a few years. And an Illinois museum needs your help to celebrate the milestone.

The Illinois State Museum is in Springfield  a town which Route 66 passed right through. Because of COVID-19, CBS 2s Marissa Parra took a virtual tour  and traveled through time virtually too.

The first pieces of an exhibit in the making about Route 66 have survived decades. Holst showed Parra a detailed map of Route 66 by artist Bob Waldmire, and a solar oven the artist used.

Holst is on a treasure hunt  looking for anything that tells the story  our story  of Route 66 in the Prairie State.

The iconic road, born officially as U.S. Highway 66, crossed 2,000 miles  connecting the West Coast to the Midwest by road for the first time.

Historic signs in Chicago mark where the Mother Road first began in 1926. Youll find the ending point at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue and the starting point a block north at Adams Street and Michigan Avenue. Jackson Boulevard was the original route, but it was split across two east-west streets when Jackson was made one way eastbound.

Route 66 goes on to follow Ogden Avenue through the citys West Side and near west suburbs, and heads southwest through downstate Illinois before crossing into Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The route finally terminates in Santa Monica, California.

During the highways glory days, Route 66 was a muse. (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 has been part of the American songbook since Nat King Cole first released it in 1946.

(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 has been covered my numerous artists in its nearly 76 years. Heres a 1961 version by Chuck Berry, a native of the Route 66 city of St. Louis:

Route 66 is also a powerful symbol in John Steinbecks 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath, representing a pathway to hope from the Dust Bowl:
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One of the biggest misconceptions about mask-wearing mandates for public indoor spaces in New York state  especially the most recently enacted temporary directive  is that these policies are doing heavy damage to businesses.

In fact, when the omicron variant surge-inspired directive was announced last month, business groups in New York state said they supported the measure. Proper masking allows commerce to continue safely for shoppers and employees, and business leaders urged the public to make it easy on establishments by complying with the law.

In Cayuga County, the enforcement approach has been to educate businesses about their responsibilities, and to resort to the step of a citation with a small fine only for repeat offenders, which represent a minuscule fraction of the total number of companies.

Despite this backdrop, the Cayuga County Legislature's newly established Republican majority voted at its Jan. 1 organizational meeting in support of dropping enforcement of the mandate, and they were joined by one independent and one conservative legislator. It soon emerged that the vote had no official meaning since it wasn't a formal resolution, but there was an intention to bring one forward at some point soon. Later in the week, at an emergency county Board of Health meeting called to discuss the Legislature's action, the county attorney said the state's mask mandate is a public health directive to the county's public health director, and the Legislature has no legal authority to force that person to refuse enforcement.

At this stage, we're hopeful that the matter is dead and that Cayuga County will continue to do what it has done all along: work in partnership with the state to try to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in order to protect residents' health and keep our businesses and schools running.

A good sign in that regard came last week when legislative chairperson David Gould, R-Fleming, appointed Elane Daly, D-Auburn, as chair of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee. Daly, a retired public health leader who has chaired the committee all four years of her time on the Legislature, is a strong advocate for mask wearing, vaccines, testing and all the other common-sense measures needed to fight through this pandemic.

Unfortunately, the mask enforcement question in Cayuga County emerged at precisely the wrong time. Just consider the flurry of grim news that came out Friday related to COVID-19 in Cayuga County.

Emergency services are under significant strain because of the massive surge in infections, prompting an extraordinary joint statement from Auburn Community Hospital, Cayuga County Health Department and the city of Auburn pleaded with residents not to flood the hospital ER with visits merely looking to get tested.

The health department has shifted to self-attestation forms in its contact tracing program, as more than 800 residents were placed into isolation by the health department in the first six days of January alone with a backlog of more than 1,000 others.

Among the seven school districts based in Cayuga County, there were more than 540 reported positive cases among students and staff in the first seven days of January, a level that certainly can't grow for schools to maintain full-time in-person classes.

What is needed now is a unified message on public health efforts related to COVID-19, and that can and should start with the Cayuga County Legislature.

The Citizen Editorial board includes president and director of local sales and marketing Michelle Bowers, executive editor Jeremy Boyer and managing editor Mike Dowd.

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Devoted to Dickens: A Maryville couple revisits scenes from an earlier era

Scott Keller | The Daily Times Warm scenes from a different era are displayed in the Sigwalts home on Wednesday in Maryville. Scott Keller | The Daily Times The Sigwalts stand beside their fireplace and a small sampling of the decorative village scenes on Wednesday in Maryville. Scott Keller | The Daily Times The sigwalts have a collection of model village structures on display at their home in Maryville. Scott Keller | The Daily Times Scenes occupy several areas in the Zigwalt's home. This wintery scene sits by a window looking over the backyard on Wednesday in Maryville. Scott Keller | The Daily Times A fire brigade runs down a village street on Wednesday in Maryville. Scott Keller | The Daily Times This wedding chapel in the Sigwalts village features figures inside that dance on a turning floor.

From the outside, Bud and Judy Sigwalts home in Maryvilles Country Meadows suburban subdivision resembles most of the other houses on the block. However once one walks inside, the difference becomes clear. A miniature model village that extends from the mantle above the fireplace to several shelves in throughout the living and dining areas transports the visitor back in time more than 150 years, revisiting an era of English history romanticized by Charles Dickens in his classic story A Christmas Carol and reimagined by someone whos obviously partial to that particular period.

The homes owner, Judy Sigwalt, has indulged her love of miniatures for the past 30 years, although she took a hiatus from setting up her annual display for the past three. Life got in the way, she said. That makes this years setup particularly special. Everything is executed with minute attention to detail  complete with its quaint hotels, charming churches  unique specialty shops, and all the other amenities an English town of that period would possess. Tiny figurines walk the village streets and go about their business, some on horse-drawn carriages, others on the miniature carousel and some that skate on a tiny frozen pond. The landscape is given over to hills, foliage, trees and various other trappings of an English countryside, all of it immaculately arranged and seemingly undisturbed by any outside intrusions.

I was raised in a family of nine children and it wasnt always easy, Judy said. We would take cereal boxes, paint them and model them into buildings for our imaginary cities. Then, when I was in my 30s, I began building dollhouses. I was a member of the Jaycees and one year I built one that was used as a raffle prize. I began building more dollhouses after that.

Eventually, she became enamored with the Dickens Village miniatures sold by a mail-order company called Department 56. Its a specialty site that offers a variety of Christmas villages, keepsakes, collectables, and other novelties with holiday themes. She would find those items at certain specialties stores located near the couples former hometown of Carpentersville, Illinois, where they lived prior to moving to Maryville in 2013 after her husband Buds retirement. The Hallmark stores were one of those destinations in particular, and once she began modeling her tiny towns, she would go there to buy new buildings every year. She currently has 62 of those miniatures on display, but given the fact that shes run out of room, several arent included. Nevertheless, every component in her collection is catalogued in a notebook and easily identified once theyre carefully packed away.

Judy said that she starts constructing her miniature village in mid November and it takes her between two to three weeks to complete. Bud, a former mechanic who worked on the vehicles used by the company that made Wonder Bread, dutifully does all the electrical work, giving the buildings the benefit of interior lighting and certain special additives for their own illumination.

While one particular part of the village is dedicated entirely to Dickens characters  Ebenezers Scrooges house and accounting office, as well as the home of Tiny Tim, are reproduced and represented  Judy has created backstories about other areas of the village and she gladly explains the purpose of each of its buildings and the activities of the citizenry who inhabit them. Its a trait she seems to have picked up naturally, having been a licensed daycare and elderly home care professional given to keeping her clients entertained and engaged.

After 41 years of marriage, Bud seems a willing  and good-natured  observer as far as indulging Judys interest. When we lived in Illinois, I went to the mall to buy her some buildings as a surprise gift, he said. The price tag shocked me  they were going for $800 to $900. I bought her three miniature figurines instead.

Most of the buildings in Judys collection, the oldest of which date back to the mid 1980s, didnt cost nearly as much. Still, their value increases once theyve been retired and are no longer available. In total, she estimates that her collection is worth about $3,000. She doesnt shop for new pieces on the internet (You never know what youre getting) and instead looks forward to visiting The Christmas Store in Pigeon Forge, which, she said, is the only place in the area that offers a similar array of compatible collectables.

Not that Bud and Judy lack for decor. In addition to the Dickens village, the home they share with their son, two dogs and two birds boasts ample display cases filled with figurines, books, photos and a myriad of other mementos. They even go into detail when it comes to decorating their Christmas tree, giving it a different theme every year.

However unlike the holiday decor, the miniature village has a longer lifespan. It will remain on display at least until March before being packed away for next November.

This is my therapy, Judy says.
French party "Les Patriotes" leader Florian Philippot and lawyer Fabrice di Vizio march during a rally called by his party against the compulsory COVID-19 vaccination and the mandatory use of the health pass, in Paris, on Jan. 8, 2022. (Christophe Archambault/AFP via Getty Images)

100,000 Protest in France Against Proposed New COVID-19 Vaccine Pass

French authorities said that about 105,000 protesters took to the streets across the country against a draft law that essentially would ban unvaccinated people from public life.

Protesters are demonstrated against French President Emmanuel Macrons recent comment about people who havent received COVID-19 vaccines, saying: I really want to piss them off. And so we will continue to do so, to the bitter end. Thats the strategy.

Speaking to Le Parisien, Macron said his government intends to make life as difficult as possible for unvaccinated individuals by tightening curbs on their civil liberties. In recent days, the Omicron COVID-19 variant has rapidly spread across the world, including Europe, and data suggests it easily infects fully vaccinated individuals.

Many French demonstrators on Saturday chanted a variation of Macrons vulgar remark.

Others carried signs saying, no to the vaccine pass, a reference to Macrons legislative push to require proof of vaccination to enter venues such as cafes, bars, and museums.

TV images showed skirmishes between protesters and police at one site. Protesters also rallied through the streets in Marseille, Nantes, and Le Mans among other cities.

[Macrons remarks] were the last straw. We are not irresponsible, said hospital administrator Virginie Houget, who has avoided a mandatory vaccine order for health workers because she caught COVID-19 late last year. Studies have demonstrated that a prior COVID-19 infection confers protection against future infections, although it is rarely mentioned by public health officials who instead promote vaccinations.

With three months before a presidential election, some analysts have noted that Macrons blunt language appeared to be calculated and designed to garner support among pro-vaccine voters.

The protesters accuse Macron of trampling on their freedoms and treating citizens unequally. People in France already have to show either proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter restaurants and bars and use inter-regional trains.

I want him to piss off drug dealers and criminals, not the average person, said one 55-year-old protester who requested anonymity because he runs a business.

Despite surging Omicron infections, the government wants to drop the test option. France is one of the most highly vaccinated countries in the world, with more than 90 percent of people aged 12 and older being fully vaccinated.

During a protest Saturday, right-wing presidential candidate Florian Philippot said that every vaccinated person is a future non-vaccinated person because of booster shot mandates that are increasingly being employed across the world. Every French person is in the crosshairs of the liberticidal madness of Macron the madman, he added.

Police in Germany told news outlets that about 16,000 people took to the streets in Hamburg to protest against the German governments increasingly tight COVID-19 restrictions. Germany is considering imposing a general COVID-19 vaccine mandate for everyone who is eligible, including children.

Reuters contributed to this report.
3 Key Principles of Employee Management

Mistakes in employee management can be fatal to a business, but there are fundamental principles that will help keep them engaged, focused and happy  and you successful

In my career as a human resources professional, business integrator and leader, Ive helped companies work to reverse the consequences of myriad bad decisions with regard to employees. It is my experience that most such mistakes were the result of poor planning, an underestimation of an employees response(s), a lack of understanding of their needs and poor communication of expectations.

In most cases, the CEOs focus was too much on driving the business towards the horizon and preparing for future challenges or the next life cycle, and not enough on the current employee environment. When leaders are too dialed in on the future, they detach from the here and nowrisk making mistakes by underestimating what impact growth has on their greatest asset: the workforce.

Of course, leadership is a great enough challenge as it is: you own every problem in a company even if you arent the one directly addressing them. Youre also constantly under the microscope, judged, and evaluated by people who have no access to the operational knowledge you possess, and have to make decisions trusting that you possess all the information to mitigate as much risk as possible and meet the demands of investors and stakeholders. It can be a heavy load.

Related: CEO Lays off 900 Employees in Shocking Video Call

When a leader makes a decision that impacts employees negatively, they often realize that theyve rung a bell that cannot be unrung. A case in point is the recent layoff of more than 900 employees from Better. In December of 2021, the CEO of the New York City-headquartered mortgage company, Vishal Garg, made the decision to communicate this termination decision during a scheduled online meeting with all those involvedthe ramifications of which were colossal. In addition to suddenly dealing with nearly a thousand highly-charged, disturbed, and angry employees, the company found itself in the headlines of a very unforgiving media machine. Effects were so fierce that it was forced to shut down the brand website for a short period of time to gain control of the situation.

1. You Cannot Lead and Communicate Solely Relying on Technology

Humans do not respond well to impersonal action when their safety and basic needs are threatened. Psychologist Abraham Maslows famed hierarchy of needs details that, when a person has the ability to provide for basic requirements (food, shelter, and clothing) as well as safety (in this case job security) supporting the acquisition of those needs, then that employee not only possesses the bandwidth to connect with others, but can build upon higher needs of self-fulfillment, such as achieving fuller potential.

When someone is terminated suddenly, their world reverts to a realization that basic needs are threatened, that safety has been removed, and when employers and other leaders are not empathetic to that sudden transition, as seen with Better, the reaction is intensified, and the situation increasingly difficult to manage.

Related: The 7 Worst Mistakes Companies Make When Laying Off Employees

2. When You Fail to Plan, Things Get Ugly

In a world in which people are increasingly reporters, whatever leaders do is now at risk of public exposure, and the rapid nature of social media means that bad news and bad behavior deploy faster than ever. Such accounts are also pretty much permanent.

In the case of Better, one employee recorded the termination meeting with her reaction included and posted it online for all to see. So, think carefully about the timing and means of imparting any challenging news to staff members.

3. Dont Mistake Convenience for Quality

Technology has always been intended to be a mechanism for increasing efficiency and making lives easier, but it has also made them more difficult. Over-reliance on technology in leadership risks learning painful lessons: a good leader knows when it should be put aside when dealing with sensitive people issues.

Related: Heres the Research-Backed Best to Deliver Bad News Way

In the end, if youre considering moves that make a significant impact on a workforce, then consider all aspects of the human element before proceeding. These people work hard to help you achieve your objectives, and difficult times require not only your leadership, but your compassion as well.
A truck outside the Amazon warehouse in Staten Island, N.Y., on March 30, 2020. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)

Amazon Cuts COVID-19 Paid Leave to 40 Hours for US Employees, Following Walmart

Another big private employer has cut COVID-19 paid leave for its workers in the United States following rule changes by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Amazon.com Inc., the second-largest U.S. private employer, said its COVID-19 paid leave has been reduced to a maximum of 40 hours in a Jan. 7 notification to employees. Before the announcement, the companys COVID-19 paid leave for self-isolation was up to 10 days.

Quarantine periods for staff have also been adjusted in keeping with the new CDC guidelines.

After reviewing the newly released guidance from the CDC, we are updating Amazons COVID-19 isolation and quarantine policy to one week (seven calendar days) from when you took the test, with up to 40 hours paid leave, reads the notification, which was obtained by The Epoch Times. This change is effective immediately and applies to all employees in the United States, regardless of vaccination status.

However, the company said that additional leave options would be available if individuals are still symptomatic after one week.

Walmart Inc., the nations largest private employer, announced that it was shortening its COVID-19 paid leave to one week from two weeks on Jan. 4, days before Amazon.

Walmart said in a memo to its workers that its cutting paid leave in half for those who test positive for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus or who have quarantined themselves at home after exposure.

The retailer said the new leave regime would start from March 31.

Both companies decisions came after the CDC reduced its recommended days of isolation from 10 days to five days for Americans who contract COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC also said that asymptomatic people should wear a mask for five days when around others after leaving isolation.

The agency also recommended five days of quarantine for those exposed to the virus who are unvaccinated or are over six months out from their second mRNA vaccine dose or more than two months out from their Johnson & Johnson vaccination and not yet boosted. The quarantine period should be followed by strict mask use for an additional five days.

Individuals who have received a booster shot dont need to quarantine following exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days, the CDC said.

CDCs updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.

Reducing the CDCs 10-day quarantine recommendation helps asymptomatic people return to work or school, with proper precautions, White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN last month.

Reuters contributed to the report.
Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer departs after attending an EU Summit at the European Council building in Brussels on Dec. 17, 2021. (Johanna Geron/Reuters)

Austrian Chancellor Nehammer Tests Positive for Coronavirus

BERLINAustrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has tested positive for the coronavirus, the chancellery said on Friday, adding that he was in self-isolation and was not showing symptoms.

There is no need to worry, I am fine and doing well, the chancellery quoted Nehammer as saying.

The infection apparently occurred on Wednesday evening due to contact with a member of his security team, who tested positive on Thursday, the chancellery said in a statement.

Nehammer, a conservative who has been vaccinated three times, is conducting official business from home via video and telephone conferences and will not attend any public appointments in the next few days. Nehammers wife and children tested negative, the chancellery said.

The news came after Nehammer, 49, announced new measures on Thursday designed to curb the spread of the pandemic and pressed on with plans to make vaccinations mandatory from next month.

By Riham Alkousaa and Michael Shields
Leon Lee, director of the award-winning documentary Letter from Masanjia, speaks to the audience after the screening of his film at ByTowne Cinema in Ottawa on Sept. 3, 2018. (Donna He/The Epoch Times)

Award-Winning Filmmaker Exposes Chinas Persecution in New Movie Unsilenced

R | 1h 48m | Drama | Jan. 21, 2022  U.S. Theatrical Release

A college student in China is told by his schools party official to turn against his good friend and classmate, when he speaks in front of a class on how his pal has been led astray by a moral belief system that the communist regime has banned.

That is one of the gripping moments in the recently-released movie Unsilenced, a film based on real-life events of two Chinese couples at Chinas prestigious Tsinghua University, when their normal college life was turned upside down after they became targets of Chinas nationwide persecution against Falun Gong.

https://vimeo.com/613981463

The films director, Leon Lee, who won a Peabody Award for his 2014 documentary Human Harvest, said the classroom scene showed that Chinas persecution of the ancient Chinese self-improvement and meditation practice goes behind just forcing individuals to renounce their beliefs, in a recent interview with EpochTVs American Thought Leaders program.

In China, every school, every medium or large workplace, sometimes even private enterprises, the military, news organizations, almost every place, even your community, your neighborhood, there will be a Communist Party representative who is responsible to carry out the party policies, Lee said.

In other words, the entire nation is mobilized in the crackdown against Falun Gong, Lee added. Your colleagues, your classmates, your friends, everybody is mobilized [to] turn against you.

So, in a sense, the crackdown completely destroyed the entire nation, Lee said.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a spiritual practice with meditative exercises and moral principles based on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. According to official estimates, there were 70 million to 100 million adherents before the Chinese regime banned it in 1999around the same number reported to be members of the ruling Communist Party.

The practices popularity angered former Chinese regime leader Jiang Zemin, who viewed it as a threat to both his rule and the Chinese Communist Partys (CCPs) ideologies. In July 1999, Jiang launched a persecution to arrest and detain Falun Gong adherents.

Millions have been detained inside prisons, labor camps, and other facilities, with hundreds of thousands tortured while incarcerated, according to the Falun Dafa Information Center. As of this month, there are over 4,700 known deaths that can be documented resulting from the persecution, according to Minghui.org, a U.S.-based website that tracks the persecutionthough experts say the true figure is likely much higher.

Falun Gong practitioners take part in a parade marking the 22nd year of the persecution of Falun Gong in China, in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 18, 2021. (The Epoch Times/Chung I Ho)

On an individual level, Lee said the scene also explains that it is impossible for individuals to have a life even if they choose to toe the CCP line and give up their faith.

This scene, this experience shows that, no, you wont have a life. Simply renouncing your faith is not enough; you have to turn in your friends, you have to betray the people you love, you have to completely sell your soul to the regime in order to survive, Lee said.

He added: And do you still call that surviving? Do you still call that living?

The film explores the life of Wang (Ting Wu)the main character of the film who saw his classmate turn against himwho was one of the brightest students at Tsinghua University before he was expelled from the school and became enemy of the state, according to Lee. The movie director said Wang eventually spent eight years in a Chinese prison for his beliefs before he escaped from China.

In the movie, Chinas persecution of Falun Gong catches the attention of Daniel Davis, a Western newspaper reporter played by Sam Trammel, who decides to investigate the matter, despite warnings from his assistant Ming Xu, who is played by Anastasia Lin, Miss World Canada 2015 and an outspoken China human rights activist. How the two proceed in an oppressive environment makes up a big part of the film.

Miss World Canada 2015 Anastasia Lin speaks at a rally outside the Chinese Consulate in Toronto on Nov. 30, 2017. (Yi Ling/The Epoch Times)

The Chinese regime had various ways to censor, control, or influence foreign reporters in China, Lee said. [The] reporter is a composite character. I did interview many reporters who [were] stationed in China. And I was able to incorporate some of their experiences into this character.

Lee said China censors foreign journalists by manipulating its visa program.

Sometimes they were only given, for example, three months visa or six months of visa. And depending on what articles they write during this period of time, their visa may or may not be extended.

Thats why for many of them to be able to report the truth, its a constant struggle, Lee said.

For Lee, the film is much more than just a human rights story in China.

If we look at people in China, as you see in the film, the length theyre willing to go to speak the truth, I think its inspiring, to me at least, Lee said.

Sometimes theres a cost to speak the truth, but in no way it can compare to the cost and the risks people like Wang take in the film, practitioners in China take. So, if they can do what they do in China, facing torture, facing arrest, I think we can do better in the West.

Unsilenced

Drama

Director: Leon Lee

Starring: Sam Trammell, James Yi, Anastasia Lin

Running Time: 1 hour, 48 minutes

MPAA Rating: R for some violence

Release Date: Jan. 21, 2022 (U.S. Theatrical Release)

Frank Fang journalist Follow Frank Fang is a Taiwan-based journalist. He covers news in China and Taiwan. He holds a master's degree in materials science from Tsinghua University in Taiwan.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks in the briefing room of the State Department in Washington on Jan. 7, 2022. (Andrew Harnik/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Blinken Accuses Russia of False Narrative on Ukraine Ahead of Talks

WASHINGTONU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday accused Russia of gaslighting and pushing a false narrative that it was under threat from Ukraine and NATO to justify a troop build-up near its border with the former Soviet republic.

Blinken addressed reporters at the State Department ahead of meetings of U.S. and Russian diplomats in Europe next week aimed at bringing down the temperature between Russia and the West, and after a virtual meeting with NATO foreign ministers earlier on Friday.

Blinken said Russia has worked for years to undermine Ukraines democratic institutions, interfere in its politics, block energy and commerce, and sow mistrust with propaganda and disinformation.

Russia had positioned nearly 100,000 troops near its border with Ukraine with plans to mobilize twice that number on very short order and justified doing so with misinformation that Ukraine was seeking to provoke a conflict, Blinken said.

Thats like the fox saying it had to attack the hen house because its occupants somehow pose a threat. Weve seen this gaslighting before, Blinken said, citing Russias 2014 seizure of Crimea and backing of separatists in the Donbass region.

The idea that Ukraine is the aggressor in this situation is absurd, Blinken said, adding that Moscow was simultaneously driving the false narrative that NATO is threatening Russia.

But a diplomatic solution was still possible and preferable, and there were areas of potential progress in next weeks meetings, Blinken said.

Next week well reconfirm our readiness to increase transparency, institute new risk-reduction measures, and renew efforts to address nuclear and conventional threats to European security, he said. But again, it has to be a two-way street.

By Simon Lewis
Toyota was followed by BMW that came in the second place as the most search car brand in 29 territories, while Mercedes-Benz followed a close third.The three carmakers have been close contenders since the past four years in terms of dominating Google searches around the world.

Toyota Motor topped the list of overall most searched car brand as it was the top-searched carmaker in 47 out of 154 countries, representing 31 percent of the sample, as per an annual ranking released by Australia's Compare the Market. It was followed by BMW that came in the second place as the most search car brand in 29 territories, while Mercedes-Benz followed a close third.

The three above mentioned carmakers have been close contenders since the past four years in terms of dominating Google searches and being the most popular carmakers around the world. BMW was the most searched carmaker in 2019, being the most popular car brand in 118 countries that year.

(Also read | 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid teased, India launch expected this year)

Interestingly, Tesla joined the ranking for the first time last year as it became the top-searched car brand in regions like Hong Kong, Israel, Macao, Singapore, and China. It also appeared as either second or third most-searched car brand in Austria, the Bahamas, Botswana, Congo Kinshasa, Croatia, Finland, Guinea, Iceland, Kuwait, Madagascar, Malta, Norway, Palestine, Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea, Syria, the United States, and Yemen.

A possible reason for Tesla's popularity last year could be that the carmaker offered several vehicles in 2021 including Model S, the Cybertruck, Model 3, the Roadster and even the Semi truck.

(Also read | Toyota surpasses General Motors as top seller in US after 90 years)

While the interest in other automakers keep fluctuating each year, brands such as Audi, Hyundai, and Suzuki appeared more in Google searches last year as compared to the year-ago period. Rolls-Royce and Mazda have appeared as the top-searched automaker in at least one country since 2018.

Notably, brands such as Ford, Volvo, Nissan and Peugeot appear to be losing interest in countries in terms of online search as each brands ranking has dropped by at least three places. Whereas auto brands such as Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Alfa Romeo, and Daewoo have not appeared as a top search in either of the 154 countries that were a part of the survey.

First Published Date:
Fentanyl-laced sky blue pills known on the street as "Mexican oxy" in a file photo. (Drug Enforcement Administration via AP)

Border Patrol Reports 1,066 Percent Increase in Fentanyl Seized in South Texas

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has reported a 1,066 percent increase in fentanyl seized in south Texas ports during fiscal year 2021.

Border agents at eight ports of entry extending from Brownsville to Del Rio said that between Oct. 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, they seized 87,652 pounds of narcotics that would have commanded a combined estimated street value of $786 million, CBP reported on Jan. 5.

Of this, 41,713 pounds was marijuana, 8,592 pounds was cocaine, 33,777 pounds was methamphetamine, 1,215 pounds was heroin, and 588 pounds was fentanyl. Thats a 1,066 percent increase in fentanyl seizures, as well as a 98 percent increase in cocaine seizures, from the year prior.

They also reported having seized $10.4 million in unreported currency, 463 weaponsup 21 percent from FY 2020and 84,863 rounds of ammunition.

The eight ports of entry comprise the Laredo Field Office. The CBP officers at these ports of entry also noted that in FY 2021, more than 20,701 non-U.S. citizens were inadmissible to the United States due to violations of immigration law.

Randy J. Howe, the Laredo Field Offices director of field operations, said in a statement that despite significantly less traffic due to travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the drug and contraband threat remained the same.

Our significant gains in fentanyl and cocaine seizures underscore the deadly nature of the contraband we encounter, the need to utilize Personal Protective Equipment to protect our officers and our continued resolve to carry out our vital border security mission, he said.

Fentanyl is a highly addictive and deadly drug thats about 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Just a 2-milligram dose of the synthetic opioid can be deadly.

An illustration of two milligrams of fentanyl powder, a lethal dose, next to a one-penny coin. (DEA)

China is the primary source of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked through international mail and express consignment operations, as well as the main source for all fentanyl-related substances trafficked into the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said in its 2020 National Drug Threat Assessment report (pdf).

A record number of Americansmore than 100,000died of drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending in April, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and fentanyl was involved in almost two-thirds of those deaths, making it the largest cause of overdose deaths in the United States.

Overall, during fiscal year 2021, CBP confiscated a total of 11,200 pounds of fentanylup from 2,150 pounds the year prior, signifying a 521 percent increase.

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Both Sides Seek to Delay State Trial for Cops in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLISProsecutors and defense attorneys for three former Minneapolis officers who are charged in the death of George Floyd asked a judge on Friday to postpone their state trial while a federal civil rights trial goes forward.

Thomas Lane, J. Kueng, and Tou Thao are scheduled to go to trial on March 7 on state charges of aiding and abetting both murder and manslaughter. The three also face a federal trial on Jan. 20 on charges alleging they violated Floyds civil rights while acting under government authority.

State prosecutors and defense attorneys filed a joint request Friday to have the state trial postponed, saying its not known how long the federal trial will last. The request says all parties agree that a continuance should be granted in the interest of justice.

They are asking for an informal conference to set a new trial date. Its not known when Judge Peter Cahill will rule.

Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22-and-a-half years in prison last year on murder and manslaughter charges for pressing his knee against Floyds neck for up to nine-and-a-half minutes as Floyd repeatedly said he couldnt breathe and eventually went limp. According to evidence in the state case against Chauvin, Kueng and Lane helped restrain the 46-year-old as he was on the ground. Kueng knelt on Floyds back and Lane held down Floyds legs. Thao held back bystanders and kept them from intervening as he was restrained.

Chauvin pleaded guilty in December to a federal count of violating Floyds civil rights during the May, 25, 2020, arrest. Prosecutors are seeking 25 years on the federal count.

The killing was captured on bystander video and galvanized protests against police brutality around the United States and beyond.
A California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officer stands guard at the front gate of San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, Calif., on June 29, 2020. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

California Law Enforcement Continues to Fight Against Early Release of Violent Criminals

A number of law enforcement officials are continuing their fight against the early release of violent criminals following a court order that blocks state prison officials from doing so.

[State officials] have it in their mind that releasing people from our institutions is somehow criminal justice reform, but it isnt, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin told The Epoch Times.

Theres a right way and a wrong way to reform institutions, and simply saying were going to open the doors of the prisons and the most dangerous individuals in our state are now going to be unleashed on an unsuspecting public, thats not criminal justice reform. Its a dangerous experiment being done on the people of California.

Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin speaks at a press conference in Riverside, Calif., on Jan. 18, 2018. (David McNew/Getty Images)

On Dec. 28, 2021, a temporary restraining order was granted to 28 California county district attorneys by a judge in Sacramento that prevents the early release of certain inmates after serving only a third of their sentences, as opposed to half.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) implemented new regulations on Jan. 1 that increase good conduct credits from 50 percent to 66 percent for eligible prisoners with nonviolent convictions, including repeat offenders. However, the state classifies a number of seemingly violent crimes as nonviolent, including domestic violence, human trafficking, animal cruelty, sexual assault, and gun violence.

Its Orwellian to say that domestic violence is nonviolent, Hestrin said. These are just absurd results in our current state of the law.

Typically, good conduct credits are used to promote inmates doing something positive, such as firefighting or completing an educational course, where depending on the credit, the inmate will get a reduction in their sentence.

But district attorneys across California are saying that the good conduct credits are being abused by CDCR and are instead allowing violent criminals to only serve a third of their sentence.

There has to be a sense of truth in sentencing, Hestrin said. When someone is sentenced to 15 years in prison  [and they] end up with a three- or four-year sentence, its not right, and its not the right way to conduct a justice system.

Female prisoners from the California Department of Corrections help in the search for victims of a mudslide in La Conchita, Calif., on Jan. 11, 2005. (David McNew/Getty Images)

Rod Norgaard, chief deputy district attorney in Sacramento, whose office led the charge for the restraining order, said the change in CDCRs early release regulations is to balance the state budget by saving money on inmates.

The reason why they want to do this is to close prisons, Norgaard told The Epoch Times. So yes, you can balance a budget by letting everybody out of prison. Public safety goes under the bus and our communities are not safe when you do that, but I dont think thats a concern they have.

He said that while theres no issue with good conduct credits when an inmate does positive work, the credits shouldnt be handed out for a lack of bad behavior.

I refer to these credits as the stare-at-the-wall credits, Norgaard said. There is no good conduct underlying these credits. The only thing you didnt do was bad conduct. You didnt stab anybody on this day.  So to get credits for just not doing anything is kind of ridiculous.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus echoed Norgaards remarks that the sentencing credits should be proactively earned.

If [inmates] are not doing anything to better themselves and prepare for their release, then they need to do their time, he told The Epoch Times. Thats why we have the sentencing guidelines that we have. And if we take all of those things away, theres no [deterrence factor].

The good credit systems expansion could potentially harm public safety, according to Dicus.

That will dump more [convicts] that have had zero deterrence into our system in the public, he said. I honestly think that were going to continue to see things like retail theft increase.

Everything has come home to roost with all of these reforms, and were seeing what the outcomes are.

A series of smash-and-grab robberies have left stores with boarded-up windows in San Jose, Calif., on Nov. 22, 2021. (Lear Zhou/The Epoch Times)

Dicus said the CDCRs awarding of credits without positive action is most unfair to victims and their families because the inmates arent serving the sentences they were given when they were convicted.

That victim of a crime certainly doesnt think its any less [violent] than it was when they were victimized. And this perspective of looking more at the criminal and their rights versus the victim and their rights is something that just doesnt sit well with me, he said.

The temporary restraining order for the 28 counties will only last until Jan. 18.

At that time, a judge will either issue a preliminary injunction which would prevent CDCR from giving out the credits until the lawsuit is heard in full or the judge can disband the restraining order and allow CDCR to offer the credits, according to Norgaard.

No matter what ruling is given on Jan. 18, law enforcement officials say theyre going to do everything they can to prevent violent felons from being released.

Were going to have a longer, more protected fight in the courts, Hestrin said.

The temporary restraining order was certainly a welcome ruling by the court, but its only an initial ruling, and so were ready for a long fight. Were going to fight this, he said.

A spokesperson from the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation wasnt available for comment by press time.
California Says COVID-Positive Health Workers Can Get Back to Work Amid Shortages

The California Department of Public Health issued guidance that allows health care networks to enable COVID-19-positive employees to keep working if they dont show any symptoms.

The department is providing temporary flexibility to help hospitals and emergency services providers respond to an unprecedented surge and staffing shortages. Hospitals have to exhaust all other options before resorting to this temporary tool. Facilities and providers using this tool, should have asymptomatic COVID-19 positive workers interact only with COVID-19 positive patients to the extent possible, the Department of Public Health said in a statement to news outlets over the weekend.

The Epoch Times has contacted the agency for comment.

Health care workers in the state now dont have to isolate or show a negative COVID-19 test, the guidance said, before coming back to work if they are asymptomatic. The guidance, which remains in effect until Feb. 1, stipulates that staff wear N95 respirator masks while on the job.

After the guidance was handed down, several unions that represent nurses and other hospital staff expressed alarm.

Healthcare workers and patients need the protection of clear rules guided by strong science. Allowing employers to bring back workers who may still be infectious is one of the worst ideas I have heard during this pandemic, and thats really saying something, Bob Schoonover, the head of union SEIU California, told CBS Sacramento.

Schoonover added that while his union supports supplemental paid sick leave, the latest guidance imperils a critical piece of the protection that workers and the public need.

The president of the California Nurses Association, Sandy Reding, told local media that the California health departments guidance will put patients at risk.

We are very concerned, she told KNTV news. If you have health care workers who are COVID positive care for vulnerable populations, we can spread the COVID virus inside the hospital as well.

Union officials did not mention the rampant staffing issues that have plagued hospitals across the United States and California in recent days.

Mandates that were put into effect last year by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, required health care workers to get COVID-19 vaccines or face terminationdespite studies showing that natural immunity conferred by a previous COVID-19 infection shows lasting immunity to the virus. Critics of vaccine mandates have questioned why governments and businesses would impose vaccinate or fire policies for essential workerssuch as nurses and doctorsin the midst of staff shortages during a viral pandemic.

Health giant Kaiser Permanente suspended more than 2,000 employees who were not vaccinated in October. Other California systems such as Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and Sutter Health also terminated or suspended their employees who werent vaccinated in the fall of 2021.

Meanwhile, Dr. George Rutherford, professor of Epidemiology at the University of California San Francisco, told KNTV that the guidance revision isnt anything new.

This is about having infected people taking care of infected people. We did this with Ebola in South Africa. Weve done it before. Its not the first play option in our playbook. I think staffing issues are such that it led the state to put this guidance out, he told the outlet.

It comes days after the Newsom administration mandated that booster shots be given to certain health care staffers by Feb. 1. On Friday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, issued said she would issue a directive for all health care workers in the state if signed off by a public health advocacy board.

COVID-19 is the illness caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.
Samples of different medicines made from artemisia annua and designed by the Malagasy company Vaniala are on display in one of their shops in Antananarivo on May 12, 2020. (Photo by RIJASOLO/AFP via Getty Images)

An Herbal Treatment to Fight Viruses

Traditional plant-based medicine has a long history and plant-sourced medicines have largely contributed to health and Western medicine. Natural Product Insider recently reported the results of botanical research in which Artemisia annua was selected as the best herbal candidate against SARS-CoV-2.

There are two common forms of Artemisia, also called wormwood. These are Artemisia vulgaris and Artemisia annua. However, while they are from the same genus, they are distinctly different plants. Artemisia vulgaris is a moderately poisonous plant that is native to North Africa and Eurasia. Artemisia annua is called sweet wormwood and is native to Asia.

The species belong to the largest family of flowering plants, Asteraceae. The plants enjoy temperate climates and have a strong aroma from the terpenoids common to the plant. It is an annual that prefers sunny warm conditions and grows well in temperatures between 68 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and 77 degrees F.

Artemisia has been studied as a treatment for glucose intolerance, HIV infections, pollen allergies, obesity, malaria and the treatment of some cancers. More recently, researchers have been exploring the antiviral properties of artemisia for the treatment of COVID-19.

Promising Results With Artemisia Annua Against COVID-19

Researchers from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona, tested 30 herbs for the effect they may have against the virus that triggers symptoms of COVID-19. The researchers extracted the compounds using a 70% ethanol solvent and identified the metabolite artemisinin from more than 600 secondary metabolites in Artemisia annua.

Johanne Gerstel, Ph.D., a researcher at the Ric Scalzo Institute, said about the results, We know there is activity that is inhibiting the growth of the virus. We have a novel and broad compound that has this anti-coronavirus family effect.

According to the article in Natural Products Insider, the researchers first identified sweet wormwood as a potential option against COVID-19 and then tested different ethanol extracts to identify those with positive activity. Solvents were also tested to find the artemisinin metabolites that were effective against the virus.

This was not the first study to determine that artemisinin influences the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A recent review of the literature pulled from online databases, such as PubMed, NCBI, ResearchGate and Google Scholar, revealed Artemisia has antiviral and immune-stimulatory potential against SARS-CoV-2.

Some African countries have anecdotal evidence that an extract of the plant has helped manage COVID-19 symptoms in the population. There have been several studies that showed artemisinin had a promising role in the inhibition of viruses.

In addition, the plant has high levels of zinc, gallium and selenium. Zinc is known to stop the replication of the virus in the cell; gallium reduces forms of cytokines that raise the inflammatory response; and selenium regulates the concentration of CD4 lymphocytes.

Further Demonstration of Antiviral Activity

A collaborative effort between researchers at Columbia University, University of Washington and Worcester Polytechnic Institute demonstrated that a hot water extract of Artemisia annua had antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The extracts were tested on the virus propagated in human cells.

The researchers used extracts from four different continents, all of which demonstrated antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2. The study published in June 2021 revealed that the hot water extract of Artemisia stopped the replication of the virus, including two new variants.

Although it did not appear to block viral entry into the cell, the extract did decrease the inflammatory response and blocked infection after entry. Additionally, in this study, the extract from one dried leaf sample over 12 years old was still effective.

The data revealed that the concentrations could vary by nearly 100-fold and still be effective in the cell study. In an interview with Spectrum News 1, one of the researchers from Worcester Polytechnic Institute said:

Its very important right now, because we dont have therapies, and this looks like it could be a therapy and very easy to implement globally to help us get a control on this horrible viral pandemic as you see it ravaging India.

Yet, it is important to note there have been several therapies that have shown promise in the treatment of COVID-19, including ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine with zinc, and maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D to reduce potential infection and lower the severity of disease.

To date, researchers are still trying to determine the mechanism of action that artemisinin has against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There has been some evidence it inhibits enzymatic activity and stimulates adaptive immunity that targets the virus and down regulates proinflammatory cytokines.

Does the WHO Recommend Artemisia?

Chinese scientists first pioneered the discovery of Artemisia annua against malaria in the 1970s. Currently, the WHO recommends artemisinin-based therapies against malaria, especially since the growth of chloroquine-resistant disease. Resistant parasites have repeatedly shortened the ability of new drugs to be effective against malaria.

Artemisinin is currently used only in combination with other antimalarial drugs to help prevent the potential resistance from monotherapy. Increased access to artemisinin-based combination therapies is believed to be a key factor in reducing the death toll from malaria in the last 15 years.

In August 2021, the World Health Organization announced that it would be testing three new drugs in the next phase of the Solidarity trial. Sponsored by the WHO, the Solidarity trials aim to study possible drugs for those hospitalized with severe COVID. The drugs approved in August are artesunate, imatinib and infliximab. Each of the drugs are approved for use in other health conditions. Artesunate is a derivative of artemisinin and currently used in the treatment of malaria.

Imatinib is used in the treatment of cancers and infliximab is prescribed for immune system conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohns disease. According to the WHO, artemisinin has been used extensively for the past 30 years in the treatment of malaria and other parasitic diseases.

The drug is considered very safe, and the Therapeutics Advisory Group has recommended the evaluation of artesunate because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Artemisia Annua Tested During 2003 SARS Outbreak

Long before COVID-19, researchers had isolated a class of compounds in sweet wormwood that demonstrated activity against cancer, schistosomiasis and malaria. More recently, it was discovered that the plant is bioactive against certain viruses such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, and members of the herpes family, including herpes virus type 1 and Epstein-Barr.

Following the SARS outbreak in 2003, researchers began evaluating the effectiveness of different Chinese medicinal herbs against the virus. Four extracts showed promise, including Artemisia annua.

Building on this and other research, scientists at the Max Planck Institute in Germany collaborated with those at Freie Universitat Berlin to carry out laboratory studies evaluating the bioactive compounds in the plant against SARS-CoV-2. Peter H. Seeberger, one of two scientists who oversaw the research, commented:

Having worked with compounds derived from A. annua plants, I was familiar with the interesting activities of the plants against many different diseases, including a range of viruses. Therefore, we felt that exploring the activity of this plant against COVID-19 was worth the undertaking.

Seeberger was also encouraged by the international collaboration as scientists work together to find compounds that may improve the treatment and management of people with COVID-19. He said:

Given the encouraging results of Chinese colleagues in 2005 and similarities between the new virus and the one that caused SARS, plant extracts and artemisinin derivatives need to be tested as quickly as possible. This international collaboration makes this possible.

After demonstrating antiviral capability in the lab, researchers moved to testing sweet wormwood in a human trial. They used a cultivated line of seeds developed by ArtemiLife Inc. from Kentucky. The researchers found that when the compounds were extracted from this line, they demonstrated the strongest antiviral activity.

Klaus Osterrieder from Freie Universitat Berlin conducted the activity assays in which they discovered that using an ethanolic extract of Artemisia and coffee produced the best results. When tested alone, the artemisinin didnt demonstrate as much antiviral activity. Osterrieder found the results remarkable:

I was surprised to find that A. annua extracts worked significantly better than pure artemisinin derivatives and that the addition of coffee further enhanced the activity.

The U.K. launched human trials in late 2020 in collaboration with the University of Kentucky to test the effectiveness of the Kentucky-grown Artemisia annua product. In January 2021, U.S.-based Mateon Therapeutics partnered with Indian supplement manufacturer Windlas Biotech and announced a clinical trial that would test the safety and efficacy of another artemisinin supplement.

The trial is using a supplement capsule containing 500 mg of purified artemisinin against COVID-19. It was marked completed on September 9, 2021, but results have not yet been posted. If successful, these trials may mean the discovery of a treatment for COVID-19 that meets many criteria. These include being widely available, relatively inexpensive, effective and with a known safety profile.

References
A resident prepares to undergo a nucleic acid test for COVID-19 in Xi'an, in northwestern China's Shaanxi Province on Jan. 4, 2022. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

China Dismisses Official Who Criticized Authorities Handling of Xian Outbreak

The Chinese regime dismissed an official who posted on social media about the sufferings of Xian residents under its strict COVID-19 rules, and criticized the citys handling of the outbreak.

The official posted about a 31-year-old man who walked eight days and nights to his hometown to escape the harsh lockdown in the central-north city of Xian.

Two other Xian migrant workers had the same purpose, with one riding a bike for 10 hours in the icy night, and another swimming across a frozen river.

However, the officials post was designated as a rumor, removed from the internet, and censored by the regime.

After studying, we decided to dismiss Song Wentao from the position of deputy director of the Organization Department of the Grass-roots Construction Division, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC) announced on Jan. 6.

The ACFROC is a key organ of the Chinese regimes United Front Work Department, whose role is influencing elite individuals and organizations inside and outside China to support the regime. Song, as a senior official from ACFROC, used to visit different Chinese cities to check their performance in reintegrating Chinese people who returned from overseas.

Shaanxi Provincial Network Reporting Centers notification on Jan. 4 explained the reason for Songs dismissal.

The account Qingfengmingyue Lou posted an article headlined Xian peoples sorrows: why some of them fled Xian even risked their lives and broke the law on WeChat on Jan. 2, The center announced. The account is held by Song Wentao.

The center claimed that Songs post collected peoples complaints online, ignoring all the residents efforts against the epidemic.

Although the center said what Song posted isnt true, Xian residents and announcements by local police confirmed the cases that Song detailed in his post.

A blocked road in Xian in northwestern Chinas Shaanxi Province on Dec. 31, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Song detailed the situations of Xian residents lives under the strict lockdown in his post, such as people not having a solution to buy food and other necessaries, and not being able to visit hospitals.

Xian residents are worried about death from sickness and hunger, rather than COVID-19, Song concluded in his post.

In the post, Song listed three men who fled the city when the regime announced the lockdown, but were detained by police before they could arrive at home in other cities in Shaanxi Province. Xian is the capital of northwestern Chinas Shaanxi. Due to the lockdown, the regime stopped all public transportation in Xian, and people couldnt get out by train, bus, car, or airplane.

Without supplements and GPS, [the 31-year-old man] walked eight days and nights, climbed over the vast mountains, waded through the icy rivers, entered Yangtze River Basin from Yellow River Basin, and crossed the Qinlingthe line separated north and south in China, Song wrote.

The man Song mentioned is from a rural area in Ankang city in southern Shaanxi, where people eat the food they plant. In Xian, the man rented a room in a village close to Xianyang Airport and made a living by selling clothes at a street vendor stand.

After the city was locked down, the man couldnt make any money but needed to buy food and pay rent. He decided to go home although theres no public transportation and checkpoints to prevent people from traveling at every village and township.

The man left his rented room on Dec. 16 and was detained by police in Ningshan County on Dec. 24, about 75 miles away from the airport. During the eight days, he only took naps in the early afternoons when theres sunshine. All other times, he kept on walking because it was too cold to sleep.

Song lamented the hardships sufferred by medical workers who performed the tests on streets in Xian. After a snow, the wind was big and cold. The medical workers on the streets had to spray disinfection between tests. Almost all their hands were blue because of the cold.

The staff members sell food in a residential compound in Xian, in northwestern Chinas Shaanxi Province on Jan. 6, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Song expressed his sorrow for all Xian ordinary residents who were locked at home but couldnt obtain food, who were sick but couldnt receive any treatment, and who were forced to take tests as the health code system that the regime uses to perform the tests crashed.

Song criticized the Xian officials who strictly banned people from helping each other as the officials used the opportunity to earn money. He listed examples:

A vegetable dealer found a way to purchase and ship vegetables to the residential compound where she lives, but the guards in the compound didnt allow her to sell. The Xian government arranged guards in each residential compound to prevent residents from leaving their homes. At the same time, it ordered all residents to only buy vegetables from an untrustworthy company. Song shared the companys advertisement that showed the price of a box of vegetables was 438 yuan ($69).

An ordinary official knows the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) rules very well. They dont dare to say the things which might anger the regime, not to mention the dismissed official is a senior official, U.S.-based China affair commentator Tang Jingyuan told The Epoch Times on Jan. 8. Even a self-censored official is dismissed because of an online post, you can imagine how tightly the Chinese regime controls peoples speech.

On Jan. 8, a video about Xian quickly spread on Chinas social media before it was censored. In the video, two regime staff distributed food to a family and asked the resident to thank the government before taking the food.

On Jan. 5, a report revealed that some Xian residents were asked to censor themselves.
Chinese Communist Party Advances Agenda to Weaken US Through Stealth Tactics: Expert

Social movements such as the promotion of critical race theory, the defund the police movement, and wokeism, as well as stealth tactics such as intellectual property theft and drug trafficking, are used in unrestricted hybrid warfare by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to weaken the United States, BlackOps Partners CEO Casey Fleming says.

Today, the United States is at war with China and with the CCP, Fleming said, explaining that theres only one China and its completely controlled by the CCP, so you cant extract one or the other.

However, that war is an unrestricted hybrid war, also called the gray zone, which is everything short of conventional war, and it focuses on weakening the CCPs opponents or targets as much as possible, Fleming said in a recent interview on Epoch TVs Crossroads program.

The CCP regime propagandizes to Chinese people that the United States is the great evil in the world that must be overtaken, for China to have their overall destiny, which is to rule the world, Fleming said. They say that we are the dark, we represent the devil.

The CCP is an enemy of the United States because it calls the United States an enemy, he said.

Fleming likened the gray zone to the strategy being used by the CCP against Taiwan: Weaken your enemy  to the point of capitulation, so that they say, Okay, we dont want to go to war, we value our people. We dont want death and destruction; well just go ahead and join China.

[The gray zone is] worse than conventional warfare because its killing an economy, its killing our ability to fight.

Fleming cited U.S. Adm. Chester Nimitz, credited with winning the Pacific War during World War II, who said a few years after that war that the United States has the most powerful military in the world, and in order to kill it, its economy needs to be killed.

And this exactly what the CCP has been doing, Fleming said. There are over 100 different methods of unrestricted hybrid warfare, he said, explaining that the word unrestricted means the enemy follows no rules.

We follow the rule of law and international rules of order in how we transact, [do] business, and so on. Well, your enemy does not follow any of that. They say: Those are your laws and, in fact, were going to handcuff you with your own laws.

These tactics are described in the book Unrestricted Warfare, written in 1999 by two senior colonels of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), Fleming said. The book was published by a publishing house of the PLA, the military force of the CCP.

Tactics of Unrestricted Hybrid Warfare

One of the gray zone methods is intellectual property (IP) theft. Developing a new product takes years of research and costs billions of dollars. These expenses are recovered through selling the product to customers, Fleming said.

If a Chinese company steals the intellectual property related to a product developed by an American company, it doesnt incur any development costs and can immediately start making the product in China, Fleming said.

It then sells the product to the customers of the U.S. company at about half price, thus putting the IP owner out of business, he said.

Drug warfare is another method being used by the CCP to weaken the United States, the expert said.

Recently, fentanyl became a leading cause of death for Americans age 18 to 45, according to calculations (pdf) done by the organization Families Against Fentanyl that are based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The fentanyl capital of the world is Wuhan, China, Fleming said, adding that the CCP ships the precursor chemicals to manufacture crystal meth pills and fentanyl pills to Mexican drug cartels.

They [also] use the six drug cartelsbeautiful distribution networkto get that all through North America and even to Europe.

Crystal meth is a form of methamphetaminea powerful, highly addictive stimulant that looks like glass fragments, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Currently, most methamphetamine in the United States is produced by transnational criminal organizations in Mexico, the NIDA said.

The drug can be easily made in small clandestine laboratories, with relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. Methamphetamine production also involves a number of other very dangerous chemicals. Toxic effects from these chemicals can remain in the environment long after the lab has been shut down, causing a wide range of health problems for people living in the area.

Religious warfare is another form of the gray zone methods carried out by the CCP, Fleming noted.

They killed every bit of religion in China. The Christian cross has been banned. Theyve shut down churches, theyve shut down mosques. And that same thing is happening now today in the U.S.

It is Chinese communism on the streets of America and in your living room. And Im talking critical race theory, Im talking Black Lives Matter, Fleming said.

Blacks are extremely important. Theyre incredible people, but theyre being hijacked in the Black Lives Matter movement. And many blacks understand that and theyre saying: We need a different platform to move all Americans tonot just blacks but all Americansto a new platform, to take our country back from this whole Chinese communist infiltration and subversion.

Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a Marxist organization. Patrisse Cullors, a BLM co-founder, said in an interview with Real News Network in 2015, We actually do have an ideological frame. Myself and Alicia [Garza] in particular are trained organizers. We are trained Marxists. Alicia Garza is also a BLM co-founder.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Black Lives Matter for comment.

The defund the police movement and wokeism are also Chinese communist methods, unrestricted hybrid warfare methods, to weaken the United States. Fleming said.

Why People Should Care

The ultimate goal is to weaken the United States so it weakens our will to fight, and they can just walk on. They dont have to fire one bullet.  Its to take over and replace democracy and freedom worldwide with Chinese communism, Fleming said.

Fleming pointed out that the U.S. military wouldnt be able to protect the country against an enemy using unrestricted hybrid warfare.

[The military is] still fighting in World War II technology. War is going to electronics, robots, AI [artificial intelligence], radar jamming, all these types of things, he said.

Our military is not meant to protect our economy, and not meant to protect your company and your companys intellectual property and your suppliers who have your intellectual property.

In order to prevent the CCP from winning this war, foreign influence through investments needs to be stopped first in any part of the country, whether its business, academia, or government, the expert said. His company BlackOps Partners, provides educational resources on its website to help people understand the risks.

When you hear of a former congressman being paid a half-million dollars a year to lobby for TikTok, or lobby for ByteDance, with the DOD [U.S. Department of Defense], theres a problem.

ByteDance is a Chinese internet technology company that develops mobile apps such as TikTok.

Many in mainstream media are compromised by the CCP, Fleming said, adding that a lot of companies actually walked back their statements critical of the CCP, e.g. statements of genocide taking place in China.

Even the well-renowned CEO of JPMorgan Chase had to walk back a comment.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said he regretted a joke he made in November, saying that his bank would outlast the CCP.

We are in battle. Its just a battle were not familiar with, Fleming said.

Day by day, peoples freedoms and values and their childrens freedoms and values are being eroded by media, critical race theory, defund the police movement, and wokeism, he said.

People should care about it because their children and grandchildren are on the balance, said Fleming, a senior adviser on risk, strategy, and counterintelligence.

If youre run by the Chinese Communist Party, they dictate what house you live in, which plant your children are going to be working in, and what theyre going to be manufacturing for 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ella Kietlinska Reporter Follow Ella Kietlinska is a reporter for The Epoch Times focusing on U.S. and world politics.
Residents line up for the coronavirus test during a citywide mass testing in Tianjin, China, on Jan. 9, 2022. (Chinatopix Via AP)

Chinese Megacity Reports Omicron, Prompting Mass Testing And Panic Buying

A northern Chinese port city has begun mass testing and locking down areas where the highly contagious Omicron variant has been reported, prompting residents to stock up on food and supplies.

The megacity of Tianjin has advised residents to not leave town for unnecessary reasons and began testing its 14 million residents on Jan. 9, less than four weeks before the Winter Olympics will open in neighboring Beijing.

At a Jan. 8 press conference, Zhang Ying, deputy director of the Tianjin Health Commission, said the city may face a potential outbreak of the Omicron coronavirus variant, as the virus has been circulated in communities, according to state-run media outlet Xinhua.

Tianjin officials reported that a 10-year-old girl and a 29-year-old woman working at an after-school center became infected with the Omicron variant on Jan. 8.

Late on Jan. 8, health authorities said another 18 people returned positive results in subsequent testing of close contacts. Most of them are students between 8 and 13 years old. Theres no word yet on which variant caused the additional infections.

Given that the Chinese regime is known to grossly underreport its virus numbers, the official figure likely doesnt reflect the true total.

Omicron, the latest variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, is more infectious than the Delta variant, which has been spreading across parts of China in recent months and prompting harsh lockdown and containment measures under Beijings zero-COVID policy.

As of the evening of Jan. 8, Tianjin has sent 75,680 people to centralized quarantine. The citywide testing is to be completed over a two-day period. While Tianjin officials havent given a full lockdown order thus far, theyve sealed off 29 residential communities, according to state-run media Global Times.

The swift measures stoked fears that Tianjin could launch a citywide lockdown such as whats taking place in Xian, where authorities have barred its 13 million residents from leaving neighborhoods unless testing negative for the virus, leaving many suffering from food shortages.

A Tianjin resident who gave the surname as Lin told The Epoch Times that panic buying caused a traffic jam in his area on Jan. 9.

People are crazy! Lin said. I saw they got six or seven cabbages; some bought up to a dozen.

Footage in social media posts show scenes of panic buying, such as people jostling at a grocery market to get vegetables.

A man using the surname Li who resides in the Nankai District of Tianjin told The Epoch Times that he isnt anxious to buy excess food, as he has stored rice and other food at his home.

But I saw many were stocking up on food  and some [vegetables] were already out of stock, Li said.

Workers use zip ties to lock up a fence to help create a bubble surrounding the Beijing Olympic Park on Jan. 4, 2022. (NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The new COVID-19 infections pose a risk to the Winter Olympics, which open on Feb. 4 in nearby Beijing. The capital city is about 70 miles northwest of Tianjin, and many people regularly travel by car or on a high-speed rail link that shortens the trip between the two cities to less than one hour.

Beijing health authorities have barred people in Tianjin from traveling to Beijing unless necessary, according to a Jan. 9 notice posted on social media platform WeChat. Officials say that theyve tightened inspections at highway exits to dissuade those who intend to enter Beijing from Tianjin, according to Beijing News, a Party-backed media outlet.

Tianjin has already closed some subway stations on two lines and canceled some domestic flights.

On social media platform Weibo, some college students in Tianjin are concerned that the travel restrictions would prevent them from going home for the Chinese New Year holiday, in roughly three weeks.

Luo Ya and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Thaise and Alexandre Ludwig at Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Woodruff Arts Center-Symphony Hall, in Atlanta, on Jan. 8, 2022. (Roland Ree/The Epoch Times)

ATLANTAConductor Alexandre Ludwig says there was perfect harmony between the different aspects of Shen Yun Performing Arts, including the dancers, the orchestra, and the animated backdrops.

Its perfect, said Mr. Ludwig, who was a music professor in Brazil before moving to the United States. The [synchronization] between everything is perfect.

Thaise Ludwig, a psychologist, shared Mr. Ludwigs admiration of Shen Yun.

I love it, it was wonderful, she said.

The two saw Shen Yun a the Woodruff Arts Center on Jan. 8.

New York-based Shen Yun, which brings together top artists from around the world, presents classical Chinese dance and music. The dances are accompanied by an orchestra that combines traditional Chinese instruments with classical Western instruments, creating a unique sound. Adding to the beauty of the performance are animated backdrops, which through patented technology, interact with the dances on the stage with superb precision.

Shen Yuns aim, as described on the companys website, is to revive Chinas millennia-old culture.

Ms. Ludwig was full of praise for Shen Yuns artists and how they showed Chinas ancient culture on the stage, noting that thats no easy task.

Its not [so] simple being expressive on the stage, so for me, it was amazing, fascinating, she said.

The sync between the dancers was amazing, perfect. And the choreography, its wonderful to see the dancers presentations.

Mr. Ludwig said that he could feel the culture behind the different elements of the performance.

I can feel the culture behind it, behind everything.  Thaise Ludwig

I can feel it during the music and the dances all the time. I can feel the culture behind it, behind everything, he said. I love it.

As a musician, he said he could appreciate the hard work that the musicians in Shen Yun had to put in to be able to perform at this caliber. He said he was also impressed that the production featured its own original compositions to accompany the dances.

Hard work [went] behind this, he said.

Ms. Ludwig added that she could feel a passion in the performance.

We feel like they are together in their minds. Not just going, no this is my part, and I will do this, but, all of us will do this,' she said.

Reporting by Roland Ree.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
The playground at Shannon Park Elementary School in Dartmouth, N.S., sits empty on Jan. 5, 2022. Students in Nova Scotia switched to online learning starting Jan. 10, set to last until Jan. 17. (The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan)

In Children, COVID Is Certainly Very Mild Compared to Flu and Other Viruses, Halifax Doctor Says

The flu and other common viruses pose more of a risk to children to date than COVID-19, says the chief of pediatrics at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, noting that few children have been admitted to hospital due to the coronavirus.

Dr. Andrew Lynk told CBC News that he remains far more concerned about the flu and other common viruses in children compared to COVID-19, even with the more transmissible Omicron variant now spreading in Nova Scotia.

He said the IWK and other regional hospitals have seen very few child admissions due to COVID-19, and the two recent cases admitted during his shift at the childrens hospital in Halifax were discharged after a few days.

The ones that we have admitted have been mild and brief for the most part. Its not to say that a child with certain high-risk factors couldnt get quite sick from it, but were certainly not seeing that, said Lynk, who is also the chair of the pediatrics department at Dalhousie University.

There are some children who were infected with COVID-19 in the community and later tested positive while visiting the hospital for unrelated issues, he said, but there has been no spread of infection.

Lynk noted that Omicron rarely causes severe illness, and most cases can be dealt with at home using the usual treatments for flu or the common cold.

There is a slight uptick [in hospitalizations], but its still pretty minimal in terms of in-patients and very minimal in terms of anybody with significant illness, he said, adding that a check-in with other doctors on Dec. 6 reflected similar observations.

By comparison, Lynk said 100 to 200 children are admitted to the hospital each year due to a highly contagious respiratory virus known as RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. RSV can cause serious lung infections like bronchiolitis, and can be especially threatening to infants and toddlers.

An IWK statement issued in December 2021 noted that, since the cold and flu season began, many children have been coming to the IWK Health Emergency Department with cold symptoms, which often result from RSV.

In addition, Lynk said roughly 70 children have been admitted to the IWK due to influenza, with some even ending up in intensive care.

About 10 of those will regularly end up in the ICU and occasionally we lose a child from the flu every year. Were not seeing anything like that with COVID, he told CBC.

Compared to RSV and flu in children, COVID is certainly very mild.

Pediatricians Support Return to School Learning

Lynk, along with eight other physicians in the Nova Scotia pediatric pandemic advisory group, have voiced support for the provincial governments previous plan to allow students return to in-person learning at schools.

In an open letter to Nova Scotia parents issued Jan. 6, the doctors said that COVID infections are mild, and long term symptoms are infrequent for the vast majority of children and teenagers.

The risks to children and youth from not providing in-class learning outweigh the current risks related to Covid, the doctors said in the letter.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, people have caught infections mainly in the community and not from school contact. We recognize the Omicron virus may also spread in schools, but community and family gatherings are more likely to result in widespread infection.

Lynk also reiterated the importance of balance while minimizing the risks.

Probably the most dangerous part of going to school for most kids in the morning is getting on the bus or in a car, and we accept that risk every day, he told CBC.

We appreciate that the Omicron variant is more transmissible, more contagious, and we are going to see spreads in school just like we would with RSV or influenza. But again, were hoping with good hygiene and masks that that will be kept to a minimum.

Nova Scotia announced in December that students will return after the holidays to in-class learning on Jan. 10, but later decided to switch to home learning for one week, to Jan. 17.

On Jan. 7, Nova Scotia also renewed its state of emergency to continue the implementation of public health measures. The state of emergency took effect on Jan. 9 and will last until noon on Jan. 23.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- For the year of 2021, Toyota Motor outperformed the other three Japanese automakers by China sales volume, and was the only one scoring year-on-year (YoY) growth for China's sales.

In terms of Dec. performance, Toyota Motor was still the unique one whose China sales were more than that of the year-ago period. Partly affected by the chip supply constraint, Honda Motor, Nissan Motor, and Mazda Motor all posted double-digit decrease in China sales.

Despite the four straight months of YoY dip between Aug. and Nov., Toyota Motor still closed the year with an upward movement thanks to the robust growth achieved in the first half of 2021 and Dec. The Japanese automaker's annual sales in the world's largest auto market have reached another record high for the ninth year in a row.

The data given by two joint ventures show that Toyota Motor not only attained sales increase for existing key models, but also saw its new products well received by consumers.

For instance, GAC Toyota said the annual sales of the Camry and the Wildlander stood at 217,724 units and 130,880 units, jumping 17% and 76% YoY respectively. Meanwhile, a total of 229,859 Levins were sold through 2021. FAW-Toyota noted the yearly sales of the RAV4 family shot up 117% YoY to 203,410 units.

Sienna; photo credit: GAC Toyota



Regarding the performance of new models, GAC Toyota announced a wholesales volume of 2,791 units in Dec. for its flagship MPV Sienna. FAW-Toyota's Kluger and Harrier, both of which hit the market in the second half of last year, logged cumulative sales of 25,173 units and 7,929 units respectively.

Last month, FAW-Toyota started presale of the China-made Corolla Cross SUV, while GAC Toyota began selling the Levins upgrade version, the 2022 Levin. The former has a sister model produced by GAC Toyota, namely, the Frontlander, which hit the market earlier this month.

Due to eight consecutive months of YoY decline, Honda Motor witnessed its China retail sales in 2021 dwindle 4%. Two joint ventures, GAC Honda and Dongfeng Honda, faced 4.7% and 3.3% YoY drop in annual sales respectively.

In spite of the downturn in total China sales, the annual sales of the vehicles armed with the hybrid powertrain system Sport Hybrid still hit all-time highs of 233,801 units last year, which were 116% more than that of the year-ago period.

CR-V; photo credit: Honda Motor



Honda Motor said a total of six models recorded over 150,000 units in 2021 retail sales. Notably, the CR-V was honored the best-selling one with over 200,000 vehicles sold annually.

Honda Motor also had several new models going on sale last month, including GAC Hondas Integra, new Odyssey, and Dongfeng Hondas new Elysion.

Nissan Motor said its China retail sales in 2021 amounted to 1,381,494 units, sliding 5.2% year on year because of the external factors like the coronavirus pandemic and the scarcity of cross-industry raw materials.

Dongfeng Nissan, the passenger vehicle business unit of the joint venture Dongfeng Motor Company Limited (DFL), saw its annual retail sales slide 6.4% to 1,134,889 units, 1,047,073 units and 87,816 units (+11.6% YoY) of which were under Nissan and Venucia brands respectively.

Seven-generation ALTIMA; photo credit: Dongfeng Nissan



As for the bright spots of main models, the annual retail sales of the seven-generation ALTIMA hit new highs of 163,741 units, leaping 38.7% from a year earlier. With 161,152 units sold, the Qashqai had a 2.2% YoY growth in 2021 sales.

Among the four Japanese carmakers, Mazda Motor posted the steepest YoY decline in both Dec. and 2021 China retail sales. As of Dec. 2021, the company's China business had suffered YoY decrease for nine straight months.

Mazda3 Axela; photo credit: Mazda China



With 88,291 units retailed last year, the Mazda3 Axela was credited the hottest-selling Mazda-branded model in China. Meanwhile, the company also sold 47,247 CX-4s and 33,441 CX-5s in the country.
In this special report, we sat down with three guests: Christopher Balding, senior fellow at the Henry Jackson Society; Clyde Prestowitz, president of the Economic Strategy Institute; and David Goldman, deputy editor at Asia Times. They touch on Chinas 2022 economic outlook, what we learned from the past two years, and how thats going to impact global marketsand even consumers who might not realize it.

Balding says, The number one issue for China is, first of all, how they see the economy playing out. With 2022 being what I would effectively call an election year in China, they typically really stimulate the economy in these election years. And I dont think this is going to be an outlier. I think they are going to stimulate the economy. They are also concerned about debt, so I think thats going to be very important to watch. The other one that I would watch is you do have this slow motion train wreck, for lack of a better term, of the real estate market in Chinawhether its the developers, whether its the number of homes that consumers are buying, that is a major issue in China. And right now, there really is no resolution, especially with Evergrande and related type of developers, theyre just continuing to kick the can down the road.

As for investors weighing the risks of the Chinese market, Balding says, I would definitely say its too risky. And I say that for multiple reasons. Number one, despite this idea that China is a high growth economy, stocks in China over really almost any lengthy period of time have only averaged about 1 to 2 percent annual, okay. So if you take any like 5-, 10-, 20-year block, they probably only averaged about 1 to 2 percent, okay. So you would truly be better taking that money and just sticking it in  a savings account, probably, at home or some similar type of investment.

Goldman says his biggest takeaway is that its a crying shame that America, which was the dominant manufacturing power when I was young, is now a secondary manufacturing power.  That translates into a loss of status and loss of political power as well. For example, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership [RCEP], which is now going into effect, is a trade deal, which will basically eliminate 90 percent of tariffs on a third of the worlds economy. China is the center of that. Chinas imports from the other 14 Asian countries in the RCEP have risen by nearly threefold in the past five or six years. So the Chinese economy is a source of livelihood for many other countries, even Australia, which is in a very bitter conflict with China over a number of issues, signed on to the RCP because thats bread and butter. And of course, for many of these Southeast Asian countries, particularly for Southeast Asia, Chinese infrastructure is an important element linking their economies to China. So as long as China maintains its dominant position in world manufacturing, it will have political power. And that position certainly has been enhanced since the pandemic. Chinas share of world trade and exports to the United States and to Europe have increased substantially from previous levels. And correspondingly, China has more power. So even though the South Koreans, the Vietnamese, the Philippines, the Australians have serious grievances against Chinathey object to Chinas bullying and aggressive actions, in many respects nonetheless, theyre still willing to enhance their business and increase their economic ties with China, simply because China has the economic power. And unless the United States revives the power of its industry, then I think a lot of our objections to what China is doing will remain ineffective.

And as for the future, Prestowitz says there are two main points: One is whats happening with COVIDthats very important. And secondly, because the Communist Party under Xi Jinping has really been tightening its control, not just of the politics, but of the economy, and the production. And it has been increasing the role of state-owned corporations and reducing, really, the role of private entrepreneurs and private industry. So I think its important to watch how that evolves in China because on the current pass, I think we have to expect that Chinas growth is going to be reduced. And in fact, the party, the Chinese Communist Party itself, is predicting that the growth rate will be lower than it has been in the past. So I think thats what we need to watch.

Watch the full report online.

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Dole Pre-Packaged salad sits on the shelf at a Bell Market grocery store June 19, 2003 in San Francisco, California. (Getty Images/Justin Sullivan)

Dole, Presidents Choice Salad Products Recalled Due to Listeria Risk

OTTAWAA number of Dole and Presidents Choice brand salad products are being recalled because of possible Listeria contamination.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says eight varieties of Dole salads and five from Presidents Choice are included in the recall.

All have best before dates of either Jan. 8 or 9.

The products were sold at stores across the country and should either be thrown out or returned to their place of purchase.

There have been no reports of any illnesses being linked to the salads.

However, Listeria contamination can cause vomiting, fever, muscle aches, severe headache and in rare cases even death.
Dr. Peter McCullough: Healthy Children Do Not Need to Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Dr. Peter McCullough believes that healthy children should not be given the COVID-19 vaccine because the percentage of those children that die from the virus is minuscule, but the adverse effects of the vaccine in the same group are of great concern.

McCullough, a leading cardiologist and epidemiologist, told The Epoch Times that in 2021, 600 children died after infection from the COVID-19 virus (the previous year about 600 died from other respiratory viruses like respiratory syncytial virus or influenza), but were also known to have other severe illnesses like cystic fibrosis, lung disease, congenital heart-lung disease, or cancer.

He cited a study by Dr. Marty Makary from Johns Hopkins University who carried out an analysis. They think, maybe they can find one child who actually died of COVID-19 who was previously healthy, said McCullough.

Makary wrote in MedPage Today: My research team at Johns Hopkins partnered with FAIR health to study pediatric COVID-19 deaths using approximately half of the nations health insurance data. We found that 100% of pediatric COVID-19 deaths were in children with a pre-existing condition.

And so, for those reasons, good doctors would never, ever consider vaccination of a child, McCullough said.

He believes it makes sense to vaccinate for horrible diseases like polio, or widely contagious ones like chickenpox or mumps and measles, but not for a virus like SARS-CoV2 that does little to no harm to children. We would never vaccinate against the common cold, he said. But he does recommend vaccinating children against COVID-19 who have other severe illnesses.

McCullough said we dont have enough data on the long-term and adverse effects of the vaccines on healthy children, and the data that is available show more harm than good comes from giving the vaccines to young people.

In this case, we would never expose children to a vaccine that didnt have a long-standing safety profile. FDA standards for just an antigen-based vaccine has to be two years of safety profile. We need a lot of assurances that it doesnt cause defects and growth, that it causes a potential long-term risk for autoimmune or cancer, he said. Especially for gene transfer technology, the safety profile is five years, he said.

McCullough said the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials that were done with children aged 1217 did not provide data that supported vaccinating healthy children. Dr. Ron Kostoff published a study in PubMed that suggests vaccinating children is not worth the risk.

Kostoffs study states: The bulk of the official COVID-19-attributed deaths per capita occur in the elderly with high comorbidities, and the COVID-19 attributed deaths per capita are negligible in children. The paper further states, The risk of death from COVID-19 decreases drastically as age decreases, and the longer-term effects of the inoculations on lower age groups will increase their risk-benefit ratio, perhaps substantially.

McCullough criticized Dr. Eric Rubin, the editor of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and a member of the advisory panel to evaluate the safety of vaccines for children, for his comments that seem to disregard the risks of the vaccines for children.

In this image from video, Dr. Eric Rubin, left, explains why he will vote to advise the FDA to authorize Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine for young children during an FDA advisory panel meeting on Oct. 26, 2021. (The Epoch Times via FDA)

So, in his mind as an editor of the NEJM and an influential member of the advisory panel, the test run for safety in American children is to absolutely vaccinate the children in an uncontrolled manner, with uncontrolled follow up and let the parents go into a frenzy on safety, said McCullough.

Rubin was part of a panel of independent advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who on Oct. 29 granted emergency use authorization for Pfizers jab for children aged 511 after its advisory panel, save one abstention, recommended doing so. The panel was in agreement with Pfizers own data that the vaccine is 90.7 percent safe for children.

Rubin told his colleagues that there is much more to learn about the vaccine as it relates to children.

I agree with Dr. Cohn, we want to save the kids we can save and I do think that it will be useful to have a lot more information though, to determine how best to deploy the vaccine. So we ended up sort of in between, we decided to vote for it with a lot of heavy consciences, but Im hoping that is the start of learning more about it.

The Epoch Times reached out to Rubin for comment.

A study published on Dec. 2 in the NJEM echoed the advisory panels opinion about vaccines being safe for children. The study looked at one of the largest Israeli health care organizations and found the estimated incidence of myocarditis was 2.13 cases per 100,000 persons; the highest incidence was among male patients between the ages of 16 and 29 years. The study reports that most cases were mild.

McCullough however, has evaluated data that show myocarditis is of major concern when giving the vaccine to children. He rebuked the FDA advisory panel for saying that adverse effects from the vaccine in children are mild and rare.

McCullough has found evidence that the vaccines cause myocarditis in a significant number of its recipients, mostly males. He cited a study by Dr. Tracey Hoeg at the University of California, Davis which found that the rate of these events is higher than first thought. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle.

And when the FDA and CDC met on two occasions in June, they actually use these terms, that it was mild and that it was rare. Now mild was an incorrect conclusion because we know hospitalization is a serious adverse event by regulatory law and standards.

The FDA and CDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Masooma Haq Follow Masooma Haq began reporting for The Epoch Times from Pakistan in 2008. She currently covers a variety of topics including U.S. government, culture, and entertainment.
While we humans may fancy ourselves leading very exciting lives, spending our days scrolling through social media and texting leisurely, sometimes animals may teach us a thing or two about enjoying the simple things in lifeto slow down and smell the roses as it were.

Well, one animal photographer from the Netherlands is invoking this simple lesson through his lens; of all the animals, the simplest might very well be the ground squirrel, which Dutchman Dick van Duijn captured on his camera while on summer vacation in Vienna.

There are no roses to smell in these pictures; van Duijn, nevertheless, did capture adorable ground squirrels sniffing other wild flowers in idyllic, fantasy-like landscapes from the Viennese countryside. The simple beauty of these scenes is charming.

We had been photographing the ground squirrels since sunrise that day, van Duijn told The Epoch Times. On the evening of the second day, that light was beautiful when this beautiful moment took place.

These ground squirrels seem to be sniffing flowers for pure enjoyment, but that may just be our imaginations getting carried away. It could simply be lunch that theyre in search of. We noticed they are really curious about flowers and sometimes they smell or even eat them, the photographer added.

This also happened in this scene and I was lucky to capture the moment when the ground squirrel was closing his eyes and hugging the flower.

So, slow down, stop scrolling on Facebook for a few precious seconds, and check out these cuddly ground squirrels having the time of their lives amidst the tranquil Austrian landscape:

The 37-year-old Dutchman Dick van Duijn specializes in wildlife photography as a hobby but by no means is his work limited to ground squirrels. Through his lens, he also captures majestic lions, Siberian tigers, hunting cheetahs, badgers, monkeys, and much more. You can check out more of his work on Instagram.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
Rescue workers search the scene where a Ukrainian plane crashed in Shahedshahr, southwest of the capital Tehran, Iran, Jan. 8, 2020. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Families Call on Ottawa to Pursue Accountability for Iran in Downed Plane

Canada must boost its efforts to hold Iran to account after the regimes forces shot down a passenger jet two years ago, family members of the victims said Saturday.

At a memorial for those who died on board the Ukrainian International Airlines flight on Jan. 8, 2020, a group representing their loved ones expressed anger and exasperation at Irans intransigence and the glacial pace of accountability.

Our patience is exhausted. Today is the day when diplomacy ends and justice begins, said Hamed Esmaeilion, who heads the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims.

The group is demanding that the case go before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)a United Nations agency based in Montrealand that the RCMP launch a criminal investigation.

It is also calling for arrest warrants and government sanctions against senior Iranian political and military leaders, and for the designation of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.

The regime snubbed another deadline earlier this week set by Canada and its allies to negotiate a settlement for the families.

Nearly 140 of the 176 people killed in the plane crash had ties to Canada, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.

We keep writing polite letters, one after another, Esmaeilion said of the federal government.

We will not relent with an empty, shallow apology and political gamesmanship  We shall never forget, nor shall we ever forgive.

At the partly virtual commemoration in Torontos north end, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will not rest until Iran is held accountable.

I promise you we will always continue fighting for the accountability, transparency and justice you deserve, he said.

Speaking by video, Trudeau attributed the disaster to recklessness and complete disregard for human life of Iranian officialswe cannot allow that to stand.

The words came as cold comfort to some.

Kourosh Doustshenas, whose 39-year-old fiancee Forough Khadem was among the victims, said the ongoing battle to hold Iran responsible leaves no time to heal.

Every morning I wake up and the last thing I think of is Forough, in my mind, in front of my eyes, he said in a phone interview from his home in Winnipeg.

Two years on, the pain is fresh, the wound is open in my life and in many others whove lost their loved ones like me.

Titled the open wound in the sky, the Saturday ceremony included speeches by three federal cabinet ministers as well as Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor John Tory. The two leaders called the downing a most heinous act and deliberate act of terrorism, respectively.

Mothers recited victims names, at times tearfully, between video montages that featured loved ones, children among them, directly addressing the deceased.

Opening with lines from Iranian poet Ahmad Shamlou, the two-and-a-half-hour event was followed by an outdoor vigil in North Yorks Mel Lastman Square.

The Conservatives called on the Liberal government to impose sanctions on Iranian officials following a lack of co-operation from the regime.

Irans refusal to negotiate compensation for the victims makes it clear the Liberal government must use every tool available domestically and internationally, MPs Michael Chong, James Bezan and Melissa Lantsman said in a statement.

The Tories are also demanding the government launch discussions with the ICAO to limit Irans ability to operate commercial aircraft in international airspace until they agree to abide by international norms in the investigation.

On Monday an Ontario court awarded more than $107 million to families of six of the victims, though it remains unclear how the money might be collected from Iran.

The decision followed a May ruling that the missile attack amounted to an intentional act of terrorism, paving the way for relatives of those killed to seek compensation from the regime.

The Jan. 8, 2020, tragedy unfolded against a backdrop of escalating violence in the region. Days earlier, a U.S. drone strike killed Irans top military commander in Iraq.

Iran then retaliated by launching missile attacks on bases in Iraq where American troops were stationed. Canadian troops were also stationed on the bases as part of an international mission. No military personnel were harmed.

Then came the shootdown of PS752 just under seven minutes after takeoff from Tehrans main airport. Iran initially denied responsibility but admitted three days later that its Revolutionary Guard mistakenly hit the Ukrainian jetliner with two surface-to-air missiles.

Iran has blamed human error, but Canada and its allies have dismissed the explanation and demanded a full accounting from the countrydemands that have been ignored in Tehran.

In November, the victims association published a report that accused Iranian authorities of tampering with the electronic devices and misidentifying the remains of some of the passengers.

The actions made up part of what the group dubbed Saturday a machinery of deceit by Iran that saw it bulldoze the crash site within hours and hold the cockpits black boxes hostage for seven months.

By Christopher Reynolds
Part of the Bruce Highway washed away by floodwaters caused by ex-Cyclone Seth, north of Gympie, Australia, obtained on Jan. 8, 2022. (AAP Image/Supplied, Maleny State Emergency Service)

Father, Daughter Rescued in Gympie Floods

A father and his young daughter have been rescued after spending two nights clinging to a tree in regional Queensland after floodwaters hit over the weekend.

An RACQ LifeFlight Rescue helicopter crew from Toowoomba airlifted the pair from a homestead in the Gympie region to hospital on Sunday after they were found at around 1 p.m.

The father explained to the crew that his car had been caught between two sections of floodwaters on Friday night and water began filling the car, RACQ LifeFlight said in a statement late Sunday night.

He and his primary school-aged daughter climbed onto the roof of the vehicle but were swept into the water in the darkness.

They were washed into a tree, which they clung onto.

On the first night, the father swam back to the submerged car and grabbed a rope, which he used to tie himself and his daughter to the tree.

After the water subsided on Sunday morning, the pair climbed down more than 10 metres to the ground and made their way to the homestead to raise the alarm.

They had suffered exposure, dehydration and a lot of insect bites, RACQ LifeFlight said.

It was one of at least two flood-related missions in the Gympie region for chopper crews on the weekend.

On Saturday, a crew airlifted a man aged in his 50s who had been injured after he drove into floodwaters in the early hours of the morning.

But rescuers still hold grave fears for a 14-year-old girl swept away while fleeing a car caught in floodwaters with a 40-year-old man at Booubyjan, near Gympie, in the early hours of Saturday.

The man was found clinging to a tree hours later but the girl has not yet been found.

At least one person has died in the floods, which came after intense rain pummelled the region on Friday and Saturday.

A 22-year-old mans body was found in a submerged ute at Kanigan, north of Gympie, on Saturday.

Water levels around the Mary River in Gympie remain high and roads have been washed out.

Meanwhile, the Queensland city of Maryborough was evacuated at the weekend after floodwaters surged into the city through the stormwater drains.

A levee was protecting the CBD until an underground stormwater mechanism failed just before 2pm on Sunday, allowing floodwater to surge up through the drains and into the streets.

Police and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued an urgent emergency evacuation order for more than 30 inner-city blocks, after the remnants of tropical cyclone Seth dumped 600mm on the Wide Bay-Burnett region in two days.

On Monday morning, Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the water level peaked around 10 metres, which was below an expected 10.5 metres.

We are waking up to relatively good news, he told Nine Network.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council had set up 12 pumps, with each moving about 120 litres of water a second.

We  were able to pump out a lot of the water as it was coming in underneath the barricade.

Businesses in the city were due to access the damage on Monday.
Florida County Parents Question Motives and Legitimacy of Districts Vague New Health Care Consent Form

'They're still trying to pull a fast one on parents'

Floridas St. Johns County School District is asking parents to sign a vague new consent form for health care services for their children at school. However, the growing number of revisions, ambiguities, inconsistencies, and conflicting answers have many parents questioning the motives and the legitimacy of the request.

The Beginning

The original email, sent to all parents and guardians of students in the St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) on Dec. 15, explained the reason for the new form was to ensure compliance with the the recent Parents Bill of Rights, F.S. 1014.06

Screenshot of St. Johns County School District Dec. 15, 2021 email sent to parents and guardians informing them they must provide consent if they want their child to receive care and treatment to their child for injuries and illnesses. (Courtesy of Elizabeth Wittstadt, Mothers for Liberty)

The introduction of the form reiterated the request was due to the recent Parents Bill of Rights and said consent would enable the school nurse to provide care and treatment to their child in the event of injury, illness: and emergency health services. Parents were warned, if they declined consent for those services, they would only be notified that their child has such a need and they would be responsible for arrangement of care outside of the school setting.

Screenshot of original introduction for new health care services consent form on St. Johns County School District website on Dec. 17, 2021. (Courtesy of Elizabeth Wittstadt)

Part 6 on the consent form stated: My child has permission to receive health services while at school, to include care and treatment for illness and injury. Parents had two options: Yes, or No  my child MAY NOT receive care or treatment from the school nurse.

Original Part 6 from St Johns County School District SJCSD Request for Parental Consent for Student Health Services form. (St Johns County School District website)

Immediate Backlash

As parents read the new health care request form, immediate backlash ensued. Elizabeth Wittstadt, Chair of the St. Johns County Chapter of Moms for Liberty, sent out an Action Alert, warning parents the form goes against the Parental Bill of Rights and her research proves the consent form is completely unnecessary for your child to receive care in school.

The consent form only acts as an enforcement measure to exclude you from making healthcare decisions about your child while at school, Whitestadts alert stated further. Signing this form will allow others to determine your childs healthcare needs without your permission. Please DO NOT sign away your parental rights and send this email to anyone considering doing so. Dont worry if youve already signed, you can rescind your form. Parents are also asking for the Consent for Student Health Services to be rescinded immediately!

According to Wittstadt, parents in the district flooded the school district with questions and concerns.

In response to one parents concern over the threat to deny emergency treatment unless they said Yes on the consent form, Kyle Dresback in the Student Services Office confirmed that if the parent would like for their child to be seen by the school nurse to provide care and treatment for injuries or illness, and when necessary, emergency health services, they should feel free to complete the survey with YES.

Screenshot of response by Kyle Dresback to a parents concern over threat to not provide emergency care for a child a school unless they said yes on the consent form. (Courtesy of Elizabeth Wittstadt)

Dresback did not respond to a request by The Epoch Times for clarification of his email.

The Revisions

Within days, the introduction and consent form was revised on the SJCSD website. Gone is the warning that if parents decline to provide consent for treatment in the event of injury, illness and emergency health services they would only be notified that their child has such a need and they would be responsible for arrangement of care outside of the school setting. Now, they simply say, the District is requesting consent to allow for the services traditionally provided by the school nurse, such as meeting emergency needs and emergency treatment. Added to the introduction is a new caveat: This consent DOES NOT AUTHORIZE Invasive screening or procedure like COVID-19 testing, vaccinations or other services that have traditionally required specific parental direction and consent, such as administration of medication.

Screenshot of revised introduction for the consent form for health care services in school on Dec. 30. (St Johns County School District website)

Step #6 on the consent form is now preceded by: My child has permission to receive health services at school, to include care and treatment for illness and injury, and a reiteration of the DOES NOT AUTHORIZE caveat. The No option still specifies the school nurse is not to provide care or treatment but advises only emergency care will be provided.

Revised Part 6 from St Johns County School District SJCSD Request for Parental Consent for Student Health Services form. (St Johns County School District website)

They obviously saw there were some issues they needed to address, Wittstadt said of the hasty revisions in the wake of the backlash. But they didnt address it clearly and I think theyre still trying to pull a fast one on parents. They want to revise it just enough to make some parents feel like theyve explained themselves and will go ahead and sign it. But we really believe theyre trying to get us to sign away our parental rights.

Ambiguities, Inconsistencies, Conflicting Answers, and The Law

The Dec. 15 email states the new form is due to the recent Parents Bill of Rights (PBOR) and consent will allow the school nurse to provide care and treatment to your child for injuries and illnesses, and when necessary, emergency health services. However, the PBORF.S. 1014.06was signed into law six months ago and refers to a health care practitioner or an individual employed by such health care practitioner. The definition of health care practitioner is extremely broad to include (among other things) nurses, acupuncturists, nutritionists, psychologists, speech therapists, physical therapists, and physicians. The SJCSD website states that by working with parents, other health professionals and other school staff, the school nurse provides services such as emergency health needs and medication administration.

The Yes option on the consent form still does not specify who will provide the health services. However, the No option is specific in saying that the parent does not want their child treated by the nurse.

If you say, Yes, youre not saying yes to the school nurse. Youre saying Yes to this broad selection, Wittstadt explained, and when you say No, youre saying no specifically to the school nurse. Its a situation where theyre playing apples and oranges. If they said Yes and No regarding the school nurse, it would make more sense.

The introduction on the consent form states the district is requesting consent to allow for services traditionally provided by the school nurse, such as first aid and meeting emergency health needs. However, the revised Part 6 of the consent form and the Dec. 21 FAQ sheet say, emergency care will be provided even if the parent declines to say Yes.

The directive for this new form appears to originate from Melissa Kledzik, St. Johns County Director of Health Services. In a Dec. 15 email to SJCSD Associate Superintendent for Student Support Services, Kledzick shared the directive she drafted, which was sent to parents.

Screenshot of Dec. 15 email (part 1) from Melissa Kledzik, Director of Health Services for St. Johns County School District to Kyle Dresback and Executive Secretary Kathryn Currington outlining her new directive regarding the new consent form for health care services at school. (Courtesy of Stacie Morales through Public Records Request)

Screenshot of Dec. 15 email (part 2) from Melissa Kledzik, Director of Health Services for St. Johns County School District to Kyle Dresback and Executive Secretary Kathryn Currington outlining her new directive regarding the new consent form for health care services at school. (Courtesy of Stacie Morales through Public Records Request)

However, clarification of the services was not clarified until Dec. 17, in an email from Sally Hugo, Florida School Health Liaison, Division of Community Health Services, School Health Services Program in Tallahassee, sent to Kledzik and shared with Dresback. Among the services listed is emergency health services.

Screenshot of Dec. 17 Email from Sally Hugo, Florida School Health Liaison, Division of Community Health Services, School Health Services Program. (Courtesy of Stacie Morales through Public Information Request)

However, the 2018 F.S. 381.0056, F.S. School Health Services Act dictates that each county health department shall develop, jointly with the district school board and the local school health advisory committee, a school health services plan that must include, at a minimum, provisions for nineteen specific health care services, including meeting emergency health needs. The Act clarifies that Emergency health needs means onsite evaluation, management, and aid for illness or injury pending the students return to the classroom or release to a parent, guardian, designated friend, law enforcement officer, or designated health care provider. Refusing to provide such care if a child has such a need would violate this law.

The consent form revision, to include the warning that if parents decline consent, to allow the school nurse to provide such care as emergency health services they would only be informed that their child has such a need and the parents would be responsible for making arrangement of care outside of the school setting, and FAQ sheet appear to have been drafted by Dresback.

In an effort to obtain clarification of the ambiguities and inconsistencies, The Epoch Times reached out to each of the five SJCSD School Board Members. Only one board member provided a response.

Our staff is attempting to adhere to the Parents Bill of Rights with the form, Board Member Beverly Slough, (District 1) told The Epoch Times. In essence, it codifies parents wishes in regard to having our nurses provide first aid and emergency care for their children. It in no way empowers our staff to give vaccines, other pharmaceuticals, or any kind of treatment not expressly approved by parents. Unfortunately, in a highly politicized environment, trust has eroded among some of our parents, resulting in misunderstanding. Again, our district has no intention of undermining the will of our parents in the care of their children. We are simply trying to comply with the law by providing the form.

Asked to clarify why SJCSD believes the form is necessary because of the PBOR when the preexisting Florida Statute 10006.062 and SJCSD School Board Rule 5.15 already require parental consent and SJCSD already has guidelines and a consent form for parents granting the school nurse permission to administer medications, Slough said our staff interprets the law to require the form, thus the request to complete it. Obviously, if a child were injured, we would not decline to provide first aid. Again, our district is trying to comply with the law.

Christina Langston, Chief of Community Relations for St. Johns County School District provided a conflicting answer.

Our school board has not discussed this collectively or had a workshop on this topic, currently there is not one scheduled, Langston told The Epoch Times by email. Of course, that could change. Langston also said, the department of health sent out a directive to every school district and local department of health in the state of Florida, so this is not specific to St. Johns or any one school district.

According to the Dec. 15 email to Dresbak from Keldzik, she sent the directive to all school nurses. The email does not state it was sent to every school district and local department of health in the state of Florida.

Despite F.S. 10006.062, School Board Rule 5.15, pre-established medication guidelines, a preexisting consent form, and F.S. 381.056 (ensuring emergency health needs in each school), no explanation is offered in the districts Dec. 15 email, the subsequent Dec. 21. FAQ or offered by Slough or Langston, as to why a new, additional consent form is needed, why it wasnt required when school began in St. Johns County on Aug. 16 or when Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the PBOR into law June 30. Nor is it explained if or why previously provided consent forms are now insufficient. As the PBOR does not set a deadline for when consent forms must be submitted by parents to obtain traditionally provided health care services in school, the SJCSD does not explain why parents must submit their new consent forms by Jan. 18.

Parents Still Concerned

Stacie Morales, a St. Johns County resident and Moms for Liberty member with two children attending Palm Valley Academy, is troubled by what she believes is a covert effort to take away parents rights.

I have a lot of concerns about the consent form asking us to sign away our fundamental rights that were granted to us under the Parents Bill of Rights to be able to direct the healthcare and education of our children in schools, Morales told The Epoch Times. The email was coercive. It said specifically that if we didnt sign away our rights our children will not receive any care from the school nurse and if we do sign away our rights they will receive health services, which remains undefined, and treated for illness and injury, which remains undefined. Im not sure whats going on here.

Morales noted how the PBOR took effect July 1. Although the school board held a workshop and a regular board meeting on Dec. 14, the day before the email and new consent form went out, there was no mention of this consent form.

This issue is so important, Morales asserted. Were hearing about kids getting vaccinated at school without the parents knowledge or consent and Bidens new Test to Stay in school plan and when we raised our concerns over this form with the school district its interesting that they quietly made some changes. Now theyve amended the form, saying theyre going to clarify the form. We want to know, why now? Whos this coming from? We would like to see the exact directive and why its needed. We havent heard about this happening in other parts of the state. If this is a state law, it should apply to all school districts evenly. We also want to know what kind of guidance is being given by the director of health services for the district to school nurses. That information is missing as well.

Test-to-Stay was announced Dec. 17 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in conjunction with the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (pdf), which highlighted the use of test-to-stay practices in schools to minimize absenteeism and learning loss which can occur during traditional quarantine at home.

In light of this updated data, CDC has added information on test-to-stay practices to our K-12 Transmission Science Brief and on our K-12 webpages, the CDC explained on its website. Test-to-Stay is another valuable tool in a layered prevention strategy that includes promoting vaccination of eligible students and staff, requiring everyone age 2 and older wear a mask inside schools and facilities, keeping at least 3 feet of distance between students, screening testing, ventilation, handwashing, and staying home when sick. Additionally, CDC recommends everyone ages 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19.

As parents, we believe our school nurses are a great first line of reaction and we want them there for our kids if theres some kind of an emergency in school, like if they get a scrape on the playground or they need an ice pack, Wittstadt told The Epoch Times. Thats really what we see school nurses are there for. However, when it comes to distribution of medications, Wittstadt said parents already signed consent forms for that.

The consent form they sent out was so vague, Wittstadt noted, and in this heightened time where just see trickery and evasive maneuvers, we dont have a high level of confidence and we dont want the school nurse or the school district to become our childs primary care physician and the way they word it, it really leaves them open to do whatever they want, and it closes the parent out. What were saying is; what are you trying to do? Youre essentially trying to take away parents control. What else could you be defining as treatment?'

Parents Rights Must be Respected

Governor DeSantis has led the way in fighting for parental rights, Christina Pushaw, DeSantis Press Secretary told The Epoch Times. Parents know their own children best; therefore, parents rights to make health and education decisions for their kids must be respected. That said, Pushaw went on to say that parents must give informed written consent for their children to be tested for COVID-19 or other medical procedures at school and there is a DOH rule in place specifying that parents and legal guardians must give consent for their children to receive COVID-19 tests at school, she is not aware of other school districts sending out emails like this and she can see how the wording of the email compared to the form is unclear and potentially contradicts itself.

On Oct. 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the new Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children between 511. In November, reports began to surface that the Biden administration has been working with the American Academy of Pediatrics to partner local physicians with schools in order to promote the newly approved kids Pfizer vaccine and urge elementary schools to set up COVID-19 vaccination clinics to begin vaccinating students aged 5 through 11. On Dec. 15, the St. Johns County School District sent emails to parents requesting that they submit the vague new Request for Parental Consent for Student Health Services forms before Jan. 18. On Dec. 17, the Biden administration announced the Test-to-Stay program for schools and recommends everyone ages 5 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Mark Morgan, former acting CBP commissioner, at a press conference in Anzalduas Park in Mission, Texas, on March 30. 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Former Border Commissioner: We Have Lost Control of the Southwest Border

The southwest border during President Joe Bidens first year in office reached historic levels of illegal crossings, pulling agents off the front line and leaving large swaths of the border unpatrolled. Drugs, especially fentanyl, flowed in, and overdose deaths are at an all-time high.

What were experiencing now on the southwest border is a complete, utter catastrophe, Mark Morgan, former acting commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees Border Patrol, told The Epoch Times on Jan. 7.

We have lost control of the southwest border.

During the 2021 calendar year, Border Patrol agents apprehended close to 2 million illegal immigrants from 150 different countries along the southwest bordermore than double 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, according to CBP data.

Last year, Border Patrol agents detected but didnt catch an additional 600,000 illegal border crossers, known as gotaways, Morgan said.

Thats the equivalent to the size of the state of Vermont, he said. Think about the bad people that are in that 600,000 that got away.

Mexican nationals made up 28 percent of encounters in fiscal year 2021, the lowest proportion in recorded history, according to the CBP.

The northern triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador made up 44 percent, and the remaining 28 percent were from other countriesdouble the previous record for the latter demographic.

This trend is important because the Department of Homeland Security does not currently have agreements to electronically verify nationality with these different countries of origin, making removing or expelling their nationals more resource-intensive and time-consuming, the CBP stated in a Jan. 3 press release.

Outside of Mexico and the Northern Triangle nations, the countries accounting for the largest number of encounters in fiscal year 2021 were Ecuador, Brazil, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Haiti, and Cuba, the CBP stated.

On the Mexico side of the border, across the Rio Grande in Texas, hundreds of discarded passports, visas, and identification papers can be found every day. Illegal aliens are told its harder to be deported from the United States without papers.

This is not a surge. This is an invasion, Morgan said. I mean, this is a catastrophic amount of illegal aliens trying to break into our country.

The result in some border areas, he said, is that most Border Patrol agents are being pulled off the national security mission to be day care providers, processing agents, and bus drivers.

Morale among the Border Patrol workforce is at an all-time low.

Upon taking office almost a year ago, Biden was quick to dismantle several key border security initiatives that the Trump administration had established, including a halt to border wall construction, and the Remain in Mexico program, which contributed to up to an 80 percent drop in catch-and-release by requiring asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico until their final court judgment.

Now instead of waiting in Mexico, most illegal immigrants are released into the United States to wait for future court dates that can be set years into the future.

Border Security

Although the publics main focus is on illegal immigration numbers, Morgan said thats just a subset of border security.

When you open your borders up to one threat, one crisis, its not mutually exclusive from the othersyoure opening your borders up to the vast set of complex threats that we face, he said.

Anytime youre so overwhelmed that you cant perform the fundamental national security mission to secure our borders, the result is that every aspect of our nations public health, public safety, and national security is being impacted.

The record numbers in 2021 occurred during a year in which many Americans, under the backdrop of a pandemic, faced vaccine mandates, work-from-home orders, and school closures.

Overcrowded border facilities were unable to test everyone for COVID-19, resulting in the release of illegal immigrants with the disease into communities. In July 2021, the city of Laredo sued the Biden administration for releasing a flood of illegal immigrants into Laredo, causing irreparable harm.

Under the Title 42 public health order, which was instituted in March 2020, illegal immigrants could be quickly expelled back into Mexico as a pandemic precaution, rather than be processed under Title 8 immigration law, which is a much more protracted process inside the United States.

Since March 2021, however, Title 42 has slowly been whittled downfirst to allow in all unaccompanied children, then families with children under 7, then most families in general, most single females, and single adults from non-Spanish speaking countries.

Border 2022

Morgan predicts the southwest border metrics will continue to worsen through 2022.

Theres no end in sight. Theres none. And this administration, every single day, everything theyre doing is just to get better at releasing people. Theyre not trying to stop the flow.

Biden tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to lead border security efforts, with the main focus being to address the root causes of illegal immigration. Harris visited Mexico and Guatemala in 2021 but was criticized by the Guatemalan president in December for having no communication since June 2021.

On Aug. 26, 2021, the Supreme Court ordered the Biden administration to restart the Remain in Mexico program, but CBP data through November 2021 dont indicate any new enrollees in the program.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has said hes working toward building a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system.

During the tail end of the September crisis that saw close to 15,000 mostly Haitian illegal immigrants gather under the international bridge in Del Rio, Texas, Mayorkas denied that the administrations policies were responsible.

What we are learning from our interviews with individuals is that they are receiving false information and misinformation from the smuggling organizations that traffic in the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, Mayorkas said during a congressional hearing on Sept. 21, 2021.

During a Senate hearing in November 2021, Mayorkas gave himself high marks for his role in leading the border efforts.

Im a tough grader on myself and I give myself an A for effort, investment in mission, and support of our workforce, Mayorkas said.

Morgan accused Mayorkas of creating a sanctuary country for illegal immigrants, allowing them to come in and then shielding them from deportation.

Theyre trying to totally demolish ICE and make illegal immigration legal, Morgan said, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Everything that theyre doing is making our border less secure and our country less safe.

Looking to Governors

Morgan said he believes the open border policies are an intentional move toward more Democratic House seats through redistricting, now that illegal immigrants are counted in the Census. In addition, they expect illegal immigrants to eventually vote Democrat.

Republicans are also complicit, he said, because they still believe this country needs the illegal workforce.

But there is a true marginalized American workforce thats out there thats having to compete with companies paying lower wages to illegal immigrants. Thats real, Morgan said.

He said concerned Americans should push their governors to do more in the immediate term instead of waiting for the federal elections. Morgan said Florida, Texas, and Missouri have made some inroads, but more need to step up.

If you have a meth overdose in your state, I guarantee that meth came from the southwest border, he said.

The cost to American taxpayers is unconscionable, and governors should step up and say enough is enough.
Government Contractors Settle After Providing China-Made Containers

Even the U.S. federal government sometimes has trouble buying American products.

The Department of Defense has contracted for its suppliers to buy American-made materials or materials manufactured in specified allied countries, such as South Korea. However, through a settlement, two companies have agreed to jointly pay $904,000 to the federal government to resolve allegations that they provided the Pentagon with shipping containers made in China and/or made from Chinese steel, in violation of the False Claims Act.

The companies, SoNo International LLC and Ark Capital Equipment LLC allegedly had a third-party company change the identifying plates on 100 shipping containers made in China to make them appear as if they were made in South Korea. In other contracts, SoNos supplier used Chinese steel, and SoNo and Ark allegedly failed to detect the deception before providing those containers to the U.S. military, according to a statement from U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams.

SoNo and Ark have signed an administrative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency that calls for better training and reporting in connection with government procurement.

The third-party company that physically switched the plates has reached a separate agreement with the United States, providing that it will train its employees to comply with customs rules and regulations and improve their awareness of buying American goods.

The Pentagon had awarded SoNo, of Weston, Connecticut, seven contracts between 2020 and 2022, totaling over $10 million.

While Ark Capital Equipment of Staten Island, New York, shows no record of contracts on its own, the company did receive a $21,190 loan from the Small Business Administrations Office of Capital Access in June 2020, as part of the Paycheck Protection Program established by the CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act, according to government contract records.

The investigation was conducted as part of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvanias Affirmative Civil Enforcement Strike Force, with investigators from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Customs and Border Protections Regulatory Audit and Agency Advisory Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Kaufman handled the investigation and settlement.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

Americans have the right to know that their tax dollars are being spent to support American jobs and American policies, Williams said in a statement. When the Department of Defense purchased this material for our warfighters, SoNo agreed to acquire material from and support manufacturers in America or our allied nations.

The United States Attorneys Office is ready to investigate and punish contractors who do not follow these clear rules.
Huaweis Chipmaker Suffers Production Stoppage and Cuts Due to Successive US Sanctions

News Analysis

Huawei, after being plagued by U.S. sanctions for two and a half years, has seen its chipmaker also in distressnot only has its high-end chip production has been halted, but also shipments of its mobile application processors (AP) have shrunk.

Shipments for Huawei chipmaker HiSilicons smartphone APs declined 96 percent in the third quarter of 2021 after the company was unable to produce high-end chips following consecutive U.S. sanctions from 2019 to 2020, according to a report by Strategy Analytics, a market research institution, on Dec. 23, 2021.

The report said that the global smartphone AP market grew 17 percent to $8.3 billion in the third quarter of 2021, with Qualcomm, Apple, MediaTek, Samsung LSI, and Unisoc taking the top five portions.

HiSilicon in 2020 was the second-largest customer of TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company)the worlds largest dedicated independent semiconductor foundrybut was delisted from TSMCs top 10 customers in 2021. In addition, IC Insights shows that HiSilicon dropped out of the worlds top 15 semiconductor manufacturers in 2021.

In May 2019, the United States placed Huawei on its entity sanctions list, preventing U.S. companies from supplying products to Huawei without permission from the U.S. Department of Commerce. As a result, Google ceased working with Huawei, and Huawei was denied access to Android updates.

The United States also banned Huawei from importing U.S. products with more than 25 percent technology content.

However, TSMC said on May 23, 2019, the products they offered to Huawei comes from U.S. technology, but do not meet the 25 percent technology content so they would continue to supply chips to Huawei.

In May 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce offered new regulations requiring that any chip produced using U.S. technology and equipment first be approved by the United States before it can be sold to Huawei.

Most of the chip fabs worldwide, including leading Chinese foundry SMIC and Taiwans TSMC, purchase equipment from U.S. companies like Applied Materials, Lam Research, and KLA.

TSMC revealed to the public on July 16, 2020 that it had stopped accepting orders from Huawei from May 15 due to the impact of the U.S. ban on Huawei.

The idea was to present foreign manufactures like TSMC and Samsung with a choice, Peterson Institute for International Economics, an American think tank, wrote on Sep. 28, 2020, noting President Donald Trumps export curbs on semiconductors and equipment. To access American-made tools used to fabricate semiconductors, those companies would need to agree not to sell to Huawei.

Richard Yu (Yu Chengdong), head of Huaweis consumer business, speaks during the presentation of a Kirin 990 5G chip set at the international electronics and innovation fair IFA in Berlin on September 6, 2019. (Tobias Schwarz/AFP via Getty Images)

Huaweis 5 nanometer Kirin 9000 chip is made possible by Dutch company ASML, which owns the lithography that enables the mass production of 5nm-level chips. But ASML, with its financial and technical links to the United States, is restrictedand by extension all companies that use its lithography machines are as wellby the U.S. ban.

In addition to the restrictions on chip foundry production, Huaweis HiSilicon chip design arm has also been cut back. Because chip design requires the use of electronic design automation (EDA) tools, the sector has been dominated by U.S. companies such as Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor Graphics, and Ansys, which control 90 percent of the global market for EDA tools.

The United States has long accused Huawei of engaging in espionage, with U.S. officials warning in early 2020 that Huawei-made equipment secretly retains Huaweis access to mobile networks around the world through back doors designed for use by law enforcement without the carriers knowledge.

Since the U.S. sanctions order required that all foundries end production of chips for Huawei in September 2020, Huawei has been running out of high-end chips.

Chinas Shenzhen city, where Huawei is based, in 2021 fell from the No. 1 spot to No. 3 in the ranking of Chinas largest chip design industry cities, with annual sales plummeting from 130 billion yuan ($20.38 billion) to 69.7 billion yuan ($10.93 billion).
Happy, not-as-happy-as-we-hoped-for, New Year, dear Readers.

The news of the 2021 Pine Cone Drop cancellation felt like a big, rotten fish. You know, the kind you buy at the market, and then for some reason, you let sit until the cook-this-by date has passed. And even though you know that, you open it up and take a sniff anyway. And gag. But I believe it was a smart call.

Still, we all thought we had this stinking Coronavirus behind us, we planned get-togethers, many people were excited about flying home to family or were beside themselves about taking off with friends for places in the far beyond. Like back in the Good Ole Days, but with more intention because those days were snatched away from us for two dang years. So here we are again. Of course, many folks did hit the road, or the air or the tracks.

My brother and his family drove from Austin to Durango to see his in-laws and extended family. Everyone did the rapid tests on Day 1, and they came out negative. But on Day 2, one of them felt sick and her test this time showed positive. So they all bailed. Theres an 80-something with health issues in the mix, and she had to be protected.

I was lucky to have my two sons home from California, and we did the rapid tests as soon as they arrived. Those came out negative, but then of course we all learned last week that the CDC now says those tests are not reliable.

But do them anyway, came the message that makes absolutely no sense.

My older son did a lot of the cooking, and my younger son and I played the fantasy card game Onirim that they gave me for Christmas last year. Wed play for an hour, then decide to stop, but then one of us would say, How bout one more game? We also watched movies, walked the dogs a lot, and talked a lot more.

With adult children, Ive learned its best to listen, and only give advice when asked. Not that I always keep my mouth shut before that ask. But as they move ahead in their lives and make choices, I have to remind myself that when I was in my 30s, I did not check in with, let alone consult with, my mother regularly. When I worry about them, or theres something about their choices that I feel I should talk with them about (read: warn them about), I need to bite my tongue as hard as I did when they were teens.

Now, by the way, they are quick to give me the advice. (Mom, you know that having your heat tape plugs buried in the gutters snow and thus all wet and icy could shock you, and you could fall off the ladder and die on the concrete driveway, right? Hmm. From whom did he learn that?)

Now that weve said goodbye to 2021, here are a few things Im grateful for, in addition to the obvious one of my extensive family (including fluffy Maxx and Little Bird).

Im grateful for:

The glorious snow.

The fantastic Flagstaff nonprofits  Im making my donations now.

My friends, close and far away. These past two years? Impossible without you.

My dear neighbors with whom I check in on each other.

My former students, who still reach out, and even deliver scrumptious Christmas cookies.

My yoga teacher, massage therapist and physical therapist. Laurel, Kate and Mari, thanks for keeping this old bod strong, flexible and healing.

Jim Babbitt, who left us late last year, and whose life made Flagstaff a better community.

Our mountain-town photographer, the big-hearted, sometimes hilariously caustic Jake Bacon, who deservedly won Citizen of the Year. Jake and I met three decades ago working at our local newspaper, and Im proud to call him a pal.

All you readers. Not just of this column, but the Arizona Daily Sun and other newspapers. We are lucky we still have a local paper when so many communities have lost theirs, and when despots around the world are shutting down the media.

Happy New Year to all. Goodnight and good luck.

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Dimitri Khawly and Sandy Neptune attend Shen Yun Performing Arts at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Fla., on Jan. 6, 2022. (Teng Dongyu/The Epoch Times)

MIAMI, Fla.Life isnt always a walk in the park, but for audience members who chose to spend the evening with Shen Yun Performing Arts on Jan. 6, the experience was one that allowed the body and mind to sit back and relax.

Dimitri Khawly, a graphic designer, shared that the performance gave him a sense of peace.

To tell you the truth, I feel so peaceful. I feel healing, he said.

I feel like Im floating. I feel very at peace and this is the best part of the show. From the music, the performance, everything was flawless, he said of New York-based Shen Yun.

Mr. Khawly said that the erhu solo was particularly inviting. I felt complete healing with that one  I feel like the healing was inside. The purification  mental detox from all the chaos in the world, he elaborated.

Shen Yun is on a mission to revive China before communism and strive to share that beauty, truth, and culture everywhere they perform.

Im a very spiritual person. It makes me want to get more spiritual and get to know more about the culture, Mr. Khawly said of the performance.

This is Perfect

Daya Arjin and Atma Kirin at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Fla., on Jan. 6. 2022. (Teng Dongyu/The Epoch Times)

Other audience members also expressed feeling a sense of healing from Shen Yun. Daya Arjin, a retired airline pilot, and physician Atma Kirin shared their insights on how Shen Yun was able to encourage these rejuvenating feelings.

The healing comes from the realization that atheism or technology is not what its really about. This is a great opportunity to have that knowledge and that history and the art come, and have one realize whats real. This is what has always been, and this is what always will be, Mr. Arjin said. So its the truth. And thats where the healing comes from  is realizing the truth.

He added that Shen Yun has something for everyone.

I think that this performance energizes the giver, and it opens the mind and the heart of the disbeliever, and it heals the person needing healing, and it nurtures the person who just needs the energy to get them back on track. This is perfect. It really was quite a performance, he said.

He said that a great way to combat the pandemic is for everyone to be in good spirits.

Instead of talking about it or thinking about how many people are infected or not, just go out and experience life, and experience healing in so many ways, he said.

He added that seeing the performance reminded him of what it means to be our best.

Its in experiencing these moments that we realize that we are all here to serve each other and to give each other joy and to give each other prosperity and to help all each other to be our best. [Shen Yuns performers] are so good at sharing their best with us, and now we can carry our best and give it to everyone that we come into, he said.

Reporting by Teng Dongyu and Maria Han.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
Candice O'Shea at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at The Long Center for the Performing Arts, on Jan. 7, 2022. (Sally Sun/The Epoch Times)

AUSTIN, Texas.The music of Shen Yun Performing Arts isnt just the beat that the dancers move to. The live orchestra is a unique experience that many in the audience feel connected to as they enjoy the performance as a whole.

It activates your heart. It brought tears to my eyes.  Candice OShea

The music itself would have been enough to get me through the door. Absolutely, said Candice OShea, an interior designer. I would have come for the music alone. Amazing. It activates your heart. It brought tears to my eyes.

However, it wasnt just the music that made an impact on Ms. OShea. She felt that the production made an impression on her at a much deeper level.

It resonates so deep with my soul. Yes, absolutely. We are all from God or Buddha. It doesnt matter what you say that source is. We are all from there. And we are all here to experience each other. Thats exactly the message that this show is sending.

I feel like my heart is just radiating, she added.

New York-based Shen Yun is dedicated to depicting China before it was impacted so deeply by communism. The company draws on inspiration from the divine, as well as classic Chinese literature, and Chinas different ethnic groups.

I had no idea that China was suppressing people like that. I didnt know that this is true. It is jaw-dropping because we dont face that here, Ms. OShea said.

I never would have thought that these people are suffering through this right now in 2022crazy. Its crazy. And the depiction of the belief system that we all come from above resonates with me. Absolutely we do.

Fans of Shen Yun Music

Other fans of Shen Yuns music were at the performance this evening. Arnoldo Castillo, a music teacher, and Grizelda Castillo, a teacher and flutist, shared their impression of Shen Yuns music.

The music is incredibly beautiful, Mr. Castillo said. Its breathtaking. Hearing it live is much more moving to the spirit.

Shen Yuns orchestra is comprised of classical symphonic instruments as the main body with traditional Chinese instruments, such as the pipa and erhu, being highlighted throughout the pieces.

When I heard the pipa for the first time, just the sweetness of the sound, it really spoke to me. Just the gentleness of it. I couldnt imagine how beautiful it would sound up close. I cant wait to tell my students about it, he said.

He also shared his support for Shen Yuns mission to revive Chinas 5000 years of civilization.

I think its very important because we just kind of get bogged down in our day-to-day work at home and family, but to learn about a different culture and how its been passed down, and its still being celebrated today. I think its a great awakening for us just to realize itthat this is still going on. This happened thousands of years ago, and its still being passed along today. All these performers are so, so blessed to be able to do that.

Reporting by Sally Sun, Sonia Wu and Maria Han.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
It wasnt last Christmas but the one the year before when Illinois resident Chad Baker, 45, gave a house to the woman who was renting from him.

Just a few months ago, Baker was at it again.

The home remodeler, from Decatur, has now given his second of two rental properties to his 84-year-old former tenant Maggie Reid, a lady Baker describes as just such a sweetheart.

We became really close, I never raised the rent on her the whole time I had the house, he told The Epoch Times. Id just sit with her, and sometimes Id have something to eat with her.

Shed been living there since 2005, well before Baker bought the house six years ago.

Maggie Reid (L) and Chad Baker. (Courtesy of Chad Baker)

In November 2020, Baker first offered both properties to his two tenants at the time; while his other former renter, 63-year-old Ruby Jones accepted, Maggie declined the offer.

Maggie initially said she didnt want it because she was too old and didnt want to own a house, Baker said.

I said, But you can keep all your rent.

I said, Okay, if you ever change your mind, let me know.

After giving Bakers offer some thought, and talking it over with her son, Maggie last summer had a change of heart.

Just out of the blue one day, I was collecting rent and she said, Ive been talking and I think I want the house. I said, Okay, the offer still stands, Baker recalled.

He called an attorney and had all the paperwork done up soon afterward. Yet, even after the offer was accepted, Baker didnt mind putting in a little extra work to make the house more livable. He had a new concrete patio put in so that Maggie wouldnt slip when it was icy outside during the winter.

Once her insurance was all set up, the house was turned over to the elderly lady, who was very grateful.

I dont know how many times she thanked me, Baker said. She said, I just want you to know how thankful I am. I said, I know you are, sweetheart.

According to Baker, their relationship goes beyond just landlord and tenant. He considers her more of a grandma to him, adding, She tells everybody Im like one of her kids, because we just hit it off from day-one.

And the pair still keep in touch. I just talked to her last week, Baker said. I said, You need to get your homestead exemption for your house, get signed up for it. Since youre a senior citizen, theyll probably freeze your taxes.

He added, Call me, and Ill go up there with you and well get it all filled out.

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired newsletter at TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
The state of Michigans Hall of Justice, home of the Michigan State Supreme Court, in Lansing, Mich. on June 25, 2005. (Phillip Hofmeister/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Incorporating Woke Racial Ideology in State Courts Is Terrible Idea, 2 Michigan Supreme Court Justices Argue

Race shouldnt be a consideration in the judicial process, two conservative Michigan Supreme Court justices indicated as they objected to the courts creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commission that will demand judges be loyal to the woke lefts race-based ideological agenda.

They were reacting to Administrative Order No. 2022-1, which, on Jan. 5, effective immediately formed the commission with the initial goal of exploring issues related to the demographics of the workforce that support our judiciary and training within the judicial branches.

The purpose of the 24-member Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Michigan Judiciary is to assess and work toward elimination of demographic and other disparities within the Michigan judiciary and justice system, according to the order.

The commission, which was preceded by a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee created in January 2021, will develop policies and standards to promote DEI, assist in eliminating disparities within the justice system, assist local courts in implementing DEI-related plans, and increase participation of members from under-represented communities in judicial branch leadership.

But Justice David Viviano registered a principled objection to the planned incorporation of the controversial, radical DEI ideology into Michigan courts.

In a dissenting opinion that was joined by Justice Brian Zahra, Viviano stated that diversity, equity, and inclusion is a catchphrase that is politically fraughtand for that reason alone should be approached with extreme caution by the judicial branch.

The court failed to accord this matter the careful deliberation it deserves, he wrote, adding that the commission came about without any input from or even notice to this Court. Despite an expansive purpose statement, the order nowhere establishes the scope or meaning of the critical terms diversity, equity, and inclusion.

It is no small thing to leave unstated the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Viviano wrote. This catchphrase occupies disputed terrain in our politically polarized society.

I am concerned that the Commission will endow these core concepts with meanings that will produce heated disputes and call into question the judiciarys neutrality.

The way to be equitable, diverse, and inclusive is to stop taking account of race and other protected characteristics, Viviano wrote. By plunging ahead, I believe that this Court, and the commission it creates today, will serve only to engender conflict and undermine the publics faith in the judicial branch as impartial arbiters.

The DEI Committee has already affected the functioning of the judiciary, according to Viviano. For example, it recommended the creation of a questionnaire to be used on prospective judges that requests information about the individuals experience and training in DEI and includes DEI as a competency to be evaluated in the selection process. The State Court Administrative Office adopted the suggested policy and the questionnaire is now in use, he wrote.

Two of the 10 questions now involve diversity, equity, and inclusion, including one that asks the applicant to describe how he or she has demonstrate[d] alignment with the judiciarys commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The courts seven members are elected by the public.

The two dissenters are both connected to Michigans Hillsdale College, a haven for traditional constitutionalist thinking.

Viviano, a Republican, received his bachelor of arts degree from Hillsdale in 1994. Zahra, also a Republican, serves as judicial adviser to Hillsdales chapter of the Federalist Society.

Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack is a Democratas are Justices Richard Bernstein, Megan Cavanagh, and Elizabeth Welch. Justice Elizabeth Clement is a Republican.

Welch was named in the administrative order as one of two initial co-chairs for the commission.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo visits a military base in Natuna, near the South China Sea, Indonesia, on Jan. 8, 2020. (Laily Rachev/Courtesy of Indonesian Presidential Palace/Handout via Reuters)

Indonesia Juggles China and the US

Commentary

Indonesia is facing possibly its most difficult year as it attempts to balance vital relationships with two implacable rivals, China and the United States.

Each of these powers is attempting to force Jakarta to come down on its side, despite the reality that such a choice is virtually impossible for Indonesia.

Indonesia had to carefully navigate between Russia, China, and the United States throughout the Cold War. But in 2022s new cold war, the two current main competitorsWashington and Beijingare now pushing openly and firmly.

In response, Indonesia is moving toward projecting military-strategic power beyond its own island chain, capitalizing on its position astride one of the worlds most significant set of maritime chokepoints linking the Indian Ocean with the Pacific.

It sees an urgent need to do so, given competition and challenges from China, India, and Australia, as well as other member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the global powers, even though all the challengers are also key economic allies of Jakarta.

While speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain in November 2021, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto emphasized strategic defense as a major focus of Indonesian planning. He stressed Indonesias desire to maintain equal distance from and friendship with the superpowers, while admitting the difficulties that Indonesia faces in hewing to its traditional nonalignment. The former general was also seen talking with Israels top diplomat in Bahrain, causing speculation about a possible warming of Indonesia-Israel relations.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto speak with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo during the two-plus-two meeting between Japan and Indonesia at the Iikura Guest House of the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, Japan, on March 30, 2021. (David Mareuil/Pool via Reuters)

Indonesia favors defense procurement choices that would free it from any single power dependency.

Jakarta is also keenly aware of the creation in September 2021 of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) defense pact, but Prabowo played down the negative aspects of AUKUS for Indonesia. The pacts primary mission of keeping China contained could reduce some pressures on Indonesia, ensuring that Beijing does not become too heavy-handed with it.

But pressures from Washington are making Jakartas ability to sustain its nonaligned status increasingly difficult.

Meanwhile, civil war escalates in Indonesian West Papua, which was forcibly incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 through an artificial referendum. This widely unreported war is not going away, and Jakarta fears that Australia and some other members of the international community will support an independent West Papua, just as they supported the independence of Timor-Leste (also known as East Timor) in 1999-2000.

The possible loss of the gold, copper, oil, and timber resources of West Papua, and control over the eastern part of the channel from the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea, gets to the heart of Indonesias major economic challenge in being able to achieve a viable strategic posture in the near future. It also faces rising economic expectations and a need to address major environmental concerns around the capital, Jakarta.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo, midway through his second presidential term (ending in 2024), is in a race with time. In some ways, he faces challenges similar to those of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: dwindling economic growth and insufficient foreign direct investment and foreign currency reserves, challenged by the need to substantially escalate defense spending.

With a GDP approaching $1.1 trillion in 2021, Indonesia would seem well placed to begin to surge its regional influence in economic, political, and military terms. Neighboring Australias 2020 GDP of $1.331 trillion seems almost static as Indonesias economy surges, albeit still not comparable with Australias per capita GDP (given that Australias population is 25.6 million, against Indonesias 273 million).

Indonesias main challenge, however, is the fact that it has a geographically extensive and geopolitically complex domestic security framework that has kept the Indonesian Armed Forces (the TNI) preoccupied with home challenges. As a result, the TNI became focused on domestic security and the protection of sovereign waters, and with no experience in coalition warfare that would give the TNI the requisite experience to project military power effectively.

But now Indonesian defense has to become one of forward projection, at least to a limited degree to keep the Chinas Peoples Liberation Army at bay where the South China Sea meets the North Natuna Sea.

To help achieve this, Prabowo held meetings in December 2021 with service chiefs of staff to discuss modernizing the countrys primary weapons systems.

The Air Force, meanwhile, has optedunder serious U.S. pressureto back out of a $1.14 billion deal to buy Russian Sukhoi Su-35S advanced combat aircraft, and instead had narrowed its choice to the U.S.-made Boeing F-15EX Eagle II or the French-made AMD Rafale.

Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo said the Air Force wanted a 4.5 generation fighter. Arguably, the Su-35 is the most advanced 4.5 generation fighter available; the Rafale is next in line; and the F-15EX is an earlier generation but with considerably upgraded characteristics.

Most interesting to Indonesias neighbors, however, would be the extended payload and range of the F-15EX.

Fadjar indicated that the Air Force wanted two to three squadrons of new combat aircraft and said that it was with a heavy heart that the Force had abandoned hope of getting the Su-35San indication more of the pressure he received from the United States than the failure to achieve a deal with Russia.

Significantly, Washingtonhaving removed Russia from the equationwould now work to eliminate the sale of second-hand French Rafale fighters, a deal which had reportedly been agreed by mid-2021. The Rafale deal would be less costly than the F-15EX.

This would just be the beginning. The Air Force has limited aerial refueling capacity (two converted, very old KC-130B Hercules but with two new Airbus A400M tanker-transports ordered in November 2021), and very little airborne surveillance and command and control assets, which must be the essence of an effective air force.

Meanwhile, Jakarta welcomes the increasing U.S. (and AUKUS) focus but it needs, in response, to heighten its search for a path between two reefs (the United States and China) so as to perpetually balance the great powers.

Widodo said in June 2021 that Indonesia planned to spend $125 billion over the next three years to upgrade and modernize its military equipment. This makes Indonesia an attractive target for U.S. and other defense equipment sellers.

Within this balancing act, the United States appears to be slightly in the lead, signified by Beijings angry responses to Indonesia during 2021 and Chinese projections into Indonesian waters with research and naval vessels. Meanwhile, the August 2021 U.S.-Indonesian annual joint military exercises, codenamed Garuda Shield, were the largest ever, involving 4,500 U.S. military personnel.

The TNI continues to improve its training with regional allies, as well.

Meanwhile, the race has begun to find a successor to President Widodo in 2024. Defense Minister Prabowo, who ran against Widodo in both the 2014 and 2019 presidential elections, is at this time the front-runner.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Karim Massimov, chairman of the National Security Council of Kazakhstan, meets with Chinese deputy leader Wang Qishan at Zhongnanhai in Beijing on April 8, 2019. (Kenzaburo Fukuhara/Pool via Reuters)

Kazakhstan Detains Former National Security Chief on Suspicion of Treason

ALMATYAuthorities in Kazakhstan have detained Karim Massimov, the former head of the national security committee, on suspicion of treason, the security committee said on Saturday.

Massimov, who was fired this week as protests raged across the Central Asian country, was detained along with several other officials, the National Security Committee said in a statement. It did not name them or provide further details.

Reuters was unable immediately to contact Massimov.

Dozens have died and public buildings across Kazakhstan have been ransacked and torched in the worst violence experienced by the former Soviet republic in 30 years of independence.

After several days of violence, security forces appeared to have reclaimed the streets of Kazakhstans main city by Friday. The Russian-backed president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, said he had ordered his troops to shoot to kill to put down a countrywide uprising.

At Tokayevs invitation, a Russia-led military alliance has been deployed at a time of high tension in East-West relations. Russia and the United States are gearing up for talks next week on the Ukraine crisis.

Massimov is widely viewed as a close ally of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev. He has twice been prime minister and has also served as head of the presidential administration under Nazarbayev.

Nazarbayev, 81, was the longest-serving ruler of an ex-Soviet state until he turned over the presidency to Tokayev in 2019. His family is widely believed to have retained influence in Nur-Sultan, the purpose-built capital that bears his name.

By Olzhas Auyezov, Andrey Ostroukh, and Robin Paxton
An armed riot police officer detains two protesters during a security operation in a street after clashes in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Jan. 8, 2022. (Vasily Krestyaninov/AP Photo)

Kazakhstan Says 164 Killed in Week of Protests

MOSCOWKazakhstans health ministry said Sunday that 164 people have been killed in protests that have rocked the country over the past week.

The figures reported on the state news channel Khabar-24 are a significant rise from previous tallies. It is not clear if the deaths refer only to civilians or if law-enforcement deaths are included. Kazakh authorities said earlier Sunday that 16 police or national guard had been killed. Authorities previously gave the civilian death toll as 26.

Most of the deaths103were in Almaty, the countrys largest city, where demonstrators seized government buildings and set some afire, according to the ministry. The countrys ombudswoman for childrens rights said that three of those killed were minors, including a 4-year-old girl.

The ministry earlier reported more than 2,200 people sought treatment for injuries from the protests, and the Interior Ministry said about 1,300 security officers were injured.

A victims body covered by a banner (R), lays near to a military truck, which was burned after clashes, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Jan. 6, 2022. (Vladimir Tretyakov/NUR.KZ via AP)

Kazakhstans soldiers control the road in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Jan. 8, 2022. (Vladimir Tretyakov/NUR.KZ via AP)

The office of Kazakhstans president said that about 5,800 people were detained by police during the protests that developed into violence last week and prompted a Russia-led military alliance to send troops to the country.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayevs office said Sunday that order has stabilized in the country and that authorities have regained control of administrative buildings that were occupied by protesters, some of which were set on fire.

The Russian TV station Mir-24 said sporadic gunfire was heard in Almaty on Sunday but it was unclear whether they were warning shots by law enforcement. Tokayev on Friday said he had authorized police and the military to shoot to kill to restore order.

Almatys airport, which had been taken by protesters last week, remained closed but was expected to resume operating on Monday.

Protests over a sharp rise in prices of LPG fuel began in the countrys west on Jan. 2 and spread throughout the country, apparently reflecting discontent extending beyond the fuel prices.

The same party has ruled Kazakhstan since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Any figures aspiring to oppose the government have either been repressed, sidelined, or co-opted and financial hardship is widespread despite Kazakhstans enormous reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium, and minerals.

Tokayev contends the demonstrations were ignited by terrorists with foreign backing, although the protests have shown no obvious leaders or organization. The statement from his office on Sunday said the detentions included a sizable number of foreign nationals, but gave no details.

It was unclear how many of those detained remained in custody on Sunday.

The former head of Kazakhstans counterintelligence and anti-terror agency has been arrested on charges of attempted government overthrow. The arrest of Karim Masimov, which was announced Saturday, came just days after he was removed as head of the National Security Committee by Tokayev.

No details were given about what Masimov was alleged to have done that would constitute an attempted government overthrow. The National Security Committee, a successor to the Soviet-era KGB, is responsible for counterintelligence, the border guards service, and anti-terror activities.

Authorities say security forces killed 26 demonstrators in this weeks unrest and that 16 law-enforcement officers died.

At Tokayevs request, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states, authorized sending about 2,500 mostly Russian troops to Kazakhstan as peacekeepers.

Some of the force is guarding government facilities in the capital, Nur-Sultan, which made it possible to release part of the forces of Kazakhstani law enforcement agencies and redeploy them to Almaty to participate in the counter-terrorist operation, according to a statement from Tokayevs office.

In a sign that the demonstrations were more deeply rooted than just the fuel price rise, many demonstrators shouted Old man out, a reference to Nursultan Nazarbayev, who was president from Kazakhstans independence until he resigned in 2019 and anointed Tokayev as his successor.

Nazarbayev retained substantial power as head of the National Security Council. But Tokayev replaced him as council head amid this weeks unrest. possibly aiming at a concession to mollify protesters. However, Nazarbayevs adviser Aido Ukibay said Sunday that it was done at Nazarbayevs initiative, according to the Kazakh news agency KazTag.

By Jim Heintz
A girl receives a self-administered COVID-19 test kit at a screening center at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Center Campus in South Los Angeles on Dec. 27, 2021, as the Omicron variant continues to spread across the country. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

LAUSD Distributes COVID-19 Test Kits Before Students Return to Campus

LOS ANGELESAs Omicron cases surge, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which is requiring all staff and students to get tested for COVID-19 before school begins on Jan. 11, distributed at-home testing kits to students over the weekend.

The LAUSD announced on Jan. 4 that all students and staff must test negative for COVID-19regardless of vaccination or booster statusbefore the spring semester starts.

All students and staff must upload proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to the districts Daily Pass mobile application to return to campus. External PCR tests, antigen tests, or at-home tests are accepted.

The district began distributing kits at its 63 Grab & Go food centers on Jan. 7 until noon the following day.

According to the LAUSDs website, walk-up testing sites will also be available throughout the district from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 10which will also be a Pupil-Free Day for teachers and staff to undergo training and prepare for the new semester.

The decision was met with backlash from some parents, who expressed frustration with the s safety protocolssome of the strictest among school districts in the nation.

Kristina Irwin, who has three children in the LAUSD, told The Epoch Times in a previous interview she and other parents were concerned with the districts handling of administering tests. Irwin is also running for Los Angeles City Council District 5.

First they want to do a baseline test before the kids go back to school.  Now they want to test weekly, Irwin said. Its so ridiculous. Where does it end?

As of Jan. 7, more than half of teachers and staff uploaded their test results to the Daily Pass app, while about 30 percent of students also turned in their results, according to LAUSD Interim Superintendent Megan Reilly.

So far, about 13.5 percent of LAUSD students and staff tested positive for COVID-19, the Los Angeles Times reported on Jan. 7.

Besides mandatory testing, the district will be subject to the Los Angeles County Health Departments outdoor mask mandate for students and upgraded surgical or N95 mask mandate for staff.

Weekly testing will continue for all students and employees through the month of January.
Emergency first responders remain at the scene after an intense fire at a 19-story residential building that erupted in the Bronx borough of New York City on the morning of Jan. 9, 2022. (Scott Heins/Getty Images)

17 Dead, Including 8 Children, After Fire Rips Through NYC Apartment Building

Updated on Jan. 10

Seventeen people, including eight children, have died in a high-rise apartment fire in the Bronx borough of New York City on Sunday.

This is going to be one of the worst fires we have witnessed here in modern times in the City of New York, Mayor Eric Adams said during a news conference on Sunday.

On Monday, Adams lowered the death toll from an initial report Sunday, saying that two fewer people were killed than originally thought. New York City Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said patients were taken to seven hospitals and there was a bit of a double count.

Firefighters found victims on every floor and were taking them out in cardiac and respiratory arrest, Nigro said on Sunday. That is unprecedented in our city. We expect there to be numerous fatalities.

Nigro compared the severity of the fire to the Happy Land social club fire, which killed 87 people in 1990 when a man set fire to the building after getting into an argument with his former girlfriend and being thrown out of the club.

Broken windows and charred bricks mark the exterior of a 19-story residential building after a fire erupted in the Bronx borough of New York City on the morning of Jan. 9, 2022. (Scott Heins/Getty Images)

According to Nigro, Sundays fire originated in a duplex apartment spanning the second and third floors. Firefighters found the door to the apartment open, he said, which apparently allowed the fire to accelerate and spread smoke upward quickly.

This smoke extended the entire height of the buildingcompletely unusual, Nigro told reporters.

There were certainly people trapped in their apartments all through this building, which is why our members did an unbelievable job of getting through every floor of this building and getting to these folks, he continued to say. But some of them were already in arrest when we reached them.

Cristal Diaz, 27, a resident of the 15th floor, said she grabbed her cousins, aunt, and dog when she realized a fire was ripping through the building.

Firefighters work outside an apartment building after a fire in the Bronx, on Jan. 9, 2022, in New York. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)

I was drinking coffee in the living room and I started smelling smoke. We started putting water on towels and the bottom of the door. Everything was crazy, Diaz told the New York Post. We didnt know what to do. We looked out the windows and saw all the dead bodies they were taking with the blankets.

Christopher Carrasquilo, 65, who lives next door, told the paper that he ran inside the building to rescue people.

A little kid was stuck in the elevator. I had to bring him down. It was something like 9/11, he said. They need fire escapes. They gotta put fire escapes, Carrasquilo added. The owner who owns this building gotta do something about it.

The cause of the fire is still not known. Officials said the incident is under investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Massachusetts Hospitals to Report Whether Admissions Are Primarily Because of COVID-19

Massachusetts will soon differentiate in the states COVID-19 hospitalization data whether the patients were admitted to the hospital because of COVID-19 or they just happened to have the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus that causes it.

Public health officials of Massachusetts said that starting from Jan. 10, hospitals in Massachusetts will be reporting whether admissions are primary or incidental to COVID-19, reported Boston Globe. The states daily update for patients hospitalized for COVID-19 currently counts both types of admissions.

The change means that the figure will show how many patients were hospitalized because of the severity of their COVID-19 symptoms, and how many patients ended up in hospitals for some other reasons but tested positive for the virus.

As of Jan. 6, the number of patients in Massachusetts hospitals with confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 2,367, the most since Jan. 5, 2021, according to the state health department. Of those patients, 1,106 were reported to be fully vaccinated when they contracted the virus.

Massachusetts officials had previously indicated that a large portion of COVID-19 patients in the state might have been hospitalized for something else. In October 2020, Gov. Charlie Baker said that a a significant number of patients admitted to hospitals with COVID-19 were not there for COVID-19 treatment.

A significant number of the people we count as COVID positive are not in the hospital because they have COVID. Theyre in the hospital for some other purpose, and they got tested positive when they came in, Baker said at a transportation event. Thats an important element in how we think about managing COVID activity generally.

A similar change in the COVID-19 hospitalization reporting will also take place in the neighboring state of New York. On Jan. 7, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that she was ordering hospitals to start differentiating COVID-19 patients hospitalized for non-COVID reasons.

Think of all the other reasons people end up in a hospital, Hochul said at a press conference. You know, its an overdose, its a car accident, its a heart attack. So, I wanted to drill down into those numbers.

According to new data released by her state, a little less than half of New York City patients were actually hospitalized because of COVID-19, while roughly one in five COVID-19 patients in Central New York hospitals had been admitted for other reasons.

Lets look at upstate, Central New York places like that where 79 percent are admitted due to real COVID. And if theyre sick enough from COVID that they have to be hospitalized versus a 21 percent who happened to be there for another reason and test positive, the governor said.

So thats a very interesting snapshot of whats going on across the state and even Central New York. But what a variation were seeing there between Central New York and the city, she added.
Coconino County recorded its highest weekly case rate in its most recent dashboard data report, beating a record set after last years holiday surge. A total of 1,458 new cases were reported for the week ending Jan. 1, more than double the previous weeks amount.

Our positivity yield for Coconino County has skyrocketed, county epidemiologist Matt Maurer said on Thursday. Weve seen it double over the last two weeks.

Case rates, percent positivity and the incidence of COVID-like illness (CLI) in county hospitals all experienced similar rates of increase while remaining in the high transmission category. The case rate across the county was 1,030.5 per 100,000 (from 467.9 last week), with Flagstaff (1,859 per 100,000, 73% of the weeks total, according to Maurer) and Page (1,119.8) having the highest incidences by region. A quarter (25.6%) of the 6,117 tests conducted in the county this week had positive results.

According to Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) data, the county reported a total of 523 cases Jan. 3, the most in a single day throughout the entire pandemic so far. Before this week, that record went to Jan. 11, 2021, with 248 total cases (Dec. 27, 28 and 30 of 2021 were all higher, with 346, 281 and 339 cases, respectively).

When broken down by age, 20- to 44-year-olds had both the highest case rate and percent positivity for the week (1,625 per 100,000 and 29% respectively).

Both hospitalizations and deaths had a slight decrease for the week ending Jan. 1. A total of 19 residents were hospitalized with COVID, from 25 the two previous weeks and three deaths were reported (from six the two weeks prior). CLI rose to 13.9% (from its previous rate of 10.8%).

According to the Northern Arizona Healthcare website, 230 of the 268 licensed beds at Flagstaff Medical Center and 40 of its 41 critical care beds were full on Jan. 7. They were treating a total of 53 COVID patients.

Prior to this week, the week of Jan. 9, 2021, had most COVID cases in the entire pandemic, with 1,284 cases.

We have the comparison there to what we saw at the same time last year, and altogether we do expect a winter surge, respiratory illness season happens in the winter, so we expect respiratory illnesses in general to be transmitting, Maurer said.

He said around 100 cases of influenza had been reported in the county in the current season so far, a 50% decrease from its five-season average.

Maurer said he expected the high case rates to continue through at least January, though it was tough to tell exactly how that might look.

He said the countys metrics showed a similar trend to both Arizona and the United States overall.

Statewide, ADHS data shows a surge beginning two days after Christmas, with more than 7,000 cases and even 8,000-plus cases on days for which wed expect to have the majority of results reported, according to an update Jan. 3.

Looking at how this omicron variant has affected countries and places where its hit already, it came in a lot of cases, a lot of transmission. It went very fast, so were hopeful that that happens here as well, he said.

At the end of its first month in the county, omicron was reported to make up around half of the variant cases reported in December, split with delta. According to TGens Arizona Sequencing dashboard (accessed Jan. 7), the county has the second-highest omicron rate in the state (359, following Maricopa Countys total of 971).

Almost one month after its first appearance in Arizona (Dec. 8), omicron has become the most prevalent variant in the state, accounting for 86.75% of genomes (1,341 total to date) sequenced the week of Jan. 7. During the entire month of December, 18.33% of genomes sequenced were of the omicron variant.

Coconino County Health and Human Services Director Kim Musselman said that the increasing metrics didnt change the countys COVID response, as we know what continues to work best.

This includes measures like wearing masks, limiting large in-person events and staying home when sick.

We want folks to evaluate the need for large gatherings and in-person meetings, utilize the virtual means that we have all learned so well, she said. We want those in-person experiences to be the important ones right now -- which includes keeping our kids in school, keeping our medical professionals, our first responders, our economy running, our workplaces open. ...Really looking a whats essential right now and postponing it for the next few weeks as we work through this surge and until we can see our community transmission decline.

When attending in-person gatherings, Musselman encouraged wearing masks as much as possible.

They are asking that the public not report positive self-testing results to the county, but instead notify people theyve been in contact with and follow the CDCs quarantine guidance. Anyone concerned about their symptoms should consult with a healthcare provider.

If you're positive, stay home, isolate until 24 hours have passed since symptoms [have resolved] and notify your contacts, notify those you've been in contact with and that's the key that they are potentially exposed and try to mitigate through people being aware of their status and not going out into public arenas, Musselman said.

Vaccinations are one of the other main mitigation strategies CCHHS was recommending in response to the omicron variant. Maurer said the initial vaccine series worked well against omicron for the first six months and that boosters increased immune response, leading to less severe illness.

Of 72,000 county residents eligible to receive a booster, 26,559 had received one.

ADHSs most recent report on COVID outcomes by vaccination status (released Jan. 4 and based on data from November 2021), found that unvaccinated Arizonans were 4.9 times as likely to test positive for the disease and 31.1 times more likely to die from COVID than those who had been fully vaccinated.

Schools

Flagstaff schools are resuming their COVID reporting this week, as many returned from winter break Jan. 3. The schools report for the week of Jan. 1 showed a similar increase to the county overall.

Percent positivity was the same for FUSD and Flagstaff charter schools over the past two weeks, increasing from 15.1% the week of Dec. 25 to 26.5% the week of Jan. 1. Their case rates differed slightly while following the same overall trend (573 the week of Dec. 25 to 1,139 the week of Jan. 1 for charter schools and 564 to 1,145, respectively for FUSD).

FUSD reported a total of 164 cases between Dec. 19 and Jan. 1, which was over its winter break.

The CDC updated its recommendations Thursday so that 12- to 17-year-olds are now eligible to receive a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine five months after receiving the initial series. An update earlier in the week also recommended boosters 28 days after the initial series for 5- to 11-year-olds with weakened immune systems.

CCHHS was recommending residents continue taking precautions going forward.

We do expect this level of transmission to continue, so it's really super important for those that are at risk of severe illness, those that are immunocompromised, that are within those high-risk categories to be very very careful during this time of increased transmission, Maurer said.

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Media Watchdog Asks India to Release Kashmiri Journalist

SRINAGAR, IndiaThe New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists asked Indian authorities to immediately release a journalist in disputed Kashmir, days after police arrested him for uploading a video clip of a protest against Indian rule.

The media watchdog on Saturday said it was deeply disturbed by the arrest of Sajad Gul, an independent journalist and media student. It wrote on Twitter it was asking Indian authorities to drop their investigation related to his journalistic work.

Indian soldiers picked up Gul from his home in northeastern Shahgund village on Wednesday night and later handed him over to the police, his family said. He had posted a video of family members and relatives protesting the killing of a rebel commander on Monday.

Initially, police said he would be released but on Friday, his family was told that a formal case was opened against Gul on charges of criminal conspiracy and working against national integration. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment or even death penalty.

Journalists have increasingly voiced concerns about harassment and threats by the police that have effectively restricted reporting after India revoked Kashmirs semi-autonomy and divided the region into two federally governed territories in 2019.

Many journalists have been arrested, beaten, harassed, and sometimes investigated under antiterrorism laws.

The Kashmir Press Club, an elected body of journalists in the region, has repeatedly urged the Indian government to allow them to report freely, saying security agencies were using physical attacks, threats, and summons to muzzle the press.

Indias decision to strip the region of its special powers in August 2019 brought journalism to a near halt in Kashmir for months. India began implementing a policy in 2020 that gives the government more power to censure independent reporting.

Fearing reprisals from government agencies, most of the local press has wilted under pressure. Journalists have also come under scrutiny through anonymous online threats the government says are linked to rebels fighting against Indian rule.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and both claim it in full.

Since 1989, a full-blown armed rebellion has raged in Indian-controlled Kashmir seeking a united Kashmireither under Pakistani rule or independent of both countries. The region is one of the most heavily militarized in the world. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels, and government forces have been killed in the conflict.
Missouri Man Who Killed, Buried Wife Sentenced to 28 Years

Missouri Man

COLUMBIA, Mo.A judge on Friday sentenced a Missouri man to 28 years in prisonthe maximum he could imposefor the 2019 killing of his wife, whose body he buried in a state park and whose death he misled the authorities about for more than a year.

The sentence Judge Brouck Jacobs gave to 26-year-old Joseph Elledge was the one jurors recommended in November when they convicted Elledge of second-degree murder in the killing of his wife, Mengqi Ji, 28. Ji met Elledge after she moved to the United States from China to study engineering at the University of Missouri.

Before Jacobs handed down his sentence, which couldnt have exceeded the jurys recommended one, Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Knight called for him to put Elledge behind bars for as long as he could, KOMU-TV reported.

The defendant deserves no break because he displayed no remorse, Knight said.

Knight also called Elledge the biggest complainer in the history of the Boone County Jail, noting that he filed 28 grievances about its temperature and the noise made by its heating system, plumbing, faucets, toilets, and TV. Elledge called the noises cruel and unusual punishment.

Elledges second-degree murder conviction will require him to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before being eligible for parole.

Elledge reported Ji missing in October 2019, prompting months of extensive searches. Her remains were found last March in a park near Columbia, where the couple lived.

During the trial, Knight described Elledge as a stone cold killer and argued that he was guilty of first-degree murder because he intentionally killed Ji. Prosecutors used social media posts, audiotapes, and a journal Elledge kept to document the couples volatile relationship.

But Elledge said Jis death was accidental. He said Ji fell and hit her head on Oct. 8, 2019, after he pushed her during an argument, and that he found her dead in bed the next morning. He said he panicked, put her body in the trunk of her car and didnt report what happened while he tried to decide what to do.

On Oct. 10, 2019, with the couples then-year-old daughter in the car, Elledge drove to Rock Bridge State Park, about five miles (eight kilometers) south of Columbia. There, he dug a grave and buried Ji not far from where he had proposed to her. He then returned home and reported her missing.

Elledges attorney Scott Rosenblum argued that his client was awkward and made unbelievably dumb decisions after Ji died, but that he never intended to kill his wife and should not have been charged with murder. Rosenblum filed a motion for a new trial, but Jacobs denied it.

Elledge said he discovered in the days before Jis death that she had been exchanging sexually suggestive messages on social media with a man from China. He also testified that the couples relationship suffered because of tension caused by her parents, who moved from China to live with them after their daughter was born in October 2018.

But Knight said in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday night that the defense fabricated the story that Jis death was accidental. Knight said Rosenblum said in a 2020 bond hearing that Ji took off.

He said he wasnt able to question Elledge or Rosenblum about the discrepancy because of attorney-client privilege.

I wish I would have been successful in convicting him of murder in the first degree, Knight said. It didnt happen. The defense asked for an outright acquittal. We were a lot closer in getting what we wanted than the defense.

The couple met in 2015 at Nanova, a company that makes dental products, where Ji was Elledges supervisor. They began dating the following year and eventually traveled to China, where Elledge asked Jis parents for permission to marry her. The couple married in 2017.

Ji earned a masters degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri in December 2014. Elledge was a student at the university when his wife died.

The familys attorney, Amy Salladay, said in a statement that Jis parents, Ke Ren and Xiaolin Ji, are grateful that Jacobs upheld the jurors recommended sentence.

Her husband received one year for every year of her life, Salladay said. This doesnt bring her back, it doesnt make the nightmare of waking up every day and not being able to talk or see your child go away but it is justice in terms of what the American court system can provide.
Japan's Naomi Osaka reacts, during her round of 32 match against France's Alize Cornet in Melbourne Park, Melbourne, on Jan. 4, 2022. (Loren Elliott/Reuters)

Osaka Pulls out of Melbourne Semi-Final

MELBOURNETop-seeded Naomi Osaka pulled out of her Melbourne Summer Set 1 WTA event semi-final against Veronika Kudermetova on Saturday, citing the intensity of recent games as cause for her withdrawal.

Sad to withdraw due to injury from my match today, my body got a shock from playing back to back intense matches after the break I took, Osaka said on Twitter.

Ill try to rest up and Ill see you soon!

Four-times Grand Slam champion Osaka beat German Andrea Petkovic 61 75 in the quarter-final on Friday, less than two weeks out from the start of the Australian Open.

The Japanese former world number one has struggled for form since withdrawing from the French Open in May following a row with tournament officials over required media appearances, which she said had a negative impact on her.

Osaka also pulled out of a warm-up event in the build-up to last years Australian Open with a niggling injury.

The Australian Open begins on Jan. 17.

By Aadi Nair
A serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces takes part in military drills at a training ground near the border with Russian-annexed Crimea in Kherson region, on Nov. 17, 2021. (Press Service of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine/via Reuters)

Russian-Ukraine Conflict: A Distraction From Taiwan

News Analysis

While tension is growing between Washington and Moscow over a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, it remains unclear which side China will support.

As China has trade and investment relations with all three countries and the European Union, it is possible that Beijing will not get involved. However, the Chinese regime could use Ukraine as a distraction to capture Taiwan.

Since 2014, Russian leaders have been citing historical and cultural reasons why they believe Ukraine belongs to Russia. Leading up to the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Soviet Union, President Vladimir Putin and former President Dmitry Medvedev published papers, claiming Russian dominion over Ukraine.

Belarus and Ukraine serve as buffer zones between Russia and NATO. Consequently, Russia opposes Ukraines entry into NATO, which they see as a security concern.

A White House representative said at a press briefing on Dec. 6 that Russia has moved battalion-sized tactical groups to the Ukraine border. And various media reported the number of Russian soldiers to be around 100,000 troops.

The senior official said that the United States would send troops if Eastern European allies requested, but that sanctions were the preferred means of addressing this challenge. U.S. military resources are focused on countering China in the Indo-Pacific, and the Pentagon would prefer not to face wars on two fronts.

The wildcard in this potential three-way conflict is China. The question is: does China have enough significant business with Ukraine to intercede on its behalf? Or would China take Russias side, pitting the United States, NATO, and EU against the number two and number three military powers on Earth?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that his countrys relationship with Beijing provided China businesses with a bridge to Europe. Ukraine is a member of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as One Belt, One Road) and has partnered with China on infrastructure programs, including building airports, roads, and railways. Ukraine has remained silent on genocide against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, even removing its name from a multilateral European document that condemns Chinas human rights violations.

China is Ukraines largest trading partner and with a bilateral trade of $15.4 billion, accounting for 11 percent of Ukraines GDP in 2020. Ukraine exports raw materials to China while running a tremendous trade deficit, importing finished products and technology. Chinese investment in Ukraine has been extremely small, with $47 million coming from the mainland and $60 million from Hong Kong. Numerous projects announced by Beijing never actually took place. The existing investments did not add value to Ukraines economy.

Ukraines inability to meet good governance requirements, such as anti-corruption measures and de-oligarchization, precludes the country from borrowing from traditional lenders. As a result, Ukraine turned to China. Loans from Beijing generally come with political strings, but no requirements for the improvement of democracy. Although the loans are opaque, it is believed that Ukraine recently borrowed $400 million from China. This is in addition to $372 million borrowed in 2011 as well as $1.5 billion borrowed in 2012 from the Exim Bank of China.

Chinas economic engagement with Russia is, of course, much greater. In 2020, Chinese direct investment in Russia exceeded $12 billion. China is Russias largest trading partner in both imports and exports, with total trade reaching $108 billion in 2020. The two countries are committed to increasing this number to $200 billion over the next four years. China is the worlds largest oil importer. Russia is Chinas second largest oil exporter with 2020 sales totaling $23.8 billion and 2021 exports exceeding $36 billion.

Russia is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the BRI. Both China and Russia are part of BRICS, which is an acronym for the combined economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Furthermore, Russia and China recently renewed a 20-year-old friendship treaty. The two countries have held joint military exercises and patrols, but do not have a formal mutual defense agreement.

Chinas trade relationship with the United States totaled $560 billion in 2020, with America running a tremendous trade deficit with China. In addition to trade, the two countries are major investment partners. In 2020, U.S. investment in China totaled $123.9 billion. In the same year, China invested $38 billion in the United States. America is also among Chinas top 10 sources of oil, exporting over $6 billion in 2020.

Some observers believe that if war breaks out over Ukraine, Beijing would not intercede on Kievs behalf. After Russia annexed the Crimea in 2014, Beijing and Moscow agreed to the construction of the Russia-to-China Power of Siberia natural gas pipeline, suggesting that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is not willing to fall on its sword for Ukraine.

On the other hand, siding with Russia against Ukraine would damage Chinas relationship with the EU. Chinas 2020 trade with the EU exceeded $586 billion and investment totaled $7.4 billion. Moving forward, it appears the CCP wants to to increase its economic engagement with Europe.

Another possibility is that the CCP is waiting for the United States to be tied up with a military conflict in Europe, before launching an attack on Taiwan. Russia would be a formidable foe for the United States to fightand waging a war against both China and Russia would be a destructive course to take. Consequently, if China remained out of a potential U.S.-Russia conflict, it is possible that the Biden administration would not move to prevent China from taking Taiwan, as that would mean a very destructive war on two fronts against the worlds largest military powers.

If the United States allowed itself to be sucked into a military conflict in Europe, the administration may lack the resolve to simultaneously engage China in the Pacific.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Cynthia Yaeger and Charlie Lawrence at Shen Yun Performing Arts in Charlotte's Belk Theater, on Jan. 8, 2022. (Yawen Hung/The Epoch Times)

CHARLOTTE, N.C.Entrepreneur Charlie Lawrence says he has never seen any dance performance as beautiful as Shen Yun.

Its a great show. I enjoy it very much, said Mr. Lawrence, who saw Shen Yun with Cynthia Yaeger at the Belk Theater on the evening of Jan. 8.

Mr. Lawrence noted the rich heritage of classical Chinese dance, and how impactful it has been around the world.

Its amazing how a lot of dancing has originated from Chinese dancing, he said.

Shen Yun, based in New York, presents classical Chinese dance and music.

Preserving 5,000 years of Chinese culture, built on traditional aesthetics, classical Chinese dance was once passed down among the people, in imperial courts, and through ancient plays, explains Shen Yuns website.

Over thousands of years, it was constantly refined, eventually developing into the vast and distinctly Chinese dance form we know today.

Through this rich art form and soothing music performed by an orchestra that combines traditional Chinese and classical Western instruments, Shen Yun aims to revive Chinas divinely inspired culture that has been all but destroyed in recent times by the Chinese Communist Party.

Besides the artistry in the performance, Mr. Lawrence said he enjoyed the spirituality in Shen Yun.

To deny God is to deny yourself. Im sure we all interpret that in different ways. But I liked the related [spiritual] theme, he said.

Ms. Yeager said she found the performance and the skills of the artists amazing.

Everything from the music to the passion behind it all was amazing, she said. I could just feel it. It was so great.

Ms. Yeager added that Shen Yun inspires its audience members to strive for positive aspirations.

Seeing them and their movements and the dance with the music just inspires you. It makes you want to do good and be great.

The two had high praise for Shen Yuns music as well.

That was really, really meaningful to hear. Music is medicine, said Mr. Lawrence.

Ms. Yeager was particularly impressed by the erhu, sometimes known as the Chinese violin, which only has two strings.

So beautiful, [the erhu player] did it amazingly, Ms. Yeager said. The music is touching to your heart and soul.

Reporting by Yawen Hung.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
Bobby Dutcher at the Jan. 7, 2022 performance of Shen Yun, at the Woodruff Arts Center-Symphony Hall, in Atlanta. (Frank Xie/Epoch Times)

ATLANTABobby Dutcher, the recently retired owner and president of Atlantic Petroleum Equipment, was duly impressed with Shen Yun Performing Arts when he attended the evening performance on Jan. 7.

Its been fantastic, he said at the Woodruff Arts Center-Symphony Hall. The colors and everything is phenomenal. A beautiful performance.

Like for most audiences, attending Shen Yun was a learning experience. He read in the program book about classical Chinese dance, Chinese culture, and of course, whats going on in China, unfortunately.

Its the central irony of New York-based Shen Yuns success. Shen Yuns mission is to revive 5,000 years of Chinese culture through song and dancea legacy under attack from the current Chinese communist regime due to the fact that Chinese culture is traditionally heavily informed by the religions of Buddhism and Taoism. The show is not available in Mainland China for this reason.

But Shen Yun proudly embraces the spirituality of the Chinese people, featuring themes and lyrics about God, faith, and the meaning of life.

It leads audiences to reflect.

You know, I think about heaven. And of course, you know, we all think about heaven, and where we going after this life, Mr. Dutcher said. So it makes you think about the afterlife and how yourself is going to wind up.

Shen Yun Has a Power of Healing, Says Finance Director

Carla Curbelo at the Jan. 7, 2022 performance of Shen Yun at the Woodruff Arts Center-Symphony Hall, in Atlanta. (Sherry Dong/Epoch Times)

Finance director Carla Curbelo had high praise for the performers. Theyre all beautiful in their way of expressing.  You can connect with the performers because they show their personality. And the intense color combinations of their dresses are beautiful.

Outside of her finance work, she paints, and so she found the visual aspects of the performance especially inspiring.

I was trying to memorize the colors, so I would get inspired in my own paintings.

She felt grateful. I appreciate that they gave us the opportunity to appreciate their culture and that they go around the world to share a little bit of their inner beauty with us, the audience.

She concluded with a heartfelt message for the performers: It has a power of healing our heart, mind, and soul. So, I want to thank them for that.

Reporting by Sherry Dong and Frank Xie.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
COLOGNE, GermanyMarketing specialist Karla Rasmus marketing specialist said she felt that Shen Yun Performing Arts reminded her not to be driven by fear after watching the performance at the Musical Dome on Jan. 7.

It imparted to me that you should think back, and return to what is really important in life, Rasmus shared. That you need to believe in somethingwhatever that is for the individualand that you shouldnt always let yourself be distracted by the trappings of our modern lives.

You should just come back to your center a little more, especially in the time of the pandemic  and not let yourself be driven through life by fear. But that you should really find your way back to your own self again, to get back to your roots. Thats what it showed me, she said.

Rasmus commented on how the messages in New York-based Shen Yuns songs resonated with her. A translation of the libretti was provided for audiences in different languages on Shen Yuns patented animated backdrop.

The Red Dragon  the color red standing for communism, and that you shouldnt let it pull you down into its maelstrom. And this was also true for atheism and evolutionthat we should strive to return to where we truly come from, to believe in something, whatever it is for each person, to have faiththats what I saw in it. So there were quite a number of current issues there, Rasmus shared.

Visually, Rasmus found Shen Yun to be mesmerizing. The costumes worn by Shen Yuns dancers are lovingly handmade and reflect the fashion worn in ancient China as well as by the Middle Kingdoms many different ethnic groups.

I found the colors of the costumes very beautifulthey really carried you away to a completely different world.  Karla Rasmus

I found the colors of the costumes very beautifulthey really carried you away to a completely different world. It was truly the case that when these colors came on stage, you could just switch off, so it was really great! I can only say that it was awe-inspiring, and that it really swept me away, she said.

Rasmus urged everyone to experience Shen Yun for themselves and said she would love to return to experience it again.

I will definitely tell them how good it was and that, if Shen Yun gives another performance here, they definitely have to go see it! I would also come again!

Great Respect

Boris Lietzow attends Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Musical Dome in Koln, Germany, on Jan. 7, 2022. (NTD)

Another audience member to share his appreciation for the dedication of Shen Yuns performers was financial advisor Boris Lietzow.

I think I can judge quite well just how high-quality, how demanding these performances are in terms of the movements, the sequences, and the discipline that is needed to achieve such choreography at this level, he said. And, if I understood it correctly, there is also a new program every year, and I think that is very demanding and very admirable work. So it was very beautiful to watch and yes, I can only take my hat off in respect.

As someone who has traveled to China a few times, he expressed his support for the artists of Shen Yun as they fulfill their mission to revive China before communism.

I would say that you can achieve many things today, but if you lose your roots, you are no longer yourself. Its always this combination of the new and the old  the tradition remains a piece of you and if you lose it, you can often quickly lose your footing in life, he said.

The tradition that is represented here is what I associate with roots  to say: This is where I come from. For me, thats where many generations have played their part, where they have created something. And if I lose them, then the foundation is missing, he said.

Reporting by NTD and Maria Han.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
SAN FRANCISCOShen Yun Performing Arts has a very important message. There is another side to the wonderful Chinese people that people need to know, John Mitchell said.

Mr. Mitchell, an executive director of Arden Wood, had come to see Shen Yun at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco with his wife and daughter. His daughter, who is adopted, was born in China, and Mr. Mitchell felt it was important for her to learn about her heritage.

It must be said that  the history of the Chinese people is not represented by the communist government. I think the message of spirituality is very important, given the aggressive communist thought, he said.

Shen Yun, based in New York, presents Chinas authentic culture through storytelling via classical Chinese dance, through music, and through folk and ethnic dances.

The storytelling dances depict legends and myths as well as modern-day eventssuch as the ongoing persecution of the spiritual practice of Falun Gong. Falun Gong is based on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance and was hugely popular in China for the health benefits it conferred on the Chinese people.

Mr. Mitchell lauded the majesty of Chinese culture and expressed his enjoyment in watching the performers.

Just the magnificence of the dance and the proud traditions that cannot be taken away, that are inherent for thousands of years, and thats the goodness and the quality of the Chinese people.

Shen Yun was plainly a threat to the Chinese regime, Mr. Mitchell said. While he was grateful to live in a free country, it was important for people to be alert to what was happening in China. In fact, Shen Yuns message is a good way of countering the challenges posed by the seemingly powerful communist regime, he said.

I think communism is a great threat to our world today. And it comes in many different forms, and were not quite seeing the full picture yet. Were seeing it more of it in our own country, which is very frighteningthe subtle and not so subtle influences of communist thought.

Shen Yuns dances depict stories from the teachings of the schools of Buddhism and Taoism that illustrate the benefits of virtuous living.

We have a divine creator. We have a loving God. And that story needs to be told, and it cannot be quashed by materialistic domineering thought, Mr. Mitchell said.

I think we are all Gods creation. Im a Christian, and very much believe thats the principle of what created this great nation, the United States, and we must be very zealous in supporting that. Otherwise, it will be taken away.

Shen Yuns message is relevant to everyone, not just the Chinese people, he said.

We have to look beyond the lures of materialism and all the shiny things that catch our attention and distract us from the fact that were created by God and have a divine origin.

Mr. Mitchell recognized that people, in general, failed to understand the danger of communism and for that reason he encouraged them to see Shen Yun.

I think that its much more dangerous than we can even comprehend.

Also attending the performance this evening were Lydia Kou, vice mayor of Palo Alto, and John St. Clair, a real estate broker. They were watching Shen Yun for the second time.

The folk dances brought back fond memories for Ms. Kou, who once lived in Hong Kong, and watching Shen Yun dispels the worries that are very prevalent at this time, she believes.

Ms. Kou and St. Clair are Catholics and believe that theres a greater being watching out for us, she said.

Mr. St. Clair was effusive in his praise of Shen Yun. I love the costumes. I love watching the dancers, how they move  the choreography. I love everything about it.

His consternation was raised by the mini-drama, Insanity During End Days. This dance tells the story of Falun Gong practitioners who, because they refuse to renounce their beliefs, are being murdered for their organs by the Chinese regime. Their organs are supplied to Chinas organ transplant hospitals.

I was a little bit disturbed by the police hospital and that whole scene  whats going on, the persecution of people because of religion. Thats not right, that shouldnt be happening, he said.

Also seeing Shen Yun for the second time was Ed Story, a general contractor.

I love everything about [Shen Yun,] he declared.

Story decided that watching Shen Yun was a great way to release the tensions that came with the pandemic. Yet Shen Yun portrayed the reality of what was happening in China and the restrictions that the Chinese people were experiencing, he said.

I mean the freedoms that we have here in our country compared to the restrictions that people have in other countries, and Ive been to China before, its an eye-opener.

When I leave here, Im going to feel uplifted. Im going to feel really good, Im going to feel happy, Im going to feel fulfilled, and I think we all need that right now.

Reporting by Qian Zhang and Diane Cordemans.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
Michael and Lynn Moore attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, Fla. on Jan. 8, 2022. (Teng Dongyu/Epoch Times)

MIAMI, Fla.Michael Moore was searching for spirituality when he came to see Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.

Mr. Moores quest was successful.

It seems like it put you in touch with your inner spirit, he said. Ms. Moore and his wife, Lynn, are owners of Air Alliance Inc., a company that manufactures and repairs parts for aircraft.

He explained that he was working on some health problems and was already addressing his spiritual side. After watching Shen Yun, he felt he was in a different place and a better place. He had felt energy exuding from the stage. It was very relaxing and now he was going out to look for the music he had just listened to.

And I am looking at change in my life. Change in my life is great. This is a good start.

New York-based Shen Yuns mission is to revive Chinas five millennia-old culture in its authentic form. It presents classical Chinese and ethnic dances to portray stories that are the foundation of Chinas spiritual and historical culture.

I felt [an] uplifting spirit. It was like the Universe was talking to you. And the motion, the smoothness, [Shen Yun] was so well choreographed. Everything went together so well.

For Ms. Moore, Shen Yun was a beautiful experience that everyone should see.

Shen Yun is accompanied by a live orchestra that is unique with its combination of classical Western and traditional Chinese instruments.

Ms. Moore was enchanted by the music and was particularly fascinated by the rendition of the erhu, the Chinese two-stringed violin.

But she also found it sad that it could not be seen in China. Although it can be seen in other countries, Shen Yun has been banned from performing in China by the communist regime due to a decades-long attempt to destroy Chinas traditional culture.

At the heart of Chinas traditional culture was a deeply held belief in the divine. It was believed that the Chinese culture was a gift that came from heavenly beings. In fact, Shen Yun showcases Chinas semi-divine culture.

You can feel it came down from heaven and it is very spiritual.  Lynn Moore

I think I can feel that. You can feel it came down from heaven and it is very spiritual. I think its amazing and beautiful. And it should be continued, she said.

[Shen Yun was] like the universe talking to youthe rhythm, the flow, she said. I think it is spiritual. I think it reaches to your soul.

We are absolutely loving it

Also in the audience was Jill Farrell who is the Dean of the School of Education at Barry University. Farrells grandson, Jack had seen Shen Yun advertised on television and wanted to see it.

We are absolutely loving it, said Ms. Farrell. The costumes are incredible. The dancers are so talented. She added how she and her grandson loved the stories that were all about ancient culture.

The quality of Shen Yun was incredible, she said. Im loving the graphics, the visuals, the way the dancers seem to fly into space and then come back. Its very well done.

She was sad that Shen Yun could not perform in China. That was really a surprise shock to me.

Ms. Farrell practices yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Shen Yun very calming, she said, and compared it to meditation in motion. She could also feel the energy that was emanating from the stage.

I have an art background, so, anything that is so visually appealing  not only gives me energy but it just makes me feel better. Its just absolutely beautiful: the costumes and the dancing, and theyre so talented.

Reporting by Teng Dongyu and Diane Cordemans.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yuns inception in 2006.
The Google name is displayed outside the company's office in London on Nov. 1, 2018. (Toby Melville/Reuters)

Sonos Wins Google Import Ban Ruling in US Patent Fight

WASHINGTONA U.S. trade court barred Google late Thursday from importing products that infringe home-audio company Sonoss smart-speaker patents.

The U.S. International Trade Commission affirmed an August decision that Google audio products infringed five Sonos patents and banned Google from importing networked speaker devices and devices that can control them like mobile phones and laptops.

The ruling says Google wont be barred from importing products that it had redesigned to avoid infringing the patents. A Google spokesperson said it does not expect the decision to affect its ability to import or sell its products.

We will seek further review and continue to defend ourselves against Sonoss frivolous claims about our partnership and intellectual property, the company said.

Sonoss Chief Legal Officer Eddie Lazarus called the ruling an across-the-board win and said Googles products still infringe the patents despite its attempts to design around them.

Sonoss stock was up 1.5 percent in late morning trading on Friday, having earlier risen more than 3 percent.

The parties have been embroiled in a global patent war over multi-room audio technology since 2020 that includes court cases in California, Canada, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, according to a Sonos regulatory filing.

Sonos first sued Google in Los Angeles, alleging the company misused its technology in more than a dozen different infringing products, including Google Home speakers and Pixel phones, tablets, and laptops.

Google responded with its own lawsuit in San Francisco, alleging Sonos used substantial volumes of its technology without permission for several products, including controller apps and its Sonos Radio service.

At the ITC, Sonos had been trying to block Google from importing Home speakers, Pixel phones, and other products from China.

By Blake Brittain
In preparation for its spring semester, which starts Monday, Northern Arizona University hosted a virtual town hall to discuss how omicron would affect its plans. As with Flagstaff K-12 schools, the university has said it will be continuing its in-person learning, with minimal changes to its mitigation plan.

This past fall, we were successful in navigating the delta wave that emerged over the summer. Were prepared, optimistic and ready to continue this great work in the spring, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Karen Pugliesi said.

Its previous town halls were in August, with a focus on how the delta variant might affect the fall semester. As with those, TGen North director David Engelthaler and executive director of the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute Paul Keim began the meeting Thursday by describing the current understanding of the omicron variant as well as local COVID metrics.

According to the presentation, Arizona is likely still toward the beginning of its omicron surge. Based on data from the east coast, which is a little later in its cycle, the expectation was that cases would continue to rise, at least in the near future.

NAUs pandemic response as described in the town hall was, overall similar to its approach during the fall semester.

The university was encouraging students and employees to re-upload their proof of vaccination after getting a booster, though it is not required. About 70% of employees had verified their vaccination at the time of the event.

Masks will be required in common areas in all on-campus buildings and strongly encouraged at events. The university will be providing branded cloth masks with filters to its students and staff in addition to having disposable options, including KN95, throughout campus.

While the KN95 masks were the most effective at preventing the spread of disease, Engelthaler said the light blue procedure masks (about half as effective) and homemade or cloth masks did still provide some level of protection.

Thats something we can all do as were trying to function in group settings and in classrooms as this omicron wave rolls across, he said. Its quite likely if you wear a mask you will still get exposed, but if youre not wearing a mask, you absolutely will be exposed.

Keim encouraged people to remain at home when experiencing symptoms, regardless of their cause.

If you have symptoms, stay home; it doesn't matter if you have COVID, influenza or the common cold, you don't want to give that to your coworkers, he said.

The university is also asking students, faculty and staff to test for COVID before returning to campus, even if they are not experiencing symptoms. If testing is limited where they currently are, they are asked to test at NAU. On campus, the Fieldhouse offers PCR testing and the campus health center has rapid antigen testing.

Even though those CDC guidelines dont specify a need to test negative before leaving quarantine, Keim recommended them whenever possible.

NAU will be continuing its voluntary pooled mitigation testing program in the spring semester, calling between 2,500 and 3,000 students, faculty and staff on a weekly basis.

Getting tested proactively and frequently is one of the best mitigation measures we have and can really allow all of us to enjoy the richness of being on campus in person with a lot less stress, Interim Vice President Margot Saltonstall said.

Anyone testing positive is asked to follow the CDC quarantine guidance. NAU will be providing a dedicated residence space and care manager teams to support students with positive test results.

We also recognize that there will be positive cases, and we know our faculty are prepared to support students so they can continue making progress in their academic programs, even if they cannot attend class. We thank you for everything that you did this last semester to make that possible and know that you'll be prepared to do that this coming spring, Pugliesi said.

Employees who test positive will also be expected to follow CDC guidance and plan an appropriate way to promote student learning. An announcement on NAUs new workforce plans earlier that day had included options for flexible work that can be utilized in these situations.

When asked whether students who felt unsafe returning to campus had the option to use NAUFlex for remote learning, Pugliesi said that there were no plans at the time to pivot fully to the platform, but that they were monitoring the situation and were prepared to adapt if needed.

She encouraged students to speak with their academic advisor about options for different formats.

Our faculty are well-versed in how to employ the technologies that we do have in place to be adaptive and that includes being adaptive to support students who are not able to come to class and need to be supported to continue their academic progress as well as situations in which maybe a faculty member may not be able to be engaged in the classroom themselves, she said.  We, at this point, want to sustain [an in-person] learning experience for our students using all the tools we have to be adaptive to the situation. We recognize that individuals are different and have their different wants and needs, and we're here to be as flexible as we can be within our mission to support that.

NAU is also planning to have spring break this year as well as an in-person spring commencement. More details would be communicated to students as they became known.

When asked about the trigger point for a move to online learning, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Josh Mackey said those decisions would be based on guidance from scientific and health experts rather than specific numbers.

There's not a hard set point that well use in terms of making decisions or changing directions. As you've heard the virus counts and the positivity is really kind of evolving in what it means and how we will use it, so we will definitely use it, we don't have a hard set point for how well make those changes. But as we said all along, well continue to monitor these things, continue to consult with experts and, if we need to, we stand ready to pivot. We've done this all before and we can do it again if the conditions call for it, he said.

Details of NAUs current COVID response can be found at nau.edu/legacy/jacks-are-back/.

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Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor sits during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court on April 23, 2021. (Erin Schaff/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor Fact-Checked Over False COVID-19 Claim

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor inaccurately claimed that over 100,000 children are in serious condition because of COVID-19, sparking a rare fact-check of the Obama-appointed judge as some have accused her of spreading misinformation.

Sotomayor made the remarks on Jan. 7 while hearing lawsuits that were filed against the Biden administrations COVID-19 vaccine-or-test mandate that would force private businesses with 100 or more workers to require them to be tested weekly or get the vaccine.

We have hospitals that are almost at full capacity with people severely ill on ventilators. We have over 100,000 children, which weve never had before, in serious condition, many on ventilators, she said.

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when Sotomayor made those comments, fewer than 83,000 children aged 17 and younger had been hospitalized for COVID-19 since August 2020.

Currently, about 3,342 children are hospitalized with COVID-19, federal data show. Some officials, including White House COVID-19 adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, recently said that its important to note that many children are hospitalized with COVID-19, not because of COVID-19.

Even though hospitalization among children is much, much lower on a percentage basis than hospitalizations for adults, particularly elderly individuals, when you have such a large volume of infections among children, even with a low level of rate of infection, youre going to still see a lot more children who get hospitalized, Fauci said in a Dec. 29 interview.

If you look at the children who are hospitalized, many of them are hospitalized with COVID as opposed to because of COVID.

In a fact-check against Sotomayor, Politifact wrote that the pediatric hospitalization rate has remained much lower than that of other age groups, noting that data show children have by far the lowest hospitalization and death rates among all age groups. The data show that generally, individuals older than the age of 70 are considered to be the most vulnerable to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19.

Seattle Childrens Hospital Critical Care Chief Dr. John McGuire told The Associated Press (AP) recently that most of the COVID-positive kids in the hospital are actually not here for COVID-19 disease while noting that children are here for other issues but happen to have tested positive.

Dr. Jennifer Kusma, a pediatrician with Chicagos Lurie Childrens Hospital, told the AP that she has seen more children hospitalized in recent days with COVID-19, noting that most arent severely ill.

Republican lawmakers and former Trump administration officials have accused Sotomayor of spreading misinformation about COVID-19.

How can Justice Sotomayor be this wrong about COVID-19? Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) wrote on Twitter. Maybe she is listening to misinformation from the political left. I wonder if @Twitter will find these purveyors of COVID-19 misinformation and suspend their accounts!

The Supreme Courts press office didnt respond to a request for comment.
A pet cockatiel that was caught on camera playing a game of peekaboo with a nest full of his baby brothers is proving that birds do have loving instincts.

Turkish-born professional cockatiel breeder Tolga Sezdi, 27, has had 9-month-old Capkn since the bird was born. When Capkn grew curious about one of Sezdis latest broods, he ventured to the edge of their nesting bowl to engage with the baby birds.

Witnessing this playful moment, Sezdi decided to film the entire antic. In the video, the playful big brother ducks down to hide from the babies before emerging and cooing the word peekaboo, over and over again, to amuse them.

This was truly the perfect moment, Sezdi told The Epoch Times. Normally he used to play this game with us a lot, but it hasnt been for a long time.

We thought he forgot, but when he sensed that his brothers were afraid, he suddenly started to take care of them.

Wanting to make the moment immortal, he captured it on film.

Sezdi has bred more than 100 birds to date, including the nesting brothers who are now 4 months old.

Most birds become jealous in such situations, he explained, but Capknmeaning flirtatious in Turkishchose to share the love with his brothers.

Sezdi said that cockatiels are usually very smart, funny, and playful pets.

While Sezdi knew the sweet, heartwarming video would attract attention from netizens, he had no idea it would be watched by millions. Im still really surprised, he said.

The breeder, who goes by Neseli Kanatlar, or Happy Wings on social media, is a university academic who has been breeding cockatiels in Bursa for almost 10 years. Its not a simple hobby, he insists; cockatiels need just as much love and affection as cats and dogs.

Professional cockatiel breeder Tolga Sezdi. (Courtesy of Neseli Kanatlar and @neselikanatlarcockatiel)

If you are currently feeding a bird, or want to adopt one in the future, you should make sure that you can meet all its needs, he advised. They really all have special characters and they feel love very deeply.

Watch the videos:

(Courtesy of Neseli Kanatlar and @neselikanatlarcockatiel)

(Courtesy of Neseli Kanatlar and @neselikanatlarcockatiel)

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Think Twice Before You Vaccinate Your Kids, Dr. Robert Malone Warns Parents on COVID-19 Shots

Dr. Robert Malone, a virologist and immunologist who has contributed significantly to the technology of mRNA vaccines, issued a strong caution for those who seek to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19.

Think twice before you vaccinate your kids. Because if something bad happens, you cant go back and say, whoops, I want a do-over,' Malone told EpochTVs American Thought Leaders program in an interview, Part 1 of which premiered on Sunday.

He also said, It is clear that parents should think twice about vaccinating their child, adding that serious adverse events can occur and can be so severe that it puts your child in the hospital.

Malone noted that with regard to myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart, theres a good chance that if your child takes the vaccine, they wont be damaged, they wont show clinical symptoms[but] they may have subclinical damage.

But the question is, do you want to take that chance with your child? Because if you draw the short straw and your child was damaged, most of these things, if not all of them, are irreversible. There is no way to fix it, he said. And I get these emails all the time: Doctor, doctor, what can we do? This has happened. And that once its happened, theres  you cant go back you cant put Humpty Dumpty back together again.

He pointed to information compiled on his website, which includes a list of peer-reviewed studies related to COVID-19 vaccine adverse events in children, the main one being myocarditis. The website also includes a collection of adverse events reports as well as death reports in the pediatric community, submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Theyre there as links to the VAERS database, and if you click on them, you can see the actual VAERS report that was filed by a physician saying this is what happened, Malone said. And you can make your own decision about whether or not you think that thats vaccine-related. So all of those data are there.

A 5-year-old girl looks at her arm after getting a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in New York City on Nov. 8, 2021. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

One page on Malones website points to a paper published in the Toxicology Reports journal in which authors noted, using data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that normalized data on COVID-19 deaths per capita are negligible in children, while deaths after COVID-19 vaccination are small, but not negligible, in children.

For children the chances of death from COVID-19 are negligible, but the chances of serious damage over their lifetime from the toxic inoculations are not negligible, the authors wrote in the paper, titled Why are we vaccinating children against COVID-19?

Malones latest warning comes after he issued a prepared statement in mid-December 2021 aimed at parents, in which he said that with regard to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, a viral gene will be injected into your childrens cells that forces your childs body to make toxic spike proteins.

These proteins often cause permanent damage in childrens critical organs, including their brain and nervous system, their heart and blood vessels, including blood clots, their reproductive system, and this vaccine can trigger fundamental changes to their immune system.

Malone is strongly opposed to COVID-19 vaccine mandates for children. He is the chief science officer and regulatory officer for The Unity Project, a movement seeking to resist COVID-19 vaccine mandates for K12 children.

The Unity Projects position is one based on the logic of informed consent versus forced vaccinationthat mandates should not happen, Malone told EpochTV. The state should not be forcing itself into the family. The decisions belong at the level of parents not at the level of the state or the school board. School boards and schools and teachers have no right to understand and seek out medical information about their students thats illegal. And yet, its being done all the time. And students are being bullied if they havent taken vaccine.

Malone is also the president of the International Alliance of Physicians and Medical Scientistsa group of 16,000 professionals who have signed a declaration that says healthy children shall not be subject to forced vaccination.

Mandates are illegal based on the Nuremberg Code, Helsinki Accord, the Belmont Report, Malone said. These continued to be unlicensed products, theyre only available through emergency use authorization  These are not licensed products, and theyre being forced on your children, and they have risks. And the mediathrough its censorshipand Big Tech, is blocking your ability to even learn what those risks are so you can make an informed decision for your children yourself. That is a huge crime in my mind.

Municipal workers hold placards and shout slogans as they march across Brooklyn Bridge during a protest against the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, in New York on Oct. 25, 2021. (Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images)

Malone said that people can join a Defeat the Mandates rally and march in Washington, D.C., scheduled for Jan. 23, to unite against mandatory vaccinations.

Two mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines are currently available in the United States under emergency use authorization (EUA)one from Pfizer-BioNTech and the other from Moderna.

The only COVID-19 vaccine that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people 16 and older is Pfizer and BioNTechs COVID-19 vaccine, which is marketed as Comirnaty. Doses are to be produced in the future, according to FDA documents.

A separate, existing supply of COVID-19 vaccines under Pfizer-BioNTech continue to be available under an updated EUA for those over 16. The FDA has also granted an EUA for Pfizer-BioNTechs COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 1215 in May 2021, and for children aged 511 in October 2021.

California in October 2021 became the first state to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for children, followed by Louisiana in December 2021. Both states said they will only enforce the mandate if the FDA fully authorizes the vaccines for children.

The Pfizer vaccine remains the only jab against COVID-19 available for people aged under 18 in the United States. The FDA in October 2021 delayed a decision on whether to grant Moderna an EUA for its COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 12 to 17, saying it needs more time to further review the vaccines risk for myocarditis in this population.

The Epoch Times has reached out to Pfizer-BioNTech and the FDA for comment.

Editors note: This article has been adjusted to clarify that the FDA has only approved future COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTechmarketed as Comirnaty.
Thousands of Protesters March in Montreal to Denounce COVID Tyranny

MONTREALSeveral thousand protesters took to the streets of downtown Montreal Saturday to voice their opposition to the provinces pandemic measureswhether the recently imposed curfew or the vaccine passport.

Not all were unvaccinated, with some taking a stand for freedom of choice or having received the first two doses and refusing a third due to constantly changing goalposts.

Peoples Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier, whos been vocal in criticizing the restrictions and mandates, was in attendance with a group of his supporters.

Im here like everyone else to tell the Trudeau and Legault governments that enough is enough. Its not by trampling on our rights and freedoms that were going to solve the pandemic, Bernier told The Epoch Times.

Theyre trying to turn the non-vaccinated into the scapegoats of this pandemic. Its completely unjust, discriminatory. The real scapegoats are the politicians ruling us. Theyve had years to change the health-care system, which is a totalitarian, socialist, the state controls alland thats why the system is crumbling.

Bernier says we should learn to live with the virus and protect the most vulnerable while letting others get on with their lives.

Maxime Bernier (C), leader of the Peoples Party of Canada, attends a protest against restrictive pandemic policies in Montreal on Jan. 8, 2022. (Noe Chartier/The Epoch Times)

Im here to defend and protect freedom against the tyranny, against the darkness that ruins everything, said Mohamad Reza Zeinali, a nurse who hasnt been working since April 2021, refusing to be tested three times a week or to take the vaccine, which he calls experimental.

It takes at least five to ten years to know how safe it is, he says.

The [tyranny] has to stop, its gone too far. Im here to stand up for my rights, my kids rights, everything, said Marshall Golding, who works as a delivery truck driver.

Throughout the march from Old Montreal and through downtown streets, a 70-year-old woman was walking a bit ahead of the main body, leading the procession.

A protester carries a placard during a march against restrictive pandemic policies in Montreal on Jan. 8, 2022. (Noe Chartier/The Epoch TImes)

Claire refused to give her last name and have her picture taken, but said she was attending her 15th or so protest against government measures.

Everything were going through is ridiculous. The masks, the curfewtheyre lying to us all day long, she said.

A Montreal police spokesperson said the protest went smoothly with no tickets given or arrests made.

Protesters march to denounce restrictive pandemic policies in Montreal on Jan. 8, 2022. (Noe Chartier/The Epoch Times)

On Jan. 1, police handed out 57 fines to protesters who defied the curfew in Montreal and made one arrest for an assault on an officer, CBC reported. Fines for breaking the curfew can go as high as $6,000.

Quebec reimposed a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on Dec. 31 to try to stem the rise in cases, and the government announced this week it would further restrict unvaccinated peoples access to the public space.

From Jan. 18, those without a vaccine passport will be barred from entering the state-owned liquor and cannabis stores, and the government says it is consulting with the industry to reduce even more the access to other non-essential services. The province also seeks to eventually require three doses to qualify for the vaccine passport.

Federal Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos said on Jan. 7 that hes in favour of the provinces making vaccination mandatory.
UK Foreign Secretary Threatens to Override Brexit Pact Over Northern Ireland

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has warned the EU that shes prepared to unilaterally override parts of the post-Brexit agreement on Northern Ireland if negotiations fail.

Truss was handed responsibility for the negotiations after Lord David Frost resigned as Brexit minister in December 2021. Shell hold her first face-to-face talks with her EU counterpart, European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic, when he visits the UK on Jan. 13.

Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, Truss said she would suggest constructive proposals to Sefcovic, but if a deal cant be struck, she would be willing to trigger Article 16 of the Northern Ireland protocol, which would suspend parts of the treaty designed to prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

She said its her absolute priority to resolve the unintended consequences created by the protocol to maintain peace in Northern Ireland.

I will not sign up to anything which sees the people of Northern Ireland unable to benefit from the same decisions on taxation and spending as the rest of the UK, or which still sees goods moving within our own country being subject to checks, Truss said.

I want a negotiated solution but if we have to use legitimate provisions including Article 16, I am willing to do that.

In response to Trusss threat, EU Ambassador to the UK Joao Vale de Almeida said its unhelpful to keep agitating the issue of triggering Article 16.

Weve heard this before from the government, so were not surprised, he told Sky News. We are not too impressed.

De Almeida called for new momentum in the talks.

We are eager to reconnect, but we are even more eager to find compromises because we need to move on, he said. Its been too long.

Last week, Sefcovic warned that the foundation of the entire deal brokered between the UK and the EU will be jeopardised if the UK takes the drastic step.

The Northern Ireland Protocol was the most complicated part of the Brexit negotiations, and it is the foundation of the entire deal. Without the protocol, the whole system will collapse. We must prevent that at any cost, he told German newspaper Der Spiegel.

The Northern Ireland Protocol has been fiercely opposed by unionists in the British province, who complain that it effectively keeps Northern Ireland within the EU single market while erecting a border in the Irish Sea between the province and mainland Britain.

PA Media contributed to this report.
This undated electron microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows rabies virions, dark and bullet-shaped, within an infected tissue sample. (F. A. Murphy/CDC via AP)

US Had 5 Rabies Deaths Last Year, Highest Total in a Decade

NEW YORKFive Americans died of rabies last yearthe largest number in a decadeand health officials said Thursday that some of the people didnt realize they had been infected or refused life-saving shots.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report on three of the deaths, all stemming from contact with bats. CDC officials said the deaths were tragic and could have been prevented.

One, an 80-year-old Illinois man, refused to take life-saving shots because of a longstanding fear of vaccines. An Idaho man and a Texas boy did not get shots because of a belief that no bat bite or scratch broke their skin.

In all three cases, people either trivialized the exposure [to bats] or they didnt recognize the severity of rabies, said Ryan Wallace, a CDC rabies expert who coauthored the report.

Two other deaths occurred earlier in 2021. One was a Minnesota man bitten by a bat. He got the shots, but an undiagnosed immune system problem hampered their effectiveness, CDC officials said. The other victim was bitten by a rabid dog while traveling in the Philippines and died in New York after returning to the United States.

Rabies is caused by a virus that invades the central nervous system and is usually fatal in animals and humans. Its most commonly spread through a bite from an infected animal, with most U.S. infections in recent years traced to bat encounters.

Infection can cause insomnia, anxiety, confusion, paralysis, salivating, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, and fear of water.

Death can occur only a couple of weeks after symptoms begin. But it can be prevented through a series of five shots given within two weeks of exposure.

An estimated 60,000 Americans are treated each year after possible exposure to rabies, the CDC says.

There were no rabies deaths reported in 2019 or 2020. The last time five U.S. rabies deaths were reported in a single year was 2011, CDC officials said.

By Mike Stobbe
Signage is seen at the United States Department of the Treasury headquarters in Washington, on Aug. 29, 2020. (Andrew Kelly/Reuters)

US Treasury Disbursed $2.8 Billion in Rental Aid in November

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Treasury Department said on Friday it disbursed about $2.9 billion in Emergency Rental Assistance funds to 665,000 renters and landlords during November, putting the program on pace for full-year 2021 obligations of $25 billion$30 billion.

The Treasury also said it disbursed $1.1 billion to communities deemed eligible for more funds as part of a reallocation process started at the end of September. More than three quarters of these transfers were accomplished through voluntary transfers between communities in the same state.

Rental assistance funding of $46.5 billion was approved in two COVID-19 aid bills in December 2020 and March 2021. But the locally administered program was slow to ramp up, with some jurisdictions taking longer to launch programs and others facing less demand from renters and landlords.

Communities that had obligated at least 65 percent of their first-round allocation were eligible for additional funds, while those allocating less than 30 percent stood to lose funds.

Many communities were seeking ways to boost their performance to avoid having funding allocations shifted elsewhere.

The biggest recipient of a voluntary transfer was Indianapolis, receiving $91.45 million from Indianas statewide allocation, according to Treasury data. Milwaukee County received $50 million from Wisconsins statewide allocation, while the city of Milwaukee received $61 million and the city of Madison received $35 million.

The Treasury said communities seeking funds from the second reallocation round had until Jan. 21 to do so.

Treasury is encouraging states and localities to use other sources of funds, including the $350 billion Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, to provide additional support to rentersas several communities are already doing, the department said.

November marked a new high for disbursements and the third straight month above $2.8 billion and 500,000 recipients.

By David Lawder
A tourist boat navigates through a canyon in Furnas Lake, near Capitolio City in Brazil on Sept. 2, 2021. (Andre Penner/AP Photo)

Wall of Rock Falls on Boaters on Brazilian Lake, Killing 6

BRASILIA, BrazilA towering slab of rock broke from a cliff and toppled onto pleasure boaters drifting near a waterfall on a Brazilian lake and officials said at least six people died.

Edgard Estevo, commander of the Minas Gerais State Fire Department, said at a news conference that in addition to the dead as many as 20 people might be missing and officials were seeking to identify them after the accident Saturday.

Officials said at least 32 people were injured, though most had been released from hospitals by Saturday evening.

Video images showed a gathering of small boats moving slowly near the sheer rock cliff on Furnas Lake when a fissure appeared in the rock and a huge piece toppled onto at least two of the vessels.

Estevo said the accident occurred between the towns of Sao Jose da Barra and Capitolio, from which the boats had left.

The press office of Minas Gerais state told The Associated Press that the fire department had deployed divers and helicopters to help. Minas Gerais Gov. Romeu Zema sent messages of solidarity with the victims via social media.

Furnas Lake, which was created in 1958 for the installation of a hydroelectric plant, is a popular tourist draw in the area roughly 420 kilometers (260 miles) north of Sao Paulo. Officials in Capitolio, which has about 8,400 residents, say the town can see around 5,000 visitors on a weekend, and up to 30,000 on holidays.

Officials suggested the wall coming loose could have been related to heavy rains recently that caused flooding in the state and forced almost 17,000 people out of their homes.

Earlier last year, the concern was a lack of rain as Brazil experienced the worst drought in 91 years, which forced officials to reduce the water flow from the Furnas Lake dam.

The Brazilian navy, which also helped in the rescue, said it would investigate the causes of the accident.

Even in the dry season, in some parts of the lake the movement is so intense that the boats have to take turns to navigate on the lake, said the City Hall press office.
Where Wokism Is a Oui Bit Different

PARISRachel Khan is a 45-year-old writer and actress, half-Gambian, half-Polish Jew born and educated in France, who was appointed by the mayor of Paris to be co-director of a cultural center called La Place, or The Place, dedicated to hip-hop music in France. Then she became a target of the wrath of le wokisme, French version.

Khan, who was already well-known as a dissenter from the identity-politics orthodoxy on race and victimization, published a slim volume titled Raceemeaning racy, daring, but also a play on wordsin which she lampooned the politically correct idea that to be authentically black meant that she had to incarnate a woke ideology.

Its supposedly anti-racism, but in fact its dogma, she told me in Paris in November. A black actress is supposed to be anti-colonialist. But just as Im not obliged as a black actress to play a cleaning lady or a prostitute, Im also not obliged as a black person to be anti-colonial.

For her pains, Khan was attacked on social media and elsewhere, called a traitor to her race. Early in November, some 50 journalists, producers, bloggers, and artists circulated a petition demanding that she be fired from her position at The Place, on the grounds that her ideas are unacceptable and divisive, validated by the most reactionary fringe of the French media and far-right politicians.

This attack prompted a rejoinder from Frances minister of education, Jean-Michel Blanquer, who tweeted, Our friend @KhanNRachel suffers from permanent harassment.

As Blanquers rejoinder shows, Khan has her supporters in France, where she has become something of a media darling, turned to when an anti-woke voice is needed. Still, her book, the attacks on her, and the defense of her from the high reaches of the French government all show that le wokisme has become a hot topic in France, around which the debate sometimes reaches a fever pitch.

Woke activism, which has wreaked havoc in the U.S., has disembarked on our shores, French journalist Brice Couturier said on French radio while promoting his new book, OK, Millennials! Puritanism, Victimization, Identity Politics, and Censorship: A Baby Boomers Investigation Into the Myths of a Woke Generation. An intense intellectual battle has just begun.

But why now, and why in a country like France, with its very different history from the United States? For that matter, why has wokeism taken hold in other European countries, where the radical movement seems in many ways to be an imitation of its American counterpart?

In France, theres an oft-noted irony within the answer. Despite vocabulary that seems appropriated from American academia, the main concepts originated with a group of leftist French academics in the 1960s and 1970s, who became the rage in many American universities and whose ideas, though simplified and sometimes caricatured, have been enthusiastically reimported into France.

The most influential figure was Michel Foucault, the psychologist and philosopher whose lifelong sympathy for marginalized groups and oppressed people led him to a sustained reflection on the dominating and exploitative nature of power, including its ability to define what is supposedly normalas opposed to what it considers abnormal or sick.

(LR) Pierre Nora, Michel Foucault, Jean Daniel and Alain Finkielkraut (R) leaving the Elysee Palace in Paris, France on Sept.1 1984. (AFP via Getty Images)

In matters such as gay rights and equality for women, Foucault-like sympathy for the marginalized feels the same on both sides of the Atlantic. But American wokeness is most powerfully concentrated on a question of race that seems unique to America. Centuries ago, Europe may have engaged in the slave trade, but no European country has anything comparable to the history of American slavery, no decades of Jim Crow, no Ku Klux Klan, no lynchings or legal segregation of the sort that afflicted black America, and also no civil rights movement, no Martin Luther King Jr., and no George Floyd killed in Minnesota. And yet, the vocabulary of critical race theory, with terms like le racism systematique, le privilege blanc, microaggression, even le fragilite blanc, has taken hold in France like an invasive species.

Part of the answer seems to be the contagious global appeal of a doctrine explaining complicated questions, holding the same attraction for French academics, students, and others as for their American counterparts. The appeal is especially strong for a younger generation impatient and dissatisfied with the more moderate views of traditional liberalismor, in France, the traditional left, even if it was the same enlightened left that fought against colonialism, against anti-Semitism, against the powerful, conservative Catholic Church, as well as for choice on abortion, equal access to education, and Frances extensive social safety net.

Then theres the matter of demographic change. Britain, Germany, and France have substantially increased their minority populations through high immigration and higher birth rates among non-whites. This has generated two conflicting reactions. One is the increased strength and appeal of right-wing anti-immigrant parties, in France represented most conspicuously these days by a former television personality, Eric Zemmour, who to his detractors looms as a French Trump.

Attuned to Anti-Muslim Bias

On the other side, theres a young new left, fearful and alienated from figures like Zemmour, attuned to anti-immigrant (and especially anti-Muslim) prejudice, which, in their view of things, is roughly equivalent to anti-black prejudice in America.

Its an excessive reaction to a real problem, Pierre Haski, a French journalist and radio commentator, said in an interview in Paris. All of these issues, racism, etc., have been discussed for a long time, but the conversation has become brutal.

Haski speaks of a generational difference. Young French blacks, born and educated in the country, feel completely French, he said, equal to their white French counterparts, who often sympathize with them, and are not hesitant to make demands on French society that their elders and previous generations of immigrants were hesitant to make. The young generation is completely invested in this question, Haski said.

One striking difference with the U.S., however, is that many of Frances most prominent public intellectuals have taken positions against the phenomenon, which may render it less potent than its American version. In France, for example, woke activists are not proposing to eliminate entrance exams to high schools and universities, or mandating racial sensitivity training in major corporations. At least not yet.

Still, there are plenty of woke eruptions and a sense that a radical ideology, based on the ideas of systemic racism, guilt over colonialism, and white privilege, is making headway in the media, in schools, and especially in the minds of young people.

The schools are infected by ideology, one teacher, Fatiha Agag-Bourdjahlat, told the French daily Le Figaro. They advance it behind masks, using their classes and their authority as teachers to do propaganda under cover of generosity and respect for diversity.

File photo showing the words cancel culture typed on a typewriter. (Markus Winkler/Unsplash)

Adding to that, there have been enough incidents of deplatforming for the French media to have adopted the term la cancel culture, in the original English. Last year, feminist philosopher Sylviane Agacinskiwhose writings strongly influenced Frances adoption of a law requiring political party lists to be at least 50 percent femalewas prevented from speaking at the University of Bordeaux, where she was denounced in a social media avalanche as reactionary, transphobic and homophobic. Agacinski became anathema to campus groups like the Anti-Patriarchy Student Collective for expressing opposition to state-funded medically assisted fertility treatments for single women.

Its a religious cult without God, the essayist and novelist Pascal Bruckner said in an interview at his apartment in the Marais district of Paris. The French left has run out of ideas, so it has turned to the American idea that the white man is intrinsically guilty.

His critique echoes the views of American linguist John McWhorter. But French wokeness also has its own distinct flavor and motivations, centering on two emotionally fraught and conflict-ridden issues. One is the history of French colonialism, which is treated by the wokish side of the debate in France in much the same way that the history of slavery and Jim Crow are treated in the United States, as a kind of original sin, the deep cause of continuing racial and ethnic inequalities.

Secondly, identity politics in France is inseparable from one of the main sources of political conflict in the country, namely immigration from Africa and the deep worry of many in Franceleft, right, and centerover what is called Islamization, or the radicalization of parts of the Muslim population of the country. (At an estimated 5.7 million, it is the largest in Europe.)

Wokism transforms the Muslims into an oppressed group, Bruckner said. Its the ultimate metamorphosis of leftism in France into Third Worldism, the idea that most of the problems in the world, and certainly all of its inequalities, stem from the white mans colonialist exploitation of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Guilt over colonialism provides the entryway for wokeness in France, Robert Menard, the mayor of the southern French city of Beziers, told me. Its what leads to the accusation of Islamophobia whenever anyone tries to talk about the connection between radical Islam in France and terrorist violence in the country, as if there were no such connection.

The reference was to a series of deadly terrorist incidents fomented by Muslim extremists in France over the last few years, including attacks in 2015 that killed 130 people, the murder of eight journalists at the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo earlier that year, and last year, the beheading by an 18-year-old Muslim extremist of a schoolteacher, Samuel Paty, after he showed satirical cartoons of the prophet Mohammed to his class as part of a lesson on free speech.

This recent history is no doubt partly responsible for the acrimony surrounding some aspects of the woke ideology, which some critics, including those on the traditional liberal-left, see as making excuses for terrorism by blaming Frances colonialist history as ultimately responsible.

Earlier this year, the French national assembly passed a law aimed at combating what is seen as the growth of an Islamic ideology in France. It imposed limitations on religious garb in public, on home schooling (following reports of private clandestine schools run by Islamic militants), and banned virginity certificates, demanded by some religious groups as a condition of marriage.

Opponents of the measure, known as the anti-separatist law, which included both some of the traditional leftist factions like the Socialist Party as well as Muslim groups, attacked it as both discriminatory and racist.

The anti-separatism law is part of a long line of racist French legislation, past or present, read a statement by Les Indigenes de la Republique, the Natives of the Republic, one of several militant groups in France with a following among the young, including young immigrants or children of immigrants. Of course, it is Islamophobic since we are indeed witnessing a new and formidable stage of the Islamophobia of the state.

The deeper argument has to do with the values and ideas that have long reigned in France and that are being challenged by the new wokist left. For example, the supporters of the anti-separatism law described it as a defense of what the law itself calls Republican principles. Its main idea is that France is governed by certain universal values that apply to all citizens regardless of race or religiona color-blind logic under which France (like postwar Germany) does not collect demographic data on ethnicity. Yet according to the anti-racist movement, such values have been used to perpetuate white dominance.

Universalism is a utopia and a myth that the Republic tells about itself that does not correspond to any past or present reality, Rokhaya Diallo, a French-born writer and filmaker of Senegalese and Gambian origins, has said in interviews. For black and non-white people, the Republic has always been a space of inequality, triggered by colonization.

Diallo, whose books include Racism: A Guide and France Belongs to Us, is probably the most prominent figure in France advancing the anti-racist agenda. She is a frequent guest on television and radio where she has criticized police for what she calls racist violence against blacks, a blogger and a columnist for the Washington Post, and her visibility has made her a target. In Racee, Rachel Khan called Diallo an entrepreneur of victimization whose ambition, under the guise of justice and equality, is to cause division. In a television program last year, Bruckner argued that she had helped to instigate the hatred against Charlie Hebdo that led to the deadly attack on the paper, a comment that Diallo angrily denounced as scandalous and disrespectful.

Its because there arent very many people like me, who look like me and who say things that are still taboo in France [and] have access to the media, Diallo told me during a recent interview in Paris, explaining the reasons both for her prominence as a sort of Madame Woke in France and the attacks against her.

A man holds a sign that reads Racism is a Virus during the We Are Not Silent rally against anti-Asian hate in response to recent anti-Asian crime in the Chinatown-International District of Seattle, Washington on March 13, 2021. (Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images)

Led by Spoiled, Privileged Students

I talk about racism, the racism of the state and about historical oppression, Diallo said. Im visible. But Im practically the only person of color in France who plays a role as an editorialist on television, where there are still very few blacks, Asians, or Arabs. I feel alone, isolated. When I appear on some panel, usually with three other people, Im usually the only one taking my point of view. Im very rarely invited to speak at the university in France. There are more and more academics who study the question of racism and the history of slavery, but they have hard times getting stable positions in academia in France and many of them have to work abroad. So to say that the universities are a kind of headquarters of wokeness, thats not my experience.

It would be a good beginning, she continued, for France to begin to recognize that there is racism here, to recognize the French role in slavery, to make it known.

In a way this points to the main difference between Diallo and her camp and the traditional left, which would hotly dispute her charge that nobody before now has taken into account Frances role in slavery or the existence of racism in the country. The point for them is that there are aspects of Frances recent history that the woke are not awakened to: namely, the real and present danger of Muslim fanaticism.

The French Muslim youth are being subjected to fundamentalist propaganda that convinces them that the entire French Republic hates Islam, in order to radicalize them, Caroline Fourest, a feminist writer and filmmaker, said in an interview with RCI. But when you speak out about the danger of this propaganda, those who are in denial on the left accuse you of Islamophobia, and then the far right takes advantage of this situation to gain speed.

This is the problem, she continued. Because they dont see the difference between racism and a legitimate concern, the woke left, often led by spoiled, privileged students living in their bubbles at universities, are opening the gates that help propel fundamentalism forward, and that is reaching the youth.

A group known as the Mothers Front, in the heavily Muslim suburb of Bagnolet, north of Paris, was granted space recently for a public exhibition, sparking a vehement protest by other residents of the district who described the Mothers Front as a radical, Islamist group. The groups documents are a vehement attack on the schools for alleged racism and Islamophobia, including statements like these:

Our children understand from an early age that theres a problem at school if they have frizzy hair, or if they speak an African language, or if their religion is Islam.

Our children are subjected to an academic program where non-white people from whom they come are infantilized, demonized or made invisible.

Our students go to establishments where they are stigmatized and humiliated by certain teachers.

Where is this racist school? reads a public letter written by the protesting group of Bagnolet residents. Where are these malicious teachers? Nowhere in reality, and we all know that.

To speak of the state and the schools as systemically racist is to declare war on the republic, Marilou Brossier, a neighborhood activist, told me. Never in a French school does one treat black children differently from white ones. This is whats directly related to the values of the republic. France is built on an idea of universalism, that each individual is a free citizen living in a secular republic, but the woke mania for identifying everybody as black, or Muslim, or whatever stands in direct contradiction to this fundamental principle.

This article was written by Richard Bernstein for RealClearInvestigations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks in the briefing room of the State Department in Washington on Jan. 7, 2022. (Andrew Harnik/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

White House: Massive Consequences If Russia Invades Ukraine

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday said that Russia could face massive consequences if it invaded Ukraine again, ahead of crucial talks between Washington and Moscow in the coming days.

Russian and American officials are scheduled to hold discussions in Geneva on Monday, coming amid escalating tensions over thousands of Russian troops that are currently stationed along Ukraines border. Blinken previously said the White House is seeking a diplomatic solution with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Its clear that weve offered him two paths forward, Blinken told ABC News on Sunday. One is through diplomacy and dialogue; the other is through deterrence and massive consequences for Russia if it renews its aggression against Ukraine. And were about to test the proposition of which path President Putin wants to take this week.

NATO and Russia are also scheduled to hold negotiations in Brussels next week. Other talks are scheduled around the same time in Vienna.

During Sunday interviews, the top U.S. diplomat signaled that the Biden administration doesnt anticipate any breakthroughs with the Kremlin on its posture near the Ukrainian border.

Its hard to see making actual progress, as opposed to talking, in an atmosphere of escalation with a gun to Ukraines head. So, if were actually going to make progress, were going to have to see de-escalation, Russia pulling back from the threat that it currently poses to Ukraine, Blinken said on CNN on Sunday.

Ukrainian servicemen with their tank close to the front line of clashes with Russian-backed separatists near Lysychansk, Ukraine, on April 7, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

But he reiterated in the ABC Interview that Russia will face more financial, economic, and other consequences if it renews its aggression against Ukraine.

How we got here is because Russia has committed repeated acts of aggression against its neighbors going back more than a decade: Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine in 2014, and now the prospect of doing that again, Blinken said Sunday.

To make actual progress, its very hard to see that happening when theres an ongoing escalation, when Russia has a gun to the head of Ukraine with 100,000 troops near its borders, he added in the ABC interview.

Russian officials, however, said Moscow wont make any concessions to the United States, warning the talks in the coming days could end early. The state-owned RIA Novosti news agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying that it was possible that the negotiations could end after a single meeting.

I cant rule out anything, this is an entirely possible scenario, and the Americans  should have no illusions about this, he said. Naturally, we will not make any concessions under pressure, said Ryabkov, who will lead the Russian delegation in Geneva, according to Reuters.

It also comes as Russia sent troops to neighboring Kazakstan, an oil-producing former Soviet republic that has especially close ties with Moscow, amid widespread riots and clashes that left police officers dead. Russian state media reported that at least 164 people died over the past week.
100 years ago

1922: With the eyes of thousands of potatoes fixed on her, Miss Lillian Dashen became the wife of Elmer Pace in Phoenix last Thursday. Both are well-known young people of Flagstaff, the bride the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Dodgen, and the groom the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Jace. As Mr. Dodgen expressed it on Monday, he had been in Phoenix for a while at the cooperative store on east Adams Street boosting Coconino County products, helped by big displays of potatoes, wheat, oats, chickens and peanuts -- which he had raised on his ranches. The bride wanted the wedding to be performed close behind the big plate glass windows and right next to a pile of Coconino potatoes. Dad was willing. The couple are living on the Pace Ranch just to the east of Flagstaff.

Coconino County on Saturday filed a friendly action in the Supreme Court against Navajo County for the purpose of determining the boundary line between the two counties. Due to the uncertainty of the common boundary line both counties have suffered while questions involving property rights, legality of elections and the right of taxation as between counties has never been satisfactorily determined. In the suit filed, the court was asked to appoint an assistant county engineer to survey the line.

75 years ago

1947: Persons interested were reminded today by Mayor Harold S. Sykes that the Flagstaff City Council is receiving bids for the farming land of Koch Field, Flagstaffs city-owned airport east of town and that bidding will close at 5 p.m. Monday. Council will consider the bids at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting that night according to the mayor details of bidding and lease forms may be obtained from C. T. Pulliam, the city clerk.

Scene at Chapmans Grocery in Flagstaff

One pound bag of coffee 39

12-oz bottle of Kerns chili sauce 18

Stokelys finest grapefruit juice 25 46 oz. can

Sunshine crispy crackers 19 1 lb. box

Fresh apples 1 lb. bag 13

The law governing free automobiles for amputees is practically unworkable, the Disabled American Veterans charged here in Flagstaff today. The difficulty is not the lack of available care but the fact that the ceiling cost of $1,600 will not cover the one automobile with hydromatic drive, which is ideally suited for amputee use. A stripped version of this car, without radio, heater, or other accessories, but equipped with the controls needed raises the cost above the $1,600 ceiling in many states -- which are not adjacent to or within a reasonable distance of the factory.

50 years ago

1972: Flagstaff city police are holding two federal fugitives, one of them wanted for a bank robbery in Pennsylvania, who were captured as the result of an attempt to steal a 19-cent notebook from a supermarket. The pair was captured on Friday by patrolman Allen Latham, who said one of the suspects allegedly tried to steal a small notebook from a supermarket and then threatened the manager with a knife. The two men were arrested a few minutes later in Cedar apartments. One of the fugitives has warrants outstanding for a bank robbery in Pennsylvania and is an escapee from a state prison in Maryland. The other fugitive is a Washington D.C. parolee and has been convicted of assaulting a police officer. He is also considered a suspect in the Pennsylvania robbery. Both men were questioned in Flagstaff late Friday afternoon, as central fugitives, by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

More water troubles. A group of Timberline Estates residents, who claimed to have been without water service for almost three weeks, have filed complaints with both the Arizona Corporation Commission and the state health department. Black Bill Doney Park water users association said today an effort is being made to reduce pressure on the system so at least some homes in the Timberline Estates area will have service. Cold weather has apparently reduced the flow of water from the Schultz Pass area.

25 years ago

1997: The worst thing about rising gasoline prices is that you can't avoid them. I guess I would walk if they went up to like $3 a gallon a young Flagstaff woman said while looking at the prices. This time last year for example gasoline was around $1.05. And now it's $1.16 per gallon. Drivers around Arizona and the Coconino County area were left wondering why gasoline prices have shot up as much as $0.07 in some places in the past few days. Oil company officials in gasoline stations offered varying theories on the cause of the hike, but also said there did not appear to be an oil shortage.

A 21-month-old girl was kidnapped from a house in the 3000 block of Jamison Blvd. in east Flagstaff at about 10 a.m. today. Flagstaff police were searching for a teal-colored minivan that had an advertisement for a telephone service on its side, possibly cell 1. Police officers said the signs might be magnetized letters that are removable.

All events were taken from issues of the Arizona Daily Sun and its predecessors, the Coconino Weekly Sun and the Coconino Sun. Bruce Carl Ertmann assisted with compiling the events.

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White House Warns Iran of Severe Consequences If Americans Are Attacked

The Iranian regime will face severe consequences if it attacks Americans, including individuals who have been sanctioned by Tehran over the 2020 targeted killing of Qasem Soleimani, according to a top White House adviser.

After Iran issued sanctions against Americans on Jan. 8, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan issued the warning in a Jan. 9 statement from the White House.

Yesterday, Iran purported to impose sanctions on 52 Americans. They do so as Irans proxy militias continue to attack American troops in the Middle East, and as Iranian officials threaten to carry out terror operations inside the United States and elsewhere around the world, Sullivan said.

More than 50 Americans were sanctioned by Iran over the killing of Soleimani, who had been in charge of Irans Quds Force in early 2020, according to Irans Foreign Ministry. They include current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and then-Trump national security adviser Robert OBrien.

Make no mistake: The United States of America will protect and defend its citizens. This includes those serving the United States now and those who formerly served, Sullivan said, describing Irans recent actions as threats and provocations.

Meanwhile, several days ago, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said former President Donald Trump should face trial over the death of Soleimani.

At the time, Trump administration officials said it was necessary to take out Soleimani after a series of attacks on U.S. assets in the Middle East, as well as attacks that left hundreds of Americans dead in recent years. They also said at the time that Soleimani was plotting imminent attacks.

We have our disagreements on Iran policy, Sullivan said regarding Irans recent statements about Trump administration officials. But we are united in our resolve against threats and provocations. We are united in the defense of our people.

We will work with our allies and partners to deter and respond to any attacks carried out by Iran. Should Iran attack any of our nationals, including any of the 52 people named yesterday, it will face severe consequences.

Just days after Soleimanis death, the Iranian military shot down Ukrainian Airlines Flight PS752 while it was leaving the airport in Tehran, Iran, leaving 176 people dead. It came as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at U.S. military bases in Iraq.

The Iranian regime initially denied that it had shot down the plane, but it later admitted that its military indeed fired missiles at the aircraft after it had been mistaken for a cruise missile.

About a year ago, Iran also imposed sanctions on Trump and several senior U.S. officials.
Mobile orders await pick up at a Starbucks, in Hamburg, a suburb of Buffalo, N.Y., on Dec. 8, 2021. (Lindsay DeDario/Reuters)

Workers at Unionized New York Starbucks Store Continue Walk out Over Staffing, Safety

NEW YORKBaristas at a Starbucks Corp. location in Buffalo, New York, walked off the job for a second day on Thursday in protest of what they say are unsafe working conditions amid a new rise in COVID-19 cases.

Workers left their positions on Wednesday at the Elmwood Avenue locationthe only unionized corporate-owned Starbucks store in the United Statesand say they will not return until they feel safe.

A third of employees there are out because of COVID-19, said barista Casey Moore, one of the union organizers in Buffalo.

The store is drastically understaffed, leaving the remaining partners exhausted and overworked, she said.

Starbucks workers react as they speak to the media after union vote in Buffalo, N.Y., on Dec. 9, 2021. (Lindsay DeDario/Reuters)

Company spokesman Reggie Borges said that as of Monday, all 20 Buffalo-area stores had closed seating areas and switched to take-out only, and some had reduced hours of operation, to address a local spike in COVID-19 cases and staff shortages.

Throughout the pandemic we have met and exceeded all CDC and expert guidelines for safety, and weve supported partners with vaccine pay, sick days and isolation-pay, Borges said.

Employees at the store voted on Dec. 9 to join the Workers United union. The National Labor Relations Board certified the election results a week later.

Now, Starbucks employees at individual stores in six more cities are seeking elections to vote on whether to unionize.

By Hilary Russ
COLLINSVILLE  After not having a show in 2020 because of COVID-19 cancellations, the Lets Go Fishing show was back at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville over the weekend.

There was still a show last year in 2021 that drew similar numbers to this years show. Show producer Jamie Lane estimates that the show brings in roughly 8,000 to 10,000 people to the Gateway Convention Center over the course of a full weekend.

Along with 104 vendors selling fishing tackle, rods and reels and fishing boats, the show also had free seminars, live demonstrations, a live animal exhibit and a small pool for kids to fish live fish out of. Other activities for kids included face painting and balloon animals.

The seminars included speeches from Brandon Palaniuk, who won the 2020 Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper and was named the 2017 Bassmaster Angler of the Year.

All of these vendors have experienced growth with products and resources, Lane said. Boats are selling faster than they can get them out.

Since fishing is an outdoor activity that can be done with social distancing in mind, COVID-19 actually increased interest in fishing.

The show was missed by vendors and spectators in 2020 because of the in-person interaction. Even though online stores are used by most businesses, nothing can simulate the face-to-face interaction of shows and events of this caliber.

They enjoy it, and this is the perfect avenue for that, Lane said. People are excited for an event like this.

Bluff City Outdoors, located at 2813 E. Broadway in Alton, was in attendance as a vendor at the show. Theyve been at the show for nearly 20 years now.

We come out hear to see our local fishermen and have a good time talking fishing with everyone, owner Mark McMurry said. Its good to see our customers, see new faces and be back out in the public.

McMurry emphasized the fact that people are developing fishing as a new activity during COVID-19 times, as fishing license sales increased for the first time in 30 years.

Bluff City Outdoors has seen an uptick of customers of all ages coming into the store who are new to the fishing world.

With the Mississippi River and a number of Illinois rivers nearby, McMurry said this is an underrated area of fishing because of the size and quality of the catfish.

They dont realize whats out there and its amazing, McMurry said.

Bluff City Outdoors hosted the Alton Catfish Classic for the first time in 2019 and will host it again this fall on Sept. 10.

The first year, they allowed 100 boats maximum. Last year, the second year of the Alton Catfish Classic, the registration sold out in the first 30 hours it was open to the public.

Registration for the 2022 Alton Catfish Classic is planned to open around Jan. 15 to give past participants a 10-day window to register before its open to the public.

Bluff City Outdoors will also host a kids fishing derby in early June for the second straight year. Last year, most of the proceeds from the fishing derby were donated.

The store is also adding 8000-square feet to the original store, which will include a boat shop, archery range and more fishing equipment.
EDWARDSVILLE  Three Metro-East Lutheran High School students were selected to the Illinois Music Education Associations (ILMEA) 2022 All-State Orchestra.

Lars Gindler, Erin VanMiddendorp and Harry Mueller were selected. Those three were also selected to the all-district orchestra. Gindler and Mueller both play the cello, while VanMiddendorp plays the violin.

According to the ILMEA, over 10,000 elementary, junior high and high school students around Illinois competed in various auditions during the fall of 2021.

This year, 1,500 students across Illinois were selected to participate in ILMEAs All-State Student Programs in Peoria from Jan. 26-29.

Its a huge honor, Gindler said. Many of the people in our program study their entire lives to get this honor. Its a wonderful opportunity to represent our school and community.

Gindler added that being a senior makes the honor more special.

The youngest of the three is Mueller, who is a sophomore. Mueller said he didnt expect to be named to the all-state orchestra since sophomore year is the first year youre eligible to be named.

Its really exciting, Mueller said. Im serious about the cello and its an honor to play with people from all over the state.

The next step above all-state is the honors orchestra, which Mueller said is his motivation moving forward in high school.

As a junior, VanMiddendorp knows how special the recognition is, and is excited since its her first school-related trip.

Its a big deal, VanMiddendorp said. Ill be playing with a lot of great people. Im a little bit nervous, but not too much because Ive been in a lot of different orchestras. This will be great.

The all-state concert, along with the honors concert and all-elementary chorus concert, will be held at the Peoria Civic Center on Saturday, Jan. 29.

The ILMEA estimates that the concerts bring in over 12,000 students, educators, parents and music education industry vendors to celebrate and promote music education in Illinois.
While listening to a recent webinar, the presenter asked the simple question What is your goal with your research? That question made me think about my research and what goals I could realistically set for 2022.

Like many family historians, I began researching to answer basic questions about my ancestors - who are they, where are they buried, what is their country of origin, and so on.

Some of the questions were quickly answered but some are still unanswered. I created timelines, wrote one-page biographies, created binders of family records, gathered digital records, worked with other researchers, and much more.

However, I dont recall ever setting specific goals for my research, other than completing a pedigree chart as far back as possible. That goal now seems too vague.

Most family historians have one family line that is more difficult to research than other lines and I am no exception. I convinced myself long ago that one particular immigrant ancestor, Caspar, fell from heaven to randomly land in Illinois. My unacknowledged goal for several years was to find Caspars place of birth and date of immigration to Illinois. In 2021, I found Caspar in records in Ohio prior to arriving in Illinois and also found his place of birth and several family members in church records in Germany. However, I have yet to verify an immigration date or ship. But for now I am satisfied with the information I have.

So what are my goals for my research in 2022?

In reviewing my research on all of the family lines, one problem quickly became obvious - the organization of my paper records needs work - lots of work. Most of my early research required finding a paper record or a record on microfilm and making a paper copy for my records. I have binders for many of the surnames, but my organization within those binders is not good. In fact, if I am honest, the only way to find a record in the binders is to simply go through every page, which is both time consuming and frustrating.

So, my goal for this year is to take each surname binder and organize it so it is useful.

First, I will create a pedigree chart for the beginning of each binder and include some information about each individual in the chart. If I have a short biography, I will include that along with a timeline. Finally, I will create a list of all of the items in the binder. While it sounds simple, it is a task I have managed to avoid for a long time.

Luckily, my digital files are much better. They are organized by surnames, family groups within those surnames, consistent file names, etc. I scanned some of my early paper records and included the scans in my digital files. However, if I look a bit closer, I am sure I can enhance the digital organization also.

Keep researching and have fun! Happy Hunting!
Bangladesh is a developing country. Its economy is booming day by day. The pattern of crime is changing. Technological advancement has also changed the tendency of crime. One of the major obstacles to Bangladeshs progress is the volatile law and order situation. In such a situation when every member of the society was suffering from uncertainty, the government planned to form an elite force to make the activities of the police force more dynamic and effective. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has started its journey on March 26, 2004, by participating in the National Independence Day Parade. On 21st June 2004, RAB forces started full operational activities. Soon after birth, it has started to maintain peace, harmony in society. Since its inception, RAB has been working at the risk of its life. The RAB has been fighting terrorism and terrorists and has brought those involved in drug trafficking under the law. Which is one of the goals of the US administration. The United States also aims to curb illegal human trafficking and criminal activity. In fact, RAB is implementing the US policy in Bangladesh.

After the verdict in the seven murder cases in Narayanganj on January 19, 2017, the United States commented that the government of Bangladesh should abolish 'RAB. They called the RAB an "in-house death squad" and criticized the government's role in its involvement in extrajudicial killings, torture, and disappearances. However, 25 members of this force have been convicted for seven murders in Narayanganj. Of them, 16 have been sentenced to death and nine members have been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. As a result, there was a tendency to underestimate the various achievements of the RAB achieved in the last 12 years. But the success of this organization is more than just a measure of failure. That is why RAB is an important organization.

RABs role in suppressing traditional crimes

Apart from suppressing militants and terrorists, Elite Force RAB is also playing a special role in suppressing traditional crimes. The organization has cracked down on members of the terrorist forces in different parts of the capital. They still maintain that continuity.

According to various media reports, RAB has so far arrested more than 1,200 criminals and rescued more than 1,000 victims in a crackdown on human trafficking. More than 16,000 firearms and more than 2.5 million rounds of ammunition were seized from the area-based terrorists and arms dealers. About 13,000 armed terrorists have been arrested.

More than 500 Sundarbans-centric pirates and bandits have been arrested in the southern part of the country and about 2,000 firearms have been recovered.

A top RAB official said that besides special operations, RAB has been conducting regular operations to unravel the mystery of clue-less murder and catch the fugitive accused. Apart from this, the mobile court of RAB has collected more than two and a half billion rupees in fines of Tk.

Role in Anti-Narcotics drive

According to the information of various law enforcement agencies, drugs are behind many crimes including theft, robbery, smuggling, and use of illegal weapons all over the country including the capital Dhaka. For this reason, RAB has been working in the light of a zero-tolerance policy against drugs since its inception.

On May 3, 2016, on the occasion of the 14th founding anniversary of RAB, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed to intensify zero tolerance for drug eradication. Following this, RAB launched a massive campaign across the country with the slogan 'Let's go to war, against drugs'.

According to RAB statistics, they have arrested about 55,000 drug dealers since May 3, 2016. About 1.5 lakh drug dealers have been arrested since its inception. Seized drugs worth three thousand crore rupees.

The company has recovered more than six and a half crore yaba tablets since its inception. In addition, about 800 kg of heroin and more than 3.8 million phencidyl were seized.

RAB officials say that Yaba is now the most used drug in Bangladesh. They are coming to the country by sea from Myanmar. In addition, yaba is constantly entering through the deep areas of the hilly region. RAB is working closely with various law enforcement agencies to close the routes of Yaba entry. At the same time, regular operations are being carried out by listing Yaba traders in and around Cox's Bazar. The militant attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery (Spanish restaurant) in Gulshan, an elite area of the capital, has brought Bangladesh to the forefront of global discussions. Twenty people, including 17 foreigners, were hacked and shot dead in the attack. Among the dead were nine Italians, six Japanese, and one Indian.

After that hellish attack, the government sat motionlessly. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sat in meetings with the chiefs of all the forces of the country from time to time. Discussions are going on about how to free the country from the curse of militancy.

After lengthy discussions and consultations, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the policy of 'Zero Tolerance' against militancy and extremism. After the Prime Minister's announcement, the law enforcement forces took to the field to fight militancy and extremism.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been seen playing the most effective role in the campaign against militancy since the Holy Artisan attack.

According to RAB sources, the organization has conducted 241 anti-militant operations since the Holy Artisan attack. In these operations, RAB has arrested a total of 809 militants. Twenty-five militants were killed in the gun battle. In addition, 7 militants have so far surrendered to the RAB, which is rare in the history of the world.

It is also learned that since the Holey Artisan attack, there has been one anti-militancy cell in each battalion of RAB. All the activities of the militants are monitored through that cell. RAB also has an anti-militancy app to raise awareness about militancy and extremism.

RAB's anti-militant campaign:

According to various media reports, On July 17, 2016, RAB raided a militant hideout in Ashulia, Savar. The RAB forced four militants to surrender during the operation.

On September 6, 2016, RAB conducted an operation in the Darussalam area of the capital Mirpur on suspicion of being a militant hideout. At one stage of the operation, the militants in the dormitory exploded. The blast killed six people, including militant Abdullah and his associates.

On April 29 in 2019, RAB raided a house suspected to be a militant hideout in Mohammadpur Basila of the capital. Two militants were killed on the spot in the operation.

RAB raided a suspected militant hideout in the Sonapahar area of Jorarganj in Mirsarai Upazila of Chittagong. Two militants were killed in the blast.

Regarding the RAB's campaign against militancy, RAB Director General (DG) Benazir Ahmed said, "Not only the campaign, but we are also constantly carrying out various activities with the militants. So far, eight militants have surrendered. But we have shown the way that the militants can also surrender.

"We are trying to prevent the militants from trying to incite people to extremism by misinterpreting the Holy Qur'an and its verses, but we are trying to convey the correct interpretation of various verses of the Holy Qur'an to the people," he said.

Referring to the people of Bangladesh as peace-loving, Benazir Ahmed said, "People of our country do not like bloody bloodshed. Militancy will never be able to rise fully in our country. Because the people of our country do not like them.

According to the media reports, A 9,000-member RAB force is working to protect human rights. Former RAB intelligence chief Lt. to protect human rights. 27 RAB members including Colonel Azad were martyred. More than a thousand members have been maimed in maintaining law and order and protecting human rights. At different times, more than two thousand members were injured while trying to maintain law and order.

The RAB has been established in the light of some mandates as a lit force. RAB has been established to suppress militancy, drugs, and terrorism. Today, due to the success of RAB's campaign, militancy and terrorism have come down to zero in the whole country including the North or the South. The Sundarbans has been freed from piracy due to the RAB's campaign. We have celebrated the third anniversary of the Sundarbans free of pirates this time. No other country in the world has been free of such pirates?

327 members of the 32 bandits had surrendered in the Sundarbans. RAB has also played a humanitarian role in their rehabilitation. In addition to government grants, RAB has provided houses and cows, and goats to bring them back to normal life. The pirates of Banshkhali have also been brought back to normal life. RAB was working to bring the surrendered militants back to normalcy. In very few countries in the world, law enforcement agencies like RAB have shown humanity.

Today, the contribution of 'RAB' in the socio-economic development of the country and in maintaining law and order in times of crisis is undeniable. Because the unstable law and order situation is one of the obstacles to our progress. This includes maintaining law and order, recovering illegal weapons, ammunition, explosives, and other such harmful substances, arresting armed terrorists, assisting other law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order, providing intelligence on any crime and criminals, according to government orders. RAB is always engaged in performing other government duties.

In fact, RAB has received many accolades, including the Freedom Award for its bravery, heroic role, and public service in maintaining law and order. RAB officials have received various medals. Bangladesh today is on the highway of development. Therefore, the biggest need is to maintain the overall law and order situation in the country. Thus, we can say that RAB has been playing a significant role in maintaining peace law, harmony in our society in Bangladesh.
Nigeria's Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, today departed Abuja for Accra, Ghana, to represent President Muhammadu Buhari at an Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Mali.

Todays meeting, which is expected to be attended by leaders across the region, follows previous meetings and efforts by the leaders to resolve the situations in Mali and Guinea.

This was disclosed by Laolu Akande, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Office of the Vice President, today.

In 2021, Osinbajo participated in meetings of leaders across the sub-region on the issues exploring solutions.

On September 8, the VP participated in a virtual summit of the regional body where sanctions were imposed on the military junta in Guinea, and on the 16th of the same month, attended another ECOWAS summit where further sanctions on individuals and groups fueling the crisis in Guinea and Mali were discussed.

Later in November 2021, Osinbajo again joined other leaders in Accra for the 3rd Extraordinary Summit of leaders across the sub-region to review decisions and the political situations in Mali and Guinea.

In compliance with the decisions of the leaders, ECOWAS mediator, former President Goodluck Jonathan, travelled on January 5, 2022, to Mali to meet with authorities in the country over the timetable for democratic transition. Indeed Dr. Jonathan briefed President Buhari on the matter recently.

Osinbajo, who is being accompanied by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, is expected back in Abuja today.
If there is a trend which most Nigerians are familiar with, and which characterizes Nigerias socio-political milieu, it is unarguably that of seeing people shouting at each other at any given forum. The trend has for the umpteenth time manifested as people exchange brickbats on social media platforms rather than engaging in intelligent discussions. In a similarly vein, Nigerians are not unfamiliar with horrific incidents of road rage, and increased instances of public shaming of one another.

As Nigerians, we are used to seeing politicians and governments appointees or lackeys get engrossed in blame games while literarily closing their eyes to prevalentglitches. While it cannot be denied that the world respects us for being a federation, the federal government, from one political dispensation to the other, has been bastardizing the tenets of true federalism by refusing to reflect the required dynamism of federal architecture in its policing structure.

Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to opine that the refusal of the federal government to put constitutional plans that would pave the way for the existence of State Police across the 36 states of the federation in place has in the past political dispensations and the ongoing political dispensation triggered altercations between the office of the Inspector General of Police and the office of the Governor.

Nigerians will not forget so soon about what happened in 2013 and 2014 between Rotimi Amaechi as the then governor of Rivers State and the then Commissioner of Police in the State, Joseph Mbu. The battle between them, which was unarguably about who has the supreme power to control the security architecture in the State was so messy that Journalists feasted on the screaming headlines it was generating by each passing day. It was so fierce that Amaechi on a particular night was denied access to his private residence in the Government House in Port Harcourt by the police. It was gathered that Amaechi and no fewer than 70 visitors were denied access to his private residence in the Government House when he wanted to enter through the Old GRA road.

In a similar vein, in 2016, Ayo Fayose, who was then the governor of Ekiti state stopped the arrest of a woman who tried to withdraw money from an account already red-flagged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). But the EFCC in a statement denied detaining any one, while also revealing the role of Governor Ayo Fayose in frustrating the arrest.

Still in this same vein, Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, in 2020 rescued Joi Nunieh, former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), from forceful arrest by officials of DSS.

Analysed from the perspective of the foregoing, it is germane to say that when it comes to those who hold high office, such as governors, as Nigerians are often told, there should be respect for the office if not the governor himself. But sometimes that is hard to do, when the offender is right there, and rudely exchanging words with the governor in a face-to- face manner.

The foregoing proved to be the case when a Chief Superintendent of Police, Abimbola Oyewole, few days ago openly defied the order of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to vacate the Magodo Phase 2 Estate area of the state. The CSP told the governor that he and his armed colleagues were at the estate on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba; as well as the Attorney General of the Federation, AbubakarMalami.

For the sake of clarity, Sanwo-Olu had led members of his cabinet to visit the residents protesting the continuous presence of armed policemen in the estate where they had besieged for days in connivance with suspected land grabbers and members of a family who had planned to demolish property in the estate to execute a Supreme Court judgment. On the strength of the commotion which the development had caused, landlords and tenants who were obviously panicky over their fate called the governor to intervene and he visited the scene, and told the leader of the police delegation that the land matter was a case between private individuals and the state government.

Having reminded the CSP that he and his team that were deployed to the estate from Abuja were carrying their assignments beyond their jurisdiction, even without carrying him along as the Chief Security Officer of the State, Sanwo-Olu demanded from him, Can you call your superiors in Abuja and tell them that the governor is here and as the Chief Security Officer, you dont have any business being in my state right now and that I want you to disengage right now?

In his response to the governors humble request, Oyewole defiantly replied, I am here on the instruction of the Inspector General of Police through the AGF. I am too small or too low to call them. Your Excellency sir, you can call them sir.

When the governor asked of the number of policemen at the estate, Oyewole told the governor, My men are here; they are all over the place, I cannot precisely tell you how many we are. For security purpose, I cannot tell you the number.

Ostensibly buttressing the fact that he was not carried along before the policemen were assigned from Abuja to Magodo, Sanwo-Olu said, They (policemen) are not from the Lagos State Police Command. They said they are from Abuja. I dont know what other interest they have beyond keeping the peace of the country. This is not an expectation that I expect from them because they dont have any business here.

Analysed from the perspective of the bitter dialogue that ensued between the governor and Oyewole, and the height of disrespect he exhibited, one can understand why the 17 Southern governors had in July 2021 resolved that security agencies must notify them as the Chief Security Officers of their states before they carry out any operation within their individual territories.

In fact, there is no denying the fact that that the 1999 Constitution is deceptive by claiming that Nigeria is been governed under a federal system of government whereas it strips the Governor of a State of powers over security.

Given the foregoing views, it is advisable for the leadership of the Nigerian Police, the presidency and the Attorney General to always inform any governor whose State needs security assistance from the federal level that policemen would be deployed to his State rather than taking him by surprise. Also, while Nigerians continue to agitate for State Police, it is expedient to urge the police to refrain from disrespecting the office of the governor.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned President Muhammadu Buhari to stop listening to the misleading advice of the enemies of IPOB. The group further warned that the President may be making a mistake by not releasing Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB leader.

In a statement on Sunday, Emma Powerful, IPOBs spokesperson, warned Buhari against listening to the advice of enemies of the IPOB movement.

The group warned that failure to release its leader is a mistake capable of consuming Nigeria.

Our attention has been drawn to the statement by President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria that he will not release our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the statement reads.

We know that this position by Buhari after he had earlier promised a delegation of Igbo leaders that he would consider their appeal to consider a political solution for Kanu, was not unconnected with the visit by some foreign-based traitors and enemies of our struggle.

Our intelligence captured what transpired in a meeting between these saboteurs and their host in Aso Rock. In the evil meeting, the saboteurs and traitors concluded with the presidency that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should not be released, claiming erroneously thought, that IPOB and ESN have been defeated which is lies.

But we want to tell Buhari and his cohorts that he is going to make a mistake capable of consuming Nigeria should he fail to release Nnamdi Kanu because these bunch of criminals he had a meeting with were not giving him correct information about IPOB and ESN outfit.

Why should the federal government be releasing bandits and terrorists wreaking havoc across the country but fail to release freedom seekers.

Federal government should not be deceived by blacklegs and sacked members of the movement who are feeding it with fake information about IPOB and ESN outfit for pecuniary interests.

IPOB is too big for them to comprehend and they could not fantom IPOB and its operational strategy when they were in IPOB, we dont want to mention their names.

The people who visited him promised to help him crush IPOB and ESN but unfortunately they cannot achieve that, actually they will be disappointed.

IPOB added that Kanu is capable of defending himself in court and would get a favourable judgment in local and international courts.
TUBA CITY -- Its a familiar sight to anyone who knows the Navajo Nation: red sandstone, yellow-tinged sagebrush, a blue sky canopy that meets a protective ring of mountain peaks, with sheep and cattle dotting the fields.

A newer addition to the timeless landscape is a series of hand-lettered turquoise signs along southbound U.S. 89 near Tuba City. Native people are resilient, resourceful, kind, and most of all hopeful, one says.

The messaging reflects how far the Navajo Nation has come in battling and recovering from COVID-19, and how it remains vigilant against a disease that has has taken the lives of 1,557 people on the Navajo Nation.

In mid-2020, the Navajo Nation had the highest per-capita infection rate of COVID-19 in the U.S. Although the infection rate remains high, tribal leaders continue to practice mitigation efforts while many parts of the U.S. have relaxed restrictions.

Reflecting on the pandemic

Residents of Tuba City, nearly 80 miles north of Flagstaff and one of the largest towns on the Navajo Nation, reflected on the past 21 months of dealing with the pandemic and experiencing loss and hardship while gaining a greater understanding of what community means.

It was a big scare at that time, Valentina Nez of Tonalea said as she waited in her car to receive a booster shot at the Tuba City Regional Health Care mobile medical unit. You dont know who has COVID, and you want to protect yourself, so you think about your family as well as your co-workers.

Nez, who has received two doses of the Moderna vaccine, was afraid of coming into contact with people who may have been infected, some of whom seemed to have little concern for their safety.

It was definitely heartbreaking, knowing that there were a lot of people losing their lives to this virus, something we dont know anything about, she said, describing the effects it had to her social life and noting that she had removed herself from social media because it was damaging her mental health.

Shaydreanna Jackson said her brother died in July, although not from COVID-19. But the pandemic still affected her family.

Not being able to have everyone  his close family friends and relatives  there was hard, she said. Not being able to see everyone and for them to not be there for my sisters and I was hard.

Jackson was waiting to receive a booster shot and was accompanied by her son, Koah, who received the Pfizer vaccine for ages 5 to 11. He said it wasnt so bad, even though hes normally afraid of needles.

Although Jackson lives in Tuba City, she is Hualapai, who, along with the Havasupai people, live in and near the Grand Canyon, about 50 miles northeast of Kingman.

Were already small as is, and weve had a lot of cases out there and its taken quite a bit of our elders, Jackson said. Thats scary because our language already isnt spoken.

The Hualapai Tribe has had 206 positive cases overall, with a population of 1,621, according to data from the tribes COVID-19 tracker.

To date, Arizona has reported 1.3 million cases of COVID-19, with more than 40,000 on the Navajo Nation, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Navajo Department of Health.

An incident command structure tent at the Tuba City Fairgrounds on the eastern end of town was erected to act as a potential overflow triage area for Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp., according to Joe Baca, health care social worker and counselor for the hospital, but its now used as a staging area for distribution of groceries and other necessities.

Baca recalled the tent was an eyesore, with bright floodlights, imposing size and the steady churn of helicopters arriving and leaving. It initially stirred feelings of worry and fear among tribal members.

Im thinking, Its only a matter of time before that (tent) is filled up with people; what do we do then? Baca said. A part of me was like, Theres no end to this.

What was initially an ominous sight became a hub for distributing supplies for those who were unable to leave their homes for groceries, water and firewood, which is used extensively on the remote reservation.

Before the vaccines became available, Baca was afraid he wouldnt survive an infection. He feared for his and his familys safety and well-being.

His fiance, Britney; sister-in-law, Michelle; and his sons, Benicio and DeAndre, were able to remain home and attend school remotely, but Baca  who was heavily involved in community outreach and supply distribution  kept working.

Early on in the distribution, it was so dire, he said. I was so afraid we were going to run into somebody in their home setting, their hogan or their housing structure, and they were going to be gone. That was my worst fear: Maybe nobody got to them, nobody helped them, they got sick or they didnt have wood or basic food. Im glad to say we never ran into anything like that.

Sovereignty in treatment

Tuba City Regional Health Cares RV-size mobile medical clinic is parked on a small, vacant lot on the border of the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe it surrounds. It provides COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna boosters to adults and now shots for children as young as 5.

The clinic, which began operations in mid-2013 and services the communities around Tuba City, primarily provides such medical services as physicals, non-COVID-19 vaccines, some lab testing and pharmacy medications, and even physical exams for commercial drivers license candidates. Since regular health care operations at the hospital resumed in July, the clinic on average sees about 20 patients a day.

Tsehootsooi Medical Center in Fort Defiance also has a mobile medical unit that provides similar services to communities that lack transportation.

Shortly after the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines late last year, Tuba City Regional Health Care, along with other Indian Health Services hospitals across the Navajo Nation, conducted mass vaccine blitzes where hundreds of people, including entire families, were vaccinated.

As a result of such efforts, 59% of those living on the reservation have been fully vaccinated, the Navajo Department of Health reports. As of Dec. 13, 54% of Arizonans were fully vaccinated, according to the state Department of Health Services, as was 60.9% of the U.S. population overall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Advertisements and social media played a critical role in informing the Navajo Nation about vaccination events.

Clarissa Begay, referral coordinator and quality specialist for Tuba City Regional Health Care, said word got out through a combination of social media posts, school flyers, text-message blasts and regular postings about vaccination events at chapter houses, convenience stores and schools on the vast reservation.

Across the Navajo Nation, such additional measures as curfews and lockdowns, mask mandates, limits on occupancy in businesses and physical distancing were enforced to limit potential spread of the coronavirus. Except for curfews and lockdowns, most of those measures remain in effect and are adjusted according to the number of positive cases, as outlined in the Navajo Reopening plan.

The continuance of such measures is a stark contrast to the rest of Arizonas mitigation efforts, which have largely reverted to pre-pandemic conditions.

These efforts were possible because the Navajo Nation is sovereign. Although the tribe receives health care through the federal Indian Health Services, health care agencies on the reservation can contract with IHS or be wholly responsible for their own care under the Indian Self-Determination Education Assistance Act.

Tuba City Health Care, Tsehootsooi Medical Center and several others are 638 facilities that have full control of their operations and health care.

Begay said this independence also provides financial independence, where grants and third-party insurance can be utilized. Such funds helped make possible the mobile health units at Tuba City and Fort Defiance.

The Navajo Nation has adhered to and followed the recommended guidelines suggested by the CDC and Food and Drug Administration as it pertains to COVID-19 and its mitigation and vaccine rollouts throughout the pandemic.

Weathered but hopeful

Nez, Jackson and Baca still display the optimism that got them through the past year and a half  despite the challenges and losses that nearly every Navajo experienced.

Bacas involvement with supply distribution and other community outreach efforts changed his perception of those who were infected. Once he saw their faces and heard their voices, his concern for them outweighed his fear of exposure to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

It was easy to transition into being more empathetic toward them, Baca said. We gave them a little bit of company  especially the elders, they missed that. The ones who were sick, too, I could see why they felt alienated and whatnot.

Nez encouraged others to get vaccinated and get informed if theyre unsure.

If theres a way we can make an impact with getting our vaccine, and that its free, then why not? Nez said. We have so many elders and young children. Its a good thing. Were going to learn more about it, and the studies and statistics are going to show whether its making an impact or not, and, if its not, Im sure theyre going to fix it.

Two of Jacksons sisters are nurses, and through their experiences she saw the importance of being vaccinated.

I can keep my family safe, because of COVID weve not been able to gather, as well as keeping my grandma safe, Jackson said. (Were) making sure shes taken care of and that we dont spread it to her because grandparents are very important in Native culture.

The turquoise signs on U.S. 89 serve as a reminder of Indigenous sovereignty, strength and resilience but most importantly, hope. Hope that arrived in the form of vaccines.

This is what we had been waiting for, it was a sign of hope, that dim light at the end of the tunnel, Baca said, adding that the pandemic helped us grow in another way, weve become more self-aware, we have a different meaning of what family really is now.

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China donates 500k COVID-19 jabs

BANGKOK: The Chinese government has donated more than 500,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, which arrived in Thailand yesterday (Jan 8).

ChineseCoronavirusCOVID-19healthVaccine

By The Phuket News

Sunday 9 January 2022, 10:35AM

The vaccine arrive in Bangkok. Photo: Chinese Embassy Bangkok Facebook.

The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok said on its Facebook page that the vaccines had arrived in Bangkok and would be delivered to the Thai government.

It did not state whether the vaccine donated was Sinovac or Sinopharm.

China and Thailand have been helping each other in the fight against COVID-19, read the post on the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok Facebook page.

At present, China has delivered a total of 50.85 million doses of the vaccine to Thailand, donating 3.35 million doses to fully support Thailand in building its immunity against COVID-19 virus.

This New Year, China is willing to cooperate with the Thai side in promoting concrete cooperation both in public health and other aspects to push the China-Thai round strategic partnership to develop to new success.

Chinese vaccines were initially the ones favoured by the Thai government, specifically Sinovac, although in recent months the rollout strategy has changed as the likes of AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer have been preferred.

Chinese vaccines have been widely criticised as being too ineffective against the virus. The Chinese embassy in Thailand said in September last year that critics of the Sinovac vaccine are undermining Beijings good intentions of helping Thailand fight the outbreak.

Every dose of the COVID-19 vaccine which China has supplied to Thailand represents the friendship and sincerity which the Chinese government extends to the government and Thais in general, the Facebook post added.
Opening of new sandbox provinces confirmed

KOH SAMUI: The three southern provinces of Surat Thani, Krabi and Phangnga will start accepting people flying in from abroad under the sandbox formula on Tuesday (Jan 11).

CoronavirusCOVID-19tourism

By Bangkok Post

Sunday 9 January 2022, 03:58PM

There are no overseas tourists to be seen on Koh Samui in Surat Thani on July 1, 2021. The government hopes the Surat Thani sandbox will bring them back. Photo: Dave Kendall / Bangkok Post / file

The date was confirmed in the announcement of the Royal Gazette published yesterday (Jan 8), reports the Bangkok Post.

It said travellers can enter Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani and the entire provinces of Krabi and Phangnga from Tuesday onwards.

Visitors have to follow the same protocol as the sandbox in Phuket, which requires one RT-PCR test upon their arrival at registered hotels and another five or six days later.

The Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration on Friday added the three provinces to the sandbox model to keep the ailing tourism sector afloat after it put the quarantine-free programme, Test & Go, on ice for the forseeable future.

The final day for travellers with previously confirmed certificates to enter the country under the Test & Go scheme will be next Saturday.

Thailand has logged 1,855 imported cases so far this month, 1,166 of them through Test & Go and 538 through the sandbox in Phuket, according to CCSA figures to yesterday. They included both Thai and foreign nationals.

New infections imported through Test & Go dropped from 230 on Friday to 181 yesterday, but the Phuket sandbox saw an uptrend of 92 to 153 during the same period.

Travellers starting their trips in the United States led imported infections since the beginning of the year with 31 cases, one more than Russia.

Tourism operators in Bangkok and Pattaya have cried foul after they were left out of the list of sandbox destinations, but the tourism promotion association of Koh Samui said yesterday operators were looking forward to foreign arrivals when the airport gates open on Tuesday.
Phuket Opinion: What are they doing?

PHUKET: The mess created by officials in handling the inevitable skyrocketing of COVID infections this week as Omicron began in earnest its sweep across the island had observers, and those caught up in the mess, all asking the one, same question: What are they doing?

opinionCOVID-19tourism

By The Phuket News

Sunday 9 January 2022, 10:00AM

Possibly the photo of the week: PPHO Chief Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon wrings his hands while talking to the press about the COVID situation in Phuket on Tuesday (Jan 4). Photo: PR Phuket

If you are going force tourists to stay in their hotel rooms, you have to tell them first. The tourists are trying to do the right thing by reporting themselves for medical treatment as soon as they learn they are COVID-positive not just as a nicety, but as a condition of entry to the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked them to legally attest to this in their Thailand Pass application before the tourist came.

You also have to tell the SHA+ managers at the hotels where the guests are staying that this is the new policy BEFORE it becomes an issue. That would help a lot.

Worse, if hospitals are going to refuse to even recognise foreigners presenting themselves after learning they have tested positive for COVID, you have to tell the tourists to not bother.

That particular issue crossed many lines this week, as foreigners who were actually suffering increasingly serious symptoms were refused treatment while the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) daily report itself was telling the public that of all the hospital beds in Phuket dedicated to COVID-19 patients, only 64% were full.

One observer noted that he was recommending that foreigners experiencing serious symptoms to just call an ambulance. That sorts out the dilemma for the hospital staff bamboozled by the conflicting orders to treat people with COVID symptoms, and to refuse them if they think the case is not serious enough.

In all this, somehow the Thai public health system in Phuket has forgotten that patients with serious enough symptoms may be admitted as inpatients, and that lighter cases may be treated as outpatients. How simple is that?

For local Thai residents, all this was already covered by the Aunjai Clinic set up at the Auditorium of the new Provincial Hall. Somehow, when it came to what to do with foreign tourists testing positive, all of this came as a surprise.

There are no words to describe how this may have been possible, or that measures were unable to be put in place in time, especially when the Minister of Public Health is also a Deputy Prime Minister sitting on the executive committee of the Center of COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA)  while the country remains under an emergency decree specifically to cope with implementing such measures. If that is not enough clout to get things done it is a very scary notion to consider what would be required.

Kudos to Vice Governor Pichet Panapong this week for pointing out the critical issues assailing foreign tourists this week, and the fact that Phuket officials have no authority to enact on any of them as Bangkok requires to gift its permission first due to the level of inter-governmental department coordination required. Now we know clearly just much Phuket policy is being dictated from there. Why Bangkok officials do not just announce the policies from there is anyones guess.

Aside from the stunning revelation that Phuket officials are not even allowed to set up a 24-hour call centre specifically to handle questions from foreigners about the current situation, the lack of testing facilities to cope with the sheer number of RT-PCR tests now required beggars belief.

Isnt having tourists return to Phuket in numbers what they wanted? Didnt they know that many of these tourists will need another test before heading home to prove they tested negative with 72 hours of boarding their homebound flight as condition of returning to their home country? How this could have been an oversight can only leave one dumbstruck.

Another critical issue also publicly recognised by V/Gov Pichet are the foreigners being forced to move to some form of hotel isolation quarantine for being identified as high-risk contacts. The mandatory COVID insurance doesnt cover this, and the government has been well aware of this issue since mid-last year  yet nothing was done, and here we are in 2022 finally recognising it.

If tourism officials are looking for solid reasons for the recent plunge in tourism arrivals, instead of blaming it on the COVID situation in the tourists home countries, they might want to take a very good look at the slew of disincentives of the risk of being caught up in Thai bureaucracy when all the tourists want is a holiday.
ALTON  The national symbol was front and center on Saturday as the annual Eagle Fest officially kicked off the Riverbend eagle watching season.

This years event was expanded to include additional activities in downtown Alton, eagle viewing hikes at the Audubon Center at Riverlands, and the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton also held concurrent eagle activities for the first time.

But the star of the show was Liberty, the 33-year-old celebrity bald eagle who has been featured in the Rose Bowl Parade, the David Letterman Show and other venues, showcasing his six-foot wingspan and, for an eagle, a sunny disposition.

A lot of it has to do with his attitude, said Jennifer Jones of the World Bird Sanctuary, where Liberty resides. He has a little more of a laid-back disposition and not so much of an 'eagle attitude' compared to some of our eagles that we work with.

Eagle Fest visitors could see Liberty up close in the Alton Visitor Center. He's older than the typical bald eagle, whose typical life span is 20 to 25 years, but when you see him up close, the old eagle is still majestic.

They are a great symbol of the United States, Jones said. The power, the freedom, just watching them soar around.

Lucy Halliday of Alton agreed that when you see them flying I've always felt that was a symbol of freedom.

Halliday's 4-year-old granddaughter, Carson, liked Liberty for other reasons.

I like his beak and when he flapped his wings, Carson said. And it's bigger than I thought it would be.

Outside of the Visitor Center, 8-year-old Joseph Schwank of Godfrey was enjoying s'mores over the open kettle fires set out for the event. He is also an eagle fan.

I like their bald heads, Schwank said. Plus they were endangered and we helped them come back.

And as Schwank pulled a gooey s'more from his stick and prepared to consume it, we asked what makes the traditional campfire treat so enticing.

Sugar! proclaimed Schwank.

Eagle Fest visitors crowded around the ice carving demonstrations, a perennial favorite event activity, and watched ice artisans create frozen masterpieces from 300-pound blocks of ice.

Right now the weather is perfect, we can take our time, said David Van Camp, the owner of Ice Visions from Kirkwood, Missouri. If it's warmer you have to work much faster.

Van Camp learned ice carving during restaurant management training in college, carved ice while working as a chef, and has crafted some truly unique sculptures.

During the world competition in Japan, I was part of two-man team that made a huge jack-in-the-box with elves, Van Camp said. It was 12 feet tall and made from 30 blocks, and we had just two days to make it.

The Eagle Fest comes at the right time for the Riverbend, according to Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau President and CEO Cory Jobe.

This is our shoulder season, so the eagles really help us to attract visitors from around the Midwest to spend some time here, Jobe said. It also helps our small businesses, it puts people through the front doors during a usually quiet time.

Jobe is optimistic that events like the Eagle Fest will help make a great tourism season for the Riverbend area.

We are in the third year of the pandemic and I think people are ready to get moving, Jobe said. We had a great year in 2021 and we expect even better from 2022 as more people discover the region.
If it's true that the first step in solving a problem is acknowledging its existence, California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon is doing so by recognizing the state's lackluster record of meaningful climate action.

While attending the United Nations climate conference in Scotland in November, Rendon told CalMatters, "I don't at all feel that we are leading the world anymore," contradicting Gov. Gavin Newsom's rosy portrait of the state's achievements. Noting California's outdated emissions goals, overreliance on cars and freeways, and lethal shortcomings in dealing with weather extremes, Rendon acknowledged the leadership void that California once filled.

California Democrats celebrated a $15 billion investment in making the state more resilient against climate-fueled emergencies last year, but they mislabeled the fire and drought protections as climate action. The environmental plan lacked measures to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move away from fossil fuels, essential steps to avert climate catastrophe. A $735 million budget package to speed progress on the state's clean energy goals and advance new technologies was shelved for further consideration in the new year.

The Legislature's recent unseriousness about climate change must stop. Bogging down proposals in opaque committees, accepting fossil fuel industry contributions and letting trade groups dictate false narratives about job losses may be business as usual in Sacramento, but on this issue, it also amounts to a form of denialism. It puts California on a path toward squandering our last chance to stem the repercussions of climate change by the end of the decade.

The sobering truth is that California is nowhere close to meeting even its most basic climate goals. To fulfill a 2030 mandate and cut emissions to 40% below 1990 levels, the state would need to maintain annual reductions of more than 4%, according to a new report by the nonpartisan think tank Next 10. That is 2 1/2 times greater than our best year over the last decade.

Both houses of the state Legislature are reportedly developing major bills on the climate front, which is encouraging, but it remains to be seen whether they will be equal to the emergency and responsibility at hand  let alone pass. These bills have to be handled differently if state leaders want the public to believe they can deliver.

The most important change is in committee makeup, especially in the state Senate. Oil and labor dollars have purchased incredible sway in the energy and natural resources committees, contributing to Republican opposition and Democrat indifference. With Sen. Henry Stern running for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins can demonstrate climate leadership with her appointment of a new natural resources committee chair. If Sen. Ben Hueso is going to stick to the same broken formula for the energy committee, Atkins should replace him, too.

California's governor, who is up for reelection after fending off a recall attempt, also has a major role to play in shaping climate policy this year. Newsom has taken executive action to phase out oil extraction, expedite clean energy projects and shift the auto industry to electric vehicles by the next decade. But calculated strikes are not enough. California needs a clear and comprehensive strategy to eradicate carbon pollution in all forms and flood the market with clean energy. Next year's expected budget surplus is a chance to fund a faster transition.

With the federal government fractured by partisanship, California can use its innovative prowess and economic might to be a desperately needed world leader on climate change. Carbon emissions can be eliminated without sacrificing industry or labor; the power grid can be converted to clean energy without relying on nonrenewable sources; and communities can adapt without forgoing equity.

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State Sen. Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for governor from Clay County, thinks Gov. J.B. Pritzkers rhetoric is abhorrent and has no place in any civil discussion.

Pritzkers sin? He urged Illinoisans who are unvaccinated to get the COVID-19 vaccine so that they dont take up a hospital bed that could be used by a cancer or heart attack patient.

The role of government is not to coerce and control residents, but to educate them and provide them with resources to make the best decisions for themselves and their families, Bailey charged.

Which is exactly what Pritzker, health care professionals and even other Republican governors are doing.

Colleen Kannady, the CEO of Carle Health hospitals in Normal and Eureka, recently pleaded with unvaccinated central Illinoisans to get their shots for the sake of fatigued hospital workers.

Staff are tired, and I think thats our plea, and truly I would say its a plea at this point, is to really really really ask everybody out there to get vaccinated, Kannaday said.

Dr. James Leonard, the CEO of Carle Health, said months ago that the COVID-19 vaccines could be game changers  if people took advantage of them.

We got a miracle answer in less than a year, and some people refuse to accept it, said Leonard.

Dr. Susan Bleasdale, chief quality officer for University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System in Chicago, virtually copied Pritzkers remarks.

With Omicron cases doubling every two to three days, our health systems are likely at risk of becoming rapidly overwhelmed, Bleasdale said. Our biggest concern is we will not have the beds or the staff to care for our patients should the number of COVID-19 cases continue to increase.

The Republican governors of Iowa and Nebraska urged their citizens to get vaccinated.

Everybody who has not been vaccinated yet can help out by getting vaccinated, Nebraska Gov. Peter Ricketts said at a news conference. The best defense we have against the virus is making sure we get the vaccine.

And Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently provided video evidence of her and her husband getting their booster shots.

We cant control COVID, but we can control how we respond to it. We now have the information and tools we need to manage it, and its up to each of us to choose how best to do that, Reynolds told Iowans, asserting that the vaccine prevents infections in most people and protects others from serious illness.

Its bizarre to think that more than a year after the life-saving COVID-19 vaccines were approved for emergency use that high-profile politicians still dispute their efficacy and use. But thats a personal and political issue for Darren Bailey, who has refused to say whether he is vaccinated.

Its worth noting, however, that 70% of Illinoisans 18 and older  thats the voting age population  are fully vaccinated, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. And 85% of those 65 and older  traditionally those most likely to vote  are fully vaccinated.

Darren Bailey is swimming upstream against public opinion, without a life vest.
SPRINGFIELD  New rules filed by the Illinois Department of Labor on Friday adopt federal vaccine and testing mandates on employers of more than 100 employees.

The state agencys website said the final rules are not open to appeal or challenge and adopt the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard.

According to the IDOL website, the rules are effective immediately, but give employers under the jurisdiction of Illinois OSHA until Jan. 24 to begin to come into compliance with the requirements of the Emergency Temporary Standard by developing a workplace policy regarding vaccination and testing in accordance with the ETS.

The next Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules meeting, where such emergency rule-making is overseen, is Tuesday.

The rules say by Feb. 24, employers must establish a policy on vaccination, determine the status of each employee with proof, and maintain records. Employers must also provide support for employee vaccination.

Ensure employees who are not fully vaccinated are tested for COVID-19 at least weekly (if in the workplace at least once a week) or within seven days before returning to work (if away from the workplace for a week or longer), the rules said. Employers also must require employees who test positive for COVID to disclose the diagnosis and must remove the employee from the workplace; employers also must require face coverings of those not fully vaccinated.

A challenge to the federal OHSA vaccine mandates for employers of more than 100 employees was heard Friday in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Arguments from attorneys challenging the mandate included executive branch overreach, the expected economic peril on employers having to comply with testing mandates, to employees quitting or being terminated, sending ripples across the economy.

While no one can say for certain what the outcome will be, seven of the judges asked questions that indicated they had serious questions about the constitutionality of the OSHA mandate, said Jenin Younes, an attorney with New Civil Liberties Alliance.

Several of the justices asked questions critical of those challenging the vaccine mandate.

A ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court could happen at any time because of the request for a stay ahead of the enforcement deadline. It remains unclear, though, when the ruling will be handed down.

Also Friday, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued another consecutive emergency proclamation concerning COVID-19. This marks the 22nd month of COVID-19 disaster proclamations.
EDWARDSVILLE  A Madison man has been indicted in the Dec. 7 death of Andre Hutson in Madison.

William A. Jenkins, 44, of Madison, was indicted Jan. 6 on three counts of first-degree murder, all Class M felonies; attempted robbery, a Class 1 felony; and unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 3 felony.

At about 11:48 p.m. Dec. 7, Madison Police received a 911 call about a shooting and male subject down in the 1700 block of Wayne Lanter Avenue. The victim, identified as Hutson, 38, of St. Louis, was pronounced dead at the scene and the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was activated to investigate the incident.

Each murder charge presents a different theory on the killing. According to court documents Jenkins allegedly was attempting to rob Hutson when Jenkins shot him.

Jenkins has a 2013 felony conviction for mob action out of Madison County, making him ineligible to possess weapons or ammunition.

Bail was originally set at $3 million.

Charges against a second man in the death, Larry Lovett, also of Madison, were announced earlier that week.

Charges against Lovett were originally filed Dec. 13 but had been sealed until last week, after Lovett was taken into custody in Missouri.

Other felony indictments issued Jan. 6 by the Madison County grand jury include:

 Christopher M. Viets, 36, of St. Louis, was indicted for aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony; and domestic battery (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was originally presented by the Alton Police Department. On Sept. 10 Viets allegedly strangled a household or family member. He has a 2017 conviction for domestic battery out of Sangamon County.

 Jimmy W. Overturf, 42, of Granite City, was indicted for aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony. The original case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On Dec. 1 Overturf allegedly struck a household or family member in the head with his fist. Bail was originally set at $153,000.

 Kenya S. White, 37, of Alton, was indicted for aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony. The case was originally presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On Dec. 18 White allegedly strangled a household or family member. Bail was originally set at $50,000.

 Richard E. Loker, 40, of East Alton, was indicted for domestic battery (third subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was originally presented by the South Roxana Police Department. On Oct. 10 Loker allegedly repeatedly struck a household or family member about the head and body. He has prior domestic battery convictions out of Madison County in 2009 and 2019. Bail was originally set at $50,000.

 Devin R. Burch, 26, of Belleville, was indicted for aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony. The case was originally presented by the Collinsville Police Department. On Nov. 12 Burch allegedly struck a woman in the face with his hand, breaking her nose. Bail was originally set at $30,000.

 David J. Jung, 39, of Pontoon Beach was indicted for aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony. The case was originally presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On Dec. 22 Jung allegedly struck a sheriffs deputy in the face. Bail was originally set at $50,000.

 Anthony L. Miller, 49, of Detroit, was indicted for aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony. The case was originally presented by the Glen Carbon Police department. On Dec. 24 Miller allegedly shoved a Glen Carbon police officer. Bail was originally set at $45,000.

 Lawrencsha L. Morgan, 22, of Alton, was indicted for aggravated battery on Dec. 27. The case was originally presented by the Alton Police Department. According to court documents, on Dec. 23 Morgan allegedly hit a 14-year-old male juvenile in the arms and legs, causing bruising. Bail was originally set at $60,000.
To the Editor,

The Federation for American Immigration Reform reported that for the first nine months of the Biden presidency, 1.74 million illegal immigrants crossed the U.S. border, a 380 percent increase from the last full year of the Trump administration.

In 2020 the Customs and Border Protection Agency apprehended 14,154 illegal immigrants and issued to them - Notice to Appear for future hearings. In 2021 the Customs and Border Agency issued 285,347 Notice to Appear, a 2000 percent increase in the number of illegal border crossers who were allowed to enter the U.S.. More than 50,000 additional illegal immigrants were simply released without Notice to Appear.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform report ended as follows: Bidens immigration numbers reveal record failures, costs, and risks to Americans. It is estimated that the Biden border crisis will cost American taxpayers $6,6 billion annually!

One of the major issues you see on the TV channels are the airlines flight cancellations. The primary cause is VIRUS related - lack of employees due to illness or Government Mandate for vaccine shots. No sweat for illegal migrants, flying to Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York, in the middle of the night on chartered flights, paid for by American taxpayers. Not aware of any ghost flights to Delaware?

Democrats define the crisis at the border as a means of minimizing a humanitarian crisis. The rest of the world describes it as a means of enhancing the partysborder Voting Bloc!

H.E. Crowson

Godfrey
MADDY BARRETTE, Chariho, Softball, Sophomore; Barrette hit a two-run single in the seventh inning, lifting Chariho past Cumberland. For the week, Barrette was 4 for 8 with three RBIs and a double in three games.

MADDIE STEPSKI, Stonington, Softball, Senior; Stepski hit two home runs in back-to-back games for the Bears. In three games during the week, she was 10 for 13 with four homers, two doubles and 12 RBIs. Stepski is hitting .750 for the season with 22 RBIs and six home runs.

MICHAEL POOLE, Westerly, Baseball, Freshman; Poole struck out 14 Rogers batters to earn his second win of the season. Poole pitched a four-hitter and allowed just one earned run. For the season, Poole has 19 strikeouts in 12 innings with a 1.14 ERA.

SEAN BERGEL, Wheeler, Baseball, Sophomore; Bergel pitched a complete-game two-hitter in a 1-0 win against Putnam. Bergel struck out seven and did not walk a batter. He is 2-1 with a 1.68 ERA this season.

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A few days ago, I shopped at my local Waitrose, leaving at around 5pm. Walking to my car in the parking area, I was approached by a bearded man with gleaming teeth, who said someone had just reversed into my bumper.

He bent down to show me where the driver had hit my car, urging me to look.

There was nothing to see, other than a mark where he had wiped away the dirt. He said I was lucky the other vehicle hadn't done any damage, and after a quick chat, a young woman appeared, and they were off.

Back home, an hour or so later, a flurry of texts from Barclays asked me to confirm purchases on my card. They were not mine. I went to get my card from my wallet to ring the Barclays helpline.

Under lock and key: Until recently, most fraud losses came from stolen payment cards - but lockdowns have stopped criminals getting the cards

But all my cards  debit, credit and business  had vanished.

Soon more texts came from Barclaycard, asking if I was having PIN problems taking money from an ATM?

Something clicked. The man who stopped me must have been a conman. Whilst he distracted me, the woman had taken my wallet. Like a magician, she unzipped it, took the cards, and returned it to my handbag. What a fool I felt.

The bank called, asking me to confirm more transactions; one for 999.00 at a local shop, four transactions at the local Tesco ATM for 250.00 each  timed at 5.12pm  and several small Barclaycard purchases at Sainsbury's in a nearby town. None were mine so Barclays blocked my cards.

What brilliant detective work by the bank. Not only did they stop these purchases, but overnight the 1,000 taken from the ATM was refunded. Other repayments are due.

Most banks use a cocktail of solutions to catch out criminals but the pandemic has seen fraud soar and change. In the first half of 2021, 754m was stolen through fraud but the security systems I saw stopped another 736m disappearing. Until recently, most fraud losses came from stolen payment cards. But lockdowns have stopped criminals getting the cards.

The focus has shifted to what's called authorised push payment fraud, where the customer is tricked into sanctioning a payment to a criminal's account.

Cracking whether a real-time transaction is genuine or not is tricky. It's a problem that has been addressed by Featurespace, the company which created what's known as adaptive behavioural analytics.

This alerts within seconds if a customer's behaviour doesn't fit patterns: it's how Barclays knew it wasn't me at the Tesco ATM. Featurespace was born out of the engineering department of Cambridge University. It is based on the work of the late Professor Bill Fitzgerald, and co-founder Dr David Excell, who were approached by Betfair to stamp out fraud in its real-time betting operations.

The result was Adaptive Real-Time Individual Change (ARICs), a behavioural analytics engine aimed at flagging up anomalies as they occur. This was in 2008, when betting companies were the only ones dealing with real-time money flows.

Now most UK financial institutions have caught up. They too deal with real-time money transfers and use the machine-learning processes developed by Featurespace. It is a private company, though one of its biggest investors is listed firm IP Group, which supports university spin-outs.

There are many lessons from my being robbed. Most obviously, to ignore anyone telling you your bumper has been dented, but also to have faith in the brilliance of British innovation and, for once, to praise the banks for doing so much to track down the criminals. Credit where it's due.
HSBC is under fire for holding millions of shares in a Chinese firm linked to atrocities against Uighur Muslims.

The London-headquartered bank, which makes most of its money in Asia, bought 2.2m of shares in chemicals and plastics company Xinjiang Tianye on behalf of an anonymous client.

Xinjiang Tianye is a subsidiary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), a sprawling economic and paramilitary group owned by the Chinese state which is subject to US sanctions.

Anger: HSBC bought 2.2m of shares in chemicals and plastics company Xinjiang Tianye on behalf of an anonymous client

The XPCC has played a key role in overseeing the detention and forced labour of thousands of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities.

HSBC said it had complied with all relevant laws and restrictions.

But former Tory Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told The Sunday Times: 'HSBC seem to have thrown their lot in with the despotic Chinese government.'

The bank has also been criticised for failing to stand up for democracy in Hong Kong.
Two of Britain's biggest accountancy firms are set to be hauled over the coals over accusations of failures in their audit practices.

KPMG and PwC may have to make hefty payouts if the cases do not go their way.

The KPMG complaint starts today at a disciplinary tribunal which is expected to take up to five weeks.

Accusations: KPMG and PwC may have to make hefty payouts if the cases do not go their way

The firm is facing allegations from accounting watchdog the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) that it gave false or misleading information about its audits of doomed outsourcer Carillion.

The case against PwC is set for May. PwC is being sued for 25m in the Guernsey Royal Court by the administrators of the Providence Investment Fund.

PwC was Providence's auditor when the investment firm collapsed in 2016, owing investors more than 40m. Providence claimed to invest in complex Brazilian debt financing  but instead, 97 per cent of investors' money financed the wider group, according to papers filed by administrators Teneo.

Guernsey-based Providence was, in fact, running a 'fraudulent Ponzi scheme', Teneo has alleged, and PwC was 'negligent' when it signed off the firm's accounts.

Antonio Buzaneli, a Florida businessman who founded Providence, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in the US after being charged with investment fraud at the parent company.

The British lawsuit, which points the finger at PwC, will cause ripples across the industry. It is the first case of auditor negligence to be heard in the Guernsey courts. One source close to the case said: 'Many feel the whole of the Guernsey financial services industry will be in the dock.'

Any money reclaimed by Teneo would be used to help pay off Providence's debts.

Originally Teneo's claim concerned one Providence fund, but it has been rolled together with another claim centred on the firm's investment management arm, which was also audited by PwC and ran several other funds.

Teneo claims that PwC's negligence also caused losses to investors in those other funds.

PwC could be on the hook for 21m of damages, plus costs. It said: 'We believe this claim is misconceived.' KPMG is likely to be slapped with a heavy penalty by the FRC.

KPMG has previously pointed out that it self-reported the alleged wrongdoing by its employees.
Thomasville, GA (31792)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds light and variable.
Princeton, KY (42445)

Today

Showers and a few thunderstorms likely. Low 61F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Showers and a few thunderstorms likely. Low 61F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West. This story also contains an excerpt from The Grizzly in the Driveway: The Return of Bears to a Crowded American West by Robert Chaney, author and long-time reporter for the Missoulian.

The roomful of biologists had lots of funny ideas why Ethyl the grizzly bear logged 2,800 miles arcing from Coeur dAlene past Florence and Missoula and eventually up to Eureka by way of Glacier National Park.

Was she was looking for someone she couldnt find? Maybe she ate a bad chicken and took a long time to walk off the indigestion. She had Alzheimers and couldnt trace her way back to her home range northeast of Bigforkone place she noticeably skipped in her three-year ramble across Montana and Idaho.

The one thing we can say is this was not representative of normal bear movement, and certainly not female grizzly bear movement, said US Fish and Wildlife Service grizzly bear recovery coordinator Chris Servheen in 2014. She had some really bizarre travels.

Heres one more thing we can say about Ethyl. The twenty-year-old sow demonstrated that grizzly bears can cross interstate highways, major city boundaries, municipal landfills, and residential backyards without getting in trouble with humans. She added hope that the big omnivores can coexist with people as their populations pooch out of their wilderness core habitat.

Ethyl spent most of her life around Montanas Lake Blaine, between the tourist town of Bigfork and the Swan Mountains. After game wardens captured her while raiding an apple orchard, she was relocated to the Wounded Buck Creek drainage along Hungry Horse Reservoir.

She returned with a two-year-old cub in tow and got busted again in the apples in 2012. This time, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear specialist Rick Mace gave her a satellite-linked radio collar before hauling her and her cub to the more remote Puzzle Creek drainage, hard against the Continental Divide south of Marias Pass.

And then Ethyl took off.

She prowled around the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex for a while, including a few peeks at the eastern Rocky Mountain Front between Lincoln and Augusta. Then she drifted down to the Mission Mountains and the Jocko Lakes area. Passing Arlee, she cleared Highway 93 and headed for the northern fringe of the Bitterroot Mountains.

That meant hopping the Interstate 90 corridor, the biggest single barrier to reunification of the two biggest grizzly ecosystems remaining in the Lower 48 states. Ethyl braved the four-lane freeway and headed west into Idaho.

She may have crossed I-90 several times as she explored the mountains around Kellogg and Wallace until she reached the city limits of Coeur dAlene. A December 15 Kellogg newspaper article printed an Ethyl sighting about ten miles from the high school. She made a den somewhere in the Idaho Panhandle and hibernated through the 201213 winter.

If the story ended here, Ethyl would still warrant a chapter to herself in the bear biology books. Grizzly home ranges average seventy square miles for females and from two hundred to four hundred miles for males. Sow grizzlies rarely travel more than eight and a half miles into new country each year. One of Ethyls fellow grizzly moms in the Mission Mountains alongside the Flathead Indian Reservation had a home range of three square miles, from mountainside den site down to a boggy basin where she foraged all summer.

Ethyls collar went dormant to conserve battery power on November 25, 2012. It revived the following March, showing her moving back east along Interstate 90. She cruised past Superior, Montana, then straight up and over several steep drainages between I-90 and US Highway 12. She reached the southern fringe of Missoula on May 13. In a short day, she zipped through the Blue Mountain Recreation Area and then south a dozen miles to Lolo. She probed the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains as far south as Florence.

On May 20, she goes basically right through downtown Lolo and we didnt have any sightings, Servheen said. She was minding her own business, walking around trying to figure out where she is.

Ten days later, she shot back into Idaho as far as Coeur dAlene, as if she remembered shed left something back at the den. Then she turned around, and safely crossed Interstate 90 again to return to Missoula. She went right past the citys landfill but only sniffed the garbage. She cruised some apple orchards in the meadows east of Evaro Hill. That fall, elk hunters spotted her eating the gut piles they left behind. Each night that fall, shed pad four miles back to the Rattlesnake Wilderness north of Missoula to sleep.

Then she barged north up the Bob Marshall again, bypassing her Lake Blaine denning site, and headed for Glacier Park. After some time there, Ethyl moved west toward Eureka on the western edge of the NCDE. She lost her collar on October 17, 2014.

Thats a total distance of two thousand eight hundred miles, Servheen said. The only place she didnt go in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem was the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

Ethyls ramble capsulizes the problem grizzlies present to those who want to recover them. They wontcantstay still.

Lets start with food. While technically carnivores, grizzly bears come as close to vegetarian as anything with fangs. In some places, grizzlies subsist on almost 90 percent plant matter, supplemented by bugs and the occasional carrion buffet. Those five-inch claws and shoulder humps of muscle get a lot more use digging up roots and ant hills than dismembering elk.

To meet that need, grizzlies have learned to follow a green wave of plant regeneration through the growing season. As soon as they arise from their dens, they look for two things: a shot of protein from some winterkilled fellow mammal and a meadow full of new clover. They often find both in the runout zones of avalanche chutes.

As spring days lengthen, the bears start digging up the carbohydrate-loaded bases of plants like biscuit root, yampa, glacier lily, and wild onion. This serves until the plants reach flowering stage, whereupon the nutritional value of the roots fades. Bears move up and down in altitude, following the retreat of winter snowpack and the aspects of changing sunshine to fresh growth.

When summer sets in, bears look for berries and other fruit. Where possible, they sniff out middens of whitebark pine seeds buried by industrious but forgetful squirrels. In some remarkable spots in the Mission Mountains and the Beartooth Plateau, they climb near the summits of ten-thousand-foot mountain peaks to find the breeding sites of army cutworm moths and ladybugs. They shred rotten logs to dig out ant colonies, and yes, they do raid beehives for honey.

The claws and teeth do get put to more presumptive uses. In May and June, Yellowstone bears zigzag through meadow edges hoping to scare up elk calves (which are born virtually scentless, so bears hunt for them by sight). A rare bear may hunt and kill a bison, elk, or deer. More often, that offensive weaponry goes to chasing off wolves that have already brought down a big meal with their more effective pack-hunting methods. The reintroduction of wolves in the mid-1990s had a marked benefit on bear populations in Yellowstone Park.

Nevertheless, theres no one-stop shopping. Whats the nutritional value of fighting for a berry patch before the berries have ripened? Male grizzlies in particular do not share, and will attack virtually anything that impinges on their meal of the moment. But theyre moving through that habitat like we cruise the farmers market, picking up fast-sprouting lettuce at one stall in April and ignoring another until the good tomatoes appear in August.

When she dropped her satellite-connected Argos collar in 2014, Ethyl disappeared from active research. However, the lopsided W she traced across the maps of Montana and Idaho continues to tantalize her human overseers.

If shed gone twenty miles farther west of Eureka, Ethyl would have tagged three recovery ecosystems. And if she settled in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem, fireworks would have gone off in Fish and Wildlife Service headquarters.

Forty years previous, that office braced for more of an implosion. As Dick Knight, the original leader of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team put it, Every grizzly bear carries our society inside him like a bomb, a ticking bomb, already well advanced toward blowing him off the face of the earth, and continuing relentlessly to tick toward ignition unless we intervene to disarm it.

Before Knight took the job in 1973, perhaps six hundred grizzlies remained alive south of the Canadian border. The 1975 ESA designation listed all grizzlies in the Lower 48 statesa single population destined to subdivide into a legal quagmire.

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Giving our children the knowledge of who we are, our life experiences, our triumphs, our failures, our family history and our personal philosophy is a gift.
When patients are vaccinated, the symptoms in general are much milder and more consistent with a typical cold.
Robert Gipe, a Kingsport native known for the whimsical illustrations for his novels, will speak Jan. 30 as part of Sunday with Friends in Abingdon.
ALBANY  In 1950, eight years before Gov. Kathy Hochul was born, Buffalo was America's 15th largest city. Nearly 600,000 people lived there.

But by then, Hochul's hometown had already begun a decline that accelerated in the 1970s and 1980s, when the population of Buffalo and even some of its suburbs plummeted. Though its population edged upward in the last census, Buffalo is now the country's 76th biggest city, its population more than halved from its peak.

It would be impossible to be from Buffalo and not understand something about the consequences of population loss  the eerie quiet of decaying neighborhoods, the pain of grandparents divided from grandchildren by distance, the sadness of seeing friends and neighbors move away. Any politician from the city would know that population drops are a sign something is wrong.

Perhaps that's why Hochul said this during her State of the State on Wednesday:

"As we embark on this new era for our state, we need to take a hard look in the mirror and deal with a harsh reality. Nearly 300,000 New Yorkers left our state last year. That is the steepest population drop of any state in the nation."

Hochul, a Democrat, was referring to a newly released census estimate reporting that the state's population fell 319,020 in the 12 months before last July 1, a 1.6 percent fall believed to be the biggest single-year decrease in the state's history.

It's a startling decline that should alarm the state's political leaders. And yet it was surprising to hear Hochul mention it.

Population drops, after all, have long been the norm in much of upstate New York, as the statistics from western New York make clear. But it is rare for anyone with power to acknowledge the problem.

The previous occupant of Hochul's office  you may remember him  only talked about population declines when pressed by reporters, and then he pointed blame at the weather or the supposed desire to go fishing in January. (For what it's worth, ice fishing can be a blast.)

Well, you can understand why politicians would prefer to ignore population outflows. While population trends are certainly tied to national and even global factors, the departure of large numbers of people signifies failure. It often shows that a place has become too expensive, too dangerous, too stagnant. It suggests politicians are doing something wrong.

Hochul, in office for just four months, has an advantage in that regard. The population drop reported by the census happened on the prior guy's watch, not hers.

But I also suspect that Hochul's upstate roots, a rarity among statewide elected officials, has something to do with her willingness to acknowledge the problem.

When you're from Queens or Westchester County, you have no reason to doubt that neighbors who flee to Florida, South Carolina or even New Jersey will be replaced by dreamers from distant countries or, say, Iowa. When you're from Buffalo or Binghamton or Utica, you know a different reality.

You know the departures come with terrible costs and real heartache. You know population loss shouldn't be ignored.

And Hochul, to her credit, didn't ignore it.

"To those who temporarily left during the pandemic," she said, "or are trying to decide their next steps during these uncertain times, I have one message: You do not want to miss what is about to happen next. Right now, in real time, we are building a New York worthy of your talents and ambitions."

Let's hope that's so. But will Hochul really do anything to stem the outflow?

Without saying high taxes are a driver of the trend, the governor did highlight plans for $100 million in tax relief for small businesses, $1.2 billion in tax cuts for the middle class and a $1 billion property tax rebate. Hochul also said New York would become most "business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the union."

New York has a looooong way to travel before anyone considers it business friendly. And we'll see what Hochul's progressive, spend-happy friends in the Legislature have to say about tax cuts or efforts to help those greedy capitalists who own businesses.

Hochul also touted a plan to make tuition assistance available to part-time college students, but I'd urge her to take an additional step and simply eliminate tuition for in-state families. Yes, doing so will cost something, but it would also give families worried about college costs a reason to stick around. Eliminating tuition would give New York a competitive advantage over other states.

It would also acknowledge, as the economist Edward Glaeser noted, that part of the reason Buffalo stagnated while cities such as Boston and Minneapolis flourished is that relatively few of its residents went to college.

"The cities that bounced back did so thanks to smart entrepreneurs, who figured out new ways for their cities to thrive," Glaeser wrote for the magazine City Journal. "The share of the population possessing college degrees in the 1970s is the best predictor of which northeastern and midwestern cities have done well since then."

Buffalo remains a great city, and upstate can be a wonderful place to live. But the region was largely abandoned by state and federal politicians overly focused on New York City and other coastal cities. If they were thriving, everything was OK.

The new governor from Buffalo knows differently. That's a start, at least.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchill
Michael Lang, the longtime Ulster County resident and driving force behind the staging of the 1969 Woodstock festival, who changed the trajectory of rock music and the live music experience while hosting a half million people for the 1960s countercultures milestone moment, died on Saturday, Jan. 8. He was 77.

According to Langs obituary, he died of complications from lymphoma in New York City.

Lang staged the Woodstock music festival with three partners, but since August 1969 had remained the public face of the famous gathering and its enduring ideals of peace, love and music. The festival was staged in Bethel, Sullivan County, but it was planned in the Town of Woodstock, in Ulster County.

Held in the year following the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King, Woodstock unfolded against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement and expanding divisions that continued to fracture the nation on political, generational, economic and racial fault lines. Culturally, the concert landed on the opposite end of the spectrum, away from the violence and uncertainty that defined much of the 1960s.

Woodstock was far from a financial or organizational success: major roads were shut down by concert traffic and festival-goers contended with rain, mud and logistical problems never encountered before, because a concert on the scale of Woodstock had never been held.

But the four-day Woodstock concert was also a moment for the counterculture to assemble and show the nation and worlds political leaders how they wanted to, needed to and would be heard. The counterculture took a stand at Woodstock and the movements crowning achievement unfolded against a soundtrack from top performers of the day, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Richie Havens, Sly & the Family Stone and The Who.

We are greatly saddened at the news of the passing of Michael Lang, one of the original organizers of Woodstock, said Bethel Woods CEO Eric Frances. Michaels role as a visionary behind the festival has left an indelible mark on history. In an interview given to the Museum in 2006, Michael said: Whats important about [Woodstock] is, I think, that it proves that its possible. It proves that there is another way for the world to function and for people to relate to each other; its proof. And thats something to aspire to.

The legacy of the 1969 Woodstock festival is the legacy of Michael Lang.

Woodstock festival launched careers and industry innovations

Woodstock was an opportunity, a moment, a home we had all been waiting for and working toward, Lang wrote in his 2009 best-selling autobiography, The Road to Woodstock, co-authored with Phoenicia resident and SUNY New Paltz Professor Holly George-Warren.

For me, Woodstock was a test of whether people of our generation really believed in one another and the world we were struggling to create, Lang wrote. How would we do when we were in charge? Could we live as the peaceful community we envisioned? Id hoped we could. From the beginning, I believed that if we did our job right and from the heart, prepared the ground and set the right tone, people would reveal their higher selves and create something amazing. Woodstock came to symbolize our solidarity.

RELATED: Notable Hudson Valley deaths in 2022

Woodstock also featured Joan Baez, Country Joe and the Fish, Crosby, Stills and Nash & Young, Carlos Santana, John Sebastian, Ravi Shankar, The Band and Arlo Guthrie, some of whom were early in what would become long and prolific careers.

Langs obituary also detailed Woodstocks enduring impact on music and concert production. With lighting and sound innovations by Chip Monck and Bill Hanley respectively, security, and recording and video technologies ... were born at Woodstock and continue to this day, it reads.

Face of famous gathering also produced Woodstock '99, other tributes

Remi Benali/Getty Images

A Town of Woodstock resident for decades, Lang was an unassuming guy spotted fairly regularly out in the community, dining at Bread Alone Cafe and attending screenings during the Woodstock Film Festival, for which he served as a member of the advisory board.

And though the Town of Woodstock has a long history with the arts that pre-dates the 1969 festival by many, many years, it was the Woodstock Music and Art Fair that has shaped the famous communitys personality, its economy, its lure as a tourism destination, and the businesses that anchor its daily commerce. The Woodstock candle store is called Candlestock and its sign includes the phrase, Peace, Love & Light. There is a cupcake spot called Peace, Love & Cupcakes.

Lang also managed musicians, including Billy Joel and Joe Cocker.

Many remember Lang from the Academy Award-wining documentary about the 1969 Woodstock festival. He appeared throughout the film wearing a vest and riding a BSA motorcycle around the festival grounds  an alfalfa farm in Bethel, New York that is now home to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

But many will also remember him for Woodstock 99, the 30th anniversary Woodstock festival he staged at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, Oneida County, New York.

The final night of that gathering was marred by riots and fires. Lang in his autobiography wrote, During the performances of acts like Limp Bizkit, Korn and Rage Against the Machine, the mosh pit was a scary sight. The audience surfing got pretty aggressive, and we were horrified to later find out that incidents of women being molested had been reported.

State Senate Assistant Minority Leader Joseph Griffo (R-Rome) told the Poughkeepsie Journal in 2019 that Langs plan for Woodstock 99, for the most part, was done very well.

There are always things you could do differently, Griffo, who was mayor of Rome when Woodstock 99 was held, told the Poughkeepsie Journal. The concert went very well. Everything went well until the very end. Things happen. Any criminal activity is unacceptable.

Lang also staged a 25th anniversary Woodstock concert on the Winston Farm property in Saugerties, where he had originally wanted to hold the 1969 festival. Woodstock 94 brought together the Woodstock Nation and the MTV generation and featured show-stopping performances from Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel and Green Day, who were among the dozens of bands to perform.

In true Woodstock style, the communal spirit lived, it rained like hell, Mud People abounded, and Woodstock 94 made money for everyone but us, Lang wrote in his autobiography.

Downtime is the best time Make the most of your Hudson Valley weekend, every week with our newsletter.

Langs obituary acknowledges that the magic of the original Woodstock could not be duplicated, though one concert Lang produced approached the importance of Woodstock 69. Held in Berlin the night after the Berlin Wall fell, it brought people from both West and East Berlin together for the first time in a generation. Lang, along with singer Joe Cocker, helped negotiate with the East German authorities for the right to produce a concert on the east side of the wall.

Plans for a 50th anniversary Woodstock concert in 2019 were announced with great fanfare. But the festival failed to gain traction because of a lack of permits, the changing of venues, and lawsuits and disputes between Lang and his Woodstock 50 team, and the festivals backer, Dentsu Aegis.

Langs desire for a 50th anniversary celebration was a personal disappointment, his obituary notes, adding that in September 2019, the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to peace.

Brooklyn boy settles north in Woodstock

Michael Lang grew up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, according to his book. His father installed heating systems and his mother kept the books for the family business. Lang like millions of American kids grew up listening to rock and roll  Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Bill Haley and the Comets.

Lang was the only one in his family who played an instrument and he joined a rock and roll band, as the drummer, at age 12. He also played drums in his school band but, he wrote, marching and uniforms were not for me.

As a kid, he spent summers attending camp in Sullivan County, where he would stage Woodstock as an adult. During winters, the Lang family would take road trips to Miami and Canada.

In 1962, he enrolled at New York University while still in his senior year of high school. After transfering out to the University of Tampa and then enrolling again at NYU, he finally dropped out of college in 1965, moved to Miami and opened a head shop, which, Lang wrote in his book, became, the hub of the Miami underground. He hosted live music at his shop and expanded that endeavor to promote larger shows with musicians that included Ravi Shankar.

This led Lang, with a partner, to stage the Miami Pop Festival in 1968 with Chuck Berry, the Mothers of Invention with Frank Zappa and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, among other acts. It drew a crowd of 25,000.

A year later, Hendrix would deliver a show-stopping performance to close out the Woodstock festival. His iconic, instrumental performance of the Star-Spangled Banner on solo electric guitar remains, more than 50 years later, a defining moment of the 1960s.

After staging the Miami Pop Festival, Lang wrote in his book, I thought it was time to head to back New York. Ninety miles north of the city, Woodstock had become a magnet for musicians. I remembered its small-town, artsy vibe from when we used to visit there in the fifties. The town had a history of attracting artists and bohemians. My girlfriend Sonya and I decided to check it out for ourselves.

Community reactions to Langs death

Woodstock Film Festival Executive Director Meira Blaustein posted on Facebook about Lang: I loved you so very much.

Hudson Valley Film Commission founder and Woodstock Film Festival co-founder Laurent Rejto said of Lang on Facebook: I will remember Michael Lang as a loving father and a family man, first and foremost. I'll miss his sweetness, kind demeanor and his Peter Pan spirit. He was always so nice to my kids.

Steve Bohn of Ulster Park, the former manager of a Starbucks on Massa Drive in the Town of Ulster, said Lang would come into the cafe several times a month, order a classic espresso drink, take a seat and flip through the New York Times while seeming perfectly fine that nobody recognized him.

Bohn enjoyed having Lang in the cafe, and, if there was an interesting concert coming up in the Hudson Valley, he would mention it to Lang. Bohn recalls Lang thinking that the 2017 Bob Dylan concerts at Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, staged by the Bardavon 1869 Opera House in Poughkeepsie, was a cool idea.

He was always patient and usually conversational, Bohn recalled.
ALBANY - Effective Monday, new rules will start for visitors to the Capitol and Legislative Office Building in Albany.

The Legislative Office Building will be closed until further notice.

Access to the State Capitol will be limited to visitors who are fully vaccinated or visitors who provide proof of a negative COVID test within the past 48 hours.

Proof must be shown along with valid identification before entry. Masks will be required at all times, and there will be limited capacity in the Capitol to align with social distancing best practices.

All visitors will be required to enter the Capitol from the Empire State Plaza concourse level.

Here's more information, according to the Office of General Services:

All visitors will be required to enter the Capitol from the Empire State Plaza concourse level.

Authorized State employees and others with State-issued access cards will continue to access both buildings via all normal entrances, turnstiles, and portals.

State Police will continue to staff all security screening access points, including at the Empire State Plaza concourse, LOB State Street, Capitol State Street, and Capitol Washington Avenue entrances.

Members of the public attending to official business with the Executive Chamber, the Attorney General, the State Legislature, or the Division of the Budget must meet the same criteria as visitors. All visitors and members of the general public must abide by the newly established protocols, and those with scheduled business with tenants are encouraged to call ahead to confirm their appointments.

Guest Authorization Procedure/Protocol

Upon arrival at a security screening access point, visitors must provide valid identification to State Police personnel who will verify an individuals full vaccination status; this applies to all guests ages 5 and older.

The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote.

For more information, see https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

Hospital mandate

Because they have now fallen into in "high-risk regions," Mohawk Valley hospitals are among those that the state Health Department has ordered to end non-essential non-urgent elective surgeries, the state announced Saturday. Those hospitals include Nathan Littauer in Gloversville. St. Mary's Healthcare-Amsterdam Memorial Campus and Cobleskil Regional Hospital.



We will use every available tool to help ensure that hospitals can manage the COVID-19 winter surge," said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett in a statement. She repeated that getting vaccinated and boosted is the best way to protect against serious illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. Vaccination also protects the hospital system, she said.

"We cannot return to the early months of the pandemic when hospitals were overwhelmed," Bassett said.



If the hospitals' occupancies are above 95 percent, they also must stop elective surgeries at hospital-owned ambulatory surgical centers for a minimum of two weeks. The order also affects hospitals in the Finger Lakes and Central New York.

State access limits
Pandemic-fueled spikes in park visitation, campground reservations, trail use and other metrics failed to translate into economic growth for Wyomings outdoor recreation sector in 2020.

In fact, jobs and revenue figures fell in the key economic segment, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, despite reports of high user numbers.

Still, many business and policy leaders see outdoor recreation as crucial to diversifying Wyomings economy  and as a lifeline out of the pandemic-induced slump.

Tourism and outdoor recreation have become major contributors to our revenues. Most of those dollars are paid for by visitors, not our citizens, Gov. Mark Gordon told the Joint Appropriations Committee on Dec. 16 as he proposed earmarking $40 million in federal stimulus funds for outdoor-recreation grants.

Growing the sector may not be straightforward. Issues like workforce and housing shortages continue to challenge the industry, experts say. And if recent controversies are an indication, gaining buy-in for bigger crowds from Wyomings wide-open-spaces-loving residents may prove difficult.

Outdoor recreation added $1.25 billion in value to Wyomings GDP in 2020, according to BEA data released in November. At 3.4%, that ranked Wyoming fourth among the 50 states for the share of its economy driven by outdoor rec.

Both measures were down from 2019 in which $1.69 billion, or 4.2% of the states GDP, was credited to the outdoor recreation sector.

Nationwide, outdoor recreations share of GDP fell more dramatically from 2019 to 2020. Several other indicators, like real gross output and compensation, also declined.

In Wyoming, outdoor recreation employment took a significant hit with a 24% decrease, from 21,344 jobs to 14,187.

The industry was not alone in seeing a slump; 2020 was the worst year for Wyomings economic growth since 1986, according to a recent report by Wyomings chief economist, Dr. Wenlin Liu.

Still, the disappointing economic performance stands in contrast to anecdotal evidence and visitation tracking that depicted sky-high numbers in 2020. Wyomings overall declines were mostly fueled by sectors heavily impacted by pandemic-related restrictions and closures, according to Chris Floyd, manager of Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. Snow activities, particularly at ski resorts, saw a decrease of 37%, or $40 million in economic impact, according to Floyds office.

The ski resorts, thats a big part of our outdoor rec economy, and so the hit [that sector] took overtook a lot of the other gains, Floyd said.

Other activities saw significant growth, he said. They included snowmobiling and ORV riding; permit sales of each jumped more than 15% from 2019 to 2020. Boating, fishing, biking and hiking were all up too, he said. Almost everything else went up, but it was not enough to overtake [the declines], he said.

Another factor that shaped overall economic impact was the nature of visitation, said Wyoming Office of Tourism Executive Director Diane Shober.

There was a lot of day tripping, she said. Theres still economic value in day trippers, but not as much as overnighters.

COVID-19 also forced many enterprises to limit operations  from lodging to restaurant seats to guided tours  she said, so those visitation opportunities shrunk, and jobs sloughed as a result.

High concentrations of visitors in areas like Park and Teton counties, Shober said, probably contributed to the perception of boomtime outdoor tourism. But yet, it doesnt always equate to  a positive economic benchmark.

Comprehensive 2021 numbers arent yet available, but signs point toward continuing growth in outdoor recreation.

Wyomings State Parks and Historic Sites 2021 statistics are on track to match or exceed the record-setting numbers of 2020, the agency announced in December. Through October, state parks and historic sites had seen 5.1 million visits, a 24% increase over the systems five-year average.

Were still way up, Floyd said.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks also saw record-shattering visitation in 2021. GTNP had hosted more than 3.8 million recreation visits by the end of November and surpassed the busiest full year on record in September, while Yellowstone surpassed its previous annual highmark with 4.8 million visits through October.

Huge crowds have prompted national park officials to consider more aggressive visitor management.

Many businesses also reported strong equipment sales continued into 2021.

Last winter was great, last summer was great, said Dave Carter, who owns Cheyenne Bicycle Shop.

Carter estimates that sales spiked 30% in 2020, a huge year in which he said he practically sold every item on the floor. Fortunately he had ordered his inventory pre-season and he had plenty in stock before the pandemic began  so he wasnt as stymied by supply-chain shortages as others, he said.

Business has levelled out a little, he said, but he still expects relatively high demand.

I dont think its going to be like 2020 where everybody was just a feeding frenzy, but I think itll carry on for a little bit, Carter said.

Shober sees significant potential for outdoor recreation in the state.

Theres opportunity everywhere around the state of Wyoming, she said  from raising the profile of destinations like the Killpecker sand dunes to growing activities like winter fat-tire biking to equipping visitors with things like guides, rental bikes and climbing equipment.

Those opportunities could open even wider under Gov. Gordons recent ARPA fund proposals. The governor proposed spending $40 million of the more than $1 billion in federal stimulus dollars for grants to enhance outdoor recreation in Wyoming and to help communities pursue construction of new outdoor recreation products and infrastructure.

The program would make substantially more dollars available to local communities that have been doing planning for how to build trails, parks and other recreational facilities, Gordon said during the Dec. 16 presentation.

The industrys role in the states pandemic recovery, Shober said, is essential.

However, she said, the state will have to work to ensure resources are protected and infrastructure holds up to increased use. Ancillary tasks that could bolster growth, she said, include supporting entrepreneurs and addressing workplace shortage issues that are plaguing employers across the country.

Floyd echoed that recent trends have spelled out a need for the state to respond in other ways, such as expanding facilities in heavily used areas. We need, quite frankly, to expand capacity in some places that can handle it, Floyd said.

The key will be to try to find that balance right between innovative bold projects, but also the kind that can pass muster in the public but can also meet the deadline, he said.

Recent controversies have shown that expanding outdoor recreation isnt always embraced. Planners went back to the drawing board and revised a proposal to build a via ferrata on a cliff in Sinks Canyon State Park after local opposition crested. Wyoming State Parks also withdrew plans for 40 temporary campsites at Buffalo Bill State Park following an abundance of public concerns.

The Via Ferrata shone a bright light on whether or not communities want actual growth, and if so, what kind, said Mike Kusiek, a Lander resident who has been involved in trying to create a Wyoming outdoor recreation trade association. NIMBY [not in my back yard] is real, especially when its affecting you.

Recent pushback, he said, forced him to pause and reconsider how best to strike the balance between public desires and community benefits.

Kusiek said he has found significant beneficial trickle-down effects of outdoor recreation, particularly in a study focused on Fremont County. And yet, he said, community buy-in is crucial for the industry to flourish. Floyd echoed that.

To me, the biggest challenge for outdoor recreation in Wyoming is not simply the funding, Floyd said. I think a lot of it is just getting buy-in from the public and helping them understand that Wyoming is facing a lot of headwinds economically and that there are a lot of challenges ahead, and Wyomings just going to keep changing.

I think our public needs to be involved in this growth as much as possible because a lot of folks, quite frankly, are concerned about increased visitors, visitor use, increased traffic from other states, he continued.

Neither Kusiek nor Floyd see the growth trends reversing.

Weve seen that the floor has been lifted, Floyd said. In other words, theres like a new baseline for recreational use  and it doesnt appear to be reverting much.

WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.

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BETHLEHEM  It was historic all around in the town of Bethehem last week: Councilman David R. DeCancio became the first Latino to be elected to and join the Town Board, as he was sworn in on a bible that is nearly 200 years old.

DeCancios parents are Cuban refugees who arrived in the United States in 1962. He took the oath of office on Jan. 3.

Our heritage makes us who we are today," he said in a statement. "We should honor our histories. I chose to take my Oath of Office on a family Bible that dates back to the early days of our great town.

The bible is from the Bethlehem Historical Association's collection. The book dates to 1825 and was preserved by Anna Clapper and William Vanderpool. DeCancio collaborated with historical association President Karen Beck to select the bible to take his oath because of how symbolic and historic the election was.

It is powerful to think that Mr. DeCancio, whose election is historic, took his oath of office on this Bible, Beck said in the statement. The Clappers, Vanderpools and Schoonmakers were hard working families who helped make this town what it is today. I am sure they would be very proud."

DeCancio will attend his first board meeting, virtually, on Wednesday, Jan. 12.

The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote.

I want residents to know that I will do my best to honor our history and move Bethlehem forward for ALL the residents of Bethlehem, he said.

The Bethlehem Historical Association is presently showcasing a new exhibit at the museum on 1003 River Road in Selkirk that focuses on the life and times of Anna Hoffman, who married Abraham Clapper in 1902. To learn more about the Historical Association and the exhibits visit https://bethlehemhistorical.org
TROY  Using a K-9 police dog, Troy police tracked down a suspected bank robber minutes after a SEFCU Bank was robbed.

The incident began shortly after 1 p.m., when police received 911 calls about the bank robbery on Hoosick Street. Bank employees told police that the robber had made a threat, but had not displayed any weapon, and escaped on foot with cash. Police called in a K-9 dog named Brass to help them track the robber.

Brass led police to the back yard of a house on Burdett Avenue, where police found a man hiding. They arrested the man, 26, of Schenectady, on one charge of robbery, a felony. Police found him 22 minutes after the bank was robbed.

Police noted that state police assisted, both on foot and with a helicopter.
GREEN ISLAND  A Rensselaer County man bit part of a womans ear off while beating her Saturday, Green Island police said.

Police were called to Bleeker Street Saturday morning regarding a physical domestic incident. Thats where they said they found the victim, who had been punched in the face several times and bitten several times.

She suffered cuts and bruises and had lost part of her ear during the attack, police said. She was treated at Albany Medical Center Hospital.

The Nassau man, 24, who was accused of causing the injuries, was arraigned on a felony first-degree assault charge in Green Island Town Court. Bail was set at $20,000 and he was sent to the Albany County Correctional Facility.
ALBANY  A new state law prohibits insurance companies from refusing to provide insurance to homeowners based on dog breeds, a move that's drawing praise from pet owners who say some dogs are unfairly maligned as inherently violent.

Its not fair to the animals and not fair to the homeowners who want to give their pets loving homes, said Libby Post, executive director of the NYS Animal Protection Federation.

For pet rescue shelters and animal rights advocates, lifting the restrictions on what they have long contended are unfairly maligned breeds is long overdue.

"Removing this arbitrary and discriminatory impediment for thousands of responsible New York dog owners is simply the right thing to do," said Bill Ketzer, senior director of state legislation for the ASPCA: Eastern Division, in a statement.

Among the previously prohibited canines are pit bulls, a breed with a reputation for being aggressive. An entire industry has cropped up over the past several decades that encourages the breed's stereotype, critics say, including products like muscle builder and the dogs image in pop culture, as well as outsized media coverage of attacks.

But advocates contend the breed has been co-opted by irresponsible owners, many of whom view them as a menacing status symbol rather than a beloved pet.

Theres no evidence that any breed of an animal is inherently more violent, said Ashley Jeffrey Bouck, chief executive officer of the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. It really is the biggest myth going that you can determine their behavior.

And those misperceptions have resulted in insurance carriers historically having the right to decline issuing homeowners insurance to pit bull owners and other breeds, including German shepherds or Doberman pinschers, until Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation last October barring the practice.

It was also legal for home insurance premiums to be raised based on the breed of dog owned.

Prior to Hochul signing the broader animal welfare package, insurance companies had a list of breeds on a caution list, said Don Ferlazzo, owner of insurer the Ferlazzo Agency in Clifton Park, who called the practice discriminatory.

Other breeds were banned outright.

It precluded someone from rescuing an animal who fit such guidelines, Ferlazzo said.

Pit bulls have historically been bred to be fighters, he said, hence the stereotype. And since the dogs are raised to be protective, theyre perceived to be harder to control.

Advocates, however, claim their disposition is a question of nature versus nurture, and that behavior isnt naturally inherited but learned, and that the breed is affectionate and is wonderful with children (the dog in The Little Rascals is, in fact, a pit bull, Post pointed out).

Pit bull mixes tend to dominate the dogs available for adoption at local shelters.

Yet Bouck said its impossible to pinpoint the specific breed without DNA testing or documentation that proves their purebred status.

Joseph Lisella, executive director of the Animal Protective Foundation in Glenville, estimated more than half of the dogs that come into the shelter could be categorized as pit bull mixes.

Typically, they are at the shelter slightly longer than other breeds based on client demand.

Pit bulls have just become a prominent fixture in shelters nationwide, Lisella said. They are larger, strong dogs and owners have to be educated to make sure each individual dog is a key member of the household.

There are several reasons why so many pit bulls end up at shelters.

Post said the canines are more prevalent in heavily populated areas, including New York City and Long Island. Many are picked up by animal control officers because theyre unlicensed or not outfitted with micro-chips. Then theyre transported upstate for adoption.

It comes down to economic access, Bouck said. When people dont have resources, [the dogs] are not socialized and more prone to attack.

Mia Johnson, co-founder of National Pit Bull Victim Awareness, pointed to a long list of fatal maulings by the breed as evidence of what she believes is their inherent threat.

Fifty people in the U.S. were killed by dogs last year, she said, and 36 of the 50 fatalities were by pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Thousands more were injured, many seriously, she said.

The cost to the system is unspeakable, Johnson said in an email. Victims of pit bull attacks require millions of dollars in emergency and reconstructive surgery, often over a period of many years.

Pit bull attacks are also disproportionate in number and their severity, she said: Ninety percent of injuries involve the headneck region and almost three-quarters of attacks are of major severity.

The results are in See the winners of each category of the 2022 Best of the Capital Region contest, as determined by popular vote.

Furthermore, the attacks come with significant price tags, she said.

The total cost of dog-bite and related injury claims paid by insurers exceeds $850 million annually  not including pit bull bites, according to Johnson.

Liability limited to a maximum of $100,000 to $300,000 is rarely sufficient to cover the actual and long-term medical costs of a pit bull attack, Johnson said.

DogsBite.org, a public education website about dangerous dog breeds, said insurance companies are for-profit entities and questioned why they should be required to pay out for any dog bite injuries if they can't restrict certain breeds that repeatedly appear in medical studies for inflicting more severe injuries than other breeds.

Why pay out for any dog bite injuries if they can't restrict a dog of any breed that has a history of multiple bites, but has not been designated a dangerous dog, which can involve a lengthy adjudication process? said Colleen Lynn, president and founder of the website. It's unknown what the results will be five years after the bill is signed into law.

The NYS Animal Protection Federation pushed back, and said part of the breeds stigma can be attributed to outsized media coverage of dog bites.

People are bitten by dogs every day, according to a white paper written by the organization, but certain breeds get more news coverage than others.

Starting in the 1980s, highly publicized pit bull attacks served to create negative sentiment against the breed.

A chihuahua bite is not likely to make the news, but a Rottweiler or pit bite is sure to get covered, the paper said. This only serves to reinforce bias that the general public has against certain breeds that are characterized as aggressive and this may serve as the basis for insurance discrimination.

Advocates also say many people lack the resources to spay or neuter pit bull puppies, hence their rapid proliferation  and their disposition to attack.

Dogs who havent been fixed are nearly three times as likely to attack as those who have been and account for 95 percent of all fatal maulings, PETA President Ingrid Newkirk told the Times Union. Legislators can protect their constituents  and animals  by supporting laws that require dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered in order to reduce the number of attacks.

The legislation barring breed discrimination was sponsored by state Sen. Michael Gianaris, D-Queens, and state Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, a Manhattan Democrat.

While a major hurdle has been passed, advocates now want to extend the ban to renters insurance, a wish list for this years legislative session. One bill already has co-sponsorship.

Bouck, the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society CEO, said the issue is more salient than ever now that the states eviction moratorium, first enacted in 2020, is set to expire on Jan. 15. Fourteen thousand people are at risk of losing their home in Albany and Rensselaer counties alone, she said.

If people are relocating out of their current homes, we dont want the breed to be the reason for not taking their pets, Bouck said.
Jan. 6 marked the first anniversary of the Capitol attack in Washington, D.C. On that day, thousands of supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol because they believed Trump's Big Lie and wanted to kill members of Congress and stop them from holding the certification of Joe Biden as president.

As a lifetime Catholic, U.S. citizen and retired veteran, I was deeply worried but not surprised when the Capitol was under siege since the political and religious national mood had deteriorated. In fact, most Republican leaders in Congress and many Christian leaders sided with Trump. These church leaders immorally used their bully pulpit, their position of power and influence in the church to side with a criminal.
The home base for the home team will soon help locals in the continued fight against the pandemic.



Here's the word . . .



"A testing site will be held on Kauffman Stadium's parking lot beginning on January 10th. Pre-registration with appointments is required, according to the state."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .

Kauffman Stadium among Kansas City locations that will host Covid-19 testing sites KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) --- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced Saturday that they'll hold Covid-19 testing events throughout Kansas City, including Kauffman Stadium. A testing site will be held on Kauffman Stadium's parking lot beginning on January 10th. Pre-registration with appointments is required, according to the state.

Developing . . .


The impact of rising local violence isn't confined to the criminal class but OFTEN impacts people who are simply unlucky and cross their path.



Accordingly, tonight an innocent bystander was killed by way of rising local violence.



Here's a glimpse at the chaotic scene . . .



Kansas City, KS police had been in pursuit of a Subaru Outback that crossed from their city into Kansas City, MO. A person inside the vehicle was believed to be involved in multiple shootings.

KCK officers ended the chase near 18th and Campbell, before the crash occurred. The suspects vehicle ran a red light at 18th and Prospect, colliding with a Toyota Camry. The driver of the Toyota, a 47-year-old man, died at the scene.

Police say the driver of the Subaru, a 20-year-old man, ran from the scene. Two other passengers in the Subaru, a man and a juvenile female, were detained . . .

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news links . . .

Man killed in Kansas City hit-and-run crash involving shooting suspect Kansas City, Missouri police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash involving a shooting suspect out of Kansas City, Kansas. KCPD says they were called to 18th and Prospect around 3:40 a.m. to respond to the crash. They learned Kansas City, KS police had been in pursuit of a Subaru Outback that crossed from their city into Kansas City, MO.

1 killed in hit-and-run crash at 18th and Prospect KANSAS CITY, Mo. - One person died as the result of a hit-and-run crash Saturday afternoon at 18th and Prospect. According to the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, a grey Subaru Outback was followed from Kansas to Missouri by Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department personnel.

Police: Innocent bystander killed in fatal hit-and-run crash that involved shooting suspect KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) --- An innocent bystander was killed in a fatal hit-and-crash Saturday morning that police say involved a shooting suspect out of KCK. The crash happened around 3:40 a.m. on Saturday morning at 18th and Prospect.

1 killed in hit-and-run crash involving shooting suspect near 18th and Prospect by: Mike Coutee Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Police Department says a man died in a hit-and-run crash involving a shooting suspect out of Kansas City, Kansas. The incident happened around 3:40 Saturday morning. Kansas City, KS police had been in pursuit of a grey Subaru Outback that crossed from their city into Kansas City, MO.

Developing . . .


The Prez promised more rail in his recent KC speech.

Meanwhile, the reality is that very few people are using one of the more popular local routes and flying taxis might be a more promising solution.



Nevertheless, heavy government funding for a low efficiency mode of transit that nobody really wants is the American way.

Even better . . . TKC readers call this KC to STL route THE BULLET TRAIN and few people use the more appropriate "river runner" moniker.



Here's public radio propaganda in support of a federal project . . .



"On Monday, Amtrak cut services between Kansas City and St. Louis by half. Now only one round trip per day is offered, and many riders say they are having to change their travel or work plans."

Hint: Almost NOBODY is really impacted by this and everybody just drives this route anyhoo.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .
We can only hope this clip inspires confidence in so many naysayers and doomsday pundits.



Check this quick peek at at technological marvel designed to protect this nation malnourished and angry people across the planet . . .



Real talk, it's impossible not to watch this clip and marvel at the firepower which defends so many hapless dolts arguing about tax policy disguised as social justice advocacy via social media . . .



Developing . . .
BLANFORD [mdash] Eric Todd Vandevender, 60, of Blanford and formerly of Cayuga, passed away at 7:55 a.m. EDT Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Clinton Gardens in Clinton, Indiana. Eric was born on May 6, 1961 in Danville, Illinois, the son of the late Floyd A. and Irma Jean (Weir) Vandevender. Sur
Communities across Erie County are preparing to hand out thousands of free Covid-19 test kits over the next several days.

Towns, villages and cities are distributing their share of the 40,000 Covid-19 at-home antigen test kits that they received from the county. Each box contains two tests, for a total of about 80,000 tests.

Households are limited to two boxes each, which is equivalent to four tests. The number of kits each municipality received was determined by population size. Some of those distributions happened on Saturday.

This is not a one-and-done event, said County Executive Mark Poloncarz. My administration and the Health Department are committed to providing additional testing supplies and PPE to our residents to support public health and safety, especially for residents in our county who are most vulnerable to Covid-19 infection.

The kits are being distributed as Covid-19 cases continue to soar. The Erie County Health Department said more than 19,500 people tested positive for the virus in the past seven days, and noted that the figure does not include at-home positive test results.

On Friday, Western New York's seven-day average of positive test results reported over the last three days was 22.1%, according to New York State.

The county Health Department shifted away from its initial plan to distribute the testing kits through Buffalo and Erie County Public Library locations and drive-thru sites, citing library staffing considerations and weather conditions.

New York State supplied the testing kits to Erie County. The county said it allocated some kits to child care providers through the Child Care Resource Network and to homeless shelters and Code Blue sites.

Communities are cautioning that their distribution events will last only as long the supplies do.

Many municipalities are handing out KN95 masks along with the test kits. The county said some KN95 masks were distributed through library branches in late December. Erie 1 BOCES, Erie 2 Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES and Buffalo Public Schools also received mask supplies, and the county is coordinating orders for them from private and charter schools, said Kara Kane, a Health Department spokeswoman.

The county has also invited nonprofits and houses of worship to make requests through 2-1-1, which was coordinating with the United Way to distribute as supplies are available, Kane said.

Here is a list  which is not comprehensive  of where Covid-19 test kits will be available in the coming days. Residents of communities not listed should check with their government officials about distribution plans:

Village of Akron: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Village Hall, 21 Main St.,; same hours and location Wednesday if supplies still available.

Amherst: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Harlem Road Community Center, 4255 Harlem Road.

Village of Angola: Starting 9 a.m. Monday at Village Hall, 41 Commercial St., Angola.

Cheektowaga: noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Cheektowaga Town Park, 2600 Harlem Road. Enter the park from Greenleaf Lane for the drive-thru pickup.

Town of Evans: Test kit and KN95 mask distribution began on Saturday; scheduled to resume (if supplies still available) 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Sunday at town offices, 8787 Erie Road, Angola. Masks only will be distributed 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Lake Erie Beach fire hall, 9483 Lake Shore Road, Angola.

Grand Island: Starting 8 a.m. Monday at the Golden Age Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road.

Town of Hamburg: 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Senior Community Center, 4540 Southwestern Blvd. The drive-thru event will take place in front of door No. 1.

Village of Hamburg: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Village Hall, 100 Main St.

Lackawanna: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, at the Lackawanna Senior Center, 230 Martin Road. Drive-thru distribution. Lackawanna is limiting its distribution to one box per vehicle, instead of two boxes, in order to make kits available to a larger number of people.

The Town of Lancaster is providing test kits and KN95 masks by appointment only. Residents must call 716-683-1610 to make an appointment. Distribution will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall, 21 Central Ave., at the Clark Street entrance.

Town of Newstead: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, senior center, 5691 Cummings Road, Akron; 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday (if still available).

Town and Village of Orchard Park: Starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday at 67-71 Bank St. Residents are asked to enter the drive-thru site of Bank Street/Thorn Avenue.

Sloan: Begins 9 a.m. Monday at Village Hall, 425 Reiman St. Residents should enter from Halstead Avenue; kits will be distributed in a drive-thru site. Proof of residency required.

City of Tonawanda: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Tonawanda High School, 600 Fletcher St.

Town of Tonawanda: 9 a.m. to noon Sunday at its Lincoln Park Youth, Parks and Recreation office, 299 Decatur Road.

Village of Williamsville: Test kits available starting 8 a.m. Monday at Village Hall, 5565 Main St. Village residency is not required.

As of Saturday afternoon, the City of Buffalo had not announced a distribution plan for its test kits. The county said Buffalo was allocated 11,000 kits.

The Village of Lancaster is distributing test kits on Sunday morning. But the village required residents to register in advance to pick them up, and all of those kits have been reserved.

Many other municipalities, including Eden, West Seneca and East Aurora, started distributing their allotment of test kits Saturday morning.

Niagara County handed out Covid-19 test kits at three locations starting Saturday morning, generating strong demand.

Matt Glynn

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
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Restoring a stretch of Humboldt Parkway with a deck over the Kensington Expressway is no longer a long shot.

Now, it is a New York State priority.

Hochul offers backing for Kensington Expressway project Capping the inner-city section of the Kensington Expressway with parkland tops the governor's list of priorities for Buffalo-based infrastructure spending under the $1.2 trillion bill President Biden signed last month.

In her State of the State address, Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed the proposal for decking the portion of Route 33 that runs through the East Side between Best and East Ferry streets, creating a tunnel for traffic. Proponents see it as the first phase of a long-term plan to reconnect a tree-lined Humboldt Parkway to Delaware Park.

"Infrastructure is all about connections, and we need to reconnect neighborhoods that were severed by asphalt highways, disproportionately impacting communities of color," Hochul said in her address. "We are going to reverse the damage that was done more than half a century ago with projects like the Kensington Expressway in Buffalo, I-81 in Syracuse, the Inner Loop in Rochester and the Cross Bronx Expressway."

Hochul has directed the state Department of Transportation to immediately begin a federally required environmental review process, with a first phase expected to be completed by the summer after a public meeting in the spring.

Call for Skyway 'reset' could benefit Kensington, Scajaquada as region prioritizes projects The Kensington and Scajaquada expressways could be big beneficiaries after a decision Monday by Rep. Brian Higgins and State Sen. Tim Kennedy to back away from a New York State study on the Skyway's removal.

Hochul's announcement was welcomed by Richard Cummings, president of the Black Chamber of Commerce and a board member of Restore Our Community, a grassroots group that has advocated for the proposal.

"It's an excellent way to start the new year," Cummings said.

Reestablishing the tree-lined parkway designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, he said, would make the area more desirable and boost nearby business corridors that fell into decline after the highway project began in the late 1950s and lasted into the next decade.

"The need is greater today than it was some years ago when we started this movement, because the community continues to decline from a business perspective, as well as real estate values," Cummings said.

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, who has also championed the proposal, said the time has come to bring back the parkway and stitch back neighborhoods.

Nations top transportation official sees benefit of revival of Humboldt Parkway U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx urges the repair of damage left by urban

Multiple streets would be reconnected, the health of those who live near the highway would improve and a beautiful parkway would be an impetus for people to live there and for commercial districts to grow, she predicted.

Still to be determined are the project's cost and where the money will come from.

Unified political support

The pot of federal funding local leaders hope to tap is smaller than originally planned. President Biden proposed $20 billion to replace highways that destroyed mostly Black neighborhoods, but funding dropped to $1 billion in the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that Congress passed in the fall.

Other federal transportation dollars will be available, but with a typical price tag of $500 million and up and a long list of projects hoping to move forward, competition is expected to be steep.

Covering the Kensington caynon; Groups seek to restore Olmsted green space Humboldt Parkway, when designed in the 1870s, was a vital component of a coordinated, citywide park and parkway system connecting The Parade  now Martin Luther King Park  with The Park, now called Delaware Park. The six rows of mature shade trees along the parkway provided a canopy and green space where neighbors could congregate and relax. It

The plan to remove a section of Interstate 81 in Syracuse and rebuild a portion of Interstate 690, also mentioned by Hochul as a priority, has an estimated cost of over $2 billion.

There are other projects in the country that will seek funds, including the removal of the Claiborne Expressway in New Orleans that Biden singled out earlier this year.

Peoples-Stokes said a united front among New York State and federal lawmakers should give the Kensington project a boost. Political supporters include Sen. Charles Schumer, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Brian Higgins and State Sen. Tim Kennedy, who heads the State Senate Transportation Committee.

"We've been in line for a long time," Peoples-Stokes said. "I don't see why we can't keep our foot on the gas long enough to get this done."

The State Department of Transportation did studies on the Kensington Expressway in 2012 and 2019.

It was originally the Humboldt Parkway. It was beautiful, and it was part of the Olmsted design, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in 2016 in announcing $6 million for the second study.

In the mid-50s, we had a better idea and it turned out not to be a better idea, which was to move vehicles in and out of Buffalo faster by building a highway," Cuomo said. "This was not just in Buffalo; this was all over the United States."

But Hochul is going further than Cuomo by putting the project in the state budget and getting a key federal study underway.

"At Gov. Hochul's direction, the Department of Transportation will commence a federally required environmental review process that will assess alternatives for reconnecting the community and reimagining the Kensington Expressway," agency spokesman Joe Morrissey said.

The assessment will consider environmental, community, economic and other impacts of such a project and lead to a final plan, Morrissey said.

The scoping report, expected to include a public meeting in the spring, will evaluate different decking scenarios, along with costs.

The department is also exploring the possibility of the Federal Highway Administration expediting the project in the same way Cuomo sought to do with the Skyway project, when he reduced what normally would have been a three- to four-year timetable to two years.

Hal Morse, executive director of the Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council, said the Kensington project and another underway reimagining the Scajaquada Expressway could be looked at together. The eastern portion of the Scajaquada project considers restoring a portion of Humboldt Parkway east from Delaware Park, making it a natural link to the Kensington project.

"They are really great projects, and in moving forward, we have to find the right way to get it done in the right order," Morse said.

The federal environmental review for the Scajaquada project is completed.

Peoples-Stokes said beginning one for the Kensington project is a major step forward.

"Everyone is waiting for that so we can get to the next step," she said.

Mark Sommer covers preservation, development, the waterfront, culture and more. He's also a former arts editor at The News.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
A Buffalo priest who is suspended from ministry because of accusations that he molested children stands to gain control of the $2 million estate of a 93-year-old widow.

In a case at Erie County Surrogates Court, two attorneys are disputing the will of Ruth Peters, a retired principal from the Cheektowaga public school system who died in 2019 and left $125,000 to the Rev. David W. Bialkowski. Before her death, Peters also made Bialkowski the executor of her estate.

Pastor given suspension on conduct with boy; Case of altar server leads bishop to act Buffalo Bishop Edward U. Kmiec has suspended a Cheektowaga pastor following an accusation that the priest behaved inappropriately years ago with a teenage boy. The Rev. David W. Bialkowski denied any wrongdoing and has hired a lawyer to clear his name. We deny these allegations that have been made against him. Were complying with everything that we have to

Attorneys representing several cousins of Peters allege in court papers that Peters was not of sound mind when she made out her will. They also accuse Bialkowski of taking advantage of the elderly widow.

Just as he apparently groomed young boys, he has become the sole beneficiary under the will of a wealthy elderly widow, attorney Sean A. Fitzgerald, a court-appointed guardian representing relatives of Peters, said in court records. The methods of grooming (a) boy or teenager are the same as the methods of exercising undue influence over a person.

Bialkowskis attorney said the will signed by Peters in November 2016 is completely legitimate and he said the priest has already agreed to distribute most of her estate  estimated at more than $2 million  to charities.

Priest is subject of two more accusations; Cases of teen boys put ex-pastor in bad light Two new accusations of inappropriate behavior involving a Cheektowaga priest surfaced this week, but the suspended pastor continues to receive support from many parishioners. A lawyer for a Cheektowaga man who accused the Rev. David W. Bialkowski of misconduct said this week that he has received information from two other sources alleging inappropriate actions by the priest with teenage

The allegations of child molestation against Bialkowski  which the priest has repeatedly denied  have absolutely nothing to do with any questions raised about the legitimacy of Peters will, said attorney Robert M. Ciesielski.

This case has nothing to do with children, Ciesielski told The News. It has to do with this womans will and following her wishes.

Through his attorney, Bialkowski, 60, declined to comment on the dispute. A copy of the will  which leaves no money to anyone but Bialkowski  was obtained last week by The Buffalo News.

Surrogate Judge Acea M. Mosey is examining court papers filed by both sides and will decide whether to allow Bialkowski to receive the $125,000 and serve as executor. The most recent court papers were filed Dec. 21.

Ruth Peters was married for 62 years to Matthew H. Peters, a World War II veteran who died at age 84 in 2014. A News obituary described him as a self-employed contractor, a designer of homes and entrepreneur who owned several rooming houses in Buffalo.

Warnings from teachers, nuns, even a cop, didn't get Buffalo Diocese to remove priests Diocese officials waited years, and sometimes decades, to separate accused priests from children and discipline them, according to diocese files revealed in a lawsuit filed last week by Attorney General Letitia James.

His wife was a devout Catholic, court papers state. Ruth Peters was a member of the Ladies Guild at St. John Gualbert Catholic Church in Cheektowaga, which was one of the dioceses most active Polish congregations.

Ciesielski, the priests attorney, described Peters as a sharp, competent woman and said it was her idea to leave $125,000 to Bialkowski and put him in charge of the rest of her estate. He said Peters appreciated the way Bialkowski helped her clean up her home and organize her finances after the death of her husband.

Ruth had no children, no brothers or sisters, no really close relatives. When her husband died, the priest was kind and helpful to her, Ciesielski said.

But two former St. John Gualbert employees and volunteers who clashed with Bialkowski while he was pastor of the church in 2006 tell a different story.

These old ladies used to adore Bialkowski, said Andrew Kowtalo, who served as organist at the parish for 10 years. Hes very good at playing to peoples needs and gaining peoples trust.

Marching orders kept Buffalo cops from arresting child-molesting priests The departments unwritten policy was that Catholic priests did not get arrested, said a former vice squad detective who investigated vice crimes for 17 years and retired in 1995.

The priest would cater to a group of elderly church women, especially after their husbands died, he said.

Here comes Father David, playing on his good senses, because he knew these women were lonely and he used that to get what he wanted, said Kowtalo, who said he was fired by Bialkowski in 2010 for raising questions about his conduct.

Elena Greco, a former president of the Ladies Guild at St. John Gualbert, said some women would give Bialkowski gifts, including $50 and $100 bills. When she started raising concerns, Greco said she was removed from her volunteer posts at the church.

I saw firsthand how he courted these women, Greco said. I got a lot of backlash from these women because I saw a lot of stuff I probably should not have seen about how he was finagling their finances.

Sex abuse accusations

Case by case: Child Victims Act filings detail heart-wrenching stories of abuse Here are summaries of the Victims Act lawsuits filed in five Western New York counties over old allegations of sexual

It was allegations of sexual misconduct  not financial improprieties  that led to Bialkowskis removal from the parish in 2011. A former altar server said Bialkowski inappropriately touched his thigh and made suggestive comments when he was 14 years old.

After the altar servers account appeared in The News, two more people came forward to describe inappropriate contact with Bialkowski. Bialkowski was removed from ministry, but never defrocked as a priest.

Bialkowski has denied that he sexually abused any child. He also denied that he had tried to "groom" a child for sex.

"No, no, not at all. Never," he told The News in 2020.

Removed from churches, some priests accused of sexual abuse live near schools Obviously, its a cause for concern. Its an issue that the community needs to recognize, said Erie County District Attorney John J.

The diocese included Bialkowski on its list of priests with Substantiated Allegations of Abuse of a Minor. Diocesan spokesman Gregory Tucker said Vatican officials this fall agreed with the Dioceses recommendation that he be permanently barred from active priestly ministry. There will now be an extra-judicial process to confirm his future status, which may entail his laicization.

Bialkowski is no longer receiving a salary or other benefits from the diocese, Tucker said.

Survivors not happy

Bialkowskis attorney said the priest has assured Judge Mosey, on the court record, that the bulk of the money from the estate will be distributed to charities if the judge affirms his role as executor.

Ive heard people have made the accusation that the priest is going to keep all the money for himself, Ciesielski said. Thats absolutely not true.

Where the 42 Buffalo area priests accused of sexual misconduct with minors worked Using the dioceses annual directories and News archives, The News compiled a list of parishes, schools and hospitals where the 42 priests accused of sexually abusing minors served.

He added, The only money that he would keep would be the $125,000 she bequested to him, and the standard executors commission as permitted by state law. The rest of the estate, most of the estate, will go to charities.

According to the formula set for compensating executors in New York state, Bialkowski could also expect a commission of at least $59,000 for acting as the executor of Peters estate.

Bialkowski, as the executor of Peters' estate, has already disposed of some of the late widow's assets.

Documents filed with the Erie County Clerk show that in 2019 and 2020, after Peters' death, the priest sold three of her properties for a total of $338,000.

A News reporter also viewed an online listing for an estate sale where much of Peters belongings were listed for sale, including a grand piano, furs, gowns and a silver Christmas tree.

The estate sale, which was managed by Edna Louise Estate & Household Liquidations, took place in July and August 2020.

A second cousin of Ruth Peters told The News that Peters was a deeply religious person, but the second cousin said she and other family members were shocked to hear that Peters had left $125,000 to Bialkowski and made him her executor.

The second cousin, who asked that her name be withheld because she is a private person, said she does not think Peters would have left money to Bialkowski if she knew that he was accused of molesting children.

The News asked Ciesielski if Peters was aware of the allegations of wrongdoing made against Bialkowski.

I dont know if she knew about those accusations or not, Ciesielski said. I dont know what she would have done if she knew about them. I just dont.

Greco, the former St. John Gualbert volunteer, said she believed Peters did know about the allegations against Bialkowski. She said Peters still supported the priest.

The second cousin and another relative of Ruth Peters said they were puzzled and surprised that they never saw any death notice or obituary in any publication after the 2019 death of Ruth Peters. Court documents say Peters died of heart problems and other medical causes in her Cheektowaga home on July 29, 2019.

She was my kindergarten teacher. She was my late fathers first cousin. I knew Ruth my entire life, the second cousin said. I only found out that she had died from a lady who told me at church.

The second cousin said she later responded to a legal advertisement in a newspaper that indicated Fitzgerald, as a court-appointed guardian, was trying to contact relatives of Peters. Fitzgerald did not respond to repeated calls and emails from The News for comment on the case.

Bialkowski is not qualified to serve as an executor by reason of dishonesty, improvidence or is otherwise unfit, attorney Elizabeth A. Ingold said in a court document filed last February.

Ingold is the attorney for Nancy Kolack, a Florida resident described in court papers as Peters' first cousin.

Kolack, in court papers, said the creation of Peters will was not a free and voluntary act and her signature was procured by duress and/or undue influence on Bialkowskis behalf.

Thomas F. Hewner, a Buffalo attorney who handles many cases at Surrogate Court, assisted Ciesielski in preparing his case. Hewner told The News he believes that Peters will is legitimate, but he told a reporter to talk to Ciesielski for further comment.

An assistant state attorney general, Melissa H. Thore, is listed in court papers as representing the interests of charitable beneficiaries in the case.

In a written ruling Mosey issued Aug. 23, the judge appeared to sympathize with the legal arguments presented by Bialkowskis attorney. Mosey made reference to a Nassau County case from 2008 where objections were raised about another Catholic priest who was named as executor of a will, despite allegations that he molested a child 30 years earlier.

The judge in the Nassau County case wrote that attorneys contesting the will had failed to demonstrate how an allegation of sexual abuse which took place over 30 years ago could have any bearing on the accused priests fitness to oversee an estate.

The same observation is appropriate in this case, where (Fitzgerald) appears to be suggesting disqualification by innuendo, Mosey wrote.

Mosey added that she wanted to hear more about the Peters case  including testimony from Bialkowski  before making her final decision.

Kevin Koscielniak, founder of the Buffalo Survivors Group, said survivors of clerical sex abuse have not received a penny in their bankruptcy court case against the diocese.

Theyre not going to be happy about any of this, Koscielniak said of the Bialkowski dispute. We just sit here, watching this go on, and its demoralizing. Were frustrated.

Frank Bogulski, a Buffalo attorney who filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court alleging that Bialkowski sexually abused his client when the boy was 8 years old, said he was not surprised at Bialkowskis involvement in the will dispute.

Theyre predators, he said of priests on the dioceses abuse list. Theyre like wolves, some of these guys. They see a vulnerability in someone and they exploit it.

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Rio de Janeiro, Jan 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jan, 2022 ) :At least seven people were killed and three were missing after a cliff collapsed onto boats carrying tourists on a lake in Brazil, authorities said Saturday.

Rescue teams including a dive squad and members of the Brazilian Navy rushed to Furnas Lake in Minas Gerais state, where panicked tourists had watched helplessly as a large rock fragment broke off a ravine and plunged atop three boats.

The latest official toll is "seven dead and three missing," Minas Gerais firefighters' spokesman Pedro Aihara said on Saturday night.

Another 32 were wounded, including nine who had to be hospitalized, authorities said.

Firefighters had initially reported 20 missing, but "that number was substantially reduced because a good part of the victims who were unaccounted for were people who moved by their own means to hospitals," Aihara said in a voice message sent to reporters.

Tourists flock to see the rock walls, caverns and waterfalls that surround the green waters of Lake Furnas, formed by the hydroelectric dam of the same name.

Dramatic videos shared on social networks caught the exact moment when the cliff fell on the three boats.

Another video posted on social media shows the minute before the fall, in which several people warn that "lots of stones are falling" and yell at the occupants of the other boats to move away from the wall.

President Jair Bolsonaro retweeted some of these videos on his account, and reported that "as soon as the unfortunate disaster occurred, the Brazilian Navy moved to the site to rescue victims and transport the injured."The divers' search will be interrupted overnight for safety reasons and resumed in the morning, but other rescuers continue to work at the site.

Very heavy rain has fallen in recent days in southeastern Brazil, making the collapse more likely, according to firefighters.
Paris, Jan 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jan, 2022 ) :More than 100,000 people across France protested Saturday over what they say are government plans to further restrict the rights of the unvaccinated, days after French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to "piss off" those refusing the jab.

The turnout was four times higher than the numbers who answered the December 18 call to protest, when 25,500 people marched across the country, according to government estimates.

The protests oppose a planned law that will require individuals to prove they are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus before they can eat out, travel on inter-city trains or attend cultural events.

On Thursday, France's lower house of parliament passed the controversial bill in a first reading. The government has said it expects the new requirements to be implemented by January 15, although lawmakers in the Senate could now delay the process.

Interior ministry officials said 105,200 people participated in Saturday's protests across France, 18,000 of them in the capital Paris, where police reported 10 arrests and three officers slightly injured.

Elsewhere there were 24 arrests and seven police officers lightly injured according to the ministry.

Among the larger demonstrations, around 6,000 demonstrators turned out in Toulon, while in Montpellier police used teargas during clashes with protesters.

France recorded 303,669 new coronavirus cases on Saturday amid mounting pressure on hospitals.

The Paris protesters, many of them unmasked, braved the cold and rain brandishing placards emblazoned with the word "truth" and "No to vaccine passes".

Others took aim at Macron, using the same coarse language he employed in his attack on people holding out against vaccination earlier in the week.

Macron said Friday that he fully stands by controversial remarks he made on Tuesday, when he vowed to "piss off" people not vaccinated against Covid-19 until they accept shots.

The earthy language and uncompromising approach provoked uproar in French media and from opponents.
TRIPOLI, Jan 9 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jan, 2022 ) :United Nations envoy Stephanie Williams on Saturday welcomed a meeting between military leaders from the Libyan interim government and the eastern-based army, reiterating UN's support for a peaceful resolution to the country's longstanding conflict.

The UN secretary-general's special adviser for Libya made the remarks after Muhammad Al-Haddad, chief of staff of the Government of National Unity, and Abdel Razek Al-Nadori, acting general commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army, met on Saturday in the northern coastal city of Sirte.

A number of senior military figures from both sides also attended the meeting, the second of its kind between the two military leaders.

"I reiterate the support of the United Nations for all efforts made at various levels to unify the military institution," Williams wrote on Twitter.

The oil-rich North African country has been in turmoil since the fall of the Muammar Gaddafi's government in 2011. The escalating tensions between a number of political forces in 2014 resulted in two separate governments -- the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord recognized by the UN and the House of Representatives allied with the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar.

On Feb. 5, 2021, the UN-led Libyan Political Dialogue Forum selected a temporary unified executive authority to take Libya to national elections on Dec. 24. The country's High National Elections Commission suggested on Dec. 22 that the elections be postponed by a month to Jan. 24 over technical and legal concerns.
Washington, Jan 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jan, 2022 ) :The United States is ready to discuss with Russia the two countries' missile systems and military exercises, in talks that could begin as early as Sunday in Geneva, a senior White House official said Saturday.

US and Russian diplomats are meeting in Switzerland to try to defuse tensions as Washington and Europe accuse Moscow of preparing a new invasion of its neighbor Ukraine.

"There are some areas ... where we think it might be possible to make progress," provided any promises are "reciprocal," the official said, giving some details on a conference call.

"Russia has said it feels threatened by the prospect of offensive missile systems being place in Ukraine ... The United States has no intention of doing that. So this is one area where we may be able to reach an understanding if Russia is willing to make a reciprocal commitment," said the official, who requested anonymity.

Moscow "has also expressed an interest in discussing the future of certain missile systems in Europe, along the lines of the INF Treaty (Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty)" and "we're open to discussing this," the official said.

Finally, Washington was ready to discuss the possibility of reciprocal restrictions on the size and scope of military exercises conducted by Russia as well as by the US and NATO, the source said.

"We won't know until we get to these conversations starting tomorrow night whether Russia is prepared to negotiate seriously and in good faith," the official warned, saying the Russians and Americans would likely have an "initial conversation" on Sunday night before holding their "main meeting" on Monday.

"We're going into these meetings with a sense of realism, not a sense of optimism," the source said, indicating that they would be "exploratory" and would not lead to firm promises.

"I would not at all be surprised that Russian media begins to report perhaps even while the talks are still underway, that the US has made all manner of concessions to Russia. This is a deliberate attempt to create division among allies, in part by manipulating all of you," the official told reporters on the conference call.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2022) About 300 people were detained in Kazakhstan while attempting to cross the country's border, Kazakh Interior Minister Yerlan Turgumbayev said.

According to the Interior Ministry, the number of people detained during the mass unrest in Kazakhstan this past week has surpassed 5,100.

Turgumbayev said that 300 people were detained at the border on January 6-7.

"When trying to cross the state border, about 300 people were detained who tried to leave the country by car and on foot. Firearms, stolen items, including cell phones and large sums of money, both in domestic and foreign currencies, were seized from them," Turgumbayev said, as quoted by the operational headquarters on Sunday.
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BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2022) EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has discussed Russia's security proposals with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the EU External Action Service (EEAS) informs.

"Secretary Blinken and High Representative Borrell discussed the bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagements following the proposals presented by the Russian Federation regarding Russia's views about the security arrangements in Europe," the EEAS said in a Saturday statement.

According to the release, Blinken and Borrell also covered the issue of Ukraine, emphasizing the need to implement the Minsk agreements.

"They agreed that any discussion about European security will happen in coordination and with participation of the European Union," the EEAS said.

Borrell said on Twitter that he discussed "Russia's military build-up around Ukraine, the need for Russia to deescalate, and diplomatic engagement on European security architecture" with Blinken.

Western countries are accusing Russia of allegedly deploying troops near the Ukrainian border in preparation for "aggressive action." Moscow has repeatedly denied these accusations.

In December, Russia released its draft proposals on security guarantees. Negotiations on security guarantees between Moscow and Washington are scheduled for January 10, followed by a Russia-NATO Council meeting to discuss the issue on January 12, and the summit of Russia and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) the following day.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2022) Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called "childish babble" and "nonsense" the statements made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the Russian decision to send troops to Kazakhstan as part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) peacekeeping contingent.

"You said it was Russophobia. And I think it is despair and lack of arguments. Or, rather, despair from the lack of arguments. Look, now questions are being asked to American representatives about Kazakhstan and they are confused. They don't know what to say. Look at this childish babble and nonsense they spout," Zakharove told the Soloviev Live YouTube show.

On late Friday, Blinken expressed concern over the CSTO decision to send peacekeepers to Kazakhstan, adding that "one lesson in recent history is that once Russians are in your house, it's sometimes very difficult to get them to leave.

" The Russian Foreign Ministry has already criticized Blinken's statement, calling it "a joke about the tragic developments in Kazakhstan in a boorish manner typical for him."

The White House confirmed on Saturday Blinken's statements were reflective of the US official stance.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a state of emergency until January 19 over the civil unrest in the country and invited the CSTO peacekeeping forces to help bring the situation under control. The CSTO troops are already arriving in the Central Asian nation.
Kosovo police on Saturday seized hundreds of cryptocurrency mining machines and arrested one person in the tense ethnic-Serb majority north as the country suffered an energy crisis

Pristina, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jan, 2022 ) :Kosovo police on Saturday seized hundreds of cryptocurrency mining machines and arrested one person in the tense ethnic-Serb majority north as the country suffered an energy crisis.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are created through solving complex equations -- an endeavour that consumes enormous amounts of energy Tensions between the Serb-majority area and the ethnic Albanian majority government are running high and Kosovo's government on Tuesday brought in a temporary ban on cryptocurrency mining in an effort to bring down electricity consumption.

During the operation police "confiscated 272 different anti-miner devices used for the production of Bitcoin", a police statement said.

One person was arrested, it added.

"The whole action took place and ended without incidents," Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla said on Facebook.

The confiscated equipment uses as much electricity as 500 homes a month or between 60,000 and 120,000 Euros ($68,000 and 136,000), said Finance Minister Hekuran Murati on Facebook.

"We cannot allow the illegal enrichment of some, at the expense of taxpayers." Ethnic Serbs in Kosovo's four northern municipalities have not paid for their electricity since the end of the 1998-1999 war between independence-seeking ethnic Albanian guerrilla and Serbian armed forces.

They do not recognise Pristina's authority as they remain loyal to Belgrade.

According to local media, the total cost of the energy spent in the Serb-majority north is around 12 million euros a year.

The energy crisis in Kosovo has worsened after a production unit of one of the two main power plants stopped working and prompted the government to introduce power reductions in December.

The crisis comes also as a result of rising global import prices and increasing demand.

Earlier this week, police carried out two operations in ethnic Albanian majority areas and seized 70 pieces of crypto mining equipment.

Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli earlier this week labelled the hunt for crypto Currency mining an "emergency measure" due to the crisis.

However, police operations raised questions over their legality as experts say there is no legal grounds to ban crypto currency mining as Kosovo has no law regulating the issue.

Pristina said in October it had drafted a bill on crypto currency which the parliament was due to adopt by the end of the last year. The legislation is still pending however.
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2022) More than 20 armed people have been arrested in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, with 40 weapons seized, a local police department said on Sunday.

"In the Almaty region, more than 20 persons were arrested, from whom 40 weapons were seized," the department said in a statement published on Telegram.

According to the police, seized weaponry contains 25 Makarov pistols, five Kalashnikov assault rifles, rifles and sawed-off shotguns. In addition, 500 rounds of various calibers were seized.

A wave of protests swept across Kazakhstan earlier this week, following a sharp rise in gas prices. Despite the government's attempts to quell the discontent and promises to bring the prices down, protests turned violent and descended into clashes with law enforcement officers in several regions.

The government declared a state of emergency until January 19. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev asked for the Collective Security Treaty Organization's (CSTO) assistance, which was granted. CSTO peacekeepers were sent to Kazakhstan.

The Kazakh president said Friday that there were still militants who continued resistance and pledged to fight those who do not lay down the arms. At the same time, Tokayev has said that the government had reached a compromise with peaceful protesters on urgent social and economic issues.
If you havent contracted the pandemic virus during the last several months, youre likely to get it going forward.

The vast majority of those on the planet previously infected or fully vaccinated  especially with a booster shot  will likely suffer through a few days of cold and flulike symptoms, if they have any symptoms at all, but still will be able to infect others.

Others unvaccinated  especially people over 65, obese or with a chronic disease  will continue to be at greater risk for hospitalization or death.

These were among the most important predictions medical leaders in the region, and around the world, made last week for those who understandably wonder, When will this pandemic end?

It could be soon  or not  at least in the U.S. and other wealthy countries with greater access to vaccines and treatments.

First, we're in for a rough ride, said Dr. John Sellick Jr., an epidemiologist who oversees infectious disease control at Kaleida Health and the Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System.

Omicron will make it so.

Both circulated together in the weeks before Christmas, but researchers say Omicron now accounts for almost all the Covid-19 virus circulating in the region and across the U.S.

Pandemic Lessons: What happens after Omicron? The real question isnt whether well return to normal after Omicron. Rather, it is this: What will you allow your normal to be?

The thinking  even among those in the medical field who have disagreed about other aspects of the pandemic and public health response  is that the virus could be mutating toward weakness and the pandemic toward a mostly endemic stage, where Covid-19 will eventually become a milder illness that people learn to live, and sometimes die, with.

But is that wishful thinking?

I don't think we have any evidence for that whatsoever, University at Buffalo biochemist Jennifer Surtees said Friday. I think that is what people hope is the case but it's certainly not where we are now. It's only been around for what, six weeks?

Regardless of the future, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, continues to demand vigilance and respect, said Surtees, Sellick and other medical leaders in the region, who encouraged people to go about their lives as safely as they can during this latest surge, taking virus-prevention steps, staying home if they are sick, and preparing for the likelihood that Omicron will affect them in some way if it hasnt already.

They and others answered questions last week about where the region stands and what the future holds.

Q: Are we headed toward an endemic phase? When will we know we are there?

The answer is yes, not quite and it depends, said Dr. Thomas Russo, an infectious disease specialist with the UB Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. We're still obviously in the pandemic phase. There are many, many cases out there and hospitalizations are increasing.

Endemic phases of disease involve a low number of cases with intermittent spikes that mostly occur in the least healthy and most unprotected through prior infection or vaccination.

Its kind of like the flu, where there's a small segment of the population each year that gets it, and some seriously ill people die, Russo said. Undoubtedly moving forward, that's going to be the same situation for SARS-CoV-2.

"In a few weeks, if our vaccine-induced immunity holds up, or at least we can identify preemptively if we need additional shots in certain selected groups to minimize severe disease, we will likely remain in endemic mode, he said. However, if a variant shows up that then can circumvent immunity, then it may be deja vu all over again.

Q: What is the risk of contracting Covid-19 in the region right now?

It has never been higher. Positive test rates topped 20% regionally and across the state last week. Erie County on Friday announced a new record was set two days earlier when 4,000 people tested positive  and that didn't count most at-home testing. Many employers, including those in health care, are dealing with unprecedented worker sickness rates.

What happened last week at Erie County Medical Center underlined reality.

These are the ECMC highest-day hospitalizations during major regional pandemic peaks:

During the first, on April 22, 2020, 43 patients were hospitalized, including 21 on ventilators.

During the second, on Jan. 4, 2021, 75 were hospitalized, four on ventilators.

The busiest day of the third peak in terms of Covid-19 patients, when Delta reigned, was Dec. 6, with 78 hospitalized, 11 on ventilators.

Saturday was the busiest day so far of the Omicron surge. ECMC reported 109 patients in the hospital, including eight on ventilators.

The 53-bed hospital emergency and trauma department, expanded last spring, handled more than 100 patients with various needs throughout most of last week. Many waited for inpatient hospital beds that were full. The staff, challenged by higher amounts of sickness of its own, treated patients in beds set up across the unit, including hallways, family waiting rooms and the vending area.

We designed this emergency department before the pandemic, said Dr. Samuel Cloud, an associate medical director and emergency department physician at Erie County Medical Center.

Q: How do you expect things to go during the next several weeks, then beyond?

Based on what is happening in South Africa, Israel and Great Britain, Sellick hopes the worst of the surge will yield to better conditions come February.

Omicron is burning through the population so quickly, it is going to start to run out of susceptible hosts, he predicted, either because of a reasonable degree of immunity from three shots in your arm or you've been infected with Omicron. Our hope is that after we get through this surge with more background immunity in the community, primarily from vaccination, probably some from infection, that we will see things start to settle down."

Q: Will everyone eventually get the Omicron variant?

Waning immunity from infection and a last vaccine received six months or more ago suggests this is likely, Russo said. If you've been boosted, youre in a higher 60% to 75% range and you're good with mask use and avoiding risky scenarios, you probably avoid getting infected.

Q: What are the most common symptoms?

They remain the same. A sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, fever, cough, loss of taste and smell. If symptoms progress, they can include chest pain, shortness of breath and in rare cases blood clots. Some symptoms remain serious enough to require emergency or hospital care.

If you're unvaccinated, Omicron can hit you with the full force of Covid, Cloud said. Were still unfortunately seeing some pretty catastrophic things.

Severity also can depend on age, overall health, prior infection and whether you got a huge viral load, Russo said. It's better to get a whiff of virus than a boatload of virus. If you're wearing a mask, that decreases the viral load. Masks aren't perfect but together with vaccines, they're even better.

Q: Why get vaccinated at this point if the disease is likely to be milder and the variant more transmissible? Why not just get it over with?

Cloud understands this view, particularly after nearly two years of a pandemic that has damaged the economy, fostered so much isolation and limited educational opportunities for children.

My concern, though, is if we just completely let it rip, then I'm going to have 600 employees out, he said, and we won't be able to provide care for heart attack and stroke and trauma patients. I know people are tired of hearing this, but weve got to protect the hospital. Thats still why were all taking precautions.

Cloud cautioned people not to take Omicron too lightly. He broke down the current ECMC Covid-19 patient population this way:

Roughly one-third are sick with traditional symptoms that put Covid-19 patients in the hospital: labored breathing and body-wide inflammation. These patients tend to be younger, sicker and unvaccinated.

Another third arrived vaccinated, trend older and have health conditions that include diabetes or heart, lung, kidney and neurological disease  in many cases, more than one. Most often need a day or two to regroup. Few require much oxygen support.

Another third arrived with unrelated health challenges. This group tested positive because the hospital tests all its patients.

Q: What is the vaccine status of hospital patients across the region?

Hospital leaders learned Thursday that two-thirds of hospital patients admitted regionally, including three-quarters sent to intensive care, were unvaccinated.

I had a handful of older patients at the VA who had breakthrough infections before Omicron, said Sellick, who sat in on the conference call when the breakdown was shared. They were in for a couple of days and went home, which we've seen with influenza for years.

Covid patient acuity at Kaleida Health hospitals was worse during a mostly Delta surge as late as early December, said Dr. Michael Mineo, chief medical officer with Kaleida Healths Buffalo General Medical Center, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Amherst and DeGraff Medical Park in North Tonawanda.

Our ICUs were full, he said. We were worrying about running out of ventilators. We're not experiencing that now."

Mineo said late last week that its too early in the latest wave to know if the lower percentage of those with Omicron who need hospitalization will still clog acute-care settings because of the far larger number of those contracting the variant.

Q: What comes next with this surge?

Wholesale lockdowns, school and business closings are unlikely, at least in Western New York and nationwide  though widespread risks from the spread will explain testing and vaccination requirements in many schools and public gathering places.

If the pandemic wanes and endemic conditions return, it will be up to individuals to understand the risks for Covid-19 for themselves and their loved ones, and act accordingly, with growing proof that those unvaccinated  especially people over 65, obese or with a chronic disease  will continue to be at greater risk for hospitalization and death.

Going forward, it will be up to societies, governments and public health officials to decide the acceptable threshold of death and sickness from the virus before limiting liberties that remain with other endemic diseases, including HIV and the flu.

Q: What will help minimize risk?

In this age of Covid, as in every age, there is no such thing as zero risk. A properly worn mask that fits snuggly around the nose and mouth will help. So will washing hands often and thoroughly, limiting social engagements during times of high virus transmission, and a jab or booster as public health experts recommend.

Not one of those techniques is foolproof, Sellick said, but when you put all them together, that's when we get the ultimate level of protection for our community.

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In his Christmas message issued on January 6, the head of the Ethiopian Bishops' Conference asks the faithfull to ask God for the gift of forgiveness and peace in the country, where civil war has recently entered its second year.

By Lisa Zengarini

As Ethiopia continues to face war resulting in a serious humanitarian crisis, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel of Addis Ababa has urged Ethiopians to shun pride, anger and hatred that hinder peace in the country.



In his Message for Christmas, which the Oriental Churches celebrated on January 7, the head of the Ethiopian Catholic Church called on all the faithful to avoid evil and to ask God for the gift of forgiveness and peace through prayer: We persevere in prayer because peace and happiness are found in prayer. When we do, we fear God and turn away from all evil. We are all a family, he says.

Praying for peace

We need to avoid the spirit of pride, hatred and anger that can break the chains of peace by begging the Lord to graciously grant us peace, even though peace is being violated and war is being waged in our country, the message continues.

To overcome pride and hatred the Ethiopian Cardinal stresses that humility, gentleness and patience are needed: Only in this way can we truly love one another. So let us return to Him with all our heart, that we may walk together in the spirit of forgiveness, he writes.

Supporting the suffering

The message further calls on the faithful in Ethiopia to share the suffering and sorrow of those who have endured war, the traumatized and those suffering from moral breakdown, the displaced and injured, and those that have lost their parents and families.

The bishops' support

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) announced recently it would raise US$2 million, with the aid of Church partners, local Catholic Institutions and Catholic faithful, to support people enduring the consequences of the war. The announcement was made in the final message of its recent Plenary Assembly which was focused on the armed conflict.

Read also 28/12/2021 Ethiopian Bishops renew call for peace Ethiopian bishops have focused their recent Plenary Assembly on the humanitarian crisis caused by the 13-month war in the country, calling on the faithful to pray for and foster ...

Over 2 million displaced

War erupted on November 4, 2020, following an attack against federal military bases by the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF). Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed promised a swift victory, but the fighting has escalated into a widespread conflict involving ethnic-based militias as well as Eritrean armed forces. Over 2 million people have been displaced as a result of the civil war and famine has been officially declared in the region.
The UNs childrens fund laments that the over 11-year conflict in Syria continues to claim victims in the new year.

By Robin Gomes

The ordeal of Syrias children continues unabated, with the conflict continuing to injure and claim lives in the new year.

Only in the past four days  since the new year began  two children were killed and another five were injured in the northwest of Syria as violence escalated, a senior official with the United Nations childrens fund, UNICEF, lamented on Tuesday, following recent violence and disruption in Syria.

Warring parties should never attack children or the services they rely on, said Kambou Fofana, UNICEFs Acting Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

Strikes on civilian infrastructures

He was referring to an attack on a UNICEF-supported water station in the village of Arshani outside Idlib in northwest Syria. The attack put the station out of service, cutting water supply for over 241,000 people, many of them internally displaced.

Fofana did not specify who carried out the raids, but Russian jets bombed areas near Idlib on Sunday, 2 January, Reuters reported, citing witnesses and rebel sources. It marked a new year flare-up for the last opposition-held bastion. Warplanes flying at high altitude, which tracking centres said were Russian Sukhoi jets, dropped bombs on several towns and a main water pumping station serving the overcrowded city of Idlib, whose wider population is more than a million.

An official at the city's water utility service said it was out of action as a result of the strikes. A senior UN official who confirmed the water station was "badly damaged" in an airstrike said such attacks worsened the humanitarian plight of millions of displaced Syrians.

UN deputy regional humanitarian coordinator Mark Cutts said, "Continued destruction of civilian infrastructure will only cause more suffering of civilians. Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop," he said in a tweet.

Witnesses said the strikes in the rebel-held enclave also hit livestock and poultry farms close to the Bab al Hawa border crossing with Turkey.

Syrias war game continues

The Syrian army and Russia which targets the hideouts of militant groups who control the region deny any attacks on civilians. A deal brokered nearly two years ago between Russia and Turkey, which supports opposing groups, ended fighting that had displaced more than a million people within a few months.

Meanwhile, the United States-led coalition in Syria said they struck several launch sites for short-range rockets believed to be intended for attacks on an installation used by US troops in eastern Syria, officials said Tuesday.

A statement by the coalition did not specify who carried out the strikes but said the sites posed an imminent threat in the vicinity of Green Village, Syria, and were struck in self-defence. The United States has about 2,500 troops in Iraq acting as trainers and advisers to Iraqi security forces.

2021 woes

The developments this week came just days after UNICEF reported that grave violations against children in both protracted and new conflicts were on the rise in 2021. Syria was among countries where thousands of boys and girls paid a devastating price as armed conflict, inter-communal violence, and insecurity continued, the childrens agency said on Friday.

Although 2021 data is not yet available, the UN verified more than 26,400 grave violations against children in 2020, including killing and maiming, recruitment, sexual violence, abduction, and attacks against schools or hospitals.

Children and services catering to them must never come under attack, Fofana said. It has been 11 brutal years of war on the children of Syria. How much longer can this go on? he asked.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) announced in its monthly report, released on 1 January, that 1,271 civilians, including 229 children, 134 women, and 104 victims of torture, were killed in Syria in 2021. It noted that the killing of Syrians has been continuous since March 2011, adding that 69 civilians, including 16 children, seven women, and seven victims of torture, were documented killed in Syria in December 2021.

The SNHR is a UK-based non-governmental, independent group that is considered a primary source of information for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on all death toll-related analyses in Syria. Its 33-page report states that the crime of murder has become widespread and systematic, mainly at the hands of Syrian regime forces and affiliated militias, adding that the entry of several parties into the Syrian conflict has increased the importance and complexity of documenting the victims killed in Syria.

According to the group, the Idlib governorate saw the largest death toll compared to other Syrian governorates in 2021, accounting for 19.35% of the total death toll. It is followed by Aleppo governorate with 18%, Daraa with 16.5%, Deir Ez-Zour, then Hasaka.

Reaching out to children

UNICEF and its partners continue to support children in the Syrian crisis, to help them cope with the impact of conflict and to resume their childhoods.

Their work includes improving access to education and psychosocial support services, delivering critical humanitarian assistance in hard-to-reach areas, as well as delivering assistance such as hygiene kits, safe drinking water, and screening and treatment of malnutrition.
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Music Time in Africa is VOAs longest running English language program. Since 1965, this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Ethnomusicologist and Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on whats happening in African music with exclusive interviews, cultural information, and of course, great music -- including rare recordings from the Leo Sarkisian Library of African Music.
Philippines typhoon help still needed. Finding enough homes for refugees. Stitching together a new future. Asias business of neon lights and carpets. A telescope unfolds. Virtual study returns. Jim Stevenson hosts VOA Asia.
Army rescuers Sunday cleared routes around a Pakistan hill town sheltering thousands of tourists after 22 people died in vehicles trapped by heavy snow.

The resort town of Murree, around 70 kilometers northeast of Islamabad, was inundated with tourists and day-trippers last week after unusually heavy snow turned it into a winter wonderland.

But a blizzard from Friday onwards felled trees and blocked narrow roads leading in and out of the town, which clings to steep hills and valleys at an altitude of 2,300 meters.

"It was not snow, and not even heavy snow, it was unprecedented... with 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) in few hours," Tariq Ullah, an administrative official in nearby Nathia Gali, told AFP on Sunday.

"(I) never saw such a huge snowstorm in my life. There were strong winds, uprooted trees, avalanches. People around were terrified, each having his or her own account of suffering."

Officials said nearly 100,000 visitors in thousands of vehicles had thronged the town by Friday, causing an enormous traffic jam even before the blizzard.

They said 22 people died in vehicles trapped in the snow overnight Friday -- either from cold, or carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust fumes generated by drivers running engines to keep warm.

'Going to sleep'

They included 10 children -- six who died alongside their mother and father, a senior police officer.

"We are switching on the heater and going to sleep," Dawn newspaper quoted assistant inspector Naveed Iqbal as saying in a final call to his son in the capital.

He was buried late Saturday alongside his family at a ceremony attended by hundreds of fellow officers.

On Sunday, a steady stream of vehicles and people on foot were making their way out of hard-hit Kuldana, close to Murree.

Many vehicles were stuck by the side of the road, hoods up, waiting for a jump-start after draining their batteries to run heaters during their ordeal.

Piles of rubbish marked spots where cars had spent the cold night.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was shocked and upset by the tragedy, but that the unprecedented snowfall and rush of people "caught district admin unprepared."

Several Pakistan newspapers, however, excoriated administrators Sunday, noting the country's weather bureau warned as early as Jan. 6 of the approaching blizzard.

"All concerned authorities are particularly advised to remain 'ALERT' during the forecast period," the National Weather Forecasting Center said Thursday, adding "heavy snowfall" could cause road closures in Murree and elsewhere.

Investigation promised

Authorities have promised an investigation.

"Our first priority was rescue, which is ongoing, then relief," Hasaan Khawar, spokesperson for the Punjab provincial government, said Sunday in a video on Twitter.

"Then a high-level inquiry will be launched and if there is any kind of negligence, then action will be taken against all those involved."

The Pakistan military's public relations department said they had pulled all survivors from cars trapped along the route to Murree and taken them to shelters set up in the town.

More than 1,000 abandoned vehicles along the route were hampering efforts by bulldozers to clear snow from roads, it said, and in some areas troops were using shovels.

Leading up to the weekend, Pakistan social media had been full of pictures and videos of people playing in the snow around Murree, a picturesque resort town built by the British in the 19th century as a sanatorium for its colonial troops.

Authorities warned as early as last weekend that too many vehicles were trying to enter the town, but even that failed to discourage hordes of day-trippers from the capital.

Many Pakistanis complained on social media Sunday that Murree hoteliers and guest-house owners had compounded the problem by price gouging, prompting stranded people to spend the night in their cars rather than pay for a room.

"Things would have been different if local people and hotels were cooperative, but the reputation and conduct of the local people of Murree are very bad in this respect," a senior government official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

There were also reports, however, of locals throwing open their homes to stranded tourists and offering food and blankets to those caught in the open.
Nigerian authorities on Sunday said the death toll from attacks by armed groups in northwest Zamfara State this past week has risen to more than 200. The attacks which began Tuesday lasted until Thursday across nine villages. Authorities say many more villagers remain unaccounted for.

Zamfara state residents say the attacks were retaliation for last weeks military raid against the bandits.

Military airstrikes last Monday around the armed mens hideout in the Gusami forest hideout as well as in Tamre village in Zamfara reportedly killed more than 100 bandits, including two of their leaders.

Large numbers of angry motorcycle-riding bandits hit back at local communities in reprisal for days, shooting people on sight and burning down houses.

State authorities initially said 58 people were killed but authorities on Saturday said more than 200 bodies were buried and scores of other people were missing.

Last week's attacks are among the deadliest seen in the region in years. Authorities say up to 10,000 people were displaced and too afraid to return to their homes.

On Saturday, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said in a statement, The latest attacks on innocent people by the bandits is an act of desperation by mass murderers, now under relentless pressure from our military forces.

Security analyst Kabiru Adamu said security forces have been making progress and gives a reason.

"One of the key bandits by the name Bello Turji, wrote a letter last month where he indicated his willingness to [as it were] end what he's doing. The letter was very clear," said Adamu.

Zamfara state police spokesperson Shehu Mohammed said authorities were gathering intelligence on the attacks from the villages and victims and would aid future operations.

"The information we got will surely assist the security agencies in trying to record more successes in subsequent operations," he said.

Northwest and north-central Nigeria are recording spikes in attacks on communities, looting and mass kidnappings for ransom that began in late 2020.

The government has repeatedly promised to address the issue.
The European Union is under increasing pressure to further ease rules on airport take-off and landing slots to cut the number of "ghost flights" airlines are running to retain them.

Carriers say the requirement for them to use 50% of their slots -- down from 80% in pre-pandemic days -- or lose them is forcing them to operate empty or half-empty flights.

A sluggish return to air travel, as travelers shrink away from the omicron COVID variant and quickly changing rules for passengers, is dragging out the practice longer than they planned.

Belgium's Brussels Airlines, for instance, says it will have to operate 3,000 under-capacity flights up to the end of March.

Its parent company Lufthansa warned last month it expected it would have to run 18,000 "pointless flights" over the European winter.

Belgium's transport minister, Georges Gilkinet, has written to the European Commission urging it to loosen the slot rules, arguing the consequences run counter to the EU's carbon-neutral ambitions.

The current reduced quotas were introduced in March last year in a nod to the hardship airlines faced as COVID washed over Europe for a second year running, shriveling passenger numbers.

In December, the commission said the 50% threshold would be raised to 64% for this year's April-to-November summer flight season.

"Despite our urgings for more flexibility at the time, the EU approved a 50%-use rule for every flight schedule/frequency held for the winter. This has clearly been unrealistic in the EU this winter against the backdrop of the current crisis," a spokesperson for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) told AFP.

He said the commission needed to show more "flexibility ... given the significant drop in passengers and impact of omicron numbers on crewing planned schedules.

But a commission spokesperson on Wednesday said the EU executive believed "the overall reduced consumer demand... is already reflected in a much-reduced rate of 50% compared to the usual 80%-use rate rule.

The spokesperson, Daniel Ferrie, said: "The Commission expects that operated flights follow consumer demand and offer much needed continued air connectivity to citizens."
International business groups are urging Hong Kong to restart international flights after a ratings group warned the travel restrictions, imposed last week because of COVID-19 outbreaks, could have dire effects on the territorys economy.

Fitch Ratings said, A new wave of restrictions on various social activities within Hong Kong and a further tightening of controls on international travel ... are likely to dampen economic growth prospects.

Some Hong Kong executives who traveled out of the territory for the winter holidays found that they could not return to Hong Kong because of the new restrictions that are designed to be in place for at least two weeks but may last longer. Fitch said, We believe the tightening of restrictions on international arrivals will create further obstacles to the territorys ability to serve as a regional headquarters for foreign multinational companies.

The Cyprus Mail reports that a University of Cyprus scientist and his team have discovered a new COVID variant. Dr. Leontios Kostrikis told the publication that deltacron has the genetic background of the delta variant and some of the mutations of omicron.

The frequency of the mutations was higher among those in hospital which could mean there is a correlation between deltacron and hospitalizations, Kostrikis told the Mail.

Australias New South Wales state reported 16 deaths from COVID-19 on Sunday, its deadliest day in the two-year pandemic. The state, Australias most populous, already has 200,000 people in isolation, and reported more than 30,000 new cases.

On Sunday, New South Wales Health issued a statement allowing essential workers to return to work if they do not have any symptoms, if their employer says they are needed. They must wear a mask and pass a daily rapid antigen test. Some employers are reporting as many as half their workers are staying home because they have had contact with an infected person.

Victoria, Australias second-largest state, reported more than 44,000 new cases and four deaths, Reuters reported. The entire country will surpass 1 million infections sometime Sunday, according to the Australia Broadcasting Corp.

Saturday, more than 100,000 people took to the streets across France to protest proposed new restrictions that will require proof of vaccination to eat out, travel on intercity trains or go to a cultural event. The turnout was four times the governments estimate of 25,000 protesters who marched on Dec. 18, Agence France-Presse reported.

Protesters also marched in several German cities Saturday, demanding a halt to restrictions on those who have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus. The main demonstrations occurred in Duesseldorf, Frankfurt and Magdeburg.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Friday that proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test will now be required to enter bars and restaurants in the country. Currently, proof of vaccination is required to enter many public venues.

Protests of government coronavirus restrictions also took place Saturday in Turin, Italy, and Beirut.

Global surge

The United Kingdoms death toll from COVID-19 since the pandemic began topped 150,000 on Saturday, more deaths than any other European country except Russia. Britain reported a record of 146,390 new cases on Saturday.

"Coronavirus has taken a terrible toll on our country and today the number of deaths recorded has reached 150,000," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement. "Our way out of this pandemic is for everyone to get their booster or their first or second dose if they haven't yet."

Indias capital, New Delhi, was shut down Saturday to halt the spread of the coronavirus, after a nearly fourfold nationwide spike in infections in the last week alone. Most shops were closed, but some essential services remained open.

More than 140,000 new cases across the country were reported Saturday, the most since the end of May, the health ministry said. It also reported more than 280 new deaths, for a total of nearly 484,000 since the pandemic began.

The surge in infections in India is fueled by the highly contagious omicron variant as political rallies attended by tens of thousands of people continue to be held by candidates before state elections are held later this year.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Car buyers in the United States have had a $7,500 tax credit available for the purchase of a new electric vehicle since 2008. A provision in President Bidens Build Back Better bill would modify the incentives, in ways both good and bad. Some further revisions are in order.

The Biden proposal would add an additional $4,500 if the car is made by a unionized workforce, and $500 more for vehicles made with at least 50% American parts and batteries.

Trade officials in Canada are rightly worried that the combined new incentives would deal a crushing blow to the Canadian auto industry and have ripple effects on the Buffalo plants that make parts for Canadian automakers. If the Build Back Better bill ever makes it through Congress  its fate is up in the air thanks to objections by Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema  the prioritizing of cars made in the United States should be revisited.

The United States, Canada and Mexico are dependent upon one another when it comes to auto manufacturing. Canada imports about $22 billion a year in U.S. auto parts. Cars and trucks built in Canada contain materials that are 50% American.

Vehicles sold throughout North America, and the components that go into them, can be made in any of the three countries. Theres nothing wrong with a tax incentive intended to support American manufacturing, but the parameters should be widened to include all of North America.

A story in The News this month pointed out that General Motors Tonawanda Engine Plant makes engines for vehicles assembled in Ingersoll, Ont., while parts from the Ford Stamping Plant in Hamburg are used in vehicles built in Oakville, Ont.

An improvement in Build Back Better is that the tax credits are refundable. If a credit is worth more than you owe in taxes, you would receive a check for the difference.

Under current law, neither buyers of Tesla nor GM electric cars get tax credits because they have exceeded the number of vehicles sold to qualify for the credit. The Build Back Better plan would reopen that window for the first five years. After 2026, only cars assembled in the United States would be eligible for the basic $7,500 credit.

A Democratic president repaying the United Auto Workers for its support is nothing new. Democrats concoct policies to please supporters in organized labor, just as Republicans do to favor private equity funds. Presidents in both parties have implemented protectionist trade policies.

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, negotiated under former President Donald Trump, took effect in 2019. The USMCA places no tariffs on vehicles if 75% of their content is made in the United States, Canada or Mexico. Canadian officials contend that the Biden proposal violates the USMCA by offering the full tax break only to vehicles made entirely in the United States. They say that would in effect put a 34% tariff on vehicles assembled in Canada. That would jeopardize the future of GM and Fords plans in Canada, along with the Buffalo plants that supply them.

Canada has threatened to retaliate by rescinding concessions it made to the U.S. dairy industry in the USMCA by adding new tariffs to American goods. New Yorks dairy farmers should not have to pay a price for a dispute that doesnt concern them.

The Mexican government has also been lobbying against the tax break for U.S.-built cars. According to Forbes.com, Mexican Secretary of the Economy Tatiana Clouthier told reporters in December that her government would litigate the provision in its national courts, as well as under USMCA conflict resolution rules and the World Trade Organization.

We are evaluating all kinds of retaliation, said Clouthier.

Electric vehicles are important to moving the United States toward a green energy future. Incentives to get there must recognize that the U.S., Canada and Mexico are part of one integrated market, with supply chains that dont stop at international borders.

  

Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
Greece this week takes delivery of an ancient fragment that once adorned the Parthenon temple, the countrys most important archeological site. The return from a museum in Italy is being seen as the strongest nudge yet to the British Museum, which holds the largest collection of Parthenon Sculptures and has refused for centuries to return the antiquities to their ancient home.

The marble fragment will be unveiled at the Acropolis Museum Monday, displayed in a full-size representation of the Parthenons frieze.

The return is part of a groundbreaking loan deal signed between the Acropolis Museum and the Antonio Salinas Regional Archeological Museum in Sicily, where the artifact has been on display since the 19th century.

The Parthenon fragment, depicting the foot of a goddess, will be lent for a four-year period in exchange for a fifth century B.C. headless statue of the goddess Athena and an eighth century B.C. amphora as part of an extensive cultural exchange agreement. The loan period may be extended a further four years, and the fragments move to Greece could eventually become permanent.

Sicilys councilor for culture, Alberto Samona, said this is an important cultural exchange that can pave the way for even bigger international exhibits organized by the Salinas museum and the Acropolis museum.



Experts in Greece say the loan deal adds to mounting pressure on Britain to follow suit with the so-called Elgin Marbles, a massive collection of sculptures assembled by Thomas Bruce, the seventh earl of Elgin, who in the early 1800s was the British ambassador to the Ottoman empire, which then controlled Greece. Britain bought them from Elgin in 1816 after a parliamentary inquiry into the legitimacy of his ownership.

The dispute marks one of the longest-standing cultural rows in history, with Athens demanding for decades that the British Museum return the marble masterpieces to Greece. Greeks have accused the late British aristocrat of cultural theft.

Last week, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mistotakis made a new bid for the return of the sculptures as the Acropolis Museum installed 10 fragments of the Parthenon frieze stored in the capitals archeological Museum.

The return of the Parthenon Sculptures from the British museum, he said, is a political and ethical issue with international implications. The prime minister said the return is all about healing a wound created violently and illegally by Elgin.

Mitsotakis raised the issue in talks with his British counterpart, Boris Johnson, late last year, offering to lend some Greek historical treasures to the British Museum.

The prime ministers office has since said the offer is a matter for the British Museum to decide. It added, however, that the marbles were bound to remain in Britain, arguing they were legally acquired and not the subject of an ownership dispute.
The situation has stabilized in all regions of the country, the office of Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in a statement Sunday, after a week of unrest in which he directed security forces in a televised national address Friday to shoot to kill protesters without warning in the Central Asian nation.

During the week, Kazakh security forces killed 26 demonstrators and detained 5,800, the presidents office said Sunday. The statement from the presidency said "a substantial number of foreign nationals were included among those detained.

Eighteen law enforcement officers also died.

More Russian troops arrived Saturday at Kazakhstans Almaty International Airport, according to video released by Russias defense ministry after the president gave his shoot-to-kill address.

Almaty, Kazakhstans largest city, was mostly quiet on Saturday, according to Agence France-Presse, but security forces were firing warning shots if anyone approached the central square.

Also Saturday, authorities announced the arrest of Karim Massimov, former head of the National Security Committee, on suspicion of high treason. Masimov, 56, led the committee, which is responsible for counterintelligence, until Tokayev removed him earlier this week.

The mostly Russian troops began arriving in Kazakhstan after Tokayev declared a state of emergency Wednesday and appealed to the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Eurasian intergovernmental military alliance, for help quelling the protests.

About 2,500 troops are being deployed, some guarding government buildings in the capital, Nur-Sultan, freeing up part of the forces of Kazakh law enforcement agencies [to] redeploy them to Almaty to participate in the counter-terrorist operation, said a statement from Tokayev's office.

The CSTO is made up of forces from Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Tokayev told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call Saturday that terrorist attacks are still being carried out in some areas of his country, despite the clampdown, according to a statement on the Kazakh presidential website.

The Kremlin described Saturdays conversation as lengthy, during which Tokayev described to Putin the unrest, noting that it is developing towards stabilization.

Tokayev dismissed international calls Friday for his government to negotiate with the protesters. He continues to claim, without evidence, they are trained and organized by unnamed foreign entities.

He called the protesters bandits and terrorists who must be destroyed and promised this would be done shortly. He also thanked Putin for promptly sending troops, at Tokayevs request, to help crack down on the protests.

The presidents exchanged views on the measures taken to restore order in Kazakhstan and agreed to remain in constant contact, the Kremlin statement said.

Protests broke out in Kazakhstan late last week over fuel prices and escalated into widespread violence.

The U.S. State Department on Friday approved the voluntary departure of nonemergency U.S. government employees and their families from the U.S. Consulate in Almaty and warned that the situation in Kazakhstan could affect the U.S. Embassys ability to provide assistance to U.S. citizens departing the Central Asian nation.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was "very concerned" about the state of emergency in Kazakhstan.

"We're watching the situation with real concern, and we are encouraging everyone to find a peaceful resolution," he said.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg also called Friday for an end to the violence in Kazakhstan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping praised Tokayev on Friday for having decisively taken strong measures at critical moments and quickly calming down the situation, and referred to the violence by protesters as a large-scale riot.

China has invested heavily in Kazakhstan, which is a crucial part of Beijings Belt and Road initiative project connecting China to Europe.

Feng Chongyi, an associate professor in China Studies at Sydneys University of Technology, told VOAs Mandarin service that China is very worried about spillover effects from the Kazakhstan violence, which could encourage citizens in Kazakhstans neighbors, or even Chinese citizens, to rise up against their government.

He also noted that while China and Russia often work together on the international stage against the United States, they also have their own conflicts with each other, which he said could flare up over the violence in Kazakhstan. He said if Kazakhstan moves closer to Russia as a result of the current situation this would pose a threat to Chinas interests.

VOAs Mandarin Service and Ricardo Marquina contributed to this report. Some information came from The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse.
Mali's military government proposed in December a 5-year extension of the transition to civilian rule, after originally agreeing to a period of 18 months. Protesters gathered Saturday in Bamako to call for a return to democracy, ahead of an ECOWAS meeting about Mali Sunday in Accra. This is the first public demonstration since the government's announcement of a 5-year plan, a contrast to the many pro-military demonstrations that have been held this year.



About 100 protesters gathered Sunday afternoon at Bamakos Martyrs monument to demand a swift return to civilian rule, after Malis military government proposed a 5-year transition plan in December with the next presidential elections in 2026.



The Martyrs Monument commemorates March 26, 1991, when government soldiers fired on pro-democracy protesters, killing many.



This assembly marks the first anti-transition demonstration since the government announced the 5-year plan.



Ibrahim Kalilou Thera, one of the demonstration organizers, said military leaders proposed a 5-year transition period without consulting the people.



"In reality, if they had proposed at least a transition of a short period of six months, the people could have understood," he said. "But we can tell that these people dont have the will to organize elections. Not for February, because they could have organized for February. But there werent prior arrangements, there werent preparations, there wasnt the political will."



Sina Thera, 23, a student at the University of Bamako, originally was in support of the military government when they first took power in August 2020 in a coup dEtat that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.



The August 2020 coup followed months of anti-government protests in Bamako, some that ended in the killing of protesters by security forces.

When the current military leaders first came to power, they were met by large crowds and widespread support in the streets of Bamako.



He says that before, he supported them a lot, because they came to finish the fight started by the Malian population. "Once the fight is done, though, and the fight was victorious  its time. The promise they made is very sacred. They set a deadline," he said.



A coalition of major political parties rejected the military governments 5-year transition proposition earlier this week.

Mohamed Ag Assory, a political analyst and consultant, says its not so important whether or not the march Saturday has a large number of people, because for months there was a complete lack of opposition.

"Some time ago, there were only supporters of the transition that could be seen here and there. Theres now an emergence of a new pole, a new opposition thats organizing itself, and people listen to what theyre saying, its just the beginning. There have been press conferences, now theyre starting to demonstrate on the ground, and I think there will be more actions in the future in this sense," he said.

He adds that everything will depend, however, on what happens this Sunday when the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS, a 15-nation regional bloc with a mandate to promote economic integration  will be holding an extraordinary summit on Mali in Accra January 9, which may lead to an agreement between ECOWAS leaders and Malis military government on a shortened transition period.
Geneva, dubbed the capital of peace, is a favored spot for meetings between the two great post-World War II powers and once again hosts talks between Russia and the United States on Monday.

The tranquil Swiss city held the 1985 summit between US president Ronald Reagan and his Soviet counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev.

Geneva also staged last June's talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden.

On Monday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and her Russian opposite number, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, will hold much-anticipated discussions on European security and the Ukraine conflict.

Neutral territory

Geneva not only hosts the United Nations  having been the seat of its League of Nations predecessor  and several U.N. agencies; the French-speaking city is also home to the Red Cross and dozens of other international organizations.

Former Swiss president Guy Parmelin called it the "city of peace" at the Biden-Putin summit last year, showing the Alpine nation could play a role in international relations even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the heart of Europe, Switzerland is known for its centuries of neutrality and was never part of the NATO and Warsaw Pact Cold War blocs that divided the continent following World War II.

Indeed, the talks between Reagan and Gorbachev played an important role in thawing the Cold War ice.

Spooks and experts

In 2009 and 2010 in Geneva, Russia and the United States negotiated the New START treaty on reducing their nuclear arsenals.

The city is home to the U.N.-linked Conference on Disarmament -- the only such forum thrashing out arms control and disarmament agreements -- and Geneva is therefore brimming with experts in such negotiations.

The city overlooked by Mont Blanc has hosted several meetings between the US and Russian foreign ministers, such as the 2009 summit between Sergei Lavrov and Hillary Clinton.

She offered him a plastic "reset button" to symbolize the revival of relations.

Lavrov and Clinton's successor John Kerry also met several times for talks in the Calvinist city, on topics such as Syria and Ukraine.

The Russians and Americans, who have large diplomatic representations and a considerable intelligence presence in Geneva, have also organized several meetings there on Syria in recent years.

Since the Biden-Putin summit, Sherman and Ryabkov have held a series of follow-up meetings in Geneva to continue the strategic dialogue and smooth out disputes between Washington and Moscow.

The pair met for the first time at the U.S. mission on July 28 before meeting again at the Russian complex on September 30.

Discretion and security

The two missions are a few hundred meters apart, close to the U.N.'s Palais des Nations headquarters.

As ever, the area will be under high security on Monday.

Switzerland, and Geneva in particular, is appreciated by diplomats of all stripes for its flexibility and discretion as a host state, as well as for the security it offers.

Such conditions saw the city host talks in the 1990s on the Bosnian civil war, the 2013 Geneva interim agreement on Iran's nuclear program and, more recently, on the conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Libya.
Sudanese security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades Sunday at thousands of protesters marching against the countrys military rulers, with medics reporting that one demonstrator was killed.

The protesters marched from Omdurman to Bahri, two cities adjoining the capital Khartoum, chanting slogans assailing military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who took power in an Oct. 25 coup that upended a transitional power-sharing deal with civilians.

One man was killed after being hit in the neck by a tear gas canister, according to a Sudanese doctors association aligned with the protest movement, although it did not say where the death took place.

That raised the number of civilians killed by security forces to 62 since the coup, according to the doctors, who have also accused the military of repeatedly raiding medical facilities treating injured protesters and attacking staff.

The military has justified the coup as a "correction" needed to stabilize the transition to elections from a power-sharing arrangement the military and civilians struck following the toppling of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

It has said that peaceful protests are permitted and that those responsible for causing casualties will be held accountable.

The United Nations said on Saturday it would attempt to resolve the crisis, inviting military leaders, political parties and other groups to take part in talks.

On January 2, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok resigned, citing a

failure to reach a compromise between the generals and the country's

pro-democracy movement. He was ousted in the coup but reinstated a month later following a deal with the military that was meant to calm tensions and anti-coup demonstrations.

Some material in this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
Top U.S. and Russian diplomats expressed little optimism Sunday that tensions between their countries would be eased at high-level discussions this week in Europe over Moscows massive troop buildup along its Ukraine border and Russian demands for Western security guarantees.

Its hard to see were going to make any progress with a gun to Ukraines head, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNNs State of the Union show.

Were going to listen to Russias concerns about NATO military exercises in central and eastern Europe, Blinken said, but added, Theyre going to have to listen to ours about the 100,000 troops Russia has amassed along Ukraines eastern flank.

Meanwhile, Russias state-owned RIA news agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov as saying it was entirely possible that the U.S.-Russia talks could end abruptly after a single meeting.



"I can't rule out anything; this is an entirely possible scenario and the Americans... should have no illusions about this," Ryabkov was quoted as saying. Officials from the two countries held a working dinner Sunday night ahead of the more formal talks on Monday in Geneva.

"Naturally, we will not make any concessions under pressure and in the course of threats that are constantly being formed by the Western participants of the upcoming talks, Ryabkov said.

Watch related video by VOA's Michelle Quinn:

Blinken said, I dont think were going to see any [immediate] breakthrough in the U.S.-Russia negotiations that continue along with other countries in Brussels and Vienna throughout the week.

But he said, Ultimately this is up to President [Vladimir] Putin. Its his actions [with the Ukraine troop buildup] that are precipitating what he says he doesnt want, furthering conflict with the United States and its allies.

Blinken reiterated the U.S. threat to impose severe economic sanctions against Moscow in the event it invades Ukraine eight years after its 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula.

Our strong preference is a diplomatic solution, but thats up to Russia, Blinken told ABCs This Week show. He said there is room for negotiations over military exercises in Europe and renewed arms limitations that he accused Russia of violating in the past.

The top U.S. diplomat, however, said Russia cannot violate other countries borders or dictate whether NATO might accede to Ukraines request for membership in the seven-decade-old Western military alliance. He said 60% of Ukrainians favor the country joining NATO.

Russia has denied it plans to invade Ukraine and has demanded an end to NATO expansion and a halt to the alliance's military exercises in central and eastern European countries that joined it after 1997.

The United States and NATO have said large parts of the Russian proposals are a non-starter.

Aside from Blinkens Sunday talk show interviews, a senior official in President Joe Bidens administration on Saturday anonymously laid out the U.S. stance on the talks with Russia.

The main threats to European security over the past two decades have come from Russia and the forces with which it is aligned, the official said. Russia has twice invaded and occupied its neighbors. It's interfered in a myriad of elections, including our own.

It's used chemical weapons to conduct assassinations and violated foundational arms control treaties... So, any serious conversation with Russia about European security is going to have to address those issues..., the official said.

The official said the U.S. is not willing to restrict NATOs membership options.

It is not up to Russia, for example, to decide for other countries who they can be allies with, the official said. Those are decisions only for those countries and the alliance itself.

But the official said the U.S. was ready to talk about the possibility of each side restricting military exercises and missile deployments in the region.

After the Geneva talks, Russia is also due to hold negotiations with NATO in Brussels on Wednesday and at the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Vienna on Thursday.

Some material in this report came from Reuters.
West African regional leaders imposed new sanctions Sunday on Mali, suspending most commerce and financial aid to the country after its military rulers said they would stay in power for four more years instead of holding an election next month as promised.

In a veiled threat at possible military pressure, the regional bloc known as ECOWAS activated its standby force, saying it "will have to be ready for any eventuality."

The sanctions mark the steepest consequences for Mali to date and include land and air border closures with other countries belonging to ECOWAS, according to a statement released after a day-long meeting in Ghana's capital.

The junta led by Col. Assimi Goita initially had agreed to hold a new election in late February, 18 months after it first seized power. The military leadership now says the next presidential election will take place instead in 2026, giving Goita four more years in power.

In a statement, regional leaders called this timeframe "totally unacceptable" and said it "simply means that an illegitimate military transition government will take the Malian people hostage during the next five years."

The business sanctions won't apply to essentials like pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies and equipment to fight COVID-19. Petroleum products and electricity are also excluded, the regional bloc said.

But all of Mali's financial assets held in the regional bloc's central bank and other commercial banks will be blocked. And ECOWAS will suspend its financial aid to Mali. Previous sanctions had only targeted junta leadership with travel bans and asset freezes.

After overthrowing Mali's democratically elected president, coup leader Goita had promised to swiftly return the country to democratic rule. Doubts deepened about his intentions, though, after he effectively launched a second coup nine months later, forcing out the chosen transitional civilian leaders and becoming president himself.

Mali's junta maintains that elections can't be held because of deepening insecurity across the country, where Islamic extremists have been fighting a decade-long insurgency. They also say it's essential to draft a new constitution and put it before voters in a referendum, a lengthy endeavor that would pave the way for new local and legislative elections before any presidential vote.

The French military, which helped push the militants from power in northern Mali in 2013, is now in the process of drawing down its troop presence in Mali. Many fear their departure will only deepen the crisis despite the presence of U.N. peacekeepers and regional forces bolstering Malian troops' efforts.

Critics of the junta fear that the political turmoil will further undermine the Malian military's response to Islamic extremist attacks at a time when they will increasingly be bearing the responsibility for fighting militants.
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Comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish recently visited her grandfather's village in Eritrea, where she met with government officials and experienced some of the country's culture and scenery.
Police in Zimbabwe are looking for Sybeth Musengezi, who filed a High Court application seeking an order for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa from the post of Zanu PF first secretary, claiming that he was not properly elected in 2017.

Musengezis lawyers, Ncube Attorneys, have written a letter to the officer-in-charge of the Zimbabwe Republic Polices Harare Central Law and Order Section, informing him that Nqobani Sithole will be representing him in this case after unknown people visited his in-laws looking for the ruling party activist.

The letter reads in part, We have been advised by our client that your offices made a visit to our clients in-laws in Budiriro, Harare, on the 5th of January, 2022, and indicated that they were looking for our client over some undisclosed allegations. The officers were led by Detective Assistant Inspector Nyazama.

Our client is obviously worried about such a visit taking into consideration that there is a pending matter where he has approached the High Court of Zimbabwe over the legitimacy of the incumbent president who doubles up as the president of Zanu PF and its 1st secretary.

In the letter dated January 7, 2022, the attorneys also indicated that it is in the light of this background that we are being retained to enquire into the nature of the visit, in particular whether there are any criminal allegations, so that we arrange that our Mr. Sithole who is in Bulawayo accompanies client on the pre-agreed date as to ensure that his legal rights are duly observed in whatever process is intended.

Musengezis lawyers also want the police to inform them about the purpose of their visit to his in-laws house in Harare.

From the above, we request that you favour us with information regarding your visit, and that you advise if we need to avail our client, and if so, when and where. Our Mr. Sithole would be amenable to travel from Bulawayo to Harare to attend to clients matter on any of these dates: the 26th January 2022, 27th January 2022 and the 28th January, 2022.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi was unreachable for comment as he was not responding to calls on his mobile phone. VOA Zimbabwe Service was also unable to reach Mnangagwas lawyers for comment.

Mnangagwa lawyers are allegedly pressing Musengezi to withdraw the High Court application in which he is challenging the legitimacy of the presidents leadership of the ruling Zanu PF party.

The lawyers say they will sue Musengezis attorneys if they dont withdraw the case. They have also claimed that he is not a ruling party member.

But Musengezi holds a current Zanu PF membership card. He argues that Mnangagwa was not properly elected when the partys Central Committee held a meeting in 2017, a few days before the late former President Robert Mugabe was toppled in a defacto military coup.
Photo: Michael Bezjian/Getty Images for Winn Slavin Fine Ar

Jean-Marc Vallee  the Canadian filmmaker, writer, director, and producer behind such works as Dallas Buyers Club and Big Little Lies  has died. He was 58. Deadline is reporting that Vallee died suddenly in his cabin outside Quebec City on December 26. Vallee began his career directing music videos. In the 90s, he expanded working into feature films in Quebec. His debut film, Black List (Liste Noire), was nominated for nine Genie Awards. His next film, C.R.A.Z.Y., won five Genies  including Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Director. His 2013 film Dallas Buyers Club earned acting Oscars for Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto. Vallee began collaborating with Reese Witherspoon with 2014s Wild. He would move into television with HBOs Big Little Lies, on which he and Witherspoon served as producers along with Nicole Kidman and others. His next HBO series, Sharp Objects, won Vallee a DGA Award and the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing.

Jean-Marc stood for creativity, authenticity, and trying things differently, Vallees producing partner Nathan Ross said in a statement. He was a true artist and a generous, loving guy. Everyone who worked with him couldnt help but see the talent and vision he possessed. The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on.

Shailene Woodley remembered her Big Little Lies director in a series of posts to her Instagram story. i am in shock, she wrote. complete and utter shock. my fucking god death is the worst. but i guess somehow i know you will turn it into a grand adventure  one for the books. one i cant wait to read & to watch when my times comes. it doesnt make sense though dude. it doesnt make sense. maybe when we wake up tomorrow youll be there laughing saying it was just a satirical short film you made. that its not real.

Shailene Woodley reacts to the passing of Big Little Lies director Jean-Marc Vallee: I am in shock. Complete and utter shock. It doesnt make sense. pic.twitter.com/jhgiOAGrXu  Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) December 27, 2021

Reese Witherspoon also shared her thoughts, tweeting, My heart is broken. My friend. I love you.

My heart is broken. My friend. I love you. https://t.co/dvh63E8K7I  Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) December 27, 2021

On Instagram, Laura Dern memorialized Vallee as one of the worlds great and purest artists and dreamers.

Matthew McConaughey praised his Dallas Buyers Club director on Twitter as a true receiver, adding that he saw love in many different aspects of life.

Jared Leto also reacted to the news, tweeting that the director was a filmmaking force and a true artist who changed my life.

A filmmaking force and a true artist who changed my life with a beautiful movie called Dallas Buyers Club. Much love to everyone who knew him. Life is precious. pic.twitter.com/2DT0tu9Lbo  JARED LETO (@JaredLeto) December 27, 2021

A statement posted to Big Little Lies actor Iain Armitages Instagram noted that Vallee set a high bar as Armitages first director. He instantly commanded respect, but he backed it up with kindness, the tribute said. We adored him.

Cheryl Strayed, the author of the book that Wild was based on, wrote on Instagram that her heart was broken by Vallees sudden passing. He will forever be in my heart, she said.

Tanya Lapointe also passed on a message from her husband and fellow filmmaker, Denis Villeneuve. How must I forget these lonesome tears in my eyes? he wrote in French. As you told me before: go out there and shine, crazy diamond! I love you, my friend.

This post has been updated throughout.
On my first day teaching at a university, I was called into my boss office. He was an aging white hipster who wore a dashiki to work every day.

I want you to give out lots of As. If you give out lots of As, well get lots of students. If we get lots of students, the department will get lots of money. Do I make myself clear?

Crystal.

I rationalized. I was teaching seniors and grad students. If they made it this far, they must be pretty good.

A few years later, the guy in the dashiki got canned. I was called into his boss office.

We think youre doing a great job  

Thank you very much.

  but youre giving out too many As.

But the other guy said  

Hes not here anymore.

I spent a lot of my early career years walking around, saying, What I should have said was   A few years later, I related the above story to Rev. John Tumulty, a great English professor at Niagara University.

Well, you know what I would have said, Dan. 'They get As cause Im a helluva teacher!' 

These days, some still think we should be grading on a bell curve. Others say we should be helping minority and first generation college students, which I perceive to be telling us to go easier on the grading.

Say a student wants to be a political science or geology some other major. Admissions to college departments tend to occur after the sophomore year, and often require a 3.0 (B) or so average for admission.

Imagine a student who has difficulty adjusting to college, or one who through poor advisement, freshman overwhelm or sloth, gets a few low grades. To compensate for an F, a student must get an A in a retake or a different course just to bring the first grade up to a C. Imagine students with some low, early school career grades, and you might start to see the scope of the problem.

The Education Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison required a 3.6 average for admission. I fought to get some students who failed to get the 3.6 at Madison into our program at UW-Green Bay. My reasoning included my perception that the 4.0 scholars did not always make the best teachers. Sometimes, students who experience a little difficulty along the way have to discover other ways to learn, and in so doing better understand what their students are going through and thus become better teachers.

So heres the rub. There are thousands of students in colleges and universities today who go to school for two years or more, get Cs and the occasional D or F and cant get admitted to college and university departments because they dont have a 3.0 or so.

Senior professors who teach upper-level courses tend to prefer classes with fewer students. On the one hand, untenured junior professors and adjunct professors are sometimes pressured, or at least encouraged by supervisors, to inflate grades to keep admissions numbers up and help nontraditional students. Then, on the other hand, they are told not to give out so many Bs and As.

We shouldnt have it both ways.

In a different context, Americas Nobel Laureate, Bob Dylan might have said it best. Oxford town in the afternoon  somebody better investigate soon.
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Investigation underway after vandals deface Sicilian natural wonder.

Police in Italy have launched an investigation into the vandalisation of the Scala dei Turchi, the famed white marl cliffs on the coast of Realmonte in southern Sicily.

A site inspection was carried out by officials from the Agrigento cultural heritage sperintendence on Saturday after the site was stained with red plaster powder the night before.

The superintendent's technicians established that vandals used red iron oxide powder, reports news agency ANSA, and that the damage appears not to be permanent, as confirmed by the fact that waves have partially cleaned the lower part of the cliff.

"The splendid white marl cliff of the Scala dei Turchi, in the Agrigento area, an attraction for visitors from all over the world, has been shamefully defaced" - said the president of the Sicily region Nello Musumeci, adding: "We condemn the perpetrators of this cowardly act."

The white limestone cliff is formed in the shape of a staircase, leading to its name which translates into English as the 'Turkish Steps' or 'Stairs of the Turks'.

The Scala dei Turchi has been at the centre of a protracted legal dispute between the municipality of Realmonte and a local landowner, leading Italian prosecutors to seize control of the site in February 2020.

In recent years the cliffs have suffered from degradation, damaged by natural erosion and rock theft by tourists, amid claims of poor environmental preservation of the site.

The cliffs, which were put forward as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019, feature prominently in the Inspector Montalbano stories by Andrea Camilleri.

Cover photo Corriere della Sera
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Hong Kongs veneer of normalcy has been shattered  and its exposed just how misguided and unrealistic the territorys Covid-19 containment strategy has become two years into the pandemic. After months of no local Covid infections, Hong Kong reported a string of positive cases over the past week. The territorys so-called fifth wave was set off by an aircrew employee who didnt fully comply with his medical surveillance rules  a special concession for airlines. He went to a restaurant for lunch and it quickly spread from there. Several senior government officials, including the territorys police chief, immigration head and financial services secretary, were ordered into quarantine after attending a birthday party that flouted warnings to avoid large gatherings.

One thing is glaringly obvious: A Covid Zero strategy  if it can be called that at this point  is not sustainable. It is a tactic to buy time that served Hong Kong well in the early days. That one person can set off a string of cases from a restaurant or that a birthday party of high-ranking officials can result in the mass quarantine of attendees shows how fragile Hong Kongs measures are. An unlinked case has also emerged.

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This community outbreak scenario was an inevitability that Chief Executive Carrie Lams administration did not want to acknowledge. The complacency and mulish stance has meant the city has not taken any measures to prepare for a potential surge in cases, including getting aggressive about vaccinations for the vulnerable and beefing up hospital and health infrastructure  the territorys perennial weakness. Efforts to bolster the citys cratering infrastructure (especially sewage and drainage) or strengthen ventilation requirements, for instance, arent even on the radar. Vaccination rates remain among the lowest for developed countries, with only around 36% of those aged 70 years and above fully vaccinated. Its even lower for those 80 and older.

So here we are. Blame the aircrew or his companys CEO or the merrymaking officials, the reality is that Hong Kongs failure is its own doing. This is what happens when a population of almost 8 million people is lulled into a false sense of security by draconian policies that impinge on personal freedoms and are rife with contradictions, in order to do the impossible: Keep the virus outside Hong Kongs borders.

The territory has not adapted to the rapidly changing world of Covid we now live in (I couldnt tell you what that looks like or feels like since I havent left for almost two years, like many others).

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In an interview last year, Health Secretary Sophia Chan told me the territory topped the global normalcy index, a proxy created by the Economist to track how behavior has changed because of the pandemic. She then added: Just remember, Hong Kong has never had any lockdowns or stringent measures like in other countries. Since then, the territorys ranking has dropped  one of the steepest falls over the last few weeks  moving it further away from the rest of the worlds evolving reality. A recent survey found that nearly two out three were unhappy with life in the city, while one in five have thought about leaving(1).

Hong Kongs normal right now is knee-jerk reactions: Flights to several countries, including the U.S. and U.K., are currently banned, leaving residents either stranded abroad or stuck inside. Those that make it in have to go to a quarantine center for up to one week and then isolate in a mandated hotel for another couple weeks (if they can find one and where they also run the risk of getting Covid). This has been a consistent feature and far from the usual for a global financial center with a highly mobile population.

The government is in panic mode. In a press conference Friday, officials said they had put in place surge capacity protocols. Theyve deployed a host of people to track and trace. In addition, hundreds  including children  identified as close contacts of positive cases have been sent off to quarantine facilities. A 4-year-old child who tested positive has been isolated (without her parents it seems) in a government hospital. Playgrounds and gyms have been shuttered. Dining in restaurants after 6 p.m. is banned. Several buildings, public buses and neighborhoods are getting caught in the dragnet of compulsory testing notices  a requirement if youve been where a person who tested positive has been  even if it was several days ago. Its fueling an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. Schools are on edge, fearing closure and the reinstitution of remote-learning and have started to restrict activities once again.

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Its hard to determine the rationale behind these measures. What changes after 6 p.m. that dining in should be banned? Why deprive children of outdoor facilities like playgrounds that are rarely jammed with people? This is whats happened in Hong Kong for the past two years  on loop. I couldnt tell you if its January 2020 or 2022 right now.

Such reactive lockdowns, closures and curfews fail to deal with the root of the problem: The nature of Covid means it is impossible to stop it crossing borders, and only high vaccination levels along with dynamic public health policies work. So we never move forward. Instead, the measures infantilize a population that is increasingly losing its ability to live in a world that has gone two steps forward, one step backward when it comes to the virus, but at least it keeps moving. Its left people unable to appropriately assess personal risk and living in a state of heightened paranoia and panic.

The anti-epidemic policies curtail personal choice and freedom, which has lead to some perverse behaviors. The closed borders have disincentivized vaccinations. Because people are made to believe theres no Covid here, there are anecdotal reports of individuals avoiding the official contract tracing app and instead using burner phones to scan in to avoid government monitoring. Increasingly, people are turning to cash in restaurants lest they be identified by their credit card information and banished to quarantine. The fear of being sent to into isolation remains far higher than getting infected.

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A sneeze or cough gets a cheetah-like stare. Last week, I walked onto a public, neighborhood playground (when they were open) with my daughter. A grandmother was running around  a stack of individually packaged alcohol wipes in tow  scrubbing down slides for her granddaughter. There were no other children there.

True, Covid-19 measures have come and gone all over the world. Health authorities have, at times, overstepped. Hong Kong, though, has consistently failed to present a plan for moving on or shown any foresight in their pandemic strategy.

Before the latest outbreak, policy makers were talking up opening borders to mainland China. That was supposed to happen last month. This created a sense of hope for many (not all) that maybe, just maybe, we were ready to move forward in some direction. That proved short-lived. The latest measures have stripped Hong Kong residents of any hope that borders will eventually open or that there will be a rational or reasonable response.

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Social anxiety is again on the rise. The optics of making government officials serve 21 days in quarantine isnt going to fix this, nor will an investigation. Nor will cringe-worthy apologies from lawmakers or blaming, firing, and fining individuals. The only thing that will steer sentiment is reassessing the Covid Zero policy and admitting it has royally failed.

If officials are unwilling to adapt to the reality of the world in 2022, then theres no turning around from Hong Kongs fast downhill journeyinto isolation and irrelevance as a financial capital  or even an important Chinese territory.

More From Other Writers at Bloomberg Opinion:

 Q&A: Covids Evolution Wont Stop With Omicron: David Fickling

 New York Citys Broad Vaccine Mandate Will Stop Covid: Editorial

 To Fight Covid, Get Your Head in the Gutter: Therese Raphael

(1) The poll was conducted by the largest opposition party.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Anjani Trivedi is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering industrial companies in Asia. She previously worked for the Wall Street Journal.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2022 Bloomberg L.P.

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The president couldnt be clearer, said Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, at last weeks briefing from the Covid-19 response team. Schools in this country should remain open. The second half of that statement is good to hear. As for the first part: Actually, President Joe Biden and his administration could be clearer about which side theyre on. The president should align himself not with the adults in the classroom, but with the children.

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has been vocal about everything the federal government is doing to help districts keep their schools open and safe. In general, the administration has treated the controversy over school openings and policies as primarily a technical question to be solved with additional resources.

It certainly is  in part. But its also a political question, one which has been made far more difficult by the recalcitrance of teachers unions. And unlike his former boss, President Barack Obama, Biden has been reluctant to criticize teachers unions  which has, in turn, made things harder for mayors in liberal cities.

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Of course, the federal government has almost nothing to do with the day-to-day operation of Americas public schools. But the presidential bully pulpit is an important tool, especially in disputes that play out in blue America. Even progressive mayors find themselves at odds with public-employee unions from time to time. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, for example, is currently at odds with teachers who refuse to return to the classroom after winter break. She and other mayors could use clear and unequivocal support from the White House.

The argument is not that Americas public-school teachers have it easy. They dont. It is that  especially in the bluer parts of the country  they have protections from Covid that other kinds of in-person professionals and workers do not. That includes school closures, but also more prosaic things such as requirements in many jurisdictions that students eat lunch outside (in some places in silence) or strict (in some jurisdictions stricter than current CDC guidance) quarantines for students who have merely been in contact with someone with the virus.

Before vaccines were widely available, it made perfect sense to sympathize with teachers. Now that vaccines are widely available, however, the risk calculus has changed. If doctors, dental hygienists, bartenders, retail clerks and housekeepers can keep working without extraordinary measures, then so can teachers.

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The vaccines arent perfect. But they are highly effective, and by now its clear that theres not going to be a Victory Day when the pandemic suddenly ends. America (and the world) is simply going to have to learn to live with elevated risk of respiratory viruses for the indefinite future, and cant put schooling on hold indefinitely.

Whats odd about the politics here is that, separated from the issue of the pandemic, virtual learning is a kind of right-wing fever dream.

If kids could be effectively taught through video lectures and online tools, then Americas enormous and expensive corps of teachers would be largely unnecessary. A handful of people working for a few small education technology companies could produce software to serve students at huge scale. Older students could do the work on their own. Younger students might need supervision, but that could be done by a low-paid workforce of babysitters rather than teachers with masters degrees and pensions.

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When I spoke to national teachers union leaders in the spring of 2020, they seemed to grasp the nature of the threat posed by school closures. They were keen to portray teachers as vital workers eager to return to their jobs. But over the next few months, the biggest local unions became hyper-responsive to their most recalcitrant members, and national union leaders followed suit.

The evidence is now clear that school closures caused massive learning loss. In a way, this bad news for America is good news for Americas teachers. Its an object lesson in how critical their work is, and how worthy of investment they are.

Yet union leaders have been perversely hostile to the idea that their work actually matters  and the attitude predates Covid. The Obama administrations efforts to encourage districts to identify and reward the most effective teachers, for example, were routinely characterized by unions as anti-teacher moves. When Washington, D.C., implemented a performance pay system that led to higher compensation across the board, it was excoriated by the local union.

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Democrats have long wrestled with how to balance being the party of public services with being the party of public-service providers. Under Biden, that balance has been knocked off kilter. Democrats have been addressing the most superficial aspects of controversies over such issues as standardized testing and, yes, Covid protocols. Meanwhile, they are whistling past the fundamental question that Obama had and many Democratic mayors have to face head-on: Who is the school system for, and who makes the decisions?

Last spring, as part of unions overall war on assessment, they and their allies pushed the line that it was harmful to even attempt to measure learning loss attributable to the pandemic. San Franciscos school board president said students were just having different learning experiences at home, not inferior to the ones in-person school could provide.

Biden and his team obviously dont believe that, or many of the unions other extreme views. They clearly do take seriously the documented learning loss; Cardona has refused to give in to demands to indefinitely suspend standardized testing. And the administration really is pushing for schools to reopen.

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Politically, however, it has stood with union leaders. This is not due to a progressive takeover of the Democratic Party  its because the moderate establishment itself has shifted. It was Terry McAuliffe, after all, the model of an establishment Democrat, who chose to campaign with a teachers union leader in the closing days of his ill-fated Virginia gubernatorial campaign. And while the Obama-era stimulus bill structured financial relief for school districts as incentive grants designed to encourage charter schools and teacher compensation reforms, Bidens version was largely unrestricted money.

Some rebalancing away from the enthusiasm for frequent testing of the aughts was probably warranted, as exemplified by the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act that passed in 2015. But mainstream Democrats have now gone too far in their uncritical embrace of unions and their leadership.

Most Americans deeply respect teachers, and rightly so. But they are respected precisely because their work is so important  too important to be done without regard for their actual on-the-job performance. Successful Democrats have managed to oppose Republican school austerity while supporting parent- and child-centered educational practices. Biden needs to do the same.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Matthew Yglesias is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion and writes the Slow Boring blog and newsletter. A co-founder and former columnist for Vox, he is also the author, most recently, of One Billion Americans.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

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We need a wedding. I heard that phrase during a December visit to my hometown for a celebration of life service for my wifes sister-in-law, Sandra Braun, who passed away Nov. 24.

I was privileged to have been asked to say a few words. I borrowed from a friend of mine who I heard years ago give a talk titled What is in Your Dash. He meant the dash between the dates of your birth and death.

In my remarks, I said that Sandys dash was her big heart. She will be remembered for having a heart that was filed with family, friends and faith.

Afterward I was asked if I had heard the poem The Dash that was read at Sen. Bob Doles funeral that morning. I had not. Nor was I familiar with the poem. I learned that my friend also was not familiar.

Reflecting on all this, I couldnt help but wonder about my own dash.

I graduated from Hutch Tech High School in 1965 and went on to Michigan Technological University. My wife, part of my dash for more than 50 years, graduated from Kensington High a year later and went on to Plattsburgh State and Buffalo State. We married on Dec. 27, 1969, and four days later moved to Columbus, Ohio.

During the next years, our dash took us to New Concord, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Altoona and Meadville, Pa. We were always close enough to make frequent trips to Buffalo for family events. At first the occasions were births and baptisms, in addition to holidays. Then came graduations. Then weddings. Then the next generation.

The last couple of years, however, it has been mostly funerals that brought us back, that is when the virus permitted. They are reminders of how much of ones dash is filled by family. Time with family has become more precious in recent months. Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. Family is a gift, but one that must be nurtured. Sandy was a nurturer.

Even though we have only been two hours from Buffalo for the last 10 years, our visits are less frequent. The family dynamic has changed. We lost matriarchs. Two families moved from the area. Cousins grow somewhat apart as they grow older. The family house was sold following the death of my mother. The dash gets some vacancies. The heart gets heavy.

In addition to regularly checking The Buffalo News online, I recently became part of a Facebook group called Buffalo: A Toast to the Town. The News keeps me informed of some of the wonderful changes and revivals happening in my hometown. The social media posts bring back memories and teach me about history before my time. It all keeps me rooted in the place of my formative years.

Family is a critical element of those roots, as well. Having reasons to get together and drive through Buffalo is greatly appreciated. Saying goodbye to those who attended the luncheon following the service for Sandy, there were the usual remarks like: Nice to see you, but lousy circumstances. A few said something like: Our next gathering should be for a wedding. Yes, it would be nice if 2022 provided a happier gathering. It is time for wedding.

No pressure here, Buffalo family.
Novelist Amy Koppelman doesnt do light, poolside reading. In her books I Smile Back (2008), made into a film starring Sarah Silverman, and Hesitation Wounds (2015), she grapples with such themes as self-destructive addiction, violent death and mental illness. Making her directorial debut with an adaptation of her 2003 novel A Mouthful of Air  loosely inspired by her own experiences with postpartum depression  Koppelman tells the story of childrens picture-book author and illustrator Julie Davis (Amanda Seyfried), a new mother who, as the film opens, is recovering from a suicide attempt. With her deer-in-the-headlights eyes, Seyfried is well cast, although depression is notoriously difficult to render on screen, and there are many scenes of Julie simply starring into what presumably is the abyss. Finn Wittrock is serviceable as Julies husband  doting, yet increasingly alarmed when, after getting pregnant a second time, Julie decides to stop taking her antidepressants. Not much happens here, in a story that hops between visits with Julies shrink (Paul Giamatti) in the 1990s, when the main action is set, the challenges of motherhood and flashbacks to Julies childhood, when her struggles with depression began. The story will probably resonate best with anyone who has dealt with a mood disorder, but its a tale of gloom and doom, heading straight for an outcome that is still a shocking downer, in a film that Koppelman wields like a warning  or weapon  urging viewers, in an on-screen postscript, to get help before its too late. R. Available on demand. Contains some strong language. 105 minutes.
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The reports from coronavirus patients are disconcerting. Only a few hours before, they were enjoying a cup of pungent coffee or the fragrance of flowers in a garden. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, those smells disappeared. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Young and old alike are affected  more than 80 to 90 percent of those diagnosed with the virus, according to some estimates. While most people recover in a few months, 16 percent take half a year or longer to do so, research has found. According to new estimates, up to 1.6 million Americans have chronic smell problems because of covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Seniors are especially vulnerable, experts say. We know that many older adults have a compromised sense of smell to begin with. Add to that the insult of covid, and it made these problems worse, said Jayant Pinto, a professor of surgery and a specialist in sinus and nasal diseases at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

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Recent data highlights the interaction between covid-19, advanced age and loss of smell. When Italian researchers evaluated 101 patients who had been hospitalized for mild to moderate covid-19, 50 showed objective signs of smell impairment six months later. Those 65 or older were nearly twice as likely to be impaired; those 75 or older were more than 2 times as likely.

Most people arent aware of the extent to which smell can be diminished in later life. More than half of 65-to-80-year-olds have some degree of smell loss, or olfactory dysfunction, as its known in the scientific literature. That rises to as high as 80 percent for those even older. People affected often report concerns about safety, less enjoyment eating and an impaired quality of life.

But because the ability to detect, identify and discriminate among odors declines gradually, most older adults  up to 75 percent of those with some degree of smell loss  dont realize theyre affected.

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A host of factors are believed to contribute to age-related smell loss, including a reduction in the number of olfactory sensory neurons in the nose, which are essential for detecting odors; changes in stem cells that replenish these neurons every few months; atrophy of the processing center for smell in the brain, called the olfactory bulb; and the shrinkage of brain centers closely connected with the olfactory bulb, such as the hippocampus, a region central to learning and memory.

Also, environmental toxic substances such as air pollution play a part, research shows. Olfactory neurons in your nose are basically little pieces of your brain hanging out in the outside world, and exposure to them over time damages those neurons and the tissues that support them, said Pamela Dalton, a principal investigator at the Monell Chemical Senses Center, a smell and taste research institute in Philadelphia.

Still, the complex workings of the olfactory system have not been mapped in detail yet, and much remains unknown, said Sandeep Robert Datta, a professor of neurobiology at Harvard Medical School.

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We tend to think of our sense of smell as primarily aesthetic, he said. Whats very clear is that its far more important. The olfactory system plays a key role in maintaining our emotional well-being and connecting us with the world.

Datta experienced this after having a bone-marrow transplant followed by chemotherapy years ago. Unable to smell or taste food, he said, he felt very disoriented in his environment.

Common consequences of smell loss include a loss of appetite (without smell, taste is deeply compromised), difficulty monitoring personal hygiene, depression and an inability to detect noxious fumes. In older adults, this can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, frailty, inadequate personal care, and accidents caused by gas leaks or fires.

Jerome Pisano, 75, of Bloomington, Ill., has been living with smell loss for five years. Repeated tests and consultations with physicians havent pinpointed a reason for this ailment, and sometimes he feels hopeless, Pisano admitted.

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Before he became smell-impaired, Pisano was certified as a wine specialist. He has an 800-bottle wine cellar. I cant appreciate that as much as Id like. I miss the smell of cut grass. Flowers. My wifes cooking, he said. It certainly does decrease my quality of life.

Smell loss is also associated in various research studies with a higher risk of death for older adults. One study, by Pinto and colleagues, found that older adults with olfactory dysfunction were nearly three times as likely to die over a period of five years as seniors whose sense of smell remained intact.

Our sense of smell signals how our nervous system is doing and how well our brain is doing overall, Pinto said. According to a review published earlier this year, 90 percent of people with early-stage Parkinsons disease and more than 80 percent of people with Alzheimers disease have olfactory dysfunction  a symptom that can precede other symptoms by many years.

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There is no treatment for smell loss associated with neurological illness or head trauma, but if someone has persistent sinus problems or allergies that cause congestion, an over-the-counter antihistamine or nasal steroid spray can help. Usually, smell returns in a few weeks.

For smell loss following a viral infection, the picture is less clear. Its not known, yet, which viruses are associated with olfactory dysfunction, why they damage smell and what trajectory recovery takes. Covid-19 may help shine a light on this since it has inspired a wave of research on olfaction loss around the world.

What characteristics make people more vulnerable to a persistent loss of smell after a virus? We dont know that, but I think we will because that research is underway and weve never had a cohort [of people with smell loss] this large to study, Dalton said.

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Some experts recommend smell training, noting evidence of efficacy and no indication of harm. This involves sniffing four distinct scents (often eucalyptus, lemon, rose and cloves) twice a day for 30 seconds each, usually for four weeks. Sometimes the practice is combined with pictures of the items being smelled, a form of visual reinforcement.

The theory is that practice, practice, practice will stimulate the olfactory system, said Charles Greer, a professor of neurosurgery and neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine. Although scientific support isnt well established, he said, he often recommends that people who think their smell is declining get a shelf full of spices and smell them on a regular basis.

Richard Doty, director of the University of Pennsylvanias Smell and Taste Center, remains skeptical. Hes writing a review of smell training and notes that 20 to 30 percent of people with viral infections and smell loss recover in a relatively short time, whether they pursue this therapy.

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The main thing we recommend is avoid polluted environments and get your full complement of vitamins, since several vitamins play an important role in maintaining the olfactory system, he said.

Judith Graham is a columnist for Kaiser Health News, which produces in-depth journalism about health. KHN is a program of the Kaiser Family Foundation, an endowed nonprofit organization that provides information on health issues to the nation.

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Inslee moves to diversify state hiring Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced a new executive order to boost diversity in Washington state government contracting, and said he will roll back a long-standing directive that restricts affirmative action in state hiring, contracting and education. The governors announcement after he met Friday with Black community leaders comes as he and state officials try to diversify government after voters in 2019 upheld a 20-year-old ban on affirmative action.

The announcement immediately drew applause from community advocates who have pushed for greater representation and changes to address systemic racism.

But the move  which was slammed by affirmative action opponents who have won two statewide votes  could reignite a fierce and charged debate over the role of government in such matters.

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Washingtons debate over affirmative action has simmered for more than two decades. In 1998, state voters decisively supported a grass-roots effort to end affirmative action based on race or gender with Initiative 200. The results came even as voters that year supported liberal ballot measures legalizing medical marijuana and hiking the minimum wage.

 Seattle Times

Asian immigrant dies of injuries after attack

A Chinese immigrant who was brutally attacked in April while collecting cans in East Harlem has died of his injuries, and his case is now deemed a homicide, police said Saturday.

Yao Pan Ma, 61, died Dec. 31, police said. His attack drew national attention as part of a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in New York and around the country. The investigation continues.

Jarrod Powell, 49, of New York City, was previously charged with attempted murder, felony assault and hate-crime charges in the case.

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The Legal Aid Society, which previously represented Powell, said he is no longer a client. A message was left seeking comment with another attorney listed in court records as Powells lawyer.

Powell attacked Ma from behind, knocking him to the ground and repeatedly kicking his head before fleeing the scene, prosecutors say. Surveillance video released by the police appears to show an attacker stomping on Mas head.

 Associated Press

Missing N.H. girl's home is searched: Authorities arrived Saturday at the last known residence of Harmony Montgomery to investigate the disappearance of the New Hampshire girl, who vanished in 2019 at age 5 but was not reported missing until late last year. Law enforcement agencies were working at a home in Manchester, officials said. Harmony's father and stepmother have been arrested on charges related to her well-being.

 From news service

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More than 50 reported killed in airstrike Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight An airstrike in Ethiopias Tigray region killed 56 people and injured 30, including children, in a camp for displaced people, two aid workers said Saturday, citing local authorities and eyewitness accounts. Neither Ethiopias military nor government spokesmen immediately respond to requests for comment. The government has previously denied targeting civilians in the 14-month conflict with rebellious Tigrayan forces.

The strike in the town of Dedebit, in the northwest of the region, near the border with Eritrea, occurred late Friday, said the aid workers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Earlier on Friday, the government had freed several opposition leaders from prison and said it would begin dialogue with political opponents to foster reconciliation.

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 Reuters

At least 200 believed killed in village attacks

Hundreds of people are believed to have been killed in villages in Nigerias Zamfara state during deadly reprisal attacks by armed bandits following military airstrikes on their hideouts this week, residents said on Saturday.

Residents gained access to the villages on Saturday after the military captured the communities to organize mass burials, they told Reuters. The state government said 58 people had been killed during the attacks. Residents said the total death toll was at least 200.

Reuters reported Friday that at least 30 people had been killed in the Anka local government area in Zamfara, when more than 300 armed bandits on motorbikes stormed eight villages and started shooting sporadically on Tuesday following Mondays airstrikes that killed more than 1oo bandits.

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 Reuters

U.N. to hold talks to end post-coup crisis in Sudan: The United Nations says it will hold talks in Sudan aimed at salvaging a fragile democratic transition amid a grinding stalemate following an October coup and the prime minister's resignation last week. Volker Perthes, the U.N. envoy for Sudan, said in a statement that the U.N.-facilitated political process would seek a "sustainable path forward towards democracy and peace" in the country. It wasn't immediately clear when discussions might begin.

Human rights activist arrives in Paris after release by Egypt: Egyptian-Palestinian human rights activist Ramy Shaath arrived in Paris and reunited with his wife, after Egyptian authorities released him from prison and deported him. Shaath served 2 years of pretrial detention over allegations of having ties with an outlawed group, his family said. He was forced to renounce his Egyptian citizenship to gain his freedom, they added in a statement. His father, Nabil Shaath, is an adviser to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

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Saudi princess released after 3 years of detention: Saudi authorities have released a princess and her daughter who had been detained without charge for nearly three years, her legal adviser said on Saturday. Princess Basmah Bint Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 57, a business executive, rights activist and member of the royal family, went missing in March 2019 along with her adult daughter Souhoud Al Sharif. The youngest child of the late King Saud, Princess Basmah has been critical of the kingdom's treatment of women.

Houthi-held ports could be targeted, coalition warns: The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen believes the use by Houthi forces of the ports of Hodeidah and Salif as military bases would turn them into legitimate military targets, coalition spokesman Brig. Gen. Turki al-Malki said. "We do not want to target the ports  We want to reach a comprehensive political solution," al-Malki said at a news conference, but added that if the Houthis use any civilian sites they forfeit immunity thus making the ports targets.

 From news services

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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has thrown down the gauntlet, saying he will move to change Senate rules by Jan. 17 if Republicans continue to block the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Because of the filibuster, neither can be enacted without 60 votes in the Senate  and no Republican backs both bills, though all 50 Democrats do. Supporters of the status quo have their reasons, many of them caught up in myths about the history of the Constitution and the Senates role.

Myth No. 1

People often overestimate the depth of the filibusters roots. When the Senate voted in 2013 to invoke the nuclear option to approve presidential nominees, then-Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) wrote in The Washington Post that sidestepping the filibuster was the most dangerous restructuring of Senate rules since Thomas Jefferson wrote them. More recently, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) defended the filibuster in the Charleston Gazette-Mail by saying, Our founders were wise to see the temptation of absolute power and built in specific checks and balances to force compromise that serves to preserve our fragile democracy.

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True  but the filibuster was not one of these checks and balances. The Senate did not have any provision for a supermajority on legislation for its first 17 years. Like the House, its rules allowed a motion for the previous question, where a majority could move directly to vote. That provision was taken out in 1806, when Vice President Aaron Burr cleaned up what he regarded as extraneous provisions in the Senates cluttered rule book. For decades after the change, the status quo largely prevailed  until the 1840s, when John C. Calhoun exploited the motions absence to stall anti-slavery action by talking at length on the floor, joined by allies. His adversaries had no ability to stop the talk. From the 20th century on, the rules changed multiple times, always to make it easier for the majority to overcome a filibuster and move to action.

Myth No. 2

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Filibuster proponents often argue that the Constitutions framers intended to obstruct decisions by simple majorities. In defense of the filibuster, Lewis & Clark Law School professor James Huffman wrote in the Hill that James Madison would likely think it a brilliant innovation for preventing majority tyranny. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) wrote in the New York Times in 2019 that the filibuster is central to the order the Constitution sets forth, citing Madisons view that the Senate ought to function as an additional impediment and a complicated check on the House.

But other than the explicit constitutional requirements for supermajorities, such as to approve treaties, the framers were foursquare for majority votes. Alexander Hamilton wrote in Federalist 22 that allowing minorities to overrule the majority would cause tedious delays; continual negotiation and intrigue; contemptible compromises of the public good. Congressional Research Service scholar Walter J. Oleszek has noted: Overall, the Framers generally favored decision-making by simple majority vote. This view is buttressed by the grant of a vote to the Vice President (Article I, section 3) in those cases where the Senators are equally divided. This provision makes clear that the Constitutions drafters expected that most decisions would be made by majority vote.

Myth No. 3

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In The Post, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) wrote last year, The filibuster compels moderation. She is not alone in arguing that the rule has a salutary effect on lawmakers bipartisan dealings: The Heritage Foundations Thomas Jipping, for example, claims that it encourages consensus.

That may have been true in the distant past, but it has not been the case for a long time. The Senate changed the filibuster rule in 1975, from two-thirds of those present and voting to three-fifths of the entire Senate. The present and voting standard, by requiring senators to show up, put the burden on the minority; the absolute standard shifted the burden entirely to the majority. On most issues, when it is clear that a cloture vote (that is, a vote to end debate) would fail, there is no debate, which would only take up precious floor time. The minority can kill bills with few or no visible traces, and has no incentive for moderation or compromise. A good example: The House passed two bills last year requiring universal background checks on guns. Neither was even brought up in the Senate because Republicans made it clear the measures would die on filibusters.

Myth No. 4

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Some Democrats are reluctant to change the filibuster because they worry what Republicans would do under the new rules if they regained the majority. We have more to lose than gain by ending the filibuster, Sinema argued in her Post piece. Manchin, also writing in The Post, said: If the filibuster is eliminated or budget reconciliation becomes the norm, a new and dangerous precedent will be set to pass sweeping, partisan legislation that changes the direction of our nation every time there is a change in political control. The consequences will be profound  our nation may never see stable governing again.

The implication is that if Democrats grit their teeth and keep the filibuster as is, Republicans will exercise the same restraint when they recapture the majority. But recent history offers no evidence that the GOP would be constrained by tradition. During the Obama presidency, Sen. Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), then chairman of the Judiciary Committee, insisted on keeping in place the blue slip tradition, which lets senators decide the fate of lower-court judges nominated from their states. But early in the Trump presidency, when a Democrat used the tradition to block a nominee from his state, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), the committees new chairman, abandoned it.

Then there is the Supreme Court. McConnell quickly changed the filibuster rule to enable majority action on Trumps Supreme Court nominees. Then, after refusing to hold a hearing on Barack Obamas nominee 11 months before the 2016 presidential election, saying tradition demanded that the victor of the election choose a new justice, he abandoned that norm and held a vote to confirm Amy Coney Barrett eight days before the 2020 election.

Myth No. 5

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Some believe that without the filibuster, the Senate would lose its essential character. This is what Brown University professor Rich Arenberg argued in The Post in 2019, that leaving most questions to a simple majority vote would render the Senate much like the House of Representatives. Responding to Democrats proposed rule change at a news conference Monday, McConnell said: Make no mistake about it, this is genuine radicalism. They want to turn the Senate into the House. They want to make it easy to fundamentally change the country.

It is true that the Senate was designed to be very different from the House: It represents states, gives those states equal footing and allots senators six-year terms. The Senate does not, however, derive its character from supermajority requirements. After all, the filibuster did not even exist when the body was founded. Democrats have proposed, for example, requiring that senators actually speak on the floor, or flipping the standard such that the Senate would require 41 votes to continue debate rather than 60 to end it. These reforms to the filibuster would not weaken the Senate, but would restore it to its rightful place in our political system.

Twitter: @NormOrnstein

Five myths is a weekly feature challenging everything you think you know. You can check out previous myths, read more from Outlook or follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter.

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LAS VEGAS  President Biden and former president Barack Obama, speaking at former Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reids memorial service Saturday, lavished praise on Reids pragmatic, dealmaking style, at times suggesting a pointed contrast with todays all-or-nothing politics. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight At a time when so many Americans apply strict purity tests to politicians  Harry had a different view, Obama said. He didnt believe in highfalutin theories or rigid ideologies.

He added that in the battle between perfection and progress, Harry always chose progress, and that Reid had qualities that at this particular moment in our history seem especially relevant.

Biden, who served with Reid for decades in the Senate, portrayed him as someone who worked out agreements and stuck to them. If he gave you his word, he kept it. You could bank on it, Biden said. Thats how we got so much done.

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Biden also noted: None of it was easy. Not a lot of it was particularly popular when he was doing it.

In recent months, Biden and his White House have made it clear they have felt burned by lawmakers whose commitments they felt were less reliable, notably Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.).

Leading Democrats and hundreds of former staffers descended on this desert city to honor Reid, who died in December. Saturdays service came with the Democratic Party at a crossroads, as the second half of Bidens agenda is in jeopardy and many in the party expect significant losses in the midterm elections.

Against that backdrop, several of the leaders appeared to feel nostalgic for Reids hard-hitting but often effective tactics.

The service, held in the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Las Vegas, was also attended by Vice President Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, as well as the current Democratic leaders of the House and Senate.

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Reid was first elected to Congress in 1982 but made his mark in the Senate, which he joined after winning a 1986 race and then rose to become Senate Minority leader in 2005. He went on to serve as Senate majority leader in 2007, after Democrats retook the majority through 2015, when they lost it again.

Obama described his unlikely bond with Reid.

Given how different our backgrounds were, I did not know how well Harry and I would hit it off, Obama said, recalling that an early sit-down in Reids office lasted a mere 10 minutes  which another senator reassured him was actually long for an audience with Reid.

Obama noted that Reid encouraged him to run for president in 2008, at a time when few thought he could win and many other Democrats were coalescing around Hillary Clinton. He also credited Reid with helping to enact many of the biggest accomplishments of his presidency, including a $787 billion stimulus package.

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Few people have done more for this state and this country than this driven, brilliant, sometimes irascible, deeply good man from Searchlight, Nevada, Obama said.

Most dramatically, Reid was able to wrangle the Senates 58 Democrats and two independents to approve the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which came to be known as Obamacare.

Several speakers took note of Reids unlikely rise as a native of the tiny town of Searchlight who had to hitchhike to high school, had a stint as a boxer and lost several elections early in his career. He never gave up, Biden said.

Once he became the Senate Democratic leader, like every great leader, he led the Democratic caucus not just by speaking but by listening, Biden said.

The president also joked about the contrast between his own reputation for long-windedness and Reids laconic style. Harry and I both liked to talk a lot, Biden said, adding, Im just testing whether youre asleep yet.

On Capitol Hill, Reid had a reputation as a terse, sometimes pugnacious figure who was not afraid of political infighting.

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But the speakers said that reflected a plain-spoken integrity rather than harshness. Obama spoke affectionately of Reid as curmudgeonly and noted that Harry was not a schmoozer or a backslapper.

And he referred to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who had spoken before him and described Reid as reluctant to criticize other senators.

I heard Speaker Pelosi say she never heard him say anything bad about any of his colleagues, Obama said, adding to laughter, I dont know about that, Nancy.

Various speakers also described Reids habit of abruptly hanging up the phone when he felt a conversation was over, often to the surprise of the person on the other end. Every time I hear a dial tone, I think of Harry, Biden said.

Pelosi boasted jokingly that over the years, she had the honor of being hung up on by Reid more than anyone else. Click, Pelosi said, recounting the sound of a phone conversation with Reid ending.

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He was a man of few words  and he wanted everyone else to be a person of few words, she added.

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) offered another picture of Reid, recounting a moment when he saw Reid engage in what he said was a passionate kiss with a woman other than his wife.

It was election night 2006, when Democrat Claire McCaskill won her race in Missouri, a victory that gave control of the Senate to Democrats, and Reid rushed over and kissed McCaskill through the television screen.

His lips remained attached to the TV screen for a full 10 seconds, Schumer said. I had to get up and wipe the copious spittle off the TV screen.

He also said that Reid was open to change, calling him a leader who knew the Senate must adapt  possibly a reference to an upcoming vote on changing the chambers rules to allow consideration of a voting rights measure.

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As we confront the challenges coming weeks and months ahead, I take comfort knowing that Harry is with us, Schumer said.

But much of the talk revolved around Reids no-nonsense style, including those telephone hang-ups.

One former colleague said, To Harry, Goodbye was an unnecessary word,  Obama said. It might not have been necessary for Harry, but it is for us. Goodbye, Harry. Thank you for everything.

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Stephanie Grisham, former press secretary to President Donald Trump, remembers the challenges that came from so many Fox News hosts having the direct number to reach Trump in the White House residence. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight There were times the president would come down the next morning and say, Well, Sean thinks we should do this, or, Judge Jeanine thinks we should do this,  said Grisham, referring to Sean Hannity and Jeanine Pirro, both of whom host prime-time Fox News shows.



Grisham  who resigned from the White House amid the Jan. 6 attacks and has since written a book critical of Trump  said West Wing staffers would simply roll their eyes in frustration as they scrambled to respond to the influence of the networks hosts, who weighed in on everything from personnel to messaging strategy.

Trumps staff, allies and even adversaries were long accustomed to playing to an Audience of One  a commander in chief with a twitchy TiVo finger and obsessed with cable news.

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But text messages  newly released by the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection  between Fox News hosts and former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows, crystallize with new specificity just how tightly Fox News and the White House were entwined during the Trump years, with many of the networks top hosts serving as a cable cabinet of unofficial advisers.

As the Jan. 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol unfolded, Meadows received texts from Fox News hosts Laura Ingraham and Brian Kilmeade, as well as Hannity, according to the newly released communications.

Mark, the president needs to tell people in the Capitol to go home, Ingraham wrote. This is hurting all of us. He is destroying his legacy. Ingrahams private missives, however, differed starkly from what she said on her show later that evening, when she began whitewashing the violence of the day and claiming the attacks were antithetical to the Trump movement.

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Kilmeade urged Meadows to get Trump on TV to call off the rioters, writing, Destroying everything you have accomplished.

And Hannity asked Meadows, Can he make a statement? Ask people to leave the Capitol.

In private text messages on Jan. 6, Fox News hosts condemned President Trumps response to the attack. In public, those same hosts deflected blame from Trump. (Video: JM Rieger/The Washington Post)

Other texts released by the committee reveal that Hannity also offered the White House advice in the run-up and aftermath to the attacks that resulted in five deaths. On Dec. 31, 2020, Hannity texted Meadows to warn, I do NOT see January 6 happening the way he is being told. And on Jan. 10, 2021  referring to a conversation he had with Trump himself  Hannity texted Meadows and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a close Trump ally, to try to discuss strategies to rein in Trump.

Guys, we have a clear path to land the plane in 9 days, Hannity wrote. He cant mention the election again. Ever. I did not have a good call with him today. And worse, Im not sure what is left to do or say, and I dont like not knowing if its truly understood. Ideas?

A former senior administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share candid details of private discussions, said Trump would also sometimes dial Hannity and Lou Dobbs  whose Fox Business show was canceled in February  into Oval Office staff meetings.

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A lot of it was PR  what he should be saying and how he should be saying it; he should be going harder against wearing masks or whatever, Grisham said. And they all have different opinions, too.

A Trump spokesman did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Fox News declined to comment.

Michael Pillsbury, an informal Trump adviser, said he realized how powerful Fox News was in Trumps orbit when the former president began embracing Sidney Powell  an attorney promoting Trumps false claims of widespread voter fraud  and other election fabulists after seeing them on Dobbss show. Pillsbury added that while it seemed obvious that many of the claims were patently false, Trump was inclined to believe them, in part because he was watching them on TV and had affection for Dobbs in particular.

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It taught me the power of the young producers at Fox, and Fox Business especially, Pillsbury said. These young producers who are in their mid-20s. They come out of the conservative movement, theyve never been in the government. They are presented with these reckless, fantastical accounts. And they believe them and put them on for ratings.

Alyssa Farah, a former White House communications director, said the four most influential Fox hosts were Dobbs, Hannity, Igraham, and Pirro  and in the final year of the Trump administration, Hannity was the most influential. Other former top administration officials also mentioned Mark Levin, another Fox News host, and Maria Bartiromo, a Fox Business host, as two other network stars in regular touch with the White House.

From the point of view of the staff, Farah said, the goal was simply to try to get ahead of what advice you thought he was going to be given by these people because their unofficial counsel could completely change his mind on something.

But the relationship was also symbiotic, with White House aides actively trying to influence the network, especially on issues such as spending deals and averting government shutdowns. They knew if they could get Fox hosts to echo their goals on air, that would help sway the president.

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Jeff Cohen, author of Cable News Confidential: My Misadventures in Corporate Media, said the recent text messages represent a smoking gun.

If you watch Fox News as much as I do, and I watch a few hours a night, theyre always signaling their close contact with the White House, Cohen said referring to the Trump era. But these texts are just the hard evidence. This is just how deeply intertwined the Fox News leadership is with Trump and the Trump White House.



The problem, he explained, is that even though many of these hosts are opinion journalists, they are still violating public trust by not disclosing the full extent of their relationships with the Trump administration.

Journalists and media are supposed to be public checks on power, not private advisers to power, Cohen said. A commentator is still a journalist, and even if the commentator doesnt consider him or herself to be a journalist, they still have to tell the public when they played a role in something theyre commenting on.

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One former top White House official said that the hosts often had more influence with Trump based on what they said on air rather than in their various backchannels to him and his team, in part because the former president was obsessed with the following  and ratings  of their shows.

Former Trump chief of staff John F. Kelly told others in the White House that Dobbss show was critical to understanding the president and that Trumps ideas and feelings about people often originated from that program. Kelly also told colleagues that if Dobbs went after a White House senior staffer, they risked their status falling quickly in the eyes of the former president.

When Kelly could not watch the prime-time Fox shows himself, he would ask other staffers to monitor them, and he would scour the White House call logs for the names of Fox News personalities.

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Pirro, several Trump aides said, often became irate if the former president did not appear on her show frequently enough in her view, especially if he had been on Hannitys show several times prior.

Fox shows were so important to the president that White House staffers were determined to get guests booked on them, even forcing staffers to take weekend shifts appearing on Pirros show after Pirro complained she couldnt get a guest  and the former president also called in himself.

During the 2020 presidential campaign, Hannity called Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and other Trump allies on a number of occasions to voice his months-long concern that the campaign was heading in the wrong direction and Trump would lose unless he turned around his operation, according to a Republican with direct knowledge of the campaigns operations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of private discussions. They added that Hannity was much more bullish on his show than in private about Trumps electoral prospects.

As the coronavirus pandemic ramped up in early 2020, a range of Fox News hosts again mobilized to offer backchannel advice to the Trump White House. In March, Tucker Carlson flew to Trumps private Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla., to warn of the seriousness of the virus. Carlson told Trump he might lose the election because of covid-19, while Trump told the prime-time host that the virus wasnt as deadly as people were claiming.



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In April, Ingraham arrived at the White House with two on-air regulars who are part of what she describes as her medicine cabinet for a private meeting with Trump. There, she talked up hydroxychloroquine, a controversial anti-malarial drug which public health experts have concluded is not effective as a covid-19 treatment.

An internal Trump coronavirus response team led by Jared Kushner, the former presidents son-in-law and senior adviser, also prioritized the requests of certain VIPs, including Kilmeade and Pirro. Kilmeade had called two administration officials, for instance, to pass along tips about where to obtain personal protective equipment. And Pirro had repeatedly urged administration officials to send a large quantity of masks to a specific New York hospital.

At the time, a Fox News spokeswoman said neither host had been aware that their tips were receiving preferential treatment.

Since leaving office, Trump has vociferously complained about Fox, particularly its coverage of the election and what he views as increasingly negative coverage about him. But he has kept in close touch with many of the hosts and even sees some of them at his Florida resort.

The Jan. 6 committee has asked Hannity to cooperate with its investigation, and he has hired Jay Sekulow, a longtime Trump attorney, to represent him. We are evaluating the letter from the committee. We remain very concerned about the constitutional implications especially as it relates to the First Amendment. We will respond as appropriate, Sekulow said in a statement last week.

But some former senior White House officials said the texts make the role of Hannity and others seem more outsize than it was. The former president appreciated that the Fox crew was fighting on his behalf on a daily basis, this person said, but he would not be like, Let me call Larry Kudlow and change our economic plan because Laura Ingraham said that. 

Of course, Kudlow, who now hosts a show on Fox Business, came to Trumps attention as a top economic adviser in part because of the business show he previously hosted on CNBC.

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A family in Ozera, Ukraine, buries 43-year-old Andriy Voznenko after a month-long search for his whereabouts. (Video: Joyce Koh/The Post; photo: Wojciech Grzedzinski for The Post)

After the exhumation of hundreds of bodies in Ukraine, families are finding their loved ones, some of whom are receiving their first dignified burials.
NEO Battery Materials Ltd announced that it has established and built a research and development (R&D) Scale-Up Centre at the Yonsei University of South Korea through NEO Battery Materials Korea (NBM Korea), a wholly-owned subsidiary.

The Vancouver-based company said it entered into a collaborative development agreement with the university in May 2021 to develop and commercialize its proprietary nanocoating technology for silicon anode materials.

Due to the increasing need for expanding space and procuring equipment to advance R&D and manufacturing activities, it said it decided to establish the independent scale-up centre through NBM Korea. With the active support of Yonsei University, it said it has successfully secured a strategic space of 4,300 square feet next to testing and evaluation facilities within the university to develop its technology.

"We have placed an order for equipment to facilitate further silicon anode production and will be in place by mid-February, president and CEO Spencer Huh said in a statement.

With the setup of our research space, we are underway to hire more talented researchers. We believe that this centre could speed up our further development of additional NBMSiDE (silicon microparticle anode material products) pipelines of silicon anode active materials.

NEO noted that the establishment of the R&D Scale-Up Centre will make it further possible to access non-dilutive Korean government grants and financing through NBM Korea, including tax incentives for the Korean subsidiary registered as a foreign investment company from Canada.

"We will keep our valuable shareholders updated regarding our continuous corporate activities in Korea and Canada," Huh concluded.

NEO has a focus on producing silicon anodes materials through its proprietary single-step nanocoating process, which provides improvements in capacity and efficiency over lithium-ion batteries using graphite in their anode materials.

The company intends to become a silicon anode active materials supplier to the electric vehicle industry.

Contact the author at stephen.gunnion@proactiveinvestors.com
Between Labor leader Anthony Albaneses hip new spectacles, sharper suits, oversized Akubra and 15-kilogram weight loss and Prime Minister Scott Morrisons white thongs, fish curries, curiously thicker hairline and Australian flag face masks, it would appear the image makers are well into campaign mode ahead of the next federal election.

Throw in a cute pic with the family pet, and its GAME ON.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese with his dog Toto and Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Buddy.

But while both Team Albo and Team ScoMo would have us believe that there is very little thought going into what they wear (Akubras and RM William boots suddenly appear once they leave city limits) and what they post on social media, recent political history would suggest that couldnt be further from the truth.

I signed a 30-page non-disclosure contract, that still binds me today, one stylist who has worked on successful election campaigns informed me last week, still too nervous to be named.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is considering whether to use his personal power under the Migration Act to cancel Novak Djokovics visa after a court ruled that he needs to released and is allowed to play in the Australian Open.

Federal Circuit Court judge Anthony Kelly has ordered the immediate release of the tennis world no.1 from immigration detention after overturning the federal governments decision to cancel his visa.

But in the dying minutes of the hearing, the lawyer acting for the government, Christopher Tan, told the court that Mr Hawke will now consider whether to exercise his personal power of cancellation under section 133C(3).

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Sources confirmed that Mr Hawke now has four hours to decide whether to use the power, and it is under consideration.

If Mr Hawke uses the power, Djokovic could contest the cancellation.

However, the power is extremely broad and discretionary, and it would be more difficult to argue against it.

Djokovic could be banned from re-entering Australia for three years if the personal power of the minister is used.
Its got to the stage where were getting arms  archery, gun licences, the woman said tearfully before Ms Smit cut her off, saying: Stop, this is not the right forum to talk about that stuff, we can talk about that separately. Ms Smit later defended the exchange, telling The Sunday Age her followers were arming themselves to hunt for food due to concerns about shortages of a diesel additive which has threatened to halt the trucking industry and supply chains. There was no explicit discussion of hunting or shortages in the two-hour session in which followers asked their leader for advice about being ostracised from their families, being fired from their workplaces over refusing to take a COVID-19 vaccine and pulling their children out of school to avoid them being vaccinated. The Sunday Age unearthed other examples of content being shared in freedom groups urging the use of violence and weapons. People actually still think that we can solve this with the same three failed methods that people have been using for the last 10 years: petitions, voting, peaceful protests. None of them work  neither do your court cases, one former white supremacist group leader said in a video days after the Old Parliament House fire, which was instigated last month by anti-vaccine, sovereign citizen activists.

No matter how violent it has to be  smashing down the doors, pulling these people out of their offices and, you know, making sure their feet dangle off the ground with a little something around their neck. Extreme rhetoric about hanging executions has been normalised in the movement by conspiracy theorist Riccardo Bosi, a former special forces soldier who presents himself as leader of the AustraliaOne Party, an outfit that is not registered as a political party. Mr Bosi, who appears at freedom rallies and whose organisation has tens of thousands of social media followers, said in a December interview his organisation would execute notable media personalities such as Alan Jones, Peta Credlin, Paul Murray and ABC chair Ita Buttrose for their apparent silence on a vaccine genocide. Months on from the introduction of vaccine mandates for essential workers, large numbers of isolated Australians have either left their jobs or been sacked for refusing to get vaccinated and have just spent their first Christmas estranged from loved ones because of their views. Last weeks fire at Old Parliament House is a warning of the potential of radicalised followers of the freedom movement. Credit:Facebook

The fire last month at Old Parliament House should serve as a warning shot of the threat posed by a small group of radicalised individuals  especially months out from a federal election, according to Deakin University extremism researcher Josh Roose. Its effectively an indicator of the potential of these groups for violence, he said. Dr Roose said the movement was a loose alliance, including militant wellness groups, anti-vax groups, the Christian Right, Evangelicals and other Orthodox religious groups, sovereign citizens and Qanon conspiracy theorists. The underpinning distrust in science and government hasnt gone away, he said. And its been actively stoked very cynically by populist politicians.

[If] its not taken seriously and investigated ... then we risk being well behind the eight-ball. The threat of violence during the pandemic has been previously associated with far-right, neo-Nazi personalities who are attempting to recruit on the fringes of the movement, but Professor Barton said rhetoric just as concerning was coming from activists with larger followings and more mainstream appeal. Ms Smits organisation has promised to back Craig Kelly and Clive Palmers United Australia Party at the upcoming federal election, and her partner, Morgan Jonas, is running as a candidate for the party in Health Minister Greg Hunts seat of Flinders. Former Liberal MP Craig Kelly at the Eureka freedom rally in Melbourne last month. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui Professor Barton said Ms Smits quasi-religious language was extremely dangerous.

Shes playing with fire because somebody like [the man responsible for Sydneys Lindt Cafe siege] will respond to that language and say, okay, Im going to be that person, Professor Barton said. Loading Thats why people are starting to think of ways to support themselves with food and community, she said. Ms Smit, who has propagated a theory to her followers that they may eventually be placed in concentration camps for the unvaccinated, assured them in the December video conference that their commitment to staying unvaccinated was a trial from God. God has given us these trials, because he wants us to stand up, he wants us to be better, she said.

A social media post issued by Reignite Democracy Founder Monica Smit in November. Credit:Reignite Democracy Australia You can be in the quarantine camp with your head held high knowing that you did your best. Ms Smit told The Sunday Age that her organisation has and never will advocate for violence. In fact, weve openly discouraged it and always advocate for peaceful campaigning only, she said. Nothing Ive ever said could be misinterpreted to be calling for any type of violence whatsoever. Im a Christian and we never solve things with violence, we use our words and negotiation.

Loading Mr Bosi did not respond to a request from The Sunday Age to explain his violent rhetoric. A spokesperson for national security agency ASIO said it believed the threat posed by a subset of these minority groups who wish to escalate protest to violence would not diminish any time soon  and may well grow. The online environment is a force multiplier for extremism; fertile ground for sharing ideology and spreading propaganda, they said. We are seeing a growing number of individuals and groups that dont fit on the leftright spectrum at all, the spokesperson said.
Surf lifesavers, students and other volunteers are filling hundreds of paramedic shifts every week in Victoria in a crisis measure to deliver emergency care, as frustrated medical leaders say Australias politicians have turned their back on sound public health advice and let it rip.

Victorias daily COVID-19 case tally surpassed 30,000 cases on Saturday, delivering a scenario that just a week earlier had been described by a government minister as worst case. Meanwhile, there are now almost 1800 patients with COVID-19 in NSWs hospitals, a pandemic record, with thousands more expected in coming weeks.

Ambulance Victoria was under a code red alert in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Credit:Paul Rovere

Australian Medical Association president Omar Khorshid said Australians were paying for state and federal governments decisions not to heed warnings from doctors and public health experts before Christmas that even if Omicron proved to be mild, the sheer number of cases could overwhelm hospitals.

The strategy has been to let it rip. Thats very clear, he said.
Viola Man Arrested for Stealing his Boss' Credit Card after he was Fired
Emergency responders gather as firefighters put out a fire at the Planned Parenthood building in Knoxville (AP)

The fire that destroyed a Planned Parenthood building in Tennessee on New Year's Eve was intentionally set in an act of arson, officials have said.

A fire broke out after 6.30 am on 31 December at the North Cherry Street Knoxville Planned Parenthood, completely destroying the building. When the Knoxville fire department crew reached the spot, they reported heavy fire with flames coming out of the roof.

Ashley Coffield, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood for Tennessee and North Mississippi, announced that no one was injured in the blaze as the building had been closed since 7 December for renovation.

This is a huge loss for the community, and we hope that there are no resulting injuries or damage to neighbouring properties, Ms Coffield said.

Authorities on Thursday said that a joint investigation by the Knoxville fire department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives determined that the fire was intentionally set.

KFDs firefighters worked tirelessly last Friday to extinguish this fire, and our fire investigators, with assistance from ATF, TBI, and Knox County fire investigators, have worked meticulously over the last week and will continue to investigate this fire, said fire chief Stan Sharp.

A reward of up to $10,000 (7,300) has been announced for information leading to the prosecution of anyone involved in the fire.

The officials at Planned Parenthood have pledged to rebuild the facility and added that the health centre had been nearing the completion of a $2.2m renovation and expansion when the fire broke out.

This is an appalling and heartbreaking act of violence towards Planned Parenthood, our patients, and our community. Unfortunately, this is not the first time we have mourned at this health centre , Ms Coffield said on Thursday.

The fire comes as at a time when the US Supreme Court is considering a case that could significantly curtail abortion rights.

In January 2021, on the anniversary of the landmark Roe v Wade abortion ruling, an unidentified person fired a shotgun at the doors of the same Knoxville clinic, shattering the glass and peppering the reception area with holes.
An elephant wandered into the lobby of the Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia. (SWNS)
Dominick Black, the Kenosha man who bought the AR-15-style rifle that Kyle Rittenhouse used to shoot three people in Kenosha on Aug. 25, 2020, is expected to take a plea deal.

A Friday court filing, originally reported by the Kenosha County Eye, indicates a deal has been offered that would lead to Black being fined $2,000 and face no felony conviction for the two counts he has been charged with: both for intent to sell a dangerous weapon to a person under the age of 18  otherwise known as a "straw purchase"  as Rittenhouse was 17 at the time of purchase and thus not allowed to buy a gun.

During the trial two months ago, a charge against Rittenhouse regarding carrying a gun while underage was dropped due to a vaguely written law intended to allow teens in Wisconsin to hunt that thus also allows those under the age of 18 to carry long guns most anywhere in the state.

The fine would be for the citation "Contributing to the Delinquency of a Child." Black is now 20 years old.

Rittenhouse testified during his trial that he acted in self-defense when he shot three people, killing two, during the 2020 unrest in Kenosha. He was found not guilty of all charges.

On the stand, Black attested that Rittenhouse gave him money to purchase the firearm, but that Black kept the gun in his stepfather's gun safe and that Rittenhouse was not to be allowed to possess the firearm until he was of age.

However, during rioting after Jacob Blake was shot, Black said he did not try to stop his friend from carrying the weapon when they went out the night of Aug. 25  ostensibly to defend the Car Source properties, a narrative the family that owns Car Source has contested.

The firearm itself is expected to be destroyed upon the conclusion of Black's case.

A court hearing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Monday in front of Judge Bruce Schroeder, where the plea deal could be accepted or rejected.

The plea deal was offered by Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger, who was the lead prosecutor against Rittenhouse in the case where the teenager was found not guilty on all charges.

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MINERAL WELLS  Santo High School sophomore Tess Hall stood next to her dad, Corey, on Wednesday  and her sheep, Goliath  as she reflected on whats fun about the Palo Pinto County Fair and Livestock Show.

I really enjoy coming to the shows, and I like the people, she said. Theyre great. And I like the animals, too.

The young ag student probably summed up what any of the 100 or so people attending the five-day showcase for 4-H and FFA students would have said.

Parents and students inside the vast county Expo Center were milling about on Wednesday, dressing entries for judging or watching from bleachers the sheep judging under way in the dirt pen on the centers south side.

Goat judging would follow, just part of a week of livestock trials, canning, photography, horticulture and ag mechanic demonstrations and more in the annual event.

An auction Saturday morning will help the young people with future projects as well as future education paths.

Its something youve got to put time and effort into, Mineral Wells senior Caleb Carter said on Thursday, shortly before showing his three hogs in that days swine show. You cant just show up. (Theres) a lot of bright-and-early mornings, and some late nights as well.

Event Chairwoman Deeann Hampton said the fair is now into its ninth decade. Between 300 and 350 students from Mineral Wells, Santo, Graford, Gordon and Strawn ISDs joined this years fun.

Carter Hill of Graford was there on Thursday hoping his hog would bring home the bacon that afternoon.

I named it, Ham Solo  you get the term? he said, acknowledging his entrys Star Wars namesake before sharing the ups and downs of hog raising. The worst thing is probably having to get up early. The best thing is getting to do the show and hang out with my friends.

The fair returned to fully open this year, after pandemic precautions last year prompted organizers to limit attendance to contestants and their family members. That meant Michael and Katie Drake of Santo could bring their 2- and 4-year-old girls, Leddy and Autumn, to see the show they could well join down the chute.

They just love animals, their dad said. We just come to support our crew.

That was on Wednesday, about the time Abbi Youngblood, 13, and Roxy Hall set the hind legs of their sheep before lifting the entries from the chest to let their front hooves fall into position for the judges.

Its a good time in Texas, Sheep Superintendent Bobby Meeks had said on the public address system as Wednesdays sheep show began. Theres a lot of county shows.

Outside the hall, Kathryne Holder was practicing positioning with her goat, Peanut Butter. The Strawn High School junior hopes to take her entry beyond the county to fairs across the state.

We want to go to (fairs in) Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and then Austin, Kathrynes mother, Kerri, told a visitor. She put a lot of work into it, so we just want to see how far that work gets us.

The daughter said she hopes to earn scholarships through her ag endeavors to open the door to her aspirations.

Something in the science field, she said. I really like science.

Showing livestock tends to be a family affair.

My brother used to show pigs, 14-year-old Victoria Rico of Santo said on Thursday as she and her Rosco waited for the competition to begin. And I thought Id get into it.  This is my first year showing.

Colt Bridges of Santo found a perch on the pens Thursday while he and his parents, Cody and Brandi, waited for Colts hog, Michael Jackson, to get his spin in the judging pen. The 11-year-old explained his hogs celebrity name.

Because he does a little moonwalk, he said, his mother explaining the pig has a unique shuffle similar to the late pop stars iconic dance move.

Strawn sixth-grader Lane Fawcett, 11, finished blowing down the fur on his goat, Sugars, forelegs before Wednesdays show. (The rest of the animals legs and body were sheared).

It makes their legs feel fluffed out, to make it look like he has big leg hair, Lane explained while using blasts of air to enhance the desired look for Sugar.

Back inside, Community Christian School students Que Crawford, 16, and Colby Johnson, 13, stood in a holding pen with Crawfords 7T7 goats, named for the Santo area ranch from which the goats hail. Crawford gave his own first name to one of his entries.

The other goat?

Its name is the word, Nothing, he said, after sharing why he devotes his time to Nothing and Que. Its just a chance to just get off of everything else I do.

Plenty of long hours, typically spent before heading out to the school day, go into preparing entries for the demanding pen shows. But it was clear this past week those labors of love come with their own reward, win or not.

I like how he baaahhs all the time, 9-year-old Andrea Berumen of Strawn added, standing next to the pen holding her goat, Dash.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Mostly cloudy. There might be a lingering shower early, mainly north and east..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. There might be a lingering shower early, mainly north and east.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson will run for reelection, he said Sunday, making him one of the several Republican swing state candidates whose candidacy will be critical to the GOPs fight to retake the Senate.

Johnson  who in 2016 pledged not to seek a third term  said in a statement and Wall Street Journal opinion piece that he did not want to run again but felt like he had to because of the changing political landscape and the Democrats complete takeover of government, referring to their control of the White House and Congress.

So today, I am announcing I will continue to fight for freedom in the public realm by running for re-election, Johnson, 66, said in a statement Sunday.

It is not a decision I have made lightly, Johnson continued. Having already experienced a growing level of vitriol and false attacks, I certainly dont expect better treatment in the future. In order for my campaign to succeed, I will need the support of every Wisconsinite who values the truth and refuses to allow lies and distortions to prevail.

The announcement was expected after two Republicans with knowledge of the plan told The Associated Press of Johnsons intention on Friday. It follows months of bipartisan questioning on whether Johnson would run as well as an early endorsement by former President Donald Trump, a close Johnson ally.

Even though he has not yet announced that he is running, and I certainly hope he does, I am giving my Complete and Total Endorsement to Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Trump said in April.

Johnson is in a precarious position but is still the favorite in the race, UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden said.

This is looking like its going to be a really terrific year for the GOP, Burden said, referring to Bidens low approval rating and the favorable historical mid-term outcomes for the party not in presidential power.

Hes got a strong tailwind, and if there was nothing else going on, I would say that makes him a strong favorite for reelection, Burden said. But he is a Washington senator who has served for 12 years.

Many voters are tired of incumbents, and while Johnson has pitted himself against career politicians in the past, its becoming harder for him to separate himself from the establishment, Burden said.

Johnson will face one of a crowded field of Democrats headed by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Outagamie County executive Tom Nelson, all of whom have been eager to take on an incumbent they say is out of touch with average voters, is beholden to Trump and has embarrassed the state with baseless claims about the election and combatting COVID-19.

The only people celebrating Ron Johnsons announcement are his donors and the corporate special interest groups hes bailed out time and time again, Barnes said in a statement Sunday. Lets get to work and retire this failed senator.

Godlewski said Johnson only works for himself and the wealthy, while Nelson faulted Johnson for breaking his pledge not to seek a third Senate term.

Lasry, who has raised the most so far of any of the Democratic candidates, said, Whether its his conspiracy theorizing, fealty to Donald Trump, or total indifference towards helping working Wisconsinites, Ron Johnson has shown time and time again that he isnt up to the task of representing the people of Wisconsin.

Amazing timing

History may be on Johnsons side to win the 2022 election and help the GOP take back the Senate. Typically, midterm elections favor the party not in presidential power: Under Trump in 2018, Democrats won 41 GOP-held seats to gain control of the House of Representatives, though Republicans gained two Senate seats. In 2014, under former President Barack Obama, Republicans gained 13 seats in the House and nine in the Senate.

Also on Johnsons side, UW-La Crosse assistant political science professor Anthony Chergosky said, is amazing timing, politically.

Johnson first ran in the 2010 midterms, one of the most politically successful for the GOP, when the Democratic party lost 63 seats in the House and six in the Senate.

And then you have the 2016 election where Donald Trump showed unexpected strength and Hillary Clinton showed unexpected weakness in Wisconsin, Chergosky said.

Current presidential politics will likely work in Johnsons favor in 2022, too, Chergosky said.

In the past few months, low Democratic approval ratings have recently correlated with strong Republican showings. For example, in November, Republican Glenn Youngkin was elected governor in Virginia after Biden won the state last year by 10%. Like Youngkin, Johnson has rallied against COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates, critical race theory and the idea that climate change is human-caused.

He also said that Listerine could treat COVID-19 and that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, overhyped the COVID-19 pandemic and did the exact same thing with AIDS.

In Sept. 2021, Johnson touted unproven treatments for COVID-19, including the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin, even after federal health authorities warned against unauthorized use of the drug to treat the disease.

And he has sent mixed signals about the 2020 election. In Dec. 2020, Johnson said fraudulent voting did not change the 2020 election outcome but added that lax enforcement, denying effective bipartisan observation of the complete election process, and failing to be fully transparent or conduct reasonable audits has led to heightened suspicion.

Unfavorable polls

Despite historical factors favoring Johnson, a Marquette Law School poll released late last year suggested the Oshkosh Republican may have a challenging re-election campaign.

In the poll, which did not consider head-to-head matchups with Democratic contenders, 38% of respondents said they would vote for Johnson, 52% said they would vote for someone other than Johnson and 10% said they didnt know or declined to answer.

Additionally, 36% of respondents said they have a favorable opinion, 42% have an unfavorable opinion and 22% didnt know.

But Johnson is no stranger to unfavorable polls, and he has succeeded in races despite early polls suggesting otherwise.

In 2016, the Marquette poll showed Johnson with low approval ratings in his matchup with then-U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, leading a conservative group funding Johnson to cancel $2.2 million worth of ads. Taking charge of his campaign, Johnson billed himself as a manufacturer and grandfather running against a career politician and won by 3 points.

Johnsons low polling results are the rule in politics right now rather than the exception, Burden said, saying the president, governor and most politicians are polling relatively low.

I dont think theres anyone whos doing well in the polls, Burden said. He just needs to do better than his Democratic opponent.

The money race

Johnson has raised $4.2 million in the 2022 race so far, ahead of any Democratic candidate. Lasry, with more than $3 million, has raised the most money in the Democratic field, followed by Godlewski with $1.8 million, Barnes with $1.1 million and Nelson with more than $900,000.

Republican operatives welcomed Johnson back to the campaign trail.

Grassroots Republicans are enthusiastically backing Senator Johnsons bid for re-election and are committed to doing the hard work to make it happen, Wisconsin Republican Party chairman Paul Farrow said Sunday, months after saying he was counting on Johnson seeking a third term.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee chair, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, said While Wisconsin Democrats trip over themselves to prove whos more liberal, Senator Johnson continues to demand accountability in Washington and deliver results for Wisconsinites.

Scott said Johnson fights to protect and defend the security of the United States and is a a tireless advocate for small businesses and the hardworking people of Wisconsin.

Johnsons announcement may pave the way for Kevin Nicholson, a former U.S. Marine who lost in the 2018 U.S. Senate Republican primary, to join the gubernatorial race. Nicholson previously said that he would run for governor if Johnson sought a third Senate term.

After Johnsons announcement, Nicholson alluded on Twitter to a potentially forthcoming announcement of his own.

I do believe I have a role to play in setting the course for a better future for all of us, he said. Over the coming days my family, friends, and I will continue to pray for wisdom for our next steps.

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Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 54F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

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WASHINGTON - From its arid desert climate to its mercurial, centre-right politics, the southern border state of Arizona hardly seems to have much in common with Canada beyond winter-wary snowbirds.

President Joe Biden speaks during a visit to the General Motors Factory ZERO electric vehicle assembly plant in Detroit, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. Joe Bidens controversial plan to use protectionist tax incentives to promote U.S.-made electric vehicles, which threatens misery for the Canadian auto sector, is making for all kinds of strange bedfellows. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Evan Vucci

WASHINGTON - From its arid desert climate to its mercurial, centre-right politics, the southern border state of Arizona hardly seems to have much in common with Canada beyond winter-wary snowbirds.

But President Joe Biden's controversial plan to use protectionist tax incentives to promote U.S.-made electric vehicles, which threatens misery for the Canadian auto sector, is making for all kinds of strange bedfellows.

With its proximity to both Silicon Valley and the U.S.-Mexico border, without the high taxes and regulation of tech-savvy neighbour California, the Grand Canyon State is striving to play host to the looming EV revolution  a vision endangered by Biden's scheme.

"We're going to be one of the next hubs in the United States for next-generation electric-vehicle manufacturing," said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

"We just want, from a federal policy standpoint, a fair and balanced approach so that consumers can buy the products that they want. Whether they're produced in states like Arizona or other states across the country, we think prudent policy to induce consumer behaviour should be done fairly."

Arizona is far from the only state opposed to the measure, which if passed would allow would-be electric vehicle buyers to enjoy tax credits worth up to $12,500 provided their preferred car or truck was assembled in the U.S. and built with union labour.

But few have been more vocal critics. Last month, Phoenix chamber of commerce CEO Todd Sanders and Jaime Molera, Arizona director of a conservative environmental group called The Western Way, penned an opinion piece denouncing a "poorly drafted" scheme that would "hobble" the state's EV ambitions.

Sanders, for his part, is taking little comfort in the fact that Biden's Build Back Better bill, the $1.75-trillion climate and social spending package containing the tax credits, suffered a setback before Christmas when renegade Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin declared he would not support it.

"What you learn early on is nothing's ever dead," Sanders, himself a veteran of public-policy debates within government at the state-legislature level, said in an interview.

"If we can bring in Canada into this, obviously our friends from Mexico and then our congressional delegation, that starts to at least raise the concern that we have that this isn't necessarily the right way to go."

Along with up-and-coming EV players like Rivian, Nikola and ElectraMecchanica, Arizona is attracting parts and manufacturing service suppliers as well  including Jomi Engineering Group, based in Barrie, Ont., which by mid-year will have some 120 employees at its new facility in Casa Grande, just south of Phoenix.

"You can't fight it," Jomi founder and president Michael Hoy said of the growing EV sector's gravitational pull towards the southern U.S.

"(We) couldn't build the Canadian operation any more; we would have probably never had the opportunity as we do, or get competitive enough, if we didn't move closer to our customers."

In October, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey was among 11 Republican state governors who wrote to congressional leaders denouncing Biden's plan as an unfair use of taxpayer dollars.

"We cannot support any proposal that creates a discriminatory environment in our states by punishing autoworkers and car companies because the workers in their plants chose not to unionize," the letter says.

"Congress should not enact proposals that favour vehicles produced by one workforce over another, particularly when doing so dramatically limits consumer choice and undermines larger carbon emission reduction goals."

In the 50-50 Senate, West Virginia's Manchin has been the focus of will-he, won't-he speculation about his support for Build Back Better. Less attention has been paid to an equally unpredictable Democratic colleague, Sen. Krysten Sinema, whose moderate-conservative politics nicely encapsulate the purple state she represents: Arizona.

As a right-to-work state  by law, would-be employees can't be required to join a union  with a vested interest in a robust and growing EV industry, Arizona is focused only on doing away with the $4,500 portion of the tax credits that are focused on American-assembled, union-built vehicles.

"That should make them almost the optimum ally," said Roy Norton, a former senior diplomat who did two stints at the Canadian Embassy in the 1990s and 2000s before becoming diplomat-in-residence at the Balsillie School of International Affairs in Waterloo, Ont.

"We don't want to kill subsidies. We just want to kill subsidies for U.S.-made vehicles exclusively, and Arizona should be precisely on the same page in as much as it's a right-to-work state that's at odds with a president and an administration that is a bit of a throwback."

Officials in Ottawa confirm that Arizona's congressional delegation, and Sinema's office in particular, continue to be a focus of the federal government's lobbying efforts, which peaked late last year with D.C. visits by multiple emissaries, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Biden, however, makes no secret of his affinity for blue-collar union workers, nor his ultimate goal of restoring the former lustre of the once-mighty U.S. manufacturing sector. Both, along with reducing carbon emissions, are the principal goals of a tax credit scheme the White House says is close to his heart.

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Though he didn't mention EV tax credits specifically, Biden himself signalled strongly Friday that he hasn't given up on the Build Back Better bill, which is likely to return to the fore at some point in the coming weeks or months.

Whether it will continue to include the tax credits, or if the EV vision emerges in a different form, remains an open question.

Responding to the latest jobs report in the U.S., the president reiterated Friday his vision of a resurgent American manufacturing sector, fuelled by an economy that grows "from the bottom up and the middle out."

"From Day 1, my economic agenda has been different. It's about taking a fundamentally new approach to our economy  one that sees the prosperity of working families as a solution, not the problem," he said.

"Let's make what we're selling in America made in America, so we're not at risk of foreign supply chains and shipping delays."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 9, 2022.
As the raging omicron variant of COVID-19 infects workers across the nation, millions of those whose jobs don't provide paid sick days are having to choose between their health and their paycheck.

As the raging omicron variant of COVID-19 infects workers across the nation, millions of those whose jobs don't provide paid sick days are having to choose between their health and their paycheck.

While many companies instituted more robust sick leave policies at the beginning of the pandemic, some of those have since been scaled back with the rollout of the vaccines, even though omicron has managed to evade the shots. Meanwhile, the current labor shortage is adding to the pressure of workers having to decide whether to show up to their job sick if they can't afford to stay home.

Its a vicious cycle, said Daniel Schneider, professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. As staffing gets depleted because people are out sick, that means that those that are on the job have more to do and are even more reluctant to call in sick when they in turn get sick.

Low-income hourly workers are especially vulnerable. Nearly 80% of all private sector workers get at least one paid sick day, according to a national compensation survey of employee benefits conducted in March by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But only 33% of workers whose wages are at the bottom 10% get paid sick leave, compared with 95% in the top 10%.

A survey this past fall of roughly 6,600 hourly low-wage workers conducted by Harvards Shift Project, which focuses on inequality, found that 65% of those workers who reported being sick in the last month said they went to work anyway. That's lower than the 85% who showed up to work sick before the pandemic, but much higher than it should be in the middle of a public health crisis. Schneider says it could get worse because of omicron and the labor shortage.

What's more, Schneider noted that the share of workers with paid sick leave before the pandemic barely budged during the pandemic  50% versus 51% respectively. He further noted many of the working poor surveyed dont even have $400 in emergency funds, and families will now be even more financially strapped with the expiration of the child tax credit, which had put a few hundred dollars in families pockets every month.

The Associated Press interviewed one worker who started a new job with the state of New Mexico last month and started experiencing COVID-like symptoms earlier in the week. The worker, who asked not to be named because it might jeopardize their employment, took a day off to get tested and two more days to wait for the results.

A supervisor called and told the worker they would qualify for paid sick days only if the COVID test turns out to be positive. If the test is negative, the worker will have to take the days without pay, since they havent accrued enough time for sick leave.

I thought I was doing the right thing by protecting my co-workers, said the worker, who is still awaiting the results and estimates it will cost $160 per day of work missed if they test negative. "Now I wish I just wouldve gone to work and not said anything.

A Trader Joes worker in California, who also asked not to be named because they didnt want to risk their job, said the company lets workers accrue paid time off that they can use for vacations or sick days. But once that time is used up, employees often feel like they cant afford to take unpaid days.

I think many people now come to work sick or with what they call allergies because they feel they have no other choice, the worker said.

Trader Joes offered hazard pay until last spring, and even paid time off if workers had COVID-related symptoms. But the worker said those benefits have ended. The company also no longer requires customers to wear masks in all of its stores.

Other companies are similarly curtailing sick time that they offered earlier in the pandemic. Kroger, the countrys biggest traditional grocery chain, is ending some benefits for unvaccinated workers in an attempt to compel more of them to get the jab as COVID-19 cases rise again. Unvaccinated workers will no longer be eligible to receive up to two weeks paid emergency leave if they become infected  a policy that was put into place last year when vaccines were unavailable.

Meanwhile, Walmart, the nations largest retailer, is slashing pandemic-related paid leave in half  from two weeks to one  after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reduced isolation requirements for people who dont have symptoms after they test positive.

Workers have received some relief from a growing number of states. In the last decade, 14 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws or ballot measures requiring employers to provide paid sick leave, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

On the federal front, however, the movement has stalled. Congress passed a law in the spring of 2020 requiring most employers to provide paid sick leave for employees with COVID-related illnesses. But the requirement expired on Dec. 31 of that same year. Congress later extended tax credits for employers who voluntarily provide paid sick leave, but the extension lapsed at the end of September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

In November, the U.S. House passed a version of President Joe Bidens Build Back Better plan that would require employers to provide 20 days of paid leave for employees who are sick or caring for a family member. But the fate of that bill is uncertain in the Senate.

We cant do a patchwork sort of thing. It has to be holistic. It has to be meaningful," said Josephine Kalipeni, executive director at Family Values @ Work, a national network of 27 state and local coalitions helping to advocate for such policies as paid sick days.

The U.S. is one of only 11 countries worldwide without any federal mandate for paid sick leave, according to a 2020 study by the World Policy Analysis Center at the University of California, Los Angeles.

On the flipside are small business owners like Dawn Crawley, CEO of House Cleaning Heroes, who cant afford to pay workers when they are out sick. But Crawley is trying to help in other ways. She recently drove one cleaner who didn't have a car to a nearby testing site. She later bought the cleaner some medicine, orange juice and oranges.

If they are out, I try to give them money but at the same time my company has got to survive, Crawley said. If the company goes under, no one has work."

Even when paid sick leave is available, workers arent always made aware of it.

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Ingrid Vilorio, who works at a Jack in the Box restaurant in Castro Valley, California, started feeling sick last March and soon tested positive for COVID. Vilorio alerted a supervisor, who didnt tell her she was eligible for paid sick leave  as well as supplemental COVID leave  under California law.

Vilorio said her doctor told her to take 15 days off, but she decided to take just 10 because she had bills to pay. Months later, a co-worker told Vilorio she was owed sick pay for the time she was off. Working through Fight for $15, a group that works to unionize fast food workers, Vilorio and her colleagues reported the restaurant to the county health department. Shortly after that, she was given back pay.

But Vilorio, who speaks Spanish, said through a translator that problems persist. Workers are still getting sick, she said, and are often afraid to speak up.

Without our health, we cant work," she said. "Were told that were front line workers, but were not treated like it.

___

D'Innocenzio reported from New York and Durbin reported from Detroit.
ACCRA, Ghana (AP)  West African regional leaders imposed new sanctions Sunday on Mali, suspending most commerce and financial aid to the country after its military rulers said they would stay in power for four more years instead of holding an election next month as promised.

FILE - Col. Assimi Goita meets with a high-level delegation from the West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS, at the Ministry of Defense in Bamako, Mali, Aug. 22, 2020. West African regional leaders signaled Sunday Jan. 9, 2022 at a special meeting in Ghana's capital that they will oppose an effort by the Mali's coup leader to extend his time in power by four more years instead of holding democratic elections next month as originally promised. (AP Photo, File)

ACCRA, Ghana (AP)  West African regional leaders imposed new sanctions Sunday on Mali, suspending most commerce and financial aid to the country after its military rulers said they would stay in power for four more years instead of holding an election next month as promised.

In a veiled threat at possible military pressure, the regional bloc known as ECOWAS activated its standby force, saying it will have to be ready for any eventuality.

The sanctions mark the steepest consequences for Mali to date, and include land and air border closures with other countries belonging to ECOWAS, according to a statement released after a day-long meeting in Ghanas capital.

The junta led by Col. Assimi Goita initially had agreed to hold a new election in late February, 18 months after it first seized power. The military leadership now says the next presidential election will take place instead in 2026, giving Goita four more years in power.

In a statement, regional leaders called this timeframe totally unacceptable and said it simply means that an illegitimate military transition government will take the Malian people hostage during the next five years.

The business sanctions won't apply to essentials like pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies and equipment to fight COVID-19. Petroleum products and electricity are also excluded, the regional bloc said.

But all of Mali's financial assets held in the regional bloc's central bank and other commercial banks will be blocked. And ECOWAS will suspend its financial aid to Mali. Previous sanctions had only targeted junta leadership with travel bans and asset freezes.

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After overthrowing Malis democratically elected president, coup leader Goita had promised to swiftly return the country to democratic rule. Doubts deepened about his intentions, though, after he effectively launched a second coup nine months later, forcing out the chosen transitional civilian leaders and becoming president himself.

Malis junta maintains that elections cant be held because of deepening insecurity across the country, where Islamic extremists have been fighting a decade-long insurgency. They also say its essential to draft a new constitution and put it before voters in a referendum, a lengthy endeavor that would pave the way for new local and legislative elections before any presidential vote.

The French military, which helped push the militants from power in northern Mali in 2013, is now in the process of drawing down its troop presence in Mali. Many fear their departure will only deepen the crisis despite the presence of U.N. peacekeepers and regional forces bolstering Malian troops efforts.

Critics of the junta fear that the political turmoil will further undermine the Malian militarys response to Islamic extremist attacks at a time when they will increasingly be bearing the responsibility for fighting militants.

___

Krista Larson reported from Dakar, Senegal.
Surging COVID-19 case numbers are prompting a workplace built to handle the worlds most infectious diseases to adopt remote-work plans.

Surging COVID-19 case numbers are prompting a workplace built to handle the worlds most infectious diseases to adopt remote-work plans.

Staff at Canadas National Microbiology Laboratory who are able to work from home have been asked to do so beginning Monday.

The shift to remote work comes in the face of widespread community transmission and skyrocketing cases as Canada battles the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The lab has two sites in Winnipeg, including the only facility in Canada operating as a Containment Level 4 lab, which works with deadly infectious diseases like Ebola.

A spokesperson for the Public Health Agency of Canada would not say if the move to remote work was due to COVID-19 cases hitting the facility or provide any figures on staff who have tested positive for the virus.

"On January 7, 2022, all staff at the NML were informed via an email message that the facility was making several changes due to the high number of COVID-19 cases in Canada," PHAC said in a written statement to the Free Press.

"To protect the essential workforce conducting critical on-site diagnostic and laboratory research, all personnel that can work remotely were asked to do so starting on Monday, January 10, and whenever possible for the next three weeks (when the guidance will be reviewed)."

The lab has provided "critical scientific leadership" in Canadas fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, including data gathering, modeling and testing support, as well as more than 100 research studies into the virus and its effects, according to PHACs website.

PHAC said managers have also been asked to "review their programs resilience plan" with the aim of "reducing the number of close contacts in the facility."

All staff must wear fitted masks or respirators when not eating or drinking  even when distanced from others, the agency said.

Cynthia Carr, a Winnipeg-based epidemiologist and founder of EPI Research Inc., said seeing a Level 4 lab  which would have strict safety measures in place at all times  shift to remote work where possible is a "critical reminder" of the Omicron variants severe transmissibility.

"The risk is in the community spread. You can have all kinds of protections at the workplace but for many, many people, its the community spread or the household spread where theyre impacted," Carr told the Free Press Sunday.

"For me, (this tells us) theres a reaction (from PHAC) to our obvious ongoing knowledge of the tenacity of this virus, the speed, and how easy it is to spread to others."

Manitoba reported 3,265 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, Jan. 7, bringing the total number of confirmed infections during a 10-day period to 17,260. Public health officials have said that is a significant undercount due to insufficient laboratory testing capacity.

During the holiday season, from Christmas to New Years Day, more than 915 healthcare workers tested positive for the virus.

Widespread community transmission of the Omicron variant has left the public sector battling a significant staffing pinch, resulting in worker shortages among the Winnipeg Police Service, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and Winnipeg Transit.

WPS Chief Danny Smyth declared a state of emergency Jan. 5 so he could redeploy officers to general patrol duty. At the time, 170 WPS staffers were absent due to COVID-19 related leave, including 90 off sick with the virus.

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Carr said PHACs shift to remote work for laboratory staff could be an attempt by public health to "lead the way" on a policy that should be widespread among workforces at this stage in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Right now, anyone who can be working from home, should be, Carr said.

"We need to keep our employees as healthy as possible and at home. With this variant, so many people who are testing positive are experiencing mild illness, so they can still work. But they cant return to the workplace," Carr said.

"The best thing to do would be to have people already set up and have them continue to work from home as we get through this wave And this is our only Level 4 lab and we need to do everything we can to keep these essential and very specific services operating."

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @rk_thorpe
Within 24 hours, Jon Reyes was famous, at least in the way fame works in the digital age, which is that the Waverley MLAs face and exactly 35 of his words had been devoured and regurgitated by the internets biggest content machines. Hed made it onto Barstool Sports; been mocked by celebrities; been featured as a Canadian dude on tabloid swamp TMZ.

Opinion

Within 24 hours, Jon Reyes was famous, at least in the way fame works in the digital age, which is that the Waverley MLAs face and exactly 35 of his words had been devoured and regurgitated by the internets biggest content machines. Hed made it onto Barstool Sports; been mocked by celebrities; been featured as a "Canadian dude" on tabloid swamp TMZ.

And the tweet which started the whole thing  a photo Reyes took of his wife, Cynthia, shovelling their driveway after a 12-hour shift as a hospital nurse  had swelled, being shared over 15,000 times, taking on a life of its own as folks made it the base chord on which to riff off their jokes. I shamelessly admit, I was one of them, too.

Reyes tweeted: "Even after a 12 hour night shift at the hospital last night, my wife still has the energy to shovel the driveway. God bless her and all our frontliners. Time to make her some breakfast."

Behold, the golden rule of these social media hullabaloos: its rarely the tweet that drives them. Its usually the reaction.

As is typical when tweets go viral, the response was a circus. The majority was all in good fun, with locals scoring zingers off the Tories ("The PC government that doesnt seem to understand exponential spread should study this Tweet," one response read) and most others going for fairly harmless jokes about letting a spouse shovel after a long night at work.

"Shes digging a hole for your body, bud," tweeted Jezebel editor-in-chief Laura Bassett.

Some of the response took it either too far, analyzing what the tweet revealed about the state of the Reyess marriage (may I humbly suggest: nothing) or trying very hard to make it a front in the gender war (one repeated refrain was that it was sexist to suggest a man had to shovel, missing the mitigating factor of Cynthia being a nurse coming off shift in a pandemic).

There were debates about whether or not Cynthia might like to shovel as a way to decompress, which is entirely possible (on Sunday, a new Twitter account under her name stated as much: "All I wanted to do was shovel!" she wrote, with a face-palm emoji). There were critiques that the tweets virality was distracting from bigger issues.

Nothing about this particular fracas needs to be that serious. At the end of the day, the situation is pretty simple: a lot of us are cooped up at home, online and a little bored. The Reyes tweet strolled right into a combination of factors that made it a perfect storm, and watching that storm move all the way to American tabloid news was a spectacle in itself.

Jon Reyes has reminded us its not the tweet, its the reaction. All you can do once it starts is try to play along. (MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES)

But why? Explaining what makes things funny, especially online where the mass collaborative response becomes an integral part of the comedy, is a reliably painful exercise, so theres no point in trying. Either you get why the tweet, and the ensuing mining of it for laughs, hit so many nerves and went so viral, or you dont. If you dont, thats fine too.

Still, once this circus has packed up and left town (it will already be played out by the time this column runs), theres maybe something in it worth noting. Because really, this is a story about communication and public perception. Its revealing about how Manitobans are feeling, at this stage of the pandemic, and about what they expect from their leaders.

Or, to put it another way: the most remarkable thing about the tweet wasnt anything Reyes wrote. Its that it was made in earnest, apparently blissfully unaware of how it could be read in context by a public that is boiling with frustration over the Tory governments handling of the pandemic, and especially its effect on stressed health-care workers.

Not only did this cabinet minister not read the room when he composed the tweet, he didnt even scan its table of contents.

And that it came at a time when the Tories would, no doubt, prefer not to have any such unforced errors that invite public derision, gave it that little extra twist of bad timing. Somewhere, surely, Tory communications staffers were banging their heads against the wall on Saturday night. Picturing that reaction is funny, too.

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On that note, a missed opportunity in the denouement. On Sunday morning, Reyes gave a statement to CBC, calling his wife "amazing" and adding that hes "happy she is getting the worldwide recognition she deserves, and it serves as a reminder to everyone  especially me today  that we can never do enough to show our gratitude to health-care workers."

The better response, I think, would have been to poke fun at himself: a tweet of him shovelling snow while his wife looked on sipping coffee would have done the trick. An offer to shovel the driveways of the first few constituents to reply wouldve gone a long way towards wrangling the spotlight back onto the community, and bringing a bit of delight.

Remember, its not the tweet, its the reaction. All you can do once it starts is try to play along.

Oh, one last thing, as inspired by a tweet from local gynecologist Dr. Leslea Walters. If theres any good that can come out of this  and there may as well be  maybe its to remember that a lot of health-care workers are slodging through difficult shifts right now. And weve had a lot of snow this winter, with the forecast calling for more this week.

So, if a health-care worker lives on your street, and you have time and are able, in honour of Jon Reyes and what he did  or more specifically didnt do  to give us something to chatter about this weekend, why not give their driveway a shovel?

melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca
NEW YORK (AP)  New York Citys deadliest fire in more than three decades, killing 19 people including nine children Sunday at a Bronx apartment building, was caused by a faulty space heater, officials said.

Firefighters work outside an apartment building after a fire in the Bronx, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

NEW YORK (AP)  New York Citys deadliest fire in more than three decades, killing 19 people including nine children Sunday at a Bronx apartment building, was caused by a faulty space heater, officials said.

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said the fire "started in a malfunctioning electric space heater in an apartment unit spanning the second and third floors of the 19-story building. The door of the apartment was left open, allowing smoke to quickly spread throughout the building, Nigro said.

Some residents, trapped in their apartments, broke windows for air and stuffed wet towels under their doors. One man rescued by firefighters said he'd become numb to fire alarms because of frequent false alarms.

Some residents could not escape because of the volume of smoke, Nigro said.

Stefan Ringel, a senior adviser to Mayor Eric Adams, said the children killed were 16 years old or younger. Many of the building's residents were originally from the West African nation of Gambia, Adams said, and there was a large Muslim community.

Thirteen people remained hospitalized in critical condition, Ringel said. In all, more than five dozen people were hurt. Most of the victims had severe smoke inhalation, fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said.

Adams called the toll horrific." Firefighters found victims on every floor and were taking them out in cardiac and respiratory arrest, Nigro said, calling it unprecedented.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, 3rd right, walks by an apartment building where a deadly fire occurred in the Bronx on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Approximately 200 firefighters responded to the building on East 181st Street around 11 a.m. Sunday.

News photographers captured images of firefighters entering the upper floors of the burning building on a ladder, multiple limp children being given oxygen after they were carried out and evacuees with faces covered in soot.

Building resident Luis Rosa said he was awakened Sunday by a fire alarm, but dismissed it at first, thinking it was one of the buildings periodic false alarms.

But when a notification popped up on his phone, he and his mother began to worry. By then, smoke began wafting into his 13th-floor apartment and he heard sirens in the distance.

He opened the front door, but the smoke had gotten too thick for an escape, he said.

Once I opened the door, I couldnt even see that far down the hallway, Rosa told The Associated Press. So I said, OK, we cant run down the stairs because if we run down the stairs, were going to end up suffocating.

All we could do was wait, he said.

Another resident, Vernessa Cunningham said she raced home from church after getting an alert on her cellphone that the building was on fire.

I couldnt believe what I was seeing. I was in shock, Cunningham, 60, said from a nearby school where some residents gathered. I could see my apartment. The windows were all busted out. And I could see flames coming from the back of the building."

The 120-unit building in the Twin Parks North West complex was built in 1973 as part of a project to build modern, affordable housing in the Bronx.

The drab brown building looms over an intersection of smaller, aging brick buildings overlooking Webster Avenue, one of the Bronxs main thoroughfares.

By Sunday afternoon, all that remained visible of the unit where the fire started was a gaping black hole where the windows had been blown out. Apartments as high as the 12th floor also had broken windows. The intersection was choked with police and fire vehicles, and onlookers were still snapping cellphone pictures of the structure as darkness fell.

Theres no guarantee that theres a working fire alarm in every apartment, or in every common area," U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat who represents the area, told the AP. "Most of these buildings have no sprinkler system. And so the housing stock of the Bronx is much more susceptible to devastating fires than most of the housing stock in the city.

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Nigro and Torres both compared the fire's severity to a 1990 blaze at the Happy Land social club where 87 people were killed when a man set fire to the building after getting into an argument with his former girlfriend and being thrown out of the Bronx club.

Sunday's death toll was the highest for a fire in the city since the Happy Land fire. It was also the deadliest fire at a U.S. residential apartment building since 2017 when 13 people died in an apartment building, also in the Bronx, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association.

That fire started with a 3-year-old boy playing with stove burners and led to several law changes in New York City, including having the fire department to create a plan for educating children and parents on fire safety and requiring certain residential buildings to install self-closing doors.

Sundays fire happened just days after 12 people, including eight children, were killed in a house fire in Philadelphia. The deadliest fire prior to that was in 1989 when a Tennessee apartment building fire claimed the lives of 16 people.

___

Associated Press reporters Michael R. Sisak and Jennifer Peltz contributed to this report.
A Christian man has been sentenced to death in Pakistan a decade after he was charged with blasphemy.

Zafar Bhatti, 58, was accused of sending blasphemous text messages from his phone.

He has always denied the accusations but was charged with blasphemy in 2012, and in 2017 he was sentenced to life in prison.

An appeal was lodged by the Christian NGO, the Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS-PK), which has been supporting Bhatti throughout his ordeal.

Last October, the case was referred back to a trial court by Mr Justice Abdul Aziz who said Bhatti should have been given the death sentence instead of life imprisonment.

Bhatti has now been sentenced to death by the Pakistan session court of Rawalpindi and is being held under high security due to threats to his life from extremists.

CLAAS-PK has called for Bhatti, a diabetic, to be granted bail and released from prison on medical grounds after he suffered a heart attack in prison last October, but the request was refused.

The charity says his health is continuing to decline behind bars.

Nasir Saeed, director of CLAAS-PK, said Bhatti is a victim of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.

"Since the promulgation of the blasphemy law in Pakistan, the law is oppressive and frequently misused," he said.

"Provisions have been used as tools of revenge in personal conflicts, to target religious minorities and to oppress political opponents or critical voices, putting in jeopardy the lives of the accused and also their families, members of their communities, judges, lawyers and everyone that tries to seek justice.

"The situation continues to deteriorate, and minorities are living under constant threat as the government has failed to protect religious minorities in the last years, exacerbating existing religious divides and thus creating a climate of religious intolerance, violence and discrimination against vulnerable minority groups in the country, including Ahmadis, Hindus and Christians.

"In the recent year several blasphemy cases have been registered against Hindu, Christians and even against Muslims, on mere suspicion."
MOSCOW (AP)  Kazakhstan authorities said Sunday that 164 people, including a 4-year-old girl, were killed in a week of protests that marked the worst unrest since the former Soviet republic gained independence 30 years ago.

An armed riot police officer detains two protesters during a security anti-terrorists operation in a street after clashes in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. Kazakhstan's president authorized security forces on Friday to shoot to kill those participating in unrest, opening the door for a dramatic escalation in a crackdown on anti-government protests that have turned violent. The Central Asian nation this week experienced its worst street protests since gaining independence from the Soviet Union three decades ago, and dozens have been killed in the tumult. (AP Photo/Vasily Krestyaninov)

MOSCOW (AP)  Kazakhstan authorities said Sunday that 164 people, including a 4-year-old girl, were killed in a week of protests that marked the worst unrest since the former Soviet republic gained independence 30 years ago.

The office of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said order has been restored in the Central Asian country and that the government has regained control of all buildings that were taken over by the protesters. Some of the buildings were set on fire.

Sporadic gunfire was heard Sunday in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, according to the Russian TV station Mir-24, but it was unclear whether those were warning shots by law enforcement. Tokayev said Friday he had authorized a shoot-to-kill order for police and the military to restore order.

The demonstrations, which began in the western part of Kazakhstan, began Jan. 2. over a sharp rise in fuel prices and spread throughout the country, apparently reflecting wider discontent with the authoritarian government. They prompted a Russia-led military alliance to send troops to the country.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Tokayev's order something I resolutely reject.

The shoot-to-kill order, to the extent it exists, is wrong and should be rescinded, he said Sunday on ABC's This Week.

A crane loads a military truck, which was burned during clashes onto the platform in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022. Kazakhstan's health ministry says at least 164 people have been killed in protests that have rocked the country over the past week. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's office said Sunday that order has stabilized in the country and that authorities have regained control of administrative buildings that were occupied by protesters, some of which were set on fire. (Vladimir Tretyakov/NUR.KZ via AP)

And Kazakhstan has the ability to maintain law and order, to defend the institutions of the state, but to do so in a way that respects the rights of peaceful protesters and also addresses the concerns that theyve raised  economic concerns, some political concerns, Blinken added.

The same party has ruled Kazakhstan since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Anyone aspiring to oppose the government has either been repressed, sidelined, or co-opted, amid widespread economic hardship despite the country's enormous reserves of oil, natural gas, uranium and minerals.

About 5,800 people were detained during the unrest, Tokayevs office said.

The death toll of 164, reported by the state news channel Khabar-24 and citing the Health Ministry, was a significant increase from previously announced totals. It was unclear if that number referred only to civilians or if law enforcement deaths were included. Kazakh authorities said earlier Sunday that 16 members of the police or national guard had been killed.

The ministry said 103 of the deaths occurred in Almaty, and Kazakhstan's ombudswoman for children's rights said three of those killed were minors, including a 4-year-old girl.

The ministry earlier reported more than 2,200 people sought treatment for injuries, and the Interior Ministry said about 1,300 security officers were injured.

Almatys airport, which had been taken over by protesters last week, remained closed but was expected to resume operations Monday.

Tokayev said the demonstrations were instigated by terrorists with foreign backing, although the protests have shown no obvious leaders or organization. Sunday's statement from his office said the detentions included a sizable number of foreign nationals, but gave no details.

It was unclear how many of those detained remained in custody.

The foreign ministry of neighboring Kyrgyzstan on Sunday called for the release of well-known Kyrgyz musician Vikram Ruzakhunov, who was shown in a video on Kazakh television saying that he had flown to the country to take part in protests and was promised $200. In the video, apparently taken in police custody, Ruzakhunov's face was bruised and he had a large cut on his forehead.

The former head of Kazakhstans counterintelligence and anti-terrorism agency has been arrested on charges of attempting to overthrow the government. The arrest of Karim Masimov, which was announced Saturday, came just days after he was removed as head of the National Security Committee by Tokayev.

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No details were given about what Masimov was alleged to have done that would constitute an attempted overthrow of the government. The National Security Committee, a successor to the Soviet-era KGB, is responsible for counterintelligence, the border guards service and anti-terrorist activities.

As the unrest mounted, Kazakhstan's ministerial cabinet resigned but remained in their posts temporarily. Tokayev spokesman Brisk Uali said the president would propose a new cabinet on Tuesday.

At Tokayevs request, the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states, authorized sending about 2,500 mostly Russian troops to Kazakhstan as peacekeepers.

Some of the force is guarding government facilities in the capital, Nur-Sultan, which made it possible to release part of the forces of Kazakhstani law enforcement agencies and redeploy them to Almaty to participate in the counterterrorist operation, according to a statement from Tokayevs office.

In a sign that the demonstrations were more deeply rooted than just over the fuel price rise, many demonstrators shouted Old man out, a reference to Nursultan Nazarbayev, who was president from Kazakhstans independence until he resigned in 2019 and anointed Tokayev as his successor.

Nazarbayev retained substantial power as head of the National Security Council. But Tokayev replaced him as council head amid the unrest. possibly aiming at a concession to mollify protesters. However, Nazarbayev adviser Aido Ukibay said Sunday that it was done at Nazarbayev's initiative, according to the Kazakh news agency KazTag.
Naomi Judd died Saturday at age 76. Here are some of the entertainers, leaders, athletes and other notable people we've lost so far this year.
Columbus Area Historical Society

1972

Robert T. Jones resigned from the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department effective Dec. 31. Jones, who had been a member of the fire department for 16 years, cited his other job commitments. According to Fire Chief Merlin Klecker there were 34 active members of the department.

Members of the Columbus-Fall River Jaycees donated a 16mm film projector to the Columbus Public Library for use by other city and area civic organizations. Check out was limited to qualified operators.

1982

George McKay of Columbus trapped a 2 -year-old coyote north of Columbus. Coyotes, once rare in this area, are once again making an appearance in southern Wisconsin.

Columbus and Fall River Fire Departments battled a barn fire for four hours at the Gary Oelke farm, just east of Fall River on Lienke Road. The blaze destroyed a 30 by 80 foot barn.

1992

The Columbus Kiwanis Club conducted its annual ice skate exchange at the Columbus City Hall.

Downtown property owners and all other interested citizens were invited to attend an informational meeting about the upcoming nomination of the Columbus Downtown Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places and the parallel State Register.

2002

A $3 million reconstruction of Main Street in Fall River was unveiled to the public. The project begins at Highway 16 and runs through the village to Lienke Road.

Follow us on Facebook at Columbus, WI Area Historical Society, or email museumcahs@gmail.com. The museum is open by appointment and will reopen from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of the month beginning in April.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9)  Authorities have arrested a man who confessed to killing a prosecutor in Cavite on New Year's Eve.

"Marvin Tagayon Linaban, 44 years old, admitted to investigators his alleged participation in the shooting of Atty. (Edilbert) Mendoza as he expressed remorse and willingness to execute an extra-judicial confession in the presence of a lawyer of his choice," the Philippine National Police said in a statement Sunday.

RELATED: DOJ orders probe into killing of prosecutor in Trece Martires, Cavite

PNP chief PGen Dionardo Carlos said if Linaban's claim proved to be true, his arrest "could be a major breakthrough in the investigation of the murder of Atty. Mendoza."

Linaban and Elvin Esguerra were arrested by the Cavite Drug Enforcement Unit in a buy-bust operation on Friday evening in Barangay H2, Dasmarinas City. He and Esguerra were both armed with guns when they were arrested.

Both firearms were submitted to the PNP Forensic Group for ballistics examination.

Along with the guns, several plastic sachets of suspected shabu estimated to be worth P69,000 were also confiscated from the pair.

Esguerra was hurt in a shootout during the arrest and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Woodward, OK (73801)

Today

Windy and partly cloudy this evening. Mostly cloudy with diminishing winds after midnight. Low 39F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Windy and partly cloudy this evening. Mostly cloudy with diminishing winds after midnight. Low 39F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.
Boris Johnsons Conservative government has responded to verdicts acquitting four protestors who toppled a statue of slave trader Edward Colston with threats to change the law.

The verdicts cannot be overturned and the defendants retried without new evidence being presented, and the case set no legal precedent. However, Attorney General Suella Braverman is carefully considering referring it to the Court of Appeal to clarify the law for future cases.

During protests across Britain against the police murder of George Floyd in the US in June 2020, Colstons statue was torn down and dumped into Bristol Harbour by a cheering crowd of 10,000. Between 1672 and 1689, Colstons Royal African Company shipped more than 84,000 branded West African men, women and children into slavery. Some 19,000 died on route and were dumped at sea.

The Statue of Edward Colston, retrieved by the council from Bristol Harbour and put into storage (Wikipedia/fair use)

Residents had long complained that the statue was an affront. Campaigners had been calling for its removal for decades.

The day after the protests, Home Secretary Priti Patel boasted, The thugs and criminals responsible are already being brought to justice, and said the arrest total already stood at 135.

Patel noted that, even with social distancing, As many as 137,500 people had demonstrated nationally.

The government used criminal damage to property, citing the defacement of a statue of Winston Churchill in London and the toppling of Colston, to justify legal repression against such explosions of anger.

The Colston Four, Sage Willoughby (22), Rhian Graham (30), Milo Ponsford (26) and Jake Skuse (33), were charged, with others unknown, with damaging the statue and its plinth without lawful excuse. When they were charged last January, police used lockdown restrictions to deter supporters from sympathetic demonstrations outside court.

The defendants were told by a district judge they could be tried in a magistrates court, but all four insisted on their right to be tried before a jury.

They drew attention to Colstons record, and to the calls for the statues removal. They did not deny involvement but argued that the presence of the statue was a hate crime and so its removal was no offence.

Denying that they were trying to edit history, Willoughby pointed out that others were whitewashing history. The statues plaque described Colston as virtuous and wise.

The prosecution insisted it was irrelevant who Colston was. The case was about criminal damage.

Blinne Ni Ghralaigh, representing Graham, said the verdict demonstrates the fundamental importance of trial by jury.

This has triggered a right-wing fury against jury trials. Former communities secretary Robert Jenrick tweeted, If youve broken the law and committed criminal damage you should be punished. If the jury is a barrier to ensuring they are punished then that needs to be addressed.

Editorialising against the Bristol verdict, the Telegraph stressed that a conviction for criminal damage to Churchills statue was secured, with a fine and compensation imposed, because Justice was done, though in a magistrates court with no jury.

The government is looking to its legal options. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps spoke out against destroying public property, and pledged that the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will provide other routes to fix any loopholes in the law.

Riot police officers on the rampage in Bristol on March 26, 2021 (still from footage from video posted on Twitter)

This draconian bill, currently completing its passage through Parliament, has provoked widespread protests.

The 14-year prison sentence handed down last month to 25-year-old Ryan Roberts for his part in a Bristol protest against the Police Bill was an act of punitive class justice in order to intimidate all such demonstrations.

His disproportionate sentence confirmed the intensifying drive to authoritarian measures embodied in the bill, curtailing the right to protest and strengthening the sanctions available. It enables police to place greater restrictions on static public assemblies, to impose conditions even on one-person protests and empowers the home secretary to decide what constitutes serious disruption

Convictions will be easier to obtain and carry greater fines and sentences. It limits a broader range of protest and empowers undercover police officers to commit conduct  which would otherwise constitute criminality.

Roberts is the twelfth person sentenced for the events of March 21, 2021, in Bristol and the first convicted of riot. Between them, the 12 have received combined prison sentences totalling nearly 50 years. Roberts was also convicted of attempted arson with intent to endanger life, attempted arson reckless as to whether life was endangered, and two counts of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

A vulnerable individual with many problems, Robertss mental state at the time was raised by his defence. The 25-year-old is diagnosed with ADHD and had taken cocaine and been drinking prior to the protest. Defence barrister Nicholas Lewin said Roberts was perhaps not equipped to be fully integrated within society. The issue of impulsive behaviour becomes more acute for someone who suffers from that condition, Lewin said. Custody for him will be considerably more difficult than it would be for somebody without his difficulties.

No matter. He was made an example of. Judge James Patricks summary presented Roberts as actively involved in committing violence and having carried out a leading role in the encouraging of others in the setting of other fires. Detective Superintendent James Riccio said Robertss actions escalated the level of violence directed at officers that night.

Robertss account matched other evidence of mounting anger at the police, who instigated the violence in Bristol. He described how, as night fell, riot police attacked protestors, pushing, shoving and hitting them with shields and batons.

He said he got carried away and was fighting for a cause I felt strongly about, freedom of speech, as the Bill would ban peaceful protest. Roberts was accused of leading chants of ACAB: All cops are bastards outside Bridewell police station, throwing cans, bottles and placards at officers, and verbally abusing and kicking them. He pushed burning cardboard under two police vans and set light to industrial bins around an already partially burnt police car. He smashed the windows of a mobile police station and helped roll it over and torch the cab.

Demonstrations defending the right to protest have been routinely met with brutal police attacks, while the media parroted police and government propaganda that the violence came from the mob of demonstrators.

In Bristol, riot police launched repeated assaults, including mounted charges and using dogs, to disperse a peaceful sit-down protest. Mobile phone footage shows police officers repeatedly assaulting protestors. The Daily Mirrors Matthew Dresch posted footage of his own assault by police, even though he had identified himself as a journalist.

Avon and Somerset police initially claimed 20 officers were assaulted or injured, two hospitalised with broken bones, and one suffered a punctured lung. This was widely circulated by the press before the police admitted that the officers had not suffered broken bones, and no officer had a punctured lung.

Yet Bristols Labour Mayor, Marvin Rees, praised the police for having shown they are capable of managing protest well and with sensitivity.

Rees expressed surprise at the Colston Four verdict, given the footage shown during the trial, but said he was not particularly interested in what happened to four individuals. With finely tuned racialist sleight of hand, he concluded, Were not even talking about racism now. Were talking about, to be perfectly frank, four white guys who got found not guilty.

He added that it was important not to alienate those who still feel a connection to Colston, or there was a risk of sowing the seeds of social division.

The reality of the social divisions in society upheld by the legal system was underscored by the contrasting treatment meted out to Ryan Roberts and 21-year-old Ben John.

John, tried last August under the Terrorism Act, was described by police as a white supremacist with a neo-Nazi ideology. In 2018, he appeared on the radar of counter-terrorism police after writing Eternal FrontLincolnshire Fascist Underground, denouncing gay people, immigrants and liberals.

He was charged in January 2020 with offences including possessing documents on combat, homemade weapons and explosives. Judge Timothy Spencer QC said Johns cache of 67,788 documents on hard drives largely related to Nazi, fascist and Adolf Hitler-inspired ideology. But there was also a substantial quantity of more contemporary material espousing extreme right-wing, white-supremacist material.

A jury found John guilty of possessing information likely to be useful for preparing an act of terror, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 15 years.

However, describing Johns actions as an act of teenage folly and an isolated incident, the judge gave him two years imprisonment, suspended, plus a further two years on licence.

After requesting the fascist avoid reading far-right material, the judge recommended he read instead some of the classics of English literature and vowed to test him on his progress at a later hearing!

Two days after the verdict on the Colston Four provoked Tory wrath, reports of Johns sentence review hearing at Leicester Crown Court noted that he had brought copies of Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice and Shakespeares Twelfth Night with him. Asked by the judge whether what he had read was of more satisfaction to you than some of the material we heard about in front of the jury, John said evasively that he preferred Shakespeare to Austen, but I still enjoyed Jane Austen to a degree. The judge replied, Well I find that encouraging.
Calling for the UKs self-isolation period for those infected with COVID to be reduced to five days, UK Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi declared Sunday, I hope we will be one of the first major economies to demonstrate to the world how you transition from pandemic to endemic, and then deal with this however long it remains with us, whether thats five, six, seven, 10 years.

Zahawis comments came one day after the UK became the first country in Europe and the seventh in the world to reach the horrific milestone of 150,000 deaths from COVID-19. Only the US, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Peru have recorded more deaths. The UK has a population of just 68.4 million. Except Peru, other countries recording more deaths than Britain all have substantially larger populations.

The deaths are the result of social murder and the responsibility of the Conservative governments herd immunity agenda, aimed from the start of the pandemic at the mass infection of the population.

The move to reduce the self-isolation period, already cut from 10 days to seven, is criminal, given that the UK Health Security Agency, which is still in favour of the reduction, admitted that between 10 and 30 percent of people are still infectious on day six.

Zahawi spoke while denying reports that the government was planning to end the free provision of lateral flow tests, a move that would lead to an end of all monitoring of the spread of COVID. Tests are in any case increasingly hard to get hold of already.

A section of the 500-metre-long National Covid Memorial Wall, which has 150,000 hearts on representing the number of people who have lost their lives to COVID. The wall is opposite the Houses of Parliament in London. (WSWS Media)

The government openly declared that herd immunity was desirable when the pandemic first hit, only imposing a national lockdown in late March 2020, weeks after the virus had been circulating within the population, under mass pressure.

After reopening the economy in late spring-early summer 2020, more deaths piled up in the second wave of the pandemic. Prime Minister Boris Johnson made his infamous statement in late October 2020, No more f**king lockdowns, let the bodies pile up in their thousands. The premature end of the first lockdown and the delayed and even more limited character of the second led to many more deaths in January and February 2021 than at any other stage in the pandemic.

At the end of July last year, Johnson declared Freedom Day with the economy and schools opened. The then dominant Delta variant was allowed to continue its spread unhindered with the government declaring the UK aimed to be the first country in the world where COVID was endemic in the population.

The vast majority of the 150,000 official deaths are attributable to previous variants of the disease. It is not clear exactly how many deaths can be attributed to the new Omicron variant since it became dominant in Britain last month. However, since Omicron was first detected in Britain on November 27 a further 5,230 people have died from COVID.

The Johnson governments COVID death tally is highly manipulated, with deaths recorded only if they take place within 28 days of the person recording a positive test. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of death certificates in the UK that mention COVID-19 now exceeds 174,000.

Since Omicron was detected, populations internationally have been bludgeoned with incessant propaganda from governments that it is mild and will soon pass. But hospitalisations and deaths are rising daily. The 150,000 total was reached with the 313 deaths announced Saturday, the third time in the past 10 days that more than 300 have died in a 24-hour period and giving a seven-day tally of 1,271.

There were 18,456 people in hospital with the disease on January 6, the latest date for which figures are available. The National Health Service is swamped. On Friday, the Financial Times reported that in Greater Manchester, with a population of approximately 3 million, COVID hospital cases have already surpassed the peak of last winters wave1,229 versus 1,000 last January. Meanwhile, separate data showed that one in seven staff at acute trusts in the area were absent on January 2, with more than 3,000 staff either off sick or self-isolating due to Covid.

Allowing schools to be flooded with a variant that is more transmissible than ever before is producing a disaster.

Education staff continue to suffer and die from COVID. On January 2, Nick Stone, aged just 55, who taught modern languages for 30 years at City of Norwich School in Norfolk, died from COVID.

In just one local authority, Suffolk, the county council reported there were 1,842 cases of coronavirus among 5-19-year-olds before they even returned to school on January 5. The council did not reveal the number of schools impacted.

In East Lothian, Scotland, hundreds of high school pupils had to move to learning from home just two days after returning to their classrooms. The East Lothian Courier reported that five of the countys six high schools have made the decision to ask certain year groups to work from home due to crippling levels of staff absence related to Covid-19.

The ruling elites indifference to life was reflected in headlines reporting the 150,000 milestone with a collective shrug. The Daily Mail headlined its online story: Boris Johnson recognises terrible toll of pandemic as figures hit grim milestone... but data shows fatalities levelling off amid hopes Omicron is LESS deadly than flu. The Telegraph did not even report the grim COVID death tally in its Sunday edition, devoting its front page and a full inside page to photos of new dresses worn by the Duchess of Cambridge.

The Labour Party-supporting Daily Mirror wrote, Covid has now killed 150,000 people in the UKbut new cases fall to a 10 day low.

Numerous articles note that it is not known exactly how many died from COVID or from some other condition with COVID .

They write as if it was not well-established that among those who have died are people, particularly among the oldest generations, already suffering with other life-threatening illnesses. Everyone knows that co-morbidities are a significant factor in many COVID deaths and that the elderly and those with serious illness are particularly at risk. The real issue is that nothing has ever been done to prevent the most vulnerable from catching COVID, as was horrifically demonstrated in the first year of the pandemic when the disease was allowed to flood care homes with the loss of 20,000 lives.

This attempt to play down the danger of COVID takes place under conditions where no-one knows the long-term impact of Omicron. It appears that the variant does not attack the lungs with the same degree of severity as Delta, which could account for the lower fatality rate. But as with all variants of COVID it attacks organs throughout the body and does long-term damage. This is particularly concerning as the latest statistics on Long COVID from the Office for National Statistics show that the number of people with the condition has risen by at least 100,000, from 1.2 million to 1.3 million.

The Sunday Times summed up the attitude of those in power who view saving lives as an intolerable burden on the corporations and billionaires in an article headlined, End of free lateral flow tests as country told to live with Covid.

Written before official denials were issued, the article complains, More than 6 billion of public money has been spent on mass testing using the [LFT] devices.

It included a graph showing The cost of Covid: How the 370bn additional spend on Covid measures breaks down.

Among the bewailed costs were 84 billion for health and social care, 69.5 billion for the Coronavirus Jobs furlough scheme, 67 billion for public and emergency services and 60 billion for individuals, including 10.3 billion for the Universal Credit 20 weekly uplift payment for those without a job and the poorest paid workers.
Directed and written by Saber Mostafapour

Mermaid (2020), from Saber Mostafapour, is one of a number of recent Iranian short films that stand out not simply for their aesthetic quality, but also for their realistic approach and the seriousness with which they treat the problems of wide layers of the population. Seemingly elementary, everyday feelings and desires, when acted upon, may generate large conflicts and even tragic crises.

The film is a portrait of Milad (Mehrali Ghazvini), a transgender high school student who identifies as a female, but she is not accepted in her parents home or in her school. To sustain herself emotionally and spiritually, she relies on her imagination and her depictions of mermaids in sketches and in murals that she paints on the walls of an abandoned building where she goes to change into womens clothing.

Mehrali Ghazvini in Mermaid

In the opening scene, as Milad gets ready to leave home in the morning, we learn that Milads father has been asked to pay a visit to his childs school. Milads mother (Mahla Eslami), like Milad, appears with bruises and abrasionssigns of physical abuse. She strongly suggests that something bad will happen if Milads father finds out that Milad has been skipping school.

Later, after changing clothes at the dilapidated building that serves as Milads sanctuary, she is discovered by a group of her classmates. Milad is called a rabid boy and physically assaulted. As writer-director Mostafapour explained to me about the high school students who attack Milad, Schools in Iran are gender segregated and adolescents do not reach sexual maturity and this vacuum leads to their inappropriate behaviors. Sexual emptiness persists in children from adolescence and leads to inappropriate behaviors in adulthood.

Milad manages to escape from her attackers and in a touching scene is helped by a driver (Meysam Vahhabi) who picks her up on the side of the road. The driver looks a little uneasy when he realizes that his passenger may be transgender, but when Milads classmates pursue them in another car, the man does not hesitate to help Milad evade her attackers, and he loses them with a few quick maneuvers.

Afraid of what her father will do to her if she goes home, Milad starts to wander by the sea when her classmates find her again. Trapped, Milad goes into the ocean and does not emerge.

The film takes a naturalistic approach that gives one a sense of the broader social forces at play in the lives of its characters. Beyond Milads very personal situation and the ostracism she faces for being transgender, Mermaid also realistically conveys the specific social context within which Milad finds herself. It is a lower-middle-class household headed by a physically and emotionally abusive father (unseen in the film), whose intolerance toward his transgender child is driven by his concern for his reputation amid social pressures to uphold traditional values. And Milads attackers even seem distraught and ashamed of themselves at the end when they realize what they have done, which speaks to the humanity of the film.

Mostafapour, who wrote and directed Mermaid before the pandemic, is from the Iranian port city of Nowshahr on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. He studied filmmaking in Tehran, at the Iranian Youth Cinema Society and the Free Film Workshop School. One of his teachers was renowned filmmaker Masoud Kimiai (Qeysar, 1969; The Deer, 1974), a pioneer of the Iranian New Wave of the 1960s.

The WSWS recently interviewed Mostafapour by email.

*****

Frank Anderson: I have seen your short film Mermaid, which you directed, and the recent short film Mannequin (directed by Mahnaz Valipour), on which you worked as the sound recordist. Both of these films, as well as several other recent Iranian short films, demonstrate a serious and humane approach to showing real life. Could you tell me about your background, and how you and your colleagues have come to make these kinds of films? Do you see yourselves as part of a tradition of Iranian cinema?

Saber Mostafapour

Saber Mostafapour: I have been involved in many film projects as a writer, editor and sound designer and have made two short films and several student films so far. Dogs and Wolves was my first short film in 2019 and Mermaid was my second short film in 2020.

Before the Iranian revolution in 1978, Iranian cinema experienced a new wave, while the mainstream of Iranian cinema was popular films that were strongly influenced by Egyptian and Indian cinema. After the revolution, Iranian cinema was divided into two parts. Some filmmakers made feature films and were influenced by the new wave of European cinema, and others made war cinema. Continuing, social and human cinema became the mainstream of Iranian cinema.

The reason why Iranian cinema paid so much [attention] to social cinema was that Iranian cinema officials were not interested in supporting genre cinema, and filmmakers had to take their cameras out [into] the community as much as possible. Since the Iranian people experienced economic and political problems at different times and [because] Iran has different climates with different cultures, there are always attractive cinematic subjects in Iran that become the basis of cinematic drama.

In recent years, filmmakers who started making short films are creating a new spirit in Iranian cinema and are trying to introduce new genres into Iranian cinema. I am also trying to support this new wave.

FA: In your film Mermaid, the main character Milad uses art to imagine a different world. What can art do for people living in intolerable conditions?

SM: The task of art is to display the scream. The scream of people no one cares about. The artists job is to display the screams of these people in artistic language.

In Mermaid, I tried to run two different plots parallel to each other. The main plot tells the story of a young man who cannot live a peaceful life with his identity because society cannot accept him with a new identity and in the end a tragedy occurs. Most of the story told in this film comes from reality. At present, Iran is engaged in a sharp clash between tradition and modernity, and this has caused different generations to understand each other less, and this clash of generations sometimes leads to tragic events.

The subplot and subtext in Mermaid expresses the psychoanalytic and mythological aspects. In the mythical subtext, water is an element that represents the identity and womanhood of Milad. In the end, drowning in water has a less tragic meaning because [the character] merged with water and chose its true identity. A mermaid does not end her life by reaching the water, but just begins her life!

Saber Mostafapour, Mehrali Ghazvini, Amirhossein Ghorbani and Elyas Askarpour in Mermaid

FA: While nothing positively fantastical happens in your film, the ending does bring to mind certain fairy tales, not only the obvious Hans Christian Andersen story The Little Mermaid, but also Andersens more socially conscious The Little Match Girl and the socialist fairy tales of Oscar Wilde. How did you conceive the story of Mermaid, and what were the impulses behind it?

SM: I am very interested in the world of myths. The use of myths and archetypes have a greater impact on the audience and the appeal of the films. In Mermaid, I tried to bring reality and imagination together, but since the story of Mermaid originates from reality, the main plot had more of a sense of reality, and imagination was transferred to the subtext of the film. I did not read Mr. Andersens stories, but I think the reason for the similarity between the stories you mentioned and the mermaid story could be the use of myths, especially mermaid myths.

FA: What has been the response to Mermaid in Iran and internationally?

SM: As I expected, it was not well received at national festivals due to its social critique and the theme of the Mermaid! But in international festivals, the film has been well received so far and has been premiered in 20 countries on different continents and has received several awards.

FA: In the United States, there is an endless promotion of the supposed value of escapism in movies about lifeless fantasy worlds in which filmmakers and audiences are expected to forget real life. What is the value of realism, or of pictures of real life, in movies?

SM: In my opinion, the reason why real life in American cinema has diminished is that film companies are sacrificing the artistic and cultural values of cinema to capital and money. Cinema is an endless world with space for different films with different genres. Cinema is nothing without reality, just as it is meaningless without fantasy. The artists task is to bring the audience closer to the cinema by telling attractive cinematic stories.

FA: It is outrageous that Iranian filmmakers are prevented from participating in American film festivals that require payment of festival fees, due to US sanctions against Iran. And because of the official American propaganda against Iran, it is especially important for American audiences to see Iranian films, to see the complexity of Irans highly cultured society and the humanity of its people. What kind of relationship should the American people and the Iranian people have?

SM: I think the problem of the United States with Iran and their differences is not the differences of their people, but the reason for this difference is the political problems between the two countries. If sometimes the people of the two countries have an enemy view of each other, it is only because of the media, which try to involve the people of their country with their policies through false propaganda.

Short filmmakers in Iran have many concerns because it is very difficult to find an investor for short films in Iran and many brilliant screenplays do not lead to the production of short films due to the difference between the currency of Iran and the international currency. It is very difficult to submit films at festivals. But some festivals do Iranian filmmakers a favor [by allowing] Iranian films to submit at their festival without paying the festival fee.

FA: What are some of the themes or subject matters that you would like to take up in future films?

SM: The environment, cultural issues and the world of children are some of the issues I am interested in making films about.
Nick Stone, described by those who knew him as a much-loved and dedicated teacher, died from COVID on January 2.

Nick, 55, taught modern languages at City of Norwich School (CNS) for more than 30 years. His sister, Helen Pentelow, said her brother became unwell on December 13 and was taken to James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, on December 20. Diagnosed with COVID, he was admitted to intensive care and placed on a ventilator but died a few days later.

Helen described her brother as someone who lived and breathed CNS.

Tributes poured in. CNS head teacher Jo Philpott said staff, students and parents were deeply saddened by the passing of a highly respected and much-loved teacher, colleague and friend.

Nick was the longest serving teacher at CNS. Many took to social media to pass on their memories of him as a wonderful teacher with a great sense of humour.

Nick, who had diabetes, was doubled jabbed and waiting to get his booster when he was taken ill. It is reported that he had no obvious COVID symptoms but was initially stricken by what he thought was a stomach bug. Days later he was admitted to intensive care with COVID-19 and died in hospital soon after.

Nick Stone (Credit: family picture)

Helen said that the day before he was put on a ventilator he was asking when he could go back to work. He was ringing us all from intensive care saying how wonderful the staff had been and was telling us he wanted to make a donation to the ward. He was so positive.

He was double jabbed and planned on getting his booster but was already in hospital before the appointment.

It happened so quickly. He had pneumonia, kidney failure, heart failure, a collapsed lung, the whole works.

Anyone who thinks that this virus doesnt exist just needs to look at the people who are dying. He had diabetes but he was double jabbed and was young and healthy.

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 was first reported by South Africa to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on November 24. Two days later, the WHO designated it a variant of concern. But the Johnson government, in keeping with capitalist governments across the globe, dismissed any concerns.

Continuing their policy of herd immunity for the deliberate mass infection of the population, they insisted schools and workplaces remain open. Having abandoned all mitigation measures, including social distancing and face masks, and relying on vaccination alone, the UK was still recording more than 45,000 new infections a day from Delta in October and more than 800 deaths in a single week. Globally, the official death toll stood at almost five million, although measured by excess deaths, it was already at 10 million.

This was legitimised through a well-funded campaign of fake news and disinformation aimed at normalising mass death. Many of those involved have links to the Great Barrington Declaration (GBD), an international proposal in defence of herd immunity written and signed at the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, on October 4, 2020.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with GBD co-author Professor Sunetra Gupta, along with Oxford Universitys Carl Heneghan and Swedens state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell, in September 2020, just before he declared no more f**king lockdowns, let the bodies pile high in their thousands.

Advocates of herd immunity have concentrated their efforts on ensuring schools remain open at all costs, to force parents into unsafe workplaces. Under the cynical and lying claim that this was necessary to protect childrens education, these right-wing forces who have systematically defunded and privatised education while throwing millions of children into poverty, have vetoed any public health measures in schools.

Gloating over their success, Conservative MPs Andrew Lewer and Miriam Cates tweeted a picture from their meeting with Education Minister Nadhim Zahawi, also in October. Lewer and Cates are supporters of the parents lobby group UsforThem, which has ties to the GBD and its numerous spin-offs. Their meeting was political choreography to justify ending wearing face masks in schools, supposedly as a response to parental concerns at their impact on children. Real and widespread parental concerns over allowing COVID to run rampant in schools were dismissed.

That the fascistic proponents of mass death have been able to hold sway despite mass opposition to this policy is due to the Labour Party and the trade unions. It was Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer who, in August 2020, told Johnson he had a moral responsibility to ensure schools were open, insisting, I dont just want all children back at school next month, I expect them back at school. No ifs, no buts, no equivocation.

The teachers unions have enforced this policy, herding thousands of their members into COVID infested schools. Their mantra is that nothing must disrupt in-person education, even if it results in the mass infection, long-term illness and even deaths of education workers, students and their families.

With the emergence of Omicron, schools are a danger zone. It was not until mid-December that Johnson admitted the new variant posed any real and present danger. But while calling on people to take up their vaccine boosters, the government, media, Labour and the trade unions have maintained that it is mild.

By the time the government said it would ramp up its booster campaign, Nick Stone was already ill.

Still, in its latest statement, the National Education Union (NEU) claims the situation in schools is very different to the start of the pandemic due to vaccinations. Nicks death proves that is a lie. Being double jabbed was not enough to protect him.

At least 570 education workers have lost their lives to COVID-19 in the UK to date. The infection rate amongst children under the age of 17, most of whom have not received any jab at all and are not entitled to, has spiralled. So too have deaths.

The total number of child hospitalisations since the beginning of the pandemic is 14,533, and 130 children have died. In the seven days to the weekend, 867 children were hospitalised in England alone with COVID, the worse figure in almost three years.

More than 77,000 children are suffering Long COVID symptoms, while teachers and educators account for the fastest increase in Long COVID among professional workers, with the second-highest rate of the condition overall at 3.1 percent, just behind the 3.4 percent of social care sector staff.

A letter to the Secretary of State from the NEU Councillors and Governors continues to speak of the disruption to schools solely in terms of keeping schools open, without any reference to the toll on health and lives.

Working people must take matters into their own hands, in a rebellion against the entire political establishment and the unions.

The Educators Rank-and-File-Safety Committee (UK) has called an emergency meeting, Close All Schools To Stop the Spread of Omicron! for Tuesday, January 11 at 7 p.m. to discuss a fightback against the rampant spread of COVID-19 throughout schools.

Its January 3 statement, No Return to Schools! Childrens Lives Matter!, insists, Schools must shut in favour of online learning, as part of an urgent programme of lockdowns and other public health measures to eliminate the virus.

Calling for the meeting, the Committee wrote, The situation facing teachers and support staff in the UK and internationally is intolerable, with complete disregard shown for the health and lives of children. This has to stop now! We urge teachers and school staff to take matters into their own hands. Mass walkouts from unsafe schools must be organised! Independent rank-and-file committees must be formed to lead this fight and impose the necessary restrictions to bring the virus under control.

We urge all teachers, parents and students to register now for this important event.
The elephant herd at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium has grown by one.

Kiki, an 18-year-old African elephant, gave birth to a calf Friday morning.

Mom and baby are doing well, zoo officials said in a press release. Zookeepers do not yet know the gender or weight of the calf.

It's the first elephant born at the Omaha zoo.

Kiki's pregnancy was announced in October, six months after zoo officials announced that 12-year-old elephant Claire was pregnant.

All the female elephants at the zoo were present when Kiki delivered her calf.

The Elephant Family Quarters building is closed to the public to allow staff to observe bonding, maternal behaviors and nursing between Kiki and her calf.

Callee, 21, is the father of both Kiki's calf and Claire's calf. He joined the zoo in 2019 from the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama.

Claire's calf also is due this winter.

Kiki's pregnancy was a bit of a roller coaster for zoo staff. She showed signs of pregnancy around the same time as Claire, but her hormone levels started to drop.

By spring, a zoo veterinarian heard the baby's heartbeat.

Claire's pregnancy has been textbook.

In the meantime, zoo staff worked on baby-proofing the elephant barn by installing new cameras with better night vision and filling gaps in the enclosure.

Kiki, Claire and the herd's three other females came to Omaha in 2016 from Swaziland.

Visitors will get the chance to reserve a timed ticket to see the calf with the herd once the elephant building has reopened. Updates on tickets will be available at a later date.

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Richmond Times-Dispatch

As the omicron variant spikes COVID-19 cases around the Richmond region, working parents and local child care centers are forging ahead, unsure of the future.

This just does not feel sustainable at this point, said Andrea Leggett, mother of 4-year-old twins. She works part time in education, while her husband is a security guard. She spoke from her home on Friday, where she was out of work with her kids because her son had a wet cough and a runny nose and couldnt attend child care.

Im already almost out of sick time because Im staying home so often with my kids when they have symptoms, Leggett said.

Its a problem facing many Richmond-area working parents and child care centers with the latest wave of the coronavirus, which has led to record-breaking case numbers in Virginia. On Friday, the Virginia Department of Health reported more than 18,000 new cases in the state, higher than any other wave even at the height of the pandemic in terms of cases.

Add to the fact that children under 5 arent able to get vaccinated yet.

For now, Richmond-area child care centers are planning safety protocols similar to what theyve been doing throughout the pandemic. They will continue to require masks for children over age 2 or 3 and to screen for illnesses. But many have questions on which guidance to follow if a child tests positive for COVID.

Were seeing a lot of confusion in the field right now with regards to CDC guidance. Weve been able to get guidance for the general public, but not specifically for child care, said Kim Hulcher, executive director of the Virginia Child Care Association, on Wednesday. Were seeing a lot of pushback from families who need [child] care. These parents have to work.

In late December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance for people in the general public with COVID to isolate for five days, followed by five days of wearing a mask when around others.

J. David Young of the Friends Association for Children, which operates two child care centers in Church Hill and Jackson Ward, said their centers are sticking with the previous 10-day quarantine rule.

It just doesnt seem wise to do anything else, he said.

But if a child starts to show symptoms of COVID, the responsibility is on the parent to get their child tested. And with the shortage of at-home COVID tests, that can be difficult to do.

The availability of rapid antigen testing might be strained for some time, Dr. Laurie Forlano, deputy director for the VDH, said on Tuesday. It could take two or three more weeks for the supply to be replenished.

Many child care centers are asking families to keep children at home if they have any symptoms of COVID and havent yet received a negative test.

Leggett said thats part of the reason why shes running out of sick days so quickly.

It takes one to two days to get a COVID-19 test and results, and those [count as] sick days for me, she said. It goes quickly.

Another pressing issue with local child care centers is staffing. Staffing continues to be a challenge for many centers due to historic low wages, hindering enrollment. Child care workers typically make $11 per hour, just above minimum wage. As of 2019, child care workers received an average annual salary in Virginia of $22,797, well below the federal poverty line, according to the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment.

KinderCares Allison Peressin said, Were working hard to meet the needs of the community. The one thing that holds us back is the ability to staff. If we had the staff, we could fill our centers.

There are nine KinderCare locations in the Richmond area.

Were about 75% occupied, she said, in terms of enrollment.

We are currently doing a statewide survey of [early education] providers and we have heard that it is incredibly difficult to retain, attract and hire new staff right now, said Jenna Conway, from the Virginia Department of Educations early childhood care and education division, via email. The VDOE does not track employment or enrollment at private child care centers, but does track statewide services.

From their survey, two-thirds of directors reported that staffing was either moderately or very hard. For the directors who made new hires in July, 83% said the process was either moderately or very hard.

These staffing challenges had real implications, Conway added. 74% said they asked current staff to work more hours or take on additional duties. Over half (52%) said staffing challenges made them serve fewer children or turn families away. Over a third (36%) reduced the number of classrooms at their sites. 56% said they hired an applicant that was less experienced/or qualified than they would like.

While Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin has promised that Virginia will remain open for business, working parents and child care centers scramble to adapt as COVID cases continue to rise in the Richmond area.

According to The Associated Press, hospitalizations of U.S. children under 5 with COVID soared in recent weeks to their highest level since the pandemic began, adding to parents worst fears and worries about keeping their children safe.

We have to learn how to live with COVID. Its not going away, said the VCCAs Hulcher. We have to start looking at alternative solutions [for child care], such as quarantining in place with pods. ... We cant keep opening and closing these classrooms based on one positive case. We need specific guidance on child care centers and how we can support our children and families as they go back to work.
Actor Alec Baldwin. Jim Spellman/Getty Images

Alec Baldwin refuted claims he is not complying with a probe into a fatal shooting on a New Mexico film set.

Police have issued a search warrant for his phone, but are yet to obtain the device.

Crew member Halyna Hutchins was killed after Baldwin discharged a prop gun on the set of the film 'Rust.'

Alec Baldwin refuted allegations that he is not complying with a probe into the fatal shooting of a woman on the set of the film "Rust" last year.

The firing of a prop gun by Baldwin led to the death of the director of photography, Halyna Hutchins, and injured the director, Joel Souza.

"Any suggestion that I am not complying with requests or orders or demands or search warrants about my phone, that's bullshit, that's a lie," Baldwin said in a lengthy video posted to Instagram on Saturday.

In December, police issued a search warrant for Baldwin's cellphone, which they said could contain "key conversations" relating to Hutchins' death, The New York Post reported.

Officials are yet to obtain the device.

The actor said in the Instagram video that authorities in New Mexico, where the shooting took place, have to go through the state of New York, where he lives, to obtain his cellphone.

On Friday, law enforcement officials in New Mexico requested assistance from authorities in New York in their efforts to retrieve the phone, according to a BBC report.

"That is a process that takes time. They have to specify what exactly they want, they can't just go through your phone and take your photos or your love letters to your wife or what have you," Baldwin said.

"But of course, we are one thousand percent going to comply with all that."

The 63-year-old actor has previously said that he did not know the prop gun contained a live round, and that he does not feel responsible for the incident.

"The best way, the only way we can honor the death of Halyna Hutchins is to find out the truth," Baldwin said in the Instagram video.

"That's what I'm working toward, insisting on, demanding, that the organizations involved in this investigation do everything in their power, everything in their power to find out what really happened."

Read the original article on Insider
PANAMA CITY BEACH  For Steven Sapp, director of operations for Shades Bar & Grill, adding a service fee not only guarantees his waiters and waitresses will be appropriately compensated for their work, it also prevents the business from having to inflate prices to tackle rising labor costs.

Located along County Road 30A in Walton County, the restaurant implemented a 20% service fee on Dec. 27, theoretically requiring all customers to tip at least 20%, no matter the level of service they receive. Some industry advocates say some restaurants across the state have begun considering similar changes to their business model as food and labor costs rise.

However, the owner of at least one restaurant in Panama City Beach worries large mandatory fees could eliminate incentives for good service since a good tip is guaranteed.

Shades Bar & Grill on County Road 30A in South Walton County has instituted a 20% service charge on its restaurant bills to cover increased costs.

"Everyone claims that they're at least a 20% tipper and many people are, but the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of people out there who are not," Sapp said. "In the industry that we're in, (20%) has kind of been commonplace for a long time. If you get less than (that), you feel like you did something wrong or something didn't go right."

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He also noted that the fee, designed to establish a commission-based business model, was sparked by rising food costs and Amendment 2, which Florida voters passed in November to increase the minimum wage by $1 every year until 2026.

Shades publicly announced the fee in a Facebook post on Dec. 31. By Monday morning, it had prompted almost 140 reactions, more than 160 comments and about 30 shares.

The post, which appeared to have been taken down as of Wednesday, also stated that servers will collect 17% of the fee and the rest will be distributed to other members of the staff. Any additional "tips" will go directly to the server.

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Comments on the post were nothing short of polarizing, with people in favor of the addition and quite a few others frustrated by the decision.

"There's no doubt that we knew it wouldn't be a 100% positive experience for every single person, just like we know that there are people who walk in and will only tip 5% of their bill," Sapp said. "We didn't think that it would get as much popularity as it's getting, but we did expect negative feedback."

Among those who commented was Alice Barrett of Panama City Beach, who said she "completely" supports the charge and was "very shocked" at some of the negative feedback.

"I am a 20% to 25% tipper," Barrett wrote in an email. "(Servers) work hard for their money and at times are left with no tip, so I feel (they) will make more money due to this concept.

"... The owners and staff (of Shades) have always been so great," she added. "I applaud their transparency and willingness to make the consumer aware before entering the doors."

Social media comments on the 20% service fee implemented by Shades Bar & Grill have been polarizing. Many people are in favor of the addition, while quite a few are frustrated by the decision.

Tim Jacobi, owner of Angry Tuna Seafood Company at Pier Park, said that although the fee might look good at the surface, it could create "a dangerous game" in which servers become complacent and the customer experience is compromised.

Angry Tuna does not have a service fee, but it sometimes adds gratuity fees to the bill of parties larger than six people, Jacobi noted.

"What ends up happening is sooner than later, (servers) take advantage of it (and) most people only do what they have to do in order to get the money," he said. "They don't want to go above and beyond (anymore)."

Jacobi also said that while a tip of at least 20% might be standard in high-end areas like along 30A, it is not for the entire restaurant industry.

"(About) 15% is the norm, 20% means you did a great job and anything more than that is because people are being generous," he said. "It's not normal (everywhere) to have 20% tips all the time."

According to Geoff Luebkemann, senior vice president of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, "there are a number of high-profile restaurateurs" across Florida who are working to remodel the way their employees are paid.

Shade Bar & Grill on 30A at Inlet Beach has instituted a 20% service charge on restaurant bills to cover increased costs. Steven Sapp is one of the owners of the restaurant.

They are doing so either by factoring a service charge into menu prices or by adding a separate charge like at Shades Bar & Grill.

"The traditional tipping model, while very much embedded in the fabric of our society and of the industry, does have some drawbacks," Luebkemann said. "(Service fees) may enter into the thinking of any operator who is looking for a way to create more parody between back-of-the-house wages and front-of-the-house wages."

He also said that although it will be important for businesses using the the new model to keep an eye on servers and only hire highly-trained employees, those who do a good job still will shine and be rewarded.

"One of the things that really successful people in food and beverage operations understand is the more they sell, the more tips they generate," Luebkemann said. "As you move away from a direct tip model ... then you can recognize those folks in the front of the house who have honed their skills (and) have a wonderful menu knowledge, (which) leads to a higher check average ... (and) a higher commission."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Florida restaurants weigh in on mandatory fees replacing tipping
Roblox may be enjoying success in many parts of the world, but it's currently in limbo in China. TechCrunch has learned Roblox temporarily shut down the Chinese version of its game platform, LuoBuLeSi, on December 8th for some "important transitory actions" needed to develop a future version. The company was shy on what those moves involved beyond the "data architecture," but a spokesperson said crafting the platform for China was an "iterative process."

The pause hasn't thrilled fans. Roblox only launched LuoBuLeSi five months before the shutdown, and many players felt the company only gave them very short notice. They also didn't buy an official claim they'd been playing a test version, noting they could still spend real money.

There's a chance China's strict digital rules may have played a role. The Chinese government requires licenses for games, and Roblox has more challenges than most developers. Its role as a creative platform could easily draw concern from Chinese censors worried about dissent, and the attempt to pitch LuoBuLeSi as a digital education system may have invited attention from officials cracking down on private education. China's data protection rules could also have contributed to the decision by dictating where and how Roblox stores users' information.

Whatever the reasons, the temporary halt underscores the difficulties foreign game developers have in China. They not only have to compete in one of the world's largest markets, but avoid clashes with a government that sometimes has a very different agenda.
Photo credit: Getty Images

Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot has teased further details about her upcoming Cleopatra movie, which has already attracted controversy for her casting.

The Red Notice actress is currently developing a biopic movie about the life of Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt's Ptolemaic Kingdom between 51 and 30 BC, who was the last active ruler of the kingdom and whose legacy and image has remained a part of culture to the present day.

Gadot will also star as the famed queen in the movie, which is being directed by The Falcon and the Winter Soldier director Kari Skogland, and she has now shared a few more details on their incarnation of Cleopatra.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Related: Wonder Woman 1984's Gal Gadot shares blooper video

"I can't reveal a lot, but I can tell you that we're going to celebrate the Cleopatra story," she told InStyle. "We're going to show not just how sexy and appealing she was, but how strategic and smart, and how much impact she had and still has on the world we're living in today.

"I've watched all the Cleopatra movies throughout history, but I feel like we're telling the story the world needs to hear now."

Gadot previously came out to defend her role in the movie following the news of her casting after the project was accused of whitewashing, with many critics arguing that the role of Cleopatra should have gone to an actress of Arab or African heritage.

"First of all if you want to be true to the facts then Cleopatra was Macedonian," she said. "We were looking for a Macedonian actress that could fit Cleopatra. She wasn't there, and I was very passionate about Cleopatra."

Photo credit: Albert L. Ortega - Getty Images

Related: Gal Gadot hints at DC movie return

She added: "I want to celebrate the legacy of Cleopatra and honour this amazing historic icon that I admire so much. But anybody can make this movie, and anybody can go ahead and do it. I'm very passionate that I'm going to do my own too."

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During the interview, the actress also described the 'Imagine' cover video that she took part in during March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread further around the world, as being in "poor taste", in hindsight.

The video, which featured a host of Hollywood stars singing John Lennon's famous 1971 song, was considered to be rather cringeworthy by many and Gadot has now addressed the more negative reactions to the video.

"[It] was premature," she said. "It wasn't the right timing, and it wasn't the right thing. It was in poor taste. All pure intentions, but sometimes you don't hit the bullseye, right?"

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On January 6, 2022, NBC news addressed the recurring and controversial conversation about books by Black authors being banned in schools all around the U.S. Ironically, this story resurfaced on the anniversary of the coup that transpired a year prior. The most obvious connection between the insurrection and banned book lists is that white supremacy is insidious, omnipresent, and unrelenting.

Almost six months ago, illustrator and renowned Black childrens author Jerry Craft received a message stating that some of his Young Adult literature books were being removed from a school library in Katy, Texas. Craft, a Newbery Medal-winning author for his 2019 graphic novel New Kid, told NBCBLK that he was caught off guard and felt bad for the kids because I know how much they love New Kid and Class Act. I know what my school visits do I felt bad if there was going to be some kids that would not be able to take advantage of that.

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In October, the Katy Independent School District were in headlines for temporarily removing two of Crafts books that discusses how Black boys experience racism in schools, subsequently postponing his virtual visit. More than 400 parents from Katy signed a petition, which has been removed, asserting that Crafts visit needed to be canceled. This is not the first time Katy, Texas has been in the news for attempting to suppress the publics access to books that engage the topic of racism.

Although the Texas school district added Crafts books back to the shelves and rescheduled his visit, this kind of suppression and antagonism is not particular to Crafts books. There are countless Black authors whose works are banned from school libraries because they are incorrectly described as texts that teach about critical race theory. To be clear, most of the books do not teach students about critical race theory; these books are by Black people and people of color, all presumed to be suspect because of those racialized categories, not because of their books content.



This past fall, Republican and Texas state Rep. Matt Krause, released a list of more than 850 books that he purported make students feel discomfort because they engage topics of racism and sexuality. Among the list of writers that Krause urged school libraries to report was Hood Feminism, a 2020 nonfiction work by Mikki Kendall. Kendalls book, Hood Feminism underscores issues that women of color face, stated that the bans did not impact students decision to share her work with others. Kendall says, Theres nothing more attractive to a kid than a forbidden book. I am watching kids respond by saying, Well, I read the book to see what they were so upset about. Kendall goes on to poignantly remark that the bans are a ridiculous publicity stunt that endeavors to ...undermine education for the kids who are not lucky enough, not risk-seeking enough, not prepared enough to seek out information on their own.
At least 19 killed, dozens injured in massive Bronx apartment fire

At least 19 people, including nine children, were killed and dozens were injured in a five-alarm fire likely ignited by a malfunctioning portable space heater at a Bronx apartment complex on Sunday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. In all, more than five dozen people were hurt in the city's deadliest fire in more than 30 years. Victims were found on every floor of the building. The fire broke out in a duplex apartment on the second and third floor of the 19-story Twin Parks North West complex in New York City's West Bronx, according to the Fire Department of New York. A five-alarm fire is the largest response to a blaze. The fire department said there were over 200 members responding to the scene. At least 32 people were hospitalized, and officials said most of the injuries came from people suffering from smoke inhalation.

Firefighters work the scene after an intense fire at a 19-story residential building that erupted in the morning on January 9, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Reports indicate over 50 people were injured.

Comedian, beloved TV dad Bob Saget dies at 65

Bob Saget, the comedian and star of TV's "Full House" has died. He was 65. Saget, who was best known for his role as widowed father Danny Tanner in ABC's "Full House" was found dead in his hotel room at the RItz-Carlton in Orlando, Florida on Sunday, police said. "Earlier today, deputies were called to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes for a call about an unresponsive man in a hotel room," the Orange County Sheriff's Office tweeted Sunday. "The man was identified as Robert Saget & pronounced deceased on scene. Detectives found no signs of foul play or drug use." Saget, the host of "America's Funniest Home Videos" from 1989 to 1997, had been traveling the country with the "I Don't Do Negative Tour" and performed a two-hour set in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday.

Bob Saget, comedian and star of TV's "Full House" has died. He was 65. The actor was found dead in his hotel room in Orlando, Florida, police said.

US reaches 700,000 new COVID-19 cases daily

The U.S. is now averaging more than 700,000 new coronavirus cases per day, a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows. The country reported about 4.91 million cases in the week ending Saturday. That's more cases reported in seven days than the country reported in April, May, June and July 2021 combined. At the latest pace, eight Americans are reported positive every second. The last five days of U.S. cases are the five single-highest case counts of the entire pandemic. "I would not be surprised at all if we go over a million cases per day," Fauci told News 4 New York in an interview Saturday. And while the prevalent omicron variant is milder on a per-case basis, fast-swelling numbers of new cases are burdening hospitals. A federal report released Saturday shows about 138,000 COVID-19 patients in hospital beds, up 32% from the previous week.

The pandemic is changing. Will omicron bring a 'new normal' for COVID-19?

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Angela Hanson, right, a certified medical assistant with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, administers a COVID-19 test on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 in Springfield, Mo.

Man who bought Kyle Rittenhouse an AR-15 used in Kenosha shootings agrees to plea deal

Kyle Rittenhouse's friend, who bought him an assault-style rifle when he was only 17, has agreed to plead no contest to contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a non-criminal citation, and avoid convictions on the two felonies he'd been facing. Dominick Black, 20, was charged in November with two counts of delivering a dangerous weapon to a minor, resulting in death. The two counts related to Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber, the protesters Rittenhouse fatally shot the night of Aug. 25, 2020, in Kenosha. Black was 18 when he purchased the rifle for Rittenhouse, who was too young then to legally purchase the weapon. In August, Rittenhouse used it to kill two people during protests in Kenosha. In November, a jury found him not guilty, based on his claim of self-defense. Judge Schroeder could reject the deal for Black or still just dismiss the original felony counts based on his ruling about the minors-with-firearms law in the Rittenhouse case.

Dominick Black, a friend of Kyle Rittenhouse who accompanied him to Kenosha, is shown Rittenhouse's rifle during testimony. Black was the first witness to testify in Rittenhouse's trial.

Real quick

NASA's $10 billion space telescope takes 'its final form'

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope deployed its full gold-plated, sunflower-shaped mirror display, marking the completion of a "remarkable feat." Now, the $10 billion successor to the Hubble telescope has five months of alignment and calibration procedures before it is expected to start sending images back to Earth, the space agency said. Launched on Christmas Day from South America, the Webb telescope is traveling nearly 1 million miles from Earth. Named after former NASA administrator James E. Webb, who oversaw the agency from 1961 to 1968, the Webb telescope is about 100 times more powerful than the Hubble telescope. Scientists hope Webb can capture light streaming from stars and galaxies as far back as 13.7 billion years ago.

Multiple dead after cliff wall collapses on boaters in Brazil

At least six people died, dozens were injured and about 20 were missing when a rock formation tore away from a cliff and slammed onto boats packed with tourists in a tragedy caught on video. Edgard Estevo, commander of the Minas Gerais State Fire Department, said the accident occurred Saturday in a lake between the towns of Sao Jose da Barra and Capitolio. The local fire department deployed divers and helicopters in a frantic effort to rescue the stunned tourists from the lake. Brazil's Jornal O Globo reported that two more bodies were found, raising the death toll to eight, but that report was not immediately confirmed by government officials.

This handout picture released by Minas Gerais Fire Department in Brazil shows firefighters during a rescue operation after a wall of rock broke from a cliff falling onto several tourist boats on Jan. 8, 2022.

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This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Associated Press.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bronx fire, COVID-19, Golden Globes, Brazil cliff: The weekend's biggest news
Steve Brawner

The addition of 7,488 cases announced Wednesday means that 38,154 Arkansans  one out of 79 of us  had COVID that day, and that includes only those who were known.

Now policymakers must decide what and how much should be done about this omicron variant thats spreading like wildfire but appears often to cause milder symptoms than previous variants.

Two developments on Wednesday were notable. Dr. Joe Thompson with the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI) announced that the number of school districts in its purple zones had increased in one week from five to 39. Thats where 100 out of 10,000 residents are newly infected over a two-week period.

The five had been concentrated in the Jonesboro area, and theyre still purple. But now theyve been joined by 34 others in various parts of the state. The worst of the 39 is the Nettleton School District, where 3.5% of residents have tested positive in the last two weeks, Thompson said.

The number of school districts in red zones with 50-99 new infections has increased from 23 to 99.

That means that the number of high-infection zones  measured by residents, not students  has quintupled in a week.

The rising case numbers put school districts in a difficult situation. The Little Rock and Pulaski County Special School Districts sent their students home for at least Thursday and Friday. Theyll take classes remotely, which the past two years have shown is usually not as good as being in the classroom.

Schools also will have to wrestle with mask requirements. According to a running tally kept by ACHI, only 47 public school districts and public charter schools still have full mask requirements, while another 26 have partial requirements. The rest, 188, have no requirements.

Those numbers can change quickly  too quickly for ACHI to keep up with. Some districts have policies tied to ACHIs school zones, so they may automatically change their requirements now that they are classified as red or purple.

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From the pandemics beginning, the generation least affected by COVID, young people, has been the one asked to sacrifice the most. This is the third school year thats been disrupted, and the longer this goes on, the more long-term effects there will be on students academic performance, career prospects, and physical and mental health.

School districts are having to grapple with how to balance that reality with the need to reduce spread among their students and staff. Its been a tough job.

The other development Wednesday was the acknowledgement by the Department of Health that it will no longer conduct contact tracing as of the end of Jan. 17. Thats where it calls someone newly infected with COVID and tries to find out where theyve been and who theyve hung around, so it then can contact those people.

Communications Director Meg Mirivel told me the departments leaders decided within the last two weeks to end the program because federal funding is running out, because its vendors were unable to keep up with the caseload, and because response rates were too low. Too many people didnt answer the phone or declined to answer questions.

Despite all the high numbers, theres reason for hope in all this. In his highly informative podcast, Dr. Peter Attia said the best version of a virus  from the viruss standpoint  occurs when it evolves to the point where it spreads easily without killing too many of its hosts. Maybe thats omicron. One of his guests, Dr. Marty Makary, said omicron could be natures vaccine that will confer natural immunity on many people.

Were not going to eradicate COVID. Instead, the doctors on the podcast indicated were headed to the point where a version such as omicron will circulate every season, like four other currently circulating coronaviruses including the common cold. A relatively small number of us would do badly and some of us would die. For most of us, it would be a seasonal disease, and many of us would have some immunity because weve had it and/or been vaccinated. Plus, now we have drugs that can treat it.

Maybe a realistic, best-case scenario is that omicron would be the COVID version wed have to live with. OK. Can we live with that?

Steve Brawner is a freelance journalist and syndicated columnist. Email him at brawnersteve@mac.com or follow him on Twitter at @stevebrawner.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: High COVID numbers, but also a reason for hope | Steve Brawner
These letters published in the Jan. 9, 2021 print edition of the Las Cruces Sun-News.

Carruthers a classic

I sure miss the good old days when Garrey Carruthers was governor. Those were New Mexicos glory days. How different from today!

Back then, in large part due to Carruthers leadership, crime in New Mexico was not the issue that it is today. Back then, the governor was pro police.

Carruthers was a natural leader who believed in New Mexico and believed in doing the right thing for New Mexicans.

But Carruthers did not believe in a my way or the highway approach. He was a fixer with a rare ability to respect the views of others, regardless of party affiliation; the focus was on solving a problem, not stroking ones ego. It is unfortunate that New Mexico does not have a governor of Carruthers caliber today when the state is mired in so many problems.

Garrey Carruthers is a classic, just like his 1967 Mustangs.

Paul Hoylen, Deming

Thank you from MountainView CEO

As another year comes to an end and a new one begins, I am saying thank you to the people who keep healthcare moving forward in southern New Mexico.

Top of mind for me is a thank you to the outstanding members of our employee team at MountainView Regional Medical Center. They are the foundation of our ability to deliver safe, quality healthcare and they continue going above and beyond in this second year of the pandemic. They attend to the ebb and flow of patient surges and adjust to ever-changing guidelines. They deliver care with compassion and do what needs to be done for their patients. They are heroes. Every day. Thank you to our medical staff. We are blessed to have a breadth of talented primary care and specialty physicians practicing locally. They work tirelessly to be available for their patients, and they are committed to serve our community. We are fortunate to work alongside you. Emergency medical personnel, nursing homes and assisted living centers, hospice, home health and other local health care organizations play a critical role in the continuum of medical services. We say thank you for all that you do in caring for our citizens.

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Most important  thank you to our patients for the trust you place in us. Our team works hard every day for you and your loved ones. You are our focus and you continue to motivate us. It is a privilege to help you get well and live healthier. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your healthcare team.

Matthew Conrad, chief executive officer for MountainView Regional Medical Center

Sherriff deserves support

Reading the cartoon with the county manager and sheriff arm wrestle" is thought-provoking. Whos the winner? What are they wrestling about? The answer is Sheriff Kim Stewart is the winner for taking a stand on issues such as safety at the Crisis Triage Center. The losers are the people in the community who have put their trust in county management  especially with the lack of responses Sewart has raised regarding safety.

Stewart is an advocate for safety of law enforcement and of people needing crisis mental health treatment and deserves support from the community. We need more public figures like her, willing to take an honest stand on important issues.

Pamela Field, Las Cruces

More letters to the editor:

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Letters to the editor: On Garrey Carruthers
GUELPH, ON, Jan. 8, 2022 /CNW/ - It is with profound sadness that the Board of Directors of Linamar Corporation announces the passing of the Company's Founder, beloved leader and long-time Executive Chairman, Frank Hasenfratz. Mr. Hasenfratz passed away peacefully on January 8th, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 86 years old. The Corporation and its 26,000 employees extend their deepest sympathies to the Hasenfratz, Newton and Stoddart families for their loss.

Linamar Corporation Logo (CNW Group/Linamar Corporation)

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of my father, Frank Hasenfratz," said Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz in a statement. "It was his vision and unrelenting drive that enabled us to build the company that Linamar is today. He leaves a tremendous legacy on the Canadian business landscape, changed the lives of so many, and provided careers, livelihoods and opportunities for thousands of people. He inspired and taught so many, myself most profoundly, and his spirit will live on in each of us as we continue to build the legacy of Linamar."

Born in Hungary in 1935 and immigrating to Canada in 1957 following the Hungarian Revolution, Frank Hasenfratz is an inspiration for what can be achieved through hard work, determination and the entrepreneurial spirit. Frank began Linamar as a one-man operation in the basement of his family home north of Guelph, Ontario in 1966. His toolmaking and machinist experience along with his determination built the foundation for what has become a globally recognized multinational corporation that reflects his image and culture. Frank's journey is the great Canadian success story.

Among his many accomplishments, Frank was honoured as the Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year, inducted into the Canadian Manufacturing Hall of Fame and the Canadian Business Hall of Fame, and was appointed to the Order of Canada.

Frank was a generous supporter of the greater Guelph community that helped grow his company and donated to numerous philanthropic causes including the Guelph General Hospital, Western University, St. Joseph's Foundation and of the local performance arts.

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Frank will most fondly be remembered in the halls and on the production shop floor at Linamar Corporation where he mentored a generation of manufacturing and business leaders. At Linamar, we will continue to live by Frank's words to strive to continuously improve, act quickly and decisively, set goals and track progress and always "Do What We Do Best, Better".

Though his business accomplishments are unparalleled, Frank was first and foremost a family man. He joins his late wife, Margaret Hasenfratz, and leaves behind his daughter Linda and son-in-law Ed and their four children, as well as daughter Nancy and son-in-law Mark.

As a matter of corporate governance related to the Executive Chair position, the Board of Directors has a succession and renewal plan in place which will be implemented in the coming weeks and will be announced to shareholders and the public in due course.

Funeral arrangements will be posted in the coming days.

Linamar Corporation (TSX:LNR) is an advanced manufacturing company where the intersection of leading-edge technology and deep manufacturing expertise is creating solutions that power vehicles, motion, work and lives for the future. The Company is made up of two operating segments  the Industrial segment and the Mobility segment, both global leaders in manufacturing solutions and world-class developers of highly engineered products. The Industrial segment is comprised of Skyjack and MacDon. Skyjack manufactures scissor, boom and telehandler lifts for the aerial work platform industry. MacDon manufactures combine draper headers and self-propelled windrowers for the agricultural harvesting industry. The Mobility segment is subdivided into three regional groups: North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Within the Mobility segment, the regional groups are vertically integrated operations combining expertise in light metal casting, forging, machining and assembly for both the global electrified and traditionally powered vehicle markets. The Mobility segment products are focused on both components and systems for new energy powertrains, body and chassis, driveline, engine and transmission systems of these vehicles. McLaren Engineering provides design, development, and testing services for the Mobility segment. Linamar has 26,000 employees in 60 manufacturing locations, 12 R&D centres and 25 sales offices in 17 countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia which generated sales of $7.4 billion in 2019. For more information about Linamar Corporation and its industry leading products and services, visit www.linamar.com or follow us on Twitter at @LinamarCorp.

Forward Looking Information, Risk and Uncertainties

Certain information regarding Linamar set forth in this document and oral summary, including management's assessment of the Company's future plans and operations may constitute forward looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to factors such as customer demand and timing of buying decisions, product mix, competitive products and pricing pressure. In addition, uncertainties and difficulties in domestic and foreign financial markets and economies could adversely affect demand from customers. These factors, as well as general economic and political conditions and public health threats, may in turn have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial results. Please also refer to Linamar's most current Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") and Annual Information Form ("AIF"), as replaced or updated by any of Linamar's subsequent regulatory filings, which set out the cautionary disclaimers, including the risk factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from these indicated by such forward looking statements. These documents are available at www.linamar.com/investors. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Content is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced or repurposed without express written consent by the Company.

SOURCE Linamar Corporation

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2022/08/c1250.html
Police tape blocks off a portion of Bingham Drive on Saturday after police say an off-duty Cumberland County Sheriff's deputy shot and killed a man who reportedly ran into traffic and jumped on his vehicle.

The person who killed a Fayetteville man police say "jumped" on a moving vehicle Saturday has been identified by law enforcement as an off-duty deputy with the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office.

Jason Walker, 37, was shot and killed outside his Bingham Drive home about 2:15 p.m.

According to a statement from the Fayetteville Police Department, Walker " ran into traffic and jumped on a moving vehicle" when he was shot by the driver  an off-duty deputy  who then called 911.

Previous coverage: Police: Fayetteville man shot to death by motorist after jumping onto vehicle

Police declined to release the deputys name citing North Carolina public records law. However, the statute specifically states that the identity of a complaining witness  in this case the off-duty deputy  is public record.

The law does allow a public law enforcement agency to "temporarily withhold" the name of a complainant under certain circumstances to include if the release compromises "a continuing or future criminal investigation or criminal intelligence operation."

Investigators with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have assumed the investigation surrounding the shooting that occurred, police said.

The aftermath

A video posted to social media about four hours after the shooting appears to show the scene immediately after the shooting.

In it, a man is standing by a red pickup truck and talking on a phone as two women and another man are attempting to render aid to a person lying on the ground.

"I don't know where the entry point is he won't tell me where he shot him," one woman says.

The man by the open door of the truck, presumably the shooter, can be heard speaking on the phone, "I'm trying to protect my daughter and my wife."

He then adds, "People are hostile right now."

A shirtless man across the street hears the comment and says to the presumed shooter, "Nobody is hostile. Don't you (expletive) say that. Nobody is hostile," as sirens draw closer.

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When two Fayetteville police officers walk up to the scene, two women are attempting to help the victim. One says the victim has "a very light pulse."

An officer asks the people standing around, "Who saw it?"

The shirtless man says he didn't see it but heard it.

"I heard four gunshots and came outside," he says.

Another man in a hooded sweatshirt appears to explain to the officer that Walker flipped or jumped off the hood, then  pointing to the presumed shooter, "and he jumped out of his car and shot him."

The other officer briefly kneels next to the victim as a woman, who'd apparently been driving past when the shooting happened, appears to be applying pressure with a towel to the victim's torso and checking the pulse in his neck.

As the camera pans back to the man by the truck, he is heard telling an officer, "I was coming down here. He ran across the street so I stopped. He jumped on my car, started screaming pulled my windshield wipers and starts beating the glass. I have my daughter, my child in here."

Two minutes into the video a paramedic arrives. An officer asks the person who is shooting the video if he witnessed the incident. "That's my wife," he said, referring to the female passerby who stayed by the victim's side throughout the video.

She can be heard telling the EMT, "I don't know how many times he shot him."

After she gets up from the ground she says something to the presumed shooter who is now standing by the front of his truck next to an officer.

"Ma'am, I'm gonna protect my wife and my child," he responds, taking a step toward her before the officer throws up his hands to defuse the situation and says, "We're not doing this right now."

"I'm gonna protect my wife and family," the presumed shooter says.

"You had a vehicle," the woman replies.

The video ends moments later.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective C. Crews at 910-751-1046 or Crimestoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477).

Military & Crime Editor F.T. Norton can be reached at fnorton@fayobserver.com.

Support local journalism with a subscription to The Fayetteville Observer. Click the "subscribe" link at the top of this article.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville police: Off-duty deputy shot, killed man on Bingham Drive
The Baltimore Ravens will wrap up their 2021 regular season with a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium in Week 18. The two teams take part in one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL, and Sundays game should add another chapter into what has been a historic list of games.

Both Baltimore and Pittsburgh have something to play for in Week 18, as they can still make the playoffs. Even though each has to rely on outside help as well as take care of their own business, neither organization should go down without a fight, leaving it all out on the field.

Below is everything needed to watch, listen to and stream the Ravens Week 18 matchup with the Steelers.

Game information:

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

Date: Sunday, January 9th

Kickoff time: 1:00 p.m. EST

Location: M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, MD)

Streaming:

Live stream: fuboTV (try it free).

Television:

Local TV: CBS / WJZ Ch. 13 (Baltimore); WUSA Ch. 9 (Washington)

Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst), Evan Washburn (sideline)

Radio:

National Radio: Compass Media Networks

Announcers: Chris Carrino (play-by-play), Brian Baldinger (analyst)

Local Radio: WBAL (1090 AM/101.5 FM) and 98Rock (97.9 FM)
Rilu, an 11-year-old snow leopard, has died after contracting COVID-19 at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois. Rilu was one of five big cats to test positive for the virus at the zoo last month. (Photo: Joel Sartore)

An 11-year-old snow leopard, who was one of five big cats to test positive for COVID-19 at an Illinois zoo last month, has died from complications from the virus, the zoo said.

Rilu, whose photo was once projected on New York Citys iconic Empire State Building to highlight the need to protect endangered animals, died after struggling with COVID-induced pneumonia, the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington announced Thursday.

The spotted mountain cat, which has an estimated population of a few thousand according to the extinction-tracking group International Union for Conservation of Nature, had tested positive for the virus on Dec. 3. This test result came two weeks after the cat, along with three other snow leopards and a Sumatran tiger, first showed symptoms of the virus, the zoo had said.

The four other cats that tested positive for the virus continue to show mostly minor symptoms, a zoo representative told HuffPost Sunday.

Rilus personality and beauty will be missed by guests and staff, but he will not be forgotten, the zoo said in an Instagram post.

In captivity, snow leopards have been known to live as long as 22 years, according to the animal conservation group Snow Leopard Trust.

Wildlife photographer Joel Sartore, whose larger-than-life photo of Rilu was showcased on the 102-story New York building in 2015, shared a video of the big cat on his Instagram page on Friday, while urging people to get vaccinated against the virus.

Snow leopards are proving extremely susceptible to the disease, and its often fatal. If you havent received a vaccination and booster yet, please do so. Its more than just human lives that are at stake, he wrote.

As Sartore noted, Rilu, who produced seven living offspring while with the zoo, is not the first known snow leopard to die after contracting the virus.

Three other snow leopards died from complications from COVID-19 at a zoo in Nebraska in November. Their deaths also came about a month after testing positive for the virus. Two Sumatran tigers also tested positive for the virus at that zoo but were said to have made a full recovery.

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Its possible for humans to infect cats with the coronavirus and for cats to spread it to other felines, though its less likely that they can spread the virus to humans, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center.

The center and federal health officials recommend that feline caretakers diagnosed with COVID-19 quarantine themselves and leave the care of their cats to someone else or avoid contact with the cats as much as possible.

Miller Park Zoos animal building, where the snow leopards were being held, had been closed for two weeks prior to the cats testing positive for the virus and any issue has been isolated, the zoo said last month.

The building was closed again last week due to a rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Central Illinois, a park official told local station WMBD.

The zoo requires all guests to wear masks, for the safety of the animals, when entering a building that houses an animal habitat, according to the zoos website.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
Count me in.

Im one of the nearly 2 million Americans who tested positive for COVID-19 over the holidays though I had both vaccine shots and the booster. Fortunately, I had no symptoms.

Like so many others, I was completely shocked to read my test result and felt kind of ashamed. (I swear I had been vigilant and I had no idea how Id become infected!) When the shocking news arrived, I had been on my way to finish my gift shopping before getting on a plane the next day to see family.

Do I really have to tell people? I wondered to myself. Honestly, I really didnt want to spend the holidays alone. Again.

Several friends whove tested positive had come up with various reasons for thinking it would be OK to keep mum on their infection: The Omicron variant appears to be less virulent than earlier strains, meaning most people who get it wont require hospitalization  or worse, die.

The test result may be a false positive. Or, as one neighbor argued, What about my right to privacy?

The rapid-fire spread of the Omicron variant has magnified our great national debate about individual liberty versus the greater good. But, as I knew, and then had affirmed by two medical ethicists, I had an obligation to tell others whom I might have put at risk.

Quarantining for the good of all

I texted my family. And then I made a list of everyone I knew that I had been in close contact with (which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines as being less than 6 feet away for 15 minutes over a 24-hour period).

I called those friends I knew to be infrequent email users, and then sent individual emails to about a dozen others.

One friend quickly wrote back, Youre so courageous. Another, Thats integrity. Honestly, I didnt feel courageous or virtuous; I felt disappointed and sad. But I did what I hoped others would do in my shoes, which is to disclose their infection to those with a need to know, and to quarantine. That might mean canceling a vacation, taking time off from work, skipping a wedding or, as in my case, missing the holidays with family.

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States in control: Biden saying there is no federal solution to COVID means our patchwork response continues

A man is tested for COVID-19, at a walk-up testing site run by Nomi Health, Dec. 28, 2021, in downtown Miami. More than a year after the vaccine was rolled out, new cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. have soared to the highest level on record at over 265,000 per day on average, a surge driven largely by the highly contagious omicron variant. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

Amy McGuire, director of the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine, insists that we all must give up some individual liberties, including our privacy, for the benefit of the community  so that others can take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones.

If you dont tell the people you may have unwittingly infected, how can they in turn protect themselves and their own loved ones? Thats the very definition of the common good, and its what we mean when I say were all in this together.

Exposing others to the virus can have drastic consequences. For example, seven deaths in an Oregon community in late December 2020 were traced to someone who knowingly went to work after becoming infected, spreading the virus to his co-workers. Whatever that workers reasons  denial, hubris, lack of paid sick time  there is no excuse for such irresponsibility.

Not having symptoms does not give you any cover, as was true in my situation, because you can develop them later (or never) but still infect others.

The high transmissibility of the omicron variant makes it more critical, not less, to disclose infection. Arthur Caplan, professor of medical ethics at New York University, acknowledges that we dont yet know how nasty, as he put it, omicron could be for the general population. But for those who are immune compromised, he says, it just ups the ante on disclosure.

Ditto for those who are elderly, who are too young to be vaccinated, or who have any health condition that makes them more susceptible to infection.

COVID 'jail' doesn't have to be lonely

What about our privacy? I asked Caplan.

He says theres no reason to disclose having high blood pressure or cancer, but contagious diseases are different. The duty to tell others about an infection has long been recognized, both legally and ethically. Think HIV, tuberculosis, mumps and measles. This is not about stigmatization, Caplan says. Theres no reason to paint a big O (for omicron) on your forehead. (Thank goodness.)

I know these decisions can be complicated, and I wondered  worried  about folks who cant afford to stay home during a quarantine period. Yes, it might be tempting to keep quiet about a positive test, especially if you dont have symptoms, if telling your employer translates into lost pay. I spoke with a CEO of a small business in Lexington, Kentucky, and she told me theyve just come up with a solution: If an employee is vaccinated and still gets COVID-19, that person will get paid for lost days. If someone who is not vaccinated gets sick, the answer is no.

Steven Petrow

While still in COVID jail, I was out walking my dog  permissible during quarantine as long as youre masked, which I was  when a neighbor asked whether I were still in my isolation period. (Word traveled quickly in my town.) She thanked me for doing the right thing, even though there are no COVID police watching over us.

As Baylors McGuire told me, We need to embrace an ethic of solidarity, which means to care for each other and about each other, now more than ever.

Steven Petrow is a writer on civility and manners and a member of USA TODAY's Board of Contributors.

COVID-19 etiquette recap

Get tested: If you are going to a gathering that includes babies, the elderly and anyone with a health condition that increases their risk, volunteer first to get a rapid antigen or PCR test.

Disclose: If you test positive or have a known COVID-19 exposure, you must tell others with whom youve been in close contact. No ands, ifs or buts.

Stop the spread: That information will help others make informed decisions, get tested themselves and prevent the continued spread of this virus. And that will help us all find a new normal sooner  than later.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Testing COVID positive: Do you disclose exposing someone to omicron?
Yakima County 2021 homicides

Alfred Anaya, 67, of Toppenish died Jan. 1 after he was hit in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 97 near Wapato High School. Luberto Fernandez Rodriguez has been charged with first-degree murder in his death. The Washington State Patrol is investigating.

Rocio Ramos-Martinez, 30, died Jan. 4, three days after Yakima police say she was brutally attacked near the former Astria Regional Medical Center. Luberto Fernandez Rodriguez, 37, has been charged with aggravated first-degree murder in the case. Yakima police are investigating.

Angel Anthony Faz, 27, of Grandview died Jan. 7 after he was shot multiple times in the 2300 block of Yakima Valley Highway. Sunnyside police arrested a 26-year-old Mabton man in connection with the killing, but Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney Joe Brusic declined to file charges pending additional evidence.

Charles Ellis Wade Mills, 45, of Yakima was fatally shot at his home in the 900 block of South 29th Avenue Jan. 27. Yakima police arrested his stepson, Jonathan A. Hidalgo, 18, who is awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge in the case.

Victor J. Ramos, 28, was found shot in the 1200 block of Roosevelt Court in Sunnyside Jan. 31, and later died at Astria Sunnyside Hospital. Adrian Bueno, 28, and Francisco Rudy Gallardo, 41, have been charged in the killing. Sunnyside police are investigating.

Roger Harrington, 66, and Tyler Aalbu, 32, were found inside a burned home at 2210 S. Fifth Ave. in Union Gap following a March 28 fire. Union Gap police said the fire was deliberately set and the men died of smoke inhalation.

Tiana Lee Rain Cloud, 20, was killed in a shooting in the 3100 block of South Wapato Road around 11 p.m. March 30. The FBI is investigating because the victim was a citizen of the Yakama Nation and the killing occurred within the Yakama Nation's reservation boundaries.

Anthony C. Rodriguez, 37, was shot and killed outside the Motel 6 at North 11th Street and Staff Sgt. Pendleton Way April 5. Yakima police arrested Rene Hernandez Castillo Jr., 37, on charges of second-degree murder and drive-by shooting.

Caspar Garcia Villicana, 42, was found dead with multiple stab wounds in his home in the 1100 block of South 32nd Avenue May 1. Yakima police arrested Gilberto Guzman, 44, on suspicion of second-degree murder in the case.

Diana Calixtro, 27, of Yakima died May 8 after being shot outside a home in the 1100 block of South Fair Avenue. Russell Paul Whitefoot, 32, of Wapato has been charged with first-degree murder in the case. Yakima police are investigating.

Andre Terrence Harrell, 29, of Granger, was fatally shot in an apparent drive-by shooting at the intersection of Fourth Street and Bailey Avenue May 22. Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Granger police are investigating.

Marcus Lagmay, 32, of Wapato, was shot in the 100 block of Egan Road in the Wapato area. The FBI and Yakama Nation Tribal Police are investigating.

Oscar Ricardo Hondal-Lopez, 30, of Yakima was fatally shot June 10 while driving in the 1200 block of Cornell Avenue. Yakima police have arrested two of four suspects, Sergio Alejandro Perez and Rogelio Jose Sosa.

Jose Mendoza-Martinez, 38, was fatally shot after Yakima police said he broke into a home at the Almost Sunshine RV Park, 218. E. N St., June 24. Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney Joe Brusic found, after reviewing the Yakima police investigation, that the killing was an act of self-defense.

Jose De Rivera De La Cruz, 23, of Wapato was shot and killed outside the Valley Mall on Aug. 22. Union Gap police arrested Jonathan Edgar Navvaro, 26, who is charged with first-degree murder in the case.

Yolanda Cervera Tapia, 51, of Yakima was found strangled to death in her home Aug. 30. Yakima police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of her ex-boyfriend, David Rosales-Rosales, 50, on a second-degree murder charge.

Richard Hayden McFarland, 58, a transient was fatally stabbed in the 1300 block of North First Street Sept. 4.Justin Allen Stone, 30, is charged with second-degree murder in his death. Yakima police are investigating.

Todd William Kopinski, 49, of Selah was fatally shot Sept. 17 at a home in the 500 block of Irene Lane. Kerrie Ann Mathews, 51, was arrested in connection with his death, but was released. Prosecutors said additional information was needed to file charges and overcome a possible self-defense argument. Yakima County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Sonia Valenzuela, 18, of Toppenish was fatally shot Oct. 3 in the 200 block of North E. Street. Toppenish police are investigating.

Roy Richmond Land, 56, of Terrace Heights died Oct. 26 in Seattle from injuries resulting from his being stabbed in his Terrace Heights home Aug. 30. The 15-year-old daughter of his girlfriend has been charged with second-degree murder. Yakima County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Sebastian Suarez, 18, of Yakima was shot and killed Oct. 28 by two assailants at the intersection of West Nob Hill Boulevard and South 20th Avenue. Luis Daniel Valencia, 16, and a 14-year-old male are charged with second-degree murder in Suarez's death. Yakima police are investigating.

Jose "Joey" Cantu, 34, of Yakima, was shot to death in the 400 block of West Chestnut Avenue Oct. 30. Yakima police are investigating.

Feliciano Galvan-Morales, 32, of Yakima was found shot to death in an orchard in Parker Nov. 2. Yakima County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Anyone with information about any of the cases is asked to call the investigating agency or Yakima County Crime Stoppers at 800-248-9980. Tips can also be submitted online at www.crimestoppersyakco.org
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The House of Hungarian Music will open its gates on January 23 in Budapests City Park, and offer concerts, workshops, music pedagogy sessions and other programmes aimed at reaching new audiences, operative director Marton Horn told a press conference on Friday.

In the first week after the opening, students of the Budapest Liszt Academy will offer free concerts.



Tickets for concerts from January 28th, featuring performers of classical, pop, world, jazz music and many other genres, will be available on the magyarzenehaza.com website from Friday, Horn said.



The new concert house was built as part of the Liget Budapest Project, aimed at revamping Budapests City Park.



Designed by Japanese star architect Sou Fujimoto, the House of Hungarian Music topped the World Architecture Communitys (WAC) list of ten most anticipated buildings in 2021.





MTI Photo: Zoltan Balogh
Eighty doses of the Russian Sputnik Light coronavirus vaccine arrived in Hungary for testing, prior to purchase talks with the manufacturer, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.

The foreign ministry quoted Szijjarto as saying that the tests were the next step in Hungarys and Russias cooperation in terms of vaccination against Covid.



If Hungarian experts consider the new vaccine safe, effective, and suitable for a booster jab, talks on an order will ensue, Szijjarto said.



Szijjarto noted that Sputnik Light was already distributed in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Argentina, and India, while a licence had been issued in San Marino, and it was being licensed in Serbia.



The more kinds of the vaccine Hungarians can choose from, the better, Szijjarto said, and encouraged residents to take booster jabs. Hungary began talks with Russia using Sputnik Light in the country in early December. The Sputnik V jab is being manufactured in two facilities in Hungary.



Meanwhile, Bela Merkely, the rector of Budapests Semmelweis University, warned that the highly infectious Omicron variant can lead to large numbers of unvaccinated people needing hospital treatment.



Those vaccinated could only experience mild ailments of the upper respiratory tract, he said.





MTI Photo: Zsolt Szigetvary
PATNA: The Bihar police has filed an FIR against Brahamdev Mandal, an 84-year-old resident of the Madhepura district after he claimed that he has taken 11 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

According to reports, the Bihar police registered the FIR on the basis of a complaint made by Primary Health Care (PHC) in Puraini against Brahamdev Mandal.

Bihar: 84-year-old Brahamdev Mandal, a resident of the Puraini area of Madhepura district, claims that he has taken 11 doses of Covid vaccine "I never fell ill since I started taking the vaccine and my health has started to improve," says Brahamdev pic.twitter.com/A23E690A4W  ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2022

The octogenarians claim of receiving 11 COVID-9 vaccine jabs in 11 months has caused huge embarrassment to the Madhepura district health officials who later filed a police complaint against Brahmadev Mandal for cheating and disobedience of a public servants order.

Action against Brahamdev was taken after a hand-written application by the medical officer in charge of the Puraini PHC was submitted to the Puraini police station.

The complaint alleged that Brahmadev Mandal has taken 11 vaccine shots at different dates using different identity cards lying to the health officials.

The FIR against Brahmadev Mandal was lodged under Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), section 419 and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Mandal had recently claimed that the doses of vaccines had cured his joint pain and increased his appetite. Due to these apparent benefits, he decided to take as many doses as possible. He had also said that he wanted to take at least three more doses.

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ROSE (roz) n. One of the most beautiful of all flowers, a symbol of fragrance and loveliness. Often given as a sign of appreciation.

RASPBERRY (razbere) n. A sharp, scornful comment, criticism or rebuke; a derisive, splatting noise, often called the Bronx cheer.

RASPBERRIES to Jan. 6, the first anniversary of a new date that will live in infamy.

The insurrection attempt from a year ago was the biggest blow against the United States since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

But the worst part about this attack against democracy is that it came from within.

An unruly mob besieged our nations Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of a free and fair election because they either didnt believe the results or didnt like the outcome.

Many of these citizens were motivated by misinformation and fueled by outright lies about a stolen election. Certain public officials inflamed infantile fantasies with falsehoods, repeatedly claiming that President Joe Bidens victory was nothing but a sham, despite mountains of evidence to the contrary. Some continue to make these statements.

And so authorities need to continue to investigate this tragic event to the fullest extent possible and hold individuals accountable for their misdeeds.

Last Jan. 6 was a stain on Americas history, but it should be evident that the danger to our electoral process remains. Anyone with a social media account can see the chatter and conspiracy theories that continue to populate the web.

ROSES to our hard-working roads crews in Linn and Benton counties and throughout Oregon, as the past few weeks have been busy for them.

Besides their usual duties, theyve plowed and sanded down roadways covered with snow. And theyve been driving around the countryside well before the crack of dawn to post signs that warn of high water and close roads that are flooded.

Being a road worker is a bit like being a local politician in the respect that the job can be rather thankless. They hear plenty of complaints about potholes and such, and if things are going smoothly, people dont even think about them.

So this winter seems like a good time to give thanks to these public employees who are helping keep us safe.

ROSES to volunteers, including those with the Willamette Riverkeepers, who went to homeless camps along local waterways and cleaned up garbage before rising waters swept trash away.

Reporter Troy Shinn documented their efforts for a December article.

The amount of trash that can add up around homeless camps is staggering, and volunteers described seeing enough garbage and junk that could fill a train boxcar at several sites around Corvallis.

A juice container filled with used syringes is just one example of the dangerous refuse these volunteers come across.

Because of concerns with liability issues, such as processing needles, human waste and other hazardous materials, cities generally arent comfortable organizing their own volunteer efforts. And so individuals and other groups rise up to the task.

We always want to keep in mind the human element of this delicate issue. Those homeless men and woman out near the Willamette and elsewhere are people who are struggling, and they have rights and deserve to be treated with respect  and due process.

But if their garbage isnt cleaned up, it flows downstream to other locations along the Willamette, or nestles into the riverbed and riparian areas.

The environmental issues caused by the homeless may pale in comparison to the damage caused by companies and even municipalities that spill toxic chemicals and sewage into our waterways  and the Oregon Department of Environment Quality should absolutely hammer polluters, we might add.

The environmental problems posed by the unhoused are just another reason why communities should work for solutions to the homeless crisis facing the mid-Willamette Valley and Oregon.

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New Delhi: Industry body Assocham has recommended setting up a refinance window for the NBFC sector and making banks' lending to non-banking financial companies under priority sector permanent for the upcoming Union Budget.

The funding support to the non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) will ensure liquidity in the sector, as they play a key role in financial inclusion and providing affordable financial services to the underbanked, Assocham said in its recommendations to the government through a pre-budget budget memorandum.

The government will present the Budget for fiscal 2022-23 on February 1.

The industry body said that in the past few years the NBFC sector has witnessed a liquidity crunch in the market due to external factors.

During such times, the ability to borrow funds at rational pricing became difficult, it added.

"A dedicated refinance window for NBFCs directly from the central bank, on the lines of National Housing Bank (which provides refinance to housing finance companies or HFCs) has been a long-standing demand for the NBFC sector," Assocham said.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance in June 2003 had recommended the setting up of a new refinance institution for NBFCs.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted the rural underbanked adversely, the RBI had mandated lending by banks to NBFCs for on-lending to agriculture, MSME and housing to qualify as priority sector lending. The window was available till September 30, 2021.

Banks' lending to NBFC under priority sector should be made permanent, the industry body suggested.

"As NBFCs play a key role in financial inclusion and providing affordable financial services to the underbanked, we suggest that this window can be made available on an ongoing basis subject to certain limits such as 10 per cent of total priority sector lending of banks. This will enhance the reach of the PSL initiatives and add depth to the same," it said in the memorandum.

Among others, it has also recommended the government to establish an alternate investment fund for NBFCs; on-tap issuance of secured bonds; establishment of a refinance mechanism with financial institutions to reduce overdependence on banks.

NBFCs are allowed to raise funds by issuing non-convertible debentures (NCDs/bonds) having flexible tenures and rates, via private placement as well as through public issues.

"While private placements have severe restrictions on the number of investors, the frequency of issue etc, public issue of bonds tends to be very expensive, laborious and inflexible.

?It is proposed that NBFCs be allowed an on-tap facility for issuance of NCDs to the retail market by making the offering of NCDs through an easy to operate and less costly procedure," it demanded.

However, it should be allowed with proper governance to provide investor protection and comfort, the industry body said.

It has also urged the government to widen the role of the National Housing Bank to refinance all NBFCs and not just HFCs. Also, permit subsidiary companies of NBFCs to promote the insurance business.

Assocham has also recommended amending the Insurance Act to permit a subsidiary company to promote the insurance business.

"When a financial services company is a subsidiary of another company then it's not possible to diversify into the insurance sector as subsidiary companies are not allowed to promote an insurance company. Hence the financial service company is not able to meet the insurance needs of its customers," according to Assocham.

The industry body has also urged the government to float a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with initial capital infusion by the government, which may then raise funds by issuing bonds.

This SPV may use the funds exclusively for the funding of small and medium-sized NBFCs. It should be allowed to leverage about 4 times thus providing Rs 5,000 crore of fresh funds to the NBFCs, the body said.

Further, it has also suggested allowing the deposit-taking NBFCs to accept recurring deposits to facilitate financial inclusion and inculcate savings culture in rural India.

It will also prevent the gullible small investors from falling prey to the unregulated and unorganised sector, Assocham said.

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#mute
New Delhi: After a major breakthrough in the Bulli Bai app case, Delhi Police Special Cell on Sunday (January 9) has arrested the mastermind and creator of the Sulli Deals app that in a similar fashion, aimed to auction/sell Muslim women online.

Accused Aumkareshwar Thakur, app creator and mastermind of Sulli Deals app was arrested from Indore, DCP KPS Malhotra, Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO), Delhi Police Special Cell informed ANI.

Aumkareshwar Thakur, #SulliDeals app creator and mastermind arrested from Indore. He was the member of Trad-Group on Twitter made to troll Muslim women: DCP KPS Malhotra, Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO), Delhi Police Special Cell pic.twitter.com/Eb55Kqrwai  ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2022

According to the investigators, Thakur was also associated with TRAD-Group, a Twitter page created to troll Muslim women.

During the interrogation, Thakur, a resident of Madhya Pradesh admitted that he had developed the code on GitHub and the access of GitHub was given to all members of the TRAD group.

GitHub is the platform that fathered both the Sulli Deals and Bulli Bai apps meant utterly to humiliate and defame influential Muslim women.

As per media reports, the accused had shared the app on his Twitter account where the photos of the Muslim women were uploaded by other group members.

The Sulli Deals apps, which was meant to humiliate Muslim women, mostly activists and journalists, by listing them for an auction created a massive uproar last year.

Another app called Bulli Bai app, created on the same lines went online on January 1, 2022, where several Muslim women were listed for auction.

However, no real sale or deal had taken place in both cases, the app was seen as a major threat to freedom of expression and outright promotion of hate against a community.

On Thursday, the Delhi Police arrested the creator of the Bulli Bai app, an engineering student from Assam's Jorhat.

The accused Niraj Bishnoi, during the interrogation, revealed that his intention was to gain fame and make a name for himself.

The Delhi police also found Bishnoi to be a habitual hacker.

Giving details, Delhi Police said the Bulli Bai app was developed in November last year and updated in December. Bishnoi was also keenly monitoring social media.

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New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday (January 9) suspended all physical classes till January 16 in the wake of surge in COVID-19 cases.

The decision was taken after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a COVID-19 review meeting in Lucknow, ANI reported. The state government has also imposed a night curfew across the state.

"In view of developing situation due to COVID-19, night curfew has been imposed in every district of Uttar Pradesh between 10 pm to 6 am. Physical classes have also been suspended in all educational institutions till January 16. Classes in online mode can continue. However, scheduled examinations can be conducted," the official statement read.

The release added, "Monitoring committees and Integrated Covid Command Centres should be fully operational. Separate numbers should be issued for home isolation, monitoring committees, ambulance and teleconsultation.

The CM asked officials to ensure that medicine kits are available to the people as per their needs and there is adequate availability of life-saving drugs needed during the treatment of coronavirus.

He also said that special attention should be given to patients with co-morbidities, the elderly and the children suffering from infection.

Earlier, in an order dated January 4, 2022, the Uttar Pradesh government closed had closed all schools up to Class 10 till January 15 and extended the night curfew timings in all the districts from 10 pm to 6 am from January 6.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh logged 6,411 new COVID-19 cases, the State Health Department said on Saturday. Of the new infectionos, 867 cases were detected from Lucknow, 1,141 from Gautam Buddh Nagar, 636 from Meerut and 683 from Ghaziabad. There are currently 18,551 active COVID-19 cases in the state.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (January 9) announced that December 26 will be observed as Veer Baal Diwas from this year to honour the supreme sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singhs sons, who attained martyrdom on this day in the 17th century.

The announcement was made on the occasion of Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi wrote, Today, on the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, I am honoured to share that starting this year, 26th December shall be marked as Veer Baal Diwas. This is a fitting tribute to the courage of the Sahibzades and their quest for justice.

Veer Baal Divas will be on the same day Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall. These two greats preferred death instead of deviating from the noble principles of Dharma, Modi further added.

Today, on the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, I am honoured to share that starting this year, 26th December shall be marked as Veer Baal Diwas. This is a fitting tribute to the courage of the Sahibzades and their quest for justice.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2022

PM Modi also remembered the high ideals of the Sahibzades and said that the young men never bowed down to injustices.

The bravery and ideals of Mata Gujri, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the 4 Sahibzades give strength to millions of people. They never bowed to injustice. They envisioned a world that is inclusive and harmonious. It is the need of the hour for more people to know about them.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2022

The bravery and ideals of Mata Gujri, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the 4 Sahibzades give strength to millions of people. They never bowed to injustice. They envisioned a world that is inclusive and harmonious. It is the need of the hour for more people to know about them, he wrote on Twitter.

Sri Guru Gobind Singhs son, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, popularly known as the two sahibzaades, attained martyrdom after they refused to convert to Islam.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the tenth guru of Sikhs and the founder of the Khalsa community.

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New Delhi: Google is on Sunday (January 9, 2022) celebrating feminist icon Fatima Sheikh's 191st Birthday with a special doodle. Fatima Sheikh, who was born in 1831 in Pune, is widely known as Indias first Muslim woman teacher.

She alongside Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, co-founded the Indigenous Library in 1848, which is said to be Indias one of the first schools for girls.

The Indigenous Library, which was opened under the Sheikhs' roof, was a platform for her and Savitribai Phule to teach communities of marginalized Dalit and Muslim women and children who were denied education based on class, religion or gender.

The Phules efforts to provide educational opportunities to those born into Indias lower castes became known as the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truthseekers Society) movement. As a lifelong champion of this movement for equality, Sheikh went door-to-door to invite the downtrodden in her community to learn at the Indigenous Library and escape the rigidity of the Indian caste system.

The Centre in 2014 had also shone new light on Fatima Sheikh's achievements by featuring her profile in Urdu textbooks alongside other trailblazing Indian educators.

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The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police arrested six people, including three women, as it busted a Haryana-based gang allegedly involved in kidnapping and selling minor girls for marriage with men much older to them, officials said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Women and Child Safety) Vrinda Shukla said the local Rabupura police team was probing the case of a missing 12-year-old girl which led it to the gang and its members were arrested on Saturday.

Shukla said the gang would lure young girls into going away with them and then sell them off for money to men much older than them for marriage.

"On December 26 last year, the 12-year-old girl's mother reported to the local police that her daughter was playing outside their house but suddenly went missing," Shukla said.

She said an FIR was lodged immediately and searches launched by the police which, during investigation, found a gang suspected of involvement in the case.

"The police found that some women were also members of the gang and it was a woman who had lured the girl from outside her house. The police found that the girl was sold to a 52-year-old man in Haryana for Rs 70,000. The man has been identified as Jasveer," the DCP said.

"As the gang was busted, five of its members were arrested, including three women. Jasveer, who had got married to the girl, has also been arrested," she said.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar police said the gang has been found operating from Rohtak in Haryana but picks up children from other nearby areas also.

Five more people linked to the gang have been identified and the police have gathered evidence against them, Shukla said, adding they would also be arrested soon.

An FIR has been lodged in the case at the Rabupura police station and legal proceedings are underway, she added.

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New Delhi: India and China are likely to hold the 14th round of corps commander-level talks on January 12 with a focus on making some forward movement in the disengagement process in the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh, people familiar with the development said on Friday.

The talks are expected to take place at the Chushul border point on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, they said.

The Indian side is expected to press for disengagement as soon as possible in all the remaining friction points including resolution of issues in Depsang Bulge and Demchok.

The 13th round of talks had taken place on October 10 last year and had ended in a stalemate.

Both sides failed to make any headway in the talks with the Indian Army saying after the dialogue that the "constructive suggestions" made by it were not agreeable to the Chinese side, which also could not provide any "forward-looking" proposals.

In their virtual diplomatic talks on November 18, India and China agreed to hold the 14th round of military talks at an early date to achieve the objective of complete disengagement in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.

It is learnt that the Indian side had sent at least two proposals for the 14th round of talks in the last two months but the Chinese side was not responding to them positively so far.

The eastern Ladakh border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas.

Both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector.

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New Delhi: India will start administering the precautionary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to the healthcare workers, frontline workers and those above 60 years with comorbidities from January 10.

The registration for the 'precaution dose' of COVID-19 vaccine for healthcare workers, frontline workers and those aged 60 and above with co-morbidities started on the CoWIN portal from Saturday evening.

Additional Secretary and Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Vikas Sheel on Saturday said in a tweet, "The feature for online appointments for precaution dose for HCWs/FLWs and Citizens (60+) is now live on Co-WIN. To book an appointment, please visit http://cowin.Gov.In"

There is no need for new registration of those taking the precautionary dose and they can directly take an appointment from Saturday or walk-in, the Union Health Ministry had said.

All people aged 60 years and above with co-morbidities will not be required to produce or submit any certificate from their doctor at the time of administration of the precaution dose, the Centre informed states and UTs recently.

Such people are expected to obtain the advice of their doctor before deciding to avail of the precaution dose or third dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

In a letter to states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the personnel to be deployed for election duty in poll-bound states will also be included in the category of FLWs.

Eligibility of such beneficiaries for the precaution dose will be based on the date of administration of the second dose as recorded in the Co-WIN system (completion of 9 months i.e. 39 weeks from the date of administration of second dose), according to the guidelines issued by the ministry.

CoWIN will send reminder messages to all those eligible for the precaution dose and the dose will be reflected in the digital vaccination certificates.

More than 2 crore (2,27,33,154) first doses of the vaccine have been administered to adolescents in the 15-18 age group taking the total doses administered to over 151.47 crore on Saturday, the Union Health Ministry said.

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New Delhi: Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday (January 9, 2022) addressed the media and said that his government is not planning to not impose any lockdown.

In a press conference, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief said that the COVID-19 situation is under control and requested people to wear masks.

"There is no plan to impose lockdown as of now. We won't if people continue to wear masks," Kejriwal said.

"Our attempt is to impose minimum restrictions so livelihoods are not affected," the Delhi CM added.

He further informed that about 22,000 COVID-19 cases are likely to be reported in Delhi on Sunday.

"Increasing cases concerning but need not be scared. I am saying so after comparing data from the last wave," the Delhi CM said.

Addressing an important press conference on COVID-19 situation in Delhi | LIVE https://t.co/iIPa3FZdHM  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 9, 2022

The remarks come amid the national capital recording seven more fatalities due to COVID-19 and clocking 20,181 new infections. The positivity rate in Delhi has now also increased to 19.60 per cent, according to data by the health department.

The number of active cases currently stands at 48,178, of which 25,909 are in home isolation.

Delhi Health Bulletin - 8th January 2022 #delhiFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/V7T9Dp4iSl  CMO Delhi (@CMODelhi) January 8, 2022

This is noteworthy that a weekend curfew is already in place in Delhi to curb the spread of coronavirus. The curfew started at 10 pm on Friday and will remain in force till Monday 5 am.

During the weekend curfew, only those involved in essential services and those facing an emergency situation are allowed to step out of their homes. Those venturing out will have to produce e-passes issued by the government or valid identity cards.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is also scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss further restrictions, including 'total curfew', under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The agenda of the meeting includes a review of the COVID-19 situation and preparation in the wake of rising Omicron cases in Delhi, a discussion on the implementation of GRAP (Level 4 Red), and a review of the vaccination programme.

"Discussion on implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (Level 4 Red Alert) as positivity of COVID-19 has crossed 15.34 per cent," stated the notice listing agenda of the meeting.

The 'Red Alert' is the topmost level of restrictions, including a total curfew, closure of all non-essential shops, metro trains, government offices, except those dealing with essential services, under the four-stage GRAP approved by DDMA. It can be sounded when the coronavirus positivity crosses 5 per cent and stays so for two consecutive days.

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Bihar had banned the consumption and selling of alcoholic beverages in the state long ago, however, the sale of liquor continues in the state - in blatant abuse of the law.

Zee News team, conducting a sting operation in Patna, exposed the ground reality of the liquor ban in Bihar.

Zee News' undercover reporter - who had no prior information about the liquor supplier - managed to get it just by making queries to a few common people.

While a few people first denied information on the availability of liquor, the reporter (pretending to be a guest in a marriage function) found an auto-rickshaw driver who agreed to get him the liquor.

The auto-rickshaw driver then called the supplier and dropped the reporter in New Patliputra colony, a posh area just 2.5 kms away from CM Nitish Kumar's residence, who had taken an oath to make Bihar liquor-free.

After waiting for 2 long hours, a boy aged around 13-14, knocked on the team's car and asked if they demanded the liquor. Minor supplier showed 4 tetra pack of the liquor pricing 500 each, which was much higher than the actual price.

The team denied to buy any alcohol citing the brand issue, since the intention was only to expose the ground reality of Bihar's liqour ban.

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New Delhi: Looks like the P Jain vs P Jain row is not going to end anytime soon between Samajwadi Party and BJP in Uttar Pradesh.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has recently said that his partys legal cell will soon file an FIR against BJPs IT department in-charge Amit Malviya for posting a misleading tweet to defame his party ahead of the assembly polls.

The tweet in question carries an image of Akhilesh Yadav, his wife Dimple Yadav and some SP members including Abhishek Misra and MLC Pushparaj Jain among others.

The caption alongside the picture says, "In 2015, Akhilesh Yadav had led a delegation to Grasse in France on grounds that a perfume park has to come up in Kannauj. In this photograph, his perfume businessman friend can be seen from whose house stacks of currency notes were found buried under the floor and hidden inside the walls. This was the wealth that was robbed from the people of UP."

The case was the classic P Jain vs P Jain, where several including the BJP has been targeting perfume trader and Pushparaj Jain in place of Piyush Jain.

The Samajwadi Party chief said that the perfumer from whose possession the cash has been seized and who was subsequently arrested is Piyush Jain who is not in the photograph.

SP MLC and maker of Samajwadi Perfume Pushparaj is often mistaken as Piyush Jain, a Kanpur based perfume businessman, who was arrested for tax evasion and in possession of Rs 177 crore cash.

"BJP se jhoota koi nahi hai Jhoot baantne wala koi nahi (There is no bigger liar than BJP, they spread lies)," Akhilesh said.

He said BJP leaders sitting in Delhi are spreading rumours in Uttar Pradesh to vitiate the atmosphere ahead of the elections.

Replying to a question, Akhilesh said the complaint will be filed soon. "Action, however, will follow after the SP government is formed because in the BJP government no action is initiated against anyone who targets me. However, if anyone dares to write anything about their (BJP) leaders, the police come calling," he said.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level meeting to review the developing COVID-19 situations in the country at 4: 30 pm on Sunday (January 9), ANI reported quoting government sources.

The review meeting, which is expected to be attended by top health experts, comes as India witnessed a massive spike in daily COVID-19 cases triggered by the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

India on Sunday reported 1,59,632 new COVID-19 cases, 327 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the total death toll to 4,83,790, as per data released by the Ministry of Health on Sunday (January 9, 2022). The active cases stand at 5,90,611.

An increase of 1,18,442 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The country also recorded 40,863 recoveries today, taking the total number of recoveries to 3,44,53,603.

About the Omicron surge, India in the last 24 hours reported 552 fresh Omicron infections, taking the total tally of such cases in the country to 3,623, according to the Union Health Ministry data. At least 1,409 have recovered,

Meanwhile, as the country sets foot in a potential third wave of the pandemic, the Election Commission has announced a schedule for the upcoming Assembly Elections. The polls will be held in 7 phases from Feb 10 to March 7.

In view of the rising virus cases, the poll body has put a ban on physical rallies, roadshows and procession till January 15.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on Sunday (January 9) to review the COVID-19 situation in the country.

The meeting conducted via video conference was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba and other officials, ANI reported.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in the country, through video conference pic.twitter.com/EY5u7LAaC3  ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2022

Here are the key points made by PM during the meeting:

1. Ensure adequate health infrastructure at the district level. Accelerate the vaccine drive for adolescents in mission mode.

2. Need continuous scientific research in testing, vaccines and pharmacological interventions including genome sequencing given that the virus is evolving continuously.

3. Ensure continuity of non-Covid health services and leverage telemedicine to ensure availability of health-related guidance to people in remote and rural areas.

4. Meeting with CMs be convened to discuss state-specific scenarios, best-practices and the public health response.

5. Continue Jan Andolan, focus on Covid Appropriate Behaviour critical in our ongoing battle against COVID-19.

The review meeting comes as India reported 1,59,632 new coronavirus cases, the highest in 224 days, as per Union health ministry data on Sunday. The daily positivity rate in the country jumped to 10.21 per cent as India reels under the third COVID-19 wave threat. The active cases have risen to 5,90,611, the highest in around 197 days.

The total tally of the Omicron variant has reached 3,623 in the country. Out of the total 3,623 Omicron cases, Maharashtra logged the highest with 1,009 cases, followed by Delhi with 513 and Karnataka with 441 cases.

With forthcoming elections in five Assemblies-- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa-- the Election Commission of India on Saturday while announcing poll dates banned physical rallies, roadshows, nukkad sabhas, padayatras and vehicle rallies till January 15 due to COVID-19 scare.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will interact with state health ministers on Monday over the prevailing coronavirus situation, government sources told ANI.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh`s jayanti, the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru, on Sunday (January 9, 2022). PM Modi in his greetings said that the Guru`s life message gives strength to millions of people.The Prime Minister also shared some pictures of his visit to Bihar`s Patna.

"Greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. His life and message give strength to millions of people. I will always cherish the fact that our Government got the opportunity to mark his 350th Parkash Utsav. Sharing some glimpses from my visit to Patna at that time," PM Modi tweeted.

Greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. His life and message give strength to millions of people. I will always cherish the fact that our Government got the opportunity to mark his 350th Parkash Utsav. Sharing some glimpses from my visit to Patna at that time. pic.twitter.com/1ANjFXI1UA  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2022

Additionally, Union Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his greetings on the occasion of Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh today. The Defence Ministser called Guru Gobind Singh an epitome of courage and compassion.

"I bow to Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji on his 355th Prakash Purab. He was the epitome of courage, compassion and magnanimity. His efforts to serve the downtrodden are widely respected across the world. Our society will remain indebted to his teachings and sacrifices," Singh tweeted.

I bow to Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji on his 355th Prakash Purab. He was an epitome of courage, compassion and magnanimity. His efforts to serve the downtrodden are widely respected across the world. Our society will remain indebted to his teachings and sacrifices.  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 9, 2022

The Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh is being celebrated on January 9 this year. Born Gobind Rai at Patna Sahib in Bihar, Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and last of Sikh gurus in human form. He was enthroned at the `Guru Gaddi` at the age of nine, following the martyrdom of his father, the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Meanwhile, in view of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has given relaxation to the devotees during the weekend curfew in Delhi, allowing them to offer prayers at Gurudwaras on Sunday.

(With ANI inputs)

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Amritsar: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday (January 9) released another list of five candidates to field in the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls, scheduled to be held in February. This is the party`s ninth list of candidates. So far, AAP has announced the names of 109 candidates for the polls for the 117-member legislative House of the state assembly.

According to the latest list, Dinesh Dhal will contest from Jalandhar North and Jagtar Singh will fight from Samrala.

Hardeep Singh Mundian will contest from Sahnewal seat. Dr Amandeep Kaur Arora will contest from Moga and Amit Rattan Kotfatta from Bathinda Rural, according to the AAP`s list.

The term of the state assembly will end in March. The polls are scheduled to take place in a single phase on February 14, with the counting of votes scheduled for March 10.

In the 2017 Punjab Assembly polls, Congress won an absolute majority in the state by winning 77 seats and ousted the SAD-BJP government after 10 years.

Aam Aadmi Party emerged as the second-largest party winning 20 seats in 117-member Punjab Legislative Assembly. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) could only manage to win 15 seats while the BJP secured 3 seats.

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New Delhi: Ahead of Assembly polls, Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer Dr S Karuna Raju has been tested positive for COVID-19, he announced on Sunday (January 9).

The news came just a day after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Assembly Election in five states, including Punjab.

Punjab elections to 117 Legislative constituencies would be held on February 14 in a single phase.

As per the schedule, the issue of the notification is on January 21, 2022, and the last date of making nominations would be January 28, 2022, while scrutiny of nominations would be done on January 29, 2022.

The date of withdrawal of candidature has been fixed for January 31, 2022. The date for polling has been fixed on February 14, 2022, whereas, counting will be done on March 10, 2022.

While addressing the media after the polling schedule announcement, Raju said that keeping in view the emerging challenge of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, everyone is requested for mandatory adherence of COVID appropriate behaviour.

He also requested Political Parties to strictly follow mandatory COVID-19 guidelines and encouraged them to opt for Virtual Campaign. There would be no campaign from 8 pm to 8 am.

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Jaipur: The Rajasthan government on Sunday (January 9) announced the closure of schools in urban areas, Sunday curfews, time limits on markets and a cap on occupancy at restaurants and movie theatres in view of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The restrictions were tightened on a day the state registered 5,660 new Covid cases and one death. Of the fresh infections, 2,377 were reported in Jaipur. Rajasthan currently has 19,467 active cases.

At the chief minister's residence, as many as 27 personnel, drivers of VVIP vehicles, have tested Covid positive. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot is already under home isolation after contracting the disease.

Gehlot has appealed to people to restrict their movement to the bare minimum possible and to follow the guidelines so that the spread of the virus could be contained.

"There are reports of thousands of doctors getting infected. The situation is worrying. We all have to fight this pandemic together. We will be successful in this only with the cooperation of the public," he tweeted.

According to the guidelines issued by the state home department, schools up to Class 12 in municipal corporation and municipality areas will be closed till January 30. Online classes will continue as before, it stated.

Earlier, the government had announced the closure of schools for classes 1 to 8 till January 17 in Jaipur and Jodhpur municipal corporation areas.

The guidelines stated the schools will be closed from Monday, but the rest of the restrictions will be effective from January 11.

The authorities have also decided to impose a curfew from 11 pm on Saturdays till 5 am on Mondays to stop the spread of the disease.

During this curfew period, all markets, workplaces and commercial complexes will remain closed, the guidelines stated.

However, factories with continuous production cycles and night shifts, IT and e-commerce, chemist shops, marriage-related services, emergency services, bus stands and railway stations, and health services are exempted.

Shops, malls and other commercial establishments will be allowed to be open till 8 pm, while restaurants and clubs can operate till 10 pm with 50 per cent of seating capacity, according to the guidelines.

Cinema halls, multiplexes, amusement parks, banquet halls etc will have to operate with 50 per cent occupancy and close by 8 pm.

A maximum of 100 people are permitted at marriage functions, but this cap will be at 50 for those in municipal corporation and municipality areas till January 30.

All religious places will remain open till 8 pm, but offerings like garlands, prasad, chadar and other things are banned.

The night curfew will continue to remain in force from 11 pm to 5 am daily, the guidelines stated.

As many as 9,76,177 people have been tested Covid positive in the state. Of them, 8,972 have died and 9,47,738 were recovered.

Jodhpur reported 600 fresh cases while Karauli district reported none. Jaipur has the highest 9,683 active Covid cases.

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Damoh: The Income Tax Department raided the house and properties of liquor businessman Shankar Rai and his family in Damoh and confiscated Rs 8 crore cash and 3 kilograms of gold.

It also seized incriminating documents.

"The Income Tax Department has seized Rs 8 crore in cash from the Rai family which also included a bag containing Rs 1 crore in cash stuffed in a water container. Besides, three kilograms of gold was also confiscated", Munmun Sharma, Joint Commissioner of Income Tax Department, Jabalpur who headed the I-T raid, said on Friday.

After the operation was over, the Joint Commissioner told, "The physical raid is over and that investigation will continue on the basis of the documents seized from the Rai family which would be done in Bhopal."

"The department will now investigate the seized documents and unnamed properties. So, we will have to wait for the final figure", said The Joint Commissioner.

The raid which started at 6 am on Thursday continued for 39 hours.

The Tax officials raided more than ten places belonging to Shankar Rai`s family.

Businessman Shankar Rai is a Congress leader and former Municipality President, while his brother Kamal Rai is a BJP leader who had been Vice President of the Municipality.

"Besides the liquor business, the Rai family also has a money lending business along with transport, hotel, bar and petrol pump", said Munmum Sharma.

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New Delhi: Weeks ahead of the upcoming Goa Assembly polls, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday (January 9) hit out at Mamata Banerjees Trinamool Congress (TMC) for an "anti-Congress" stand and claimed the partys presence will benefit BJP.

Attacking TMC in his weekly column 'Rokhtok' in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana', Raut said the TMC has roped in "unreliable leaders" from other parties and this attitude does not suit West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees image, who is herself fighting the BJP.

Raut said all parties have made Goa a "political laboratory". "The TMC's presence in Goa will benefit BJP the most," PTI quoted the Rajya Sabha MP as saying.

He added, "It is understandable if Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP's aim is to wipe out the Congress's existence. But, if Banerjee has the same aim, it doesn't suit her image.

Further, Raut claimed without elaborating that the TMC is spending extravagantly in Goa for the Assembly polls and "many say the source of funds spent by the party is somewhere else".

In December last year, Shiv Sena had slammed Banerjee's "no UPA" remark and said that creating an alliance parallel to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) without the grand old party is akin to strengthening the ruling BJP and the "fascist" forces.

On Saturday, the Election Commission of India announced that polls to all 40 Assembly constituencies in Goa would be held on February 14. The BJP, Congress, Goa Forward Party (GFP), Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Trinamool Congress Party (TMC), and NCP are the main political parties in the fray.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati will chair a high-level meet of party officials in Lucknow on Sunday (January 9) to finalise the partys candidates for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections 2022.

An announcement regarding the candidate list is also expected soon,

"Assembly polls in all the five states must be held peacefully. Police administration must work without bias. The people of Uttar Pradesh should vote for development. Our party will follow all guidelines of EC. I will chair a high-level meeting of party officials today regarding the final selection of candidates," said Mayawati while addressing a press conference here today.

UP Assembly Elections 2022 dates

The Election Commission on Saturday announced the schedule for the upcoming assembly polls in five states- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Punjab and Goa. The election will be held in 7 phases from February 10 to March 7.

Polling across Uttar Pradeshs 403 constituencies will take place in all seven phases starting from February 10.

The counting of votes in all states will take place on March 10.

COVID-safe elections

In the wake of the COVID-19 surge, the Commission directed that no physical political rallies and roadshows will be allowed till January 15, however, further rallies and election campaign meetings will be allowed only in earmarked places and with prior permissions of district administration.

2017 UP Polls

In the 2017 Assembly elections, the BJP won a landslide victory winning 312 Assembly seats. The party secured a 39.67 per cent vote share in the elections for 403-member Assembly.

Samajwadi Party (SP) bagged 47 seats, BSP won 19 while Congress could manage to win only seven seats.

(With agency inputs)

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A delivery person died after a drunk police constable's car allegedly hit his bike in Delhi. The man, identified as Salil Tripathi, was the lone bread earner of his family, police said in a statement.

"A Zomato delivery executive died after a police constable, who was driving a car allegedly under alcohol influence hit his bike in Budh Vihar, Rohini on Saturday. His father had died of COVID recently. The constable has been arrested," a Delhi Police official statement said.

"The car was being driven by Delhi Police constable Mahendra whose posting was in Rohini North police station. Prima facie, it looks like Mahendra was very drunk at the time when he carried out this accident," senior police official Rohini Pranav Tayal said.

"The eyewitnesses present on the spot had made a video of the constable at the time of the accident, in which he is seen very drunk. The people present there handed him over to the police," the official added.

"Taking action in this matter, the police registered a case and Mahendra has been arrested. Delivery boy Salil Tripathi was the only earning person in his house and his father also died in the second wave of COVID-19," the official said further.

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New Delhi: The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) India has issued notification for the recruitment of individuals for Chief Manager and Senior Officer posts. The company has invited applications from eligible candidates and is looking to fill up 9 posts in the organization.

The interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official site of GAIL India on gailonline.com. The last date to apply for the posts is till January 20, 2022.

GAIL India Recruitment 2022: Vacancy Details

Chief Manager: 2 Posts

Senior Officer: 7 Posts

GAIL India Recruitment 2022: Educational Qualification

Chief Manager: MBBS with MD / DNB in General Medicine

Senior Officer: MBBS Degree

GAIL India Recruitment 2022: Selection Process

GAIL India selection process will include Group Discussion and/or Interview before the Selection Committee. Candidates can check the age limit and other details here- Detailed Notification

GAIL India Recruitment 2022: Application Fees

It may be noted that the candidates belonging to General, EWS & OBC (NCL) category are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of Rs. 200, while SC/ ST/ PwBD category candidates are exempted from payment of application fees.

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New Delhi: Like every quintessential dad, Anurag Kashyap has a sweet bond with his daughter Aaliyah Kashyap and often gushes over her on social media. Now, the 'bonafide old man' got emotional as his daughter Aaliyah turned 21 years old on Sunday (Jan 9).

The director shared a monochrome, baby photo of an adorable, little Aaliyah with her cute smile and wrote a message along with it. He wrote, "And she is already 21.. I liked her like this when she was 9 years old .. I am now a bonafide old man .. I love you @aaliyahkashyap .. Why cant you just go back in time  I miss that little aalu."

Take a look at his post:

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's daughter Aaliyah Kashyap is a regular YouTube vlogger, who often releases a video talking about various things.

Aaliyah Kashyap is dating Shane Gregoire, who she met on a dating app and the star kid explained how it all went on her YouTube channel.

Aaliyah, who is studying at Chapman University in California is planning to drop from her college and try a few colleges in New York and Europe. The star kid is keen to pursue fashion marketing. At present, she is in Mumbai.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap married movie editor Aarti Bajaj in 1997 and the couple was blessed with daughter Aaliyah. However, the couple got divorced in 2009. He then married actress Kalki Koechlin but the duo decided to separate in 2013 and eventually in 2015 they got divorced.
New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh government has announced an increase in the wages for its employees with a fitment of 23.29 per cent. The state government, on Friday (January 9), also announced increasing the retirement age from 60 to 62 years, a move that would benefit thousands of state employees.

The announcements were made Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy held talks with leaders of various employees' associations. He announced the move to increase the wages on the second day of the meetings.

The government has also announced that the pay revision would come into effect from July 1, 2018. However, the monetary benefits would be paid with effect from April 1, 2020, Jagan told the employees' associations.

Also, the new salaries with enhanced scales would be implemented from January 1, 2022. The Chief Minister has also clarified that the state government will pay the pending DA instalment arrears would be paid along with the January salary.

The latest decision to increase the wages of the employees will put an additional financial burden of Rs 10,247 crore on the state exchequer per annum. The government has also announced that all the pending payments such as the provident fund, insurance, leave encashment and others would be cleared fully by April 2022.

Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government has set timelines for addressing the various other pending issues of the employees by June 30, 2022.

The Chief Minister also pointed that a Cabinet Sub-Committee was looking into the contributory pension scheme. He also announced that a final decision will be taken by June 30, 2022. Also Read: CNG, PNG prices hiked for 2nd time in 3 weeks in Mumbai: Check latest rates

Moreover, a committee will be constituted to look into the challenges troubling the employees' health scheme and find solutions to the issues. The committee will be headed by the Chief Secretary. Also Read: Budget 2022: EC wont interfere in Union Budget presentation, says CEC Chandra

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New Delhi: In what could be a blow to ICICI Bank customers, the private lender has announced a revision in credit card charges. The revision of the fees will come into effect from February 10.

ICICI Bank has announced that customers will now have to pay a transaction fee of 2.50%, subject to a minimum of Rs 500, on cash advances on all cards. Meanwhile, the private lender has also fixed the charge for the return of cheques and auto-debit at 2% of the total due amount, subject to a minimum of Rs 500.

Meanwhile, the bank has also revised the fee for paying the dues late for all cards, except ICICI Emerald Card. Here are the revised fees:

Due amount less than Rs 100 - No charge.

Due amount between Rs 100 - Rs 500 - Rs 100 late fee.

Due amount between Rs 501 to Rs 5000 - Rs 500 late fee.

Due amount between Rs 5001 - Rs 10,000 - Rs 750 late fee.

Due amount between Rs 10,001 - Rs 25,000 - Rs 900 late fee.

Due amount between Rs 25,011 - Rs 50,000 - Rs 1000 late fee.

Due amount up to Rs 50,000 - Rs 1200 due fee.

Customers will also have to pay Rs 50 plus GST in case of late payment of credit card dues. Also Read: Andhra Pradesh govt hikes employees pay by 23.39%, increases retirement age by 2 years

ICICI Bank has also recently revised the service charge on the ICICI Bank Savings Accounts with effect from 01 January 2022. Also Read: Odisha announces financial package for community support staff, paid medical leaves for Anganwadi workers

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New Delhi: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced a financial package for 50,000 community support staff (CSS) working at the Panchayat level under "Mission Shakti" in the state.

"All community support staff will receive an annual uniform allowance of Rs 1,000 and will be given one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to buy their preferred smartphone," said a statement from Chief Miniter`s office (CMO).

"All Community Resource Person- Community Mobilisation (CRP-CMs) will be paid monthly honorarium of Rs 3,000 along with Rs 350 per month for travel expenses and Rs 150 per month for telephone allowance totalling Rs 250," it added.

Stating that "Mission Shakti" has become a movement that has changed the lives of 70 lakh women in Odisha, the CMO said that "in the current year, women Self Help Group under Mission Shakti have been given a bank loan of a record Rs 6,000 crore."

"In addition, Rs 200 crore has been deposited in the bank account of SHGs towards interest subvention," it added Also Read: Andhra Pradesh govt hikes employees pay by 23.39%, increases retirement age by 2 years

Patnaik also announced paid medical leave for Anganwadi workers and double the one-time incentives for those retiring from the service. Also Read: Budget 2022: EC wont interfere in Union Budget presentation, says CEC Chandra

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New Delhi: Realtors apex body CREDAI has sought various tax sops to boost housing demand, including increase in the deduction limit for interest on home loans to Rs 5 lakh from the current Rs 2 lakh.

In its Budget recommendations to the Finance Ministry, CREDAI which has around 13,000 developer members, has also sought infrastructure status for the sector and change in definition of affordable housing.

CREDAI's National President Harshvardhan Patodia expects the upcoming budget to give much-needed impetus to infrastructure development and housing by introducing various amendments, relaxations and extensions.

"We urge the Finance Ministry to increase the interest deduction for homebuyers for tax rebate under section 24(B) to boost the overall home buying sentiment especially in these difficult times with the onset of the third wave," Patodia said.

CREDAI also demanded amendment to Section 80C under the Income Tax Act to increase limit for repayment of housing loan principal, reduction in income tax burden on rental housing and long-term capital gains on capital assets.

On interest deduction on home loans, CREDAI said that "in case of individuals, the interest in respect of first self-occupied property should be allowed without any limit."

Alternatively, the limit for deduction of interest should be increased to Rs 5 lakh in respect of the self-occupied property, it added.

CREDAI said the limit of Rs 45 lakh on the value of property to qualify as affordable housing renders housing in metros ineligible for the benefits under Section 80 IBA, which promotes the development of such low cost homes.

The limit on value of the unit be raised to Rs 75 lakh (for non-metro cities) and Rs 1.50 crore (for metro cities), it said.

As builders are entering into joint development agreements (JDA) with landowners to develop new projects, CREDAI pointed out that the payment of tax at the time of JDA whereas the actual consideration would flow in at future date, acts as a disincentive towards housing and real estate development.

"The amendment will help avoid enormous amount of litigation," the association said.

Deepak Goradia, President at CREDAI-MCHI, said: "We are hopeful that the upcoming budget will bring realty under the infrastructure status which in turn will unlock multiple tax benefits for boosting the foreign and local investment and the overall demand in the sector."

He said the government should consider increasing the tax rebate for homebuyers significantly.

To promote rental housing, CREDAI suggested that 100 per cent of the rental income up to Rs 20 lakh per annum should be exempt from the payment of income tax, with institutions paying MAT as applicable.

Established in 1999, CREDAI is the apex body for private real estate developers in India, representing over 13,000 developers through 21 states and 217 city chapters across the country.

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New Delhi: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a warning to Google Chrome users, who are still using an older version of the Google-owned browser. CERT-In works under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of India.

According to the government-operated agency, users running a Chrome version older than the 97.0.4692.71 version could be at risk of a malicious attack. In the recent past, there have been malicious attacks on the desktops and laptops of such users by attackers who are reportedly executing arbitrary code on targeted systems.

In its advisory, CERT-In explained that users should update to the latest version of Google Chrome which comes with several security fixes including fixes for vulnerabilities like Use a/fter free, Heap buffer overflow, Type Confusion, Inappropriate implementation, Incorrect security UI, Out of bounds memory access, Policy bypass etc.

Google has updated the stable channel for Chrome to 97.0.4692.71 for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This version addresses vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit to take control of an affected system, CERT-In said in its advisory.

Google has updated the stable channel for Chrome to 97.0.4692.71 for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This version addresses vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit to take control of an affected system, CERT-In added. Also Read: ITR filing FY21: Are you exempted from paying fee for filing belated tax returns? Check details

Meanwhile, Google, in its blog said that the Chrome 97.0.4692.71 version contains a number of fixes and improvements -- a list of changes is available in the log. The new version will be rolled out over the coming days/weeks, the tech giant said in a blog dated January 4, 2022. Also Read: Businesses to get reasonable time to explain reasons for mismatch in GSTR-1, 3B

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New Delhi: Smartphone brand OnePlus' upcoming flagship phone OnePlus 10 Pro is likely to feature a dual-curved screen with very narrow bezels on both sides, as well as the chin and the top.

In its official Weibo post, the company revealed that the hole-punch stills remain in the top left corner, same as last year, reports GizmoChina.

The post also mentioned that the smartphone, which is all set to launch in China on January 11, will be the first phone to sport the latest version of ColorOS 12.1 in China.

Under the hood, the smartphone will be powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset. It will be sporting a 120Hz LTPO 2.0 AMOLED display on the front.

It will house a 5,000mAh battery that supports 80W SuperVOOC wired charging and 50W AirVOOC wireless charging. Furthermore, it will also have support for reverse wireless charging too.

A recent report said that the OnePlus 10 Pro would come with an all-new triple rear camera array alongside the Hasselblad camera branding at the back. Also Read: Odisha announces financial package for community support staff, paid medical leaves for Anganwadi workers

The company also revealed that the smartphone will come in two colour options -- volcanic black and forest emerald. Also Read: ICICI Bank revises credit card charges, late payment fine now up to Rs 1,200

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The omicron variant's unprecedented surge is straining Colorado's already exhausted health care workforce, and a physician who helped write hospitals' emergency triage plans late last year said Friday the state would benefit from enacting them now.

"From a staffing perspective, it'll get worse," said Anuj Mehta, a researcher and Denver Health intensive care physician. "We might start seeing certain units being shut down. ... Urgent cares shutting down, labor and delivery (departments) shutting down. There's high potential for that in the coming weeks. It's going to be much harder to access health care."

Omicron has led to staggering case and positivity rates across the state, setting and re-setting records in successive days. COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide are rising after a monthlong reprieve, and Colorado's top epidemiologist told reporters Wednesday that this wave won't peak for weeks to come. Perhaps more pressing is the surge's impact on hospital workers: The variant's wildfire-like spread, coupled with its ability to evade immunity, is leading to a surge in breakthrough cases among health care staff, whose ranks have already been thinned by exhaustion and burnout.

"Omicron has done something that I think we all hoped would never happen but unfortunately is happening," Mehta said. "Omicron has decimated the ranks of health care workers because we're seeing so many people test positive."

At Denver Health, 40% of health care workers who've self-reported for testing recently are positive for the virus, Mehta and hospital spokeswoman Rachel Hirsch said. Fortunately, because those workers are vaccinated and because omicron generally causes less severe disease, Mehta said he wasn't aware of any of his recently infected colleagues becoming seriously ill.

But the rolling waves of infection mean providers are routinely dropping out to isolate for at least five days, further exacerbating a critical staffing shortage. Mehta's wife, a primary care physician, volunteered to go work a shift in an emergency department because of staffing shortages; systems and hospitals across the state are increasingly turning to outpatient providers, like those at urgent or primary care clinics, to fill in for infected hospital workers.

Cara Welch, spokeswoman for the Colorado Hospital Association, said she couldn't say with certainty that the virus was infecting more providers now than in previous waves, "but it sure seems that would be likely, just given the transmissibility of omicron." As of Friday afternoon, more than half of the state's hospitals said they were anticipating a staffing shortage in the next wee. Welch said that figure is likely an undercount.

Rachel Herlihy, Colorado's epidemiologist, said this week that the virus is spreading so widely that patients in the hospital for non-COVID-19 reasons are testing positive at higher rates, which increases the exposure risk for health care workers.

In November, hospital capacity was strained to its tightest points of the pandemic. The crisis was centralized at the hospitals but exacerbated by short staffing at long-term care facilities, which can act as step-down facilities for recovering patients. Gov. Jared Polis surged scores of new beds into hospitals and long-term care buildings, which helped to stabilize the situation. But long-term care staffers are getting sick now, too, Mehta said, and several nursing homes have recently refused admissions because they're too short-staffed.

"We were already operating on razor-thin margins," he continued. " ... We're seeing emergency department wait times and waiting rooms extending into multiple hours for lower-acuity issues, and then waiting rooms kind of bursting at the seams."

The crisis standards of care for staffing - which broadly allow fewer staff to cover more space and beds than would otherwise - have been in place since November. But the state has not enacted its triage standards, which dictate how hospitals should deploy resources, if they become overwhelmed.

Mehta led the effort in November to re-write the triage standards. At the time, COVID-19 hospitalizations were at their highest point in a year. Even more pressing was the spiraling staffing crisis, coupled with a rush of typical hospital patients who were sicker than patients were pre-pandemic.

The state has not had to activate its crisis standards of care for triage, which many providers have said would be a worst-case scenario and a sign of the extreme, near-fracturing strain placed on hospitals here. But Mehta said Friday many hospitals were already using strategies outlined in the plan.

"I mean, I think we're there, " he said when asked if the state needed to institute the rest of the crisis standards. Anecdotally, he said, he's heard of providers discharging patients early or referring emergency room patients to outpatient care elsewhere, as opposed to admitting them, so long as it's safe to do so. Both of those strategies are key parts of the crisis standards.

But the wrinkle, Mehta continued, is that these decisions are not happening in a uniform way. The crisis standards, if activated by Polis statewide, would give detailed guidelines on how to ration resources equitably and uniformly, in a way that could be tracked.

Welch said enacting the standards is "certainly the end of the road we're trying not to reach." She said hospitals were still able to transfer patients between them, meaning that there was still some flexibility left within Colorado's hospital system.

"But I think the crisis standards are still out there as the last major lever we have to pull," she said. "It seems like we're moving in that direction still as the case and hospitalization numbers continue to go up and as our staffing challenges continue."

Mehta said Colorado's hospital system would benefit the crisis standards being activated, for several reasons: It would give liability protection to hospitals making those decisions; it would centralize the decision-making about patients away from providers directly treating them; and it would ensure inequities common in health care aren't perpetuated.

It would also serve as a wake-up call to the state, he said, and would help health care providers who are already past the point of exhaustion.

"Its hard to imagine the mental health getting worse, but it will obviously get worse," he said. "I have no doubt about that. I couldn't imagine it getting worse (six weeks ago) and its worse (now). We don't know what the floor is for mental health for health care workers. That's going to be an ugly floor because my God, the people who continue to show up for their job every day - how do you define that as anything other than a hero?"
New Delhi: Users of WhatsApp business accounts will soon be able to search more accurately within the chatbox thanks to a new feature. Long threads can benefit from the advanced search filter, which divides them by contacts, non-contacts, and unread.

These new features are being handed out to both Android and iOS users, according to WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo. "WhatsApp is not going to distribute it on WhatsApp Messenger," according to the instant-messaging app tracker, "since they are more beneficial on WhatsApp Business."

"WhatsApp is currently releasing a new feature that allows you to use complex search filters to filter your chats and messages. If the feature is already activated for your WhatsApp Business account, new options will appear when searching for chats and messages: Contacts, Non-contacts, and Unread," writes WABetaInfo.

You can quickly browse results that satisfy your criteria when you utilise these options, and you can also combine different conditions (for example, looking for images from non-contacts), according to WABetaInfo.

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Some headlines that caught my eye as the year wound down.

A 48-year old woman, who thought she looked younger than her years apparently was correct because she passed herself off as an undergrad in her early 20s at a Missouri college.

Laura Oglesby stole her estranged daughters identity to pull off her charade, even getting financial aid in the process. The local chief of police said the woman had everyone fooled, even a few college boyfriends. But she was found out and charged with fraud and could face up to five years. Maybe the jail offers remote college courses.

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A few weeks back I heard about a guy who, unbeknownst to him, had a half a million bucks worth of cocaine in the door panel of his car.

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Scroogette. The alleged revelation by a female teacher at George W. Miller Elementary School in Nanuet has angered her students parents by telling her class of 7 year olds during a geography lesson that Santa Claus wasnt real.

This came after the kids told her they knew about the North Pole because thats where Santa lived. So the teacher thought the time was right to let them in on the scam that it was really their parents who were buying them Christmas presents, not Kris Kringle.

But for every Grinch, there is an angel, like Margaret Burke, a postal worker who for 20 years, has responded to letters written by children to Santa. She has written back to each child using her own time and money for stamps, and even puts a North Pole return address on each letter.

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There is a study out that concludes if you are a generally agreeable person, youll make less money than your unpleasant and disagreeable coworkers. Nine thousand people in the workforce were interviewed over the last 10 years and the conclusion is that if you are trustworthy, straightforward and compliant then you make, on average, $7,000 less than your counterparts.

The theory is that those less pleasant workers are more willing to fight for what they want, like a raise.

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Way over in Germany a federal court ruled that a man who somehow injured himself while walking from his bed to his desk was entitled to workmens comp because technically he was commuting.

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A hunter in Missouri killed a deer with a 16-point rack, only to discover that hed shot a doe, a rare 1 in 10,000 creature.

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If you decide to legally end your life in Germany you have to get permission from the German Euthanasia Association, which now requires that before they approve your request to die, you must show proof youve had your COVID vaccination.

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One of the Capitol rioters says she plans to make the most of her 60-day jail sentence. Texas realtor Jenna Ryan will use her time in the pen to lose 30 pounds, detox her system and really dial in on yoga. If I do that then it will be worth going to prison, Ryan said.

Happy New Year to you all.
Q: Whats the story behind the Saliba Building, 129 S. St. Andrews St. in downtown Dothan?

A: The building is named for Elias Thomas Saliba, who was born in Lebanon in 1880 and settled in Dothan in 1900.

According to an article in Saleeby-Saliba Worldwide Family: From Ancient to Modern Times written for the book by Norma Jo Saliba Hanson, granddaughter of Elias Thomas Saliba and sister of former mayor Alfred Saliba, Elias Thomas Saliba was born in the village of Bteghrine, Lebanon.

When Elias Thomas was 14 years old his father died, and he went to work in a silk factory to support his mother and three brothers.

He saved enough money to buy a ticket to the United States to visit relatives and arrived in Savannah, Georgia, in 1898, Hanson wrote. While staying with friends in Ozark, Saliba rented a horse and carriage and ordered merchandise from Savannah in order to sell door-to-door in the area.

By 1900, when Saliba drove his wagon of goods in downtown Dothan, the town founded in 1885 boasted a railroad, a grammar school, six churches, and electric lights.

Impressed with the growth potential in Dothan, Elias Thomas rented a building at 104 E. Main St. and opened his first grocery store, Hanson wrote. The next year, he relocated on the northwest corner of Main and St. Andrews streets in what was later known as the Page Drug Building, and he sent for his brother Mose to help him operate the market and lunch stand.

By 1903, Elias Thomas could afford to send for his mother and two youngest brothers: Abraham, 16, and Michael, 12. When they arrived in June, Elias Thomas hired Roy McClure from the Dothan Grammar School (later renamed Howell Elementary) to teach the whole family the English language.

In 1904, when Elias Thomas Saliba was visiting friends in Moultrie, Georgia, he met and married Rose Khassouf. They had nine children, including Joseph Elias Saliba, Normas father. Three of the nine children died at an early age.

Elias Thomas became an American citizen, and the young entrepreneur saw that Dothan needed its own wholesale grocery and tobacco dealership, Hanson wrote. Before establishing the new business, he gave his fruit and grocery store to Mose and Mike and opened another store at 122 E. Main St. for his brother Abe.

Joe Buck Baker Jr., who served as Dothans mayor in the early 1900s, sold Elias Thomas Saliba four lots in the first block of South St. Andrews Street between Main Street and the Central of Georgia railroad tracks. Saliba contracted with John William Baughman, a Wiregrass builder, to construct a two-story brick building with a basement and the towns first elevator.

The walls were to be three bricks thick, and a platform elevator for loading merchandise would be central to the building, connecting the basement with the top floor offices, Hanson wrote.

In 1912, Elias Thomas planned to take his wife, Rose, and their children to Lebanon for an extended visit.

Before they left, he sold the business to the Jackson Grocery Company, who agreed to lease the building for 10 years, Hanson wrote.

While in Bteghrine, Elias Thomas started a new business and was elected mayor of his village.

For his dedicated work in establishing 14 rural schools, he was decorated by Czar Nicholas of Russia and presented a magnificent sword with his name carved on the blade, Hanson wrote.

Elias Thomas return trip to Dothan was again delayed, this time by war.

The Lebanese people had no food or money, but Elias Thomas managed to obtain groceries and sold them to the villagers for I.O.U.s, Hanson wrote.

At the age of 39, Elias Thomas Saliba was assassinated. His widow Rose returned to Dothan with their six children and rented the landmark building to various tenants from 1922 to 1940, Hanson wrote.

At that time, her sons began to use the facility for several different purposes, including a roofing business, furniture sales and an optometry practice.

As E.T. Salibas sons relocated their businesses and retired, the structure joined its neighbors in the cemetery of vacant buildings, Hanson wrote. In the 1970s and 1980s Dothan retailers flocked to new shopping malls, and residents moved away from the center of town toward and beyond the Ross Clark Circle.

In June 1984, Dr. Robert Johnstone purchased the Saliba Building from Eliass son, Albert.

The sale included a provision that the large block reading E.T. Saliba  Established 1900 would remain intact at the top center of the building, Hanson wrote.

Johnstone planned a full restoration of the exterior and hired a Montgomery architectural firm, Watson, Watson & Rutland, to ensure compliance with the guidelines set by the Secretary of the Interior for the Rehabilitation of Historic Structures. To qualify as a true historic restoration, 80 percent of the exterior would have to be returned to its original form, and no structural additions could be attached directly to the building.

The Saliba Building Restoration Project by Southeast Development Company was so successful that in September 1985 it won the annual Preservation Award, given to one of seven nominees that year by the Historic Chattahoochee Commission, Hanson wrote.

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While the franchises 2021 financial results took a hit because of the Covid-19 pandemic, a tangible gain has been the Starbucks VND90,000 ($4) coffee becoming a daily staple in Vietnam.

Starbucks Vietnam general manager Patricia Marques said that despite the impacts of the nine-week social distancing orders in 2021, the global coffee brand has built up a regular customer base for its coffee worth VND90,000-100,000.

She said it has also established more outlets away from the downtown in new urban areas, buildings and local communities. While people used to prefer living close to the center of a locality, they are willing to live a little further away these days, she said.

Starbucks Vietnam closed three outlets but opened nine new ones in 2021. Between December 2021 and January 2022, it opened another six: three in Hanoi; two in HCMC; and one in the southern province of Binh Duong.

In Vietnam, Starbucks currently has 77 outlets whose takeaway sales has grown amid Covid-19 outbreaks.

Marques said she expected instability to continue in Vietnams food and beverage market this year, but takeaway revenue, non-cash payment and e-commerce would continue to grow.

While there is still a lot of vacant space, it will not be easy for food and beverage businesses to find satisfactory locations at a reasonable price, she said. Citing data from a partner, she said the rent of commercial premises in Vietnam increased by 3 percent, while it decreased 10 percent in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

According to the brands official websites, chains with the highest number of outlets in Vietnam are domestic brands Highlands (462 stores), The Coffee House (146) and Trung Nguyen (89).

U.S.-based Starbucks made consolidated revenues of $29.1 billion in the fiscal year 2021 (ending in the third quarter of 2021), up 24 percent against over 2020.

In the fiscal year 2022, the brand expects global earnings of $32.5-33 billion, beating Wall Streets estimate of $32.07 billion, and plans to open about 2,000 new outlets globally, three-quarters of them outside the U.S. According to data recorded by Statista, as of November 2021, Starbucks had 33,833 outlets worldwide.
A student of Hanois University of Finance - Business Administration lifts her suitcase at the Giap Bat Station as she heads home for Tet, January 30, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Tung Dinh

Many people are puzzled by provinces Covid-19 travel advisory telling them not to visit their hometown for Tet considering the government wants Vietnam to live with the disease.

After reading a letter from officials in Thanh Hoa Town in the eponymous central province urging people not to return for Tet (Lunar New Year Festival) unless necessary, Mai Phuong called her mother back home and hesitantly asked, "Should I stay back or come?"

The 27-year-old, who lives in Hanois Thanh Xuan District, has been looking forward to being reunited with her parents during Tet after not visiting her hometown for nearly a year as a precaution.

She finds the advisory telling people not to visit home during the countrys most important holidays though Vietnam has switched strategies to safely live with Covid "very confusing".

"It is easy for outsiders to say people living far away from their hometowns should wait for one long year to meet their family".

Traditionally duringTet, the countrys biggest and most important celebration, Vietnamese travel in their millions to their hometowns  with many living abroad too making their way back  to be with their families.

Covid travel advisories are a hot topic these days among people who are about to head home for the nine-day break for the Lunar New Year starting Jan. 29.

Many of them, longing to meet their family back home, are now in a dilemma.

"I feel like I am being discriminated against by my own hometown," Phuong said, adding she still does not know whether to go though she has already bought the train tickets.

Trinh Xuan Quynh too wants to visit Thanh Hoa Town to offer incense at his late father's altar after a whole year of not going back home.

But 34-year-old delivery driver decided to stay back in Hanoi after his mother repeatedly told him not to come, explaining it is best to abide by local officials' guidelines and not risk becoming alienated by the whole town.

"I am. But seeing the rising number of infections in Hanoi lately, I don't want people to badmouth my family if I accidently infect the village".

But many other people are still waiting to make a decision about visiting home.

Le Thanh Trung, 28, of HCMCs Binh Tan District said: "Tet is for family reunions, and I do not think it is necessary for my hometown to advise people not to come home".

He plans to buy a train ticket home a week before Tet "if the pandemic is contained and people in my hometown Thanh Hoa feel okay to welcome me".

He has not visited home for two years.

Advisory

Though more than 70.5 million of the countrys 96 million people are fully vaccinated, many localities fear that family gatherings and visiting relatives and friends houses could cause Covid to resurge.

Several other localities, including the northern Thai Nguyen Province and the central Ha Tinh Province, have also advised people not to return for Tet.

Nguyen Viet Hung, head of the Thanh Hoa Town Fatherland Front Committee, said Wednesday the letter is a recommendation not a travel ban.

"The city does not plan to and cannot ban people from traveling. The recommendation is for people to protect their own health and their loved ones and the communitys".

Last month Vinh Phuc and Quang Nam provinces had also advised local families to encourage their loved ones to limit traveling home for the Lunar New Year.

Health authorities announced 16,513 Covid-19 cases Saturday in 62 cities and provinces, pushing the total infection tally in the fourth wave so far to 1,860,134.

Hanoi topped the country's infection tally with 2,791 cases, followed by Khanh Hoa with 798 and Hai Phong with 748.

The advisories caused immediate controversy and confusion, with many pointing out that any travel restriction goes against the governments stated policy of adapting to life with Covid.

Dr Nguyen Viet Hung, vice chairman of the Hanoi Association for Infection Control, has said that urging people not to visit home for Tet is not an effective measure against the epidemic.

"Traveling between provinces cannot cause an outbreak, if people strictly follow safety regulations.

"We are not afraid of the epidemic spreading from one province to another because every province now has it".

In Saigon, Trung has told himself that in the worst case, if people in his hometown remain afraid of Covid and the province keeps advising people not to go home, he will have his Tet in Saigon.

"I am worried that people may stigmatize me," he admitted.
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said the military had been mobilised to clear roads and rescue thousands still trapped near Murree, around 70km north-east of the capital, Islamabad.

Video shared on social media showed cars packed bumper-to-bumper, with 1m-high piles of snow on their roofs.

"The heavy snowfall caused a traffic jam and the closure of roads," Mr Babar Khan, a tourist who was stranded for hours, told AFP by phone."Roads were also closed due to falling trees in many places.

"The website of Pakistans National Weather Forecasting Centre said heavy snowfall was expected in the area until Sunday afternoon, while Information Minister Fawad Chaudry said "decades" of weather records had been broken in the last 48 hours.For days, Pakistans social media has been full of pictures and videos of people playing in the snow around Murree, a picturesque resort town built by the British in the 19th century as a sanatorium for its colonial troops.

The Punjab province Chief Ministers Office said the surroundings had been declared a "disaster area" and urged people to stay away.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was shocked and upset at the tragedy.

"Unprecedented snowfall & rush of people proceeding without checking weather conditions caught district admin unprepared," he tweeted.

"Have ordered inquiry & putting in place strong regulation to ensure prevention of such tragedies."
Jennifer Annabel Miner

Wanted for: Probation violation and failure to appear on the original charge of possession of a controlled substance

The Twin Falls County Sheriffs Office asks that anyone with information please call 208-735-1911 or Crime Stoppers at 208-343-2677, where they can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Web tips can be made at 343cops.com or through the P3 Tips app.
As children return to school with cases surging, many districts are struggling to find substitute teachers, and some have even decided to move classes online. Although children have typically fair better against the virus, with such a high level of transmission many children are testing positive, even if their case may be asymptomatic.

This has led to a record-breaking increase in pediatric hospitalizations, especially among young and unvaccinated children. Hospitalizations are increasing, and many doctors are reporting that the majority of children are unvaccinated. Additionally, the vast majority in some areas have co-morbidities, that make them more vulnerable to the covid-19.

What percent of children are vaccinated? Age Vaccination Status Partial Fully 5-11 25.8 16.7 12-17 64.1 53.9 Source: CDC

Around 824 children are being hospitalized each day in the US, up around 62 percent from last week. For children under five, who are not able to get the vaccine, the rate of hospitalization is double what it was a month ago, a real concern for the CDC who has cut isolation requirements in recent days. Georgia is one of more than twenty states that have over eight percent of their hospitalization beds filled. When looking at pediatric hospitalizations, the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta system had twenty-two children with covid under their care, and on 5 January that number was 118.

Deaths are not reported by variant strain and thus knowing the number of fatalities in children from Omicron is not possible. Since 11 December, tragically nine deaths have been reported among people younger than fifteen.

CDC report shows an increased risk for diabetes for children who have covid-19

The CDC published a report on 8 January that outlines a link between diabetes and covid-19 in children. Researchers found that children who had been diagnosed with covid were 166 percent more likely to later be diagnosed with diabetes. A similar trend has been found in adults and some scientists believe it could be caused by the way the virus attacks a person's organs, in this case, the pancreas. Much more research is needed to determine the cause and identify ways to protect children moving forward.

This research does highlight a risk that while children may not suffer severe symptoms or require hospitalization at the rates adults do, there could still be long-term damage to their health. Researchers also noted that they do not yet know if the condition will be reversible or not. One author on the paper Dr. Sharon Saydah, told the New York Times that these findings highlight the urgency in getting children vaccinated. Dr. Saydah also noted that parents should be aware of the symptoms of diabetes which include "Increased thirst, frequent urination, unintentional weight loss," to be able to get their children diagnosed if they present.
In other words, the challenges we face are enormous and it is easy to understand why many may fall into depression and cynicism. This is a state of mind, however, that we must resist  not only for ourselves but for our kids and future generations. The stakes are just too high. Despair is not an option. We must stand up and fight back.

And here is some very good news. While the corporate-owned media may not be actively reporting it, working people all over the country, with extraordinary courage and determination, are taking on corporate greed, and they are winning.

Workers at John Deere waged their first strike in more than three decades, stayed on the picket lines and eventually won a contract with strong wage increases, a ratification bonus and improved health insurance.

Striking nurses in Buffalo won raises that moved all workers to at least $15 an hour and a reduction in staff shortages. These nurses fought not only for themselves, but their patients  and they won.

Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers won a major victory after rejecting a contract that would have given new workers lower wages and benefits.

Nabisco workers, struggling against forced overtime, inadequate wages and pensions, a two-tier health system and the outsourcing of jobs, went on strike and won. Once again we saw workers fighting not just for themselves, but for the next generation of workers.

More than 1,400 Kelloggs workers in Michigan, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Nebraska went on strike for months and won, fighting back against a plan to give new workers lower wages and benefits.

Starbucks employees in upstate New York, for the very first time, organized a union shop in a fight against a giant corporation that did just about everything it could to stop them.

Those are just some of the inspiring efforts that took place last year. Let me tell you about whats happening right now as workers continue to stand up to some of the most powerful corporate interests in the country.
People wear face masks to avoid COVID-19 infection in Phnom Penh in May 2020.

(Photo: AFP/VNA)

It is the largest event within the ASEAN tourism cooperation framework.

The forum will feature a series of major events, such as the 25th ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, the Tourism Ministers Meetings between ASEAN and partner countries (China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, India and Russia), the International Travel Expo TRAVEX, and the ASEAN Tourism Award Ceremony.

In this years ASEAN Tourism Award, Vietnam has won four out of the five categories, namely ASEAN Green Hotel Awards, ASEAN MICE Venue Awards, ASEAN Clean Tourist City Awards, and ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards.

Vietnams pavilion at TRAVEX 2022 will be themed Live Fully in Vietnam, with the participation of popular tourist destinations, tour operators and luxurious hotels and resorts from the country.

The ATF was first organised in Kuala Lumpur in 1981. The event was hosted by Vietnam twice, in Hanoi in 2009 and in Quang Ninh in 2019.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, ASEAN is one of Vietnams major source of tourists. In 2019, tourist arrivals from ASEAN totaled nearly 2.1 million, mostly from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia. The figure accounted for about 11.6 percent of Vietnams foreign visitors./.
State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) hosts visiting Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh in Hanoi on January 8. (Photo: VNA)

The Lao PM is on an official visit to Vietnam until January 10 at the invitation of his counterpart PM Pham Minh Chinh.

Welcoming PM Phankham Viphavanh, President Phuc said he expects the visit will provide a new impetus for the Vietnam-Laos special relations to expand further. He also expressed his delight at what Laos has achieved in recent years.

Phankham Viphavanh also highly spoke of major achievements made by Vietnamese people over the past years, saying under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the Vietnamese people will succeed in implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress and the Socio-economic Development Strategy for the 2021  2030 period.

Both leaders said they are pleased to see the sustainable growth of the comprehensive partnership and great friendship between the two countries, and highly valued each others support in fighting COVID-19.

Phuc suggested the two sides should continue promoting their strong political ties and unleashing their potential and advantages in implementing specific cooperation plans, projects and works.

The two leaders agreed Vietnam and Laos must work together to solve problems and challenges their businesses are facing to boost investors confidence; accelerate economic links between the two nations; and make the most of free trade agreements to which they are signatories.

They also wanted the two countries to expand connections in both hard and soft infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and digital economy.

They highly valued coordination and support received from each other at multilateral forums, particularly within the framework of the UN, ASEAN and sub-regional cooperation. They agreed to together with other ASEAN member states to back Cambodia in its ASEAN Chairmanship for 2022 and maintain the blocs solidarity and centrality.

Phuc later took the occasion to ask his guest to convey his greetings to Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith and other leaders of Laos./.
General Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the ruling State Administration Council of Myanmar (R), meets with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Nay Pyi Taw on January 7. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Min Aung Hlaing informed Hun Sen that the current Myanmar government had previously declared a five-month ceasefire with all Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) until the end of February 2022 and has now decided to extend it until the end of 2022, according to a joint press statement released by Cambodias Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on the same days night.

Min Aung Hlaing also called on all parties to accept the ceasefire in the interest of the country and people, end all acts of violence and exercise utmost restraint.

Prime Minister Hun Sen, for his part, strongly supported the move with the view to de-escalating tension and enabling constructive dialogues among relevant stakeholders to achieve enduring peace and national development, said the press statement.

Min Aung Hlaing said he welcomed the participation of the ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar to join the ceasefire talks with the EAOs.

The two leaders also supported the convening of a meeting among stakeholders such as the ASEAN Special Envoy on Myanmar and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, among others, in providing aid to the people of Myanmar.

They said it was critically important to set up mechanisms and proper facilities for COVID-19 vaccination programme along with the effective provision of humanitarian assistance to the people in need without discrimination.

Cambodia is assuming Chair of ASEAN this year and its Prime Minister Hun Sen has become the first foreign leader to visit Myanmar since February 2021. His two-day visit aims to seek solutions to end the ongoing political crisis in Myanmar./.
Fallen electric pylons block a road while a sign asking for food (L), is displayed along a road in Surigao City, the Philippines. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Three weeks after Typhoon Rai struck southern and central islands, destroying thousands of homes and killing more than 400 people, relief work continues to deliver supplies to affected residents.

At least nine people have died from diarrhoea in the islands of Dinagat and Siargao, the Philippine health department's regional office said. A total of 895 cases had been recorded there since the typhoon struck, mostly among those left homeless, said department spokesman Ernesto Pareja, adding that the government and aid agencies rushed to build emergency water treatment facilities

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned of a "mounting health crisis" in typhoon-hit areas as it scaled up its disaster response. The typhoon left millions without access to clean drinking water, hospitals and health facilities, IFRC Philippine delegation head Alberto Bocanegra said.

The United Nations World Food Programme, meanwhile, voiced concern over a rapid rise in preventable malnutrition if affected families are not provided with badly needed food assistance.

A total of 402 people have died from the typhoon which struck the country on December 16 last year, according to the Philippine civil defence office's latest tally, with more than 1,200 injured and 78 still missing and at least 370,000 still in evacuation centres.

Survivors have likened the storm to Super Typhoon Haiyan, which left 7,300 people dead or missing across the central Philippines in 2013 and remains the country's deadliest on record./.
Al-Azhar condemned Friday terrorist attack on a mosque in Afghanistans capital Kabul that left dozens of worshippers dead and injured.
Archaeological museums all over Egypt celebrated Labour Day and the advent of Eid El-Fitr by organising special exhibitions in their foyers featuring collections of various artefacts depicting Egyptian celebrations across history.
Hundreds of people demonstrated on Friday in front of the national assembly in Bangui, calling for a constitutional change which critics fear is a push to keep the president of the Central African Republic in power, an AFP correspondent said.
Spain said Monday that the mobile phones of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles were tapped using Pegasus spyware in an "illicit and external" intervention.
Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been selected in the Best XI of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny and Ahly defender Mohamed Abdel-Moneim.
Egypt's armed forces have begun a series of military drills with Saudi counterparts in southern Egypt, Egypt's military spokesman said on Wednesday.

The Tabuk 4 exercises are taking place in Egypts southern military zone, headquartered in Assiut, and involves land forces from both countries.

The drills, which will feature theoretical and practical seminars on combat skills and a military equipment exhibition, aim to "develop and strengthen military cooperation between the Egyptian armed forces and their Saudi counterparts," Egyptian military spokesman Tamer El-Refaie said in a statement.

It is the latest in a series of exercises between the two countries as part of efforts to develop "joint action in light of current challenges in the region," according to the statement.

Saudi Arabia, one of Egypt's closest regional allies, was one of a number of countries taking part last month in the Egyptian-US Bright Star military training exercises in Egypt, the largest of their kind in the region.

In August, Saudi Arabia took part in joint military training, Eagle Response 2018, involving Egypt, the UAE, and the US, which was held in Egyptian territorial waters in the Red Sea.

The two countries also held the Morgan joint naval exercises in 2015 in the Red Sea, the Faisal air military training exercies in September 2017, and the Gulf Shield drills in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

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Egypt and Saudi Arabia's armed forces are participating in a series of military drills dubbed Tabuk 4, according to a statement by the Egyptian military spokesperson Tamer El-Refai.

The Tabuk 4 exercises are taking place in Egypts southern military zone, headquartered in Assiut, and involve land forces from both countries.

The drills began with a number of theoretical lectures to unify concepts and share experience between both sides. The forces have also undergone preparations for a number practical drills that are expected to take place during the exercise.

The participating forces carried out a number of combat exercises during the basic training stages.

They have also carried out a number of tactical training, traditional and unconventional drills using light and medium weapons.

The participating forces demonstrated a high level of performance and readiness to confront any risks that may face the region and threaten the security and stability of the two brotherly countries.

Saudi Arabia, one of Egypt's closest regional allies, was one of a number of countries taking part last month in the Egyptian-US Bright Star military training exercises in Egypt, the largest of their kind in the region.

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The Egyptian and Saudi armed forces have concluded joint military drills in southern Egypt, Egypt's military spokesman said on Friday.

The 10-day Tabuk 4 exercises took place in Egypts southern military zone, headquartered in Assiut, and involved land and air forces. Inspectors from other Gulf Arab countries also took part.

The final phase of the military training exercises included a joint operation targeting a hideout of armed terrorists in a residential area, spokesman Tamer El-Refai added in a statement published on the militarys official Facebook page. The operation involved aerial reconnaissance, hunting terrorists through mountainous areas and using artilleries to target them.

Observers from Oman, Bahrain and the UAE took part in the exercises which also involved the use of combat grenades, practical and tactical training as well as demonstration of a number of emergency situations in order to "measure the ability of the forces to work together."

Egyptian deputy defence minister attending the final phase of the drills conveyed the greetings of Egypt's Minister of Defence Mohamed Zaki to the participating forces, emphasizing the "depth of the Egyptian-Saudi military relations," while praising the level of coordination and cooperation between the forces to achieve all the objectives of the training "in light of the development of the size and nature of the terrorist operations and current challenges in the region."

Deputy Commander of Royal Saudi Land Forces Ahmed Abulla Al-Muqrin conveyed greetings from the King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdel Aziz to the participating forces, adding the training is an "extension of success of previous Tabuk exercises in enhancing combat capability of the armed forces of both brotherly countries."

The Egyptian army earlier said that the drills aim to "develop and strengthen military cooperation between the Egyptian armed forces and their Saudi counterparts."

It is the latest in a series of exercises between the two countries as part of efforts to develop "joint action in light of current challenges in the region," according to Egypt's military.

Saudi Arabia, one of Egypt's closest regional allies, was one of a number of countries that took part last month in the Egyptian-US Bright Star military training exercises in Egypt, the largest of their kind in the region.

In August, Saudi Arabia took part in the Eagle Response 2018 trainings, alongside Egypt, the UAE, and the US, in Egyptian territorial waters in the Red Sea.

The two countries also held the Morgan joint naval exercises in 2015 in the Red Sea, the Faisal air military training exercise in September 2017, and the Gulf Shield drills in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.

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Veteran Egyptian socialist politician and former vice-chairman of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) Abdel-Ghaffar Shukr passed away on Sunday at the age of 85.

Shukr served as the vice-chairman of the NCHR from 2012 till October 2021.

Born in May 1936 in a Mounfiya village in Nile Delta, Shukr graduated from the Faculty of Arts at Cairo University in 1958.

A son of a village mayor who supported the liberal Wafd Party, Shukr started his political career and activism at the age of 17 when he joined the Liberation Organization in 1953, which was founded by the Free Officers after the 1952 Revolution to replace political parties.

In an interview with Ahram Online in 2012, Shukr said he believed that one of the major mistakes of the 1952 Revolution, which he supported overall, was the dissolution of the parties and ending the country's pre-1952 political pluralism.

In 1958, Shukr joined the National Union that was founded by late President Gamal Abdel-Nasser replacing the Liberation Organization.

In 1963, he joined the Socialist Union, which was also founded by Abdel-Nasser in 1962 as a unified organization that would lead Egypts political life till his death in 1970.

In 1964, Shukr was selected as the education secretary in the Socialist Youth Organization of the Socialist Union.

He was a member of the political bureau of the leftist Tagammu Party, which was founded in 1976 as the late president Anwar Sadat reinstated a multi-party political system.

Following the 2011 revolution, Shukr quit Tagammu to co-found and lead the Socialist Popular Alliance Party.

He served as the director of the Arab and African Studies Centre.

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Israel on Tuesday announced the completion of an enhanced security barrier around the Gaza Strip designed to prevent "militants" from sneaking into the country.

The 65-kilometer (40-mile) barrier includes radar systems, maritime sensors and a network of underground sensors to detect "militant tunnels". Existing fencing was replaced with a 6-meter (1-yard) high ``smart fence'' with sensors and cameras.

Israel has fought four wars with Hamas since the "Islamic militant group" seized power in Gaza nearly 15 years ago, most recently in May. During a 2014 war, "Palestinian militants" tunneled into Israel and clashed with Israeli troops.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz announced the completion of the barrier after more than three years of construction, saying it places an ``iron wall'' between Hamas and residents of southern Israel.

During May's fighting, Hamas used a sophisticated tunnel system within Gaza but did not infiltrate fighters into Israel. The group fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel in 11 days, with large volleys that occasionally overwhelmed Israel's sophisticated missile defenses.

Israel carried out hundreds of airstrikes during the conflict and brought down several multistory buildings. The war killed over 250 people in Gaza, including at least 129 civilians, according to the UN., while 13 people died on the Israeli side.

Since Hamas seized power, Israel and Egypt have imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza that has severely restricted travel for the territory's 2 million Palestinian residents and strangled the economy. Israel says the closures are needed to prevent Hamas from expanding its military capabilities, while the Palestinians and rights groups view it as a form of collective punishment.

In 2018 and 2019, Hamas organized violent mass protests along the frontier in order to pressure Israel to ease the blockade. More than 200 Palestinians were killed and thousands were wounded. An Israeli soldier was killed by a Palestinian sniper.

Rights groups recently accused Israel of failing to hold its forces accountable for the deaths and serious injuries. Israel says its forces prevented the mass infiltration of Hamas operatives. It says allegations of wrongdoing were fully investigated and soldiers were held to account.

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Israel targeted Hamas positions in southern Gaza late Saturday after rockets were fired from the Palestinian enclave, security sources and the army said.

"Fighter jets, helicopters and tanks struck a rocket manufacturing site, and military posts belonging to the Hamas terror organisation," Israel's occupation army said.

Palestinian sources told AFP the occupation army had targeted "a site of the al-Qassam Brigades, west of Khan Yunis" in southern Gaza, referring to the military wing of Hamas, the Islamist movement controlling the territory.

The sources also reported Israeli artillery fire on a Hamas observation base in northern Gaza.

Hamas condemned the Israeli strike, with a spokesman vowing "to defend our Palestinian people and liberate our land and our holy sites from the occupation and its colonial settlers until achieving the inevitable triumph".

The Israeli strike came after two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip on Saturday morning, falling into the Mediterranean Sea off Tel Aviv.

No warning sirens sounded and Israel's Iron Dome rocket interception system did not deploy, the army said in a statement.

Sources in Hamas told AFP that "the firing of the two rockets on Saturday morning was a technical problem due to the bad weather".

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett addressed the Hamas explanation on Sunday morning.

"All of Hamas's stories about lightning and thunder, that repeat themselves winter after winter, are no longer relevant," he said at the beginning of the weekly cabinet meeting.

"Whoever aims missiles at the State of Israel will bear the consequences."

Israel has maintained a blockade on the impoverished enclave since 2007, the year Hamas took power.

Last year Hamas fired barrages of rockets towards Israel during an 11-day conflict sparked by tensions over evictions of Palestinians in East Jerusalem.

Israeli airstrikes killed and injured hundreds of Palestinians and left tens of buildings in rubble.

Egypt negotiated a ceasefire, which came into force in late May.

Since then, only five rockets or mortar rounds were fired from Gaza towards Israeli territory, the occupation military had said in an annual report released at the end of December, before the latest launches.

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In celebration of Coptic Christmas and coinciding with the launch of the fourth World Youth Forum, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is organising a temporary exhibit at Sharm El-Sheikh Museum under the title The Holy Familys Trail in Egypt.

The exhibit, which is scheduled to be inaugurated on Tuesday and will last for six months, will include a collection of three rare manuscripts and nine icons that have never been put on display before.

Moamen Othman, head of the Museums Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the manuscripts were carefully selected from the Coptic Museum in Old Cairo and several Egyptian Churches including St. Mercurius (Abu Seifein), Marmena, St. Sergius, Al-Damsharia, Archangel Michael and the Hanging Church.

Othman said that the exhibition is organised in collaboration with the Islamic, Coptic and Jewish Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Church to highlight the Holy Familys journey in Egypt, where Sinai was among the areas through which they travelled.

A number of lectures on art history during the Coptic era and workshops on the fabrication of icons will be held on the sidelines of the exhibit.

At the end of the exhibit, Othman said, a celebration will be held to commemorate the anniversary of the Holy Familys entry into Egypt, which is on 1 June.

Myriam Edward, Supervisor-General of the Sharm El-Sheikh Museum, said the exhibit will be on display at the Byzantine section of the museum. She added that all the icons date back to the 18th and 19th century, while the manuscripts date to the 18th century .

She explains that among the icons are the Crowned Virgin Mary with the Child along with angels kneeling on clouds and placing the crown on the Virgins head, as well as an icon of the Archangel Gabriel holding in his right hand a scroll with Arabic text and a globe in his left hand.

There are also icons depicting ten scenes of the Virgin Marys life, the Holy Familys escape and flight to Egypt, and the Virgin Mary feeding her child Jesus. Icon depicting the Holy Family, St. John the Baptist and Elizabeth as well as the Nativity and the Annunciation are also among the displays.

The manuscripts on display are the four gospels manuscript which mention the Holy Familys flight to Egypt. The manuscript is written in Arabic, it is dated on the last folio, of which it has a total of 207, most of which are decorated in gold, blue and red colours.

The second part of the Synaxarium includes the commemoration of the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt on the 24th of the Coptic month Bashans. The manuscript is written in Arabic and contains 247 folios, the subject headings are written in red ink.

The last manuscript is of the Virgin and her miracles, and also mentions the Holy Familys flight to Egypt. Here, on the verso, appears the inscription: Myamr written by the virtuous father Abba Zacharias, Bishop of the city of Sakha, and it recounts the events that occurred when the Holy Family came to Egypt. The manuscript is written in Arabic and includes geometric motifs on some of its folios.









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Egypts acting Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar discussed on Saturday with Kazakhstans Ambassador to Egypt Kairat Lama Sherif joint vaccines manufacturing through Egypts VACSERA and Kazakh Scientific Research institute.

In a statement by the health ministry, Abdel-Ghaffar emphasised the importance of cooperation between the two countries in the field of joint manufacturing of coronavirus vaccines, stressing the Egyptian state's interest in transferring its expertise in the drug and vaccine industry to Kazakhstan in support of the latters health system.

Since summer Egypt has already started producing Sinovac vaccine locally at its VACSERA factory for domestic consumption as well as for export to African countries.

Abdel-Ghaffar also tackled during his meeting with Kazakhstans ambassador the procedures that guarantee the safety of travel and movement between the two countries, highlighting the mutual recognition of vaccination certificates for the coronavirus between the two countries through the electronic passport.

On the other side, the ambassador indicated the intention of his country to supply the Egyptian state with 5 million doses of the anti-Coronavirus vaccine "QazVac" as soon as it is approved by the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), according to the statement.

This came after Abdel-Ghaffar gave his directives to the EDA to start registering and authorizing the use of QazVac to ensure its effectiveness and safety after listening to a detailed explanation about the Kazakh Covid-19 vaccine.

QazVac vaccine is taken in two shows with a three-week interval.

The vaccine was developed by Kazakh Scientific Research Institute for Biological Safety

Last week, Abdel-Ghaffar stated that Egypt has so far received a total of 122.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines.

In a presentation on the latest developments regarding the coronavirus pandemic during the weekly cabinet meeting in Cairo, Abdel-Ghaffar said that 57.4 million doses have been administered, leaving 64.8 million in stock, since the start of Egypts mass vaccination in January 2020.

Egypt is currently administrating Sinopharm, Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

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Aid agencies have suspended their work in an area of Ethiopia's Tigray region after a deadly airstrike on a camp for people displaced by the conflict, the UN's emergency response agency said Sunday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement to AFP that the attack at midnight Friday in the town of Dedebit in northwestern Tigray had "caused scores of civilian casualties including deaths", according to its preliminary information.

"Humanitarian partners suspended activities in the area due to the ongoing threats of drone strikes," it said.

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A Cairo criminal court lifted on Sunday a travel ban imposed on journalist and political activist Esraa Abdel-Fattah related to a case involving the foreign funding of civil society organisations.

The court accepted an appeal by Abdel-Fattah against the travel ban she has faced since December 2014 in case 173/2011.

Sunday's ruling is final.

Non-governmental organisations (NGO) and related individuals in the case, which dates back to the January Revolution in 2011 that toppled late President Hosni Mubarak, faced allegations of receiving foreign funds.

Over the past two years, investigating judges have issued rulings, as recently as last October, dropping charges against 75 NGOs and more than 220 individuals in the case.

The investigating judge appointed by the Cairo Court of Appeals to investigate charges in the case also lifted an asset freeze and a travel ban on the founders of these NGOs.

Abdel-Fattah, a prominent figure during the 2011 Revolution, was arrested in October 2019 and had been held in pre-trial detention until July last year in case 488/2019.

That case  known as the 'Whistles Case'  included other prominent figures, such as political activist Mahinour El-Massry, who was released last July and YouTuber Shadi Srour, who was released a month later.

Veteran Journalist Khaled Dawoud, the former chairperson of the centre left Dostour (Constitution) Party, was also released pending investigation in April last year.

Current defendants in that case face charges of "joining a terrorist group, disseminating false news and misusing social media.

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The Egyptian and Saudi armed forces started on Sunday the joint Tabuk 5 drills in the Gulf country, Egypt's army spokesman said in a statement.

The multi-day training is part of the "joint training plan with friendly and brotherly countries to support cooperative relations in various military fields," read the statement.

The event involves the participation of infantry, thunderbolt forces, and paratroopers, according to the statement.

In 2018, the two nations conducted the Tabuk 4 exercises in Egypts southern military zone, headquartered in Assiut, for 10 days, with the participation of land and air forces. Inspectors from other Gulf Arab countries also took part.

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Former vice-president of Egypts Supreme Constitutional Court judge and veteran lawyer Tahany El-Gebaly died in Cairo on Sunday due to coronavirus complications.

El-Gebaly was born in Gharbia governorate in 1950. She graduated from the Faculty of Law, Mansoura University, to work as a lawyer.

In a long career as a lawyer that spanned over 30 years, she managed to become the first Egyptian woman lawyer to be elected for two terms as a board member of the Egyptian Bar Association since it was found in 1912.

She also managed to become the first Egyptian and Arab female lawyer to be elected as a member in the permanent office of the Arab Lawyers Union (ALU) since it was found in 1944.

El-Gebaly made history when she was appointed by a presidential decree on 22 January 2003 as vice-president of the Supreme Constitutional, thus becoming Egypts first woman judge. She took over the position until 2007, becoming the only Egyptian woman to hold such high post in judiciary till now.

The funeral of El-Gebaly is to be held at her hometown Tanta Sunday afternoon.

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Egypts Minister of Emigration and Expatriate Affairs Nabila Makram said on Sunday that the Word Youth Forum (WYF) is an ample opportunity to empower the youth and explain all efforts exerted in recent years to forge a better future for young people.

The WYF is an annual event in Egypt, first launched in 2017, to bring the worlds youth together to promote dialogue and discuss development issues.

The WYF is attended by a wide range of participants, including heads of state, international youth leaders, inspiring youths in various fields, prominent international figures, and youth groups from around the world.

Makram attended on Sunday a workshop held under the title Decent Life, amid preparations to launch the fourth edition of the WYF in the Red Sea Resort City of Sharm El-Sheikh from 10-13 January, under the auspices of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

Minister Makram lauded the role of Egyptian expatriates in contributing to promulgating the goals of the Decent Life Initiative to upgrade and develop Egyptian rural areas nationwide.

The initiative, which was officially inaugurated in July 2021, aims to improve the standards of living, infrastructure, and basic services, including healthcare, across the countryside. It covers 4,658 villages across the country, which are home to 58 percent of Egypts 102.75 million population, with an estimated budget of EGP 700 billion (about $44.6 billion).

Makram added that Egyptian expatriates are an effective part of the sustainable development equation and key partners to development ventures launched in the various Egyptian governorates.

Challenges impeding development efforts in a number of countries figured high during the meeting's discussions.

At the end of the workshop, participants brought forward a number of practical recommendations on the possibility of applying the Decent Life development approach in a number of countries around the world.

Proposals included restructuring of state resources, wise financial management, supporting a green economy, laying down a model for each country to measure development indices, and forming an African youth committee to transfer related expertise to their countries.

Volunteers take part in organising WYF

A host of volunteers are taking part in organising the fourth edition of the WYF, according to the forums administration.

The volunteers, who are not being paid, are graduates of the Presidential Program for Youth Leadership and the National Training Academy.

Major national and international institutions are keen to participate in sponsoring the forum this year. The sponsors are covering the forum's expenses fully, which avoids putting an extra burden on the state budget.

The WYF's administration will undertake a range of responsibilities, including organisation, registration, crisis management, content, media and public relations.

The administration also works on updating the registration system and the website, considering requests to attend the forum, answering inquiries and solving problems.

It is also assigned to prepare the content of the forum's workshops and sessions as well as produce a host of films about the WYF and publish news and press releases.

The fourth edition of the forum comes after the postponement of the 2020 edition due to the coronavirus pandemic. The main themes of the fourth edition of the forum are post-COVID impacts, climate change, social security, human rights, entrepreneurship, technology, 5G networks, digital transformation, distance learning, the environment, and the future of energy, according to the WYF website.

Over 15,000 people from more than 160 countries took part in the last three editions of the forum.

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Egyptian TV presenter Wael El-Ebrashy passed away on Sunday aged 58 after suffering for months from COVID-19 complications.

El-Ebrashy's funeral prayer will be held on Monday at El-Sherbiny Mosque in his hometown of Sherbeen city in Daqahliya governorate, local reports cited his family as saying.

The funeral procession will take place after the afternoon prayer, which will be performed after 12pm tomorrow.

El-Ebrashy, presenter of Al-Tasea (9 o'clock) program on national TV, contracted the coronavirus in late 2020 and was admitted to the intensive care unit of a quarantine hospital in Giza.

However, he left the hospital in March of last year after his health improved, but continued to receive treatment at home after developing pulmonary fibrosis due to the coronavirus.

This disease prevented him from returning to TV screens, despite frequent reports that he had almost recovered.

In November, El-Ebrashy denied rumours that he had died, saying he was in good condition and was undergoing physiotherapy so that he could return to work.

Hossam Hosny, the head of the Scientific Committee to Combat the Coronavirus at the Ministry of Health, told media in September that El-Ebrashy's health had improved, and that he expected him to return to media work soon.

Over his career, El-Ebrashy presented several programs on many TV channels, including Al-Ashera Masaan (10pm) after renowned host Mona El-Shazly.

He also presented Kol Youm (Everyday) on ON E channel after TV host Amr Adib, and Al-Haqiqa (The Truth) on Dream TV channel after renowned media tycoon Hala Sarhan.

He started his media career as a journalist at Rosaelyoussef journal and then assumed several media positions, the last of which was Al-Tasea on national TV Channel 1.

Renowned TV host Youssef El-Husseiny has been presenting the daily Al-Tasea program since El-Ebrashy contracted the virus.

El-Ebrashy was born in 1963 in Daqahliya governorate in northern Egypt.

Earlier on Sunday, Vice-President of the Supreme Constitutional Court and the countrys first woman judge Tahany El-Gebaly also died in Cairo due to coronavirus complications.

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Jordan's Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II will take part in the fourth edition of the World Youth Forum (WYF) scheduled to open in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday.

In statements to the Egyptian state's news agency MENA on Sunday, Jordan's Ambassador in Egypt Amjad Adaileh confirmed the princes participation in the forum for the third time.

Prince Hussein took part in the second and third editions of the forum, which took place in 2018 and 2019.

Prince Hussein bin Abdullah's participation in the upcoming WYF attests to his keenness to accept President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's invitation to partake in the activity, Adaileh said.

An official Jordanian delegation will accompany Prince Hussein, Adaileh said, adding that a number of Jordanian youth will also participate in the forum.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will also take part in the opening of the forum, arriving in Sharm El-Sheikh on Sunday in a two-day visit.

During his visit, Abbas will meet with Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to discuss developments of the Palestinian cause, Palestines Ambassador to Cairo Diab Al-Louh said on Saturday.

Under the auspices of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, the forum will be held from 10-13 January. The fourth edition of the forum comes after the 2020 edition was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The WYF held several preparatory workshops over the past two days ahead of the opening session on Monday with the attendance of experts, officials and a host of young participants from across the world.

Workshops on Sunday included sessions on the coronavirus pandemic and the growing role of financial technology in emerging markets and post pandemic education.

The sessions also tackled the role of youth in confronting environmental and climatic challenges, and the UN's sustainable development goals amid the pandemic.

Workshops on Saturday covered the future of technology and post-pandemic digital transformation, Generation Z's perspective on the post-pandemic world, and Egypts Haya Karima (Decent Life) countryside-focused initiative.

The Decent Life initiative, which was officially inaugurated in July 2021, aims to improve the standards of living, infrastructure, and basic services, including healthcare, across the countryside.

The initiative covers 4,658 villages across the country, which are home to 58 percent of Egypts 102.75 million population, with an estimated budget of EGP 700 billion (about $44.6 billion).

Saturday's sessions also tackled rational water policies for humanity, evolving global role for startups and included a discussion for the model of United Nations Human Rights Council (MUNHRC).

The main themes of the fourth edition of the WYF are post-COVID impacts, climate change, social security, human rights, entrepreneurship, technology, 5G networks, digital transformation, distance learning, the environment and the future of energy, according to the WYF website.

The WYF is an annual event in Egypt, first launched in 2017, to bring the worlds youth together to promote dialogue and discuss development issues.

The WYF is attended by a wide range of participants, including heads of state, international youth leaders, inspiring youths in various fields, prominent international figures, and youth groups from around the world.

Over 15,000 people from more than 160 countries took part in the last three editions of the forum.

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Gunmen in northwest Nigeria's Kebbi state have freed 30 students and a teacher after seven months of captivity, according to a local official.

More than 1,400 children were abduted in Nigeria last year according to the United Nations, mostly during attacks on schools and colleges by gunmen known locally as "bandits".

Students are often quickly released after ransom payments but 200 were still missing in September, the UN added.

Thirty students of Federal Government College and one teacher have arrived in Birnin Kebbi "following their release," Yahaya Sarki, a spokesman for the Kebbi state governor, said late Saturday.

"They shall undergo medical screening and support while being reunited with their families," he added in a statement.

It was unclear if ransom was paid for the release of the students or if any others were still in captivity.

Last June, gunmen stormed the college in the town of Yauri, seizing 102 students and eight staff according to the school.

The attack was confirmed by police but they would not say how many students or teachers were taken.

Security personnel rescued eight of the kidnapped students and a teacher while bodies of three students were found in the bush.

The kidnappers freed 27 students and three staff in October, while an unspecified number were released after their parents negotiated with the captors.

Clashes between herders and farmers over access to land has plagued northwest and central Nigeria for years, with some groups evolving into criminal gangs who now terrorise local communities.

Since last year, gangs have intensified highway kidnappings and mass abductions of students.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian government issued an official gazette declaring activities of bandits as "acts of terrorism."

President Muhammadu Buhari, a former army general, is also battling a more than decade long jihadist insurgency in the northeast and separatist tensions in the country's southeast.

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Sudanese security forces fired tear gas on Sunday at protesters heading toward the presidential palace in the capital Khartoum, witnesses said.

Thousands rallied against the country's October 25 military take over led by general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. Crackdowns on protests since then have claimed 60 lives, according to medics linked to the protest movement.

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Washington said Sunday it refused to be threatened by Iran's weekend sanctioning of some 50 Americans including senior officials, warning that Tehran would face "severe consequences" if it attacked any US nationals.

"Make no mistake: the United States of America will protect and defend its citizens," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

"Should Iran attack any of our nationals, including any of the 52 people named yesterday, it will face severe consequences."

The Islamic republic on Saturday announced the sanctions, including on US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, for their role in the death of Qassem Soleimani, a powerful Iranian commander.

Soleimani, leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, was killed by a US drone strike in Baghdad on January 3, 2020, in what Iran on Saturday called a "callous terrorist act."

Days ago Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi vowed revenge against Donald Trump unless the former US president is tried over Soleimani's killing, as Tehran marked two years since the revered commander's death.

In addition to Milley, the sanctioned Americans include Trump-era national security advisor Robert O'Brien and Nikki Haley, who served as US envoy to the United Nations.

"Looks like I'll have to cancel my relaxing getaway to Iran," tweeted Haley.

"When you get sanctioned by Iran, the world's leading state sponsor of terror, you know you're doing something right."

Sullivan in his statement said that while Americans have disagreements on politics and on Iran policy, "we are united in our resolve against threats and provocations (and) we are united in the defense of our people."

The United States, he added, will work with allies "to deter and respond to any attacks carried out by Iran."

Washington and other world powers are currently engaged in closed-door talks with Iran in Vienna aimed at reviving a 2015 nuclear deal that was mothballed in 2018 when Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement and slapped punishing sanctions on the regime.

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With the fate of Ukraine and potentially broader post-Cold War European stability at stake, the United States and Russia are holding critical strategic talks that could shape the future of not only their relationship but the relationship between the US and its NATO allies. Prospects are bleak.

Though the immediacy of the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine will top the agenda in a series of high-level meetings that get underway on Monday, there is a litany of festering but largely unrelated disputes, ranging from arms control to cybercrime and diplomatic issues, for Washington and Moscow to overcome if tensions are to ease. And the recent deployment of Russian troops to Kazakhstan may cast a shadow over the entire exercise.

With much at risk and both warning of dire consequences of failure, the two sides have been positioning themselves for what will be a nearly unprecedented flurry of activity in Europe this week. Yet the wide divergence in their opening positions bodes ill for any type of speedy resolution, and levels of distrust appear higher than at any point since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

U.S. officials on Saturday unveiled some details of the administration's stance, which seem to fall well short of Russian demands. The officials said the U.S. is open to discussions on curtailing possible future deployments of offensive missiles in Ukraine and putting limits on American and NATO military exercises in Eastern Europe if Russia is willing to back off on Ukraine.

But they also said Russia will be hit hard with economic sanctions should it intervene in Ukraine. In addition to direct sanctions on Russian entities, those penalties could include significant restrictions on products exported from the US to Russia and potentially foreign-made products subject to US jurisdiction.

Russia wants the talks initially to produce formally binding security guarantees for itself with a pledge that NATO will not further expand eastward and the removal of U.S. troops and weapons from parts of Europe. But the US and its allies say those are non-starters intentionally designed by Moscow to distract and divide. They insist that any Russian military intervention in Ukraine will prompt ``massive consequences'' that will dramatically disrupt Russia's economy even if they have global ripple effects.

In a bid to forestall efforts by Russia to sow discord in the West, the Biden administration has gone out of its way to stress that neither Ukraine nor Europe more broadly will be excluded from any discussion of Ukraine's or Europe's security.

Biden administration officials allow that neither topic can be entirely ignored when senior American and Russian diplomats sit down in Geneva in Monday ahead of larger, more inclusive meetings in Brussels and Vienna on Wednesday and Thursday that will explore those issues in perhaps more depth.

Still, the mantras ``nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine'' and ``nothing about Europe without Europe'' have become almost cliche in Washington in recent weeks, and senior U.S. officials have gone so far as to say they expect Russia to lie about the content of Monday's meeting to try to stoke divisions.

``We fully expect that the Russian side will make public comments following the meeting on Monday that will not reflect the true nature of the discussions that took place,'' said one senior US official who will participate in the talks. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

That official and others have urged allies to view with ``extreme skepticism'' anything Moscow says about the so-called Strategic Stability Talks and wait until they are briefed by the American participants to form opinions.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Russia of ``gaslighting'' and mounting a full-scale disinformation campaign designed to blame Ukraine, NATO and particularly the United States for the current tensions and undercut Western unity. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin is engaged in an all-out war on the truth that ignores Russia's own provocative and destabilizing actions over the course of the past decade.

``Russia seeks to challenge the international system itself and to unravel our trans-Atlantic alliance, erode our unity, pressure democracies into failure,'' Blnken said on Friday, going through a list of offending Russian activity ranging from military intervention in Ukraine and Georgia to chemical weapons attacks on Putin critics to election interference in the US and elsewhere, cybercrime and support for dictators.

Despite several conversations between President Joe Biden and Putin, including an in-person meeting last summer, Blinken said such behavior continues, at increasing risk to the post-World War II global order.

Thus, the intensified U.S. and allied effort to forge common positions on both the warnings and the ``severe costs'' to Russia if it moves against Ukraine. While expressions of unity have been forthcoming, Blinken was not optimistic about prospects for success in the talks.

``To the extent that there is progress to be made and we hope that there is actual progress is going to be very difficult to make, if not impossible, in an environment of escalation by Russia,'' he said.

Russia, meanwhile, has spun a narrative that it is a threatened victim of Western aggression and wants quick results from the meetings despite what appear insurmountable differences.

Putin has repeatedly warned that Moscow will have to take unspecified ``military-technical measures'' if the West stonewalls Russia's demands, and affirmed that NATO membership for Ukraine or the deployment of alliance weapons there is a red line for Moscow that it wouldn't allow the West to cross.

``We have nowhere to retreat,'' Putin said last month, adding that NATO could deploy missiles in Ukraine that would take just four or five minutes to reach Moscow. ``They have pushed us to a line that we can't cross. They have taken it to the point where we simply must tell them; `Stop!'''

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who will lead Russia's delegation at the Geneva talks across from US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, said last week that it will quickly become clear whether the talks could be productive.

``It will become clear after the next week's events whether it's possible to achieve quick progress, to quickly advance on issues that are of interest to us,'' he said in an interview with the daily Izvestia.

``So far, we have heard some pretty abstract comment from the US NATO and others about some things being acceptable and some not and an emphasis on dialogue and the importance for Russia to de-escalate. There are very few rational elements in that approach due to the unstoppable and quite intensive military and geopolitical developments of the territories near Russian borders by NATO, the emergence of weapons systems there, activization of drills.``

On Sunday evening, Ryabkov and Sherman will meet over a working dinner to discuss topics for the next day's talks, a US official said.

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Several thousand protesters marched in Brussels on Sunday to oppose anti-coronavirus regulations, as European governments mull tighter rules in the face of the omicron wave.

There was no repeat of the violence that had marred previous, larger demonstrations in the Belgian capital, although police intervened to surround a small group that approached the EU headquarters.

As it marched through the city the crowd -- 5,000-strong according to the police -- chanted "freedom, freedom!" and brandished banners denouncing what they called a "vaccine dictatorship".

Before the march began, police detained 11 suspects found to be carrying fireworks. Thirty more arrests were made at the end after a small group threw "projectiles" at riot officers, the force said.

Belgium requires residents to show a Covid certificate to enter bars, restaurants, and cultural events, and there have been several recent street protests.

On Sunday, health minister Frank Vandenbroucke called, in a television interview, for a parliamentary debate on tighter rules as Belgium see Covid cases soar as the omicron variant takes hold.

"People's minds are changing," he said. "A year ago, I was saying: compulsory vaccination is not a good idea, we need to convince people.

"Now, knowing that we really need to vaccinate 100 percent of the population -- which was not our idea a year ago, we thought that 70 was enough -- we still need some sort of generalized takes up."

This is not an idea that is likely to find much support among the protesters, who carried the flags of a diverse array of political groups but were united in opposition to compulsory measures.

"It's a completely absurd crisis management which affects freedoms enormously and which will lead to a Chinese-style system if we let it happen," said one, who gave her name as Danielle.

Previous marches developed into running street battles with police, who have deployed tear gas and water cannon in recent weeks, but Sunday's ended in relatively orderly fashion amid tight security.

Riot police erected barbed wire barricades across roads leading towards the European Union's headquarters buildings and deployed drones and two water cannon trucks.

Between December 30 and January 5, Belgium recorded an average number of 17,513 new daily coronavirus infections, up 96 percent on the previous week and 169 hospitalizations per day, up 28 percent.

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Egypts plasticware exports grew by 43 percent in the course of 11 months in 2021 (January-November) despite the challenges imposed by the ongoing pandemic, Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea said on Sunday.

Gamea made her statements on the sidelines of the inauguration of Egy Plast Expo (Plastex 2022) in its 18th edition, which is concentrated on plastic and petrochemical industries.

During the same period, fertilizers and chemical industry exports jumped in 2021 to reach $5.9 billion, up from $4.1 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2020, according to the minister.

Meanwhile, chemical industries topped Egypts plasticware exports in 2021 with a total value of $2.7 billion compared to $1.4 billion posted in the same period of 2020, said Gamea.

The minister noted that plasticware industry has become an imperative component of Egypts local manufacturing over the past ten years as a result of relying on plastic materials instead of other items like glass and metals.

Accordingly, the productive capacity of between 40 and 60 percent of factories that produce synthetic fibers draws on plastic materials, according to Gamea.

She also pointed out that the government pays greater attention to such industry, which has been reflected through establishing two industrial complexes for tupperware industries in Alexandria that include 442 industrial units.

The government has been doing significant efforts to support the productive and export sectors amid the ongoing challenges, which contributed to keeping the factories working and export markets as well as aiding exporters to be competitive for the sake of reaching the goal of attaining $100 billion in exports per annum, Gamea expounded.





Moreover, Gamea pointed to the government initiative of the immediate repayment of exporters dues and the new support programme the trade ministry recently approved that aims to back the Egyptian products competitiveness, which both helped the Egyptian exports to record its all-time high of $31 billion during 2021.

The government shoulders 80 percent of the total cost of products shipping to the African markets among the incentives the support programme provides for the exporters, Gamea illustrated.

In addition, the government is currently considering new avenues in order to stimulate the local industry and boost Egyptian exports benefiting from the great attention paid by the political leadership to this sector, according to the minister.

Egyptian exports attained a record of $31 billion in 2021; the highest in its history, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its related repercussions, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said last week.

Under the directives of Egypts President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the government is working to raise Egyptian exports, one of its main foreign exchange resources, in all sectors.

The 18th edition of Egy Plast Expo is scheduled to close on Wednesday, targeting to receive over 22,000 visitors during four days.

The expo features 340 exhibitors, including 70 local manufacturing and export companies, in addition to 270 foreign companies representing nine countries, including India, Germany, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Vietnam, Switzerland, Turkey, Qatar and China.

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Former Egyptian culture minister Farouk Hosny will display 45 of his works created over the past two years during the upcoming solo exhibition at Bahrain National Museum.

This is the second solo exhibition by Hosny, after he had his first at the same museum in Manama in 1992. His upcoming show will kick off on 11 January and continue until 5 February.

Hosny has exhibited his works extensively in Egypt and the Arab region with the most recent ones being in Kuwait among numerous other shows in Egypt.

Throughout the decades, Hosny also held exhibitions at the Metropolitan in New York, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Fort Lauderdale in Miami, the National Museum of Vienna of Austria, the Tokyo Museum of Japan, the Carrousel Museum of the Louvre, Le Vittoriano Museum in Rome, amont others.

Hosny graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Alexandria in 1964. At a young age, he assumed the prestigious position of heading the Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome, and he was later appointed as the minister of culture of Egypt until his retirement in 2011.

In 2019, he founded the Farouk Hosny Foundation of Culture and Arts which aims to serve the community through the development of culture awareness and support of young art creators.

The Bahrain National Museum is among the most important cultural institutions in Manama, Bahrain. The largest and oldest public museum in Bahrain (opened in 1988), the edifice is adjacent to the National Theatre of Bahrain, both standing at the large cultural complex covering 27,800 square meters. The museum's halls present art and heritage of Bahrain as well as modern works by Bahraini and other Arab artists.

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Israels attack on targets in the Gaza Strip last week threatens to end the fragile peace with the Palestinian factions.

Israeli air strikes on Gaza on Sunday shattered a ceasefire that had lasted for several months between Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

Israel said two rockets had been fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv and that Israeli strikes had targeted a Hamas location in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip that it claimed housed a rocket factory belonging to Hamas armed wing. Other targets included military lookout posts in northwest Gaza.

The Israeli attack came a few hours after the Israeli army announced it had observed two rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards Tel Aviv that had fallen into the sea. Early warning systems did not activate in Israel before the rockets landed in the water, but Israel said it viewed the incident as crossing a red line by armed Palestinian factions in Gaza.

Hamas said the launch of the two rockets had been accidental due to bad weather conditions and sent messages to Israel via mediators saying that lightning had caused the rockets to launch and denying that they were part of ongoing rocket testing.

Hamas sometimes launches test rockets into the Mediterranean Sea as part of its development of its military capabilities.

However, Israels political and military leadership was not convinced by Hamas explanation. Facing popular and media pressure at home, it decided to respond by bombing Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Tel Avivs response was measured, according to some observers, and Israel wanted to lay down the rules of engagement with the armed Palestinian factions in Gaza and at the same time not trigger an all-out confrontation. This was especially after Egypt had put pressure on both sides to exercise self-restraint and prevent a broader confrontation.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said of the incident that all the tales by Hamas about thunder and lightning that happen every winter do not fool us. Anyone who aims a rocket towards Israel must pay the price.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Rav-Aluf Aviv Kochavi said the same thing after meeting with military commanders to decide how to respond to the Gaza rockets.

Israels state-owned KAN news agency quoted an official as saying that this is a serious incident and is unacceptable. He added that despite claims that the Islamic Jihad group could have been behind the rocket launches, Hamas controlled the Gaza Strip and was responsible for them.

Despite signals that neither side wants further escalation, Israeli analysts believe that Hamas is turning up the heat to pressure Israel to make compromises on lifting the siege on the Gaza Strip.

Hamas is under pressure from its promises to Palestinians in Gaza after the last war with Israel in May 2021 to the effect that this military confrontation would be the prelude to an end to the economic troubles and successive crises in the Gaza Strip.

This was explicitly stated by leader of Hamas Yahya Al-Sinwar, but obstacles have emerged in Israeli preconditions on lifting the Gaza siege, linking it to a prisoner-exchange deal between Israel and Hamas. Hamas rejects this link and wants the two issues to remain separate.

Egypt is making herculean efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two sides and avoid confrontations on the ground, especially since Cairo has plans to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza.

This will require calm and stability to ensure that Egypt can help to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and rebuild what was destroyed during the war in May.

Other than the two rockets fired from Gaza, there are other elements that could push military confrontation to the fore. Islamic Jihad and its military wing have threatened that there will be a military response if Hesham Abu Hawwash, a Palestinian prisoner held by Israel who has been on hunger strike for 140 days, dies.

Hawwashs health is deteriorating quickly, according to medical reports by Palestinian agencies that focus on detainees in Israeli prisoners.

Hesham Abu Hawwash is being subjected to premeditated murder by the occupation forces, who are arrogantly determined to deliver a loss to the Palestinian people, said Qadura Fares, president of the Palestinian Prisoners Association.

Abdel-Qader Al-Khateeb, undersecretary of the Commission for Detainees and Former Detainees Affairs, said that Hawwash is approaching the end by the minute and is on the brink of death. Doctors are talking about the probability of sudden death or blood clots that will have permanent consequences.

The Palestinian government has said it will hold Israel responsible if there are repercussions if Hawwash dies, especially after other threats by Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons. Tensions are already high after a Palestinian detainee stabbed an Israeli guard at the Israeli Nafha Prison.

Ziyad Al-Nakhala, secretary-general of Islamic Jihad, said that if Hesham Abu Hawwash dies, we will view this as a premeditated assassination by the enemy and will respond as we would to any other assassination.

This is being seen as a clear reference to a military response if Hawwash dies, which would drag Gaza into further confrontation.

Khaled Al-Batsh, a member of Islamic Jihads politburo, confirmed that Al-Nakhalas position is shared between the leadership of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as their military wings.

Although Islamic Jihad is leading the threats against Israel if Abu Hawwash dies, Hamas will be forced to participate in any future fighting, especially since Abu Hawwashs cause is supported by the majority of Palestinians.

While Israel and the Palestinian factions want to uphold the truce, at least for now, any sudden developments on the ground could end the fragile calm in Gaza.

But Palestinians hope that Egypts ongoing efforts will prevent any extensive military confrontation, especially since they are still suffering from the consequences of the confrontation six months ago.

A version of this article appears in print in the 6 January, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.

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A December press conference by Egyptian Society of Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) was the latest activity in the ongoing We Love Life campaign that aims to raise awareness of immune bowel diseases.

The Cairo press conference was sponsored by the private sector pharmaceutical company Janssen and featured the participation of the IBD Patient Advocacy Association, which is the first of its kind in Egypt.

This press conference was part of the "We Love Life" campaign that has now been going on for two consecutive years.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of immune bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, highlighting the symptoms of these diseases and the importance of early diagnosis and offering guidance on how to live with them.

The awareness campaign also includes various activities on social media, which has seen considerable turnout, due in part to the participation from influencers and public figures over the past months.

So far, this campaign has reached millions of Egyptian and many people in the Arab world.

Dr. Ezzat Ali, Professor of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, at Alexandria University and president of the Egyptian Society of IBD, highlighted the major implications of the disease.

Statistics show that approximately 36 percent of IBD patients will suffer symptoms outside the digestive system, such as infections of the skin, eyes and joints, at least once during their lifetime.

For Crohn's disease, delayed diagnosis is associated with an increased risk of complications. Studies have shown that 70 percent of Crohn's patients have a delay in their diagnosis for more than a year.

In addition, it is estimated that more than 20 percent of Crohn's patients will need surgery within five years of diagnosis, and nearly 40 percent will need surgery within 10 years, he stressed.

According to WHO statistics, cases that need surgery have a very high cost of care compared to those who do not, noting that surgery in Crohn's disease is not a definitive solution to treatment and has negative consequences.

As for ulcerative colitis patients, about 20 percent of patients need surgical removal of the colon in the case of late diagnosis or failure to receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

The panel of professors emphasised the necessity of early diagnosis and treatment  within 18 months of diagnosis  as this can mitigate bowel damage and may restore normal function before infection and reduces the need for intervention.

Early detection also helps prevent complications from the disease such as hemorrhoids and tumors.

Dr. Hussein El-Amin, professor of gastroenterology and president of the Egyptian Society of Immune Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome for Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, said The disease strongly affects the patients productive capacity because of the symptoms they suffer from.

He added that patients lose about 22 hours of work each month. As for the psychological impact, patients suffer from persistent depression and anxiety, and 46 percent of them suffer severe fatigue as a result of the disease.

Therefore, global statistics confirm that controlling the disease and treating it early and for an appropriate period reduces the total indirect cost of the disease by 60 percent.

The panel recommended that the government provides the latest biological drug treatment as part of the health Insurance.

Professor Marwa Radwan, advocate for IBD patients in Egypt, said that the association was established to convey the voice of patients to the health system and demand their rights.

Professor Marwa Radwan added, "The association believes that providing patients with information about their disease is very important.

It also enables patients to monitor their health status and creates awareness of how to judge the success or failure of any of the treatments."

The doctors hailed the role of the Egyptian IBD Society and the association for their effective and influential role in improving the efficiency of doctors and spreading awareness about the disease, and also thanked Janssen Egypt for sponsoring awareness campaigns and various ongoing activities that are in the interest of the Egyptian patient.

For her part, Dr. Heba Hussein, regional director of medical affairs for Janssen in Egypt, North East Africa and Jordan praised the attention given by the state and its health systems in working tirelessly with patients with chronic immune diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, despite the pressures that the coronavirus pandemic has placed on the health system in Egypt.

She also praised the efforts of the Comprehensive Health Insurance Authority, which has made a promising and strong start in Port Said, Luxor and other governorates.

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KYODO NEWS - Jan 9, 2022 - 20:44 | All, Japan, Coronavirus

Three Japanese prefectures hosting or neighboring U.S. military bases continued to see high coronavirus cases Sunday as COVID-19 quasi-emergency measures took effect in response to surging infections that their governors say stem from the spread of the Omicron variant at the U.S. facilities.

After reporting 1,759 new cases on Saturday, the third straight day of record daily figures, the southern island prefecture of Okinawa confirmed 1,533 cases Sunday while Hiroshima in western Japan saw 619 cases, renewing its record high for the third consecutive day.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan has, for the most part, agreed with the United States to place a curfew on U.S. military personnel while vowing to step up efforts such as increasing the pace of booster shots to minimize the impact of another wave of infections.

The government later said the two countries agreed to limit U.S. personnel's activities in Japan outside their bases to essential ones for two weeks from Monday.

The quasi-state of emergency will be in effect until Jan. 31 in Okinawa and parts of Hiroshima and Yamaguchi, allowing the prefectural governments to strengthen their anti-coronavirus steps and request that dining establishments shorten their business hours and stop serving alcohol.

Yamaguchi, which hosts a U.S. Marines air base in Iwakuni, saw 152 new cases on Sunday, of which 80 were reported in Iwakuni. The western prefecture has seen its daily cases surge to an all-time high of 181 on Thursday.

The emergency, the first under Kishida, who took office in October, was declared as medical experts warn of the sixth wave of infections in the country and a renewed strain on the medical system.

Following a cluster of infections at the U.S. Marine Corps' Camp Hansen in Okinawa and a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases at a different base in the western prefecture of Yamaguchi, which is adjacent to Hiroshima, local officials and health experts now believe the outbreaks have spilled into nearby areas and beyond.

All of Okinawa Prefecture is under quasi-emergency, while only certain municipalities are subject to it in Yamaguchi and Hiroshima.

"As a result of discussions with the U.S. side, we have reached a broad agreement not to allow unnecessary outings" by U.S. service personnel, Kishida said on an NHK television program. "We are now working out details."

But he turned down Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki's request to overhaul the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, a hosting deal under which U.S. military personnel and related people are exempt from Japanese quarantine rules.

The governor of Okinawa, where the bulk of U.S. forces in Japan is stationed, has blamed their personnel for spreading the variant to local communities, given that they were not required until recently to have PCR tests before departure from the United States or wear masks after arrival in Japan.

The U.S. military in Okinawa confirmed a record 429 cases on Sunday, according to the prefectural government.

Meanwhile, the prime minister said he will consider introducing tougher restrictions in some areas in Japan if the spread of Omicron seriously overwhelms hospitals.

He separately said during a Fuji TV program that the government will decide whether to continue with the current strict border controls after the three-day weekend ends Monday.

With the emergence of the new variant, Japan tightened border controls in late November, banning the entry of all nonresident foreign nationals. It has also toughened quarantine measures for Japanese citizens and foreign residents who have recently been to certain countries or regions.

Under the quasi-state of emergency, the three prefectures request dining establishments in areas subject to the restrictions to shorten business hours and limit group dining to up to four people.

Yamaguchi and Hiroshima are also asking establishments to stop serving alcohol, while Okinawa allows restaurants and bars certified as taking sufficient anti-virus measures to serve alcohol until 8 p.m.

Yamaguchi Gov. Tsugumasa Muraoka told reporters Saturday his government may have to consider tougher measures if the situation continues to worsen in the prefecture.

Community transmission of the Omicron variant has also been confirmed in bigger Japanese cities, including Tokyo and Osaka. The nationwide tally of COVID-19 infections hit a four-month high of more than 8,400 on Saturday. However, cases slightly declined to just over 8,000 on Sunday.

On Sunday, Tokyo reported 1,223 cases after its daily count on the previous day grew 15-fold from a week ago to 1,224.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 9, 2022 - 21:35 | All, Japan

The government of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is unlikely to submit a bill to amend rules on how to accommodate foreigners facing deportation to a parliament session starting later this month for fear of a public backlash before the upper house election in the summer, government sources said Sunday.

The administration of Kishida's predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, withdrew a bill for the immigration law revision last May after the improper treatment of a detainee at an immigration facility in central Japan led to activists demanding an investigation and opposition parties calling for scrapping the bill.

The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito sought, among other changes, to limit the number of times people can apply for refugee status and have deportation procedures halted.

The coalition government aimed to change the rule as some detainees apparently requested asylum repeatedly to avoid deportation, resulting in their prolonged detention.

Opposition parties and activists argued the proposed revision of the law would violate the principle of nonrefoulement -- not returning asylum seekers to a country in which they would be in likely danger of persecution -- and dash the hopes of people in desperate need of refugee status.

They stepped up pressure on the ruling parties, demanding the government get to the bottom of a high-profile case involving Ratnayake Liyanage Wishma Sandamali, 33, a Sri Lankan national who was held at the Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau and died in March after complaining of ill health from mid-January.

Under the bill, the government planned to craft mechanisms to release foreign nationals facing deportation and detained at immigration facilities.

Japan only accepts around 1 percent of refugee applications it receives.

Some upper house members of the LDP have expressed concerns about debating controversial bills in parliament before the election for the chamber is held, a senior party lawmaker said.

If the ordinary parliament session to be convened this month is not extended, the House of Councillors' election will be held in July.

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MADRID, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Ministry of Health on Monday evening said that the 14-day incidence of the coronavirus rose by 294 points in the four days from Dec. 23 to 1,206.21 cases per 100,000 people after the Christmas holiday weekend.

This increase, which comes after the ministry reported 214,619 new infections over the past four days, was the highest 14-day incidence ever recorded in Spain since the pandemic started.

A total of 5,932,626 people have now been infected by COVID-19 in Spain, while the 120 deaths from COVID-19 reported on Monday lifts the total number of fatalities to 89,139.

The news comes on the first anniversary of the start of the vaccination campaign in Spain on Dec. 27, 2020.

In an attempt to contain the pandemic, the Spanish government passed a decree that requires people to wear facemasks outdoors on Dec. 24.

Most regions have imposed restrictions on nightlife, such as requiring a COVID pass (vaccination certificate) to enter nightclubs or restaurants, while the Catalan region has closed bars from 01:00-06:00 hours.

Since the first person Araceli Hidalg received a vaccine dose, a further 85,443,893 vaccine doses have been administered, with 37,853,370 people (89.9 percent of the population aged 12 or over) having received two doses. Besides, a further 12,720,094 reinforcement or booster shots were given to people aged 50 or over.

Spain also began a campaign to vaccinate around 3 million children aged 5-11 on Dec. 15 with specially adapted shots of the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine. Enditem
Daovone Phachanthavong, the vice executive president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, speaks in an interview with Xinhua in Lao capital Vientiane, Jan. 7, 2022. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

A Lao business leader said being part of the RCEP agreement would provide more market opportunities for Laos to expand production for export and promote the tourism sector.

by Chanthaphaphone Mixayboua, Zhang Jianhua

VIENTIANE, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, could bring great economic development opportunities to the region, and the agreement is very beneficial for Laos, said Daovone Phachanthavong, the vice executive president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI).

Being part of the agreement would provide more market opportunities for Laos to expand production for export and promote the tourism sector, the LNCCI official told Xinhua in an interview here on Friday.

"Laos is very fortunate to build a community with a shared future with China and sign the RCEP agreement," said Daovone.

"With the opening of the Laos-China Railway, Laos has become an important node on the China-ASEAN land corridor. The lion's share of the railway transportation of goods between China and ASEAN will pass through Laos, which can greatly promote the economic development of Laos."

The Lane Xang EMU train of the China-Laos Railway departs from Vientiane Railway Station in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 3, 2021. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

RCEP, taking effect on Jan. 1, groups 10 ASEAN members namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.

The entry into force of RCEP has provided Laos with the best cooperation opportunities in terms of personnel exchanges and business exchanges, and deepened the interconnection between Laos and other ASEAN member countries.

Daovone said, "RCEP and the Laos-China Railway can effectively reduce the cost of commodity trade. It will help support our economic growth by stimulating new investment and providing greater market access for Lao products. More and more commodities from Laos can be exported to other ASEAN countries."

Daovone has been engaged in the business of logistics and trade with Chinese companies since 2002 and his business has expanded to more than 10 industries so far.

A trainee driver gets trained on Lane Xang electric multiple unit (EMU) train of the China-Laos Railway in Laos, Nov. 30, 2021. (Photo by Li Huan/Xinhua)

"After the agreement takes effect, it can reduce intra-regional trade costs and transportation prices. The cost of our export products is much lower than before," said Daovone.

"RCEP can also bring more employment channels to the people in the region."

Laos-China Railway has transformed Laos from a land-locked country into a land-linked country, through which the country has achieved interconnection with China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and other countries, said Daovone.

Meanwhile, RCEP, covering nearly a third of the world's population and gross domestic product, is a mega trade pact that aims to break down trade barriers and promote investment.

"I believe that the ASEAN economy will definitely have better development in the future," said Daovone. 
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (R) meets with German Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht in Amman, Jordan, on Jan. 8, 2022. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

AMMAN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan on Saturday received visiting German Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht and exchanged views on advancing mutual defense cooperation.

The king underscored keenness to strengthen bilateral partnership and expressed his appreciation for Germany's support to Jordan in several fields, according to a Royal Court statement.

Their discussions also touched upon the latest international and regional developments and cooperation against terrorism.

Also on Saturday, Jordan's Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh met with the German minister, discussing cooperation between the two countries in various areas, especially in defense, training, and exchange of military expertise, in addition to efforts to combat terrorism.

The German minister hailed bilateral relations and Jordan's role under the leadership of King Abdullah II in promoting peace and security in the Middle East, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held extensive talks with the German official on ways of boosting Jordanian-German "strategic" partnership, latest regional and international developments of common interest, as well as efforts in resolving regional crises, according to a statement by the foreign ministry.

The two sides also reviewed regional developments, foremost of which the Palestinian causes, and efforts towards resolving the crises in Syria, Yemen, and Libya. 
A resident receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Windhoek, Namibia, on Jan. 9, 2022. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has exceeded the 10 million mark with the rapid transmission of the Omicron variant, which has surfaced in at least 33 African nations. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)

by Xinhua writers Zhu Shaobin, Wang Ping, Jing Jing

NAIROBI, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has exceeded the 10 million mark with the rapid transmission of the Omicron variant, which has surfaced in at least 33 African nations.

Data from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) released on Sunday showed that as of Saturday evening, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has reached 10,028,508 while the death toll stands at 231,157.

The surge is alarming. It only took less than one month for Africa to record an increase of 1 million new cases since Dec. 15, before which it took more than three months to record an additional 1 million new cases on the continent.

WORRIES OVER NEW VARIANTS

Dr. Angelique Coetzee, chairperson of the South African Medical Association, said the highly contagious Omicron, which is more prone to mutation compared to previous variants, should be the one contributing to the rapidly increasing cases.

"The region has low vaccination rates compared to the U.S. or the EU and the issue is concerning. We know that with unvaccinated people, immunocompromised people, and people with underlying conditions, the virus is likely to mutate and result in more variants," she said.

Dr. Phionah Atuhebwe, World Health Organization Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme Coordinator for Africa, said the virus knows no borders.

"If just one country lags behind in immunizing, the virus is given space to mutate into more dangerous variants ... this is why high-income countries must step up and help lower-income countries acquire the right resources to vaccinate, no matter what the financial cost," she said.

Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan international relations scholar, said prolonged bouts of the COVID-19 disease in Africa will only fuel new waves.

"To shield their populations from the virus, African countries will be forced to resort to social restrictions through lockdowns. This is only going to cause more economic pain to the already vulnerable continent," he said.

VACCINE APARTHEID

In general, Africa remains the least vaccinated region in the world with only 9.6 percent of its population fully vaccinated by early December. This is compared to the WHO's 40 percent vaccination rate target for the end of 2021.

In contrast, the vaccination rate in developed economies has been far above 60 percent.

With the huge vaccination gap, the term "vaccine apartheid" describes the divide between the world's richest and the least developed countries, especially African countries, in vaccine access.

"It is regrettable that some of the vaccines donated to the continent could not be administered before the expiry date. Most donations appear to be second thought political decisions by developed countries which have seen vaccines nearing expiry shipped to the continent," Adhere said.

According to WHO statistics, only six out of Africa's more than 50 countries, including Morocco, Tunisia, Rwanda, Botswana, Seychelles, and Mauritius, have hit the 2021 year-end target of fully vaccinating 40 percent of their populations.

At the current pace, the WHO estimates that it will take until May 2022 before Africa reaches 40 percent coverage and August 2024 before it reaches 70 percent vaccination.

According to the WHO, the continent faces a shortfall of 1.3 billion U.S. dollars for operational costs, including cold-chain logistics and travel costs and payment for vaccinators and supervisors, as well as a looming shortage of syringes and other crucial commodities.

"We're at a pivotal moment in this pandemic where complacency is the enemy," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa. "With supplies starting to increase, we now must intensify our focus on other barriers to vaccination."

KEY LESSONS IN COVID-19 FIGHT

Dr. Coetzee said we must learn to live with the virus. "We need to follow all the non-pharmaceutical interventions and not be fed up and ensure access to the vaccines is equitable in order to fight the pandemic."

According to Adhere, vaccine nationalism and politicizing the virus have no role in helping the world climb out of its pandemic hole.

"Politics only brought division, nationalism only erected walls against other countries, yet viruses do not need passports to move across borders," he said, stressing that international cooperation is key to overcoming the pandemic.

He noted China has shown a great deal of concern towards Africa and its pandemic battle.

"Right from the onset, China was forthcoming with information and epidemic control experience that was lacking in Africa ... China's donations were key in giving Africa a strong basis to embrace the fight against the virus," Adhere said.

During the 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Senegal in November 2021, China promised to send another 1 billion vaccine doses to the continent.

This pledge was translated to reality during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Kenya where he announced on Jan. 6 that China will donate another 10 million vaccine doses to help the East African nation deal with the virus.

"These examples indicate the strong willingness of China to partner with Africa in confronting the pandemic. It sets a good example of what international pandemic cooperation should look like," he said. Enditem

(Xinhua reporters Bai Lin and Shi Yu in Nairobi also contributed to the story.)

A medical worker prepares a dose of China's COVID-19 vaccine in Windhoek, Namibia, on Jan. 9, 2022. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa has exceeded the 10 million mark with the rapid transmission of the Omicron variant, which has surfaced in at least 33 African nations. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)
NICOSIA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus's Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides announced on Sunday that he has resigned from his post and indicated that he would probably be a candidate in presidential elections due in February 2023.

Christodoulides said he submitted his resignation to President Nicos Anastasiades "some days ago" and it was accepted on Friday. He added that the resignation will take effect on Tuesday.

Christodoulides, a politician with a long diplomatic career, was appointed as Foreign Minister in March 2018.

His resignation was announced amid friction with the president of his own ruling Democratic Rally party, Averof Neofytou, who has also said that he will be seeking the party's nomination for the presidential elections.

Media reports said that Christodoulides would contest the presidential elections as an independent candidate. Neofytou challenged him to clarify his intentions by seeking the party's nomination for the presidential candidacy in a process starting on Monday.

Neofytou said he would step down as party leader and Christodoulides would become both party leader and a presidential candidate if he contested the party candidacy and won the vote.

Christodoulides turned down the challenge saying that he was not interested in leading the Democratic Rally party. He also said he would make an announcement about his candidacy when he made a final decision. 




XILINGOL LEAGUE, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Around 10,000 wild Mongolian gazelle have been spotted in Xilingol League, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

They arrived in Xilingol Grassland from Mongolia in their annual winter migration to China.

Mongolian gazelle is under second-class national protection in China.

In recent years, local officials and herdsmen have been making great efforts in ecological environment restoration and wildlife protection.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
NICOSIA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- A new COVID-19 variant which was dubbed Deltacron has been identified in Cyprus, but it is not presently a source of alarm, Health Minister Michalis Hadjipantelas said on Saturday.

The new variant was identified by a team led by Leondios Kostrikis, head of the Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Virology at the University of Cyprus.

Kostrikis told local media that the new SARS-CoV-2 mutation shares the genetic background of the Delta variant along with some of the mutations of Omicron, hence it's named Deltacron.

He said that his team had identified 25 samples taken in Cyprus, after sequencing 1,377 samples as part of a program for tracing possible mutations of the coronavirus in Cyprus.

"The frequency of the mutations was higher among those in hospital, which could mean there is a correlation between Deltacron and hospitalizations," he said.

"It does not presently raise any concerns," Hadipantelas said.

Cyprus is currently in the grip of a fifth wave of the pandemic, which has caused new infections to soar to around 5,500 per day, in a population of less than a million.

The Cyprus National Surveillance Report on COVID-19 released on Friday said that a record number of 28,414 COVID-19 cases were diagnosed from Dec. 21, 2021 to Jan. 3, 2022.

The median age of infected people was 28 years, indicating a fast-spreading of the virus among the youths. 
New Delhi:

Terrorists camps in Pakistans Balakot, where Indian Air Force conducted air strikes, have been reactivated and around 40-45 Jaish-e-Mohammed Terrorists are receiving training there, according to new agency ANI, citing government sources. The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. Although the government didnt release a specific number of causalities, it was estimated that some 30-40 terrorists were killed in the strike. Pakistan, however, dismissed the presence of terrorists and said that Indian bombs only destroyed a few trees.

The Balakot strike had its aftermath and Air Forces of bother India and Pakistan indulged in an intense dog fight mid-air next day. In the fight, Indian fighter jet was drowned and a pilot was captured by Pakistan. It was also claimed that before going down, the Indian pilot had shot down a Pakistani F-16 from his MiG-Bishop. Now nearly 8 months after the strike, sources have once again seen terrorists training camps in the Pakistan town. They also said that some suicide bombers are also being mind washed at Balakot camps.

Jaish, a Pakistan-based terrorist outfit, is planning to carry out major strikes in Jammu and Kashmir following Indias move to strip the state of its special status, guaranteed under the Article 370 of the Constitution. The terrorists of Jaish are trying to infiltrate into the Indian side of the broder to carrry out attacks.

Also Read | 500 Terrorists Waiting At LoC Camps In PoK To Sneak Into Kashmir: Top Army Officer

The development has come days after Northern Command chief Lt Gen Ranbir Singh claimed that nearly 500 terrorists werewaiting to crossover at the LoC. He also said 200 to 300 terrorists are operating in hinterland of J&K to keep the region in turmoil with Pakistan's support.

He said that while Indian Army wants peace, Pakistan keeps trying to do some mischief to disturb the peace in the region. "Even today terror infrastructure is being run within Pakistan (by its forces and agencies). These include training as launching pad for terrorists to infiltrate into the country," he said.

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New Delhi:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have been detained under Public Safety Act (PSA). The act allows detention for up to two years without a trial. Tensions are high in Kashmir after New Delhi on August 5 announced abrogation of provisions of Article 370 and decided to bifurcate the state into Union territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh - hours after Kashmir was placed under a total clampdown.

In an interview to India Today, Amit Shah said: Unko Public Safety Act ke tehat abhi detention mei rakha hi hai (they continue to be detained under the Public Safety Act). BJP Live handle also tweeted this part of the video.

Omars father and National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah has also been detained under PSA. Hundreds have been arrested in Kashmir since August 5. Over 250 petitions have been filed against the preventive detention orders against prominent political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Petitions have also been filed in the Supreme Court against the detentions.

What is Public Safety Act?

Jammu and Kashmir Governor received the assent of Public Safety Act on April 8, 1978 which was introduced by the government of Sheikh Abdullah, father of Farooq.

The Act was introduced as a tough law to prevent the timber smuggling.

The act allows detention for up to two years without a trial for people above the age of 16. The amendments made in 2011 raised the minimum age of a person from 16 to 18 years.

Public Safety Act orders can be issued by Divisional Commissioners or District Magistrates.

Section 22 of the Act provides protection for any action taken in good faith under the Act: No suit, prosecution or any other legal proceeding shall lie against any person for anything done or intended to be done in good faith in pursuance of the provisions of this Act. Under Section 23 of the Act, the government is empowered to make such Rules consistent with the provisions of this Act, as may be necessary for carrying out the objects of this Act.

Following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, several human rights activists, journalists, separatists considered as a threat to the law and order. In 2016, during the protests over the killing of Hizbul Mujaihideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani more than 550 persons w

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New Delhi:

Political leaders under house arrest in Kashmir will be released if they cooperate with the administration for maintaining peace, said senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Tuesday said.

"The government will not entertain anyone who plans to destroy peace in Jammu & Kashmir. The government will set free those leaders who will support the cause of peace in J&K," he Said while speaking to reporters in the east Maharashtra city of Chandrapur before addressing a campaign rally for a party candidate.

Several political leaders were kept under house arrest since the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was withdrawn under Article 370. Hussain said like Pakistan, the Congress was also trying to destroy the image of India on the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution that gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

On a day the Maharashtra BJP in its manifesto demanded Bharat Ratna honour for late VD Savarkar, Hussain questioned the Congress's opposition to the name of the Hindutva ideologue who had served jail during freedom struggle.

He also took a dig at the Congress over defection of its leaders to the ruling camp in Maharashtra.

"The Congress is a sinking ship. Many of its leaders have already jumped out and joined other parties," he said.

The BJP leader said his party ushered in development in Maharashtra unlike the erstwhile Congress-NCP government.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi:

In partial relief to thousands of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank depositors, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday enhanced the withdrawal limit to Rs 40,000 from the existing Rs 25,000. "The Reserve Bank of India, after reviewing the bank's liquidity position and its ability to pay its depositors has decided to further enhance the limit for withdrawal to Rs. 40,000, inclusive of Rs. 25,000 allowed earlier," the central bank said in a statement.

In a sudden decision, the RBI last month imposed operational restrictions on Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank (PMC Bank). Withdrawals had been capped at Rs 1,000 per account and the bank was not allowed to make any fresh loans due to massive under-reporting of dud loans. However, after massive protets by the bank's depositors and the pressure from the Opposition parties, the central bank had raised the withdrawal limit to 10,000 and then 25,000, subsequently.

The move follows the weekend assurance by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to urge the Reserve Bank to look into the woes of the depositors of the cooperative bank with urgency, after irate depositors met her.

Also Read | PMC Bank Case: Nirmala Sitharaman Meets Customers, Says RBI Taking Required Action

Meanwhile, The Enforcement Directorate on Monday said that it has seized and identified assets worth Rs 3,830 crore in the PMC Bank money laundering case. The central probe agency said it is valuing a number of properties of Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited (HDIL), its directors, promoters, Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative (PMC) Bank officials and others.

The identified assets will soon be attached under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). "Further probe is in progress to identify and locate the balance proceeds of crime," the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement. The ED case is based on an FIR filed by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai police. The central agency had conducted raids in the case early this month.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi:

Asserting that India is now taking big decisions like on Article 370 which were unthinkable earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the massive mandate given by the people gave him the strength to take the step and challenged the opposition Congress to publicly state that it will restore the provision if voted to power.

Addressing his first of four election rallies in Haryana this week, Modi said the opposition parties in the state were crumbling and their attempts to come together are falling apart, while the BJP had a strong team and a strong captain in Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

The prime minister again targeted the opposition on the issue of abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir as he did in poll-bound Maharashtra on Sunday. India is taking big decisions, which no one could think of earlier. Which decision am I talking about? This decision is of Article 370.

J&K and Ladakh are moving on path of trust and development and credit for this does not go to Modi, but it goes to 130 crore people of this country. I derive strength from you, you gave us big mandate, he said.

Modi accused the opposition parties of politicising the issue of Article 370. I challenge them that if Article 370 is so dear to you, you go among the people and tell them that you will reverse the Centres decision, he said.

Here are the highlights of the rally:

4.26 pm: Congress and its partners create roadblock in every pro people programme. You have seen this in the past also how these people created ruckus during the passage of Triple Talaq bill: PM Modi.

4.25 pm: Congress and its alliance partners have been lying on the issue of One Rank One Pension. Today, this is not only the truth, but almost two lakh former soldiers of Haryana have also benefited from it: PM Modi

4.23 pm: These people had made preparations to lock our own Tejas fighter aircraft. But our government removed all the obstacles and added new wings to Tejas flight: PM Modi

4.21 pm: No matter how much they protest, any number of conspiracies, BJP is committed to national security and empowerment of the army and we are constantly giving it momentum: PM Modi.

4.20 pm: Remember the hype created by the opposition parties during the Lok Sabha elections regarding the Rafale plane? These people had given full emphasis that this aircraft agreement should be cancelled, new fighter aircraft should not come in India. But despite all the efforts of these people, the first Rafale aircraft has been handed over to India: PM Modi

4.16 pm: Those who are criticising the government should come clean and tell people of Haryana whether they will bring back Article 370 and 35A if they come back to power: PM Modi.

4.15 pm: Today the whole country is also seeing that those whose interests have been hurt by this decision, are shocked and stunned. These people are questioning this decision, going abroad and asking for help: PM Modi

4.13 pm: The credit for removing Article 370 goes to 130 crore countrymen, to the voters of India. You pressed the button on the lotus and I got this power to fulfill your dreams: PM Modi

4.12 pm: It was the sentiment of Haryana and the entire country to move Jammu and Kashmir out of isolation and violence, towards harmony and empowerment. Today, Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh are on a new path of development and trust: PM Modi

4.10 pm: It is the support of the people of Haryana who have given strength to Manohar Lalji and his team. We have received your blessings during the Lok Sabha elections as well: PM Modi

4.08 pm: Today you are seeing how the whole world, the big leaders of the world are standing with India: PM Modi.

4.07 pm: 5 years ago, when I talked about forming a BJP government in Haryana, the leaders of the opposition party were asking, Modi ji, tell me who is your captain? Then my reply was that if the people of Haryana blesses us, then Haryana will get a strong captain and not only the captain will also get a strong team: PM Modi

4.06 pm: When I come among you in Haryana, I feel that I have come to my house. Development here and change in the lives of the people have always been my priority: PM Modi.

4.05 pm: Development of Haryana, change in people's lives has always been my priority: PM Modi

4.04 pm: People trust BJP more than any other party: PM Modi.

4.03 pm: Shocked that Congress is seeking foreign help: PM Modi raises Congress' meeting with Jeremy Corbyn in Ballabhgarh rally.

4.02 pm: It is only because of peoples trust and belief that India is taking decisions that no one has ever imagined: PM Modi.

4.01 pm: All Indian want Kashmir to be integrated, says PM Modi.

4.00 pm: Dynastic politics will not help Haryana, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haryana.

Watch Video: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Addresses Rally In Haryana's Ballabhgarh
Srinagar:

Mobile phones in Kashmir buzzed back to life on Monday, breaking the silence of a 72-day communication clampdown and reconnecting 40 lakh post-paid subscribers to the country, the Valley and their neighbourhoods but without any internet facilities.

The phones started ringing from noon as promised by the government on Saturday and people across the Valley quickly dialled out to speak to those they had been unable to since August 5, when the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status and reorganised the state into two union territories.

The resumption of the service is only on postpaid connections and only for voice calls and SMS. Over 25 lakh prepaid mobile phones and other internet services, including WhatsApp, remain deactivated for now, officials said.

Governor Satya Pal Malik said in Kathua, Jammu, that internet services would be resumed very soon, but officials in the security establishment maintained the process might take up to two months.

A decision on pre-paid subscribers could be taken next month, the officials said.

"Let this stabilise first. We will think about pre-paid connections later," a senior official told PTI.

Connectivity was snapped a week before Eid, celebrated on August 12. And so great was the relief on Monday that many Kashmiris wished each other Eid Mubarak.

"This day is no less than Eid for us. In a global era of the world becoming one, transcending borders, we were cut off from the rest of the world for more than two months," said Nighat Shah.

If it was Eid for some, it was time to reconnect with family and friends for others and back to much needed business for many.

As news came in of post-paid connections being restored, people rushed to pay their outstanding bills. Telecom operators said the lines got clogged for a while during the day because of the heavy rush of incoming and outgoing calls.

Basharat Ahmad, a resident of the old city, was one of those who lost no time in calling his friends and relatives within Kashmir and outside. In just an hour, he made 30 calls.

"I had not spoken to my relatives in Delhi and elsewhere outside Kashmir for 70 days. I want to hear from all of them and want to tell them we are still alive," Ahmad said.

It was a tough 72 days even for those whose loved ones stayed close by.

Yasir Ahad said he was talking to his fiancee when the lines snapped abruptly.

"I was not able to contact my fiancee who lives just five kilometres from my place. We got engaged in July this year and two weeks later we had no information about each other's well being," Ahad said.

Ahad, who plans to get married next spring, said he would talk to his fiancee every day till the sudden communication blockade came into force in the early hours of August 5.

"I was talking to her when the signal went off. Initially, I thought there was something wrong with my phone but soon realised that the rumours ahead of August 5 were not unfounded," he added.

Danish Wani, a travel agent, said he can now resume his work.

"In an ideal situation, I would like internet connectivity to also be restored. But the resumption of mobile phone services will at least help me getting back into the business. A telephone connection is of vital importance in the ticketing business," Wani said.

Security forces are fully geared to meet any challenge arising out of the opening of mobile communications, officials said.

The restoration of post-paid mobile phones of all services tops a number of steps taken in recent weeks to remove restrictions in the Valley.

Last week, the state was opened to tourists. Educational institutions are also open, but attendance has been slim. Markets and other business establishments remain closed while public transport is largely off the roads.

Most top-level and second-rung separatist politicians are in preventive custody. Mainstream leaders including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, have either been detained or placed under house arrest.

On August 17, partial fixed line telephony was resumed in the Valley. On September 4, nearly 50,000 landlines were declared operational.

The announcement that mobile services would be restored was made by Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal at a press conference here on Saturday.

Lack of mobile phone connectivity caused immense hardship to the people and the announcement of its restoration is the most significant step towards ending the communication blockade.

"With this step, tourists will be able to visit the state without being handicapped by the lack of phone connectivity, students can be in touch with parents while attending school, businessmen can be in touch with customers, transporters can contact clients and contractors can be in touch with staff," Kansal said.

In Jammu, communication was restored within days of the blockade and mobile internet was started around mid-August. However, after its misuse, internet facility on cell phones was snapped on August 18.

Mobile communication in the Valley was shut down to prevent externally aided terrorists from disturbing peace and inflicting casualties, officials said.

"There are sustained attempts from across the border, both in the past and more so in the last two months, to promote militancy and terrorism in the state in order to create a sense of fear and terror among the people and keep the place in a disturbed condition," a senior official said.

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New Delhi:

US President Donald Trump said US is being "very tough" on Turkey and strongest sanctions have been imposed on Ankara. Trump, who was speaking to reporters at the White House, reiterated that his administration wants to bring US soldiers back home. A delegation led by vice-president Mike Pence is set to leave for Ankara in order to stop Turks to stop their ground offensive in Syria. The delegation including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor Robert O Brien will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Oct 17.

Mike (Pence) is getting ready to make a big trip. He will be leaving tomorrow (Wednesday). We have a delegation leaving today and Mike is setting it up with Secretary Pompeo. They will be leaving tomorrow and we are having very strong talks with a lot of people, Trump said.

Responding to the critics of his move to pull back US troops from Syria, Trump said, We want to bring our soldiers back home after so many years and they are the greatest warriors in the world.

Moreover, US has imposed sanctions on Turkish ministries and senior officials, and theres proposal to raise steel tariffs and end negotiations on a USD 100 billion trade deal.

Also Read: Turkey's 'Unilateral Invasion' Has Resulted In Widespread Casualties, Says Pentagon

Taking a dig at Trump's 'green signal' for Turkey's offensive, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer in a joint statement said, The chaos and insecurity unleashed in Syria by President Trumps disastrous decision to precipitously withdraw from northern Syria require strong, smart leadership from Congress.

Since President Trump gave Turkey the green light to attack our Kurdish partners, Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate have been united in our swift and serious condemnation of this reckless action, which threatens countless lives, endangers our Kurdish partners and undermines our credibility in the world, the statement adds.

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London:

Britains government is planning a first post-Brexit budget for November 6, one week after it expects the country to have left the European Union, finance minister Sajid Javid announced Monday. This will be the first budget after leaving the EU, Chancellor of the Exchequer Javid said in a statement. I will be setting out our plan to shape the economy for the future and triggering the start of our infrastructure revolution. This is the right and responsible thing to dowe must get on with governing, he added.

Britain and the EU are currently locked in last-ditch talks to secure a divorce deal ahead of a crunch two-day summit for European leaders in Brussels starting Thursday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists that Britain will leave the bloc on October 31 as scheduled, even without an agreement.

But British MPs last month passed a law requiring him to request a Brexit extension if no deal has been finalised by the end of the summit.

It remains unclear how Johnson intends to proceed in such a situation. Meanwhile the budget, Javids first as chancellor, was expected to build on proposals he set out last month for infrastructure, including hospitals and railways.

However Jon Trickett, the Labour Partys Cabinet Office spokesman, was sceptical the budget would be delivered as planned, with opposition parties threatening to topple Johnsons government and the prime minister himself pushing for a snap election.

I would be surprised if there is a budget at that time because theyve no idea whether theyre going to get this Brexit proposal through the House (of Commons) or not, he told BBC Radio.

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New Delhi:

A Delhi court on Tuesday allowed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to interrogate former finance minister P Chidambaram in connection with the INX Media money-laundering case lodged by the agency.

Special judge Ajay Kumar Kuhar allowed the plea of the ED seeking permission to quiz Chidambaram, who is in judicial custody till October 17 in the INX Media corruption case filed by the CBI, saying the agency can question him in Tihar jail on Wednesday and, if required, arrest him.

The court said ED's application for remand is premature at this moment. After the court passed the order, the ED sought the court's permission to question him in some space available in Rouse Avenue court premises.

Also Read | INX Media Case: Delhi Court Reserves Order On ED's Plea To Arrest P Chidambaram

The court, however, said, "it's not in the dignity of this person that you interrogate and arrest him in Delhi in public view." The court allowed ED to go to Tihar jail, where the Congress leader is lodged, to question him on Wednesday, and, if required, arrest him.

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New Delhi:

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) officers among six officials, found guilty for the crash of a helicopter over Srinagar on February 27 when India and Pakistan were engaged in a short aerial battle, will face administrative action, news agency ANI reported.

While two officers will face court martial, administrative action will be taken against four other officers, ANI quoted sources as saying.

Defence sources: Six Indian Air Force officers to face action for their roles in the Mi-17 chopper crash which was hit by own missile on February 27 over Srinagar. Two officers to face court martial while four others to face administrative action in the case. pic.twitter.com/QCZXwrKuNl  ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2019

Earlier this month, IAF chief Rakesh Kumar Bhadauria admitted that the Mi-17 chopper crash on February 27 was a "big mistake" on part of the air force. The crash had left six IAF personnel dead.

"Court of Inquiry has completed and it was our mistake as our missile had hit our own chopper. We will take action against the two officers. We accept this was our big mistake and we will ensure such mistakes are not repeated in the future," Bhadauria had said.

In the crash, the Indian Air Force lost six personnel when their chopper was hit by its own SPYDER air defence missile over Budgam.A day before February 27, IAF jets conducted airstrikes in Pakistan's Balakot and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps and Pakistan tried to retaliate by sending fighter jets towards the Indian side.

The helicopter was shot down by an Indian missile when Indian air defences were on high alert following the February 26 Balakot airstrike that targetted a terrorist camp in Pakistan. The helicopter crashed near Budgam.

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New Delhi:

Following Turkeys incursion into northeastern Syria, Britain and Spain joined other major powers in suspending military exports to Ankara. Britain is carrying out a review of arms sales to its NATO ally, its chief diplomat said. We will keep our defence exports to Turkey under very careful and continual review, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement to parliament.

No further export licences to Turkey for items which might be used in military operations in Syria will be granted while we conduct that review. Spain, a major arms exporter to Turkey, similarly announced a halt to sales of military material.

Spains Socialist government asked Turkey to put an end to this military operation, saying it endangered regional stability, increased the number of refugees and threatened Syrias territorial integrity.

In coordination with its European Union partners, Spain will deny new export licences for military equipment that can be used in the operation in Syria, a foreign ministry statement said.

Turkeys legitimate security concerns must be addressed and resolved by political and diplomatic means, not by military actions. Spain was Turkeys fifth biggest arms supplier between 2008 and 2018 after the United States, South Korea, Germany and Italy, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced he will authorise sanctions against Turkish officials, raise steel tariffs and end negotiations on a US dollar 100 billion trade deal. Trump said in a statement said: This (executive) order will enable the US to impose powerful additional sanctions on those who may be involved in serious human rights abuses, obstructing a ceasefire, preventing displaced persons from returning home, forcibly repatriating refugees or threatening the peace, security or stability in Syria."

"Im fully prepared to swiftly destroy Turkeys economy if Turkish leaders continue down this dangerous and destructive path," the president said.

Trump said he will be issuing the executive order authorising imposition of sanctions against current and former officials of Turkey and those contributing to destabilising Syria.

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New Delhi:

Omprakash Nimbalkar, Shiv Sena MP from Osmanabad on Wednesday was attacked with knife by a youth. 20-year-old youth identified as Ajinkya Tekale attacked the leader near the village of Naigaon Padoli. Nimbalkar sustained minor injuries in the incident. Police arrested the accused who later escaped from the custody, according to the Indian Express. Nimbalkar was accompanied by Kailash Patil, the Shiv Sena candidate contesting the Maharashtra Assembly polls from the constituency, and his bodyguard.

Maharashtra will go to polls on October 21 and the results will be declared on October 24. The Shiv Sena and the BJP, which are contesting the elections in an alliance, will contest on 124 and 164 seats in the upcoming polls.

Earlier, a case was registered against Nimbalkar for allegedly cheating and abetting the suicide of a 59-year-old farmer, who hanged himself in his village in April this year claiming that his land was being sold to private lenders, the police said. The case has been registered at Dhoki police station in Osmanabad, over 400 kms from Mumbai.

Shiv Sena MP Omraje Nimbalkar attacked with knife in Maharashtra's Osmanabad while campaigning for party candidate Kailash Patil



Photo: ANI



Read full story: https://t.co/J9BWZeisCY pic.twitter.com/hu0ttL6zQm  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) October 16, 2019

"The FIR names Sena MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and 56 others for allegedly abetting the suicide of Dilip Davle, who hanged himself from a tree in Kasabe Tanavle village in Osmanabad," a local police officer had said.

According to the official, police had found a suicide note written by the farmer, mentioning Omprakash Nimbalkar . "In one note, he purportedly mentioned that 13 farmers had gone to meet Sena president Uddhav Thackeray to tell him how farmers' land was being sold to private bankers. The farmers never met him," sources said.
New Delhi:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday has cut down Indias growth forecast by 90 basic points to 6.1 per cent. This is second downward revision in seven months and in total 120 basis points reduction.

The downward revision relative to the April 2019 World Economic Outlook (WEO) of 1.2 percentage points for 2019 and 0.5 percentage point for 2020 reflects a weaker-than-expected outlook for domestic demand. Growth will be supported by the lagged effects of monetary policy easing, a reduction in corporate income tax rates, recent measures to address corporate and environmental regulatory.

The IMF has also cuts global forecast by 20 basis points for 2019.

Its Economic Counsellor and Director of the Research Department, Gita Gopinath said that the global economy is in a synchronised slowdown and the fund once again, is downgrading growth for 2019 to 3 per cent, its slowest pace since the global financial crisis. Growth continues to be weakened by rising trade barriers and increasing geopolitical tensions.

We estimate that the US-China trade tensions will cumulatively reduce the level of global GDP by 0.8 per cent by 2020. Growth is also being weighed down by country-specific factors in several emerging market economies, and structural forcessuch as low productivity growth and ageing demographics in advanced economies, she said.

The IMF also sharply downgraded growth projections for Saudi Arabia and Iran, the two largest Mideast economies, citing the impact of US sanctions, geopolitical tensions and low oil prices.

In its World Economic Outlook, the global lender cut forecasts for almost all countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as the region is buffeted by biting sanctions on Iran and nail-biting anxiety over last months attacks on Saudi oil facilities.

The IMF said Irans economy will contract by a massive 9.5 percent this year, its worst performance since 1984 when the Islamic republic was at war with neighbouring Iraq.

The figure is 3.5 percentage points lower than the IMFs April projections, reflecting a rapid deterioration in Tehrans economy after the US implemented tighter sanctions on its oil exports, the nations main source of income.

This is the second year in a row that Irans economy is mired in recession, after it shrank by 4.8 percent in 2018.

Iran has been or continues to be experiencing very severe macroeconomic distress, the IMF said, adding that growth in 2020 will be flat.

The forecast for Saudi Arabia, the regions largest economy, was also cut to just 0.2 percent for 2019, a substantial 1.6 percentage points lower than Aprils projections.

The outlook is the worst since 2017 when the kingdoms economy contracted by 0.7 percent.

But the IMF raised its Saudi growth forecast for next year to 2.2 percent, slightly above Aprils projections, on expectations that the non-oil sectors will strengthen following subsidy reforms.

The oil giant has substantially cut power and fuel subsidies as well as imposed fees on expatriate visas and a five-percent value added tax as part of a reform programme to decrease its dependence on oil.

Fitch Ratings in September downgraded Saudi Arabias credit rating by one notch following the devastating attacks on key oil facilities that knocked out half its productiona strike that has been blamed on Iran.

The IMF also cut its forecast for MENA growth to a meagre 0.1 percent this year, 1.2 percentage points lower than April projections, reflecting weakening economies in a region rattled by conflict.

The cut to MENA growth is largely due to the downward forecast revision for Iran and Saudi Arabia, it said.

Civil strife in some other economies, including Libya, Syria, and Yemen, weigh on the regions outlook. The global lender said that the price of oil and gas, the main source of income for the region, dropped 13 percent between April and October and that oil prices will continue to decline until 2023.

It said the September 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities have stoked tension and uncertainty in the region, especially following tanker attacks in the strategic Strait of Hormuz through which 20 percent of oil trade passes.

Growth projections for the United Arab Emirates, the most diversified economy in the region, was cut sharply to 1.6 percent from 2.8 percent in April, due to weak oil growth in Abu Dhabi and a general slowdown in Dubai.

The IMF also cut forecasts for other hydrocarbon exporters Qatar, Kuwait and Oman but raised the outlook for Iraq, the regions second largest crude exporter, following a 0.6 percent contraction last year.

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New Delhi:

The West Bengal police claimed to have solved the Murshidabad triple murder case. Police on Tuesday arrested the main accused for his alleged involvement in the crime, according to a senior police officer. Bandhu Prakash Pal, a 35-year-old teacher, his pregnant wife Beauty and 8-year-old son Angan were found dead in their house at Jiaganj in Murshidabad district on October 8.

Reports quoting Murshidabad Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar said that Utpal Behra, a mason by profession, has been arrested from Sagardighi's Sahapur area. According to police, Pal and his family were murdered by Behra over a conflict over unpaid dues.

According to police, Behra had paid money to Pal for two life insurance policies. While Pal had given receipt for the first policy, he did not give him the receipt for the second policy. For the last few weeks, Pal and Behra used to quarrel over this matter.

"Pal had even insulted him, following which Behra decided to kill him and his family," police said.

The triple murder took on political colour as BJP claimed that Pal was a RSS worker and targetted Mamata Banerjee government over the killings. However, family members of the victims had denied that he had affiliation with any party.

Denying any link between Pal and the RSS, the West Bengal Police had earlier said that it appeared to be a case of 'personal enmity'.

"The murder of three members of a family of Kanaiganj, Jiaganj police station area in Murshidabad, is a sad incident. The investigation was started just after the incident and two persons have been detained and are being examined. It has so far been found that the deceased person was working as an agent of some insurance and chain company and was in a serious financial crisis," the West Bengal Police had said in a statement.

"The CID has been asked to get associated with the investigation. Prima facie it seems to be a case of personal enmity and it has nothing to do with politics," the police statement had added.

"During the investigation and while examining several local witnesses, family members, friends, no one claimed his association with RSS. Even during the search of the house of the victim, no such document could be found that identified the deceased with any political party. His family members vehemently opposed and criticised media for such false propaganda," the police had stated further.

ALSO READ: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar Seeks Report At Triple Killing

Meanwhile, a high-level BJP delegation comprising of Kailash Vijayvargiya, SS Ahluwalia and Mukul Roy will call on President Ram Nath Kovind today over Murshidabad triple murder case.

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Jodhpur:

Union cabinet minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Saturday exuded confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party will sweep Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections with a significant margin. Shekhawat said the Congress was passing through a turbulent phase and was almost on the path of staggering division across the country and not in a position to win any election.

The Congress has been suffering from widespread division and factionalism and the BJP is going to sweep both the states with a remarkable margin, Shekhawat, who is on a two-day visit of his home constituency Johdpur, told the media here.

To buttress his point, he cited the examples of a former Haryana Congress president and senior party leader Sanjay Nirupam.

Nirupam, the former chief of Mumbai Congress, has launched a revolt against the party leadership after some of his supporters were not granted party ticket despite being recommended by him.

Former Haryana Congress chief Ashok Tanwar resigned from the partys primary membership on Saturday, alleging that there is a conspiracy to eliminate leaders groomed by Rahul Gandhi.

Asked on buzz in Rajasthan that the state might get two more deputy chief ministers, Shekhawat told the media it was the governments wish but if they could control the law and order situation in the state, they should make five or even 11 deputy CMs.

He appealed to the state government to improve the law and order situation so that our daughters are safe.

The government should curb violence, rape and cruelty against girls and women in the state and for this, if they wish to make five or even 11 deputy chief ministers, they should go ahead, the Union minister said.

Haryana and Maharasthra, which have BJP-led governments, go to polls on October 21.
New Delhi:

The Bihar Legislative Council Admit Card for Assistant and LDC 2019b exam has been released. All candidates who applied for the exam need to visit the official website of Bihar Legislative Council, i.e. biharvidhanparishad.gov.in to download and take a printout of the admit card. In order to download the Bihar Legislative Council Admit Card, candidate need to submit details such as registration number and password on the official website.

It is to note that candidates will be able to download the admit card till October 21, 2019. The Bihar Legislative Council will be held the Computer Based Test for Translator, Assistant, LDC and other posts. The Computer based test is scheduled to be held on October 18 to October 21, 2019 in separate batches. Candidates must carry the admit card with photo ID proof at the time of examination.

A total of 79 vacancies have been released out of which 31 posts are for Assistant, 13 posts for Clerk, 7 for driver and 28 posts for Security Guard. In order to download the Bihar Legislative Council Admit Card For Assistant, LDC 2019, candidates need to follow the below mentioned steps:
New Delhi:

The name of Lord Venkateswara of the famous hill shrine at Tirumala, stencilled in micro chips and affixed on NASAs Mars 2020 Rover, would fly to the Red Planet, former director of National Mission of Manuscripts and an ardent devotee V Venkata Ramana Reddy said recently. "I have submitted the sacred name of Lord Venkateswara and got the souvenir boarding pass in the name of the Lord from the official website of NASA," Reddy, also formerly professor of Oriental Research Institute in Sri Venkateswara University. The Lord's name would be among 10 million names stencilled on microchips affixed on the Rover, the American space agency has said.

The submission of names at the NASA website for the "Send Your Name to Mars" campaign has ended. "I am a strong supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an ardent devotee of Lord Venkateswara, and I am delighted to send the name of the ancient and world famous Tirumala shrines presiding deity to Mars," he said.

NASA had invited the public to submit their names to fly to the red planet. The mission is scheduled for launch in July 2020, with the spacecraft expected to touch down on Mars in February 2021.

The Rover would search for signs of past microbial life, characterise the planet's climate and geology, collect samples from Mars.

Meanwhile, NASAs Mars Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) lander detected mysterious magnetic pulses on the Red planet. However, the cause of the pulsation is currently unknown. The information was presented at the joint meeting of the European Planetary Science Congress and the American Astronomical Society, taking place in Geneva. The Insight Lander has been on the red planet since November 2018.

What's unusual about this occasional magnetic pulsation or wobbling is that it happens at a time when such events would be unlikely on Earth, where they are often related to northern or southern lights, explained National Geographic.

According to NASA, the lander uses cutting edge instruments, to delve deep beneath the surface and seek the fingerprints of the processes that formed the terrestrial planets. It does so by measuring the planet's "vital signs": its "pulse" (seismology), "temperature" (heat flow), and "reflexes" (precision tracking).

Also Read: Did You Know? Indians Beat US, China In NASA Campaign To Send Their Names To Mars

This mission is part of NASA's Discovery Program for highly focused science missions that ask critical questions in solar system science. The InSight mission seeks to uncover how a rocky body forms and evolves to become a planet by investigating the interior structure and composition of Mars.

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Srinagar:

SMS services were stopped as a precautionary measure a few hours after post-paid mobile phone connections were restored in Kashmir Valley, officials said on Tuesday. Mobile phone services for post-paid subscribers resumed in Kashmir after 72 days on Monday noon, but without any internet facilities. By about 5 pm, SMS services were stopped too, officials said. SMS services were stopped last evening as a precautionary measure, said an official.

Two terrorists, including a suspected Pakistani national, shot dead the driver of a Rajasthan truck and assaulted an orchard owner in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir around 8 pm on Monday.

Police said the deceased was identified as Sharief Khan and the terrorists carried out the attack in Shirmal village in desperation as fruit transportation was picking up in the Valley.

Over 25 lakh prepaid mobile phones and other internet services, including WhatsApp, remain deactivated for now, officials said.

Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Monday that internet services would be resumed very soon, but officials in the security establishment maintained the process might take up to two months.

A decision on pre-paid subscribers could be taken next month, they said.

Phones fell silent on August 5, when the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmirs special status and reorganised the state into two union territories.

In Jammu, communication was restored within days of the blockade and mobile internet was started around mid-August. However, after its misuse, internet facility on cell phones was snapped on August 18.

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London:

Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo jointly won the 2019 Booker Prize on Monday after judges "flout" the rules by declaring a tie. British Indian novelist Salman Rushdie's tragicomic 'Quichotte' was among the six books shortlisted for the prize. The Booker rules say the prize must not be divided, but the judges insisted they "couldn't separate" Atwood's 'The Testament' and 'Girl, Woman, Other' by Evaristo, who is the first black woman to win the prestigious award since its creation in 1969.

The rules were changed after the last tie in 1992, and organisers told this year's judges that they were not allowed to pick two winners. But after five hours of deliberations, Peter Florence, the chair of the five-member judging panel, said: "It was our decision to flout the rules."

The judges said they strongly wanted both the authors to split the GBP 50,000 award at a gala ceremony at Guildhall.

"The more we talked about them, the more we found we loved them both so much we wanted them both to win," Florence said.

Seventy-nine-year-old Canadian author Atwood expressed her joy at sharing the award with a younger writer.

Atwood joked to her co-winner: "I would have thought I would have been too elderly, and I kind of don't need the attention, so I'm very glad that you're getting some."

"It would have been quite embarrassing for me? if I had been alone here, so I'm very pleased that you're here too," she said.

Evaristo said, "We black British women know that if we don't write ourselves into literature no one else will."

"It's so incredible to share this with Margaret Atwood, who's such a legend and so generous," the 60-year-old said, after the shock joint win was announced.

The others shortlisted included Lucy Ellmann for 'Ducks, Newburyport', Chigozie Obioma for 'An Orchestra of Minorities', and Elif Shafak for '10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World'.

Atwood's 'The Testaments' had been the bookmakers' favourite to scoop the award. She had also made the shortlist with 'The Handmaid's Tale' in 1986, with her latest book set 15 years after the end of that novel.

The 2019 shortlist had been selected from 151 submitted books published in the UK or Ireland between October 2018 and September 2019.

On Rushdie's 'Quichotte' the judging panel commented, "A picaresque tour-de-force of contemporary America, with all its alarms and craziness. Rushdie conjures a celebration of storytelling and language that will delight lovers of Cervantes, lovers of daytime television and lovers of life."

This was the fifth time that the Mumbai-born novelist was shortlisted, including the 1981 win where he bagged the award for "Midnight's Children".

Rushdie's latest work is inspired by the classic 'Don Quixote' by 16th century Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes.

The judging panel said this year's shortlist offered an insight into different worlds from the dystopian setting of Gilead, the monologue of an Ohio housewife and the tragicomic tale of a travelling salesman in America; to mostly female, mostly Black, British lives across generations, the trials of a young Nigerian man on a quest to improve his prospects and true allegiances within the brothels of Istanbul.

Florence, founder and director of the Hay Festival and Chair of the Booker Prize judging panel this year, said: ?The common thread is our admiration for the extraordinary ambition of each of these books."

"There is an abundance of humour, of political and cultural engagement, of stylistic daring and astonishing beauty of language," he said.

"Anyone who reads all six of these books would be enriched and delighted, would be awe-struck by the power of story, and encouraged by what literature can do to set our imaginations free."

Each of the shortlisted authors received GBP 2,500 and a specially-bound edition of their book.

Last year's winner was Northern Irish writer Anna Burns for 'Milkman', which has sold around 5,46,500 copies in all formats since the award.

The Booker Prize for Fiction, first awarded in 1969, is open to writers of any nationality, writing in English and published in the UK or Ireland.

The prize is supported for the first time this year by venture capitalist Michael Moritz and novelist wife Harriet Heyman's charitable foundation Crankstart, rather than the Man Group.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Nobel prize awardee Abhijeet Banerjee for his contributions in the field of poverty alleviation. PM Modi took to Twitter and wrote, "Congratulations to Abhijit Banerjee on being conferred the 2019 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. He has made notable contributions in the field of poverty alleviation."

He also congratulated Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer for winning the prestigious Nobel.

Congratulations to Abhijit Banerjee on being conferred the 2019 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. He has made notable contributions in the field of poverty alleviation.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2019

I also congratulate Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer for wining the prestigious Nobel.

 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2019

Born in Mumbai, the 58-year-old economist is currently the Ford Foundation International Professor of Economics at the US-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He studied at the University of Calcutta and Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University before receiving his PhD in 1988 from Harvard University.

Earlier, Jawaharlal Nehru University also congratulated his alumnus Abhijit Banerjee for the achievement. It was a proud day for Jawaharlal Nehru University as its alumnus Abhijit Banerjee won the Nobel Economics Prize. Abhijits former professors said that they always knew his immense contributions to the field would be recognised.

Indian-American Banerjee, his wife Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer jointly won the 2019 Nobel Economics Prize for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. Professor Anjan Mukherjee, who taught Banerjee at the Centre For Economic Studies and Planning, said he has sent his former student a congratulatory email.

I have sent him an email. He was a very good student, among the best that we have taught. We always expected that he would go far and he did. He has been at the forefront for many years. When his book came out in 2008, that is the time when we thought that he would get the Nobel. We were all hoping that he would get it, he told PTI.

Banerjee pursued his Masters in Economics from the university. There are not too many teachers in India who can say that they have produced a Nobel laureate. All of us at the Centre for Economics Studies and Planning can proudly say so, Mukherjee added.

JNU vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar also expressed pride at Banerjees achievement. Prof. Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, a JNU alumnus (MA in Economics, 1983) wins Nobel Prize (together with two fellow economists) for contributing towards alleviating global poverty. JNU is proud of his achievement. Our alumni are torch bearers of JNU. We are proud of them, he tweeted.

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According to a humanitarian organisation, 90% of Afghanistan's healthcare centres are on the verge of collapsing, which is "depriving millions of basic treatment, endangering the Covid-19 response, and posing a serious risk of disease epidemics, starvation, and preventable deaths."

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), based in New York, highlighted the "growing" humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan in a report, saying, "Afghanistan rises to the top of Watchlist as the population increasingly cannot meet basic needs and the economy and public services collapse, despite the end of major conflict," according to media reports.

The closing of the health centre and an economic breakdown were caused by the suspension of foreign donor financing and the freezing of Afghan assets, according to the IRC report, which came amid drought, starvation, and the ongoing Covid epidemic.

"Afghans are running out of money due to a cash shortage, while the cost of essential goods, including as food and medication, is increasing." According to the UN, Afghanistan might face near-universal poverty by mid-2022, with 97 percent of Afghans living in poverty. This economic crisis, if left unaddressed, would exacerbate humanitarian demands, ranging from food poverty and hunger to health problems," it stated.

Officials at the Taliban-led Ministry of Public Health, on the other hand, dismissed the notion of 90% of the country's health institutions closing on Saturday, while acknowledging the sector's issues. International health organisations are being pushed to help Afghanistan's health sector, according to officials.

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According to an annual report released by Australia's 'Compare the Market,' Toyota Motor topped the list of overall most searched vehicle brands, as it was the top-searched manufacturer in 47 out of 154 nations, accounting for 31% of the sample. It was closely followed by BMW, which came in second as the most sought automobile brand in 29 areas, and Mercedes-Benz, which came in third.

Since the last four years, the three carmakers stated above have been fiercely competitive in terms of dominating Google searches and being the most popular carmakers on the planet. BMW was the most popular automobile brand in 118 countries in 2019, making it the most searched manufacturer.

Last year, Tesla became the top-searched automobile brand in Hong Kong, Israel, Macao, Singapore, and China, and therefore entered the chart for the first time. In Austria, the Bahamas, Botswana, Congo Kinshasa, Croatia, Finland, Guinea, Iceland, Kuwait, Madagascar, Malta, Norway, Palestine, Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea, Syria, the United States, and Yemen, it was the second or third most sought car brand.

The fact that Tesla offered various cars in 2021, including the Model S, the Cybertruck, Model 3, the Roadster, and even the Semi truck, might have contributed to the company's success last year.While interest in other automakers fluctuates year to year, names like Audi, Hyundai, and Suzuki featured more frequently in Google searches last year than the year before. Since 2018, Rolls-Royce and Mazda have been the most-searched automakers in at least one country.

Brands like Ford, Volvo, Nissan, and Peugeot, for example, appear to be losing interest in nations in terms of internet search, with each brand's rating dropping by at least three places. Automobile brands such as Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Alfa Romeo, and Daewoo, on the other hand, did not emerge as a top search in any of the 154 countries surveyed.

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Indore: Two days ago, police busted a flesh trade under the guise of a spa centre in Indore, MP. In which several foreign girls were also arrested. After a serious investigation into the case, the police have made a number of shocking revelations. Police said 10 girls and 8 boys were arrested from the Atom Spa Centre. Out of which 7 girls were from Thailand but 4 of them had their gender change dispersal and their gender mail was found in the passport. Details of passports of other 3 are being collected.

The Indore crime branch had received the news of operating the business of sexual intercourse under the guise of the spa. On this, taking joint action, Women Police and Crime Branch arrested 18 boys and girls on the spot. In which there were 10 girls and 8 boys. Spa centre operator Sanjay told the police that he has taken the franchise of Atom Spa. Earlier, he had described himself as the manager of the spa.

According to Jyoti Sharma, a female police station in-charge, 7 girls have come from Thailand, out of which only 4 Thailand passports have been recovered. The gender match of these girls is written in all four passports and the girls had changed their gender and were doing the business of sex in the spa centre. At present, the police will present all the criminals in the court and will ask for Sanjay's police remand and will interrogate him rigorously. 2 months ago, the broker who brought girls from Bangladesh here and engaged in prostitution was arrested by the police of Vijaynagar police station in Indore. Two girls and 4 people were also caught. The broker had said during interrogation that he used to bring girls from Bangladesh to Indore and supply them to other areas. Even before this, this type of business has been exposed to many areas of Indore.

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Iran's Foreign Ministry added 51 more Americans to its blacklist on Saturday for their "roles" in the killing of former Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020.

The ministry said in a statement that the new list of sanctioned Americans, which includes Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and former National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, is in accordance with Iran's law on "combating human rights violations and the adventurous and terrorist acts of the United States in the region." Iran placed sanctions on former US President Donald Trump, former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and numerous other key US officials in a similar move made a year ago.

On January 3, 2020, Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' Quds Force, was assassinated in Iraq in a drone attack directed by then-US President Trump. "The US administration has plainly breached its international commitments in the sphere of counter-terrorism and terrorist funding, in particular, refraining from coordinating terrorist activities," Iran's Foreign Ministry stated in a statement.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said in a public address on Monday to commemorate Soleimani's second martyrdom anniversary that Trump and Pompeo must be "prosecuted for their criminal activity" through a fair mechanism, threatening Iran's retaliation if those involved in and behind the "criminal act" are not punished.

Following the United States' withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal with international powers in 2018, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Iranian leaders, politicians, and companies. Iran and the United States are presently negotiating in Vienna in an attempt to save 2015 nuclear deal.

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Home  Just In  Price list: 8 best mid-range smartphones (Rs 30-50k) in Nepal as of January 2022

Everybody wants a smartphone with good cameras, a good build, good design, good battery backup and most importantly a good performance. There are lots of smartphones in the market that can fulfil your needs but, then again, they come with a hefty price tag and it is not everyones cup of tea. So, the companies have introduced a number of mid-range smartphones that can provide decent performance and at an affordable price.

Today, we bring you the list of the best mid-range smartphones (costing Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000) available in Nepal as of January 2022.

SN Phone Price 8 Oppo F19 Pro Rs 41,990 (8/128GB) 7 Vivo V21 Rs 49,999 (8/128GB) 6 OnePlus Nord CE 5G Rs 44,999 (8/128GB) 5 Samsung Galaxy A52 Rs 41,999(8/128GB) 4 Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Rs 31,999 (6/128GB)

Rs 36,999 (8/256GB) 3 Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Rs 42,999 (6/128GB) 2 Xiaomi 11 lite 5G Rs 45,999 (8/128GB)

Rs 48,999 (8/256GB) 1 Xiaomi Poco F3 Rs 46,999 (6/128GB)

8. Oppo F19 Pro

Photo: Oppo

Starting on the list of best mid-range smartphones in Nepal is Oppo F19 Pro. The market in Nepal really has not favoured Oppo smartphones as Samsung and Xiaomi have released so many options for the users that other smartphones are struggling to catch up on them. Oppo has managed to stay in contention with their release of Oppo F19 Pro.

Oppo F19 Pro is another light and slim smartphone on the list. With only weighing 172 grams the phone has a thickness of 7.8mm. There is a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display on the phone and the refresh rate is only 60Hz. It too has an under-display optical fingerprint sensor.

Oppo F19 Pro houses a quad-camera set up on the back. The 48MP camera is accompanied by an 8MP, 119 degrees ultrawide camera, 2MP macro and another 2MP depth sensor, making it one of the best mid-range smartphones. The main camera can record videos up to [email protected] 30 fps. There is a 16MP HDR camera on the front and can record videos only in 1080p resolution.

The phone runs on Android 11 with ColorOS 11.1 on top and is powered by a MediaTek Helio P95 (12nm) chipset. There is a 4,310mAh non-removable battery on the phone that supports a 30W fast charger.

The price of Oppo F19 Pro is Rs 41,990 for the 8/128GB variant.

7. Vivo V21

Photo: vivo

Another on the list of best mid-range smartphones, Vivo V21 is a light and slim phone weighing only 176 grams and a thickness of 7.3mm. With a Glass front, the back and frame of the phone are plastic-made. The phone has an optical under-display fingerprint sensor. There is a 6.44-inch HDR10+ AMOLED display on the phone with a 90Hz refresh rate.

Vivo V21 has a triple camera setup on the back. The main 64MP camera is housed together with an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro lens. On the front, there is a huge 44MP selfie camera, which is the largest in this segment. Both cameras can record videos in 4K resolution but only at 30fps.

The phone runs on Android 11 with Funtouch 11.1 on top and is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G chipset. The phone features a 4000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery that supports 33W fast charging. The phone does not feature a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The price of the Vivo V21 is Rs 49,999 for the 8/128GB variant.

6. OnePlus Nord CE 5G

Photo: Oneplus

Since OnePlus has extended its product line, it is no longer in contention to be one of the best mid-range smartphones. OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the only affordable mid-range smartphone from OnePlus last year. This is also a lightweight phone weighing only 170 grams and has a 7.9mm thickness. It has a glass front, plastic back and a plastic frame body. The phone features a 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 90Hz. The phone has an under-display fingerprint sensor.

OnePlus Nord CE 5G houses a triple camera setup on the back. The 64MP camera is housed together with an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP depth sensor. The camera can record 4K resolution video at 30 fps. On the front, there is a 16MP camera that can record 1080p videos up to 60 fps.

The phone runs on Android 11 with OxygenOS 11.0.5.5 on top and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset. The phone has a 4,500 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery and supports 30W fast charging. There is no card slot on the phone, but it has a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The price of OnePlus Nord CE 5G is Rs 44,999 for the 8/128GB variant.

5. Samsung A52

Photo: Samsung

Samsung A52 is perhaps one of the best mid-range Samsung smartphones you can find under Rs 50,000. It shares a similar design and specifications with Galaxy M52 5G while offering a better camera, better audio, better RAM storage and having an IP certification. The phone weighs around 189 grams and is 8.4mm in thickness. It features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display that has a refresh rate of 90Hz and reaches a peak brightness of up to 800 nits.

Along with a Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front, the phone is also IP67 dust/water resistant certified.

The phone also features a quad-camera setup on the back. The main 64MP camera is accompanied by a 12MP, 123 degrees ultrawide, 5MP macro and another 5MP depth sensor. On the front, there is a 32MP HDR camera. Both cameras can record videos in [email protected] 30fps.

Samsung A52 runs on Android 11 with One UI 3.1 on top and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset. It has a battery backup of 4,500mAh and supports 25W fast charging. The phone also has a 3.5mm headphone jack and stereo speakers for audio.

The price of the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is Rs 41,999 for the 8/128GB variant.

4. Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro

Photo: Poco

Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is the best value for money product on this list of best mid-range smartphones. Plus, if you love gaming, you will definitely not get a better gaming phone than Poco X3 Pro at this price range.

The phone runs on Android 11 with MIUI 12.5 for POCO on top and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 860 (7nm) chipset). The phone also gets a 5,160mAh non-removable Li-Po battery that supports 33W fast charging and gets fully charged in just 59 minutes.

There is a 6.67-inch HDR10 IPS LCD display on the phone with a 120Hz of refresh rate. The display of the phone is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 6. This is a bulky phone weighing around 215 grams and has a thickness of 9.4mm. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Going to the camera section, it houses a quad-camera setup on the back. The 48MP wide camera is housed together with an 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro and another 2MP depth sensor. On the front, there is a 20MP selfie camera.

The price of Poco X3 Pro is Rs 31,999 for 6/128GB and Rs 36,999 for 8/128GB variants.

3. Samsung M52 5G

Photo: Samsung

Samsung M52 5G is the best mid-range smartphone offered by Samsung. Samsung has branded the phone as the leanest, meanest monster ever. The phone is only 7.4mm thick and weighs 173 grams while providing a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The display also gets Gorilla Glass 5 protection.

Samsung Galaxy M52 5G has a triple camera setup on its back. The main 64MP camera is housed together with a 12MP,123 degrees ultrawide camera and a 5MP depth sensor. An LED flash is also housed with the cameras. On the front, there is a 32MP selfie camera confined inside the centred punch-hole. The camera on the back can record 4K resolution videos while the front is limited to 1080p only.

Samsung Galaxy M52 5G is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) chipset and runs on Android 11, One UI 3.1 on top. The phone has a 5,000 mAh non-removable Li-ion battery and supports 25W fast charging. The phone does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack but features a shared microSD card slot.

The price of the Samsung M52 5G is Rs 42,999 for the 6/128GB variant.

2. Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G

Photo: mi

Xiaomi 11 Lite was one of the best value for money smartphones and its 5G counterpart offers updated features along with a hefty increase in price, yet making it one of the best mid-range smartphones. With weighing only 159 grams and having 6.81mm thickness, it is the lightest and thinnest phone on the market in this price category.

The phone has a glass front and a glass back. It has a 6.55-inch AMOLED HDR10+ display with a refresh rate of 90Hz and can reach a peak brightness of up to 800 nits. Along with a Gorilla Glass 6 protection on the front, the phone is also IP53, dust and splash protection certified. It has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

It features a triple camera set up on the back. The main 64MP camera is housed together with an 8MP, 119 degrees ultrawide and a 5MP macro lens. It can record 4K resolution videos in 30fps while it can go up to 120fps in 1080p resolution. On the front, there is a 20MP selfie camera.

Xiaomi 11 lite 5G runs on Android 11 with MIUI 12 on top. The phone is powered by a very efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 780G chipset. It has a battery backup of 4,250 mAh and supports 33W fast charging. For the audio, it has dual stereo speakers but does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The price of Xiaomi 11 lite 5G is Rs 45,999 for 8/128GB and 48,999 for 8/256GB variants.

1. Xiaomi Poco F3

Photo: Mi

There is no doubt that Poco F3 is the best mid-range smartphone on the market right now. Poco F3 features a 6.67-inch HDR10+ AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080*2,400 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The phone can reach a peak brightness of up to 1300 nits.

With a plastic frame, the phone has a glass front and a glass back. Similarly, the glass on the front and back is protected by Gorilla Glass 5. It is one of the slimmest phones in this category with only 7.8mm thickness.

The phone has a triple camera setup. The main 48MP camera on the back is accompanied by an 8MP ultrawide and a 5MP macro lens. The camera can record videos in 4K at 30fps whereas it can record 1080p resolution videos up to 960 fps. On the front, there is a 20MP camera that can record 1080p videos.

Poco F3 runs on Android 11 with MIUI 12.5.6 for POCO on top and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) chipset. There is a 4,520mAh Li-Po battery on the phone that supports 33W fast charging and gets fully charged in just 52 minutes.

The price of Poco F3 is Rs 46,999 for 6/128GB and 51,999 for 8/256GB variants.

Honourable mentions on best mid-range smartphones include Samsung Galaxy M62 with 7,000mAh battery backup, Xiaomi 11 Lite and Samsung Galaxy F42 5G.
Sujan Karki recently turned 10. His mind and body are similar to those of other children of his age. But, while other children of his age spend their days playing and studying, the scarcity and misery of his family have forced him to carry heavy bricks on his young head. He has to earn to meet his daily meals. Neither does he have friends to play with.

He spends his day in and around the Jai Hanuman Brick Factory of Changunarayan, Bhaktapur, carrying and arranging bricks. He is studying in grade four at a nearby school, but he has to carry bricks before and after school. He is a child labourer.

Nepals Labour Act 2017 makes it illegal to employ any child in a factory, mining or similar hazardous work. The government is working on a national master plan to prevent child labour exploitation. A UNICEF study has found that one out of every three children is involved in child labour. But, Karki and many like him are far away from these acts and plans thanks to the government apathy to implement laws.

Mountains of sorrow

Karki was living in his village in Ramechhap with his mom. Mom Laxmi says, We used to make a living by working as daily wage earners. There was my husband to accompany me. Also, there were neighbours to help in need.

But, things did not remain the same. One day, Sujans father Ramesh Karki returned home babbling. At first, they thought he was drunk. But, he did not. In fact, he started abusing and threatening children as soon as he saw them. His condition was only deteriorating day by day. Laxmi feared that he would kill their children.

He was taken to a hospital. The doctor said he had had a severe mental problem. This added to them the burden of treatment.

After my husband lost his mind, he started beating children day and night, says Laxmi, I came to Kathmandu to save my life and the lives of my four children, leaving my husband home.

She borrowed Rs 18,000 from a neighbour and boarded a bus to come to Kathmandu to find some work. Some people said she would find a job at some brick kilns of Bhaktapur.

Child labourers among others work at a brick kiln.

Laxmi had no clue where to stay and work. That night, she fed her children noodles and she slept on an empty stomach at Bhate Dhikur, Bhaktapur.

The next morning, she left her eldest daughter, Sangita, in the care of her siblings and set out to find work. Even after seven days, she could not find a job. She kept the children in the same open field for seven days.

A week later, she found out that she could find work in a brick kiln in Thankot. She then reached Thankot. She got the job of carrying and making bricks.

Sangita started helping her at work, quitting her studies. When she was in the village, she used to go to school. She had studied up to the 6th grade. Gradually, the children grew up and all of them started helping their mother in her work. They had grown up enough to understand deprivation and poverty.

After working for a year in Thankot, Laxmi returned to Bhaktapur. She is currently working at the Jai Hanuman Brick Factory in Changunarayan.

It has already been eight years of hardships, one year in Ramechhap and seven years in Kathmandu, since Laxmi has not been able to eat and sleep comfortably. She says, My family is big and there are only two people earning money. It is difficult to make ends meet.

Harsh reality and indiferent law

Article 39 of the constitution provides for the rights of children. The child rights law also has a provision of punishing people involved in child labour exploitation and providing compensation to the children.

But in practice, child labour is being exploited at almost every brick kiln. A direct example of this is Laxmi Karkis three children under the age of 14. Among them are Susan (14), Sushila (13), and Sujan (10).

A man on his way to load bricks at a brick kiln in Bhaktapur in February. 2017.

There is also a legal provision to get the consent of parents or guardians when employing children in the age group of 14 to 16 years. But, even in such conditions, children should not be employed for more than six hours a day. Anyone found employing children in hazardous work is liable to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 50,000 or both.

The National Plan for the Prevention of Child Labour aims to end exploitative child labour by 2023 and to eliminate all forms of child labour by 2026.

According to Nati Bhai Hamba, the president of Bhaktapur Brick Industry Traders Association, there are 62 brick factories in Bhaktapur alone, out of which 60 are in operation and two are closed.

Admitting that the brick industry is a risky area for children, Hamba says that children are not employed in the industry in Bhaktapur.

In Bhaktapur, children are not employed by the industry, but parents make them work with themselves. They dont obey us when we ask them not to do so, he says. He argues that the brick industry could not be made child labour-free because of such parents.

But, Laxmi Karki says her condition is making her do this; it is not her wish.

Even though Laxmi Karki has been working at the kiln, she has sent her children to school so that they do not have to suffer like her. She thinks that if she had studied, at least she would not have had to work in a kiln now.

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When winter comes around, most of us plan to stay warm, by staying indoors. But there are places in Nepal whose charms increase as temperatures plummet. A coat of snow, a crust of frost; frozen waterfalls, and life slowed down so much that you lose track of time. Places that bristle with visitors are empty. The lodge owner who wouldnt have time to exchange a few words with you in peak season spends entire evenings regaling you with stories. A whole new world opens up in the off-season. Here are popular places that are worth abandoning the warmth of your homes for in winter.

1. Chisapani

Photo: (Above) Wikimedia Commons; (Opener) James C Farmer/ Flickr

Often times its not the weather or the time of year that prevents you from hitting the trail; its a dearth of time. Most ideal trekking destinations require a week at the minimum, so you put off the trip until you will have a window of that duration. And more often than not the planned trek slips gets pushed further and further down the bucket list until it is forgotten.

Chisapani is a days trek from Kathmandu. That alone is reason enough to go there. The Chisapani trek is like a condensed version of longer treks like the Annapurna circuit. You begin your trek in the morning from Sundarijal, climb to the small village of Mulkharka, walk through a dappled forest, and arrive toward evening to watch a spectacular show of light on a Himalayan facade.

2. Poon Hill

Photo: Gaurav Aryal

The cold is the only issue on this trek. Everything else  scenic villages, towering mountains, forests teeming with birds  is laid out along the trail like a buffet for the senses.

Poon Hill features big on guidebooks, makes it on every Ten Best Treks in Nepal list and is blurted out in excitement by trekkers when asked to recommend a destination. It is famous to the point of being trite. But its fame snares you: you want to go, if only to prove that its not a big deal.

Trekking to Poon Hill is not as arduous as some of the other treks. You can get on a bus in Kathmandu, get off at Nayapul, walk to Birethanti, and begin you trek. Villages at regular intervals along the trail mean you can take your time. Lodge owners have been in the business a long time, so they know how to pamper guests.



Photos (Clockwise): Matt Zimmerman/Flickr; Julieanne/Flickr & Nameless_One/Flickr.

What makes the Poon Hill trek unique is the ease with which rewards come your way. You can be sauntering through a village when you notice there is a huge mountain in front of you. You are walking through a dark forest, beginning to tire, pining for a cup of coffee when suddenly teahouses appear.

Read also: Chasing a Himalayan sunrise at Poon hill

For trekkers who seek solitude, a physically demanding trail, a sense of being cut off and not knowing what to expect around the next corner, Poon Hill might be a disappointment. In many ways, the trek is tailor-made for those who seek convenience above travails, company over isolation.

The shortness of the trek is perhaps its biggest selling point. Reasonably fit people can do it four to five days. In two days, you go from a smoggy city to standing in the crisp mountain air, watching the morning light gild mountains.

3. Thak Khola

Photo: Kapil Bisht

Thak Khola is on many a romantics travel list. But what was once a real isolated corner of Nepal now has a road connecting it with several hill towns. When the pressures of the outside world reduce in winter, it is possible to experience vestiges of that romanticism that was once characteristic of this region of trans-Himalayan trade and ancient culture.

You can fly into Jomsom, the town made famous in the song Jomsome Bazar Ma, then walk either upriver toward Kagbeni and Muktinath or go downriver toward the idyllic Marpha and other Thakali towns. If you can brave driving inches from a precipitous fall, take a bus or a jeep from Beni. But if you want to soak in the culture and immensity of the region, there is no better way than to trek.

Though Thak Khola sees thousands of trekkers and pilgrims each year, there are still places here that are off the beaten path, abandoned or simply forgotten. Trekking here in winter means you will not have crowds congregating in sites like ruins of old forts, centuries-old monasteries, sacred lakes tucked in the folds of mountains and abandoned villages. Thak Khola in winter is paradise for loiterers and seekers of solitude.

4. Bardia National Park

Photo: Kapil Bisht

Bardia is Nepals wild west. The national park is the largest protected area in the Terai. It is perhaps the last place remaining in Nepal where peoples lives are affected by wildlife on a daily basis. Local hotel operators are dependent on wild animal sightings for business, and the villagers struggle to save their crops from ravenous elephant and deer herds.

Read also: Bardia National Park: A Lullaby of Crunching Bones

There is a charm in being on edge, and that is almost a guarantee in Bardia. Go on a jungle walk in the winter months and the fear and excitement of the wilderness is heightened by the foggy weather. A crash in the bush can be anythingan elephant, a tiger, a rhino.

Photo: Kapil Bisht

Even if the crashing sound turns out to be a docile spotted deer, your senses are pricked. That sudden flow of adrenaline is what makes Bardia special. But there is every chance that you will encounter wild creatures here: Bardia has over 30 species of mammals, 230 species of birds, and several reptilian species, including the mugger crocodile and the gharial.

Bardia is not only about primeval forests and wild beasts. It is home to the Tharus, the indigenous inhabitants of the Terai. Theirs is an incredibly rich culture, something of a cross between Zen and living off the land. A glimpse into their adobe and wood huts reveals the secret to their ability to live in this hostile environment. They fashion everything they need from the jungle, but they take only as much as they need. A Tharu village is in fact a reflection of the wilderness, a small part of a larger whole.
On December 22, 2021, a group of people digging the road to lay down the sewage pipes in Patan of the Kathmandu valley uncovered a six-foot inscription from the Lichhavi era buried underneath. The inscription was then taken to the Department of Archaeology for reading.

Sadly, the department currently does not have its own people to read and interpret such texts. It called Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi to come over and take a look at the inscription.

A month before that, another group of activists uncovered a Malla-era inscription from Bhotahiti of Kathmandu. They also knocked on the doors of the DoA for the reading of the inscription. Ultimately, they too had to reach out to Rajbanshi as the department could not help.

Both the scenarios highlight one of the underlying problems of the department set up to preserve and protect the archaeological sites of Nepal: a lack of in-house skill to interpret historical evidence. As Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi remains the solely authorised epigraphist of Nepal for now, he is also concerned that after him, there is practically no one that can uncover Nepals rich history that is left scattered beneath the earth.

Following the fathers footsteps

Son to Shankar Man Rajbanshi, a veteran historian and epigraphist, Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi felt a natural inclination towards history and culture from a young age. I always had interests in history; it fascinated me and I always yearned to learn more.

Spending a lot of his time with his father, he got a chance to learn from him in his formative years. All of that, he says, helped him become an irreplaceable asset in the discipline of Nepali history today.

My father was not just a historian but also an astrologer by practice. Together with him and under his guidance, I learned a lot about how inscriptions are translated, Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi shares, I also got the opportunity to learn closely about the methods and approaches that were used by experts like Dhana Vajra Bajracharya, Naya Raj Panta, and Hem Raj Shakya to read scripts on the inscriptions and convert dates. I also went over every book translated by them, especially by Bajracharya, to get more insight.

He got interested in reading inscriptions when there was no academic platform to learn the skill. Self-taught Rajbanshi started working professionally in 1983.

In retrospect, Shyam Sundar Rajbashi believes, it was both his interest and his fathers status in society that drove him towards the reading of inscriptions. As my father was such a personality already, people suggested that at least one of his sons should be trained to read the inscriptions to lead the wagon after him. So when I was looking for a job, with everyone insisting, I landed a job at the Department of Archaeology in a very early stage.

Initially, he worked at the Patan Museum as a script reader and later was transferred to the department to fill the position left by Hem Raj Shakya, making himself the sole script reader at the office after him. Further down the line, I was also posted in Hanumandhoka Herchaha Adda, but because there was no one, they transferred me back to the department.

In the meantime, Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi completed his BA and MA in history and diploma in culture.

Fears for the future

Rajbanshi, although he got skilled in epigraphy quite easily, however, sees there is no one after him who can carry his legacy forward.

My children are not interested, and I have stopped pursuing them. On the other hand, the multiple sessions I conducted with young culture students to teach them about inscriptions and how to read them also went in vain as they all dropped their pursuits.

Based on his multiple attempts to create and groom individuals who can read the inscriptions, Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi says, The younger generation wants instant results. They start the study, yet they do not continue it to the end.

Meanwhile, even at 62, retired Rajbanshi has been making rounds of the Kathmandu valley to uncover what was inscribed on the stones by the ancestors.

It surely takes a lot of time to learn the art as it is a multi-faceted discipline. You need to learn the scripts of Nepal, know the spoken language, be familiar with the culture and socio-political aspects as well as also be well-versed in astrology and history, he says, Only when all the disciplines come together, it is possible for people to read the inscriptions and interpret the history correctly.

Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi says outsourcing an expert even from India will not do justice as they will be unfamiliar with all the facets of Nepal.

With his already impeccable knowledge regarding the history of Nepal thanks to four decades of learning and practising inscription-reading, Rajbanshi has no trouble pinpointing which era does the inscription belong to. But, it is not the same for others.

Yet, Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi, who has translated over 60 out of 250 discovered inscriptions in his life, feels the same excitement with each new inscription discovered when he gets to read them even today. Each inscription carries some new kind of information, straight from the pages of history. It is exciting to uncover them and put meaning and context to them.

There are some tell-tale signs that inscriptions carry. Though they do not speak like us, they speak volumes about the era it was made in, the intention and the purpose of the installation with just the details that decorate them. The writings and the details etched in the stone further give in the content and context.

Dire concerns, distant solutions

The lack of skilled resources at the department for epigraphy is the thing that troubles Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi these days. I worked at the department for 35 years. But, now, there is no one. It is not that there is no script reader. There are some, but, if you go to them they struggle to translate inscriptions even from the Shah Era, let alone from Malla or Lichhavi eras, he says, This is very sad.

But, what worries him more is the negligence that people have shown towards the inscriptions. The Patan inscription was found way early. The residue of concrete shows that inscription became a victim of road expansion even then. But, no one reported or thought of placing it elsewhere. Hence, today, the parts of the inscription have been destroyed, making it unreadable.

Shyam Sundar Rajbanshi says, When a new inscription is found, we first rub the writing and then read off it. But human error, as mentioned, makes it more difficult to read the inscriptions that have already been damaged.

Furthermore, he also expresses concerns, There are inscriptions that have been uncovered from fields, stone spouts, roads and alleys, but they have been heavily misused. Some are drying washing clothes over them while children are playing marbles around. All are because the people are not aware of why the inscriptions are important and why they should be preserved,
CHENGDU, China, Jan. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nowadays, property developers are taking on unprecedented challenges. Under the multiple control measures such as the Three Red Lines policy and centralized land supply, the development of property developers is once again put on hold, leaving the capital markets fraught with pessimism about the property development industry.

But surprisingly, the capital markets are still expressing great interest in property-related industries such as the property management services industry. According to Choice's data, the P/E ratios(TTM) of Sunac (Sunac China Holdings Limited), Poly (China Poly Group Corporation Limited), and Country Garden (Country Garden Holdings Company Limited) are all around 5x, while the P/E ratios(TTM) of Sunac Services (Sunac Services Holdings Limited), Poly Services (Poly Property Services Company Limited), and Country Garden Services (Country Garden Services Holdings Company Limited) are maintained at the level of about 20x, which means that the valuation level of property management service companies are far more exceeding that of real estate companies.

It is not difficult to understand the logic of the capital market's optimism on the property management services industry. For one thing, the property management services industry has a superior business model and possesses the attributes of asset-light operation; for another, the market size of the property management services industry is large enough. A research report by Orient Securities points out that by 2030, the market size of the basic property management services will reach RMB1.7 trillion.

The excellent business model coupled with the massive market size has also drawn a multitude of titans into the track of property management services, leading to increasing industry differentiation and cut-throat competition. In this context, how should medium-sized property management service companies capture the historical opportunities of the industry?

Recently listed on the Hong Kong stock market, Desun Real Estate Investment Services Group Co., Ltd. (Desun Services) (02270.HK) demonstrates a good showcase for reference.

Story continues

As a property management service company that focuses on Sichuan-Chongqing Region, the revenue scale of Desun Services is not substantial, but its revenue level has soared dramatically in recent years. According to the prospectus, for FY2018, FY2019, FY2020, and 5M2021, Desun Services recorded revenue of RMB63.964 million, RMB69.116 million, RMB127.922 million, and RMB89.159 million, respectively, representing a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of approximately 41.4% between 2018 and 2020.

The reasons for the high growth of Desun Services are twofold: firstly, Desun Services specializes in the mid- to high-end property management services market, while focusing on the Sichuan-Chongqing Region with rapid economic growth, thus creating a unique differentiated competitive advantage; secondly, Desun Services is backed by Chengdu Desun Property Co., Ltd and its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies (Desun Property Group), whose vigorous support, combined with the company's strong M&A (mergers and acquisitions) and integration capabilities, has guaranteed the growth of its performance.

From a long-term perspective, with the growth of the property management services industry, Desun Services is promising to achieve sustained high growth with its existing competitive advantages.

In the era of the boom of the property management industry development, differentiation is underway

From the current perspective, the property management services industry is still fast-growing on a massive scale. According to the research report by Orient Securities, by 2030, the GFA (gross floor area) under the management of the property management services industry will reach 36.9 billion sq.m., and the market size of the basic property management services will attain RMB1.7 trillion, with a total industry size (basic services + value-added services) exceeding RMB2.5 trillion.

The rationale behind this is clear. On the one hand, in past years, the penetration rate of residential properties was not high in the past due to the low level of urbanization. In recent years, the penetration rate of residential properties has continuously increased along with the advance of urbanization. According to the data of China Index Academy, the penetration rate of total existing properties in 2020 was 53.5%, representing an increase of 10.2 percentage points compared to 2015. Nevertheless, there is still ample room for improvement compared to the penetration rate of residential properties of 93.7% in Beijing.

In the Era of the Boom of the Property Management Industry, Desun Services Adopts a Differentiated Approach

On the other hand, following the release of policies such as "reform of logistic services for authorities and enterprises and public institutions", and "promotion of social capital investment and operation in the public service sector", the ceiling of non-residential property management business has been rising. As the trend in the above Figure shows, the growth rate of the GFA under management for non-residential properties in 2020 was obviously higher than that for residential properties.

To some extent, the current property management services industry is in a parallel development stage of existing stock optimization and incremental expansion.

From the perspective of the market of existing stock, the leading property management service companies are undergoing rapid expansion. The market share is surging, and the industry concentration is converging on the real estate industry, making the market competition increasingly fierce.

From the perspective of the increment market, some property management service companies have begun to create a second growth curve by focusing on high-margin businesses, such as value-added services for non-property owners, water, electricity, and heating supplies and property management, urban services, and commercial operational services, in order to create a new arena.

In the Era of the Boom of the Property Management Industry, Desun Services Adopts a Differentiated Approach

Consequently, the development of the property management services industry is diverging. The data from China Index Academy indicates that in 2021, the market share of the top 100 companies in the property management services industry reached 52.10%, representing an increase of 1.09 percentage points compared to 2020; however, the market share of the top 10 property management service companies was 16.11%, up 5.94 percentage points compared to 2020. The market share of the top property management service companies is increasing significantly faster than the industry average.

Notwithstanding this, compared to the top 100 companies in the property development industry with a market share of 75%, there is still ample room for improvement in the concentration of the property management services industry. This implies that existing players still have the opportunity to "move forward against the tide and rise to the top". Looking back after a decade, the curtain has been lifted on a battle to differentiate the players and reshuffle the property management services industry.

A question to ponder is how medium-sized property management service companies seize the opportunity to grow further. In this regard, Desun Services, which was recently listed on the Hong Kong stock market, serves as a nice reference for us.

Aiming at the mid- to high-end market, Desun Services is engaged in the differentiated competition

As a property management service company that focuses on Sichuan-Chongqing Region, the revenue scale of Desun Services is not substantial, but its revenue level has soared dramatically in recent years. According to the prospectus, for FY2018, FY2019, FY2020, and 5M2021, Desun Services recorded revenue of RMB63.964 million, RMB69.116 million, RMB127.922 million, and RMB89.159 million, respectively, representing a CAGR of approximately 41.4% between 2018 and 2020.

In the increasingly competitive property management services market, the performance of Desun Services has been able to maintain high growth year after year, mainly owing to the company's positioning towards differentiated development. The so-called differentiation consists of two main points: focusing on the mid- to high-end property management services market with a higher threshold, and choosing to concentrate on the Sichuan-Chongqing Region, where the economy is booming and competition is less intense.

Let's start with the former. Unlike the vast majority of property management service companies, Desun Services focuses mainly on the mid- to high-end property management services market. According to the prospectus, the average property management fee of the properties under management was RMB3.9 in FY2020, 50.0% higher than the average property management fee of RMB2.6 for properties in Chengdu and 105.3% higher than the average property management fee of RMB1.9 for properties in China.

The significance of Desun Services' focus on the mid-to high-end property service market is manifested in two aspects.

On the one hand, the focus on the mid- to high-end property management services market with a higher threshold can steer clear of the highly competitive low-end market; on the other hand, this can not only enable the company to develop more diverse industry chain services, but also contribute to building its favorable brand reputation.

To date, the whole-industry value chain service capability acquired by Desun Services, along with its excellent brand reputation, has also boosted the growth of its value-added services, commercial operations, among other businesses. According to the prospectus, in FY2018, FY2019, and FY2020, Desun Services recorded revenue generated from value-added services amounting to RMB33.811 million, RMB34.932 million and RMB66.487 million, respectively.

From the perspective of the industry, value-added services, commercial operations and other businesses can substantially enhance the overall strength of Desun Services. In particular, the value-added service business has a higher gross margin, which can not only improve the company's overall profitability, but also assist the company in creating a diverse revenue curve to enhance its resilience to risk.

In terms of branding, Desun Services has also earned manifold accolades in the industry. For example, in 2018, the company was awarded "2018 Top 50 Integrated Strength Property Management Services Companies of Chengdu" by Chengdu Property Management Association; in 2021, the company was awarded "2021 Top 100 Property Management Companies in China" by China Index Academy.

In addition to focusing on the mid- to high-end property service market, the geographical advantage is also an indispensable factor for the differentiated development of Desun Services. Geographically, Desun Services has opted to focus on the Sichuan-Chongqing Region, so as to not only stay away from fierce competition, but also fully reap the dividends of the rapid growth of the Cheng-Yu Economic Circle.

According to Frost & Sullivan Analysis, From 2015 to 2020, the total revenue of property management service companies in Sichuan-Chongqing Region increased from RMB31.2 billion to RMB55.1, with a CAGR of 12.0%; In 2025, the total revenue of property management services in Sichuan-Chongqing Region is expected to reach RMB92.4 billion, with a CAGR of 10.9% from 2020 and 2025.

Taken together, the emphasis on the mid- to high-end market has equipped Desun Services with the capability to serve the whole industry value chain, which in turn allows it to expand value-added services, commercial operational services and other services more smoothly to improve the company's comprehensive strength; while the focus on the Sichuan-Chongqing Region, where property management services are thriving, has presented Desun Services with a historic opportunity to "resonate" with urban development.

In this sense, the differentiated approach has emboldened Desun Services to capture more market share.

With the diverse expansion, Desun Services is headed for a fresh start in value creation

In the context of the industry's major divergence, scale is still the primary development direction for property management service companies. For property management service companies, the scale is mainly reflected in the GFA under management.

Over the past few years, the GFA under the management of Desun Services has also proliferated. According to the prospectus, for FY2018, FY2019, FY2020 and 5M2021, the GFA under management of the company was 533.5 thousand sq.m., 792 thousand sq.m., 3,834.6 thousand sq.m. and 4,154.2 thousand sq.m., respectively.

Then how has Desun Services been able to constantly expand the GFA under management? From the perspective of the industry, there are three major approaches for property management service companies to increase the GFA under management: synergistic development by association with real estate enterprises, M&A, and brand extension.

At present, Desun Services relies mainly on the first two approaches to expand the GFA under management. Specifically, Desun Services is backed by Desun Property Group, which lends strong support to its growth in the GFA under management. Desun Property Group, as one of the Top ten Real Estate Sales Revenue in Chengdu, is able to provide considerable growth in the GFA under management for Desun Services every year.

Meanwhile, Desun Services possesses strong financial strength as well as M&A and integration capabilities.

On the one hand, Desun Services, which has just completed its IPO, has abundant capital reserves. According to the prospectus, Desun Services plans to spend approximately 60% of the proceeds on strategic investments and acquisitions in order to scale up its property management and commercial operations.

On the other hand, Desun Services has extensive experience in M&A and integration. In August 2020, Desun Services acquired Zhongneng Group to enlarge its business portfolio. Zhongneng Group suffered a deficit in 2019, and under the integration of Desun Services, Zhongneng Group became profitable in 2020 with the net profit margin improved to 11.5%.

In terms of the external environment, the valuation of property management service companies is at a low level now due to the impact of the real estate liquidity crisis, making it an excellent M&A opportunity in the industry for Desun Services.

According to the data of Choice, as at December 10, 2021, 71 M&A transactions had been disclosed in the property management services industry this year, involving 33 property companies as acquirers, with a transaction value of approximately RMB33.33 billion, representing an increase of approximately 215.33% compared to the total annual transaction value in 2020. Among them, the valuation level of M&A targets ranged between 7.45x and 26.9x, down about 20% compared to the average valuation level in 2020.

From the perspective of the extended cycle, in the context of the continuous growth of the property management services industry, Desun Services is promising to gain a larger market share during the industry development by virtue of its differentiated competitiveness, solid cash reserves and profound capability to integrate resources. In this respect, Desun Services is at a fresh start of business development and merits long-term follow-up.

Cision

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SOURCE Desun Real Estate Investment Services Group Co., Ltd.
Protesters take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar on November 10, 2021. AFP via Getty Images

Internet shutdowns cost the global economy $5.5 billion in 2021, per digital rights group Top10VPN.

Myanmar was the most severely impacted, losing an estimated $2.8 billion to shutdowns.

Top10VPN said the number of people impacted by internet shutdowns rose 80% from 2020 to 2021.

Internet blackouts, social media shutdowns, and bandwidth-throttling by governments cost the global economy $5.5 a total of billion in 2021, according to an annual report by digital security and rights group Top10VPN.

According to Top10VPN Myanmar's economy was most severely impacted by internet shutdowns. Myanmar's military seized power in a coup in February 2021. This was followed by extensive internet and social media shutdowns.

Top10VPN estimates the country's economy took a blow of $2.8 billion as a result.

Nigeria was estimated to be the second-most economically impacted country this year after it blocked access to Twitter in June. Top10VPN calculated the economic loss to be $1.5 billion.

According to Top10VPN's annual reports, the economic cost of government-enforced internet shutdowns grew 36% last year compared to 2020.

While Top10VPN estimated roughly 486 million people million people were affected by government-imposed internet blackouts in 2021. This was compared with 268 million in 2020  an increase of 81%.

"From advertising to customer support, social media platforms are a vital tool for companies around the world and when they're taken offline they can really suffer," Samuel Woodhams, one of the report's authors, told Insider.

"The economic harm of these restrictions pales in comparison to the human cost. However, with internet restrictions imposed in Kazakhstan and Sudan already in 2022, internet shutdowns are far from becoming a thing of the past," Woodhams added.

Top10VPN calculates the economic impact of internet shutdowns by measuring the duration of shutdowns around the world before feeding them through a tool developed by NetBlocks, a website that monitors internet around the world.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Image via Getty

A white high school teacher in Louisville, Kentucky, was fired last month after he was involved in a physical altercation with one of his Black students.

Insider reports William Bennett, a science teacher at Marion C. Moore School in Louisvile, was fired in December three months after he was caught on video fighting 16-year-old Jamir Strane. An investigation by Jefferson County Public Schools found Bennett used excessive force while pinning Strane to the ground.

Meanwhile, according to documents obtained by Insider, an unnamed witness told authorities that he overheard Bennett tell Strane he was just another Black boy that got shot.

White school teacher fights Black student!

Marion C. Moore School in Louisville, Kentucky Teacher told the student, Youre just gonna be another Black boy shot. pic.twitter.com/N6jtcpTNaT  WOKEVIDEO (@wokevideo) August 27, 2021

Strane reiterated the unnamed sources remarks during an interview with KMOV4, telling the news outlet that Bennett told him Youre going to end up in the streets dead.

According to Strane, the fight started after Bennett objected to the mask he was wearing, which resulted in a physical altercation.

As Im transitioning into my fourth period class, which is chemistry, going to his classroom, he tells me Im not able to walk into his classroom with the bandana that I have on, but its a face mask, Strane recalled. This is the first time, but Ive worn it before in the classroom, thats why I dont get what hes saying.

Strane added, I understand I was in the wrong, but you dont have a right to put your hands on me.

Stranes mother, Erica Strane, on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Bennett and Jefferson County Public Schools, her lawyer, Aubrey Williams, told Insider. The lawsuit alleges that Bennett pinned Strane to the ground and pummeled him, while yelling obscenities, profanity and racial slurs at him.

As a result, the lawsuit alleges that Strane suffered physical, mental, emotional stress, strain, and humiliation.
Photo credit: Volvo

Volvo is gearing up for its next generation of electric vehicles with a few interesting debuts: a new electric SUV coming soon, a new highway-only self-driving technology called Ride Pilot that the new vehicle will get, and a new subscription service so drivers can actually use Ride Pilot.

Volvo is testing its autonomous tech on roads in Sweden and plans to start testing Ride Pilot in California later this year. California is also where the automaker plans to launch Ride Pilot for its customers.

Volvo will be asking owners to pay to use Ride Pilot (costs were not announced).

Volvo will debut more than a new model when it reveals an electric SUV later this year. The new flagship will introduce three key items, starting with the vehicle itself. The other two are a new, unsupervised autonomous driving feature called Ride Pilot and a subscription service that enables the use of the self-driving technology. Also of note is that when it launches, Ride Pilot will first be available in California before being "gradually" rolled out to other markets and regions. (Pictured is the automaker's Concept Recharge, revealed in June 2021.)





There are a number of steps Volvo needs to take to make Ride Pilot available to drivers, though. First, obviously, the company needs to reveal the new electric SUV, which is planned for later this year. Second, Volvo needs to verify that the autonomous driving technology that makes up Ride Pilot works as promised on highways in the U.S. Volvo is already testing Ride Pilot in Sweden, together with its partner Zenseact, and gathering data in other parts of Europe and the U.S.

Photo credit: Volvo

Photo credit: Volvo

Volvo plans to start testing Ride Pilot in California by the middle of this year because that's where, it says, "the climate, traffic conditions and regulatory framework provide a favorable environment for the introduction of autonomous driving."





Third, and perhaps most controversially, Volvo has to convince people who buy the new SUV to pony up a subscription fee for Ride Pilot to work. Volvo did not provide any insight into how much it will charge for a subscription to Ride Pilot. There's a hint of how Volvo plans to make its sales pitch in the company announcement this week: "Ride Pilot aims to free up more time for customers and make driving a Volvo even more convenient and enjoyable." In other words, expect to see arguments that ask you to consider spending money to take advantage of the time you'd otherwise waste driving your car. Mentioning all of the time drivers lose behind the wheel is not a message automakers have been eager to promote in the past, but if the industry is changing to an electric, autonomous future, some of the ad messages are likely to change as well.



Here's another line from Volvo's announcement: "By using Ride Pilot, drivers will be able to free up time while driving, and spend it on secondary activities like reading, writing, working or socializing. The feature can also help drivers arrive at their destination rested and recharged, by reducing the mental strain that may come with driving, especially in traffic jams or heavy traffic." The sensor suite Volvo will use in the upcoming electric SUV and other next-generation vehicles is made up of over two dozen sensors, including lidar from another partner in the project, Luminar, as well as five radars, eight cameras, and 16 ultrasonic sensors. Over-the-air updates will also be used to keep Ride Pilot's software current.

Story continues

Photo credit: Volvo

Photo credit: Volvo

From the preliminary information Volvo is releasing, Ride Pilot sounds like an enhanced version of self-driving technologies such as GM's Super Cruise. The car is able to drive itself in limited situations without input from the driver and will be limited to use on highways, at least at the beginning. Volvo said the software and sensors used to enable Ride Pilot will be standard and that the car will be able to benefit from safety features that use the sensor suite, but Ride Pilot's actual self-driving capability "will only be made available to customers once it has gone through Volvo Cars' rigorous verification and testing protocol. This includes validation of the technology as safe for use on highways in a number of varying conditions." And, of course, once you pay your subscription fee.



The new electric SUV will also come with a new type of name for a Volvo model. Volvo Cars' CEO Hakan Samuelsson told Automotive News Europe in July 2021 that the new EV will use a name that one would give to a child, not an alphanumeric designation like XC60 or XC90, and he later added that the name will start with a vowel.



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Farmers are being asked to weigh in on their grazing practices, the Virginia Cooperative Extension Graze 300 Team announced in a news release.

Virginia farmers are being asked to complete a survey about perceptions and attitudes related to grazing. The results will help the extension better serve farmers, provide information to agents and decisionmakers for training opportunities on grazing management techniques and help provide more effective educational materials, the release stated.

Some topics addressed in the survey include:

What are farmers current grazing management practices, and do these practices vary according to type of livestock and location in the state?

What challenges do farmers face in adopting rotational grazing?

What are the key factors influencing farmers attitudes toward changing grazing management practices (economic, environmental, cultural, etc.)?

From what sources do farmers obtain their information about grazing practices?

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The Fredericksburg area is one of nine locations in Virginia set to open new Community Testing Centers this month to meet the need for more COVID-19 tests in the midst of the rapidly spreading omicron variant.

Details are still being worked out, but the center is expected to open on or about Jan. 18, said Mary Chamberlin, public information officer for the Rappahannock Area Health District. It will operate five days a week.

She didnt specify where the center will be located, but Thursdays announcement from Gov. Ralph Northam said testing locations will be near or on the same property as the states Community Vaccination Centers, which opened in the fall.

Fredericksburgs vaccination clinic is in Central Park behind Krispy Kreme at 1877 Carl D. Silver Parkway. It operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

The centers will be funded with an initial $5 million from the Virginia Department of Health which will seek reimbursement from FEMA. The centers will offer polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests in which nostrils are swabbed, then specimen samples are sent to labs.

While PCR tests are considered the most reliable measure of an infection, they take two to three days to produce results. Thats compared to rapid antigen tests which are considered less reliable but offer an answer in 15 or 20 minutes.

As Virginians continue to grapple with a national shortage of rapid tests, expanding our PCR capabilities will ensure more Virginians have access to free, reliable testing and can better protect themselves and their families, Northam said in a press release.

The new centers should be able to test 50,000 people in January, according to the press release. The first facility was scheduled to open Saturday at the Richmond International Raceway, Gate 7, 4690 Carolina Ave., Richmond.

Despite the shortage of rapid tests, the state continues to set daily records for the number of new coronavirus cases. Fridays report included another 18,309 Virginians and 580 more residents of the local health district who tested positive. The district includes Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford.

Across the region, numbers have skyrocketed since the new year began. This week, Spotsylvania topped the 20,000-mark in infections since the pandemic began and Stafford, which has 22,522 cumulative cases, reported 840 new infections on Tuesday alone.

Orange County topped 5,000 cumulative infections on Friday and Fauquier County is on the verge of 10,000 cases. Given that positive cases are most definitely under-reported right now, Chamberlin said, because of the shortage of tests, its difficult to imagine how high the totals would be if everyone who wanted to be testedor felt illhad access to a test.

In addition, 174 people were hospitalizedanother pandemic recordin the Fredericksburg areas three facilities as of Friday, according to the RAHD.

The same trend was true statewide. On Friday, 3,329 were patients hospitalized across Virginia with COVID-19, according to state data. The previous high was January 2021 when 3,201 people were in the hospital with virus symptoms.

Meanwhile, the state health department continues to wait for shipments of rapid tests ordered months ago, Dr. Laurie Forlano, deputy director of the states Office of Epidemiology, said during a press briefing this week. She said the availability of rapid tests might be strained for some time.

Workers at Central Rappahannock Regional Library branches have seen the demand as theyve given out more than 10,000 free rapid tests since mid-November.

The state health department has partnered with 38 library systems across Virginia to distribute free at-home COVID-19 test kits. The local library got its last shipment on Dec. 26 and within 48 hours, all 4,000 kits had been taken, said Library Director Martha Hutzel.

She expects another shipment next week, but doesnt know what day or how many tests will be included.

VDH has let us know they are experiencing the same supply chain issues that plague all of us right now, Hutzel said.

Forlano asked people to keep a few kits on hand, rather than hoarding extras, to help with supply issues. She also urged people to seek PCR testing if immediate test results are not really needed.

While there have been some staff shortages in labs, as workers also have gotten omicron, Forlano said that for the most part, PCR testing is available statewide. She asked people to quarantine while they wait for the results of the tests.

The state health department urges people to get tested if they have symptoms or if they have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. VDH recommends testing the fifth day after exposure, although testing on the third or fourth day after exposure also is acceptable.

While state and local public health officials iron out details of the new Fredericksburg testing center, RAHD announced this week that people seeking COVID-19 tests at its drive-thru clinics must register in advance.

The clinics had allowed for people without appointments to show up but as demand has increased, vehicles have backed up and spilled into roadways, creating safety and logistical issues, Chamberlin said.

During registration, participants select a 30-minute window for their screening time. Registration is online at vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock/covid19testing. The state website also includes a search engine to look for testing sites throughout Virginia, including those with Spanish speakers.

The tests are free for all ages. No documentation is required. Local residents without online access can contact the RAHD call center, at 540/899-4797, during weekday business hours to get help scheduling testing appointments.

Testing clinics are planned from 25 p.m. at the following locations:

CC Carpentry, 24061 Co-op Drive, Ruther Glen in Caroline County, on Jan. 11 and 25.

Dixon Park: 1300 Dixon St., Fredericksburg, on Jan. 13, 20 and 27.

Stafford Hospital, 101 Hospital Center Blvd., in Stafford County on Jan. 12, 19 and 26.

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The Spotsylvania County School Boards first meeting of 2022 will be held Monday at Riverbend High School, rather than the School Board chambers.

Chancellor District representative Dawn Shelley said she asked to change the location of the meeting to allow attendees room to social distance, given the high number of COVID-19 cases in the county.

I value the safety of our community and with the COVID numbers the way they are right now, I would feel irresponsible with not allowing for social distancing, Shelley said. I need to make sure people can socially distance.

She said 20 people have signed up in advance to speak during public comments at Mondays meeting and that she expects more to sign up at the meeting.

Shelleys request to change the meeting location was opposed by two board members, Lee Hill representative Lisa Phelps and Berkeley representative April Gillespie, who requested that the meeting be held in the School Board chambers.

According to the agenda posted online, Mondays meeting will start with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, followed by the election of a new board chairperson.

There are two action items on the agenda: the approval of an amendment to school division policy covering the administration of medicine to students and the approval of a memorandum of understanding between the school division and the Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office over the duties of school resource officers.

When the memorandum was proposed in September, board members Rabih Abuismail and Kirk Twiggwho along with Phelps and Gillespie will likely form a new majority on the School Boardraised objections to the addition of language permitting SROs to assist administrators for specific safety reasons, including policy enforcement that affects safety.

Abuismail said in September that he feels the language [infringes] on peoples constitutional rights ... in the name of safety.

The draft memorandum has been on the divisions website for the public to review since September.

Amendments to the divisions policy covering administration of medicine are necessitated by a bill approved by the General Assembly last year.

That bill requires albuterol inhalersused in the treatment of asthmato be stocked in every school and permits school nurses or trained employees to administer albuterol to any student believed in good faith to be in need of it.

In December, Abuismail objected to amending Spotsylvanias policy to allow this, stating that it infringes on parental rights.

A group of Spotsylvania citizens who are concerned about the new School Board majority are hosting a rally in support of educators at Riverbend High School before the meeting.

We the community are tired of our educators and school administrators being treated as the enemy. We the community believe were teammates with our educators. Lets show them the love and support they deserve, the Facebook page Spotsy Parent for Public Education posted in a description of the rally.

The We Love Our Educators rally is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.

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Congress was right to stop surprise medical billing

The editorial The Free Lance-Star ran on surprise medical billing [Jan. 2] obscured the major problem with this hidden billing practice.

The author focused upon the median in-network price as an additional hardship for hospitals and doctors. Excess hospital profits were cited as a reason for allowing doctors to charge hidden billing costs which are not disclosed in advance of the delivery of care.

Surprise medical bills are generally from physicians who want much more money than insurers typically pay (from three to five times negotiated rates).

Many of these physicians are in groups purchased by equity funds for the sole purpose of maximizing profits by requiring their owned doctors to not participate in insurer networks.

It should not be a surprise that over 60 percent of all U.S. bankruptcy cases involve unaffordable medical bills. These charges are never disclosed prior to treatments because if the injury/disorder doesnt kill the patients, the amount of the hidden bill will.

This practice is equity fund banditry at its worst. No other country in the western world tolerates such predatory billing for medical care. Congress did the right thing to stop it.

Michael Heinzmann

Spotsylvania
The Taliban has detained a prominent university professor after he publicly criticized the Taliban-led government in a live television debate, prompting a torrent of domestic and international criticism and worries about his safety.

Faizullah Jalal, a professor at Kabul University, was detained on January 8 at his home in Kabul and taken to an unknown location, his daughter, Hasina Jalal, confirmed to RFE/RL.

In a television broadcast on November 20, the professor of law and political science lambasted the Taliban and engaged in heated barbs with a co-guest of the show, Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem.

I feel pain because of the current situation in Kabul, said Jalal, who accused the Taliban of monopolizing power and stifling free speech. People do not have anything to eat. What is the security like? No one can say anything.

He also called Taliban spokesman Naeem a calf, an insult in Afghanistan that means stupid. That came after Naeem questioned Jalals sanity and alleged he was a communist.

Clips of Jalals comments went viral on social media, where many Afghans applauded him for his bravery. In a symbolic show of solidarity, some Afghans displayed his picture on their social media profiles.

Responding to the outcry over Jalals arrest, the Taliban's chief spokespman, Zabihullah Mujahid, tweeted that the professor was arrested for making baseless statements and inciting people against the Taliban.

Mujahid also shared screenshots from an unverified Twitter account that he said belonged to Jalal. It contained serious allegations against the Taliban.

However, Hasina Jalal said the account the Taliban attributed to her father was fake. The account was later either deleted by the user or by Twitter.

The Kabul University professor is known for his outspoken criticism of the countrys leaders, including the former internationally backed presidents Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani. He has taken part in numerous televised debates in Afghanistan over the years.

"In the past 20 years and even before, the professor has fought for justice and the rule of law in Afghanistan and has been a critic of previous regimes and governments. After he severely criticized the current regime, he was persecuted, and his life was put in danger, his daughter said.

In response to the arrest, ordinary Afghans and many international human rights organizations came out in support of Jalal, with some calling him the voice of the Afghan people.

The Taliban authorities take any criticism as a threat, like all autocratic regimes. And then come up with excuses for their repression, Patricia Gossman, the associate Asia director for Human Rights Watch, wrote on Twitter.

Faizullah Jalal condemned and criticized Americans, Ghani, and Karzai for two decades. But he wasnt detained. He spoke up against Talibs -- only once -- and now he is behind the bars, New York Times reporter Sharif Hassan wrote.

Jalal is the husband of one of Afghanistan's first female presidential candidates, Masooda Jalal, who ran against former President Hamid Karzai in 2004.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan -- Authorities in northwest Pakistan say an officer from one of the country's military forces has committed suicide after shooting dead at least three other Pakistani soldiers near the border with Afghanistan, although conflicting witness reports have surfaced from the site.

Officials told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal on January 9 that the military officer is thought to have opened fire on the soldiers at a military-run compound in the Khyber tribal district of northwestern Pakistan. They said the officer then turned his weapon on himself and committed suicide.

A Pakistani health official confirmed to Radio Mashaal that at least four bodies were transferred on January 9 to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

However, witnesses gave conflicting reports in comments to RFE/RL.

Three sources told RFE/RL the shooting took place at a military-controlled de-radicalization center where members of the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other Pakistani militant groups are held and trained so that they can be reintegrated into society.

The sources said a former militant opened fire at soldiers, killing three of them, before being shot.



The sources added that it was not clear if the shooter took the gun from one of the soldiers or was already in possession of the weapon.



Military officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

The media department of the military, the Inter-Services Public Relations, has not released a statement regarding the shooting incident.

Imran Khan, the police chief of Khyber district, told Radio Mashaal in a text message that the incident on was armys internal matter and that military officials had not contacted police.
Press Release

January 9, 2022 De Lima calls for independent probe on Pikit massacre Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima urged an independent fact-finding committee to thoroughly investigate the recent joint raid by the police and military in Pikit, Cotabato that apparently violated the ceasefire protocols agreed upon by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion, underscored the need to unravel the truth on what really transpired during the bloody raid that left six people killed considering the contradicting accounts of the police and the residents of the area. "Imagine, in the wee hours, while the targets and eventual casualties of a bloody show of force were in peaceful slumber, government forces attacked like thieves in the night. The circumstances surrounding the raid should, at the very least, raise suspicion. No color of authority - even warrants supposedly legally issue - should be conveniently used as a license to perpetrate what is being characterized by residents/witnesses as a massacre," she said. "Ang mga pahayag na ito ay dapat linawin kasunod ng isang masinsinan at walang kinikilingan na pagsisiyasat ng isang independiyenteng komite o task force sa paghahanap ng katotohanan. "Kung isasaalang-alang kung ano ang maaaring nakataya dito, dapat na muling isaalang-alang ng gobyerno ang posisyon nito at makinig sa mga testimonya ng mga saksi ng masalimuot na pangyayaring ito," she added. Last Dec. 29, 2021, a joint police and military raid involving 400 alleged stolen motorcycles reportedly took place in Gokotan village in Pikit, Cotabato, killing six individuals and wounding three policemen and a civilian. The chairman of the Moro Consensus Group, an NGO monitoring the human rights of Muslims in the area, alleged the incident was not a legitimate counter-militancy operation but a "rubout." Residents dispelled police report describing the fatalities as motorcycle "thieves," adding that people in the area, being an MILF community, did not harbor members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), as police earlier claimed. At the minimum, De Lima said the raid might have been a breach of the ceasefire protocols under the Agreement which requires government forces to inform and coordinate with the MILF before any military operation is conducted. "They seem to have completely disregarded the AHJAG's [MILF Ad hoc Joint Action Group] mandate which is to ensure that law enforcement operations are effectively conducted without jeopardizing the ceasefire between the government and the MILF," she said. "Government forces simply cannot barge in and do whatever they want when an Agreement is in place specifically to prevent them from doing that in the first place. Due process has to account for something," she added. The lady Senator from Bicol reminded government that it cannot keep calling for peace and then just shoot thoughtlessly away in blatant disregard of protocols in place. "This fragile peace can ill-afford any incident that could threaten to undermine the decades of work it took to achieve it. Attaining peace is only half the struggle; keeping it is another battle altogether," she said. "I can only hope that the Duterte administration knows the stakes that they are playing with before they shut the door on yet another self-proclaimed case of 'nanlaban'. Remember, it won't be long before this alibi will soon lose currency and go down with Duterte," she added. It may be recalled that in March 2014, the Philippine government under the Aquino administration, and the MILF, signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, concluding 17 years of peace negotiations between the two parties and seeking to end the decades-old armed conflict in Mindanao. De Lima pointed out that true and lasting peace can never be achieved by treacherously and violently breaching pacts entered into for the very purpose of harmony and amity. "At the very least, this Government owes it to everyone involved - the targets, the government forces, the residents and bystanders, the MILF and, in fact, the entire nation - to let the truth of the encounter come out. That is the only way that our hopes for true and durable peace can still be saved," she said.
Westside Colorado Springs resident Hailey Radvillas was inspired by other food pantries across the country to open her own. She and her husband put a set of drawers from a thrift store in their front yard at the end of January, and watched it grow into the bustling Pikes Peak Little Free Pantry. Now people visit almost every day, leaving and taking donations, including food, clothing, toiletries, dog and pet food and household items.
After last weeks horrific fire in Boulder County, we now have a real-time example of the superpower of civility. Lets hope our politicians take note.

Boulder County Commissioner Matt Jones believes the common decency of folks evacuating their homes last week saved lives.

There are a couple of things I realized when I was driving away from our home, he told Associated Press reporters after the fire forced him from his Louisville house.

One was the patience and grace of all the people getting evacuated. People were kind, polite, letting people in because they were all getting out. And thats part of the reason I think so many people did well getting out.

It took less than two hours for erratic 100-mph winds to spread flames several miles from the Marshall area into Louisville. But 35,000 people successfully, compassionately evacuated in a very tight window of space, Incident Commander Mike Smith said.

At certain points we could not even actively fight the fire, Smith said. We just had to concentrate on getting everyone out safely.

In many cases, residents hadnt gotten warning to evacuate. They saw smoke and flames, or received texts and shouts from neighbors, and hightailed it out on their own. In many areas, there were no law enforcement officials available to help direct traffic.

If its a structure fire that is only your house, you feel a little like, Why me? But when its an entire neighborhood, it lifts you out of yourself, resident Gwen Brodsky told the Colorado Sun. Its about us. Its a collective.

Brodsky hit gridlock on Dillon Road as she was evacuating. But even in that life and death moment, Brodsky was struck by the old-fashioned Midwestern civility of her community, describing how people were merging and creating extra lanes while communicating with their eyes. It was not save myself, she told a Sun reporter. It was save ourselves.

By contrast, the roads out of Paradise, Calif., gridlocked within an hour of the first evacuation order of that horrendous fire, and began moving again hours later only after an enormous effort by firefighters, police, bureaucrats and politicians who rushed to jammed intersections to help untangle traffic, according to the Los Angeles Times. Paradise had far fewer exit routes, and 85 people perished in the snarl.

A Los Angeles Times investigation found that Paradise ignored repeated warnings of the risk its residents faced, crafted no plan to evacuate the area all at once, entrusted public alerts to a system vulnerable to fire, and did not sound citywide orders to flee even as a hail of fire rained down.

California has yet to take action on promises to create statewide evacuation standards.

Though we were much luckier here, Colorado should take heed. We need statewide evacuation standards immediately; at the moment, Colorado has a patchwork of fire mitigation and evacuation plans that are severely out of date. The goodwill and grace of residents like those in Boulder County cannot be government policy.

A recent analysis by The Denver Gazette shows some of the most vulnerable areas of the state rely on some of the states oldest wildfire protection plans. The fire mitigation and evacuation plans in Boulder County were 11 years out of date, drawn up before the recent population explosions in Louisville and Superior.

At least 70% of new homes built in the last 10 years in the most at-risk areas for wildfire are in neighborhoods without a fire mitigation plan updated in the last five years, the Denver Gazette has reported.

Colorado needs to follow the lead of other states and require mitigation and evacuation plans to be updated regularly, preferably every year, and set some statewide standards for what those plans require.

Colorado also needs to standardize the way we alert people during such deadly blazes, especially as these fires become faster, bigger and more frequent.

Ella Cobb of the Boulder Daily Camera reported that 70 or so residents of Louisville didnt receive emergency evacuation alert prior to the fire. Instead they were alerted by a neighbor sending out group texts after her husband saw flames bearing down on them.

Boulder County does have 30 outdoor warning sirens, intended for flood, tornado or other disaster, according to the Boulder Office of Emergency Management website. Other disaster apparently doesnt include wildfires; no one set these warning sirens off, according to Cobbs reporting.

An emergency notification system did alert residents to the fire via cellphone, landline, text message and email, but if you hadnt signed up for the system ahead of time, you didnt get the message.

The best system is probably wireless emergency alerts, WEAs, which are sent automatically to cellphones within a certain location area. For some reason, though, no WEAs were sent out to cellphones during the Marshall fire, FEMA confirmed to Cobb.

Clearly, our communities need a standardized form of communication that we all know how to use and can rely on in any emergency.

Otherwise, the patchwork of policies we have now leave us as vulnerable as Blanche DuBois at the end of A Streetcar Named Desire. She could have been speaking for all our state emergency planning officials when she famously said, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.
Press Release

January 9, 2022 Nobel Peace Prize winner to expose disinformation infrastructure in Senate hearing: Pangilinan MARIA RESSA, the first Filipino to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, will attend Wednesday's (January 12) Senate Committee of the Whole hearing on disinformation, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said Sunday. The hearing is the result of Proposed Senate Resolution 953 directing the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes to conduct a review, in aid of legislation, of the country's existing criminal laws to consider the rise of social media platforms and the rapid advancement of technology. Ressa was invited to the two previous hearings in December but was in Oslo at the time to receive her award. She is expected to discuss the disinformation infrastructure at the hearing. Other confirmed attendees include representatives of: * giant online sellers and advertisers Shopee (Jem Hans-Segovia) and Lazada (Neil Trinidad) to answer questions on allowing fake news to be advertised on their social media assets; * global conglomerates Google (Yves Gonzales and Jean-Jacques Sahel) and Facebook, now known as Meta (Roy Tan and Robert Abrams) to discuss how their platforms are fundamentally changing to reduce, if not eliminate, the massive disinformation going on online; * local advertising groups Ads Standards Council (Atty. Rudolph Steve Jularbar), which is the regulatory body of the advertising industry in the country; Philippine Association of National Advertisers (its 2022 president Maye Yao Co-Say and its 2021 president Marvin Tiu Lim), which is a group of companies that advertise; 4As (Anna Chua Norbert and Atty. Augusto Bundang), which is comprised of advertising agencies; Media Specialists Association of the Philippines (Jam de Guzman), which is involved in branding, marketing, and advertising; * government agencies Department of Justice (Atty. Antoni Pauline Pascual) and Presidential Communications Operations Office (Atty. Joseph Adrian Llames), and * private corporation Rockwell (Atty. Ma Fe Carolyn Pinoy and Samantha Joyce Castillo). Some invitations are pending: broadcast journalist Joseph Morong, social media expert and public relations practitioner Nic Gabunada, columnist and convernor of Consortium on Democracy and Disinformation John Nery, and Publicis Group's Raymond Arrastia. Apart from PSR 953, on July 12, 2021, 12 senators filed PSR 768 seeking a Senate inquiry into reports that public funds were being spent on troll farms that spread disinformation, misinformation, and fake news in social media sites. Pangilinan, who heads the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, notes that good quality information is the foundation of democracy. "Pinalakas lalo ng pandemic ang infodemic dahil mas marami na ang nakaasa sa online. Tunay na parang virus ang fake news. Nakakahawa, mabilis kumalat, at nakakasama. Kung mali ang impormasyon ang laganap, mali rin ang magiging desisyon ng mamamayan - ito man ay tungkol sa lunas sa sakit, sa gutom o sa palpak na pamumuno," Pangilinan said.
The Iowa Legislature will likely address the selection of school library books this session.

That's among the hot-button education issues likely to come before the legislature in 2022.

Senate President Jake Chapman, a Republican from Adel; and Sen. Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale who leads the Senate Judiciary Committee, have said they support bringing criminal charges against teachers and librarians who disseminate books Chapman and Zaun deem to be obscene.

Chapman has said he intends to propose legislation that would create a new felony offense for dissemination of obscene material to a minor.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, a Republican, said he expects a broad conversation in general about education, including the issues Chapman and Zaun will bring to the front.

Whitver, Ankeny, said he did not know what the end result would be.

I haven't seen any legislation that they may be working on or what that would look like, but over the last two years there has been an increased emphasis on education and, and parental choice and parental rights within education in the state of Iowa, Whitver said.

Some of the passages and images in those books are disturbing, Whitver alleged, and parents have brought those forward.

Whitver said its his understanding schools have mechanisms in place to address such concerns, but the legislature would likely start with seeing if that process is in place statewide, and how it is working, then go from there.

I think we feel very strongly obviously, that, you know, pornography shouldn't be distributed amongst a school, said Pat Grassley, Republican House Speaker. However, how do we do that in a way in which, you know, the local school boards are the ones that are making sure that it's being addressed?

Librarians pushback on calls to remove LGBTQ books from school libraries As a father of five children, I can tell you if this material was in my school, Id be going to law enforcement."

I don't necessarily think it's through putting felonies or any of these kinds of things on there, Grassley, from New Hartford, continued.

Rep. Dustin D. Hite, the Republican chair of the House Education Committee, said he also anticipates conversations among the lawmakers about the topic, including the performance of the existing review process.

Any work that is done on the floor will have to take First Amendment protections into account, Hite, of New Sharon, said.

When you discuss libraries and that sort of stuff, theres a big interplay with the First Amendment, Hite said.

Democratic leaders on both floors were critical of state lawmakers taking a hand in the issue and argued there is a process in place to address concerns about books or other materials.

The process that is in place to review materials is adequate to its task, Rep. Sharon Steckman, the senior Democrat on the House Education Committee, said.

Many of the books recently questioned are Amazon best sellers, or come highly recommended or have received accolades, Steckman, Mason City, said.

Im not promoting porn for our kids, of course, I would never do that, but I do think we need to leave it the way it has been, Steckman said.

The last thing that we need is to pour the gasoline of partisan politics on public education, Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls, of Coralville, said. And thats what Republicans are doing.

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, Windsor Heights, said the legislatures job is to create an environment in which Iowa can grow and thrive.

And by taking away  by opening the door to taking away  books and jailing teachers for content in the classroom  I dont think thats the direction we need to be going," Konfrst said.

Sen. Herman Quirmbach, the senior Democrat on the Senate Education Committee, said he is anticipating action on this topic.

Its an election year, its a culture war issue, and its the kind of thing that they want to have to gin up their base, Quirmbach, Ames, said.

Librarians do an outstanding job in selecting appropriate material for their clientele, including taking the age of the audience into account, Quirmbach said.

Book with mature language leads to Charles City teacher's resignation EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been changed to correct that Alecia Feckers was not reprimande

The School Administrators of Iowa is anticipating some kind of legislation introduced on the issue, Roark Horn, SAIs executive director, said.

It might be more broad regarding parental access to school curriculum and increased ability to challenge it rather than targeted to certain books, Horn said.

Emily Piper, who lobbies for the Iowa Association of School Boards, said she was not aware of any legislation that would ban specific books, but there has been discussion about what process is used, and the IASB is educating lawmakers about that mechanism.

Theres already an appropriate process in place and its been utilized in central Iowa where decisions have been made to either remove books or to keep them as instructional materials, Piper said.

On diversity and inclusion, and mask mandates

Those interviewed were also asked about potential action on the recently enacted law that governs training on racism and sexism and diversity and inclusion efforts (HF802), as well as the law prohibiting school districts from mandating face coverings.

On HF802, Whitver and Horn  SAIs executive director  said lawmakers are still watching to see if the law is performing as intended.

So that like a lot of issues in the legislature, we're just gonna wait and see what's happening throughout the state, Whitver said.

Piper said the IASB was helping school boards and districts navigate the legislation so they understand how it applies to them and what they can do.

She would like legislators to require the Department of Education to provide a list of resources, curriculum and materials that meet the intent of the law.

The law prohibiting masks faces a federal court challenge.

No one anticipated new action on the law while the case is pending.

Reporter Erin Murphy contributed to this report.

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Silly me.

A song lyric comes to mind.

When youre smilin,

When youre smilin,

The whole world smiles with you

Sometimes in life, you run across things that have no scientific or political or ethical or logical value. Theyre just interesting, thats all.

A thought hit me last week when actress and comedienne Betty White died just shy of her 100th birthday. It seems like entertainers who make people laugh tend to live long lives. For instance, legendary comedians Bob Hope and George Burns both lived to be 100.

When youre laughin,

When youre laughin..

The sun comes shinin through.

I remembered that Carl Reiner, comedy writer and producer who created the Dick Van Dyke show many years ago, died in 2020 at the age of 98. He and Sid Caesar were pioneers in early television comedy productions in the 1950s, Caesar died six years earlier at the age of 91.

The more I researched it, the more I thought I might be on to something here.

But when youre cryin,

You bring on the rain,

So stop your cryin,

Be happy again.

I decided to consult my old friend, Dr. Google and discovered that the list goes on and on.

Phyllis Diller, one of the first women in stand-up comedy, died at the age of 95. Milton Berle, another comedian in early television, lived to be 93. Cloris Leachman, an Iowan who was a terrific dramatic actress as well as appearing in many comedy roles, died at 94. Bill Dana, who became famous with a comedy routine which started with him saying, My name Jose Jiminez, passed away at 92, as did comedian Louis Nye.

Jerry Lewis, who was a comedian long before he became famous for hosting his Labor Day telethons for muscular dystrophy, died at the age of 91 as did stand-up comic Henny Youngman. Moving more into the modern era, Don Rickles who made a fortune with comedic insults, lived to be 90. So did Doris Roberts, a veteran actress but best known for her role as Marie Barone on the long-running television comedy, Everyone Loves Raymond.

Not surprisingly, Im not the only one who has noticed the link between laughter and longevity. In 2014, Time magazine reported on research it had done. Its conclusion was not exactly conclusive. The old saying about laughter being the best medicine may not be a complete cliche, it reported. The magazine cited the instant gratification received from making people laugh.

Present-day old-times include Bob Newhart, 92, Dick Van Dyke, 96, Mel Brooks, 95 and Marion Ross (of Happy Days fame), 93.

When youre smilin,

When youre smilin,

The whole world smiles with you

Silly me.

John Skipper retired from the Globe Gazette in February 2018 after 52 years in newspapers, most of that in Mason City covering North Iowa government and politics.

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Tamales and chimichangas are my favorite Mexican foods. Ones that taste anywhere near those in Arizona and New Mexico are hard to find in North Carolina.

When I was substitute teaching at Draper Elementary School in the early 2000s, a student learned of my love for tamales. A few days later, his mother arrived with a container of hot tamales she had just finished making.

Years later, a high school student spoke about working in his familys restaurant, La Jaliciense, in the stripmall behind Meadow Greens. He told me about their tamales. One day, I stopped by for some. Not only were the tamales great, but the family provided friendly service.

Tamales were the first thing I had the night I arrived in Santa Fe for the Christmas holidays as we stopped and got some to go along with some guacamole and chips. They made a great welcome home dinner!

My oldest grandson, Jude, and his friend, Desiree, decided to make tamales from scratch so I would not only have the freshest available but could learn how to make my own  a traditional Hispanic combination of her familys and his Grandmother Pachecos recipes.

The night before the big day, Jude cooked a four-pound pork roast in the crockpot. He combined the toasted peppercorns, Mexican oregano, medium-spiced chili, bay leaves, garlic cloves, cumin, salt and pepper and rubbed the mixture into the roast. He then cut the roast into six-eight pieces and seared them. After returning the meat to the crockpot, he added the chicken broth and enough water to cover the meat, and left it to cook overnight.

Shortly after midnight, I awoke to a delicious tamale smell. I could hardly go back to sleep thinking about them.

The next morning, Jude removed the pork and saved the broth before finely shredding the beef. The broth was reserved to use in the chili and the hot masa mix.

When Desiree arrived, she began the overall process: First, she put the corn husks in hot water to soak, and began preparing the chili. She then combined the ingredients to cook about 20 minutes. Once done, she removed the chili pepper tops, blended all the ingredients until they were pourable and ran them through a sieve to remove larger pieces.

To the pan with the onion/chili combination, broth, water, red chili powder and whole red chili pods were added to create the chili base. After blending the concoction, it was combined with the shredded pork and set aside.

In another pan, they sauteed more onions and garlic with the addition of whole blackened red chili pods and chicken broth. Sometimes discussions ensued about the way certain things should be done, with the result often becoming something entirely new. The two were creating their own tamale recipe.

This looks great, Desiree said as she stirred the resulting chili mixture, adding for my benefit, it looks like Sloppy Joes. Another debate followed about whether it was too hot. I was the taste tester, by the way.

Following the instructions on the package, Desiree prepared the masa, substituting the meat broth for half the required water, and kneaded the dough.

Tamale recipes call for lard and only lard can be used  not shortening like Crisco, but pure lard like my Grandma used to make her delicious homemade biscuits. Lard can be found in the Mexican section at most grocery stores.

The next decision was whether the final product should be more masa (crust) and less meat, vice versa, or half and half. Masa is a flour made from dried corn kernels cooked and soaked in a lime solution. It forms the outer coating for the tamales. Desiree mixed the ingredients with her hands, once more reminding me of my grandmother making biscuits the way she kneaded the dough until it was a sticky consistency.

Everything goes together, Jude said, before he poured some chili into the masa mixture to create a burnt orange color for the dough.

Now, came the hard work.

Tamales are a labor of love, Desiree said as she cleared an area to put together the tamales, quickly noting, It is not difficult.

The soaked corn husks were dried with paper towels and Desiree took one, cut a narrow 1/4-inch strip from it, and put it aside. Then she placed some dough mixture in the middle of the cornhusk, spreading it nearly to the edges. Next, she topped it with some meat mixture before rolling the husk and its ingredients into a neat roll, flipped up one end toward the middle, and secured it with the narrow cornhusk strip.

Jude and Desiree repeated the process until they had made about 40 tamales. After they were finished, the tamales were placed upright in a steamer of boiling water. The heat was reduced to simmer and a lid placed on the pot. They then were simmered for about an hour until they were done.

The best part of the entire process? When we sat down and ate the finished product. A tough couple of days of cooking had produced tamales comparable to any I had ever eaten anywhere!
Since I had not flown in several years, I was a little concerned about getting on the flight I recently booked to visit my daughter and grandchildren in Santa Fe.

My ticket was reasonable and I was happy I was able to fly out of Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro to New Mexico. I was told I needed an official drivers license (one with a star on it) and my vaccination record before I could board any plane.

I called the Department of Motor Vehicles in mid-November to replace the online license I got on my birthday in August of 2020. All the lines  local and in Raleigh  were busy constantly and did not give the option of leaving your number for callback. I finally went online for an appointment and the closest one was Dec. 13  the day I was to leave. I checked Greensboro and other nearby communities  the nearest for those was in mid-January of 2022. I scheduled a time on Dec. 13, but decided to head out early Monday morning to the Rockingham County DMV.

Arriving a little before they were scheduled to open, I was shocked to find few cars in the parking lot. Inside, only a few people were waiting. As soon as the doors opened, those were processed quickly and it was my turn.

The agent checked the required documents. I asked about the official license and was told I needed my marriage license to get that but it would not become required to fly until 2023. I explained that I had been divorced since 1977, but he said it did not matter, they needed an official document showing my name change from my maiden name to my married name.

He asked about a passport. I had not had one since the early 2000s, and dont know where it is. Several years ago, I tried to obtain a copy of my marriage license, but was told the courthouse where I married in South Carolina had burned and all the records destroyed. Actually, I have a copy of my license buried somewhere in the mountains of papers I have accumulated over the years. Since I have a year to come up with it, I am not worried.

I barely had taken seat when my number was called and I went back and was quickly processed. However, I was handed a paper copy and told it would be good to fly and the hard copy would arrive in two to four weeks.

For the next couple of weeks, I kept my eyes on my mail but the license didnt arrive. The week before I was to travel, I called Raleigh DMV and, of course, I couldnt get through. I then called N.C. Rep. Reece Pyrtle who contacted his office in Raleigh and within hours I had a call from the Raleigh DMV saying my license was mailed the day before and should arrive in plenty of time. It came on Friday before I was to travel on Monday.

Monday, my grandson Thomas arrived shortly before 8 a.m. and we headed to Greensboro to catch my Delta flight at 10:24 a.m. I like PTI Airport because it is close to home and, if you arrive early enough, chances are you can park just a few feet from the airport entrance.

After unloading my luggage, we went inside. Only a few people were in line at the Delta counter and a sweet little lady in purple came over to help me. She asked if I needed a wheelchair and I told her I would be fine. She also told me this flight and the one to Albuquerque were full. She checked my two bags, handed me my receipt for them, and Thomas and I headed to security. The Delta attendant came up as we were walking away and asked me if I had everything I needed and wished me a good flight.

Of course, Thomas could only go so far but he walked outside the security lines as far as he could and still was in sight of me since he wanted to make sure I got through security. As I neared the officer, the Delta employee who had checked me in, came up, pointed at me and said Expedite. She repeated this action as I put my luggage on the conveyor belt.

Since my laptop was in my carry-on, I thought I might have to remove it and put it in the tray on the belt but nothing was said about it and I breathed a sigh of relief. Nor did I have to remove my shoes, being an old woman. As my luggage and purse, which was in a huge cloth bag, proceeded along the conveyor belt, I was directed to the personal screening booth.

I was asked if I could go through it because most older residents have artificial limbs and other medical procedures inserting metal in their bodies. I assured them all my parts were my original ones and I got through the booth with no problems.

A Delta attendant helped me retrieve my luggage and I could hardly believe I was headed for my boarding area as I turned to wave goodbye to Thomas.

I tried to read as I waited but I am a people watcher and could not keep my attention on the book. When the boarding station opened, I asked about early boarding and was directed to an area where several people were waiting in wheelchairs. About 30 minutes before the flight was scheduled, we were told we could start boarding. As I entered the plane, an attendant took my heavy carry-on (it also contained my camera and CPAP machine) and escorted me to my seat, then placed my luggage directly over me in the luggage rack. He took my bulky coat and put it overhead. I had a middle seat but my seatmates were engrossed in their phones so I had a quiet flight to Atlanta, arriving a little over an hour later. Since I knew I had a little more than two-hour layover, I waited until most other passengers had department, then a kind passenger handed me my overhead luggage.

As I left the plane, three people were waiting with wheelchairs and one of them was mine. After stopping at the restroom and to get something to eat, the attendant took me to my gate and parked my wheelchair.

As soon as the gate attendant came and processed several other passengers, my wheelchair was rolled to the service desk. I asked the attendant if it were possible I could have an aisle seat. He informed me he had already switched me to the aisle and closer to the front of the plane. I thanked him as he handed me my new boarding pass and I was quickly rolled to the plane where again a friendly attendant escorted me to my seat and put my luggage away. I kept my coat this time because I had gotten a little chilly on the flight to Atlanta.

All but one seat was filled and the sweet attendant at the desk had left the middle seat vacant, giving me extra room for this longer flight.

We left on time and in three hours and 20 minutes, we were landing in Albuquerque. Although it was bumpy a few times, the flight in general was calm as the weather was good all the way across the country.

Once again, I was met by a wheelchair attendant but, this time, he took me and another person up the exit ramp together. I was amazed that he could handle both wheelchairs so efficiently, even getting both of us in the elevator with no problems. As we left the elevator, the other mans family was waiting for him. My attendant retrieved my luggage and since I knew Anna couldnt get off work until 5 p.m., he rolled me to a window in front of the vehicle arrival area.

I settled down to call Anna to let her know I was there but realized I didnt have her number or Judes in my cell phone. (I am not a big proponent of cell phones and seldom use mine). I more or less assumed I had their numbers in my phone. However, I had Jasmines and she said her mother would be there shortly but didnt give me any other information. She also gave me Annas number which I called and learned she had gotten off a little early but still would be a little late picking me up.

As I was getting out my book to read, I glanced up and almost running to me were Jude and Jasmine. They had kept the fact they were picking me up a surprise. I was so happy to see them and, as usual, tears formed as I hugged them.

After loading my luggage, we headed to Santa Fe, stopping en route to pick up Anna at her work. Because I love tamales and good ones seldom are available in North Carolina, she stopped at a Mexican restaurant known for its tamales. A few minutes later, we arrived at Annas house.

It was a good trip throughout the day and all the Delta personnel went above and beyond to make sure my trip was comfortable and I got from one place to the other with no problems.

And, knowing I would be with my family, including Thomas who flew out on the Sunday before Christmas made the trip even better. It was the first time in many years I celebrated Christmas with four of my six grandchildren together.

Now to book my ticket for my return flight home with hopes for smooth travels.
Girl Scouts give back- its what they do. And every year Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont, in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina, Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina and Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, give back together through the Good Turn for Goodwill service project.

The service project, now in its 20th year, has local Girl Scouts collect gently used clothing, toys, books and household items to benefit their local Goodwill stores and donation centers. The program also supports employment and training programs through Goodwill that allow people in the community looking for jobs to gain independence and financial stability.

The Girl Scouts consistently demonstrate what it means to be community-minded through this annual partnership, said Jaymie Eichorn, chief marketing officer for Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina.

Good Turn brings four nonprofit organizations together for a shared mission that helps thousands of people find hope and opportunity through the power of work.

The project runs annually during the month of October, and in October 2021, 1,771 Girl Scouts from across western and central North Carolina donated over 4,000 bags of items.

For more information about Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont or Girl Scouting in your local area, contact info@girlscoutsp2p.org, call 800-672-2148 or visit: www.girlscoutsp2p.org.
How does a nation commemorate an anniversary like this one? How will America, which has yet to fully process or understand what happened last Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol, push back against future insurrections of its kind?

The nation was attacked on that date. The rules of law and diplomacy, the officers in charge of protecting them and Americas tradition of peaceful transitions of power were fought with violence generated by lies.

The country was also attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, but marking those anniversaries has been easier. There are dignified events designed to soothe and unify: Two bright columns of light shoot up from where New Yorks twin towers once stood. The names of the 3,000 or so who died after hijacked planes plowed into them, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field are read aloud in a moving and solemn tribute.

But how do you send a message of unity about last Jan. 6, when it was fellow Americans who carried out the rampage, destruction and death threats while chanting USA! USA! and calling themselves patriots? How, especially, when they were insisting without basis that an outgoing president was defeated only by fraud?

The attacks of Sept. 11 busted open our sense of invulnerability because, until then, foreign wars and terrorist attacks werent waged on U.S. soil. We sent our troops into battle thousands of miles away. And while a single disaffected American, Timothy McVeigh, could and did do fearsome damage with a homemade bomb in Oklahoma City, we could count on professional nonpartisan security forces to beat back domestic terror threats.

On the night of Sept. 11, 2001, President George W. Bush found the right words and a resolute tone to pull a shaken nation together. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, he said, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.

Later would come the ill-advised decision to invade Iraq amid falsified claims of stockpiled weapons of mass destruction. There would be bans on Muslims amid a rush to scapegoat the religion itself. But early on, it seemed we were all in this together, as victims.

Not so after Jan. 6. The loss of life was much smaller, but in deeper ways, it was a graver event because it was perpetrated by hundreds of our own and then praised by a sitting president. That was after Donald Trump had told them that, if they didnt fight, theyd have no country left.

Trumps culpability for this is still under investigation. But just as crucial a question is why sitting members of his Republican Party  147 members of Congress  voted not to certify Joe Bidens presidential election win. And why so many Trump supporters believed his baseless claims and were ready to act on them. Perhaps because they liked his agenda. The congressional committee investigating Jan. 6 is looking at the role of right-wing extremist movements and groups trying to undermine democracy and equality, using force.

The sentiments espoused by domestic extremist causes are as public and insidious as ever, making their way into mainstream conservative discourse, writes Jared Holt in The Atlantic.

Indeed. A November Iowa Poll found Trump leading President Joe Biden by 11 points (51% to 40%) in a hypothetical 2024 rematch in the state, where he gets 60% support. So we could guess that same proportion of Iowans approved of Trumps incitement to supporters, or at least his propensity to shift blame for their woes elsewhere and to scapegoat such groups as abortion rights advocates, the poor, people of color, immigrants. It also doesnt seem to bother his supporters that Trumps behavior has echoes of autocratic strongmen in totalitarian states.

Nothing particularly distinguished the Iowans who followed his call to D.C. that day. They were parents, spouses, employees; working class, middle class, some politically unaffiliated. Doug Jensen, a 42-year-old Des Moines construction worker, is described is as a loving family man. He could be seen in video scaling an outside wall of the Capitol and later leading a crowd pursuing a U.S. Capitol Police officer up the stairs. A self-described true believer of the QAnon conspiracy theory, Jensen, who is charged with seven offenses, illustrates the difficulty in piecing together the psychology of the Jan. 6 participants, Des Moines Register reporters wrote. QAnon, which calls Democrats enemies, spews a complex narrative in which Trump was secretly working in a multi-layered web to detain and punish people trafficking children for sex.

Maybe it was mid-life crisis, the pandemic, or perhaps the message just seemed to elevate him from his ordinary life to an exalted status with an honorable goal, Jensens lawyer wrote.

Also there was Leo Kelly, a 36-year-old technology executive from Cedar Rapids and devout abortion opponent and and Christian follower of the website LifeSiteNews. Daryl Johnson, 51, of St. Ansgar was with his son Daniel, of Minnesota. On Facebook, Daryl contended that any damage from the riot was caused by antifa and that police were responsible for breaking the peace.

Whatever the source of this deep paranoia, distrust in government and willingness to resort to lawlessness, it makes up a perfect storm when paired with the popularity of social media conspiracy sites, and the willingness of a sitting president to lie. Holt suggests national right-wing activists are now focusing locally to engage in a conservative culture war. And if some recent school board elections around Iowa are any example, its happening here. Holt says conspiracy theories may be getting even more popular than last year.

So, however the day is observed, we at the local level should work to disabuse any neighbors or acquaintances of any notion theyre heroes for what they did. Let them know that the rule of law, the Constitution and the fight for equality and justice will continue with or without them and that theyre on the wrong side of history.

___
Several times per week, news consumers are subjected to a barrage of claims that public education is underfunded, and that teachers are underpaid. Defenders of the Establishment insist that most of public educations ailments are a direct result of insufficient resources, or, what you and I call a lack of money. Many of these arguments, I suspect, arise from conflicting views about the objective of public education.

Obviously, teaching the fundamentals to children is the most important task. Yet, many among us seem to believe government schools exist to provide income  the more lucrative, the better  to teachers, administrators and support staff, regardless of whether students are learning.

The latter mindset is exemplified by the Guilford County Association of Educators, many members of which rallied last month to demand that the district provide $4,000 in bonuses for every employee of the system. (A public relations tip for the GCAE: Taxpayers dont respond well to demands for this or that; we prefer requests.)

Another example of the latter mindset comes to us from the president of the N.C. Association of Educators, who, a few weeks ago in these pages, boasted that her organization has spent the last year advocating for meaningful salary increases, increased classroom funding and a fulfillment of the Leandro mandate. No surprise there: the NCAE wants more money for teachers and staff (despite your kids lack of academic progress).

The Leandro mandate is a court ruling that arises from the same flawed premise: that public education can be fixed with a massive infusion of cash. Incidentally, the namesake of that decadeslong legal battle, Robb Leandro, somehow overcame the dreadfully insufficient resources Hoke County and the state of North Carolina devoted to his education in the 1980s and 90s. Hes now a lawyer in Raleigh.

As we learned from a (Raleigh) News & Observer article in these pages last month, courts in other states have ordered significant increases in education funding. What can we learn from them?

In Washington, NAEP reading scores for fourth and eighth graders declined 3.4 and 5.3 points, respectively, from 2017 to 2019. In Kansas, reading proficiency among fourth graders remained flat, at 32%, from 2017 to 2019. Among that states eighth graders, reading proficiency declined, from 36% in 2017, to 32% in 2019.

Court-ordered funding increases in New Jersey didnt work, either. Reading proficiency among fourth graders declined from 49% in 2017, to 42% in 2019. Among eighth graders, theres a similar story: Reading proficiency dropped from 47% to 43.

North Carolinians should, indeed, learn something from those three states, but its not the lesson the courts were hoping for.

On a per-student basis, New York spends more money on public education ($24,000) than any other state. Utah, at the other end of the spectrum, spends the least ($7,600). North Carolina, at $9,375, falls between the two extremes.

What do these numbers mean? Establishment figures might suggest that the people of Utah couldnt care less about the education of children, and that New Yorkers, on the other hand, are deeply concerned about the intellectual development of kids.

If the increased-funding-equals-improved-performance argument is true, NAEP results from 2019 should reveal that New Yorks kids are intellectual giants, while Utahs are illiterate dimwits.

Alas, the evidence contradicts the Establishments assertion. Thirty-eight percent of Utahs eighth graders, but only 26% of New Yorks, are proficient in reading. Those results are precisely the opposite of what champions of the funding fallacy expect us to believe.

North Carolina spends much less than New York, but our results are slightly better than (or, not quite as abysmal as) theirs: 33% of our eighth graders are proficient readers. Hooray.

Charles Davenport Jr. (cdavenportjr@hotmail.com) is a News & Record columnist.
Eighty-one years ago this week, President Franklin Roosevelt delivered what was the most important speech of his unique and remarkable presidency.

While his 1933 inaugural address (We have nothing to fear but fear itself.) is almost certainly better known, FDRs Jan. 6, 1941, address to Congress  commonly referred to as the Four Freedoms Speech  is now rightfully remembered, alongside Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address, as one of the best and most inspiring testimonials to the cause of human freedom (and enunciations of national purpose) ever offered by an American chief executive.

The speech was delivered at a time the U.S. was still wrestling with what its role should be in combating Nazi Germany and in it, Roosevelt forcefully called for the intentional construction of a world in which such noxious and destructive forces would be forever banished and all human beings would enjoy a set of fundamental birthrights.

Today, at another moment of national and global peril (and in which the basic concept of human freedom has frequently been twisted and misdirected off onto weird tangents like the possession of assault weapons, slashing taxes on corporations and resistance to basic public health guidelines) its an apt time to recall and celebrate the four freedoms FDR lifted up and to add a fifth that he would have undoubtedly included had he been able to foresee the changes that have overtaken our planet in the intervening decades.

Freedom No. 1 on FDRs list was the freedom of speech and expression. Of course, in some ways, the world has made important strides in this realm over the last 81 years. Here in the United States and many other parts of the world, for instance, the freedom of artists resides in a much stronger position than it did in the mid-20th century, when thousands were blacklisted for leftist political views and films and books were regularly banned for obscene content. The advent of the internet has contributed to this trend by making it harder than ever for would-be censors to monitor and control what people express and consume.

But, of course, the fight in this realm continues. In just the last year, forces of the political right have launched a new and concerted campaign to whitewash how American history is taught and renewed efforts to prevent schoolchildren from accessing celebrated authors. Meanwhile, in other parts of the globe  perhaps most notably, Xi Jinpings China and Vladimir Putins Russia  the right to openly criticize the government and champion meaningful political change remains effectively nonexistent.

A similar story can be told with respect to FDRs second core freedom: the freedom of worship. While some countries have made enormous strides in ending government efforts to stifle or advance religious belief, the trend is decidedly negative elsewhere. Not only do many nations remain organized as repressive theocracies, but even in the United States, our historic commitment to separation of church and state is under a new and energetic assault.

And then there are Freedoms No. 3 and No. 4  the freedom from want and the freedom from fear. Here too, of course, the record is decidedly mixed.

Across the planet, even as millions of humans live longer and healthier lives than ever before, millions of others live in abject poverty with hunger and hopelessness their constant companions  even here in the U.S.

And while the world has made important strides in turning away from the threat of nuclear annihilation that so dominated and poisoned human mental well-being throughout the second half of the 20th century, today we rightfully fear an equally daunting existential threat: the global environmental emergency.

As more and more people are coming to realize  especially in the dark shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic  the planet Earth is, effectively, shrinking. The global population continues to grow and resources and inhabitable land become stretched thinner and thinner. As the destructive impacts of climate change become more apparent, humans are, tragically, right to fear for the long-term sustainability of life as weve come to know it.

Its for this reason that we would do well to supplement FDRs still excellent list with a fifth freedom on which all others remain utterly dependent  the freedom of a sustainable environment. After all, the cause of human freedom wont amount to much in the long run without rapid and intentional efforts to preserve the fragile biosphere upon which all life is dependent.

The bottom line: The year 2022 is sure to feature passionate and important debates on a dizzying array of political, social and economic issues  so much so that it will become easy to lose sight of the forest for the trees. At such a time, caring and thinking people would do well to stay focused on a discreet list of guiding objectives, and the one we might describe as the Five Freedoms is a good place to start.
Pangilinan: No to reduction of credit budget for farmers and fishers

SENATOR Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan said the veto of provisions in the 2022 budget related to agriculture represents the Duterte administration's latest assault on the country's farmers and fishers.

"Ang dapat bawasan ay yung mga klarong wala o maliit ang kontribusyon sa Covid recovery tulad ng confidential at intel budget. Kukunan mo pa ng budget ang para sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda? Dapat mas maraming pagkakataong makabangon ang sektor ng pagkain," he said.

"Ang maiiwang pamana ng presidente ay kapabayaan sa kalagayan ng mga nagpapakain sa atin," he added.

In his veto message, Duterte thumbed down the budget provision including farmers and fisherfolk organizations or associations on the authorized credit facilities that will manage the Agro-Industry Modernization Credit Financing Program under the Republic Act 8435 or Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization law.

The President said expanding such authority was not needed as there are already banks, cooperatives, and financial institutions to handle credit.

The provision on subsidy to farmers and fisherfolk through fuel discount was placed under conditional implementation, subject to the guidelines to be issued by the Department of Agriculture in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management for orderly implementation.

"Pinag-aralan nating mabuti sa Kongreso ang mga nasa probisyon sa budget line per line. At dinepensahan ito sa plenary bago pinasa. This means that every provision is what it thinks is best for all sectors in the country," Pangilinan said.

"Halimbawa, ang probisyon para bigyang pagkakataon ang mga magsasaka na ma-involve sa pag-manage ng pautang ay magpapalawak sa kanilang kaalaman kung paano palaguin ang kanilang kita. Syempre may paghahanda para rito. Dapat pagkatiwalaan ng Presidente ang ating mga magsasaka," he said.

The senator said Filipino farmers continue to bear the impact of unbridled importation of rice through the Rice Tariffication Law which is slowly decimating them.

When Covid-19 came, their movement was restrained making it hard for them to attend to their crops.

"Nearly six years into the administration's term, there's barely improvement in the lives of women and men who feed the nation. Agriculture and farmers are still afterthought, and every year's budget did not make a difference for them," Pangilinan rued.
Americans know that something is up.

In a recent survey conducted by USA Today and Suffolk University, 86% of Republican respondents and 82% of Democrats said they were worried about the future of Americas democracy.

At this point, in the face of new voter suppression laws and gerrymandering in red states, along with Republican state legislators granting themselves the power to overturn election results, who isnt worried?

Yet the specifics of Republican concerns arent based on those obvious factors, but on outlandish conspiracy theories, like the white supremacist great replacement theory that has migrated from the fringes of their party into their mainstream and their zombie belief that Democrats regularly steal elections while brilliantly leaving no fingerprints behind.

This is not to say that Democrats are not problematic in their own ways. But rather than rely on criticism of actual Democratic policies and actions, the right-wing media bubble has for some time now woven fantastical conspiracy theories about fake birth certificates, activist George Soros funding immigrant caravans to invade the U.S., space lasers controlled by the Jewish Rothchild family, microchips imbedded in vaccines and a stolen election orchestrated by a variety of international political opponents united to disenfranchise former President Trump. At some point, the mind boggles at the enormity of the project and its unaccountable success. Americans, simply, should be smarter than to swallow all of this baloney.

But this is the result of a decadeslong drumbeat of conservative AM radio and cable TV blather with little opportunity for push-back or fact-check as well as Republican political efforts to delegitimize Democratic governing in any form. Its a drumbeat that has influenced its intended targets to prepare themselves to accept  and perpetrate  inevitable political violence practiced in their name.

Like the protester in the satirical Netflix film Dont Look Up who does look up and sees the comet that the president says is fake news, we keep waiting for reality to kick in, for independent skeptics to apply Occams razor and realize that the more likely possibility behind all of this is that theyre being lied to. We keep waiting.

So do government officials, former Trump associates, scholars and historians, who all warn about a continuous Republican scheme to eliminate democracy itself  all in the name of protecting democracy.

Some of these scholars now warn that the 2022 or 2024 elections may be the last we can consider to be legitimate, if we dont take steps to remedy matters now.

To those who still, after all this time, demand that Biden prove he won, the independent count of the votes in every state proves that he won  thats what elections are for  as is the case in every other election in American history. The burden of proof is on those who claim otherwise  a task at which theyve consistently failed in recounts, in biased audits and in courts. I cant believe Joe Biden won is not a valid argument.

Yet the Big Lie persists.

Its like the biggest temper tantrum in American history. It will not make our nation great; it makes our nation petty.

And endangered.

We know that conscientious, rational Republicans exist in large numbers. We often see them at work in local politics and in local charitable organizations, striving for the best solutions for our communities. We see them operating successful businesses in beneficial and even generous ways. They call and razz us and were glad to hear from them.

We also know that a significant contingency of conservative officials, pundits and scholars have turned against the irrational populism that Trump and his allies are manipulating for political gain.

Many of them are speaking up, like Rep. Liz Cheney, who recently tweeted, The Republican Party has to make a choice. We can either be loyal to our Constitution or loyal to Donald Trump, but we cannot be both.

Weve reached the stage at which we need all hands on deck. If democracy is to survive in America  if America is to remain the America weve all known and loved for all of our lives  rational Republicans will have to reject the extremist politics that have consumed so much of their party, fed by a media juggernaut that lives for money, ratings and clicks rather than to inform and enlighten. Theyll have to urge and educate their friends to look up and see the comet.

We need rational conservatives to help steer our course into a shared, peaceful, prosperous future.

It wont be found in anything with the name Trump.

Look up.
A fast-moving winter storm that pummeled parts of Kentucky and Virginia is expected to cause widespread disruption across the Northeast on Friday and Saturday, dumping between 4 and 12 inches of snow on the region's major cities.

More than 60 million people are under winter weather alerts, and local officials have taken pre-emptive measures to prepare the densely-populated region, including shutting government offices and ordering school closures.

The forecast calls for as much as 12 inches of snow in Boston, with 4 to 6 inches in Washington DC, 3 to 5 inches in New York City and up to 4 inches in Philadelphia, according to CNN meteorologist Robert Shackelford.

With snow falling at up to 2 inches an hour Friday morning, travel in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut is "very treacherous & slow," the National Weather Service in Boston tweeted just after 8 a.m.

The heavy snowfall and poor visibility are making it difficult for road crews, the weather service said in the tweet, advising people to "delay travel until this afternoon when snow ends," if possible.

The winter weather, coupled with disruptions arising from Covid-19, has caused huge headaches for air travelers, too. More than 2,200 flights have already been canceled on Friday, according to flightaware.com.

Boston Logan International Airport reported 7.1 inches of snow as of 7:14 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. In New York, 8.4 inches were reported at LaGuardia Airport and 5.5 inches at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

In Connecticut, all executive branch state office buildings will be closed on Friday and non-essential employees are being asked to work remotely.

"This appears to be a significant winter storm that is about to impact our state, with snowfall anticipated to reach rates of more than one inch per hour causing whiteout conditions and happening right at the height of the morning rush hour," Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement.

He warned people not to venture onto roads if possible.

New York City has activated its winter weather plan with 330,000 tons of salt, over 700 salt spreaders and over 1,600 plow vehicles on standby, while neighboring New Jersey declared a state of emergency.

The combination of snow and wind could result in blackouts due to downed power lines, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy warned. He encouraged people to work remotely if possible, as the storm would likely make travel hazardous.

3,900 pieces of equipment ready for snow operations

In Massachusetts, officials are asking non-emergency state employees not to report to work Friday.

About 3,900 pieces of state and vendor equipment are available for snow and ice operations, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said, including snowplows, spreader combos, and front-end loaders, and it expects to deploy approximately 2,500 pieces of equipment for this storm.

All Boston public schools will be closed Friday "due to inclement weather," the city said.

Schools in the area are already facing acute staffing shortages, although it's unclear how many are Covid-related.

In Virginia, the National Guard is being mobilized to assist with emergency management as the state faces its second winter storm this week, according to Virginia's Army and Air National Guard Major General Tim Williams.

And Gov. Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency.

The upcoming storm will be smaller but hit similar areas to the storm in Virginia earlier in the week, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist in Charge, Jeff Orrock.

"Overall we'll see three to four inches with some isolated amounts, 4-6 inches in the higher elevations, and at the very peaks we could see 6-8 inches," Orrock said, adding a potential of more snow with "upwards of 5-6 inches over the I-95 corridor."

Federal government offices and public schools in Washington DC will be closed Friday.

Select Covid-19 vaccination and testing sites will be open, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said, but winter weather is impacting testing and vaccination sites in Maryland and Virginia.

The Maryland Department of Health will delay operating times at various locations Friday, and five of Virginia's Community Vaccination Centers will be closed due to inclement weather, the state's health department said.

Kentucky declares state of emergency

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency following heavy snowfall across the state Thursday. And the state's National Guard has been activated at all interstate closures.

"The powerful severe weather is affecting travel on major interstates, and state and local roadways as well as causing power outages and damage to public infrastructure and private properties," Beshear said in a statement.

He urged people to stay off the roads if possible and added that the Red Cross is monitoring the need for warming centers and search and rescue teams have already been activated for safety checks on stranded motorists.

The weather caused a multi-car pileup on the Western Kentucky Parkway on Thursday.

State Police Public Information Officer Scotty Sharp said the only injuries were minor and non-life threatening.

The-CNN-Wire

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On July 9, 2021, the UN Security Council extended the mechanism for the entry of aid into Syria through the Bab al-Hawa crossing, which is controlled by the mercenaries of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, listed on the international terrorism list) for a period of six months, while keeping the Tal Kocer/ al-Yarubiyah crossing, closed to aid, after the United Nations and Western powers succumbed to Russian pressure.

This period ends on the 10th of January, and the UNSC is supposed to hold a session a day before this date to discuss extending, not extending, or amending the aid entry mechanism.

Before the last extension of the mechanism for the entry of aid, Ireland and Norway acquiesced to the Russian position and changed the draft resolution that it had previously submitted to the Security Council on the entry of aid into Syria.

In its basic form, the draft resolution stipulated two things: extending for one year the mechanism for bringing cross-border aid into Syria from the Bab al-Hawa (northwest) border crossing with Turkey, and expanding the scope of this mechanism to also include the Tal Kocer /Al Yaroubiyah border crossing with Iraq, as it was in the past.

After this, the two countries changed the draft resolution, as they abandoned the demand to reopen the Tel Kocer crossing, and only kept the Bab al-Hawa crossing, that is under the control of the mercenaries of HTS.

Aid is everyone's right

Adviser on international politics in Washington, Marah Al-Bukai, spoke in this context to our agency, saying: "All crossings must be open, and the United Nations can bring the necessary aid from them to the Syrian people wherever they are, and in any area, whether it is under the control of the regime or under the control of the opposition." This is a normal thing, the strange thing is, and the exception is that one of the crossings is not open, and this is a big problem that we face with the United Nations.

Concerning the role of the UN, Marah Al-Beqai said: "You must put a lot of pressure to keep all these crossings open, because we all know that the aid that enters through the regime does not go to all the needy, but rather is distributed selectively and sometimes maliciously."

She added: "All crossings must be opened, including the Yarubiyah crossing, so that the Syrian people can receive humanitarian aid, which is a natural right for them in their current circumstances, especially in the circumstances of Corona."

In 2014, the Security Council approved cross-border aid for the first time, which also included entry from Jordan and Iraq. While the transfer of aid through the two countries was halted in January 2020, due to Russia and China vetoes to allow the entry of UN aid through these two countries.

Al-Beqai stressed that "there is no difference between the Northeast and Northwest when it is related to the human being and his natural right to the necessary and necessary assistance at this time.

But despite this, Russia prevents aid through Al Yarubia border crossing between the Autonomous Administration areas and Iraq, while allowing it through the Bab al-Hawa crossing, which is controlled by groups designated as terrorist.

There are many dangers of not getting aid into NES

The closure of the Tel Kocer/Al Yaroubiya crossing negatively affected 5 million Syrians in north and east Syria, which includes nearly one million displaced people and refugees from other Syrian regions, not to mention hundreds of thousands of ISIS mercenaries and members of their families that the AANES takes care of.

Regarding the dangers that may result from the continued failure to bring aid into northern and eastern Syria through the Tel Kocer / Al Yarubia crossing, the adviser on international policies in Washington, Marah Al-Bekai, said: There are many dangers, the first danger is the Corona pandemic, and it is a global danger even in areas where all of these are available. Types of health care, social distancing, and vaccination, so how is the situation in areas of conflict and war, where these conditions are not well provided, and the conditions for sterilization and social distancing are all not well provided, and this worsens the health situation and exacerbates the spread of the pandemic.

She explained that "the issue of the Covid-19 epidemic is a very serious thing, and it is very important for the aid that contains first medical aid to arrive in this regard. The camps also suffer from siege and suffer from the need for heating materials in the winter, and this is a very worrying thing for us and our people who are there."

Russian pressure through aid to single out Syria

Regarding Russia's use of its veto against the opening of the Yarubiyah crossing, Marah al-Biqai said: "It is not new for Russia to bomb the homes of Syrians over their heads with planes, and forcing the regime to use all kinds of forbidden weapons in order to kill and target civilians, and it is not strange for it to deny aid. This is a simple thing in view of the extent of the killing and destruction that it has practiced against the Syrian people, among the defenseless civilians."

As for Russias goals in this regard, Marah Al-Bukai said: The political goal is to put pressure on the United States in particular. We know that there have been successive visits by American officials, including Mrs. Linda Thomas Greenfield, the United States representative at the United Nations, to the crossings with the Turkish border, and they sent A message from there to the world that these crossings must remain open, including the Yarubiyah crossing.

She added, "The Al Yarubiyah crossing is not an exception. Of course, Russia wants to pressure the United States of America for more concessions, especially since there are close negotiations in Geneva between the two parties."

Al-Biqai explained that "Russia's contradiction is part of a long-term plan to control the capabilities politically in Syria. It cannot move freely with the presence of the United States. It wants America to be outside the picture, and it is very worried about its presence in the east of the Euphrates and its support for the Kurdish partners who fought with it against ISIS and win together against ISIS.l-Biqai believes that Russia "wants to single out Syria, and even its allies Turkey and Iran are an obsession with it, because it wants to be the only one capable of singling out the political decision, managing the country, investing the country's bounties, and establishing the projects it wants during the reconstruction and investment phase alone, as it does not want a competitor to it." This is the main reason for the Russian contradictions in the resolutions, its intransigence, and its use of its veto in the Security Council. It wants complete control over Syria, and of course Bashar al-Assad with his weakness, lack of wisdom, and treachery of the Syrian people, and Syria has enabled and can do that every day.

A disgrace in the history of the United Nations

The United Nations abandonment of the opening of the Tel Kocer/Al Yaroubiya crossing for aid entry shows the extent of the United Nations inability and acquiescence to the interests of the great powers and its distance from the goals for which it says it was formed, and how it has turned into a platform to legitimize the control of the great powers over peoples.

Al-Biqai sent a message to the United Nations, saying: "It is enough obstruction. It is enough that the United Nations is not able to find mechanisms to implement Resolution 2254, and this is a disgrace in the history of the United Nations. A decision that was unanimous even by Russia, which participated in the war against Syria, The United Nations was unable to find the mechanisms to implement this resolution. It is enough inaction on the part of the United Nations, and it is enough failure to find solutions for Syria."

She stressed that "the weakest of faith should press towards opening all crossings and introducing emergency aid. There is a health emergency in the north of Syria, east and west, and there is also a case accompanying the winter season and a need for heating materials and necessary foods, because food when it arrives at the right time helps protect them from the pandemic and because poor nutrition leads to the spread of the pandemic more and the body is not resistant to this pademic, the United Nations must move immediately to open all crossings and deliver aid in a timely manner to all Syrians without exception.

SDC representative in Washington: The humanitarian file is used as a political card

The representative of the SDC in the American capital, Washington, Sinem Muhammad, also spoke in this context to our agency, and said: "We are on the threshold of other sessions of the Security Council to discuss the mechanism for the entry of humanitarian aid into Syria. The decision to open Bab al-Hawa crossing was only through a Russian-American consensus. "

Muhammad assessed the situation in the region, saying: "The poverty and increasing numbers of displaced people in the regions in Syria are witnessing in the regions of north and east Syria, in addition to dozens of displacement camps and camps for ISIS families, imposes an urgent need to bring aid into the region in light of the spread of the Corona pandemic. And in light of the sanctions and siege on the region, especially after the closure of the Tel Kocer/Al Yaroubiya crossing and the cutting off of international aid that was entering the region.

On the last extension, the representative of SDF said: "The authorization to open Bab al-Hawa crossing only and the omission of the Tal Kocer / Al-Yarubiyah crossing leads to the suffering of five million Syrians living in north and east Syria. These crossings are necessary to alleviate the crisis of poverty and suffering in the region."

Sinem Muhammad criticized the use of the humanitarian file as a political card and said: "It seems that the humanitarian crossings are being used as a political pressure card in the Syrian file, so it is necessary that the need, poverty and destitution of the Syrians should not be exploited in the political files, so they must be distanced from politics."

Muhammad said: "The entry of aid through Bab al-Hawa has also been authorized. We demand the opening of the Al-Yarubiyah crossing, similar to other areas, and we demand that the aid enter the Syrian territories, whether it is under the regime's control or outside its control, through the Al-Yarubiyah crossing to save millions of displaced people in their camps under harsh conditions."

We demand a correct decision and attention to the danger of the camps and detention centers of ISIS.

The representative of SDC sent a message to the international community, and said: "We ask the international community to look at this file in a humane manner and to take the right decision to save the lives of Syrians from cold and poverty, by opening the Yarubiyah crossing, and not to forget that the danger of the camps and detention centers of thousands of ISIS poses a danger." perpetuating the region and its population.

SDC representative in Washington, Sinem Muhammad, concluded her speech by saying: "This file has become used as a political card, sometimes to meet requests or concessions, and sometimes to reach political consensus in the Syrian file."

A

ANHA
DECATUR  In a week that already included funerals for two Illinois police officers killed in the line of duty, the Saturday shooting of a Decatur police officer just reinforced the dangers and sacrifices that come with the job.

Despite everything thats happened with Chris, Ive done a pretty good job at keeping that anger out of my heart. It just doesnt really have place there, said Amber Oberheim, the widow of slain Champaign Police Officer Chris Oberheim. But in light of the shooting that happened in the early hours this morning, as well as the two officers who were murdered doing their job, Im fired up and Im angry.

Oberheim, who founded the Peacemaker Project 703 foundation in honor of her husband, said she feels a massive responsibility to support law enforcement officers as violent crimes, including gun violence, continue to rise and more people seemingly disrespect authority.

When her husband, a Decatur native, started at the Decatur Police Department in 2000, Oberheim said the risk associated with working in law enforcement was there but it was not as bad as it is now.

That heightened violence of which she spoke occurred again Saturday morning as a Decatur police officer initiated a stop on a vehicle observed making multiple traffic violations at about 2:39 a.m. in the area of South Jasper and East Clay streets.

According to a news release, the driver fled on foot when the officer tried to make a traffic stop near 900 E. Clay St., police said. During the chase, the person fired one shot at the officer, who was hit and wounded, the statement said. The officer did not fire his or her weapon during the incident, police said.

A Decatur police officer took the injured officer to a hospital, where the officer was treated and released for injuries to their face and shoulder.

Later Saturday, authorities announced the arrest of Joseph L. Williams, 23, of Decatur in connection with the shooting. Williams faces preliminary charges of aggravated resisting a peace officer, obstruction of justice, possession of machine gun and weapon by a felon, aggravated discharge of a weapon and unlawful use of weapon, and attempted murder of a peace officer.

All preliminary charges are subject to review by the state's attorneys office. Williams was still in custody in the Macon County Jail on Saturday night.

This incident remains an active investigation and additional arrests may occur.

Other recent events like the murders of Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and Wayne County Deputy Sean Riley, whose funeral was attended by Oberheim and her family, tell a series of events that are all too familiar for officers responding to reports.

According to prosecutors, Rittmanic and her partner, Officer Tyler Bailey, were investigating a complaint about dogs that were barking in a car parked outside of a Comfort Inn when Darius Sullivan, of Kankakee, shot Bailey in the head after he and Rittmanic knocked on the door of the room where Sullivan and Xandria Harris, of Bradley, were staying.

Authorities say Sullivan then shot at Rittmanic, chased her down a hallway and disarmed her with Harris' help before he shot the officer twice with her own gun as she pleaded for her life. Bailey remains in critical condition.

In the situation of Deputy Riley, authorities say he was shot and killed by Ray Tate, of Hopkinsville, while responding to a motorist assist call on eastbound Interstate 64 and was found dead by another deputy who arrived at the scene.

In that moment your mortality suddenly becomes very real and if those of us who werent police officers would step back and think about what we risk going to work every day, I think you would have no other option but to respect what they do, Oberheim said.

After seeing what happened Saturday morning on social media, Oberheim said she reached out to her brother-in-law, who is on the Decatur force, to see if he was OK and although she cannot imagine what is going through his mind, she understands that a lot people can reach a point where enough is enough.

I cant imagine what it feels like to walk out the door and saying goodbye to your family, knowing that it could very well be the last time that youre able to do that, Oberheim said. Just because youre going to do your job, not because youre looking for trouble.

Chris Oberheim, 44, was killed in the early morning hours of May 19 while responding to a domestic violence call when suspect Darion Lafayette, 24, opened fire.

Oberheim suffered fatal injuries and his partner, fellow Champaign Officer Jeffrey Creel, was shot three times but survived to return fire, killing Lafayette.

Amber Oberheim said communities like Decatur have people who have stepped up to show their respect to officers by paying for meals, wearing apparel or flying flags and posting signs either in their home or on their car, but there needs to be more done to bring about change.

We have to hold our leadership accountable and that goes everywhere from the small towns and their city councils and mayors, all the way up to larger towns and municipalities including our governor and the president, Oberheim said. When you look at Decatur and where this incident happened this morning, theres enough people that have fire under their seats to get some things accomplished this year to make a change.

Oberheim said she is working on organizing volunteers through the Peacemaker Project 703 this year and encourages people who want to support law enforcement officers to join and help.

Our foundation is going to work hard to try to put those people to work in the places that their time will be the most effective in making that positive change for law enforcement, Oberheim said. I think its gonna take a lot of people to turn this around.

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DECATUR  Police investigating the shooting a 3-year-old Decatur boy encountered a wanted sex offender and arrested him for sex offender registration offenses, a sworn affidavit reveals.

The 20-year-old man was among those questioned while detectives were investigating how the child was wounded and suffered life-threatening injuries to both legs Tuesday night. The child remains in critical condition in hospital in St. Louis.

The affidavit said the 20-year-old was wanted for breaking the sex offender registry rules by failing to live at his listed address in Clinton and failing to notify police of his new address. Clinton police had checked his last known address in September and found him gone, the affidavit said.

On Jan. 4 at approximately 11:30 p.m. (the offender) was located at 518 West Sawyer Street during a shooting investigation involving a 3-year-old victim, said the affidavit, which was signed by Detective Charles Hendricks.

(The man) is a non-compliant Juvenile Sex Offender in the State of Illinois. He was located in Decatur Police Department jurisdiction and is subject to arrest per Illinois statute.

The offenders original sex offenses date to when he was 10 and 13-years-old and involved victims who were aged 10 and 6. He is required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, which means registering the address where he is living with police.

A check of Macon County Circuit Court records shows he has a previous conviction for flouting the sex offender registry rules by failing to notify a new address. He had pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 months probation in March.

The man was booked on a new preliminary charge of violation of the Sex Offender Registration Act while having a previous registration conviction. A check of Macon County Jail records Sunday showed he remained held in custody; bail is set at $15,000, which means he must post a bond of $1,500 to be released.

On Jan. 6 police announced they had arrested William A. Hosea IV, aged 20, on preliminary charges of the reckless discharge of a firearm and endangering the life of a child in connection with the shooting. Hosea also remained in jail Sunday with bail set at $100,000, requiring a bond of $10,000.

All preliminary charges are subject to review by the state's attorneys office.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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MACEDONIA  The Illinois attorney general is accusing a coal mine operator of polluting the area with toxic foam to try to stop an underground fire.

Exposure to such chemicals can cause long-lasting damage to the environment and poses a serious risk to public health, Kwame Raoul said.

Raoul's lawsuit in Franklin County alleges that the Sugar Camp mine in August used firefighting foam containing PFAS compounds. There was no immediate comment from the owner, Foresight Energy.

The compounds are called forever chemicals because they dont break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time. They have been linked to a variety of health problems.

State environmental regulators received complaints about foam in a farm ditch and a tributary to Akin Creek near the mine. The mine is 110 miles southeast of St. Louis.

The mine's wastewater permit doesn't allow it to discharge PFAS, the state said.

It is critical that the state holds polluters accountable when violations occur in order to protect local watersheds and the health of nearby communities, said Andrew Rehn, water resources engineer with Prairie Rivers Network, an advocacy group.

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Every summer, students flood offices as unpaid interns, soaking up knowledge and seeking positive references as they take lunch orders and organize storage closets. But this reliance on unpaid work leaves behind students who cant afford to work for free. Between temporarily relocating to another city, buying and maintaining office-appropriate attire, and paying for everyday costs, it can cost thousands of dollars to add a few lines to your resume.

According to Carlos Mark Vera, co-founder and executive director of Pay Our Interns, a nonprofit fighting to end unpaid internships across the country in all sectors, unpaid internships disproportionately harm specific populations. Women work for no pay more often than men, and compared to white interns, Black and Latino interns take on debt more often during their internships. It really does create this glass ceiling for people of color, Vera says.

Vera, who is still paying off the credit card debt he amassed when interning at the White House seven years ago, was inspired to launch Pay Our Interns after a conversation with a younger college student who was skipping buying groceries to afford dry cleaning for his internship clothes. I think this whole grind/hustle mentality is so ingrained, that you have to pay your dues, Vera says. Its daring to imagine how things could be.

Sadly, unpaid internships are still the norm. Perhaps the Great Resignation will inspire employers to pay interns for their labor, as they should. But until then, if an unpaid internship would help you gain experience, here are some ways to soften the financial burden and limit how much you put on your credit card to get by.

Know your rights

The U.S. Department of Labor has guidelines on what constitutes a legal unpaid internship  your work cant displace that of a paid employee, for example. If you suspect your internship is in violation, you can file a complaint to the Department of Labor or your state labor agency. You may be entitled to back pay.

Seek scholarships and specialty programs

Many universities offer scholarships specifically for unpaid internships, depending on your school and major. You need to apply and funding isnt guaranteed, but the effort can pay off.

You can also find paid opportunities through specialty programs created by nonprofits and professional organizations. For example, Black and Latino aspiring financial planners can apply through the BLX Internship Program to be placed in a paid internship at a fee-only financial planning firm. According to Luis F. Rosa, a certified financial planner and co-founder of the BLX Internship Program, they placed 38 applicants into internships last year, and of those, 20 got job offers.

Fund unpaid work with paid work

I would combine an internship with other side gigs or part-time jobs, says Mark Reyes, a certified financial planner at Albert, a financial wellness app. Depending on the internship time commitment, you may be able to balance more than one job at once. However, he cautions that this can quickly lead to burnout.

Vera felt the pressure as a student working part-time while interning 20 to 30 hours per week. Sometimes I was fighting not to fall asleep while doing the internship, he says.

School plus two jobs is a lot to handle. To ease the burden, you can work for pay during the school year and save that money to cover the cost of a summer internship. Or limit unpaid work to a part-time schedule so you can also have time for paid work.

Gain internship experience within paid jobs

If you need the earnings from your paid job to fund tuition, living expenses and other costs, it can be difficult to earmark some of that money toward supporting yourself during an unpaid internship. But your paid job might already provide the chance to learn beyond your actual role.

Rosa couldnt afford unpaid internships as a student because he contributed financially to his family. He found he was able to create internships within some of his paid jobs, like when he did office work at a law firm and asked to also spend some time learning about the industry.

Embrace remote opportunities

The pandemic transformed many office jobs into fully remote positions, and thats a benefit for interns who cant afford to spend a summer in an expensive major city. With a remote internship, youll avoid paying for relocation, commuting costs and work clothes. Plus, having remote work experience on your resume will strengthen your candidacy for a virtual position in the future.

Use student loans instead of credit cards

You can use funds from your student loan for living expenses if youre doing an unpaid internship for college credit. Its still debt, but student loans charge lower interest rates than credit cards.

People have misconceptions that all debt is bad, but student loans are there to add value to your life, Reyes says. It takes discipline and its not for everyone. Its not free money, but its cheaper debt than credit cards.

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Bristol, Tennessees city manager is asking the Environmental Protection Agency and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to take a more active role in the ongoing concerns regarding the landfill in Bristol, Virginia.

Dive team to investigate Bristol landfill wet wells A dive team will investigate the depths of the wet wells at the Bristol Virginia landfill 

On Friday, City Manager Bill Sorah sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan in Washington, D.C., and VDEQ Director David Paylor in Richmond, Virginia, about the landfill. His letter follows earlier requests from the city of Bristol, Virginia, and federal representatives in Virginia.

Although the landfill is owned by the city of Bristol, Virginia, Sorah said the odors, air emissions, leachate discharges and other environmental impacts affect the operations of the city of Bristol, Tennessee.

Odors from the landfill significantly increased in the early fall of 2020 and have continued through early 2022.

Bristol, Tennessee residents continue to suffer from the malodors generated from the landfill, as well as other emissions, Sorah wrote.

The city of Bristol, Tennessee, has facilitated a program to aid low income residents in obtaining air purifiers in order to help mitigate the odors.

While the odor is the most immediate impact, Sorah said it is likely a symptom of broader issues. He said the citys health impact assessment documents elevated benzene emissions generated from the landfill.

Notices of violations issued by the VDEQ illustrate the ongoing failure in Bristol, Virginia to properly manage, maintain and operate the landfill. Sorah said the city wants to see the issues at the landfill addressed before additional, potentially worse, problems are created.

The city of Bristol, Tennessee, issued a notice of intent to sue its sister city on Dec. 8, 2021.

It also leads Bristol, Tennessee to question whether Bristol, Virginia has the ability to accept waste and operate the landfill in compliance with its permit, Sorah wrote. We respectfully request DEQ to assess whether closure of the landfill would be appropriate to address current issues and avoid future environmental concerns.

The city manager requests that the EPA and VDEQ take a more active role in advising on remediation efforts, overseeing the management of those efforts and providing financial and staffing support as necessary.

While Bristol, Virginia ultimately bears responsibility for the issues at the landfill, we and our citizens need and deserve immediate relief, Sorah wrote. It is apparent that will only come with our intervention.

The city of Bristol, Tennessee will host an information session Jan. 12 to review the findings of a recent public health report on the Bristol, Virginia landfill.

The session is scheduled Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Slater Center, located at 325 McDowell St., according to a written statement. Following a presentation, the public will be able to ask questions.

Earlier this week, Bristol Virginia City Manager Randy Eads admitted in a letter to the EPA and VDEQ that steps taken thus far havent solved its odor problems.

Widespread complaints about foul odors and related health concerns sparked $2.8 million worth of work at the landfill throughout 2021, but, in the end, the smell remains.

Currently the city has taken all corrective actions recommended to solve the odor issue, Eads wrote. Citizens of our community are still experiencing the malodors emanating from the citys landfill.

He added that the odors are creating a lower quality of life for residents.

The city of Bristol, Virginia, has implemented recommendations suggested by experts and regulatory agencies to correct the odors, but Eads said the odors still exist and without further expert advice, he does not foresee the odors being eliminated in the near future.

U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine also wrote a letter to the EPA and VDEQ asking them to assist the city.
A dive team will investigate the depths of the wet wells at the Bristol Virginia landfill this week in the citys ongoing efforts to mitigate bad odors.

On Monday, Spec Rescue International will be on-site at the Bristol Virginia Solid Waste Disposal Facility conducting an inspection of the wet well, according to a news release issued Saturday by City Manager Randy Eads.

The city contracted with the company on Nov. 17, 2021, for $34,245 to send a dive team down the wet well for further investigation and maintenance. The action follows a warning email from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality directing the city to address issues with the landfill which have been emanating malodors across Bristol since at least early 2020.

SRI specializes in confined space entry, according to the citys release. Due to the nature of the wet well, SRI has been retained to complete the inspection. Eads said SRI is familiar with the wet well due to conducting previous inspections.

The wet well is a 300-foot deep shaft that sits on the western side of the landfill, the release states. The wet well is where leachate and gradient groundwater are collected before it is pumped and transferred to the sanitary sewer system.

The inspection will occur on Monday and Tuesday. Eads said there is a possibility the inspection could continue on Wednesday, but SRI anticipates completing the inspection on Tuesday.

Ernie Hoch, manager of solid waste and environmental services for Draper Aden Associates and the city primary consultant on the landfill, previously told the Bristol Herald Courier that the dive team will go down into the well to do some exploration and some repairs.

The pumps, which are being repaired and replaced, could be done by late January, Hoch said.

The divers will enter through a metal door on the surface and go down the 320-foot shaft to the bottom. They are specially trained in this type of work and will have specific duties once they reach the bottom, Hoch said.

Were looking to see if there is any deterioration of the wet well down there, check the pipes, check the pumps, the amount of sediment at the bottom. There are some smaller pumps down there we will probably replace. We dont know what well find until we get down there, Hoch said. There are two wet wells. One is leachate and one is groundwater.

While SRI is on site, the Bristol Virginia Fire Department will be stationed at the landfill for assistance if necessary, Eads said. The BVFD will have its technical rescue team and ambulance on site Monday and Tuesday.
A vastly different state government landscape has Southwest Virginia lawmakers hopeful there can be some level of cooperation, rather than gridlock, when the General Assembly begins its work Wednesday.

With the Republican Party again in charge of the House of Delegates and a GOP administration poised to be sworn in Saturday, the Democrats who controlled all three last year  are left with just a slim majority in the state Senate.

Both chambers of the General Assembly will gavel into session in person at noon Wednesday for the 60-day session. Among the issues lawmakers must tackle is the new biennium budget submitted by outgoing Gov. Ralph Northam, myriad unresolved details with last terms marijuana legislation and an expected 3,000 new pieces of legislation.

The Bristol Herald Courier spoke with members of the Southwest delegation for their thoughts on the upcoming session and what residents might expect.

Despite the red wave in November, we will have divided government this session with a narrow Democrat majority in the state Senate, said Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Abingdon. Unfortunately, that means some things wont pass and we wont be able to undo some of what the Democrats have done with their complete control of state government over the last two years. But I am optimistic about our ability to work together on key priorities and accomplish some big ticket items that Gov.-elect Youngkin promised Virginians as part of his Day One game plan.

Sen. Travis Hackworth, R-Tazewell, will participate in his first full session, after taking office last year.

Were excited. I was glad we got our feet wet last year with the veto session and the special session so its not all brand new, Hackworth said. I think the environment will be a lot more favorable for conservatives. But with power comes responsibilities. The pendulum is always swinging and, if we go up there and get crazy, it will swing right back to the Democrats. Im trying to look at bills that are common sense, that look at correcting some of those things we felt were over-reaching by the Democrats and tweaking those.

From a strategic standpoint, GOP leaders hope to alter some legislation passed last session, according to new House Majority Leader Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City.

Were trying to find out which pieces of legislation, what needs to be addressed or changed and trying to get that 21st vote in the Senate, Kilgore said. Some of the criminal justice legislation needs work; the probation violation legislation took a lot of authority from judges. We need to get some of that authority back for the judges because thats about the only way they can control their docket.

Del. Will Morefield, R-Tazewell, also anticipates there can be some cooperation.

Slim majorities encourage all parties to come to the table and reach a reasonable compromise on most issues. It is uncertain how this will work out on any specific legislation, but I am certain it will result in accomplishing goals that could not have been achieved over the last two years, Morefield said.

Taxes and budget

Gov.-elect Youngkin has already announced he intends to eliminate the 2.5% tax charged on groceries and reduce the tax on gasoline. Those revenue streams dont just flow into Richmond but are shared with localities, making this process more complex. And those are but the tip of the budget iceberg.

We already know that, based on some things that Gov. Northam included in his outgoing budget proposal that includes addressing the grocery tax and increasing the standard deduction. In addition to the budget proposal, there is already some bipartisan legislation on this front in the Senate. Sen. Chap Peterson, D-Fairfax, and Sen. David Suetterlein, R-Roanoke, have bills on increasing the standard deduction, Pillion said.

The budget is the most important bill we consider during session, even more so this year because Virginia is running record surpluses, thanks in part to excess revenue and billions of dollars in federal relief dollars that have flowed to the commonwealth. Pillion said. Virginians will be hearing a lot about the budget this year, but despite these records, its important that we budget prudently, balancing tax cuts with strategic investments in our future.

Kilgore said the key is making sure one-time monies  such as federal COVID relief dollars  dont wind up being committed for ongoing items like salaries.

Once you give a 10% raise, then thats built into the budget for next year. If you give 10% raises as Gov. Northam has done on his way out the door, somebodys got to pay for that. Weve got to figure out exactly how much we can do and how much is new money versus how much is money we got from the federal government for COVID or infrastructure money, Kilgore said.

In response to a question about Youngkins plan to reduce the state tax on motor fuels, Kilgore said that wont impact the Interstate 81 improvement work being partially funded by gas tax revenues.

If we cut the gas tax, I think well move money from other areas of VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) to do that. With all the [federal] infrastructure money coming to VDOT, I think we can survive. I think the gas tax [proposal] is $250 million. If you look at $250 million, that sounds like a lot of money, but thats really just one major VDOT project.

Funding school construction will also receive a lot of focus. Northam put $500 million in the budget for school construction and some proceeds from state casinos are earmarked for schools, once they open.

Del. Israel OQuinn, R-Bristol, the newly named deputy majority leader in the House, expects budget topics, especially school construction, to receive a lot of attention. It is an issue OQuinn and others have tried to find funding for in past years.

We have got to assist localities with replacing some of these school buildings that are falling apart, OQuinn said. We have schools in Southwest Virginia that are top notch and some that should have been replaced 10 or 20 years ago.

OQuinn said the budget tends to suck all the air out the room, because it affects every aspect of state government and impacts the public.

Marijuana legislation

Last session, the General Assembly narrowly approved preliminary legislation decriminalizing possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use and setting up a framework for its commercial sale in the future. To become law, that entire bill must be completed and reenacted by the House and Senate  a process similar to the casino legislation of two years ago.

The bill would establish a Cannabis Control Authority, advised by a health advisory council that would be tasked with completing regulations and issuing business licenses so that on Jan. 1, 2024, commercial sales to adults 21 and older would be legal.

Were going to have to do something with the marijuana bill, Kilgore said. The governor has made it clear hes not going to make marijuana possession illegal, but this whole retail market has a lot of flaws.  One area is who gets licenses, how many licenses are in each particular area. And we need to make sure youre not over-complicated, like California and Oregon, that you create a black market so theres no taxes coming in.

All of us in Southwest Virginia voted no last year, but now its the law so its up to us to tweak the law to get the best outcomes we can, Kilgore said.

OQuinn was surprised at how that vote played out last year when it lost support and barely passed.

I figured that bill would pass handily, but it got so weighted down with things like equitable distribution of licenses and right-to-work protections for any business that gets involved and turned into this monstrosity that caused members to start dropping like flies, OQuinn said. It was a very poorly done piece of legislation rammed through at the last minute so I think youll see a ton of changes. I dont know if anyone is going to carry a full-on repeal or not, but there will be changes.

Universal broadband

Gov. Northam committed funds to provide universal broadband everywhere in Virginia, with a goal of 2024. It will be up to lawmakers, Pillion said, to see that gets accomplished.

With over $700 million allocated to achieve universal broadband access in Virginia by 2024, now comes the heavy task of making that a reality. Families with students in school were some of the hardest hit throughout the pandemic when schools were closed, Pillion said. As a result, Im working on a bill to ensure our school divisions, the Department of Education, and Department of Housing and Community Development are communicating with each other so that we can quickly identify service gaps and work to get those areas serviceable through this new funding.

Casinos and gray machines

The state passed and voters in four of five cities approved bringing casinos to those cities Work is just beginning in Bristol and Danville, but regulations are still being finalized and the matter is expected to get some attention from the General Assembly. There is an effort to allow financially strapped Petersburg to have a casino referendum since Richmond voters turned down a proposed casino there last November.

There will be an effort to simplify some parts of the casino legislation, Kilgore said, but a lot of attention is expected on the gray machines  unregulated slot machine-like electronic games that are widespread in use but generate no tax revenues.

Previous state law established a July1, 2021 deadline for those machines to go away or operators would face hefty fines, but a court injunction still has them operating. The machines are opposed by the Virginia Lottery Board and the new casino operators.

The gray machines will be a big battle, Kilgore said. The court in Southside has the injunction and that will be a big fight whether to approve them or not.  Im sure at the end of the day there will have to be a compromise but what that looks like, who knows? Lobbyists are lining up on both sides.

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As a longtime home day care provider in the citys Auburn Gresham neighborhood, Sonya Winn was well aware of the hardships the Chicago Public Schools shutdown would have on working families with young children.

When these parents found out, late at night, that their childrens schools were closed ... theyre essential workers with jobs at the veterans hospital, Walmart, ones a teacher, so they dont have a choice to work from home, she said.

Winn, 51, expanded her before and after school day care in recent days to an all-day program for several children in need of care during the hours they would normally be at school.

These parents are already stressed, because theyre trying to keep their kids safe from COVID, and even though most of the children are vaccinated, the parents are still scared theyll get sick, said Winn, whose home day care business is supported by the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.

The need for emergency day care is critical after classes were canceled for a third day Friday for more than 330,000 CPS students as a result of a standoff with the Chicago Teachers Union over COVID-19 safety guidelines, and dozens of suburban schools were shuttered in recent days due to virus-related staff shortages.

The tumultuous start to 2022 has been particularly difficult for low-income families in the city and suburbs, many of whom include parents who are essential workers scrambling to find last-minute day care for young children, and facing hardships well beyond the disruption to their childrens education.

CPS has directed families seeking emergency child care to its 28 Safe Haven sites, which on Friday were open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the districts schools were expected to be distributing meals to those in need.

But Jianan Shi, the executive director of Raise Your Hand for Illinois Public Education, said many families remain frustrated and question why school district officials statewide were unprepared for the impact of this latest virus surge.

This is the third academic year schools have been dealing with COVID, so parents dont understand why with omicron spreading fast, and so many students in quarantine even before winter break, why did schools wait to address this? Shi said.

While it remains unknown how long the spate of school closures in Chicago and the suburbs will last, the harm to students from ongoing school closures could go beyond learning loss.

Neighborhood schools are community anchors for food, health and wellness, not just academics, Shi said.

According to Department of Children and Family Services spokesman Bill McCaffrey, during the beginning of the pandemic, the number of reports to DCFS dropped by about 50% compared with the previous year, and part of that drop may be due to teachers, who are mandated reporters, filing fewer reports as they only saw their students through video calls.

Reports to the hotline then increased as teachers and students returned to school in the fall of 2020, whether in classrooms, video calls or some combination of both, McCaffrey said.

Illinois state Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, a Democrat from Chicago, said when schools are closed, parents are between a rock and a hard place.

What Im observing is theres frustration, because many are essential workers, and dont have anyone to take care of their kids, but theres also fear, said Pacione-Zayas, who is also a CPS parent of two children.

This situation is going to require a very measured approach to meet the needs of families and ensure the safety of our teachers, she said.

At the Carole Robertson Center for Learning, which has locations in the Little Village, North Lawndale and Albany Park neighborhoods, spokeswoman Brenda Berman said Friday that officials understand that the uncertainties caused by the current situation are significant stressors.

The center, which serves many families with parents who are essential workers, is expanding its after school programs for enrolled children ages 5 to 17 to full-day programs as early as Monday, so children and youth will have safe and nurturing places to be while their parents continue to work, Berman said.

For Streamwood resident April Soristo Anderson, a mother of 10-year-old twin daughters, the school shutdowns demanded she recruit a relative to keep watch over her daughter, Graciela, a student at Glenbrook Elementary School, which was closed Friday because of COVID-related staff shortages.

Several Elgin-based Community Unit School District 46 schools including Glenbrook were among the dozens of suburban schools that were forced to close for at least one day during the first week back from winter break. Other districts with school closures included Algonquin-based Community Unit School District 300, Niles Township High School District 219, Glenbrook High School District 225 and Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210.

It would have been better to have more notice from the school, and Im starting to think the best thing might be to have a permanent shutdown for now, so parents can make proper plans, said Anderson, an essential worker who on Friday was driving her husband to a chemotherapy appointment in Chicago.

The couples other daughter, Guilianna, is hospitalized at Lurie Childrens Hospital, where she is being treated for a chronic medical condition.

All of these teachers and kids are testing positive, but were just trying to take it day by day, Anderson said.

As a mother of three teenagers and the executive director of the nonprofit Illinois Unidos, Evanston resident Alejandra Ibanez said she was concerned that the school shutdowns lack an equitable response to address the needs of Black and Latino communities, many of which have borne the brunt of the pandemic.

There are so many families who have lost household members, even before omicron showed its ugly face, said Ibanez, who cared for her nephew, whose parents are essential workers, when his Chicago school shut down.

While Ibanezs three children, ages 13, 14 and 16, are slated to go back to Evanston schools Monday, she questioned how classrooms can safely reopen when so many educators and students are testing positive for COVID-19.

If schools are closed, I wonder, where will all of these kids go? Ibanez said. Park districts are not staffed to provide child care, and family, friends and neighbors might offer up their homes for the day, but thats not sustainable.

In Auburn Gresham, Winn said she is looking forward to launching her new day care business, Sonyas Caring Hand, next month.

But for now, and until CPS classrooms reopen, Winn and her two assistants are caring for around a dozen children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 11 years old, keeping her busy from the first drop-off at 6 a.m. until the final pickup around midnight.

In addition to preparing the children three meals a day  a recent breakfast featured cinnamon oatmeal, grapes and 1% milk  Winn is determined to keep the kids on track with their academics.

They might be out of school, but not when theyre here, Winn said, adding: They can still have fun, but we have school here, with books to read, help for classes where theyre struggling and exercise too.

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Q: I would like to know the percent of the NC Education Lottery that actually goes to education. Where does the rest of the money go?

M.A.

Answer: Van Denton, the spokesman for the N.C. Education Lottery, explained how the money is disbursed:

All of the money raised by the state lottery goes to support education programs in North Carolina. In other words, 100 percent of the earnings from sales, after all expenses are paid, goes to education.

Heres a breakdown of what percentage of total sales covers the expenses of the lottery in its most recent year, fiscal year 2021.

 64.6 percent of revenue went back to those who played the lottery in the form of prizes. The lottery is a business, essentially a sales and marketing organization, with the mission to raise money for education. The product that the lottery produces is prizes. Sales result from North Carolinians buying tickets in the hope of winning those prizes. If players dont win prizes, then sales would decline and there would be less money raised for education.

6.9 percent went toward commissions to pay retailers for selling lottery tickets. Lottery tickets currently are sold at more than 7,000 locations across the state.

3.9 percent covered administrative costs, including 0.75 percent for advertising.

That accounts for all the expenses of the lottery.

After a business pays its expenses, the rest is profit. Last year, after all expenses were paid, the lotterys earnings for education amounted to 24.6 percent of revenue.

About a quarter of every dollar spent on a lottery ticket last year went to support education programs in North Carolina. The lottery raised $936 million for education, the most money ever in a single year.

Q: On Dec. 29 I drove by Old Town Elementary School around 8 p.m. and the entire front parking lot lights were burning bright. Why would those lights be on when the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System is on Christmas break?

R.K.

Answer: Darrell Walker, the assistant superintendent for operations, explained how the lighting at the schools works.

The outside lighting at our schools is equipped with different modes as it relates to certain schedule changes.

Things like holidays, outdoor events, school days and other events that impact the campus use different light settings. We are not sure why it appears the lights at Old Town were not on the holiday setting, which does reduce energy consumption and costs, but we will work to remind all of our schools about the importance of using the correct settings.

Thank you for making us aware as we will also check the system for any internal failure in its ability to maintain the correct lighting schedule.

Found glassesIf you lost a pair of prescription glasses in the parking lot near J.C. Penney at Hanes Mall about 11:30 a.m. Jan. 4, they were found and turned in. They are at lost and found at Penneys. They did not appear to be damaged. B.F.

Email: AskSAM@wsjournal.com Online: journalnow.com/asksam Write: Ask SAM, 418 N. Marshall St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101

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The N.C. Court of Appeals has ordered a new trial for a Rural Hall man convicted of shooting four times at a Kernersville police officer during a traffic stop in 2017. The court said a Forsyth County prosecutor failed to provide a non-racial reason after being challenged for removing a Black juror.

Broderick Tywone Ruth, 37, is serving up to 17 years in prison after a Forsyth County jury convicted him in May 2019 of several charges, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. The jury acquitted him of the most serious charge  attempted first-degree murder.

According to court testimony and the ruling, Ruth ran through a stop sign at 1 a.m. July 10, 2017. Officer Frank Sanchez with the Kernersville Police Department pulled Ruth over in the 700 block of West Mountain Street. Ruth got out of the car with a handgun and tried to fire a 9mm handgun. The gun wouldnt fire at first because there was no bullet in the chamber.

But Ruth racked the slide and fired his gun at least four times. Sanchez, who still had his patrol car running, ran to the rear of his car. Ruth got back into his car and started backing it toward Sanchezs car. Sanchez fired his gun eight times at Ruth. Then Ruth drove off, with Sanchez in pursuit.

Sanchez chased Ruth down West Mountain Street and onto U.S. 421 toward Winston-Salem, with speeds hitting more than 100 mph. Ruth ended up on Old Greensboro Road and turned his lights off. He crashed into a tree and was taken into custody.

Assistant District Attorney Lizmar Bosques, who has since left the office, conducted the jury selection for the prosecution. Assistant District Attorney Annie Hughes also prosecuted the case.

William Speaks was Ruths attorney.

At a trial, prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys can use what are called peremptory challenges to dismiss jurors without giving a reason. But because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling called Batson V. Kentucky, they cant remove a juror for racial reasons. When challenged based on the Supreme Court case, a judge is supposed to hold a hearing where prosecutors can provide a non-racial reason for removing a juror.

Speaks objected to Bosques challenges, saying that four of the potential jurors she removed were Black. Bosques told Judge Stanley Allen that it wasnt clear that one of the jurors she removed was Black, according to court documents.

The appellate court said that Bosques needed to provide a race-neutral reason for each of the four jurors she removed. But Bosques never provided a race-neutral reason for one of the four jurors.

And Allen should have required that Bosques do that, the court said.

Where the State does not offer a race neutral reason for each peremptory challenge, regardless of whether there were valid reasons for some of the peremptory challenges, a new trial is warranted, the court ruled.

The N.C. Attorney Generals Office represented the Forsyth County District Attorneys Office in the appeal. It is not clear whether the Attorney Generals Office will appeal to the N.C. Supreme Court.

Nazneen Ahmed, a spokesman for the Attorney Generals Office, said the office would not have any comment on pending litigation.

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Winston-Salem and Forsyth County experienced 50 homicides combined in 2021, with 44 killings occurring in the city, a historic high for the county.

The number exceeds a record number of 44 homicides that happened in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County in 1994.

As they do every year, the Winston-Salem and Kernersville police departments as well as the Forsyth County Sheriffs office reported their homicide statistics in 1994 to the State Bureau of Investigation.

Within Winston-Salem, the 44 homicides in 2021 represents a 52% increase from the 2020 tally of 29 homicides in the city, according to the statistics.

Capt. Steven Tollie, who leads the Winston-Salem Police Departments criminal investigations division, said that 43 homicides were reported in 2021 to the WSPD.

The fatal shooting at Mount Tabor High School on Sept. 1, 2021 was investigated by the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office, Tollie said, and that agency will report it as one of six homicides that happened in the county last year to the SBI. The shooting took place within city limits.

The Kernersville Police Department also investigated one homicide last year in the eastern Forsyth County town.

A group of 39 victims died from gunfire, and three others were stabbed to death. Two people were killed by Winston-Salem police in incidents that the SBI investigated.

Two children were homicide victims. Police havent publicly released the causes of death for four other victims.

The 43 homicides investigated by city police detectives do include gang-related killings and murders that occurred during drug deals, Tollie said.

In addition, some of those homicides include murders that were related to domestic violence, Tollie said.

However, no evidence was identified to indicate that any of these homicides was connected to stress related to COVID, Tollie said.

Mayor Allen Joines said he is concerned about the increased number of homicides in Winston-Salem last year.

It should be noted that homicides are up all across the country and right here in North Carolina, Joines said. I think a number of factors are impacting the increase including the COVID pandemic.

There have been 62,919 cases of COVID-19 in Forsyth County since the pandemic began in March 2020, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. There have been 626 coronavirus-related deaths so far in Forsyth.

The police are working on several initiatives, and the community is involved in other efforts such as the C.U.R.E. (Communities United for Revitalization and Engagement) program, Joines said.

C.U.R.E. is an alliance of neighborhood association representatives and community stakeholders, according to a city document. The program received $200,000 in the citys budget for fiscal year 2022.

In 2021, the police department used a wide range of strategies to combat violent crime including its violent crime task force, developing a system to better collaborate with other law enforcement agencies in the Triad and using its gunshot detection system.

The system detects noises that equates to gunfire and triangulates the location where the shots originated.

According to news reports, at least 12 major cities across the United States set all-time homicide records in 2021. Those cities include New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Louisville, Ky.

All across America, every year, people ask what caused the violence, Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. of Forsyth County said. From where I sit, there are a plethora of reasons which range from systemic to social, and responses that range from intervention to prevention.

At the end of the day, we all share responsibility for the uptick in violence, Kimbrough said. We all must ask ourselves, what role have I played? More importantly, what role will I play to decrease the violence? Will I give of my time, treasures or community involvement? If we approach it with this lens, we will all share responsibility in the resulting decrease in violence.

Some of last years homicides were cleared as justifiable deaths, District Attorney Jim ONeill of Forsyth County said.

Nonetheless, it is worth noting that in my 25 years of prosecuting crime on behalf of this community, I have never seen such a dramatic reduction in the number of officers that make up our Winston-Salem Police Department, ONeill said.

The police department currently has 436 sworn officers, said Kira Boyd, a police spokeswoman. The city has money allocated in its 2021-22 budget for 528 sworn police officers.

In 2021, 69 officers left the police department, Boyd said.

The WSPD is struggling not only with an unprecedented shortage of officers that would normally help intercept and prevent crime, but they are also experiencing prodigious lows in the applications for their rookie academy classes, ONeill said.

Those that protect us, in turn, need our support, ONeill said. And our officers need to feel appreciated by the community they serve.

Outrageous number

John Larson, a member of the Winston-Salem City Council who represents the South Ward, sees several factors behind the citys deadly violence.

Its an outrageous number of lives being lost to gunplay, Larson said. There are a lot of guns around. We live in a gun-based society.

Larson mentioned unemployment, poverty, a lack of affordable housing as well as the coronavirus pandemic and political divisiveness among some people as factors for the jump in local homicides.

On television and in movies, weapons are typically the solution to problems, Larson said. This is one of the ramifications of having an availability of weapons that kill people.

Its cultural problem, Larson said. We know that there are lot of people who are angry right now.

Jeff MacIntosh, who represents the Northwest Ward on the city council, agreed with Larson on the factors behind the homicides.

I think that guns are far too readily available and that COVID introduced a variable that we will see play out in many different, unexpected ways for years to come, MacIntosh said.

We have long known that our city suffers from a lack of economic mobility, and that the gap between rich and poor has gotten worse during the pandemic, MacIntosh said.

MacIntosh and Larson also pointed to gang activity as a factor in the increase in homicides.

We are seemingly not alone in trying to identify and address the underlying problems that lead people to pull a gun instead of settling differences the way people did in the past, MacIntosh said.

Robert Clark, who represents the West Ward on the city council, said he is puzzled and concerned about the citys increase in homicides.

Clark pointed to the 29 homicides in the city in 2020, and the 44 homicides in Winston-Salem in 2021. During both years, city residents along with the country and the world endured the COVID-19 pandemic, Clark said.

The jump in homicides may also be linked the turnover in the Winston-Salem Police Department that has led to fewer police officers, Clark said.

Its an absolute fact that the murder rate is going through the ceiling, Clark said. Its just very disturbing.

Mayor Pro Tem Denise Adams said that the pandemic and the increase in violent crime fueled a perfect storm in Winston-Salem and other cities.

I dont understand how some of us can be complacent and say, It is what it is, said Adams, who represents the North Ward on the city council. We can do better than this.

As way to reduce the number of homicides, the city needs more affordable housing, more volunteers in the school system, more job training programs for young people and more resources for mental health care, Adams said. The city can use its COVID-19 relief money to pay for these programs, she said.

In addition, local residents also need to report what they know about the circumstances behind these killings to police, Adams said. She agrees with Larson and MacIntosh that guns are too prevalent in Winston-Salem.

You dont need a permit to buy a gun, Adams said. You can buy a gun every day of the week (without a permit).

Kevin Mundy, who represents the Southwest Ward on the city council, agrees with his fellow council members on what he sees as factors behind the homicides.

The level of gun violence in and around Winston-Salem, particularly those cases resulting in homicides, is totally overwhelming, Mundy said. Gun violence is as much a pandemic in the United States as COVID is.

Sadly, our community reflects the deadly trend were seeing across the nation , Mundy said. Knowing that we are not alone in this problem, however, does little to console the family and friends of those victims who have been killed right here in our own community.

Easy access to guns, the inequity that exists in marginalized and disenfranchised communities and a local shortage of police officers contribute to the increasing number of homicides, Mundy said.

For many, the feelings of frustration, helplessness and injustice that already existed reached a boiling point in the wake of the murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and others, Mundy said. When a lack resources stands in the way of identifying and apprehending lawbreakers, those same individuals commit more crimes, up to and including homicide.

The Rev. Keith Vereen, the first vice president of the Ministers Conference of Winston-Salem and Vicinity, also said that the COVID-19 pandemic is a factor in the local homicides.

It is my personal opinion that the stress and additional extenuating factors relative to COVID-19 are a primary factor in the increase of overall violence and homicides locally and nationally, said Vereen, the pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Kernersville.

When we take a deeper look at the demographics pertaining to age, race, education level, employment and (the) median income range in the communities where a significant number of homicides and other violent crimes occur, we find that many victims as well as alleged perpetrators are living with pre-COVID post traumatic stress disorder, Vereen said.

The stress factor has always been an issue for disadvantaged and marginalized populations, Vereen said. COVID has simply exposed the severity of the stress, which is now being tragically expressed by an increasing local and national homicide rate.

The solution is less obscure than identifying the various causes contributing to the problem, Vereen said.

A deadly December

Seven local homicides occurred in December.

Adam Brent McKnight, 33, was shot by a police officer shortly before 12:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at 4715 Bell West Drive after McKnight threatened the officer with a machete.

McKnight was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, where he died. Police Sgt. Ryan Phillips, who fired one shot at McKnight, was placed on administrative duty. The State Bureau of Investigation looked into the incident.

Treshawn Jaquez Plater, 22, of Lincoln Avenue was shot and killed about midnight Dec. 14 in the 1700 block of Thorntons Way. No arrest has been made in connection with Platers death.

Officers found Edwin Hernandez-Medina, 15, lying in a parking lot and unresponsive with a gunshot wound at 3:45 a.m. Dec. 18 at 46 Timlic Ave.

Hernandez-Medina was taken to Wake Forest Baptist, where he died Dec. 19. No arrest has been made in connection with Hernandez-Medinas death.

Jonathan Ray Wright, 35, of Pinnacle was found shot to death by officers at 1:47 a.m. Dec. 19 in a driveway in the 1300 block of Bethania-Rural Hall Road. Police are not looking for any suspects in connection with Wrights death.

Edwin Cisneros-Lopez, 20, was shot multiple times shortly before 8:40 a.m. Dec. 20 at 890 Pitts St. Cisneros-Lopez was pronounced dead after he arrived at Wake Forest Baptist.

Justin Neil Sydenstricker, 33, was charged with murder in connection with Cisneros-Lopezs death. Sydenstricker is being held in the Forsyth County Jail with no bond allowed.

Jonathan Harold Samuels, 49, of Tise Avenue died Dec. 22 at a local hospital after he was shot and critically wounded while he was driving his car in the 100 block of Reynolds Boulevard.

Officers responded to the scene at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 21 after Samuels was shot and crashed his vehicle. No arrest has been made in Samuels death.

Roy Lewis Moore, 71, and another man were found by police with gunshot wounds at 2:56 a.m. Dec. 25 inside an apartment at 2920 New Walkertown Road.

Moore and the other man were taken to a local hospital, where Moore later died of injuries. The other man survived.

Roman Robert Nelson Jr., 20, of Kernersville is charged with murder in connection with Moores death. Nelson is being held in the jail with no bond allowed.

Shooting at Mount Tabor High School

The fatal shooting Sept. 1 at Mount Tabor High School attracted statewide and national attention.

William Chavis Renard Miller Jr., 15, was shot shortly after noon outside a classroom at Mount Tabor High School. Miller, a Mount Tabor student, died later at Wake Forest Baptist.

Maurice T. Evans Jr., 15, another Mount Tabor student, is charged with murder in connection with Millers death. Evans is being held in a juvenile detention center.

The shooting resulted in a massive law enforcement response to the school and the Mount Tabor community. The incident rattled the nerves of students and parents throughout the city and county.

After the shooting, the sheriffs office increased its school resource officers within the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. In the weeks after the shooting, deputies seized handguns from students at seven schools, including Mount Tabor and a shooting happened near, but not on the campus of Parkland High School.

Shannon Clark, Millers mother, said that her son was shot in his torso at Mount Tabor High on Sept. 1, but investigators havent told her many other details about the incident.

Its hard to keep teens away from certain kids who carry guns, Clark said.

Forsyth County needs more programs for young people, including additional recreation centers, Clark said. In addition, local businesses need to hire teenagers who are 15, giving them jobs to fill their time away from their schools, she said.

Meanwhile, Clark wants local residents to remember the name of her son, William Chavis Renard Miller Jr.

I will get justice for my son, Clark said.

A portrait for Teore

Police officers found Teore Eugene Terry, 35, of Cherry Street about 8 a.m. Feb. 14 with a fatal gunshot wound in a parking lot at 615 Coliseum Drive. No arrests have been made in Terrys death, police said.

Teore Terry worked at the CVS Pharmacy for about 10 years. The store is at the corner of Fourth and Trade streets.

In June 2021, a portrait of Teore that shows his face was painted inside the business.

The lack of suspects in her sons case troubles Velma Terry, his mother.

Im heartbroken, Terry said. I know they (police) have a lot of homicides out there. I dont expect them just to focus on my son because that would be real selfish of me.

Terry wants to form a group with people who have lost loved ones to violence and do something to reduce the number of homicide victims. Terry helped organized DIVAS, which stands for Dreams for Initiating Virtuous Alternative Solutions for parents.

Nobody knows about the sleepless nights, Terry said. Nobody knows about the nightmares.

Nobody knows the experience of losing a child to gun violence, Terry said. I dont want anybody else to experience this.

Terry also wants local residents to work with law enforcement officers to reduce the violence. That means people must be willing to share what they know about these killings to investigators, she said.

Detectives dont have any suspects connected to her sons death because too many people refuse to snitch on their friends, relatives and neighbors who might be involved with Teores death, Terry said.

These people would want others to help police solve a homicide if their loved ones were the victims, Terry said.

They have no idea of the generational curse that they have bestowed on their family because (they) took someones son, Terry said about her sons killer. You took my son without Gods permission  without my permission.

Now his mother, his siblings, his family and the downtown Winston-Salem community are mourning him, Terry said. Its time to speak up, and its time to speak out.

Terry said she believes that the citys homicides are increasing because some young people want Winston-Salem to be the next 48 Hours.

48 Hours is a CBS television crime drama in which CBS reporters investigate crime stories throughout the country.

We are living in a different time  a whole different era, Terry said.

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Had every Athenian citizen been a Socrates, every Athenian assembly would still have been a mob.  James Madison, Federalist 55

According to James Madison, even Athens, among the city-states that influenced the 13 original colonies to adopt a democratic-republican form of government, if it were composed solely of individuals with the temperament of Socrates, would eventually succumb to the negative influences of factions.

For Madison, factions were the inevitability of the human condition and self-interests. Individuals would thereby form alliances based on similar views and those interests will sometimes work against the public interest and infringe upon the rights of others.

In Federalist 10, Madison suggests it is only by preventing the existence of the same passion or interest in a majority at the same time or render a majority faction unable to act that such impulses can be minimized.

Madison concludes that a small democracy cannot avoid the dangers of a majority faction because small size means that undesirable passions can very easily spread to a majority of the people, which can then enact its will through the democratic government without difficulty.

As a result of these concerns, the Constitution that Madison authored intentionally moves at a glacial pace. It does not allow the majority to have its way by an unencumbered fiat.

But in harnessing one leviathan, Madison  concerns albeit justified  unintentionally created another monster: the tyranny of the minority.

In 1787, Madison was right to be concerned that majority groups might ride roughshod over the rights of minorities. But what we see in 2022 is the opposite  a system in which a particularly extreme and motivated fraction of the populace wields outsized power in the face of a majority, which appears unable to effectively oppose it.

The problem, given the current trajectory, will only become more pronounced. As Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise has often stated, by 2040, 70% of Americans will live in 15 states. Meaning 30% will choose 70 senators. Moreover, chances are the 30% that Ornstein refers to will be more homogeneous, less likely to reflect the diversity of America.

It is, however, at its core a form of tyranny of the minority that is consistent with Madisons vision. What we have witnessed, since the ratification of the Constitution, was the protection of a particular type of minority. Not one based on traditional metrics such as race, gender or orientation, but one that was already emboldened with a measure of influence.

Since Shays Rebellion, the 18th century uprising by farmers in western Massachusetts that perhaps did more to promote the need for a new constitution than any other single event, the minority protections with which Madison et al were concerned were self-interests.

In a post-revolutionary role reversal, the framers and their class took on the identity of Great Britain by engaging in practices that were among the indictments cited in the Declaration of Independence that justified their decision to secede.

The Republican Party, which has won the popular vote for presidency only once since 1988, has now invoked strategies designed to lose the popular vote but win the Oval Office. A rare occurrence of losing the popular vote but winning the presidency that happened three times in the 19th century, none in the 20th, but has already happened twice in the 21st century, reflects the power of the minority.

Gerrymandering is another area in which minority interests manage to over-perform. Republican-led state legislatures are working to make voting more difficult. Republicans were not the first to gerrymander districts, but their skill and precision has brought to us to a democratic precipice.

When President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day OConnor as an associate justice on the Supreme Court, not only was she the first woman nominated and confirmed, but she was also the last person to sit on the court who did not attend Harvard or Yale law schools. (OConnor attended that little-known law school called Stanford.)

Thats not a criticism of the law schools situated in Cambridge and New Haven, but reasonable persons might find it difficult to accept that the bastion of constitutional jurisprudence rests solely in those locations.

In the abstract, one might bemoan the political influence of the minority. But in the concrete, our political system is working almost to perfection. The ultimate beneficiaries are the minority within the minority. Just the way Madison drew it up in 1787.

Note: I will once again conduct the online Civics Intensive. Those interested in learning more about the course can email me directly. The Rev. Byron Williams (byron@publicmorality.org), a writer and the host of The Public Morality on WSNC 90.5, lives in Winston-Salem.
Lincoln  Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) welcomes Kara Asmus to its talented team of professionals committed to building stronger communities and a greater Nebraska.

As NCFs new affiliated fund development coordinator for East-Central Nebraska, Asmus will work with volunteer leaders to build community awareness, conduct fundraising efforts and increase community impact through grantmaking and citizen engagement.

Prior to joining NCF, Asmus led multiple programs for the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, including Drive for Five, a workforce development and talent-attraction initiative. Her extensive work history also includes leadership roles with the Mid-America Council Boy Scouts of America, Columbus Downtown Business Association and the Columbus Telegram.

Asmus has also served as a member of the Columbus Area Future Fund Advisory Committee, an NCF affiliated fund. Other volunteer experience includes UNL Extension, Columbus Public Schools Foundation, United Way and the Columbus Jaycees, among many other organizations.

As a seventh-generation Nebraskan, my love for Nebraska communities and their citizens seems innate, Asmus said. As much as I enjoy learning about the successes of others, I am even more drawn to helping people visualize the things they could accomplish if they had the right tools. Nebraska Community Foundation provides the tools.

Asmus obtained a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, specializing in Human Development and Family Rehabilitation Services.

Kara brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our already talented coordinator team, said NCF CEO and President Jeff Yost. We are thrilled to have her on staff, where she can use her talents and connections in East-Central Nebraska to help our communities cultivate their active hope and build prosperity in greater Nebraska.

About Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a greater Nebraska.

Headquartered in Lincoln, the foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving over 270 communities.

In the last five years, 45,915 contributions have been made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $423 million in Nebraskas people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.
Nebraska doctors are warning that treatments effective against the omicron variant of COVID-19 are in such short supply that not all of the high-risk patients who qualify for them are getting them.

The upshot: The treatments, some of which are new and promising, won't be an option in the near future for the vast majority of Nebraskans.

That means vaccination and boosters remain the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death.

While efforts are underway to bolster production of the treatments, ramping up to the point where they will make a difference during the omicron wave "is logistically just not going to be possible," said Dr. Mark Rupp, chief of the University of Nebraska Medical Centers infectious diseases division.

"I don't want folks to have the wrong idea that, 'Oh, they've got all these medicines that they can now treat people and either prevent them from getting more seriously ill, or if they are seriously ill we can rescue them in the hospital," Rupp said. "That's just not reality, unfortunately."

The warning comes as cases of COVID-19 in Nebraska jumped to 14,799 for the week ending Wednesday, more than double the 7,176 cases recorded during the previous seven-day stretch. The tally was the second-highest weekly total of the entire pandemic, just below the 15,348 cases recorded during the second week of October 2020.

COVID-19 hospitalizations, which lag infections by about two weeks, continued to tick up after a brief dip over the Christmas holiday, reaching 568 statewide Thursday. That included 352 in metro Omaha hospitals.

The state recorded 78 additional deaths during the past seven days, the highest weekly figure in exactly a year. It's not clear, however, whether those deaths, which also lag infections by weeks, are attributable to the delta variant or to omicron.

Dr. Barbie Young Gutshall, a physician in O'Neill, wrote in a social media post that the hospital there now has an entire wing of COVID-19 patients and that its family room had been turned into an infusion center.

She, too, stressed that health care providers soon would have next-to-nothing to offer patients because of the limited supply of therapies that can target omicron.

Rupp said some of the monoclonal antibodies that providers used successfully during prior waves to keep people with COVID-19 from become seriously ill are not effective against the omicron variant. That includes the infusion that became commonly known as the BAM drug.

The monoclonal therapy that is effective against omicron, called sotrovimab, is in short supply across the country. The state receives an allotment and parcels it out to providers across the state.

Nebraska Medicine, UNMC's clinical partner, posted Friday on Facebook that the health system currently receives enough of the therapy for about five people a day. But the hospital has 75 to 100 outpatients a day who meet federal criteria to receive intravenous infusions of the drug.

"We way outstrip the number of people who would meet the criteria for use," Rupp said.

CHI Health officials said their hospitals, too, have limited supplies of the treatment. The health system randomizes who will receive the infusions based on extensive criteria and a review by a multidisciplinary team.

"The best current treatment we have to recommend is that patients get vaccinated, and get a booster if previously vaccinated," CHI Health officials said in a statement.

Rupp said Nebraska Medicine also has enough of another long-acting therapy called evusheld to infuse between 50 and 100 high-risk people a week. That drug, a preventative, gives people about six months of antibody protection. The health system has about 10,000 patients who would qualify, with 1,000 in the highest-risk group. That group includes people who probably haven't mounted an immune response despite vaccination, a group that typically consists of transplant and high-risk cancer patients.

The health system also is starting to administer three days of intravenous remdesivir to outpatients. A recent study showing that the drug, which previously has been used in seriously ill patients who require oxygen support, could substantially decrease the risk of progression in high-risk patients. It's best used within five to seven days of infection.

But administering it is not easy. "We will be maxing out the number of infusion chairs in our infusion centers to give that," Rupp said.

Two new oral treatments also are available. The first, molnupiravir, prevents progression in about 30% of patients. Nebraska Medicine currently gets about 40 courses a week. "But by no means is it a game-changer," Rupp said.

Data suggests that the more promising of the two, paxlovid, is up to 90% effective in keeping people from becoming seriously ill and requiring hospitalization. Rupp said the hospital, to the best of his knowledge, has not received any doses of the drug.

The first doses of the drug apparently have been directed to clinics that serve those with limited access to health care, such as Omaha's OneWorld Community Health Centers and Charles Drew Health Center.

Andrea Skolkin, OneWorld's CEO, said the health center has received enough for four patients a day. More is coming, but officials don't know how much or when. The health center has to prioritize who receives it.

President Joe Biden said Tuesday that he had doubled the nation's order of the drug to at least 20 million courses and is accelerating delivery. The first 10 million courses are to be available by June and the rest by the end of September.

Meanwhile, health systems are bracing for more patients and urging Nebraskans to help head off a surge, namely by getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing quality, well-fitting masks in public and avoiding large crowds.

Jeremy Nordquist, president of the Nebraska Hospital Association, tweeted Tuesday that hospitalizations due to COVID-19 may double in Nebraska over the next two or three weeks.

"At the same time, hospital staffs will be limited due to COVID spread," wrote Nordquist, a former state senator. "This very well may be the worst of the pandemic. Nebraskans, you know how to help our hospitals & #HealthcareHeroes. Please do!"

Said Rupp, "There's a popular belief out there that omicron is very mild and that people don't have to worry about it. But the issue is there's just such a vast wave of folks who are sick that even if a much lower proportion of them get seriously ill and require hospitalization, it's going to still result in a very high crest of hospitalizations and a high stress level on the medical system."

World-Herald Staff Writer Henry J. Cordes contributed to this report.
Last summer, the Waverly Board of Education voted to extend a resolution granting the superintendent emergency powers  a move many districts have made as school leaders navigate the uncertainties of the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, after a successful recall petition, it's up to voters in a special election to decide whether that decision will cost the Waverly board president his seat.

Voters have until Tuesday to turn in ballots in the mail-in election to decide whether Andy Grosshans, who represents Ward 4, will retain his position.

Rebecca Kellner-Ratzlaff, a mother of two students in Waverly Public Schools and Ward 4 resident, filed for a recall petition in September over concerns that the emergency powers stripped parents of representation.

The resolution, which the Waverly board first adopted in April 2020, gives Superintendent Cory Worrell the authority to make decisions regarding pandemic protocols  such as masking and classroom closures  without having to seek board approval.

In an email, Kellner-Ratzlaff said she met with other concerned parents after the district in August said it would require masks for students in kindergarten through sixth grade at a time when no countywide mask mandate was in place.

Parents were also concerned about a lack of communication from district officials, who Kellner-Ratzlaff said denied requests to hold a special board meeting over the issue of masks.

The language in the resolution is too vague, Kellner-Ratzlaff contends, and is not clear on how parents are involved in the process.

"This petition is about giving all decision-making power to one person with little to no accountability, not masks," she said. "It is about the lack of communication, transparency and representation."

But Grosshans says he was never contacted over concerns regarding the resolution.

"I would have appreciated some conversations if some people were disappointed," he said in a phone interview. "I would have gladly spoken to them."

Grosshans said there is misunderstanding about the level of authority that school boards can give to superintendents. The board consulted with the district's attorneys to create the resolution so Worrell could make timely decisions amid rapidly changing information about COVID-19.

In scheduling board meetings, "you have to give notice and you have to find a date. That takes time and sometimes COVID-19 doesn't allow for that kind of time," said Grosshans, who just wrapped up his 13th year on the board.

Petitioners went door-to-door in Ward 4 last fall collecting the 88 signatures needed to force Grosshans to either resign or for the school board to call a special election. The number of signatures is determined by 35% of the votes cast in the last election for that seat.

Grosshans, who has two children who went through the school district, originally planned to give up his seat in 2020, but no candidates emerged. Then the pandemic arrived, so he filed last-minute as a write-in candidate.

With no names listed on the 2020 general election ballot, only 249 of the 1,239 Ward 4 residents who cast ballots voted for school board, making it easier for the petition to move forward.

School board recall efforts increased last year amid debates over the pandemic, the Nebraska Department of Education's now-shelved health standards and critical race theory.

But unlike in Waverly, the majority have failed to move past the petition stage.

In Wahoo, a petition last summer circulated against board president Rob Brigham after the board declined to discuss its stance on the proposed health standards, critical race theory and mask and vaccine mandates.

Meanwhile, five Norris school board members faced a recall petition after the board voted to require masks for students from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade in August.

In both districts, petition circulators ultimately didn't turn in signatures.

However, some recall efforts have reached the ballot box.

Three Loup City school board members faced recall in a September special election over parents' concerns about public participation at board meetings. Voters retained all three members.

In Cheyenne County, a recall election against two members of the Leyton Public Schools Board of Education is set for Tuesday. That effort stems from allegations of abuse of power unrelated to the pandemic.

Giltner school board president Chris Waddle is also facing a recall election next month amid claims that administration was dismissing parent concerns.

Matt Belka, director of marketing, communications and advocacy with the Nebraska Association of School Boards, said the group has tracked recall efforts across the state and has had school board members reach out for guidance on the process.

"There is a lot of tension in society overall right now, and this seems to be a consequence of that," Belka said via email. "That said, it is a loud minority, as there are really very few people pushing or supporting the recalls in most communities, which is why so many have quickly failed or fizzled."

Constituents can reevaluate the members they choose at election time, Belka said, adding that recalls cost districts "a lot of unnecessary time, focus and money." He also pointed out that board members are volunteers who are not paid to serve.

According to a statement from Waverly school officials, its special election will cost the district between $4,000-$5,000.

Grosshans, who started a Facebook page to explain his position and encourage the public to vote against the recall, said people are frustrated and experiencing pandemic fatigue.

He said he trusts the experts at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, where he works in patient experience, who are overwhelmingly in favor of masks and vaccines in fighting the pandemic.

Last month, the Lancaster County Election Commissioner's office mailed out ballots to voters in Ward 4, which includes areas of Waverly south of U.S. 6 and Heywood Street and rural areas of Lancaster County directly south of the town.

Ballots must be returned to the commissioner's office at 601 N. 46th St. in Lincoln no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @zach_hammack

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Off and running.

The 2022 Legislature sailed out of port last week with a rare opportunity ahead to build and shape Nebraska's future.

A billion dollars in pandemic recovery funding is available for distribution to a wide range of proposed projects and $2.5 billion in federal highway funds from the infrastructure initiative will help build and improve the state's highways, roads and bridges.

There's also a healthy reserve secured in the state treasury now.

It's a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to think  and do  big.

To build and broaden Nebraska's future.

To invest, not just spend.

Perhaps this moment is just what is needed right now as Nebraska faces a workforce shortage that has grown to an unimaginable 50,000 unfilled jobs and a future that foresees the possibility of an aging Nebraska with young people leaving or unattracted to moving into the state.

That picture, painted last week by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, should have been accompanied by alarm bells.

* * *

Text message exchange with Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster:

"Hi Charles  would you be open to an interview about your participation in Jan. 5-6 events in Washington last year and whether the House select committee has been in touch with you? Thanks  Don."

"Don. Thank you for your request but I don't have anything to add as I left before rally was over to travel to Florida to the RNC event where (South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem) was speaking."

"Thanks Charles. Can you tell me if the House select committee has been in touch with you about events preceding the rally?"

"Not at this time."

It's hard to know if Herbster is going to be questioned by the House select committee investigating the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol a year ago, but the committee and its staff already had interviewed more than 300 people by the end of 2021.

Herbster was a participant in a meeting of Trump family members and close political associates at the Willard Hotel in Washington the day before the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol. A number of those participants reportedly have already been contacted by the committee.

Trump has endorsed Herbster, an early supporter and agricultural adviser during his presidency, as his preference in Nebraska's Republican gubernatorial race.

* * *

Gov. Pete Ricketts scolded President Joe Biden for the language he used in condemning the election protest rally in Washington by supporters of former President Trump that turned into an assault on the U.S. Capitol by some of its participants after the crowd was urged by Trump to march to the Capitol.

"Shame on anyone who uses a peaceful protest as an opportunity to riot, cause destruction and bring harm to others," the governor said.

"We don't blame all Black Lives Matter supporters for the hundreds of millions of dollars of property damage, dozens of assaults on officers, and hundreds of ruined livelihoods that stemmed from largely peaceful protests," Ricketts said.

* * *

Finishing up:

* An odd political moment: Donald Trump virtually advertising to find a Republican challenger to oppose GOP Rep. Don Bacon, with whom he is displeased.

* Local government, local control, the best government is the government closest to home, all once were basic Republican rallying cries. Not so much anymore with legislative efforts to place new limits on local government spending authority in Nebraska and eliminate Lancaster County's local authority to issue directed health measures locally designed to protect the community as it was able to do in response to COVID-19.

* Texas A&M just recruited six football five-stars and 19 four-stars and it only cost $25 million to $30 million in name, image and likeness contracts. Texas University football supporters have launched an eight-figure NIL program. Goodbye, college football. Hello, semi-pros.

* Sen. Julie Slama of Sterling reported receiving online death and violence threats after she introduced a bill seeking to ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.

* Could George Norris be elected in Nebraska today? Could Norbert Tiemann, Chuck Hagel, Bob Kerrey, Ben Nelson, Jim Exon?

* Big week at the Capitol for Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker with unveiling of the Legislature's STARWARS committee's water resources recommendations amid indications that Ricketts may climb aboard this ship.

* "May the Force be with you."

Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSdon

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Beginning his eighth and last year as governor, Pete Ricketts is focused on his final agenda  and it looks largely familiar.

A limited and disciplined state budget, and some additional targeted tax relief with an emphasis on property taxes. But investment in the state's natural resources is also on the list now with a billion federal dollars sitting on the table in the form of pandemic recovery funds.

Although Ricketts is cautious in identifying the specific projects he may support in advance of the unveiling of his final state budget proposal and subsequent State of the State address to the Legislature on Thursday, he has been meeting with the Legislature's adventurously-named STARWARS committee as it develops a package of water resource development proposals for senators to consider.

An intriguing new project on that study committee's list of potential targets is development of a large new lake between Lincoln and Omaha.

It has emerged as a new possibility on a list of water development projects that could be initiated with federal pandemic funding, all of which promise a lasting impact on recreation, tourism, flood control, economic development and water sustainability in the state.

Already targeted by the legislative committee are projects at Lake McConaughy near Ogallala and at Lewis and Clark Lake and Niobrara State Park in northeast Nebraska.

Answers to his position on the water resources development proposals may be revealed at a news conference including STARWARS committee members Monday afternoon.

During each of his eight years as governor, Ricketts scheduled a series of separate interviews with members of the Capitol news media in conjunction with the beginning of the legislative session.

This year's sit-down was held in the Governor's Hearing Room rather than in his office, with Ricketts carefully distanced and wearing a mask because of his recent exposure to someone who contracted the coronavirus.

Tax relief appeared to top his priorities for the final year of his final term.

And property taxes were first on his list.

"We've provided $2 billion in tax relief in this biennium," the governor said, with more than $1.9 billion in direct property tax relief dominating that total.

"That's a big deal," Ricketts said, "but we have more work to do."

Workforce development, corporate tax reduction, continued expansion of rural broadband service, construction of a new state prison and pro-life legislation are on his final-year agenda, he said.

The governor is also focused on a proposal to limit the growth of local government spending, primarily in public schools, to 3% annually, as an additional means of securing property tax relief.

"We've been able to accomplish a lot even with the pandemic," Ricketts said in answer to a question about how COVID-19 has impacted his governorship.

"Over the last two years, the people of Nebraska have done a wonderful job" of dealing with COVID-19, he said. "My administration took a balanced approach," Ricketts said, balancing restrictions with an effort to "let people live normal lives."

"I asked Nebraskans to do the right thing and they did," Ricketts said, allowing the state to continue to navigate its way through the pandemic in a manner that led a scorecard of states compiled by Politico last month.

"If every category were given equal weight  which assumes each priority was of equivalent importance, a policy choice in itself  the top scorer overall would be Nebraska, with an average of 73 out of 100, despite scoring below the national average in the social well-being category," the Politico analysis concluded.

Ricketts has been unwilling to venture into any discussion about his future plans until his work as governor is done, but he did acknowledge in answer to a question that he would prefer to remain in the public sector rather than return to the private sector, where he worked as an executive at Ameritrade before his election as governor in 2014.

"I love being involved in the public sector," he said. "We'll see what happens down the road."

Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSdon

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It was an act of country love.

This is what we have repeatedly been told about the insurrection at the Capitol, one year ago this week. The claim began, as brazen lies so often seem to, with Donald Trump. These are the things and events that happen, he said, when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously and viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long.

This is what he tweeted that evening. After the walls were scaled and the windows smashed, after the bones were broken and the blood spilled, after the lawmakers were barricaded and the vice president fled, after the building was ransacked and the wall smeared, after the shot was fired and the woman died, after a day that will absolutely live in infamy, that was his response: Great patriots had done all this after being cheated out of their votes.

It was a statement of such stunning mendacity  a year later, there is still zero evidence of meaningful election fraud  that you dared to hope even so-called conservatives would reject it. But the Republican Party is where moral courage goes to die, so in the ensuing year, Trumps canard has become coin of the realm on the right. Rep. Paul Gosar has described as peaceful patriots the architects of the worst attack on the Capitol since the War of 1812. Tucker Carlson called them solid Americans. Sen. Ron Johnson said they were people that love this country.

The right has doggedly resisted the idea of holding accountable the man  Trump  who called the rioters together, who exhorted them like Vince Lombardi in a pregame speech and aimed them like a gun at the heart of American democracy. This refusal to impose consequences, combined with the passage of laws designed to restrict Democratic-leaning voters access to the polls and the installation of Trump loyalists in positions of authority over state elections strongly suggests that the events of Jan. 6 will ultimately prove to be not an isolated event, but a dress rehearsal for something far worse.

Because you see, they love America so. Oh, and their votes were stolen.

On this first anniversary, it seems appropriate  indeed, necessary  to call that claim out for the despicable crock it is.

You know whos had their votes stolen? Actually, really stolen?

Women, who had no federally guaranteed right to vote until the 19th Amendment passed in 1920, Asian Americans, who did not enjoy full access to voting rights until the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952, and African Americans, whose voting rights were broadly denied until the Voting Rights Act of 1965  and, even so, are still threatened to this very day.

And you know who loved America? They did. They loved it enough to spend decades arguing with it, working through its courts, demanding it venerate its own ideals. They never stormed the Capitol. They loved America enough to believe in it.

So it is beyond galling to hear these gangsters of democracy, these spoiled brats who attacked the seat of government because, heaven forfend, they lost an election, lauded as avatars of country love. No, they are avatars of cowardice, the fear of demographic change. And love? They love the braying of the fascist, the easy answers of the demagogue, the reasoning of the mob, the justice of fists and force, the powerless silence of the disfavored and despised.

They dont love America. They love an America that does not exist.

Yet.

Leonard Pitts writes for the Miami Herald.

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Wanted: Popular female-driven talk show -- dominated by intolerant liberals who preach tolerance -- seeks token "conservative" woman willing to be bullied, mocked, baited and talked down to on a daily basis by sanctimonious and condescending co-hosts. Ideal candidate should lean right, but not too far. Should hit back, but not too hard. Congeniality is a must, as long as it doesn't interfere with squabbling. Genuine conservatives need not apply.

I realize that ABC's "The View" isn't the place for serious social commentary. I never believed otherwise.

But it's much worse than I thought. The curtain has been lifted, and the show -- where five women sit around a table arguing about politics and culture -- has been revealed to be a full-blown comedy sketch.

Here's the latest bit: The producers -- who are hunting for a permanent "conservative" co-host to replace Meghan McCain, who recently stepped down -- are aiming impossibly high. Apparently, on that show, only the liberal co-hosts -- which include comedians Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar -- benefit from the bigotry of low expectations.

What producers want is what a former show staffer called a "unicorn." The former staffer told Politico: "They want someone who is going to fight -- but not too hard, because they don't want it to be ugly and bickering."

Catch that? The bosses at "The View" apparently want someone from the right who can throw a punch but who will also pull her punches.

Of course. They wouldn't want a conservative panelist to land a solid right jab now and then. One of the liberal co-hosts -- who will likely sign off on whomever gets the gig -- might get flustered.

Why not just be honest and say outright that you want someone who will behave herself, mind her manners and play nice in the sandbox?

That aspect of the unicorn search seems custom-made for folks on the right. I just can't imagine any producer on any talk show anywhere -- even on Fox News -- being so afraid that a liberal panelist might go "fully lefty" and cause an ugly scene that descends into bickering.

Let's be clear. No matter what the producers claim, they aren't really looking for a conservative woman. They're looking for a woman who fits their narrow and rigid idea of what constitutes a conservative. They don't want someone who is right-wing, they just want someone a little "right-ish."

Liberal co-host Sunny Hostin, a former federal prosecutor, told New York Magazine's "The Cut" in November that the new host should have a divergent point of view on most issues.

"Right now, we still do need a really conservative voice," she said at the time.

However, Hostin quickly added a qualifier.

"I also believe it's really important to not have someone on the panel who spreads misinformation, who adheres to the big lies, who is an anti-vaxxer, because I think that's dangerous," she said.

In other words: No Donald Trump supporters or anyone who thinks the 2020 presidential election was stolen. No one who is critical of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical adviser to the president. No one who questions the claims, sound bites and balderdash that sometimes flow from the Democratic Party.

I've watched the show. And I've done television commentary on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC for almost 30 years.

Make no mistake. The "conservative" seat at that table is a dangerous place to be no matter who sits in it. Whoever gets the gig will be picked on from the start from her "morally superior" counterparts. She can stand up to the bullies, but she had better do it with a smile. Only liberals can sneer.

For the most part, the co-hosts are likely to keep the conversation civil. Politics isn't everything, after all. Producers are likely to choose someone who can relate to her colleagues in other ways.

For instance, they're bound to look favorably on prospects who already live in Manhattan, where the show is filmed. Maybe she sends her kids to private school on the Upper West Side. Don't expect them to hire a conservative woman from Texas, Kansas or Georgia.

At the same time, because television is a strange beast indeed, the producers also don't want the new co-host to be too chummy with her colleagues. Audience surveys show that viewers like it when sparks fly.

In other words, producers of "The View" are looking for the television version of Goldilocks -- someone conservative but not too conservative. Someone just right -- but not too far to the right.

Sorry, folks. Didn't anyone tell you? That's a fairy tale.

Ruben Navarrette writes for the Washington Post.

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Nearly two years after Americans affected by a mysterious new illness aboard a cruise ship in the Pacific Ocean were quarantined at Camp Ashland, that virus has touched every corner of Nebraska.

Hundreds of thousands of Nebraskans have been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19  the exact number will never be known  and a few thousand have died from the disease.

Now, a new variant of the virus has arrived in Nebraska, at a time when hospitals are already devoting hundreds of beds and massive amounts of resources to COVID-19 patients, all while other medical needs havent exactly stopped.

Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, which oversees the states public health lab, told the Journal Stars Matt Olberding on Monday that 77% of the COVID-19 tests it sequenced came back for that new variant, omicron. That figure is stunningly high, given how few cases of omicron have been announced by Nebraskas public health districts.

While omicron appears to be milder than its predecessors, its far more transmissible. Based on the sheer number of anticipated cases alone, the numbers from Nebraska Medicine portend a new wave of hospitalizations, which have been in crisis mode for nearly two years.

Everyone is frustrated by the changes and restrictions this pandemic has caused, but it requires a collective effort to preserve individual liberty in the face of this threat. While Lancaster Countys mask mandate was Nebraskas last to lapse, its residents must make informed decisions going forward.

Dont want to wear a mask? Nobody does. But vaccines  whether a first dose or a booster  remain incredibly effective tools to reduce both your risk of contracting COVID-19 and avoiding hospitalization should you contract it.

Dont believe us? Listen to the local hospitals and medical professionals, whom youve trusted for treating other medical conditions. In Lincoln, overworked doctors and nurses have been stressing that their facilities are primarily filled with unvaccinated people  younger and sicker than ever before  and the states largest hospitals are devoting more beds to COVID-19 patients.

Local case levels are at levels not seen since December 2020, before vaccines were widely available. Hospitalizations arent at that level  and were grateful for the vaccine for that reason  but the current caseload and expected influx place Nebraska in dire straits, in the words for University of Nebraska Medical Center infections disease specialist, since more hospitalizations typically precedes more deaths.

Pandemic fatigue is a real thing, but the way out isnt digging your heels in. Its buckling down and doing your part to help prevent the spread and protecting hospitalizations from being overcrowded.

Weve come a long way  and know a lot more  since COVID-19 first appeared in Nebraska in 2020. But we arent out of the woods yet.

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Westside school Superintendent Mike Lucas, in announcing a return of a mask mandate, stated that his district will not be intimidated by threats, hateful messages, obscene texts, phone calls or promises of physical altercations, as he takes actions in the best interests of his students and staff.

With few districts showing this courage, how can parents be confident that their own district is doing whats right when political influence has shifted down to schools?

This appears to be having an impact in the Crete School District this year, as even voluntary protocols have received little encouragement. I wondered why until I received the following statement within an email this week from the top two district leaders: ... masks, contact tracing and other measures you suggest. They made zero difference in stopping transmission for our schools ...

So recently, with the highest numbers in a year, and omicron uncertainty, there is a new policy change that will affect the parents' ability to control what happens when their child is exposed at school:

We will also no longer send close contact/exposure notifications. (Friday Update. Dec. 10)

So Crete parents will no longer be notified when their child has had a close contact with an infected student or staff member. Reasons stated are:

1. Some parents are tired of getting the notices. (Appears to be an indicator of who has influence in the district.)

2. Our school district is not required to send them. (Isnt there a more practical, medically humane reason for the notifications?)

3. Vaccines are available and students can choose to wear a mask. (So the district is using the availability of masks and vaccines as justification to avoid the schools responsibility of helping parents avoid infection that may be picked up at school.)

So how can parents have confidence? Dont listen to the spin. Watch what they do.

Steve Rische, Crete

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RACINE  Under the single, butter-warm lamplight in her home office with the sun setting behind her, Jeanne Arnold held her poem in her hand, ready to read it aloud.

But the 90-year-old and newest Writer-in-Residence for ArtRoot prefaced her poem, What lived most deeply in me, with the words: Its kind of corny. It rhymes.

She went on to tell a tale about how she hid her identity as a lesbian. She sought for security in her normalized marriage with her former husband until she came out and met her late partner.

Lines from her poem read, Naively brave we took it on /Despite what did appear. /We lived our lives in disguise, /Could we lose families and careers?

Arnold will be chronicling her experiences in spirituality, the womens movement, Racines history and the LGBTQ+ community in weekly blog posts to the Writer-in-Residence Project website (racinewir.com) until June. Her first post, titled Am I opening Pandoras Box? was published on Thursday.

I want readers to enjoy what Im writing, and then I want to share some other fun things  and some of the really conflicting things that I had to go through in the 70s, 80s and even the 90s, Arnold said.

Ill be getting responses

Arnold is the 12th writer to be chosen for ArtRoots WIR program.

ArtRoot  a local collaboration of artists and advocates dedicated to reinvigorating Southeast Wisconsin through the arts with such projects as the newest mural at Racine Public Library  chooses two writers who reside in Racine or Kenosha counties to write a blog and lead a community-based project.

Residencies take place between January to June and July to December. The residencies are available for emerging, mid-career or established writers. The program is funded through a grant from the Osborne & Scekic Family Foundation; its primary goal is to spotlight the areas literary community while encouraging, supporting and advocating on behalf of writers at all stages of their careers.

Arnold, who just celebrated her 90th birthday in November and was gifted a new computer, has notebooks and completed books and even the ownership of a press and bookstore under her belt as an established writer.

She has been writing ever since she was a little girl  and she kept most of it a secret because it was all very intimate to her, she said.

Ill be getting responses instead of sitting in this room typing or computering away for almost 20 years, Arnold said. I didnt really share it, because it was kind of too intimate or too forbidden of a subject and, where would I publish it?

Having retired in 1994, Arnold is working on her eighth book: an unpublished memoir series titled Whistling Girls and Crowing Hens. Fittingly, each memoir is bound in covers in colors of the rainbow.

The WIR program will help amplify her voice.

Arnold does have one published book, Amy Asks a Question ...: Grandma, Whats a Lesbian? from 1996 that was nominated for a children and teen Lambda Literary Award.

A history

Arnold was born in Racine on Nov. 14, 1931.

In her 90 years, Arnold has done a lot.

Arnold is a graduate of Horlick High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She taught English and journalism classes in Wisconsin and also in Frankfurt, Germany in the mid-1950s; there, she taught U.S. Army dependents.

She taught and supervised the religious education program at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Racine and Kenosha, now known as Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church. She spent some time as a reporter for The Journal Times.

She worked as a communications director for an area hospital from 1974-84. She helped establish a womans spirituality group thats still active today. She jammed out on the harmonica and lent her vocals to The Depends, a six-person, all-female band.

Arnold eventually separated from her husband to be with her late partner, Barbara Lindquist. At a time where the LGBTQ+ community was shunned, Arnold recalled being fired from her job for being a lesbian. Lindquist had been fired, too, for her sexual orientation.

I did a really good job of busting my buns because I figured I had to prove that I was good and worthy, Arnold said. She noted that most people were fine with her once they knew she was a lesbian; but she did encounter many homophobes and experienced many homophobic acts, including being fired for her sexuality.

Its tough being a lesbian, she said.

Arnold remembered one instance, as she walked into the cafeteria at a former workplace where her sexual orientation was known.

I felt like everybody was like this, she said, splitting her hands  which had been held together  apart. Thats how you feel. And one of my friends from work, she put her arms on my shoulder, and she said, Come sit with us. And shes a best friend.

Early pioneers

A time Arnold especially treasures is when she and Lindquist  who illustrated Amy Asks a Question...: Grandma, Whats a Lesbian?  opened Mother Courage Bookstore and Art Gallery at 224 State St. It was active from 1978 to 1983.

The pair also ran Mother Courage Press from 1981-2002; they published 25 titles that sold internationally, including two of the first sexual abuse therapy books for children. They worked extensively with author Phyllis E. Sweet to put together one of the books, called Something Happened to Me.

At the time, such topics were rarely discussed. Arnold and Lindquist shone a light on various topics adjacent to what Arnold might call her liberal ideas.

We didnt think we were pioneers, Arnold said. We just did it because we wanted to.

In their still-active spiritual group, Arnold and Lindquist would discuss the meaning of spirituality as Unitarian Universalist women. They covered subjects like witch-burning, goddesses versus gods, nature and life cycles. At one point, they had around 30 people in their group and met more than a dozen times a year.

She said she hopes her work and her time as a writer-in-residence will inspire anyone who reads to be true to their identity.

You just have to be strong in yourself, Arnold said. It makes you strong. In my day, if everybody who was gay would stand up at the same time, people would be amazed. But that is happening now. People are standing up and coming out and giving inspiration.

As Arnold writes, she also plans to work on her community project, which is meant to give recognition to women in Racine and Kenosha counties; she will be calling for nominations.

Her project is called Unsung Women.

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1. Yes. Raising the bar for future developments will boost the citys housing market.

2. Yes. It will help in newer areas, but more needs to be done to change Killeens image.

3. No. The new standards will just slow down homebuilding and drive away developers.

4.No. The ordinance will do little more than drive up the price of new homes in the city.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say what the effect will be until they have been in place for a while.

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It will be several months before a Hy-Vee supermarket opens in the former Sears department store building at 4200 State Hwy. 16, at Valley View Mall.

Plans for the Hy-Vee project were reviewed Friday by the city of La Crosses Commercial/Multi-Family Design Review Committee.

We anticipate the store opening in the latter part of 2022, Tina Pothoff, the grocery chains senior vice president of communications, told me earlier last week. There is still demolition work in progress in the existing building, which will be remodeled.

We dont have a definitive opening date, Hy-Vee official Jeff Stein told the city committee Friday. Its just as fast as we can pull it together. Usually something like this takes us about nine to 12 months to construct.

Hy-Vee plans reviewed by the committee include a convenience store with gasoline pumps that would be built near the supermarket, and removing the former Sears auto center.

The city issued a permit for interior demolition work in the former department store building on Nov. 8.

Hy-Vee, based in West Des Moines, Iowa, bought the former Sears property in September 2020 for $2.4 million, according to county records.

Rick and Diane Eickmeier opened their third Anytime Fitness location on Dec. 31 at 136 S. Walnut St. in downtown La Crescent.

They purchased their first Anytime Fitness center in 2012 in Onalaska, and opened their second one in 2015 in West Salem.

We were looking to grow our business, Rick Eickmeier said last week, explaining why he and his wife opened a La Crescent location. La Crescent reminds me of West Salem and weve gotten tremendous support there. Weve experienced the same thing here in La Crescent.

The new La Crescent fitness club offers 24-hour secure access, seven days a week, to all Anytime Fitness members. Regular staff hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and by appointment on Saturday and Sunday.

The Eickmeiers also plan to begin offering small group training at the La Crescent location later this year. And they plan to hold a grand opening celebration, probably in January or early February.

For more information, call the La Crescent location at 507-895-4910 or visit its Facebook page.

Maple Leaf Meats is the new name of the former Pats Country Market at 18461 Scranton St. in downtown Whitehall.

Codey and Alexis Bisek bought the meat market in mid-November from Tony Johnson, who had owned it since 2003. Johnson moved Pats Country Market from Arcadia to Whitehall in 2010.

Were keeping all of the Pats Country Market recipes, Codey Bisek told me last week. And Maple Leaf Meats continues to sell fresh meat, and products such as sausage, bologna, wieners, bratwurst and snack sticks made with Pats recipes.

We thought since it was new ownership, wed have a new name for the business, Bisek said. He and his wife plan to hold a grand reopening celebration in late January or early February.

Bisek said he and his wife bought the business after learning it was for sale. He had always wanted to own his own meat market and Pats was well-established, he said.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and closed Sunday.

For more information, call 715-538-1577 or visit the markets Facebook page. The business soon will have a website.

LYNXX Networks, based in Camp Douglas, said last week it has added electric contractor capabilities to its business services with its Dec. 31 asset purchase of West Salem-based wiring and electrical contracting company Bahr Electric.

LYNXX offers fiber-based internet and voice services, in addition to information technology solutions and managed services through its other West Salem company, 3RT Networks, which was acquired in 2018.

Bahr Electric, which had been a family-run business for more than 70 years, will continue to operate under the same name but with a new logo. Bahr Electrics employees also will continue to work from its West Salem location.

For more information, visit https://getlynxx.com or Facebook.

Steve Cahalan can be reached at stevecahalan.reporter@gmail.com.

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SPARTA  J-Mart Japanese/Asian Grocery and its owner, Brian Jewell, have expanded its merchandise selection and settled into its new, much larger location at 229 N. Black River St. in Jones Plaza in Sparta.

And Jewells brother, A.J. Jewell, has opened his Asian Japanese Sushi Cafe in part of the grocery store.

The cafe, which opened two months ago, can seat about 16 people and serves Japanese and other Asian food to customers who dine in or get it to go. The cafe also prepares food items in its new kitchen inside the grocery store, that are then packaged and available in refrigerated cases.

A.J. Jewell is a trained chef and makes sushi, Japanese lunches, sauces and snacks. Before opening the cafe inside the grocery store, he was making food items for the store at a commercial kitchen elsewhere in Sparta.

The grocery store opened Aug. 21 in its new location. It moved there from a smaller space in Jones Plaza, where the business began in August 2020. With the move, Jewells store carries a much larger selection of products.

As a child, Brian Jewell lived in Japan for about 10 years in the 1970s and early 1980s. His brother, A.J., was born in Japan and lived there for about 12 years.

They and their parents, Raymond and Chizuko Jewell, live in Sparta. Raymond had been stationed at a U.S. Navy base in Japan, where he met Chizuko, who is Japanese.

Brian Jewell said he held a variety of information technology jobs for more than 30 years in Florida, Oregon and Wisconsin, before starting the Sparta grocery store. His brother, A.J., had been a chef since 1988, mostly in Florida.

While the grocery store is open seven days a week, the cafe is open Monday through Saturday.

Right now Im doing 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, A.J. Jewell said of his cafe. On Sunday, I have foods in the deli cooler for grab-and-go, although Im not here then. People also can call in orders.

The most popular things (at the cafe) have been Asian comfort foods, A.J. Jewell said. that are hot or cold and ready to be reheated at home.

Most of what I make is Japanese, such as curry stews, yakisoba noodles and fried rice, A.J. Jewell said, although he also prepares other Asian foods.

Brian Jewell said the grocery store sells Japanese, Korean and other Asian foods and gift items. About three-fourths of the products are Japanese, he said.

Jewell said he started the grocery store Mostly because of a lack of selection (of Japanese food items) in the area. We would have to drive at least a couple hours away to find any of these kinds of ingredients and snacks and things, he said.

And sometimes we would have to go as far as Chicago, Jewell said. So once the opportunity came up (to start the Sparta store), I talked with a number of friends in La Crosse, Tomah and various other areas, and they said they would definitely be interested in something like this.

By opening the store, Jewell introduced to area residents such Japanese fare as okonomiyaki, sukiyaki, sushi, desserts, tea, coffee, soda pop, beer and sake.

The food can be picked up as ready-made, prepackaged or as ingredients for cooking at home.

J-Mart also sells Asian dishware such as decorative plates, chopsticks, tea sets, ramen and rice bowls. And it sells gift items such as small appliances and cookbooks for making Japanese foods, travel mugs, books about Japanese arts and crafts, and supplies for making origami books.

Many of the stores customers come from the La Crosse and Fort McCoy areas, Jewell said. A lot of the soldiers there are very big customers of A.J.s cafe, he said. A lot of them have been stationed overseas and are looking for a lot of the tastes that they had over there (in Asia) and have been unable to find.

Jewell said he has been able to increase his merchandise selection at his new, larger location despite worldwide shipping issues that the COVID-19 pandemic brought. Ive noticed that Korean and Chinese ingredients are fairly tough to come by right now, he said. But before that, I was getting more and more of that stock in.

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The design team for the new Milwaukee Public Museum building has been touring the state and got some inspiration from western Wisconsin for its building design. The seven-day tour included the Warrens Cranberry Festival, Mill Bluff State Park and La Crosse Heritage Center.

Warrens was a fascinating stop on our tour, said Jarrett Pelletier, associate principal at Ennead Architects based in New York City. We learned more about land use, seasonality and the significance of Wisconsins massive cranberry industry. At Warrens Cranberry Festival, not only did we get to learn about how the berries are harvested, we were also able to sample some cranberry pie and, of course, some fried cheeses.

Other stops on the tour included Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Crex Meadows Wildlife Center, Frog Bay National Park, Madison Childrens Museum and Potawatomi Cultural Center.

The museums charter dates back to 1882 and houses more than 4 million objects in its collection.

The new museum will be constructed at the northeast corner of Sixth and McKinley streets in downtown Milwaukee. The 2.4-acre site is adjacent to the Deer District and will provide access to visitors from near and far via freeway and bus routes.

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Dr. Sylvia Hood Washington, a highly accomplished environmental epidemiologist, clinician, and historian with over 30 years of research experience addressing the impact of industrial pollution on human health, will present the keynote address at the La Crosse Community Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17, in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.

Dr. Washington is the author of Packing Them In: An Archaeology of Environmental Racism in Chicago, 18651954 and Echoes from the Poisoned Well: Global Memories of Environmental Injustice.

She is also the creator and editor-in-chief of the first international environmental health disparities journal, Environmental Justice, and regularly serves as a consultant to environmental law firms and grass roots community groups about the history of industrial operations, transportation systems, and municipal plannings impact on human health and environmental health disparities.

The live keynote address will be presented virtually as Dr. Washington will not be personally in attendance. All other parts of the program, including the award presentations and musical performances, will be done in person.

The MLK Leadership Award, which honors extraordinary contributions to the La Crosse community that demonstrate Dr. Kings legacy of positive change from generation to generation, will also be presented. This years award recipient is Antoiwana Williams, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

The Lynda Lowry Student Leadership Award will be presented to a local high school student. The award is named in honor of the youngest marcher in the historic 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. A special Dr. King Beloved Community recognition will be presented to Tashyra Jackson and Shamawyah Curtis, co-founders and co-directors of Hope Restores. Thomas Harris will also be recognized for his longtime outstanding service on the La Crosse Community Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration committee.

Viterbo will also hold its second annual MLK Day of Service, Learning, and Celebration Jan. 17. The university will honor Martin Luther King Jr. with a morning of community service followed by a series of educational workshops in the afternoon.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is organized by the La Crosse Community Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, co-sponsored by a wide variety of community organizations, and hosted by Viterbo University. Williams appearance is co-sponsored by the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University. The event is held each year to honor the legacy Dr. King, an American civil rights hero and icon.

For more information on this community-wide celebration, visit www.viterbo.edu/MLK.

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Most of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers appointees to the boards overseeing Wisconsins higher education systems remain unconfirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate, a move that could allow the GOP to quickly gain control of the boards if the party wins the governors race in November.

Five of Evers picks for the state technical college system board are unconfirmed, with three of them unable to serve because appointees of former Republican Gov. Scott Walker refuse to vacate their seats even though their terms expired last spring.

And while Evers seven unconfirmed appointees to the UW Board of Regents have been serving without the Senates stamp of approval, the Republican lawmaker chairing the committee charged with confirming them recently warned that some may be in trouble.

Evers, in a statement to the Wisconsin State Journal, said the individuals he appointed are doing everything thats asked of them.

The transfer of power is a part of our democracy, and its breathtaking, frankly, that Republicans have decided its more important to play politics than confirm appointments they know are qualified, dedicated people who want to serve our state, he said. Its wrong-headed, its clearly political, and its affecting the work these boards are doing every day.

Sen. Roger Roth, R-Appleton, who chairs the Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges, said he plans to start moving on some of the appointees after wrapping up hearings on some bills this month. But he also entertained the possibility of continuing to deny some appointees a vote over the next year or even booting some from their posts. Senate leadership ultimately makes those decisions, he said.

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, told WisPolitics last week that Senate Republicans dont plan to take up Evers remaining appointees to the boards overseeing the UW System and technical colleges.

LeMahieu spokesperson Adam Gibbs later clarified that some appointees will get a vote and others will not be confirmed. He also said the caucus tends to follow the opinion of committee chairs.

Committee member Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-West Point, said refusing to approve appointees for so long shows that Republicans are more concerned about political gain than governing.

I dont know what their plan is other than waiting out the next election cycle, he said.

Technical colleges

The 13-member board that sets policies across the states 16 technical college districts includes five Evers appointees, three individuals who serve by virtue of their position  state schools Superintendent Jill Underly, Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek and Evers-appointed UW Regent John Miller  and five Walker appointees, including three whose terms expired in May.

The three holdovers are Kelly Tourdot, a Waunakee resident who is vice president of Associated Builders and Contractors; Mary Williams, a former GOP state representative from northern Wisconsin; and Becky Levzow, a dairy farmer from Rio. Meeting minutes show they have continued to vote and make motions, with Levzow even presiding as board president during a July meeting.

Their refusal to vacate their seats was first reported by WisPolitics late last month.

Williams, before being asked any questions by the State Journal, said theres no real story in her refusal to make way for one of Evers appointees. She said she hadnt talked to Republicans about holding on to her seat and has no problem stepping down after the Senate confirms someone to take her place. But she said she will continue to serve in her post until then because sometimes people appointed by the governor are not confirmed.

Some people are making a bigger issue out of it than it needs to be, she said.

Tourdot did not return a voicemail and email seeking comment.

Levzow, almost immediately after a reporter reached her by phone, said she was at work, could not speak and hung up. She did not respond to a follow-up email.

To replace Williams, Tourdot and Levzow, Evers appointed Sara Rogers, planning analyst for Employ Milwaukee; Daniel Klecker, state education director for the Foundation of the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association; and Paul Buhr, a Viroqua-area dairy farmer who ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for a state Assembly seat in 2018.

All three were appointed between May 1 and Sept. 7, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Meeting minutes show Rogers, Klecker and Buhr have been attending board meetings, but not voting. The three have yet to receive a hearing although Roth intends to hold them, aide Jason Vick said.

Two of Evers other appointees to the board  student representative Megan Bahr and Northcentral University professor Quincey Daniels, Jr.  are also unconfirmed but records show they have been participating in meetings because their predecessors vacated their seats.

Board President Rodney Pasch, who was appointed by Walker, said he had no opinion on whether the appointees whose terms have expired should step down and he is instead focused on supporting the technical colleges mission. Asked if he would step down when his term expires in 2023, he said thats quite a while from now and hed think about it when the time arrives.

UW Regents

Seven of Evers nine appointees to the 18-member UW Board of Regents are unconfirmed, including four who have been serving unconfirmed for more than 20 months, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Roth declined to specify which appointees whose confirmation he would support or oppose but noted his disappointment in the Regents recent decision to increase the salary ranges for top University of Wisconsin System administrators by as much as 32%.

Its not lost on the Legislature that this is one of the first big acts by the Evers Board of Regents, he said in an interview. I think I can get there on some (appointees) and not on others.

The boards Dec. 20 vote to increase salary ranges for top leaders was unanimous and had the support of Walker appointees. Board members said the increases  which affected salary ranges, not current salaries  were necessary to bring compensation in line with market demand and ahead of two major searches, both of which are expected to conclude in the first half of 2022.

Roth said he wants to see recognition from Regents that theyre willing to make changes, such as the ones he outlined in a committee report last spring. The report called for reducing and streamlining administrative costs to increase instructor pay, grouping all but the Madison campus into four regions and expanding online courses.

Im not sure the Board of Regents is up to that, he said. Thats the question that myself and senators want answers to before were willing to confirm them.

Roth said the boards work does not have to be line-for-line from our report but said boosting administrators salary ranges goes in the opposite direction his committee has recommended.

Im not quite sure were seeing that leadership right now, he said.

Interim System President Tommy Thompson, a former four-term Republican governor, said he hasnt heard whether Republicans plan to confirm Evers appointees. Asked if the GOP should, he deferred to the Legislature.

Thats out of my ballpark, Thompson said in an interview.

Regents President Ed Manydeeds, one of the few Evers appointees who has been confirmed by Republicans, said the board wants to avoid unnecessary disruptions so it can stay focused on its responsibilities.

Our board governs best for its students and universities when it is both collaborative and empowered to act, he said in a statement.

Manydeeds narrowly won the presidential post in a rare contested election last summer that came just a few weeks after Evers appointees gained a majority on the board.

In the lead-up to the election, Roth had encouraged Evers appointees to continue the tradition of electing the boards vice president, who happened to be a Walker appointee, as the boards next president. The senators suggestion led some appointees to fear that voting the wrong way could threaten their confirmations though Roth denied any connection between the two.

Other delays

This is far from the first time that gubernatorial appointments have been bottled up by the opposing political party.

Most recently, Fred Prehn, a Wausau dentist appointed by Walker to the Natural Resources Board, has refused to step down since his term expired May 1, denying Evers appointee Sandra Naas a seat and maintaining a 4-3 majority for Republican appointees.

Citing a 1964 Supreme Court ruling, Prehn maintains he does not have to leave until Naas is confirmed by the Senate, but Republicans have made no move to set a hearing.

The GOP also hasnt confirmed several of Evers Cabinet nominees.

Democrats, too, have held up gubernatorial appointments.

When the party controlled the Senate in the early 2000s, it declined to act on Thompsons nominations to the UW Board of Regents for so long that even after he left to become secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services his picks remained held up for the entirety of his Republican successors two-year tenure.

When Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle was elected, he withdrew the Republican appointees and replaced them with his own.

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River Lassena, who has posed for pictures following half of her 22 trips to the post, looks to add to that impressive resume in Sunday nights $12,500 Jack Williams Memorial for pacing fillies and mares at Cal Expo.

The main event tops a 10-race card presented by Watch and Wager LLC with first post set for 4:55 p.m. The co-feature is a $6,500 Open Pace for fillies and mares headed by Life Isa Shortwalk and Shesureissomething.

River Lassena is a five-year-old daughter of Riverboat King who is owned by Mark Anderson, hails from the Gordie Graham barn and will once again have the services of James Kennedy while leaving from the inside post.

In last weeks Williams prep, the bay miss dropped into an early stalking position, attacked first over on the final turn and came home determinedly to hang a half-length decision on favoured Senga Nightmare.

The latter will be looking for some revenge after also turning in a big mile last week and just falling short. The Vertical Horizon mare captured the Funicello/Holt Final two weeks ago for her owner/driver/trainer Ryan Grundy.

In last weeks tour, she was unhurried early as is her custom. She began to pick up momentum to the final turn while following River Lassena, took aim in the stretch and could not quite get the job done.

Taking on this pair are Tartan Patch, May Day Maggie, Mapua Magic Ten, Hurry Home, Uniquerock, A Little Rusty and Senga Nightmare.

Race Honours Memory Of Jack Williams

Sunday nights Jack Williams Pace is named for the longtime driver, trainer and steward who passed away last June at the age of 81.

He started in the Standardbred industry in 1947, grooming horses for his father, famed Michigan horsemen John (Jack) Williams Sr. and drove in his first race two years later. He scored his first victory in 1950 at Wolvernine Raceway.

Before opening his own public stable, Williams furthered the racetrack education he received from his father by serving several seasons as second trainer for the storied Joe OBrien.

In 1963 he won the very first Battle of Brandywine with Adoras Dream, while one of his first major drives was in the 1958 in what became known as the American Pacing Classic when Williams was only 28 years old. He joined the 1,000-win club in 1973.

He had three world-class trotters  Pershing; South Bend and McArthur, who all went on to compete overseas. Top horses he drove included Diamond Hal, Czar Volo, Easy Prom, Adoras Dream, Thor Hanover, Steady Star, Baby Tears and Battling Beau. In 1971, subbing for Gene Riegle, Jack set a world record of 1:58.2 with the three-year-old gelding pacer Big Kahuna.

Williams not only drove on the California circuit but also attended tracks back east such as Sportsmans Park, Hawthorne Park, Hazel Park, The Meadows, The Meadowlands and was entered as a threatening challenge in The Little Brown Jug and was a regular on the Grand Circuit.

After retiring as a trainer/driver, Williams became a well-respected Steward in California for thoroughbred, quarter horse and harness racing.

(Cal Expo)
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson will run for reelection, he said Sunday, making him one of the several Republican swing state candidates whose candidacy will be critical to the GOPs fight to retake the Senate.

Johnson  who in 2016 pledged not to seek a third term  said in a statement and Wall Street Journal opinion piece that he did not want to run again but felt like he had to because of the changing political landscape and the Democrats complete takeover of government, referring to their control of the White House and Congress.

So today, I am announcing I will continue to fight for freedom in the public realm by running for re-election, Johnson, 66, said in a statement Sunday.

It is not a decision I have made lightly, Johnson continued. Having already experienced a growing level of vitriol and false attacks, I certainly dont expect better treatment in the future. In order for my campaign to succeed, I will need the support of every Wisconsinite who values the truth and refuses to allow lies and distortions to prevail.

The announcement was expected after two Republicans with knowledge of the plan told The Associated Press of Johnsons intention on Friday. It follows months of bipartisan questioning on whether Johnson would run as well as an early endorsement by former President Donald Trump, a close Johnson ally.

Even though he has not yet announced that he is running, and I certainly hope he does, I am giving my Complete and Total Endorsement to Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Trump said in April.

Johnson is in a precarious position but is still the favorite in the race, UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden said.

This is looking like its going to be a really terrific year for the GOP, Burden said, referring to Bidens low approval rating and the favorable historical mid-term outcomes for the party not in presidential power.

Hes got a strong tailwind, and if there was nothing else going on, I would say that makes him a strong favorite for reelection, Burden said. But he is a Washington senator who has served for 12 years.

Many voters are tired of incumbents, and while Johnson has pitted himself against career politicians in the past, its becoming harder for him to separate himself from the establishment, Burden said.

Johnson will face one of a crowded field of Democrats headed by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Outagamie County executive Tom Nelson, all of whom have been eager to take on an incumbent they say is out of touch with average voters, is beholden to Trump and has embarrassed the state with baseless claims about the election and combatting COVID-19.

The only people celebrating Ron Johnsons announcement are his donors and the corporate special interest groups hes bailed out time and time again, Barnes said in a statement Sunday. Lets get to work and retire this failed senator.

Godlewski said Johnson only works for himself and the wealthy, while Nelson faulted Johnson for breaking his pledge not to seek a third Senate term.

Lasry, who has raised the most so far of any of the Democratic candidates, said, Whether its his conspiracy theorizing, fealty to Donald Trump, or total indifference towards helping working Wisconsinites, Ron Johnson has shown time and time again that he isnt up to the task of representing the people of Wisconsin.

Amazing timing

History may be on Johnsons side to win the 2022 election and help the GOP take back the Senate. Typically, midterm elections favor the party not in presidential power: Under Trump in 2018, Democrats won 41 GOP-held seats to gain control of the House of Representatives, though Republicans gained two Senate seats. In 2014, under former President Barack Obama, Republicans gained 13 seats in the House and nine in the Senate.

Also on Johnsons side, UW-La Crosse assistant political science professor Anthony Chergosky said, is amazing timing, politically.

Johnson first ran in the 2010 midterms, one of the most politically successful for the GOP, when the Democratic party lost 63 seats in the House and six in the Senate.

And then you have the 2016 election where Donald Trump showed unexpected strength and Hillary Clinton showed unexpected weakness in Wisconsin, Chergosky said.

Current presidential politics will likely work in Johnsons favor in 2022, too, Chergosky said.

In the past few months, low Democratic approval ratings have recently correlated with strong Republican showings. For example, in November, Republican Glenn Youngkin was elected governor in Virginia after Biden won the state last year by 10%. Like Youngkin, Johnson has rallied against COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates, critical race theory and the idea that climate change is human-caused.

He also said that Listerine could treat COVID-19 and that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, overhyped the COVID-19 pandemic and did the exact same thing with AIDS.

In Sept. 2021, Johnson touted unproven treatments for COVID-19, including the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin, even after federal health authorities warned against unauthorized use of the drug to treat the disease.

And he has sent mixed signals about the 2020 election. In Dec. 2020, Johnson said fraudulent voting did not change the 2020 election outcome but added that lax enforcement, denying effective bipartisan observation of the complete election process, and failing to be fully transparent or conduct reasonable audits has led to heightened suspicion.

Unfavorable polls

Despite historical factors favoring Johnson, a Marquette Law School poll released late last year suggested the Oshkosh Republican may have a challenging re-election campaign.

In the poll, which did not consider head-to-head matchups with Democratic contenders, 38% of respondents said they would vote for Johnson, 52% said they would vote for someone other than Johnson and 10% said they didnt know or declined to answer.

Additionally, 36% of respondents said they have a favorable opinion, 42% have an unfavorable opinion and 22% didnt know.

But Johnson is no stranger to unfavorable polls, and he has succeeded in races despite early polls suggesting otherwise.

In 2016, the Marquette poll showed Johnson with low approval ratings in his matchup with then-U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, leading a conservative group funding Johnson to cancel $2.2 million worth of ads. Taking charge of his campaign, Johnson billed himself as a manufacturer and grandfather running against a career politician and won by 3 points.

Johnsons low polling results are the rule in politics right now rather than the exception, Burden said, saying the president, governor and most politicians are polling relatively low.

I dont think theres anyone whos doing well in the polls, Burden said. He just needs to do better than his Democratic opponent.

The money race

Johnson has raised $4.2 million in the 2022 race so far, ahead of any Democratic candidate. Lasry, with more than $3 million, has raised the most money in the Democratic field, followed by Godlewski with $1.8 million, Barnes with $1.1 million and Nelson with more than $900,000.

Republican operatives welcomed Johnson back to the campaign trail.

Grassroots Republicans are enthusiastically backing Senator Johnsons bid for re-election and are committed to doing the hard work to make it happen, Wisconsin Republican Party chairman Paul Farrow said Sunday, months after saying he was counting on Johnson seeking a third term.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee chair, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, said While Wisconsin Democrats trip over themselves to prove whos more liberal, Senator Johnson continues to demand accountability in Washington and deliver results for Wisconsinites.

Scott said Johnson fights to protect and defend the security of the United States and is a a tireless advocate for small businesses and the hardworking people of Wisconsin.

Johnsons announcement may pave the way for Kevin Nicholson, a former U.S. Marine who lost in the 2018 U.S. Senate Republican primary, to join the gubernatorial race. Nicholson previously said that he would run for governor if Johnson sought a third Senate term.

After Johnsons announcement, Nicholson alluded on Twitter to a potentially forthcoming announcement of his own.

I do believe I have a role to play in setting the course for a better future for all of us, he said. Over the coming days my family, friends, and I will continue to pray for wisdom for our next steps.

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On the morning of January 6, 2021, I was getting ready to defend Wisconsins election results on the House floor during the certification of the Electoral College votes. By the afternoon, the worst assault on the U.S. Capitol since the War of 1812 would be unfolding with our democracy at risk.

January 6 was one of our nations darkest days. Violent insurrectionists tried to impede Congresss Constitutional mandate to validate the election and launched an attack on the Capitol that left law enforcement officers hurt, people dead, and Americans everywhere in disbelief. All in an effort to overthrow a fair and free election.

A year later, I worry that our democracy is still in a perilous place. Rather than reject the Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen, many leaders have continued to repeat this conspiracy theory and promote an alternate reality where facts dont matter. The Big Lie wasnt true then, and its not true now.

When you start debasing our elections, youre convincing people to lose confidence in one of the most basic and fundamental cornerstones of our democratic institutions that should unite us allthe sanctity of the ballot box. The Big Lie gave rise to the insurrection on January 6 and by continuing to push it, were testing the guardrails of our democracy.

Immediately after the attack, even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy condemned President Trumps role in inciting the insurrection. But now, there are those who would like to downplay the insurrection and sweep it under the rug, including Derrick Van Orden who is once again running to represent Wisconsins 3rd Congressional District.

Van Orden attended the insurrection and breached a restricted area on the Capitol grounds while the attack was underway. He has since lied about his involvement despite clear evidence of his participation. Van Orden is just one of many candidates across the nation who are running for office after attending the violent insurrection, apparently hoping folks will forget that shameful day. However, like most Wisconsinites, I wont forget.

I wont forget the law enforcement officers who were brutalized that day and those who died as a result of the attack. I wont forget the lies and unfounded accusations that were spread in an effort to undermine faith in our elections. But above all else, I wont forget my belief in our democracy and my conviction that its worth fighting for.

I applaud the bipartisan House January 6 Committee for their work to shed light on this day and get the American people the answers they deserve. Thanks to the Committee, we now know that for over three hours then-president Trump watched the attack on our nations Capitol and refused to defend our government, even though family members and close allies were begging him to do so. Im sure theres more information to come.

But we all have a role to play in healing our democracy and making sure something like this never happens again. Were not Democrats, Republicans, and morewere Americans. Together, we must put country over party, and swear allegiance to our Constitution and the rule of law to continue to work towards a more perfect union.

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This story contains links that will take you to our archives site on newspapers.com. This content is free for LancasterOnline subscribers who are logged in. Click here for more information about how to subscribe.

Excerpts and summaries of news stories from the former Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster New Era and Sunday News that focus on the events in the countys past that are noteworthy, newsworthy or just strange.

25 years ago

U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts had his first week on the job in January 1997, and was welcomed to Washington, D.C., in an unfortunate way - on his second day there, someone broke into his car and stole his cell phone and loose change.

The freshman Republican lawmaker, who represented voters in Lancaster and Chester counties, had parked his Buick on K Street while attending a dinner at the Capitol Hilton honoring GOP Chairman Haley Barbour. When he returned to the car at around 9:30 p.m., he discovered a broken window and realized his $150 phone and some small change had been taken.

Despite his difficult first day, Pitts ended up serving in the House of Representatives for 20 years. He was succeeded by Lloyd Smucker in 2017.

In the headlines:

Brink's truck upsets; joyful residents make off with $400,000

O.J. defense says gloves switched

Charges against Gingrich to be aired in public next week

Check out the Jan. 9, 1997, Lancaster New Era here.

50 years ago

At the beginning of 1972, Lancaster County government offices were taking the first steps into the computer age with the help of "Archie," an NCR 500 computer purchased secondhand for $65,000.

That may seem like a lot of money - especially by 1972 standards - but a computer center outfitted with new equipment would have cost closer to $300,000, so Archie represented a considerable savings.

Of course, the massive computer also had to be literally pried loose from its old job at an undisclosed private company and transported to Lancaster, so some additional moving costs were incurred.

County controller Franklin McCorkle was keen to begin the process of computerizing as many tasks as possible, and in its first year on the job, Archie was expected to keep track of all county revenue transactions as well as voter rolls. More tasks - and more computers - would be added in future years.

In the headlines:

Veil drops from JFK photographs

Warm finale to First Lady's Africa visit

U.S. to seek permanent contact with Red China

Check out the Jan. 9, 1972, Sunday News here.

75 years ago

A tractor-trailer overturned in Lancaster city in the early hours of Jan. 9, 1947, and the cause was pure bull.

The truck was transporting six bulls to the Lancaster Stockyards when all of the animals decided to move to one side of the trailer at the same time. This caused the rig to overturn at the intersection of Lime and Liberty streets.

City police helped the truck driver extricate the animals from the trailer and herd them to the nearby Stockyards. The truck was later righted and emergency crews cleaned up spilled gasoline and debris.

The bulls were unhurt.

In the headlines:

Truman asks businesses to cut prices

U.S. pays Italy $50,000,000 for war supplies

Check out the Jan. 9, 1947, Intelligencer Journal here.

100 years ago

By January of 1922 Prohibition had been in force for two years, but Lancaster County, like the rest of the nation, was not booze-free.

In addition to various illegal sources of alcohol, there were exceptions written into the Volstead Act - the piece of legislation that formally established Prohibition. One of the most commonly used exceptions was the so-called "medicinal purpose" of alcohol. Doctors were legally allowed to prescribe whiskey to patients, for example.

The practice of prescribing medicinal alcohol was under question, however, and a survey conducted by the American Medical Association indicated that the majority of doctors believed that the medical value of whiskey (and other forms of alcohol) was insufficient to warrant a continued exception to the Volstead Act.

Fifteen Lancaster County doctors participated in the survey.

In the headlines:

Russia thinks recognition by powers assured

Michael Collins pleads for peace in Dail Eireann

Check out the Jan. 9, 1922, Lancaster Intelligencer here.
During the 1930s and 40s, few Puerto Ricans knew anything about Santa Claus  perhaps because we didnt have snow, reindeer or sleds.

It was the Three Kings who were the gift-bearers for children, and they arrived on Jan. 6.

Every night before the much-awaited day, our grandmother took us outside just before putting us to bed to check on the progress of their journey.

She would direct our attention to the three stars, which we believed were the brightest in which got brighter and brighter as they got closer to where we lived.

When the Three Kings finally arrived late at night, they fed their camels the grass and water the children had left for them on the floor next to their beds. When the children woke up and found the presents the Three Kings had left, they ran outside to show the other children and play with the new toys.

One year, our parents were not able to get in touch with the Three Kings, so our grandmother, while putting us to bed said, Tomorrow, before the sun knows we are awake, we will go into the hills and have a picnic.

She woke us up while the fireflies were still darting here and there, and we made our way to the nearby hills. She told us stories, we collected insects, leaves and flowers, and we feasted on fresh coconut pieces, coconut water, corn patties and bananas. It was a magical time.

It was dark by the time we got home. All the neighborhood children were in bed with their new toys.

We were too young to remember dates, or what was supposed to happen on special ones, but our grandmother had, and she didnt want us to feel sad and forgotten by the Three Kings.

Love was the best gift that Christmas, and the memory lingers.

The author lives in Lancaster.

If you know an interesting story, please write it in 600 words or less and send it to Mary Ellen Wright, LNP editorial department, P.O. Box 1328, Lancaster, PA, 17608-1328, email it to features@lnpnews. com. Please include your phone number and the name of the town you live in.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional information provided by Ephrata police.

An Ephrata Township home caught fire Friday night, according to Ephrata police

The fire broke out in a residence in the 700 block of East Main Street (Route 322), just west of the Route 222 overpass, just before 10 p.m., police said in a news release Saturday night.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames coming from the two-story building, according to a dispatch report. Several power lines in the area were also down.

The blaze was under control after about two hours, according to a supervisor with Lancaster County-Wide Communications.

No one was injured in the fire, through two residents were displaced, police said.

The fire was later determined to have started near a first-floor chimney inside the residence. The blaze was ruled accidental.

Attempts to reach Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company for additional information Saturday were not immediately successful.
On a cold January day last year, more than two dozen people gathered inside a meeting hall at the Solanco Fairgrounds in Quarryville, a wide-open room that typically hosts the local fire companys Christmas bazaar and the annual fall fairs baked goods contest.

On this particular Sunday afternoon  Jan. 3, 2021  the topic was darker and much more urgent.

Members of so-called patriot and militia groups from across Pennsylvania and New Jersey strategized about how they would communicate with each other in the event of a major catastrophe. The failure of the electrical grid. An epic natural disaster. An armed clash with their own government.

Many in the room believed the collapse of American society was "inevitable," that the American political process was broken.

The meeting, described in detail for the first time by two participants, plays a central role in the federal governments prosecution of a New Jersey man, James Breheny, who attended that meeting and was caught on video storming the U.S. Capitol three days later, during the armed insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021.

The new details, obtained through months of reporting, provide the clearest picture to date of the mysterious Jan. 3 gathering in southern Lancaster County, which has been the subject of intense speculation since it was first disclosed in a federal criminal complaint related to the insurrection.

While the participants who spoke to LNP | LancasterOnline said the Quarryville meetings objectives were broad and focused on communication tactics  the group talked about the best handheld satellite radios and amateur radio bands to use in any emergency  they also acknowledged that some, including Breheny, spoke of traveling to the nations capital to attend then-president Donald Trumps planned Stop the Steal rally.

I know I heard one or two people were interested in (coordinating Jan. 6 communications), said one of the participants. He said Breheny and others asked questions about specific communications plans for Jan. 6 after a slideshow presentation on communications techniques.

That whole meeting had nothing to do with Jan. 6. It could have fed into it, but that wasnt the purpose, the participant said.

He confirmed the time, location and other details of the Quarryville meeting on the condition he not be identified because he did not want to be targeted by others in attendance that day. LNP | LancasterOnline granted him anonymity because the details he provided could not otherwise be obtained.

A reporter independently corroborated many of the details with Solanco Fairgrounds staff and a second participant.

In addition, a top state Oath Keepers official told LNP | LancasterOnline that he has evidence participants in the Quarryville meeting were sharing a list that day of supplies to carry to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6. The list included cargo vans, survival kits and medical supplies, he said.

LNP | LancasterOnline was not able to determine whether others who attended the Quarryville meeting joined Breheny in traveling to Washington, D.C., three days later. The participants who spoke about the Jan. 3 meeting said they did not go to the nations capital on Jan. 6.

Disputing links to Jan. 6

Regardless of the Quarryville meetings stated objective, it is clear that at least some of the participants inside the Solanco Fairgrounds Hoffman Building were preparing for events similar to those that would take place three days later.

A slideshow presentation, obtained by LNP | LancasterOnline in recent weeks, instructed the group on the tactics of 4th & 5th Generation Warfare. It stated, in part: A resistance force to a larger, well equipped military force needs to be light and agile. We are likely not going to be able to compete with money, technology, numbers of troops.

The slideshow did not refer to plans for Jan. 6. But federal law enforcement officials allege Breheny, an Oath Keeper, described the Quarryville gathering as a crucial planning session for Trumps rally in Washington, D.C.

Story continues below PowerPoint.

Editor's Note: The PowerPoint was provided to LNP|LancasterOnline on the condition that certain information in it not be released. Between slides 17 and 18, six slides that contained personally identifiable information were removed. They explained Winlink messaging, the Automatic Packet Reporting System, JS8Call and WebSDR. One slide between slides 19 and 20  which showed the Garmin InReach web app  was also removed because of personally identifiable information. Three slides at the end of the presentation  which were a recommendation for what licensed/unlicensed tools were best as well as a "Comms Schedule" which showed specific frequencies  were also removed.

This will be the day we get our comms on point with multiple other patriot groups, share rally points etc. This one is important and I believe this is our last chance to organize before the show, Breheny wrote to Oath Keeper leader Stewart Rhodes, according to federal charging documents. This meeting will be for leaders only.

Rhodes did not attend the Quarryville meeting.

Les Mahan, a Chester County resident who rented the Solanco Fairgrounds building for the meeting, said most attendees were interested in prepping for natural disaster or societal collapse, and that radio communications is a vital component of those plans.

He said that after a slideshow presentation as people prepared to leave, one attendee stood up and asked that anyone planning to go to Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6 share their phone numbers. Mahan said about half a dozen people did so.

I dont think many people from the meeting went (to Washington, D.C.) because I dont think many people were interested, he said. Its unfortunate that one guy who attended the meeting (Breheny) did something stupid. Literally out of everyone, there was only one guy (who got arrested at the Capitol).

Mahan, who lives about 19 miles southeast of Quarryville in Oxford, Chester County, described himself as a prepper but said he is not a member of a militia. He said planning for the Quarryville meeting began in mid-December, prior to when he said he saw a Jan. 1 tweet by Trump inviting supporters to the capital.

There was a lot of info out there in 2020 about election fraud and martial law, and of course it was nonsense, but there were a lot of guys who were talking about getting food to prepare for such a breakdown, he said. That was a lot of the conversation (at that meeting) ... being worried about martial law.

He added that similar meetings  where communications and disaster preparations  are held frequently, including recently in Oxford, and that they are open to anyone who wants to come.

Brehenys attorney, Harley Breite of Paterson, New Jersey, similarly denied the objective of the Quarryville meeting was to plan for an assault on the U.S. Capitol.

The meeting had nothing to do with January 6, Breite said. My client is an expert in communications  HAM radio, that type of thing  and what my client was trying to do was to help secure communications lines in case of some natural emergency or some power failure.

Breite said his client was asked to attend the Quarryville meeting by northern New Jersey Oath Keepers director Edward Durfee Jr. Durfee declined to comment when contacted by LNP | LancasterOnline.

Breite said his client asked other attendees of the Quarryville meeting if they were going to Washington, D.C., three days later, but said his client did not discuss how different groups would communicate that day.

Breheny was indicted in May by the FBI on a charge of illegally entering the U.S. Capitol and impeding an official proceeding. The mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol tried to stop the routine, ceremonial certification of election results that showed Democrat Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election.

The investigation

Quarryville Borough officials confirmed that the Jan. 3 meeting took place at the Solanco Fairgrounds.

Clark Bearinger, Quarryvilles police chief at the time, said one of his officers noticed a large group meeting in the Hoffman Building that day. He added that its not unusual for fairgrounds buildings to be used by outside groups.

Bearinger, who is now a magisterial district judge, said the FBI called him in the spring to ask about the meeting. He said he referred the FBI to borough manager Scott Peiffer, who also serves as the general manager of the fair association.

Peiffer and Bearinger both said they were not aware of the exact nature of the meeting.

We dont typically ask what groups rent the building; we just get a calendar, Peiffer said.

He told the FBI the group paid cash; the building costs between $350 and $475 to rent.

The FBI declined to comment.

A leader in Pennsylvanias Oath Keepers organization, who said he did not attend the Quarryville meeting, told LNP|LancasterOnline that he saw evidence that participants did, in fact, talk about how to prepare for potential violence in Washington, D.C., three days later.

Hons Garrison, who was serving as the Pennsylvania Oath Keepers state membership director at the time and, until December, was the groups president, said he was shown a photograph of meeting notes listing bulleted items needed for Jan. 6, including two cargo vans, walking sticks, survival kits vehicles and e packs, or medical emergency kits. Garrison would not provide the photo to LNP | LancasterOnline.

What I heard was it was a planning meeting (for Jan. 6)  where were going to be, where were going to stay, where were going to meet up if we get split up, Garrison said.

LNP | LancasterOnline could not independently verify his account; the two attendees who spoke with the newspaper said Jan. 6 was only mentioned in passing.

Garrison said his members were not in attendance, and court records show no one publicly associated with the Pennsylvania Oath Keepers has been arrested in connection to the Jan. 6 riots.

The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack recently subpoenaed leaders of the national Oath Keepers organization, seeking documents and testimony concerning their role in the riots. A spokesperson for the committee did not respond to a request for comment on whether the Quarryville meeting is part of the panels investigation.

The committee is planning to begin holding more public hearings this year, with the hopes of producing a report by the summer.

This reporters work is funded by the Lancaster County Local Journalism Fund. For more information, or to make a contribution, please visit lanc.news/supportlocaljournalism.
When: Jan. 3 East Petersburg Borough Council meeting at East Petersburg Community Center.

What happened: The borough held its biennial reorganization meeting Jan. 3. Debra Miller was nominated as the new borough council president; John Schick became the new vice president. Additionally, the council appointed Randy Rannels as the primary representative to the Hempfield Area Fire Services Commission board, with John Herr the alternate. The council appointed Adam Gochnauer as primary representative to the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department board, with Debra Miller the alternate representative.

Police report: In the regional police departments ongoing efforts to make information more accessible to the public, there will be a user-friendly transparency portal added to their website by mid-February.

Police Chief David Steffen said fireworks complaints were down significantly in 2021, with 10 logged complaints between July 3-5. In 2020, there were dozens of complaints of fireworks over a three-month span.

The department was awarded a nearly $60,000 grant to be used for innovative technology improvements, including de-escalation training.

The chief said 2021 was a busy year with seven fatalities in the jurisdiction. He said the tragic traffic accident that took the lives of two Mount Joy siblings last May is still being investigated and that it is a top priority for the department. The case is with the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office who will determine whether charges will be filed against the driver of the tractor trailer who crashed into the pickup truck at the intersection of Main Street and Graystone Road.

Whats next: The borough will hold a committee meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 27 and a regular council meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at the East Petersburg Community Center.
By Trend

The cargo is transported and transited between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan along the Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) transport corridor as usually, Rufat Bayramov, Permanent Representative (National Secretary) of the Permanent Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Commission TRACECA, told Trend .

Bayramov said that cargo is transported both to Azerbaijan and from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan by ferry and railway as usually.

The protests began in Kazakhstan on January 2, which escalated into riots. As a result, the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan flights were suspended.
I often get asked why I chose a career in hospice care and palliative medicine. The answer is Harold.

Harold was my very first patient.

It was my first day as the on-call resident at a Veterans Administration hospital. Harold was in his late 60s and came to the emergency department with a primary complaint of headaches that had been getting worse over the past month. A CT scan revealed that he had metastatic cancer  it had spread throughout his body including his brain, thus the headaches. The attending physician instructed me to share with Harold and his family the findings, prognosis and options for care. While we did not know the type of cancer, this was a moot point  people do not recover from such extensive disease.

I was only a few hours into my career as a physician so I walked into Harolds room, sat down, took his hand, took his wifes hand and we just breathed.

Harold asked, Its not good news is it, sonny? I said, No. And so we talked and we listened and we shared. After a bit I asked him, What is it that you hold sacred? He replied, My family. He had a wife and two teenage daughters. I asked what he would like to do. He slapped me on the knee and said, Id like to go fishing. I said, That, I know how to do. He went fishing the next day. He died a week later.

Harold, and all of the Harolds who followed, taught me what I did not fully learn in my training. Patients at the end of life should focus on living, living based on their values, what they find sacred and how they want to write the last chapter of their life. This is my philosophy and drives how I practice hospice care and palliative medicine  leading with care.

I found this same philosophy at Hospice & Community Care and the other hospice providers that I have been associated with. However, as Hospice & Community Cares new vice president and chief medical officer, I want to help strengthen that level of care throughout the community. I am often asked why I moved to Lancaster County from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I simply say that I wanted to feel a sense of community. Community among my co-workers, among fellow health care providers, among patients and families, and among anyone in need of end-of-life care. It is my goal to positively impact the community by shining a spotlight on the health care narrative for end of life or advanced illness and focus on what is sacred to patients.

Ive had the honor of walking beside many patients and families on their end-of-life journey and each has been unique. What I have learned from these collective experiences is that the simplest truths are the most powerful and transcendent. Leading with compassionate care and absolute honesty transcend medicine. They often transcend fear as well.

This approach is the future of health care. Medicine is not only curing disease or injury; it is about how we care for the entire person  medically, emotionally and spiritually. Lancaster County is fortunate to have an abundance of health care systems and senior living facilities, and I look forward to enhancing the relationships that Hospice & Community Care already has with these institutions to learn, grow and connect with people in our community who care.

There are many opportunities and challenges for the future of end-of-life care and the health care industry  from technological advancements to payment structure to overall health care reform  all of which directly impact patient care and enhance the quality of life for seriously ill patients. Working together as a community to identify and find solutions to what lies ahead of us will build upon the 40-year foundation Hospice & Community Care has established as this communitys very first hospice provider. And I hope to ensure that patients and families are focused on living rather than dying at the end of life.

Timothy Ihrig, M.D., M.A., is vice president and chief medical officer of Hospice & Community Care. Ihrig is an internationally recognized expert in palliative care and hospice medicine.
To those waiting with bated breath for that favorite media catchphrase, the U-turn, I have only one thing to say: You turn if you want to. The ladys not for turning. 

 British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Oct. 10, 1980.

Three cheers for Americas Iron Lady, U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming. She is not for turning, either.

Not for turning away from the calamity of Jan. 6, 2021, and not for turning from the serious and important work of saving American democracy from the malign forces within her own party who are bent on destroying it.

Heres to her cold, hard, steely resolve  just the thing thats needed at this moment  and her devotion to the U.S. Constitution. For her clear-eyed determination to tell the truth, to get to the bottom of things, to hold people accountable. For her flair for the serious and undramatic, shes electrifying.

Lest her detractors try to get away with calling her a fake Republican or squish, heres what Cheney said last week about her party in an interview with The Dispatch, a center-right online magazine:

I dont think, actually, that the House Republican conference reflects where the vast majority of Americans are. I dont even think it reflects the vast majority of Republicans. We have now members of our conference who are avowed white supremacists. We have members of our conference whove espoused antisemitic perspectives. The conference itself needs more serious people. And look, I would say the Democrats need more serious people, too.

But I know whats right. And I know that the country needs a Republican Party thats based on substance. We need to have a party that can defend the principles of a strong national defense and limited government and fidelity to the Constitution. Those substantive issues are what matters, and the ideals the party has had in the past are the ones that I believe deeply in.

No shrinking violet, she.

Silence and complicity

Some of us have been waiting for a true leader like Cheney to emerge from the sick sellout of the Republican Party to Trumpian corruption in 2016.

I, for one, am eternally grateful to her for risking her political career to do whats right this time. So many more junior (and frankly lesser) GOP politicians have done nothing except stay silent in the secret hope of saving their careers for a few more lobbyist-paid dinners on North Second Street in Harrisburg or Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. Theyll tell you that they need to stay in their posts in order to prevent other, more Trumpian, more dangerous people from taking their seats. Yet, whats the difference between silent and open complicity if the outcome is the same?

Cheney and her brave compatriot, Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, are rushing into the fire while others cower in their protective bunkers and tell themselves baseless stories of their own bravado. Shes undeterred in her conviction that former President Donald Trumps brand of malevolence must not prevail, and shes willing to sacrifice her personal ambition in order to do something about it.

In last weeks interview with The Dispatch, Cheney said that what we saw in the weeks after the 2020 presidential election was somebody who was willing to go through all the guardrails of democracy. ... That is why its so important that we make absolutely sure that (Trump) can never be anywhere near the Oval Office again. He is not somebody that can ever be trusted with the reins of power, because hes demonstrated that he doesnt respect the Constitution. He doesnt respect our form of government and the checks and balances that are so critical to the survival of the republic.

Indeed.

A true patriot

To Cheneys everlasting credit, the attempted election subversion efforts of Trump and his allies, and especially the events of Jan. 6, 2021, were a bright, bold line she wasnt willing to cross. She hasnt backed up or backed down from the lines Trump and his conspirators clearly transgressed. She has done her homework, and has always anchored her critiques in the best of the American tradition and ideals.

Moreover, she has been enormously effective. Her comments are astonishing and inspiring for their rarity, even as they draw the jealous ire of her mewling party. And the irony is how dedicated she has been to the Republican Party and its more right-wing policy inclinations, carrying forward the legendary Cheney name and reputation for tough-minded realism. Theres something particularly profound about Liz Cheney standing up and speaking these truths to the Republican Party  truths that, if spoken by Chuck Schumer or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or Nancy Pelosi, wouldnt have the same emotional punch or elicit the same level of anger from Republicans.

Cheney simply has the courage of her convictions. And in todays Republican Party, which expects cowering evasiveness, whataboutism and even silence at gross violations of norms and law from its adherents, shes a breath of the freshest air there is.

She is a true patriot who clearly loves this country.

Doing whats right

If there were an update to the John F. Kennedy book Profiles in Courage, Id expect Liz Cheney to get a chapter. She has shown intelligence, commitment to principle, courage and inspiration at a uniquely difficult time in this country. Those with little or nothing to lose in her party cannot muster even a statement of support, much less hold a town hall meeting to tell their constituents the truth.

Its important that we all continue to speak out for whats right. No trajectory in American politics or life is forever set. There are all kinds of contingencies and inflection points we can never anticipate. All we can do is to be faithful to whats true and right  not necessarily successful, but faithful. We may change things, we may not. Change may be slow. We cannot succumb to despair if we dont know whether change will come. We just have to keep the faith, and keep fighting.

Cheney may be defeated in her primary election later this year, or she could become a very important political figure going forward. Who knows what her future holds? No matter. Shes doing what is right, and thats all that any of us can be asked to do with our lives.

Here are the ending lines of that inspiring Thatcher speech that earned her the title Iron Lady and the everlasting admiration of conservatives like me across the pond:

So let us resist the blandishments of the faint hearts; let us ignore the howls and threats of the extremists; let us stand together and do our duty, and we shall not fail.

Lets all stand together now for the enduring promise of American democracy.

Ann S. Womble is a former chair of the Republican Committee of Lancaster County and former community member of the LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board. She is a founding member of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Serve America Movement, a party founded by former George W. Bush administration members.
I recently read some of my former students philosophies of nursing.

Consistently, they conveyed their desire to become nurses because they truly care about humanity. Most, though, also lamented that patients are more acutely ill today  particularly during this pandemic  and yet nurses are required to care for a greater number of patients.

Managing the care of too many patients makes it increasingly difficult to be present with a patient, to have the time to listen to that individuals needs and concerns, to create a bond and provide compassionate care. Invariably, unmanageable nurse-to-patient ratios have become a barrier that keeps them from implementing their nursing philosophies.

If were to weather the nursing shortage that existed before the pandemic but has been worsened by it, we need to understand what nurses are facing.

Hospitals are short on beds, and many lack the personnel to adequately care for the patients in those beds. The current omicron surge isnt helping.

Nurse-to-patient ratios

The term nurse-to-patient ratio describes the maximum number of patients a nurse is required to care for at one time.

To receive reimbursement from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, all hospitals are required to have a staffing plan. I truly believe that hospital managers make good-faith attempts to abide by staffing plans. When staff cant be found, however, they sometimes simply expect that nurses will manage somehow  and many nurses are inclined to do what it takes to keep their patients safe and well cared for. Often, though, the resulting pace is hectic, and nurses forgo meals or other breaks and even postpone going to the bathroom. Yes, they manage  but at considerable cost.

The stark reality

I recently spoke to a nurse working in a Pennsylvania intensive care unit outside of Lancaster County. The recommended assignment for an ICU nurse is a maximum of two patients. This nurse told me, however, that she and her colleagues faced many nights in the ICU with each nurse having three or four very sick patients. She went on to describe a recent interaction with her supervisor. This charge nurse  that is, the nurse in charge of that specific unit for the shift  told her supervisor that she was very nervous about having open ICU beds without enough nurses to take care of the patients in those beds. The supervisor responded that she wasnt worried because their team is good, and someone always steps up and takes the patient.

This ICU charge nurse described this as a troubling approach to the situation. Sure, someone has always stepped up even though its unsafe  because nurses feel they have no choice, and the alternative is a human being who doesnt receive care. Regrettably, incidents like this are common across the nation.

Because nurses have been unsuccessful in convincing their employers to consider new ways to maintain safe nurse staffing ratios, the alternative is resorting to legislation.

Safe staffing in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association has been a force behind the introduction of Safe Staffing bills in every legislative session in Pennsylvania since 2010. Unfortunately, the bills moved nowhere and then died at the end of each two-year legislative session. The legislation died, in part, because other advocacy groups and unions were putting forward similar pieces of legislation, and legislators did not want to have to choose between bills. Also, the powerful Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania has lobbied against the legislation, asserting that one-size-fits-all staffing requirements arent helpful or necessary; more nurses also would mean more money spent on nursing salaries.

Not to be defeated, the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association has collaborated tirelessly with other nursing advocacy groups and unions to come up with a bill that will be more likely to succeed. In February 2021, the Patient Safety Act (state House Bill 106) was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; its companion measure, state Senate Bill 240, was introduced in August. Both bills are currently in their respective chambers Health Committees. The Patient Safety Act specifies the nurse-to-patient safe minimum standards that would be required for each specialty unit of a hospital. For example, ICU nurses may be assigned to no more than two patients and nurses on a medical-surgical unit may care for no more than four.

Failure to rescue

A vast body of research supports safe nurse staffing standards. Emerging from across the globe, studies repeatedly suggest that outcomes deteriorate when nurses are assigned too many patients.

One such stark statistic published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that each additional patient assigned to a nurse was associated with a 7% increase in the likelihood of dying and a 7% increase in the odds of failure to rescue within 30 days of admission. Because of their frequent interactions with patients, nurses act as an early warning system. To save lives, though, nurses need to be there at the precise moment a patient shows signs of deterioration. An inability to intervene immediately to prevent patient death is known as failure to rescue.

Failure to rescue is intertwined with missed patient observations, which are described as the lack of opportunities to perform frequent and thorough patient assessments, looking for the earliest signs that something might be going awry.

This impacts patients most of all, of course, but also nurses. When poor work environments dont allow for excellent nursing care, nurses become morally distressed and burned out. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, studies showed that short staffing is a major contributor to job dissatisfaction and a part of the reason nurses reported they were leaving the profession.

Analyzing the costs

Repeatedly, research shows that when nurses are assigned to the care of too many patients, highly significant and very costly outcomes may result in addition to the unthinkable  increased patient mortality.

Research links poor nurse staffing to increased numbers of cardiac arrests; more hospital-acquired blood, lung and urinary tract infections; increased incidence of patient falls; and a higher number of pressure ulcers. These complications are exceedingly costly because hospitals are penalized, via reduced reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, when they have a record of hospital-associated conditions in patients.

Meanwhile, safe nurse staffing is not as expensive as it may seem.

It comes as no surprise that hospital finance executives cringe at the thought of being required to hire more registered nurses, whose salaries already consume a major portion of hospital budgets.

Indeed, implementation of a nurse staffing ratio law in California initially did narrow hospitals operating margins after it was implemented in 2004. But the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute notes that occupational injury and illness rates among California nurses dropped by 30%.

And Linda H. Aiken, a prominent researcher and professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, led a 2010 study that found that that lower nurse-to-patient ratios are associated not only with significantly lower mortality but lead also to improved nurse retention and reduced nurse burnout.

When nurses no longer can deal with being asked to do more than they feel is possible, they leave hospitals, and the costs associated with nurse turnover can have a huge impact on a hospitals profit margin.

According to the 2021 NSI National Healthcare Retention & RN Staffing Report, the average cost of turnover for a bedside registered nurse is $40,038 and ranges from $28,400 to $51,700, resulting in the average hospital losing between $3.6 million and $6.5 million per year. Each percent change in registered nurse turnover will cost or save the average hospital an additional $270,800 per year.

That report indicates that hospitals are experiencing a higher registered nurse vacancy rate of nearly 10%.

Action required

Studies suggest that nursing fulfillment improves significantly when nurses can be assured an assignment that allows them to provide optimum care.

The public must understand and value the vast responsibility assigned to our health care workers, especially nurses.

I came across these apt words about nurses on the website of the Streamline Verify, a New Jersey health care software company: These professionals are the ones who rush to our defense when our mortality hangs on the brink, when we are dangerously tethered to the edge of our impermanence. It is only fitting that we do the best in our power and resources to let them live dignified, meaningful, and abundant lives.

I urge everyone  nurses as well as prospective patients (meaning everyone)  to contact your state representative and state senator and ask them to support the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Act, House 106 and Senate Bill 240. Visit psna.org/patientsafety. There, you will find a link that will allow you to write a letter to all your Pennsylvania legislators. Add a personal story supporting the legislation. They must hear from their constituents.

Priscilla Simmons, a registered nurse with a masters degree in nursing and a doctorate in education, is professor emerita in the Department of Nursing at Eastern Mennonite University.
THE ISSUE

Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. In that horrific attack, a mob loyal to then-President Donald Trump threatened to do bodily harm to then-Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as to other members of Congress. Some 140 officers of the Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police were assaulted; they included Brian Sicknick, who died the next day after suffering two strokes. According to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, more than 725 defendants  including three from Lancaster County  have been arrested and charged by federal prosecutors for their alleged roles in the Jan. 6 attack. He said the Justice Department remains committed to holding all January 6th perpetrators, at any level, accountable under law  whether they were present that day or were otherwise criminally responsible for the assault on our democracy.

The first anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection is behind us.

Republicans such as U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker of Lancaster County seem to want Americans to put the subject in a drawer for another year (preferably forever).

But we cannot.

As patriotic Americans, we cannot forget that the heart of our democracy was viciously attacked 368 days ago. As patriotic Americans, we must insist that all those responsible  the enablers of the crime, as well as the actual perpetrators  be held to account.

And, as voters, we must have higher standards for those who claim to represent us in Washington, D.C.

Thursday, Smucker and his fellow Republican U.S. House members refused even to take part in a moment of silence in the chamber that was so appallingly desecrated on Jan. 6, 2021.

Those Republicans demonstrated in their absence the kind of win-at-all-costs partisanship that inspired the siege on the Capitol. The moment of silence honored the memory of the law enforcement officers who died in the aftermath of the insurrection; Smucker and company couldnt even muster the grace, or the spine, to show up for that.

Are we really OK with such craven disdain? Is this how we, as Lancaster County residents, would treat the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect those carrying out their constitutional duties?

Only two Republicans were present: U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney.

In remarks later tweeted out by his daughter, Dick Cheney said he was deeply disappointed at the failure of many members of my party to recognize the grave nature of the January 6 attacks and the ongoing threat to our nation.

Liz Cheney told reporters that the future of the country is at stake, and there are moments when we all have to come together in order to defend the Constitution.

She is vice chair of the U.S. House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection. (The other Republican on that committee, U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, tweeted later that he was absent only because he and his wife were expecting the imminent arrival of their first child.)

As former Lancaster County Republican official Ann S. Womble writes in todays Perspective section, Liz Cheney has placed her political career on the line to do the serious and important work of saving American democracy from the malign forces within her own party who are bent on destroying it.

Isnt this what we should expect from those we send to Washington to work in the hallowed chambers where once the likes of Thaddeus Stevens and Abraham Lincoln tenaciously and courageously fought for what was right?

Shouldnt we insist that, at minimum, our elected member of Congress not give aid and comfort to the malign forces bent on destroying American democracy?

Question of complicity

In his statement, Smucker wrote that the narrative being perpetrated by the media is that anyone who harbors concerns about the integrity of our elections is someone who condoned or participated in committing the atrocious acts of violence last year.

He asserted: The overwhelming majority of Republicans, I among them, were not complicit in violent actions taken on January 6th, despite the narrative the left and the media (peddle).

The media are Smuckers go-to scapegoat when his own failures are thrown into the pitiless light of public scrutiny.

There are a couple of things that we ask you to consider:

1. Being concerned about election integrity is one thing. Hyping baseless concerns to undermine faith in a particular elections results is quite another.

As Eliza Sweren-Becker, counsel for the Brennan Center for Justice, told LNP | LancasterOnline last year, Republicans have created a certain false circular logic, in which they spread the Big Lie about the 2020 presidential election  suggesting that it was stolen from former President Donald Trump  and then point to the concern that they created as the reason that partisan audits and voting restrictions are needed.

We must not fall into the trap set for us by Republican leaders who were unhappy with the results of one election.

2. As to Smuckers assertion that he was not complicit in the violence perpetrated by those seeking to halt the Electoral College vote count, we must remember this: Mere hours after insurrectionists stormed the Capitol  while there still was blood in the halls, as The Philadelphia Inquirers Jonathan Tamari noted, and broken windows in the House chamber  Smucker advanced the insurrectionists aim by arguing without basis in law or fact that Congress should reject Pennsylvanias electoral votes.

Smucker may not have wielded a gun or flagpole or bear spray, but he and 146 other Republicans (including Scott Perry of York County) struck at the heart of the Constitution by seeking to overturn the legitimately cast votes of millions of Americans, including 115,847 Lancaster County residents.

This should continue to horrify us. We should be horrified, too, by attempts to whitewash the events of last January, to diminish the trauma suffered by all those harmed by the rampaging insurrectionists, to change the subject when the subject is the well-being of our democracy.

Even those who voted against President Joe Biden should admit he was right when he said Thursday that you cant love your country only when you win. You cant obey the law only when its convenient. You cant be patriotic when you embrace and enable lies.

In Thursdays statement, Smucker goes on to claim that Speaker Pelosi prevented the appointment of Republican members to the select committee investigating Jan. 6 so she could use this committee as a political tool.

This is yet another lie. As caretakers of American democracy, we need to be scrupulous about the stories told in the aftermath of last January. And heres the truth: Pelosi and most other Democrats wanted to create a bipartisan, independent commission to investigate the insurrection, but Republicans including Smucker voted against that proposal; it died in the Senate.

As for the House select committee, it was Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy who rescinded his five choices for that committee after Pelosi rejected two of them  Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Jim Banks of Indiana  because of their blind loyalty to Trump and the Big Lie.

The truth matters. Indeed, the truth is imperative to the survival of our worryingly beleaguered democracy. We all should agree on that.

On quisling politicians

In a powerful column published in last Sunday's LNP | LancasterOnline, Millersville University emeritus professor of history Dennis B. Downey asked: What words adequately convey the betrayal of quisling politicians who cooperated with the stop the steal campaign, and the president who badgered his own vice president to violate his constitutional duties? What do we say of media personalities and fringe agitators who gave license and cover to the lies and deceits that continue to jeopardize popular faith in democratic institutions and the rule of law?

Downey accurately noted that QAnon conspirators, paramilitary Three Percenters, pro-Trump Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, as well as devotees of other extremist hate groups and nonaligned fellow travelers all joined ranks to thwart the constitutional process on Jan. 6, 2021.

We should be alarmed that at least one such extremist was in Lancaster County before participating in the insurrection, and that there are others here who share such extremist beliefs.

We also should consider another of Downeys points: that lawmakers including Smucker and Perry played their own roles in seeking to undermine the Constitution and so ought to be held accountable to the electorate they have sullied.

Will we hold them accountable?

Toxicity in the body politic

One final thing.

In an emotional farewell speech Wednesday, Lancaster Countys lone Democratic commissioner, Craig Lehman, resigned after 14 years of honorable service.

We ought to seriously consider the message he delivered.

When I first started my public service, all politics was local, which meant folks of all political stripes were expected to work together for the betterment of the community, Lehman said. But today, all politics is national, and partisan extremists have drowned out other voices and turned public debate into a battle of red-meat politics to curry favor from the faithful and to deflect responsibility from their own failure.

He continued: Some seem to think there is no price to pay for the toxicity that currently exists throughout our nation. However, as with any poison, sooner or later, if the level rises too high, the body will get sick and may eventually die.

The best remedy would be an honest and courageous reckoning of the harms being done to our democracy; without such a reckoning, there can be no prescription for healing. Its up to us to insist that it occur.
I wont mention his name, but the U.S. senator from West Virginia (you know who I mean) said No! to President Joe Bidens Build Back Better proposal. His state is ranked the fourth worst in the nation in poverty, meaning a lot of his constituents have difficulty with daily living expenses.

But, no matter. The senator doesnt have to worry about his own daily living expenses because West Virginia citizens, along with the rest of us, pay his salary and the perks that come with the job.

The senator voted for the defense bill, which over 10 years will cost about $7.7 trillion. The earlier version of Bidens Build Back Better proposal cost about $3.5 trillion over the same time period, and the latest proposal that the senator rejected was just $1.7 trillion over 10 years.

The Bible says we should care for the least of these brothers of mine. The question is: Does the senator care? Take a guess.

Robert Donnelly

East Hempfield Township
This is a response to the Jan. 2 letter President Biden must say no,  which enumerated the sins of current President Joe Biden in reaching out to Americans who wish to be educated in our complex world.

The letter writer used the standard terms of debasement, such as lack of leadership and adding another freebie.

Please consider these statistics:

 Annual tuition at New York University: $5,602 in 1980; $49,062 in 2016.

 Prevailing federal minimum wage: $3.10 in 1980; $7.25 in 2016.

 Required hours of work (at minimum wage) to pay aforementioned tuition: 1,632 in 1980; 6,767 in 2016.

 Required 40-hour workweeks to pay tuition: 40.8 in 1980; 169.2 in 2016.

What would tuition need to be for someone to pay it by working those 1980 hours at todays minimum wage? The answer is $11,839.

I wonder if the letter writer was against the Republican bill that gave the top 1% over $3 trillion in tax breaks a few years ago?

Richard F. Smith

Ephrata
The Grand Old Party cant have it both ways. We have commissioners and state lawmakers who continue to oppose mask mandates for schools and businesses, especially those coming from the governors office or the state Department of Health. Yet COVID-19 is rampaging through the country and the commonwealth.

State Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, who seems to be a nonbeliever when it comes to fairly funding public schools and mandating masks, has the audacity to run for governor. The circus is in full swing, with candidates telling everyone what they think is good for Pennsylvania.

I asked the scarecrow about The Wizard of Oz, and he informed me that the government took my freedom. I replied that it was COVID-19 misinformation that has let the pandemic continue.

The Republican-controlled General Assembly seemingly has no problem getting a pay raise while we citizens of the commonwealth are suffering healthwise and financially. There are working moms and dads who need child care, so that they can work for a decent wage.

My fellow citizens of the great state of Pennsylvania, please vote for the greater good.

Vaccines work. Say no to more gerrymandering. We need an increase in the minimum wage. Vote out the seditious lawmakers who continue to support the Big Lie.

I agree with Socrates. Knowledge is good, and evil is the result of ignorance.

James L. Ellis Jr.

Lancaster
Sunday, January 9, 2022

From Newsweek:

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has signed a bill prohibiting child marriage, while 44 U.S. states still have legal loopholes that allow the practice to continue.

Although Duterte signed the bill Dec. 10, the text of the new law was not released to the media until Thursday, according to the state-run Philippine News Agency. In addition to banning legal marriage between an adult and a child or between children, the law also bans similar informal unions outside of marriage.

Read more here.

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/family_law/2022/01/philippines-bans-child-marriage.html


In a large, simple settlement in western Afghanistan, Aziz Gul is fighting to save her daughter.

Her husband sold the 10-year-old girl into marriage without telling his wife. He took a down-payment so he could feed his family of five children. Without that money, he told his wife, they would all starve. He had to sacrifice one child to save the rest.

Many of Afghanistans poorest people are making such decisions as their nation faces severe poverty.

The aid-dependent countrys economy was already struggling when the Taliban seized power last August. The international community then froze Afghanistans valuables overseas and halted all funding, unwilling to work with a Taliban government.

The effects of such actions have been devastating. Aid groups now say more than half the population faces severe food shortages.

Day by day, the situation is deteriorating in this country, and especially children are suffering, said Asuntha Charles. She is national director of the World Vision aid organization in Afghanistan. The organization runs a health center for displaced people just outside the western city of Herat.

Charles said, Today I have been heartbroken to see that the families are willing to sell their children to feed other family members."



Arranging marriages for very young girls is somewhat common throughout the area. The grooms family pays money to make the marriage happen. The child usually stays with her own parents until she is at least 15 years of age. Yet with many families unable to pay for even simple food, some say they would permit husbands to live with their very young daughters. Some are even trying to sell their sons.

But Gul is resisting. She herself was married off at 15 years old. She said she would kill herself if her daughter, Qandi Gul, is forcibly taken away.

Gul remembers well when she found out her husband had sold Qandi. For around two months, the family had been able to eat enough food. She decided to ask her husband how they were paying for the food. That is when he told her what he had done.

My heart stopped beating. I wish I could have died at that time, but maybe God didnt want me to die, Gul said. Qandi sat close to her mother. Each time I remember that night ... I die and come back to life. It was so difficult.

She asked her husband why he did it.

He said he wanted to sell one and save the others. You all would have died this way, (he said.) I told him, Dying was much better than what you have done.

Gul told her brothers and village elders that her husband had sold their child without telling her. They supported her. With their help, she received a divorce for her child, but only on condition that she repay the $1,000 that her husband received from the groom's family.

It is money she does not have. Her husband fled, possibly fearing Gul might denounce him to officials. The Taliban government recently announced a ban on forcing women into marriage.

The family her husband sold the girl to has already tried several times to claim Qandi, Gul said.

If I cant provide money to pay these people and cant keep my daughter by my side, I have said that I will kill myself, Gul said. But then I think about the other children. What will happen to them? Who will feed them?

Guls oldest child is 12. Her youngest is just two months old. Gul leaves the children with her mother while she goes to work in peoples homes. Her 12-year-old son works picking saffron after school. He makes just enough to keep the family fed. But the saffron season is short.

We dont have anything, Gul said.

Im Ashley Thompson.

The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for VOA Learning English.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

devastating - adj. causing great damage or harm

deteriorate - v. to become worse as time passes

displace - v. to force (people or animals) to leave the area where they live

elder - n. of greater age

saffron - n. an orange powder that is made from a type of flower (called a crocus) and that is used to color and flavor food

divorce - n. a complete separation between two things
Sixty-eight Georgian citizens will be brought from Kazakhstan to Georgia on January 8, Trend reports with reference to 1TV.

The plane from Nursultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, will land at the Kutaisi International Airport, Georgian Airports Union told the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB).

The flight in direction of Kazakhstan will be also carried out from Kutaisi today.

Georgian Foreign Ministry (MFA) is actively working to withdraw Georgian citizens from Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan on Wednesday declared a nationwide state of emergency after protests over a fuel price hike erupted into clashes and saw demonstrators storm government buildings.
Tattoo artists say their art will lose much of its color, and their businesses' profits, because of new bans on some chemicals. The European Union (EU) laws went into effect on January 5. Thousands of chemicals used to make many ink colors are now illegal to use.

The EU says the restrictions help protect public health. Officials say the banned chemicals may be linked to cancer and allergies.

In Amsterdam, Tycho Veldhoen has worked in the industry for 25 years. He says he fears the loss of colors will have a huge effect on his work. And, he expects the damage will increase next year as more inks face bans.

Tattoo artists in the EU have had a difficult two years since COVID-19 hit with restrictions and lockdowns. Now, they say a perfectly avoidable crisis is hitting them even harder.

There should have been a lot more preparation, Veldhoen said.

The EU disagrees that there was a failure to prepare, however. It says it started working with experts on the issue in 2016. The EU announced more than a year ago that January 5, 2022, was the measures start date.

EU spokesman Eric Mamer said that this is not a surprise or something completely new. He called it a generalization of practice in the 27-member group.

Seven EU nations already had national restrictions.

The EU says there are legal substitutes for the banned inks. However, tattoo artists say those products move too slowly from manufacturers to tattoo businesses.

Angelo Bedani works for Boucherie Moderne in Brussels, Belgium. He said the new inks became available just a week ago, adding that a bottle costs double compared to the one before the ban.

The EU estimates that about a fourth of all 18- to 35-year-olds in Europe are tattooed. It says in the general population about 12 percent of people are tattooed.

The EUs chemical control agency, ECHA, said that cases of allergic and inflammatory skin reactions are expected to decrease thanks to the restriction. It also said it might decrease cases of more serious health conditions, including cancer, as well.

Michl Dirks is an artist working to end the restrictions. His Save the Pigments petition has already collected signed support from 176,000 people.

Dirks says the ban is not supported by medical science. He also objects to the way the measure is being carried out.

Erich Maehnert, co-organizer of Save the Pigments, said such bans unfairly hurt the industry since people will seek to buy the products illegally. He predicts safety and product security will suffer.

Others say the small tattoo industry is easily targeted, while the tobacco and alcohol industries still hold much more influence.

The two men are already preparing for the next battle. Up to now the colors Blue 15 and Green 7 are permitted to be used until next year because there are no other choices to replace them.

In the Netherlands, Veldhoen is not happy with his current choices of inks. A rose with brown leaves is a lot less attractive than a rose with green leaves, he said.

Im Gregory Stachel.

Raf Casert reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English.

____________________________________________________

Words in This Story

tattoo  n. a picture or word that is drawn on a person's skin by using a needle and ink

ink  n. colored liquid that is used for writing or printing

allergy  n. a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching, or breathing something that is harmless to most people

practice  n. the action of doing or using something

inflammation  n. a condition in which a part of your body becomes red, swollen, and painful

petition  n. a written document that people sign to show that they want a person or organization to do or change something

attractive  adj. having a pleasing appearance
College students in the United States are currently spending their winter break away from schools. A rise in COVID-19 cases could mean that they will be spending a little more time away from campus.

Many colleges are moving classes online for the first few weeks of the new year. Others permit students to return but require them to stay in their rooms for class. So far, more than 70 colleges across 26 states are starting the term online, and others say they are considering it.

At the University of California in Riverside  a city east of Los Angeles  students must stay in their rooms for five days. And they are required to pass two separate virus tests before being permitted to spend time with others.

Kim Wilcox is the schools chancellor, one of its top leaders. He said the plan is to rebuild the schools bubble after students spent Christmas and New Years away from campus.

The University of Chicago is delaying the start of the new quarter to January 10. Students will take classes online for the first two weeks. And the plan is to have students back in person on January 24.

Christina Howard is graduating from the University of Chicago in June. She said she never could have imagined that almost half of her time in college would be affected by the pandemic.

Its kind of a weird feeling to be doing this again in my last year. I had really hoped that I would get a full year to finish on a more normal kind of note. But I guess thats not going to happen.

When asked whether she thinks the university will start on the new date, she said well see.

Boosters required

Some schools, including Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and Georgetown University in Washington, DC, are asking students to get an additional shot of vaccine, also known as a booster.

Sue Lorenson is the Vice Dean for Undergraduate Education at Georgetown. She told VOA the university will require all students and professors to have a COVID-19 booster shot by January 21.

Georgetown plans to start classes online before moving to in-person classes on January 31. The hope, Lorenson said, is that the number of COVID-19 cases in Washington will decrease by mid-January.

One thing that I think will make a big difference to students this time around is that compared to last year, students are able to return to their residence halls on campus as originally scheduled in mid-January. Which will allow them to reconnect with their classmates.

Ken Henderson is a top leader at Northeastern. He told the Associated Press that he thinks COVID-19 is becoming endemic and the school wants to control COVID effectively, not let COVID control us. Endemic means the virus will continue to exist in some areas but will not affect all the people in all areas like a pandemic.

In the central part of the U.S., the University of Illinois plans to have students come back to classes in-person after a one-week delay. Robin Kaler is a spokeswoman for the university. She said the university expects a spike when students come back.

We want to make sure were on top of that so we can crush it as quickly as possible, she said.

Jake Maynard is a student at George Washington University, another college in the nations capital. He said he is fine with a week of online classes, but beyond that, he hopes officials trust in the booster shots and provide a traditional college experience.

Im a junior, but about half my schooling experience has been online, Maynard told the Associated Press. You lose so much of what makes the school the school.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on a report by Collin Binkley of the Associated Press.

What are universities doing to contain the virus where you live? Tell us in the Comments Section and visit our Facebook page. Quiz - US Colleges Postpone Classes Following COVID-19 Rise Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________

Words in This Story

campus  n. the area and buildings around a university, college, school, etc.

bubble  n. a way of describing a group of people who stay together to limit the spread of a sickness

quarter  n. a part of a college year

graduate  v. to earn a degree or diploma from a school, college, or university

weird  adj. unusual or strange

residence hall  n. a location where college students live

allow v. to make it possible for someone or something to have or do something; to give permission, to regard or treat (something) as acceptable:
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Article published by: Leah Rowe

Date of publication: 8 January 2022

This event of such global importance to Free Software projects, and the Free Software movement as a whole, has made me decide to write an article. The events in question, covered by this article, will occur on 11 January 2022. This is just three days away from today, 8 January 2022 when this article was written, so if you make a decision, you should make it now, today, and prepare. Please continue reading.

If you live in New Hampshire or in one of the neighbouring states, especially Massachusetts, please listen up! If you are further away and unable to reach New Hampshire all that easily, please spread the following news anyway. Its important. As alien as it may seem to many of my readers, Im actually writing parts of this article as though someone who has never heard of Free Software is reading it, because I expect precisely that such people will read this particular article.

You will see the term Free Software used in this article, but some people call it Open Source Software. However, you should call it Free Software. The word free refers to freedom, not price, though the software is usually also free as in gratis / zero price.

The opposite of Free Software is called proprietary software, or non-free software. Proponents of Open Source sometimes call non-free software Closed Source, but you should call it non-free or proprietary, to highlight the fact that it isnt free.

Whats happening in New Hampshire? [link]

An important bill is being proposed in New Hampshire, which would enshrine much of what we know as Free Software into law. Here is the proposed bill, technically named HB1273:

https://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2022&id=1363&txtFormat=html

You can read it for yourself, but here is a paraphrasing of what it proposes:

Specifically bans state-run websites from serving non-free javascript to clients

Creates a commission to provide oversight, watching the use of Free Software by state agencies

Bans state agencies from using proprietary software - maybe this could include schools, in the future!

If a person is tried in a criminal case, they have the right to audit the source code of any proprietary software that collects evidence against them

Encourages data portability (able to transfer data from one program to another)

Bans certain non-compete clauses and NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) pertaining to Free Software projects

Bans state/local law enforcement from assisting with the enforcement of copyright claims against Free Software projects

Bans state agencies from purchasing non-free software if free software exists, for a given task

However, this is only a short summary. You are advised to read the bill in detail. Its not very long.

At first glance, it may not seem that the bill affects individuals, but dont be fooled; this is a hugely positive step forward for everyone! If the state is using Free Software, that most likely means itll be used in education aswell.

Although perhaps not immediately and readily apparent, this is a stake in the heart of proprietary softwares current dominance, because it would remove one key element of its attack against us; its abuse of education services.

If education services are using Free Software, that means theyll probably have children (the ones being educated) using it too. This is a huge step, and it will result in more Free Software developers in the future. Free Software will become more and more mainstream to the masses, which can surely only be a good thing!

Freedom is always superior. The more people that have it, the better off we all are, because freedom is also collective; it relies on others around us also having it, so that we can defend each other. If more people have it, especially if it results in more Free Software developers in the future, thats one thing, but imagine if more states like what they see and start to copy the new legislation.

Now imagine that countries besides the US start doing it, inspired by the USs success (and I think it will be a resounding success).

Imagine a world where Free Software, free as in freedom, is the default everywhere. Imagine a world where Free Software licensing is required reading material in schools. Imagine a world where any five year old can install a free operating system such as GNU+Linux, and Computer Science is mandatory in schools from a young age. Imagine filing your tax returns with Free Software, exclusively. Imagine not even thinking about that, because it became the norm.

Imagine a world where proprietary software doesnt exist, because it is obsolete; entire generations of people are taught to value freedom, and to staunchly defend it, helping each other learn and grow (and produce better software in the process, with less bugs, because people are now free to do that, without relying on some evil company).

Imagine a world where youre no longer being spied on because NSA, Apple and Microsoft no longer have backdoor access to your computer. Imagine having the ability to say no, because thats what freedom is. Try to imagine it!

Free Software is a revolution that we in the Free Software movement have rigorously upheld and fought for, over many years, but we still face an uphill battle because children are not taught in schools about free computing, nor are they encouraged to learn; they are taught to view computers as products to throw away every 1-2 years, that they can run a few apps on but otherwise are not allowed to do anything with. The concept of a general purpose, fully reprogrammable computer is heavily suppressed in mainstream culture. Most people in the world do not run a free operating system; the idea of a computer being a mere appliance is normalized (as opposed to the idea of it being a highly liberating tool for development and the expansion of human knowledge).

This is what we in the Free Software movement have fought for over the years. We believe that knowledge is a human right, that the ability to share, study, learn, adapt and modify the software is an inalienable right that everyone must have. The four freedoms are absolute.

One of our biggest problem has been simply that schools and governments do not teach people about free computing. The right to learn, the right to read and the right to hack. Our governments are made up of human beings just like you or me, and they can be bought/corrupted; Microsoft, Apple and many others (such as IBM) have done this for years, having the national infrastructures governing us run on their proprietary systems, instead of systems that respect freedom; it is essential that these systems run free software, because a free and democratic society should expect nothing less. Those companies buy influence and they own your politicians.

All of this could change very soon. Something is happening in New Hampshire, which could redefine our movement and give free software real power instead.

HOW TO HELP [link]

TESTIFY IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL [link]

The reading of the bill is happening on 11 January 2022. This is when you should go to New Hampshire.

Location of hearing: Legislative Office Building in Concord, New Hampshire:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire_Legislative_Office_Building

The organizer of the proposed bill, Eric Gallager, has left instructions on Twitter. The following is a nitter link, which lets you view the relevant Twitter thread without running non-free Javascript in your browser:

https://nitter.net/cooljeanius/status/1479663133207764992

The original Twitter URL is:

https://twitter.com/cooljeanius/status/1479663133207764992

Further instructions for what room to go to, when you get there:



See Nitter link:

https://nitter.net/cooljeanius/status/1479062316532604930

(original twitter link: https://twitter.com/cooljeanius/status/1479062316532604930)

Please read both threads very carefully!

YOU NEED TO GO TO NEW HAMPSHIRE IN PERSON!

If youre able to go to New Hampshire to attend the reading of the bill, please do so! Voice your support of the bill, and say why you think its important.

Tell the lawmakers that you demand freedom!

This thread on Twitter is where Eric announced that the reading of the bill is to proceed (original Twitter URL):

https://twitter.com/cooljeanius/status/1479555737223413760

More states/countries will follow [link]

If this bill is passed in New Hampshire, more states will likely follow. It will lead to a massively renewed drive to liberate all computer users, and US laws tend to be copied/pasted around the world too.

This bill, if passed, will have a hugely positive impact on Free Software at a global level.

You must support this bill. If you want to see it pass, please go to New Hampshire on 11 January 2022 to make sure your voice is heard.

OUR ENEMIES WILL BE THERE [link]

The proprietary software companies like Microsoft and Apple will also be there, trying to argue the case against the use of Free Software.

There is already precedent; please watch this video, which shows how Microsoft (for example) might behave in the reading of the bill. This video is from a discussion within the European Union, several years ago:

https://vid.puffyan.us/watch?v=W_S0k1sx8EM (invidious link. works without javascript enabled, if you wish)

They will try to trick the law makers by claiming things such as:

Free software is insecure / you will get hacked - nothing could be further from the truth! Free operating systems such as GNU+Linux, FreeBSD and especially OpenBSD, are among the most secure operating systems available.

- nothing could be further from the truth! Free operating systems such as GNU+Linux, FreeBSD and especially OpenBSD, are among the most secure operating systems available. Free software is used by criminal hackers - here, they use the term hacker to describe someone who illegally gains access to someone elses computer. Dont fall for it. Maintainers of free operating systems like GNU+Linux distros or the BSDs are actively working to make the internet and computers in general more secure

- here, they use the term hacker to describe someone who illegally gains access to someone elses computer. Dont fall for it. Maintainers of free operating systems like GNU+Linux distros or the BSDs are actively working to make the internet and computers in general more secure Software authors deserve to be paid! - In fact, many free software devs are paid to work on Free Software! Many companies, including big ones, work on it. There are also hobbyists or otherwise unpaid people, who might work on Free Software for a number of reasons (wanting to make the world a better place, wanting the glory of recognition for solving a major problem, and more often than not, simply because it is fun to do so and you make a lot of friends too!) - No, these companies (e.g. Microsoft) are only arguing in reality for the ability to pay their shareholders, and they control the software exclusively. In fact, free software has repeatedly and consistently over the years defined the computing industry, creating all kinds of new employment opportunities; for example, docker is widely used today and it is free software, used by millions of companies for commercial gain, and the apache web server revolutionized the web back in the day, enabling lots of ISPs to easily host websites - many of the common protocols that we depend upon today, that businesses depend upon (and get paid to maintain or provide services/support for) are in fact free as in freedom!

- In fact, many free software devs are paid to work on Free Software! Many companies, including big ones, work on it. There are also hobbyists or otherwise unpaid people, who might work on Free Software for a number of reasons (wanting to make the world a better place, wanting the glory of recognition for solving a major problem, and more often than not, simply because it is fun to do so and you make a lot of friends too!) - No, these companies (e.g. Microsoft) are only arguing in reality for the ability to pay their shareholders, and they control the software exclusively. In fact, free software has repeatedly and consistently over the years defined the computing industry, creating all kinds of new employment opportunities; for example, docker is widely used today and it is free software, used by millions of companies for commercial gain, and the apache web server revolutionized the web back in the day, enabling lots of ISPs to easily host websites - many of the common protocols that we depend upon today, that businesses depend upon (and get paid to maintain or provide services/support for) are in fact free as in freedom! Developers should get recognition for their work - in free software, you can easily make a name for yourself with relatively few resources except your own computer and an internet connection, plus some cheap hosting. When most developers work on proprietary software such as Windows, they dont get recognition; their copyright is assigned to their employer (e.g. Microsoft) who will take all the credit!

- in free software, you can easily make a name for yourself with relatively few resources except your own computer and an internet connection, plus some cheap hosting. When most developers work on proprietary software such as Windows, they dont get recognition; their copyright is assigned to their employer (e.g. Microsoft) who will take all the credit! Free software is unreliable / costly to maintain - actually, it has been well known for years that free software is generally more stable and reliable than proprietary. In cases where it isnt, it is quickly improved, and in complete freedom. Free software has a lower cost to maintain and service, and you have a free market where you can choose who you hire to write/maintain it for you (if you wont do that yourself); meanwhile, proprietary software such as Windows is often full of bugs, crashes often and there is only one provider of support most of the time, who will charge a heavy price, while also charging a lot of money for the software itself - free software is free as in freedom, but also usually free as in zero price.

- actually, it has been well known for years that free software is generally more stable and reliable than proprietary. In cases where it isnt, it is quickly improved, and in complete freedom. Free software has a lower cost to maintain and service, and you have a free market where you can choose who you hire to write/maintain it for you (if you wont do that yourself); meanwhile, proprietary software such as Windows is often full of bugs, crashes often and there is only one provider of support most of the time, who will charge a heavy price, while also charging a lot of money for the software itself - free software is free as in freedom, but also usually free as in zero price. Free software comes from potentially untrustworthy sources - This is pure nonsense, because the very freedoms provided by free software (access to source code, ability to work on it yourself, and see what others did) means that people generally do not add malware to public software sources, because theyd be discovered instantly. Distributions of GNU+Linux and other free operating systems are often maintained by many people, who verify the safety of each software package that they provide; they are also usually provided by each distro, in a central repository unlike with, say, Windows where you really are randomly executing binaries from all kinds of locations (often even without checking the cryptographic checksums of those files, to verify their integrity). Its very hard to become infected with malware on a free system, precisely because security is handled much better; the design of unix-like operating systems in particular is also naturally more secure, due to better separation of root/user privileges.

- This is pure nonsense, because the very freedoms provided by free software (access to source code, ability to work on it yourself, and see what others did) means that people generally do not add malware to public software sources, because theyd be discovered instantly. Distributions of GNU+Linux and other free operating systems are often maintained by many people, who verify the safety of each software package that they provide; they are also usually provided by each distro, in a central repository unlike with, say, Windows where you really are randomly executing binaries from all kinds of locations (often even without checking the cryptographic checksums of those files, to verify their integrity). Its very hard to become infected with malware on a free system, precisely because security is handled much better; the design of unix-like operating systems in particular is also naturally more secure, due to better separation of root/user privileges. Free software isnt controlled, and is unknown. - this is completely false. These non-free software companies are only talking about their control, and its quite telling that they completely disregard yours, in this very sentence. In fact, Free Software is controlled, but its not controlled by some external entity; your installation of free software is controlled by you.

If youre familiar with the Matrix films, proprietary operating systems like Windows/MacOS are basically like the Matrix; bland, no individuality, no independent thought, everything tightly controlled. By contrast, free operating systems (such as GNU+Linux distributions or the BSDs) are like zion/io; vibrant, full of life, buzzing with activity, everything loose and free, and everyone is different (a highly diverse culture of people from all walks of life, acting in common cause but nonetheless individuals).

Meanwhile, Windows is known to have backdoors. Microsoft actively informs the NSA about how to exploit them, so that it can break into peoples computers and steal private data.

Proprietary software companies are evil, and must be opposed. They know that if this bill passes, their days are numbered.

Defend freedom! Dont listen to any of the arguments against it by proprietary software companies; they dont care about you, and instead only care about profit. They fundamentally do not want you to have any sort of freedom over your own computer, and they actively pursue tactics (such as DRM) to thwart you.

Microsoft and Apple are not your friends. There is no such thing as the Windows community. When you use proprietary systems, you are isolated from everyone around you, and so are they. You are the product, for the non-free software to exploit at the behest of their developers who only care about money.

However, there is such a thing as the Free Software community. It is a vibrant community, consisting of millions of people collectively all over the world, and they are all free to work with each other infinitely. It gave us most of the technology that we take for granted today, including the modern internet, where ISPs run free software almost exclusively!

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Georgia will be a NATO member. This will be decided by Georgia and the alliance and no third country, despite aggressive ambitions, or size of nuclear weapons could resist it, said Chairman of the parliamentary Defense Committee, Irakli Beraia, Trend reports citing 1TV.

According to Irakli Beraia, NATO Secretary-General made a clear statement that the NATO Open policy will not be revised.

Beraia said Georgia had never been so close to NATO integration as today and this was confirmed by cooperation packages, high-ranking visits and Georgias participation in the alliance summits.

All this means that Euro-Atlantic spaces security-related decisions are not made without Georgias involvement and taking into accounts its interests. Georgia will become a member of the alliance. This is only a decision of Georgia and the alliance, and no third country, despite its aggressive ambitions or the size of its nuclear arsenal, can resist it, Irakli Beraia said.
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Joe is the K-12 education reporter for CalMatters. His stories use data to highlight inequities in Californias public schools. Before joining CalMatters in June 2021, he was the education reporter at KPBS, the public media station in San Diego. Previously, he covered the schools in the Coachella Valley for The Desert Sun, a daily newspaper in Palm Springs. He has a bachelors degree in comparative literature from the University of California, Irvine and a master's degree from Columbia Journalism School.
JUNEAU  An 18-year-old Watertown man was found guilty of a robbery last fall at a gas station on North University Avenue in Beaver Dam.

Thatcher Sehrbrock entered a no contest plea for a felony count of robbery with use of force. Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Sciascia found Sehrbrock guilty of the charge.

According to the criminal complaint, two younger masked men entered the gas station on Nov. 28, 2020, at 12:45 a.m. One of the men sprayed the clerk with pepper spray and the same person selected several packs of Marlboro Red Seventy-Twos.

The clerk attempted to detain and was able to demask the men, but they both were able to flee on foot.

Some merchandise in the store was damaged.

Police obtained the video footage from the assistant manager.

According to the criminal complaint, Beaver Dam Police did a Wisconsin Crime Alert on Dec. 1, 2020, and came back with a tip about Avery Bence being the primary suspect.

Bence has a sentencing hearing on Jan. 25.

According to the criminal complaint, police spoke to the mother of Bence who confirmed he was the one in the photos from the gas station.

Bence told investigators that he did not know the name of the person who was with him but was able to identify him on social media.

Both Watertown and Oconomowoc Police were contacted and identified Sehrbrock as a possible suspect. Beaver Dam Police were able to match Sehrbrocks DNA with DNA that was found on a bandana that was left on the scene.

Sehrbrock is scheduled to be sentenced on April 19.
Even 103 years after the Empty Stocking Clubs inception, Madison-area community members keep finding ways to make it better.

Last month, Empty Stocking faced a significant shortage of volunteers just before the annual Toy Depot, and organizers put out a call for help.

The community rallied with an unprecedented number of helpers  430 volunteers ultimately served in two-hour shifts over four days, Empty Stocking Club executive director Lynn Wood said.

I heard over and over again, people who have been coming to Empty Stocking (for years) to get toys, and they just kept commenting on how smooth (the process) was, how they so appreciated that they didnt have to wait in line, Wood said. And that really is attributed to the fact that we had enough volunteers, so we didnt have the backlog of folks waiting to get into the shopping line.

In 2022, a different group is giving Empty Stocking a boost, by upgrading the programs strictly functional website.

Acumium, a local software development and digital marketing company, chose Empty Stocking as its annual Hacking Kindness partner, donating its services to improve emptystockingclub.com.

Acumium employees who volunteer for the Empty Stocking Club suggested it as a Hacking Kindness project.

The Empty Stocking Clubs current website is basic and functional  and not particularly useful outside the application period in the fall.

Its a logo, title and three links: One to donate to the program, one to volunteer and one to apply.

I think the main calls to action that are on the site right now (donate, volunteer, apply) are good, said Caroline Sober-James, Acumiums director of user experience.

The opportunities that we saw, and that Lynn sees, too, was just to put more of a story around those calls to action, be able to talk more about what is Empty Stocking Club, why is Empty Stocking Club here, what role does the organization play in the community, Sober-James said.

Theres a lot of story to tell.

The Wisconsin State Journal started Empty Stocking in 1918  and still sponsors it  to help local families have a merrier Christmas. The program has stuck to that premise for more than a century.

State Journal readers and other community members donate to the program. Those donations are then used to buy toys for kids to ensure that every local child, regardless of a familys financial circumstances, receives at least one new, high-quality toy for Christmas.

This year, 3,069 donors contributed $349,394.50 to the Empty Stocking Club.

Lots of community groups, individuals, businesses and educators connect the program with families who need it, and do the behind-the-scenes work that makes the Empty Stocking Club a success.

As a result, thousands of area kids get Christmas presents each year. Parents and caregivers pick out toys for their children at the annual Toy Depot.

In 2021, Empty Stocking distributed 6,891 toys to 2,617 families.

But the website reflects none of that.

I think were just excited about creating more of a destination thats a resource, Sober-James said. Primarily a utilitarian, helpful, information-rich site where people who have whatever kind of involvement or connection to Empty Stocking Club can come and get questions answered, or understand what to expect, or understand what to do next, or understand how to get in touch with somebody who they need to ask a question of.

Wood expects the newly upgraded website to premiere in mid-January.

She envisions FAQs, contacts, volunteer information and more.

Kind of make use of it as a more centralized hub, Wood said. Thats going to be huge for us.
With Madison schools resuming in-person instruction Monday, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is seeking to raise enough money for 200,000 N95 and KN95 masks for students, teachers and other school staff amid a surge of COVID-19 cases driven by the easily spread omicron variant.

The intent is to provide the better-fitting masks to the Madison School District and other county school districts, as well as other organizations that work with children such as community centers, said Michael Johnson, president and CEO of the local Boys & Girls Clubs.

We want to keep kids and teachers as safe as we can, he said. Theyre pleading for these masks. Were just trying to do our part to help.

The fundraising effort comes as Madison teachers are experiencing a mix of emotions about returning to school buildings. The district temporarily pivoted to online learning coming out of winter break in response to increasing infections. The teachers union said roughly 67% of union members surveyed recently either did not support the planned return to school buildings or would only support the return if COVID-19 case rates were stabilized or declining.

To cover the approximately $200,000 in costs, the Boys & Girls Clubs set up a GoFundMe on Friday, which lists the prices at $1.05 per N95 mask and 60 cents per KN95 mask. Johnson said the masks have already been ordered. The supplier will give a week to pay for them, Johnson said, after which any unpaid masks will need to be returned.

The bulk of the ordered masks are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, he said, and the rest will have a 95% or greater filter efficiency against solid and liquid aerosols that are free of oil.

A first load of 2,000 masks, Johnson said, is expected to be delivered by the CEO of Verona Safety Supply on Monday. He said the Division of Wisconsin Emergency Management is also working closely with the Boys & Girls Clubs to secure additional masks.

State health officials continue to stress the importance of wearing a well-fitting mask in public as one way to tamp down the pandemic. This past week, Wisconsin recorded four consecutive days of record daily caseloads as the omicron variant, which appears to cause milder symptoms but is more contagious, strains hospitals.

Johnson said hes received dozens of texts, emails and calls from teachers saying they needed N95 and KN95 masks, which are tight-fitting respirators designed to protect the wearer from exterior particles like the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Typical facemasks are meant to contain respiratory droplets and particles exhaled from the user while offering some protection from exterior particles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since the start of the pandemic, Johnson said his organization has handed out 2 million surgical-style facemasks.

Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
By Vafa Ismayilova

National Defence Minister Hulusi Akar has again stressed Turkey's support for Azerbaijan, the Turkish media have reported.

He made the relevant remarks in an interview with reporters in Ankara.

Azerbaijan is a fraternal country for us. As "two states, one nation" we are always close to Azerbaijan, Akar said. He noted that his country's goal is to contribute to lasting peace and stability in the Caucasus.

"Our wish and hope is to understand and seize the hand of peace extended to Armenia by the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey. To seize this opportunity. It is not just about Azerbaijan and Armenia, it is about turning the whole region into an island of stability," Akar said.

Recalling the establishment of a joint center with Russia to monitor the ceasefire since January 30, 2021, the minister said: "Cases of ceasefire violations are under control there. We are optimistic about the situation. Ceasefire violations are decreasing, stability is becoming more comprehensive. We hope that the situation will be more stable in the coming days. We believe that Turkish-Russian cooperation in these issues will be successful, a ceasefire will be achieved, and we will contribute to its sustainability."

The minister also noted that the Turkish military, together with their Azerbaijani counterparts, are trying to clear mines and improvised explosive devices on Azerbaijan's liberated territories.

Along with Russia, Turkey is represented with an equal number of servicemen in the joint centre to monitor the situation in and around Karabakh under a trilateral peace agreement signed by Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia on November 10, 2020, to end the war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey first emerged in 1992, with an agreement signed between the Azerbaijani and Turkish governments on military education and weapon equipment and deals to help strengthen the bond between the two nations.

On June 15, the two countries signed a memorandum of alliance that cemented the existing military, political and economic cooperation.

The Shusha Declaration on Allied Relations that President Ilham Aliyev and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed during the first official visit to Shusha eight months after Azerbaijans victory in the war with Armenia, also focuses on defence cooperation.

It affirms joint efforts by the two armies in the face of foreign threats. The declaration also pledges joint efforts for the restructuring and modernization of the armed forces. Moreover, the two nations affirm to encourage the execution of joint projects with the aim of developing capabilities in the field of sea, air, and space.
Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson will run for reelection, he said Sunday, making him one of the several Republican swing state candidates whose candidacy will be critical to the GOPs fight to retake the Senate.

Johnson  who in 2016 pledged not to seek a third term  said in a statement and Wall Street Journal opinion piece that he did not want to run again but felt like he had to because of the changing political landscape and the Democrats complete takeover of government, referring to their control of the White House and Congress.

So today, I am announcing I will continue to fight for freedom in the public realm by running for re-election, Johnson, 66, said in a statement Sunday.

It is not a decision I have made lightly, Johnson continued. Having already experienced a growing level of vitriol and false attacks, I certainly dont expect better treatment in the future. In order for my campaign to succeed, I will need the support of every Wisconsinite who values the truth and refuses to allow lies and distortions to prevail.

The announcement was expected after two Republicans with knowledge of the plan told The Associated Press of Johnsons intention on Friday. It follows months of bipartisan questioning on whether Johnson would run as well as an early endorsement by former President Donald Trump, a close Johnson ally.

Even though he has not yet announced that he is running, and I certainly hope he does, I am giving my Complete and Total Endorsement to Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Trump said in April.

Johnson is in a precarious position but is still the favorite in the race, UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden said.

This is looking like its going to be a really terrific year for the GOP, Burden said, referring to Bidens low approval rating and the favorable historical mid-term outcomes for the party not in presidential power.

Hes got a strong tailwind, and if there was nothing else going on, I would say that makes him a strong favorite for reelection, Burden said. But he is a Washington senator who has served for 12 years.

Many voters are tired of incumbents, and while Johnson has pitted himself against career politicians in the past, its becoming harder for him to separate himself from the establishment, Burden said.

Johnson will face one of a crowded field of Democrats headed by Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry and Outagamie County executive Tom Nelson, all of whom have been eager to take on an incumbent they say is out of touch with average voters, is beholden to Trump and has embarrassed the state with baseless claims about the election and combatting COVID-19.

The only people celebrating Ron Johnsons announcement are his donors and the corporate special interest groups hes bailed out time and time again, Barnes said in a statement Sunday. Lets get to work and retire this failed senator.

Godlewski said Johnson only works for himself and the wealthy, while Nelson faulted Johnson for breaking his pledge not to seek a third Senate term.

Lasry, who has raised the most so far of any of the Democratic candidates, said, Whether its his conspiracy theorizing, fealty to Donald Trump, or total indifference towards helping working Wisconsinites, Ron Johnson has shown time and time again that he isnt up to the task of representing the people of Wisconsin.

Amazing timing

History may be on Johnsons side to win the 2022 election and help the GOP take back the Senate. Typically, midterm elections favor the party not in presidential power: Under Trump in 2018, Democrats won 41 GOP-held seats to gain control of the House of Representatives, though Republicans gained two Senate seats. In 2014, under former President Barack Obama, Republicans gained 13 seats in the House and nine in the Senate.

Also on Johnsons side, UW-La Crosse assistant political science professor Anthony Chergosky said, is amazing timing, politically.

Johnson first ran in the 2010 midterms, one of the most politically successful for the GOP, when the Democratic party lost 63 seats in the House and six in the Senate.

And then you have the 2016 election where Donald Trump showed unexpected strength and Hillary Clinton showed unexpected weakness in Wisconsin, Chergosky said.

Current presidential politics will likely work in Johnsons favor in 2022, too, Chergosky said.

In the past few months, low Democratic approval ratings have recently correlated with strong Republican showings. For example, in November, Republican Glenn Youngkin was elected governor in Virginia after Biden won the state last year by 10%. Like Youngkin, Johnson has rallied against COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates, critical race theory and the idea that climate change is human-caused.

He also said that Listerine could treat COVID-19 and that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, overhyped the COVID-19 pandemic and did the exact same thing with AIDS.

In Sept. 2021, Johnson touted unproven treatments for COVID-19, including the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin, even after federal health authorities warned against unauthorized use of the drug to treat the disease.

And he has sent mixed signals about the 2020 election. In Dec. 2020, Johnson said fraudulent voting did not change the 2020 election outcome but added that lax enforcement, denying effective bipartisan observation of the complete election process, and failing to be fully transparent or conduct reasonable audits has led to heightened suspicion.

Unfavorable polls

Despite historical factors favoring Johnson, a Marquette Law School poll released late last year suggested the Oshkosh Republican may have a challenging re-election campaign.

In the poll, which did not consider head-to-head matchups with Democratic contenders, 38% of respondents said they would vote for Johnson, 52% said they would vote for someone other than Johnson and 10% said they didnt know or declined to answer.

Additionally, 36% of respondents said they have a favorable opinion, 42% have an unfavorable opinion and 22% didnt know.

But Johnson is no stranger to unfavorable polls, and he has succeeded in races despite early polls suggesting otherwise.

In 2016, the Marquette poll showed Johnson with low approval ratings in his matchup with then-U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, leading a conservative group funding Johnson to cancel $2.2 million worth of ads. Taking charge of his campaign, Johnson billed himself as a manufacturer and grandfather running against a career politician and won by 3 points.

Johnsons low polling results are the rule in politics right now rather than the exception, Burden said, saying the president, governor and most politicians are polling relatively low.

I dont think theres anyone whos doing well in the polls, Burden said. He just needs to do better than his Democratic opponent.

The money race

Johnson has raised $4.2 million in the 2022 race so far, ahead of any Democratic candidate. Lasry, with more than $3 million, has raised the most money in the Democratic field, followed by Godlewski with $1.8 million, Barnes with $1.1 million and Nelson with more than $900,000.

Republican operatives welcomed Johnson back to the campaign trail.

Grassroots Republicans are enthusiastically backing Senator Johnsons bid for re-election and are committed to doing the hard work to make it happen, Wisconsin Republican Party chairman Paul Farrow said Sunday, months after saying he was counting on Johnson seeking a third term.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee chair, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, said While Wisconsin Democrats trip over themselves to prove whos more liberal, Senator Johnson continues to demand accountability in Washington and deliver results for Wisconsinites.

Scott said Johnson fights to protect and defend the security of the United States and is a a tireless advocate for small businesses and the hardworking people of Wisconsin.

Johnsons announcement may pave the way for Kevin Nicholson, a former U.S. Marine who lost in the 2018 U.S. Senate Republican primary, to join the gubernatorial race. Nicholson previously said that he would run for governor if Johnson sought a third Senate term.

After Johnsons announcement, Nicholson alluded on Twitter to a potentially forthcoming announcement of his own.

I do believe I have a role to play in setting the course for a better future for all of us, he said. Over the coming days my family, friends, and I will continue to pray for wisdom for our next steps.

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Heres the Madison School Districts report card so far for the semester:

For its experienced and dedicated staff who have persevered through a pandemic to teach our children online and in-person, the district deserves an A. Great work.

But for communication, the district just received an F on a very big assignment. The districts science homework is incomplete, and it was tardy returning students to class following winter break.

That leaves a lot of room for improvement.

First the good news: The Madison district of about 25,000 students and 5,000 staff is reopening its school buildings to students Monday after a one-week delay. Public pressure from frustrated parents no doubt helped encourage Superintendent Carlton Jenkins to restart in-person classes  something almost every district across the state had already done the week before.

Our community didnt let the districts tardiness slide without a stern warning. Thats because missing in-person classes for the last week (with two days of online school) badly disrupted peoples lives, especially working parents who dont have easy options for emergency child care.

The districts spokesman had told the State Journal on Dec. 20 that moving to online-only learning was not part of the districts plans for January. Yet an email to parents on the eve of New Years Eve informed families that school buildings wouldnt open the following Monday after all. That left many parents scrambling over the holiday weekend to get time off work, find somewhere safe for their kids to stay, or ask for an impromptu bring your child to work day.

Many teachers were caught off guard, too. They had to quickly rearrange lesson plans and, in many cases, try to figure out what to do with their own children. That was because staff, unlike students, had to report to school buildings as usual.

The surprise announcement was only made worse by its vague duration. Jenkins original email gave no indication of when in-person classes would return. For a district that kept its children out of school buildings for most of the last school year because of COVID-19, that raised the possibility of another long, indefinite and isolating stretch of online classes.

The next day, Jenkins announced his aspiration to open schools in a week. Thankfully, thats now going to happen, the district announced Thursday.

The roller-coaster of changing information earned the district a failing grade for its communication with the community. Next time around, district officials need to keep parents, staff and employers much better informed about what Jenkins and the School Board are thinking.

Infections from the omicron variant of the novel coronavirus are surging across Wisconsin and our nation. Though the new strain tends to cause less-severe symptoms, its still deadly for some people and much more easily spread. Thats why public health officials continue to urge vaccination, booster shots and masking when indoors so hospitals can handle patient demand.

But the dangers of the disease must be balanced against the terrible consequences many children face when not in school, including learning loss, lack of supervision, family stress and trauma. Some school officials in Madison still wont admit they kept our children out of school buildings for too long last school year. The many districts that did bring their students back sooner did not experience terrible consequences.

Even now, with COVID roaring back, the nations top public infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, told ABC News last Sunday, Its safe enough to get those kids back to school, balanced against the deleterious effects of keeping them out.

That brings us to the districts grade for science. It did poorly at following the science last year. And now its being slow to address its staffing shortages for the same reason. The district anticipates 547 absences among staff this week, with 193 of those unfilled. Thats roughly 11% missing and 4% unfilled.

So why isnt the district taking the advice of the Centers for Disease Control to reduced its requirement for quarantines from 10 to 5 days? District officials say theyre waiting for state and local officials, including those at the Department of Public Instruction, to change their guidelines.

No offense to the educators at DPI, but the scientists at the CDC should take precedence, especially given the urgency the district professes it faces.

We love Madisons schools. Thats where our children need to be. Theyll learn more than they do online, especially children who dont have parents hovering over them at home or able to help with computer glitches. Online learning didnt work well last school year, and the district should do everything it can to keep its doors open for in-person learning now.

The district still has time to improve its grades for the public. More important, our children need all the time they can get in front of teachers in classrooms learning and safely interacting with their peers.

Wisconsin State Journal editorial board The views expressed in the editorials are shaped by the board, independent of news coverage decisions elsewhere in the newspaper. STAFF MEMBERS JASON ADRIANS, Editor SCOTT MILFRED, Editorial page editor PHIL HANDS, Editorial cartoonist COMMUNITY MEMBERS JANINE GESKE SUSAN SCHMITZ WAYNE STRONG
Jive to perform Winter Showcase

Twin Falls High Schools award-winning show choir JIVEs Winter Showcase will be at 7:30 p.m. each day Jan. 13-15 and a matinee at 1 p.m. on Saturday the 15th.

The show will feature songs from Stevie Wonder, Shakira, Rachel Platton, and a Mary Poppins medley and tribute to Queen.

The show features costumes, professional choreography, lighting, and sound. The sophomore, junior, and senior TFHS students practice in and out of the classroom seven to 10 hours per week.

Purchase tickets online at tfhsjive.com/tickets or at the door. There is also a livestream option.

Students can compete in STEM challenge

Idahos third annual eCYBERMISSION competition is a national web-based STEM challenge for students in grades six through nine. Participants are challenged to explore how science, technology, engineering, and math apply to their world while working as a team to solve problems in their communities.

The Idaho STEM Action Center partners with the U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program and the National Science Teachers Association to bring the popular competition to the Gem State.

The STEM Action Center will award public formal and informal educators advising the winning state teams that place first, second, and third with monetary awards of $1,000, $500, and $250, respectively. The cash prizes will be administered through their school or organization for STEM supplies in their teaching environment to sustain the eCYBERMISSION program.

In addition, the Army will give each student on a first-place state-winning team a Series E.E. U.S. Savings Bond worth up to $1,000 in matured value. It also will give each student on a second-place state-winning team a Series E.E. U.S. Savings Bond worth up to $500. Additional cash prizes will be awarded to regional finalists and national winners.

The Army and NSTA will stage a national judging and education event in the Washington, D.C., metro area June 20-24. Teams must be registered  and students assigned to them  by Jan. 12 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Mission folders must be submitted by March 2. Virtual judging takes place March 16-30. The regional judging period takes place April 25-29. State and regional winners will be notified by mid-May.

Visit STEM.idaho.gov for more information.

High school students invited to enter Idaho civics contest

The theme for the 2022 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals/District of Idaho civics contest is The First Amendment and the Schoolhouse Gate: Students Free Speech Rights.

This annual competition solicits essay and video submissions by high school students regarding a topic of national interest identified each year by the Ninth Circuit. Finalists are entered in the Circuit-wide competition.

Participants are asked to consider the First Amendments rights to students engaging in free speech  both inside and outside of school. Participants should also consider the responsibilities that students, schools, or the government have concerning speech by students, including whether it may cause harm to others.

Students must reside in Idaho and be in ninth through 12th grades to enter the District of Idaho contest. Students should write an essay between 500 and 1,000 words to express their thoughts and ideas on the theme. Individuals or teams of up to three students can produce a 3- to 5-minute video. A student may submit both an essay and a video, but only one of each. Submissions will be accepted from Jan. 17 through March 18. Local district winners in each category will receive $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place and enter the Ninth Circuit competition.

In the Ninth Circuit competition, winners of each category will receive $3,000 for first place, $1,700 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. In addition, first-place winners in both the essay and video portion of the Ninth Circuit contest will be invited to the 2022 Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference in Big Sky, Montana.

Contact information for the District of Idaho contest, and more information on this years theme, please visit the District of Idahos website. For the complete essay and video rules, contact information for the District of Idaho contest, and more information on this years theme, please visit id.uscourts.gov/clerks/2022_Civics_Contest.cfm.

South Central Behavior Health Board offers grant opportunities

Through March 1, the South Central Behavior Health Board will accept applications from nonprofits that wish to request funds up to $20,000.

Requests must meet one of the SCBHBs Strategic Planning Priorities: education, transportation, housing or suicide intervention, prevention or postvention. More information is available in the grant application.

Interested agencies are welcome to apply for the grant at scbhbidaho.org. Please dont hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the work the SCBHB does or the grant application.

Commission seeks comments before CSI accreditation visit

The College of Southern Idaho will host an evaluation team from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) on April 27-29. The college, continuously accredited by NWCCU since 1968, last had its accreditation status reaffirmed in 2015. The purpose of the April 2022 visit is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the college with its regular seven-year accreditation cycle, which ends in the spring of 2022. Upon completion of the visit, the college will embark on a new seven-year cycle.

The Northwest Commission on College and Universities invites the public to submit official comments regarding CSI and its accreditation status. Signed written comments will be accepted by NWCCU before March 27. Comments should be sent to Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 200, Redmond, WA, 98052 or submitted at nwccu.org/member-institutions/upcoming-evaluations.

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BOISE  Last year, bills introduced in the Idaho Legislature became law at a lower rate than any legislative session in the last decade, according to an analysis by the Idaho Statesman.

Despite being the longest legislative session on record, the Legislature passed a roughly equal or lesser percentage of bills compared to each session since 2012. Just 56% of bills introduced last year became law  the lowest percentage in the last 10 years and the second consecutive session that the passage rate dipped.

Its ultimately ironic, given that we had the longest session in Idaho history, by far, and yet the least productive, House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, told the Statesman by phone.

The Statesmans analysis compiled 10 years of bills using data from the Idaho Legislature and counted the number that became law. The analysis focused on bills that were introduced in a committee, not drafted legislation that was never assigned a bill number.

Former and current lawmakers have different theories on why the passage rate has been dropping. Some have expressed frustration at an increase in hastily produced and ideologically driven legislation. Others have decried a lack of support from lawmakers who chair committees, set the agendas and control whether bills are heard.

The House, especially, has seen its passage rate wane during the previous two sessions. Just over half, 51%, of House bills became law in 2021, down from an average of 60% in the past decade. About 63% of Senate bills became law, also a drop from a 69% average.

The comparison becomes particularly striking when factoring in lengths of the sessions. With recess days and time spent on drafted bills, state legislators passed just about one bill per regular session day last year. In the past decade, the average rate was four bills a day.

The Statesmans analysis excluded resolutions, memorials and proclamations. A bill, if passed, enacts or changes an existing law or appropriates money. Resolutions, memorials and proclamations do not alter state code, but they can establish an opinion, petition another governing body or record an event on behalf of legislative bodies.

A broken legislative process?

On May 12, as the Legislature was preparing to recess until November, the Idaho Conservative Agenda, a group of ultra-conservative lawmakers primarily from the House, held a news conference to tout their session accomplishments. But much of the discussion focused on bills that didnt get passed.

Reps. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, and Karey Hanks, R-St. Anthony, complained that their bills attacking vaccine mandates stalled in committees, particularly in the Senate.

We had more than 185 pieces of legislation, most of those our ideas, ideas from you, from Idahoans, that are not being allowed to go through the legislative process, said Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird, whos running for lieutenant governor. That is a broken legislative process.

Since 2012, the Idaho Legislature has an average 63% bill passage rate. During that period, House bills have consistently seen a lower success rate than the Senate, an average difference of 9%. In 2020, the gap was 10%, and in 2021, it was 11%.

House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, said by phone that he doesnt have a hard reason why that percentage is going down.

I do see legislators introducing bills, basically, to make a statement, he said. They dont make it through the process, so they dont make a difference, but its all about making a statement. I think that might be indicative of the political times.

Rubel, who is starting her fourth legislative term this month, said the declining rate is a symptom of the radicalization of the House. Republican members often support or oppose legislation, such as appropriations and budgets, based on ideology as opposed to governing principles, Rubel said.

The Senate, at least in recent years, has been more invested in the smooth-running of government and making sure the trains are running on time, metaphorically speaking, Rubel said.

The House and Senate divide was apparent during the November session, when the full House greenlit dozens of bills that never made it past a Senate committee. In three days time, the only legislation the two bodies agreed upon was a joint memorial calling President Joe Bidens COVID-19 vaccine mandates an overreach of power.

I think that is symptomatic of whats going on in the House, in particular, Bruce Newcomb, a former Republican House Speaker who served for 20 years in the Legislature, told the Statesman by phone. Its basically become a non-functional institution.

Idaho maintains relatively high bill passage rate

Jaclyn Kettler, a Boise State University political science professor, said there was an explosion of legislation last year. Idaho lawmakers introduced 660 bills during the 311-day session. Thats at least 100 more than any preceding session since 2012.

Many bills, such as those targeting federal COVID-19 requirements introduced during the November extended session, were similar in scope, Kettler said by phone.

In an attempt to address some of these pressing issues we just got a lot of bills trying to solve the problem in a variety of ways, Kettler said. So we got a lot of similar types of proposals that all couldnt be passed.

Regardless of the recent downward trend, Idaho maintains a high bill passage rate compared to other U.S. states. The average for states ranges from 20% and 25%, according to multiple studies.

Thats thanks to a couple of factors which set Idaho apart, Kettler said. First, Idaho legislation must pass through an introductory screening by a committee before its officially introduced and assigned a bill number. That process can weed out legislation thats unlikely to garner support.

Second, the Idaho Legislature is dominated by Republicans, which makes it easier to pass legislation, compared to more politically divided states, Kettler said.

Some of those factors have allowed Idaho to have a pretty high bill passage rate, but it is really interesting to see that declining, she said. Is this just a really weird time, and we have these issues like the pandemic that are just unique? Or, is this a long-term trend driven by some of the ideological factions within the Republican Party?

Committee chairs gatekeepers to passing laws

Rep. Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls, who chairs the House Education Committee, acts as a gatekeeper over legislation that comes through the committee. That means sometimes he declines to host hearings on bills. He told the Statesman by phone that he considers the strength of the legislation and the odds it will pass both legislative bodies.

Its part of my job to manage the time and the energy of the members of the committee, Clow said.

Clow pushed back on the idea that a low passage rate is an indication of the Legislatures ineffectiveness. Some bills were never meant to pass, he said. Sometimes bills are introduced as a flare, so the public will simply be alerted to an important problem. Some bills fail because another better addressed the same issue.

Maybe thats a good thing, Clow said. Maybe that means were working our way down to getting a better bill.

Senate Minority Leader Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, is a member of the Senate State Affairs Committee that killed several House bills in November by holding them in committee. Stennett told the Statesman by phone that theres a dance, for a lack of better word, between the two legislative bodies. Lawmakers in each chamber will propose and support legislation knowing it will meet opposition from the other, she said.

Stennett, who described herself as a policy wonk, said shes increasingly frustrated with a lack of rigor in policy-making.

I see an increase over time of quickly crafted, not very thought out, reactive, emotional pieces of legislation that they want to throw at the wall and see what sticks, Stennett said. And when you tear it apart, its unconstitutional, unenforceable, not well-written, not understandable, and so it ends up not going anywhere.

Bedke, whos running for lieutenant governor, said he tells House lawmakers that their effectiveness is tied to their ability to work with the Senate, and vice versa.

We have a bicameral system and weve got to work across the rotunda, or all we end up doing is making statements, but we make no change in the underlying statute, he said.

Bedke said he doesnt know what the answer is to improve the rate of bills becoming law. But, he added, sometimes fewer laws are better.

Editor Hayat Norimine contributed to this report.

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BOISE  When the Idaho Legislature reconvened for three days in November, political organizer Alicia Abbott drove to Boise from Sandpoint.

Abbott is an experienced political organizer and never expected she would leave the Idaho State Capitol due to concerns for her safety before the first day back in session was over.

Abbott has been coming to the Statehouse for about the past six years. Shes worked as a field organizer with the Idaho 97 Project, a new group that recently formed an LLC to fight extremism in Idaho. Abbott has also worked with the nonpartisan group Reclaim Idaho, which pushed the successful 2018 Medicaid expansion ballot initiative.

She left the Capitol on Nov. 15, shortly after the House voted to censure Rep. Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird. Abbott was watching from the public seating gallery above the House floor. She said Giddings had come up to the gallery to interact with her supporters and that after the vote, the tone turned aggressive.

On her Twitter feed, Abbott posted videos she took that day of a woman screaming down from the seating gallery, as well as a video of a different woman confronting a lobbyist in the hallway.

Abbott said she and a friend who watched the proceedings with her were singled out for not being supporters of Giddings and for adhering to recommended COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing masks.

She left after a man argued loudly with her about COVID-19 vaccine safety.

It was really because of how the attitude of the crowd had shifted, Abbott told the Idaho Capital Sun.

I have never seen this type of behavior, Abbott added. There has never been this much vitriol  at all  and intimidation especially. Some of these folks were armed and I could see things going very wrong on that day, and thats what the deciding factor for me to leave was, the combination of anger and firearms. And, you know, Im a gun owner myself. Theres been plenty of times when firearms have been in the Statehouse and theres been no issues, and I havent felt intimidated. But this crowd was very angry, so I left.

Abbott returned to the Statehouse the next two days and testified before legislators on Nov. 17, the same day she spoke with the Idaho Capital Sun.

But the experience jarred her. She worries that members of the public wont feel comfortable or safe at the Statehouse  whether its due to the anger or crowds or lack of COVID-19 protocols like masking and distancing. Abbott worries that would rob people of their ability to participate in the legislative process and could limit the perspective of public testimony presented to legislators during bill hearings.

A lot of my opinions on the safety of public meetings have changed over the last three to four years, Abbott said. We see instances where folks are so enraged theyre not taking a moment even to calm down and think rationally before having a conversation. Weve seen it to the point where people are shutting down (other) public meetings. This is a great threat to democracy if people feel unsafe.

Boise State study finds some Westerners feel political violence is justified

Abbott isnt the only one who is worried about the potential for violence and politics to clash.

A new study by the Frank Church Institute at Boise State University found that 20% of the people surveyed in fall 2021 in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah and Nevada believed political violence is justified when the government doesnt act in the best interest of the people. Fifty-eight percent of respondents didnt believe political violence was justified, and the rest of respondents were unsure.

Abbott did stress that while she was in the seating gallery, an Idaho State Police trooper was close at hand and monitoring the situation. At one point, Abbott said the trooper spoke with a man who spoke loudly and gestured aggressively while talking to Abbott about vaccines.

Speaker of the House Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, said in November he was disappointed by the public outbursts and shouting that briefly disrupted proceedings on the House floor when legislators reconvened.

Twice, Bedke briefly paused legislative proceedings and warned the public he would clear the seating gallery if there was another disruption.

Ultimately, Bedke didnt clear the public. But he said he was not happy with some members of the publics lack of decorum in November.

I was very disappointed, Bedke told the Idaho Capital Sun moments after adjourning Nov. 17. They knew the rules, and they flouted them.

When asked, Bedke told the Sun he does not anticipate changes to public access in the Statehouse during the upcoming legislative session that begins Monday.

Its always within the presiding officers prerogative to clear the gallery, and I think it should not ever come to that, frankly, Bedke said. I think that the publics an integral part to this process and should always be welcomed and allowed to participate, but they need to understand that they are spectators only. Thats it.

The peoples house is open to the people and their guns

Along with the Idaho State Capitol and the Statehouse, there is another term for the domed marble structure situated at 700 W. Jefferson St., that serves as the home of the state government  the peoples house.

As the name implies, the peoples house is open to the public in ways that some visitors say are surprising. Unlike at the nearby Ada County Courthouse, anyone may walk right into the Statehouse during the day. There are no security checkpoints or metal detectors, although Idaho State Police and private security guards patrol the Capitol and associated buildings and grounds.

Guns are also allowed inside the Capitol, and it has become a tradition for some groups to carry guns inside the building.

In 2016, a working group from the Vermont Legislature used a list that identified 27 state capitol buildings that have metal detectors installed at public entrances. The list was based on a 2008 survey (with partial updates from 2011 and 2012) from the National Conference of State Legislatures. And laws surrounding access to statehouses throughout the U.S. are ever-evolving. Oregon, for example, does not require the public go through metal detectors, but its Legislature did ban guns from its Statehouse last year.

I have friends around the Capitol who are shocked at how open our building is  no metal detector, no bag search, no nothing, said Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls. They were very surprised.

For years, Second Amendment groups and advocates and other members of the public have carried guns  sometimes open carried, sometimes concealed carried  at the Statehouse.

Several legislators also carry guns inside the Statehouse while they are working and attending meetings, which reporters have witnessed over the years and multiple legislators confirmed to the Idaho Capital Sun.

Its commonplace for those who spend time at the Statehouse to see guns in the building.

But a few instances in recent years stand out.

In one example, in 2020 an 11-year-old girl who was attending a committee hearing with her grandfather carried a loaded AR-15 rifle as they spoke during the committee hearing, the Associated Press reported.

In another example, on April 2, 2021, Idaho State Police officer James Love saw Jacob Berquist standing under the rotunda on the second floor making a video of himself while armed with a holstered semiautomatic handgun on his left hip, according to a redacted copy of Loves report that was obtained by the Idaho Capital Sun. Bergquist, who Boise Police say killed two people in October at the Boise Towne Square Mall before he was killed by police, entered Gov. Brad Littles office on April 2 and requested a meeting with Little to discuss the ability of felons to carry a firearm in Idaho, according to Loves Idaho State Police report. According to Idaho State Police records, Berquist told the governors secretary that he was convicted of theft in Illinois and wanted to get the word out that other felons could carry too.

Before he departed, I asked why he was armed if he was a felon, Love wrote. He told me by Idaho Code 18-310 he could and that I should check it out.

The section of Idaho Law Berquist cited deals with restoring the rights of convicted felons upon the final discharge of their imprisonment, probation or parole.

Love didnt arrest Bergquist that day, but he did file a report on April 21 recommending Ada County prosecutors investigate potential charges against Berguist. He was never charged with a crime connected to his armed visit to the Statehouse.

In the aftermath of the October Towne Square Mall shooting, Berquists armed visit to the Capitol was widely reported on, including by the Idaho Statesman, KTVB and KIVI.

In another Statehouse incident, this time not involving a firearm, an angry crowd broke a glass door on the fourth floor that leads to the public seating gallery above the House floor during the August 2020 special session. Members of the public had gathered in large numbers and were upset about COVID-19 safety protocols in the building, such as recommendations for capacity limits and social distancing. The glass broke as the crowd tried to push its way into the seating area.

No charges were filed in connection with the broken glass, the Idaho Press reported.

What do some Idaho legislators say about security at the Statehouse?

One of the greatest joys of being a legislator with a young family was the chance for Rep. Greg Chaney, R-Caldwell, to bring his wife and children to the Capitol to watch him debate a bill or preside over a committee hearing.

During his first years in office, Chaney didnt know as many people and hardly knew anybody watching from the seating gallery. He remembers how exciting and important it was when his wife, Sarah, and kids would come to watch him.

But those days are over, at least when the Legislature is in session.

Chaneys wife and family arrived at the Statehouse during the August 2020 special session about 10 minutes after the large crowd broke the glass above the House floor. The Chaneys were fine, Rep. Chaney said, but they had to be directed to a different part of the building and they havent been back since.

The kids dont come anymore, Chaney said in a phone interview. They want to, but they also understand it is no longer a safe place.

Even away from the Statehouse, the crowds havent always left the Chaneys alone.

In February 2021 a group of protestors carrying pitchforks and torches gathered in protest outside Chaneys home in Caldwell. Police monitored the protests and the crowds left, but not before leaving behind a stuffed animal wearing a shirt with Chaney printed brightly on it, hanged in effigy.

Three of the Chaneys children under 13 were home at the time.

Chaney said he will keep speaking out and keep showing up to work as a legislator  he said hes going to make a run for the Idaho Senate in 2022  because he believes in standing up to bullies.

But Chaney says some of the blame for the publics rhetoric lies with the Idaho House of Representatives itself and with political advocacy groups that seek to divide people and spread misinformation.

A lot of the temperature from the public, I think, originated from the House floor and the temperature of our conversations as legislators has a direct correlation to the temperature and reaction of the public, whether member at large or member of an extremist group, Chaney said.

Chaney isnt alone in his concerns.

Horman, the Idaho Falls Republican, describes herself as an advocate for increased Statehouse security. During a Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee meeting in early 2021, she said she spoke up in favor of the Idaho State Polices budget proposal for Statehouse security. Horman said she asked legislators to prioritize protecting a priceless treasure, which is our state Capitol and the people who are in it and our year-round staff, Horman said.

As a legislator, Horman said she has noticed increased security measures around the Capitol. For instance, she said 2021 was the first time in nine years as a legislator that shes attended a hearing that featured a security briefing beforehand.

Safety isnt just a theoretical matter for Horman either. In fall 2021, Horman said she received a threatening letter mailed to her home in Idaho Falls. Horman said the letter mentioned a wolf bill and included personal details about her, which she considered a threat. Horman said she reported the letter, which she believes other legislators received similar versions of, to an Idaho State Police officer who worked with security detail at the Capitol.

That is not the first death threat I have received, either, Horman said.

Its been a rare occasion when I havent felt safe in the Capitol, very rare, very rare, Horman said. So one way to keep the peoples house open to the people as much as possible is to increase that security presence to protect both the building and the people in it.

Rep. Brooke Green, D-Boise, said shes worried about stories like Abbotts and others where people dont feel safe coming to the Statehouse to share their views and participate in the process.

One of the things that is probably the most unfortunate is the fact certain folks in our population feel like they cant come down, like the security risk is too great or the precautions arent in place to protect them,Green said in a telephone interview. That is unfortunate; that is not the intention of the peoples house. Everyone should feel safe to come here.

Green is married to an Ada County Sheriffs officer and said security and the tenor of political debate is something that has been on her mind lately.

I dont think anybody can discount how divisive things are now, Green said. We are in some of the most divisive times we have ever seen. I will say I have seen an increase in security, and there were several instances in the past where I had to go to security, and I had to say, help me, I dont necessarily feel safe.

Overall, Green said she feels comfortable and hopes the most divisive days are behind everyone. She said its up to legislators, legislative committee chairs and legislative leaders to promote decorum and preserve order during proceedings. She applauds Idaho State Police and what she described as increased security protocols  including a new special button installed in the main legislative office.

Looking ahead to this upcoming session and beyond, Green doesnt foresee any changes to the ability of legislators or the public to carry guns at the Capitol.

I know several of my (legislative) colleagues carry concealed, Green said. Its not uncommon to walk these halls and see someone walk in with an AR-15; weve seen it before. Its not uncommon to see someone with a pistol on their hip. It is the Idaho way.

I dont anticipate any time soon any restrictions on anybodys Second Amendment right to carry in this building, Green added. That is something many of my colleagues are proud of.

Who is in charge of security at the Idaho State Capitol?

Idaho State Police, the Idaho Department of Administration and Capitol Mall Security provided by a private company called CBI Security Services all play a role in securing the Statehouse.

Idaho State Police communications director Lynn Hightower referred the Suns questions about security at the Capitol to Steve Walker, state security manager with the Idaho Department of Administration. Walker then referred the Sun to Department of Administration public information office Kim Rau.

Overall, Rau said the Department of Administration oversees security at the Capitol and has a security division with the department, which Walker oversees.

For the (Capitol Mall )Security firm and staff for the Department of Administration, basically their job at the Capitol and capitol mall area is just to be the eyes and ears, essentially, Rau said in an interview Monday. If something needs to be reported or elevated, we talk to ISP. And we do have ISP present at the Capitol constantly as well.

Rau said Department of Administration staff are aware of the elevated rhetoric, disruption and public concern.

Certainly during legislative sessions security is amped up a bit as additional (private) security officers are added during the session, generally on the Senate side and House side, Rau said.

But she said she doesnt know of any major security changes planned for the 2022 legislative session. Rau said there were a few changes before the 2021 session due to the COVID-19 pandemic  some committee rooms were reconfigured to spread out spacing and Plexiglass was installed, and then later removed, in some committee rooms and on the House floor.

But overall this year, Rau said officials are treating it as any other normal year.

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BOISE  By returning to session for three days in November at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, the Idaho Legislature has cost Idaho taxpayers more than $46,000, according to public records obtained by the Idaho Capital Sun.

The Idaho Legislature reconvened Nov. 15-17 to consider a response to COVID-19 requirements from employers and President Joe Biden. Legislators didnt pass any new laws while they were in session, but the Idaho House of Representatives and Idaho Senate adopted a nonbinding resolution pushing back against Bidens vaccine rules.

For the effort, taxpayers paid $46,592.78 in legislators per diem and travel expenses, pay for staffers associated with the session and increased security at the Statehouse, according to records released to the Sun by the Legislative Services Office. The largest chunk of the expense, $36,033, was for legislators per diem over the three days in November.

Speaker of the House Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, told the Sun in November the House was obligated to come back into session no later than Dec. 31 because of both House Resolution 4  which authorized the recess and a return to session no later than Dec. 31 and cut off expenses during the recess while legislators were not at the Capitol  and the necessity to act on the ethics committees recommendation to censure Rep. Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird. The committee in August recommended censuring Giddings for linking to a blog that identified by name and included the photo of a 19-year-old legislative intern who accused former Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, R-Lewiston, of raping her. (Von Ehlinger has maintained his innocence and is awaiting a jury trial on criminal charges.)

The House ultimately did vote 49-19 to censure Giddings and remove her from the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee, one of three committee assignments Giddings held.

Due to the resolution and the ethics committees report, Bedke said the House was required to reconvene.

We came back, we took care of the ethics matter decisively, and we took an attempt to set some policy with regard to the COVID situation, Bedke said in an interview.

Democrats agreed with the need to address the ethics complaint. But Democrats generally opposed the bills Republicans pushed in November related to COVID-19 response.

Because legislators didnt pass any laws and only adopted a nonbinding resolution in November, Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, said the taxpayers would be left on the hook to pay for what she essentially described as a letter to Biden opposing vaccine mandates.

Thats a pricey postage stamp for a letter, Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, tweeted shortly after legislators adjourned. Next time send an e-mail

For the 2021 session, the cost to taxpayers since the Legislature took its first recess on April 6  typically about the time when legislators would adjourn for the year sine die  is $558,470.92.

That total includes:

$511,878.14 for April 6 to May 12, from when the Idaho Legislature returned from its first recess to when the Idaho House of Representatives voted to take another extended recess.

$46,592.78 for Nov. 15 to 17.

How do the latest expenses for reconvening the legislative session break down?

From the $46,592.78 total, expenses breakdown as follows:

$36,033 for per-diem payments to legislators. No legislators returned or declined their allotted per diem during this time, Legislative Services Office officials said.

$13,392.08 for travel expenses legislators submitted for reimbursement, as of Dec. 26, 2021.

$8,951.97 for legislative session staff, excluding year-round staff that works regardless of whether the Legislature is in session.

$1,248.73 for additional security costs paid to CBI Security Services, a private security company that provides Capitol Mall Security officers in Idaho. CBI Security Services formed in Salt Lake City and also provides security services in Utah and Arizona, according to its website.

The Idaho Capital Sun did not request expenses for utility bills at the Statehouse during that period or for payroll for any year-round staffers or state agency employees, because the Idaho State Capitol is open and staffed year round, regardless of whether the Legislature is in session.

Legislators also earned an annual base salary in 2021 of $18,691, which is not affected by the length of a legislative session.

As legislative leaders, Bedke and Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, earn an extra $5,000 per year. House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, and Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon, R-Burley, earn an extra $2,000 per year.

Legislators whose primary residence is more than 50 miles from the Capitol receive $139 in per-diem payments for each day they are in session, while legislators who live within 50 miles receive $71 per day in session. Any legislator who lives more than 50 miles from the Capitol are also eligible to be reimbursed for travel expenses for one weekly round trip between their home and Boise.

The 2021 session was the longest in history, at 311 days including days at recess. That smashed the old record of 118 days set in 2003. However, legislators did not earn per-diem payments during the recess that began May 13 and lasted until they reconvened Nov. 15 because House Resolution 4 cut those payments off.

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BOISE  A survey of Idahoans in mid-November offers more insight into what people are thinking about when deciding whether or not to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The survey included 500 people. In that group, 15%  about 75 people  said they hadnt yet received the vaccine but were considering it. The remaining 85% said they were already vaccinated, and most of those vaccinated Idahoans said theyd gotten their first dose as soon as it was available to them.

But a chunk of Idahoans surveyed said theyd chosen to get vaccinated against COVID-19 during the few months leading up to November. That coincided with the delta-fueled surge that killed and hospitalized record numbers of Idahoans, in all age groups.

Robert Jones, partner at Boise-based firm GS Strategy Group, said the findings show Idahoans are open to getting vaccinated.

A persons own health, and the health of those close to them, seemed to be the most important factors in deciding to get vaccinated, he said.

The state last January hired GS Strategy Group under a $3 million contract to work on the issue of vaccine uptake. The firm was to survey Idahoans about their attitudes toward the coronavirus vaccine and find ways to build confidence in the vaccines.

The firm found last February, in a survey of a broad group of Idahoans, that many had concerns, mostly about safety  and those with concerns were especially politically right of center Idahoans.

The firm followed up last June with a survey of unvaccinated Idahoans. That survey confirmed that some Idahoans  about 30% of those not already vaccinated by then  were definitely not planning to roll up their sleeves. But about 41% of the unvaccinated group either planned to, or werent opposed to, getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

That group is where state public health officials have turned their attention. The latest survey focused on people who are undecided about vaccination, people who eagerly got vaccinated, and those who just recently chose to get a COVID-19 vaccine. What informed their decisions?

More than 58.4% of Idahoans age 5 and older have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to Idaho Division of Public Health data.

Idahos vaccination rate lags far behind the U.S. average. However, the Idahoans who got vaccinated initially have been enthusiastic about following up with a booster shot in the past few months, with 40.5% of fully vaccinated Idaho adults now boosted, compared with the national rate of 38%.

What is the one main reason you decided to get vaccinated recently?

There was a political divide in the answers to this question.

Idahoans who identified as Democrats or Independents were more than twice as likely as Republicans to say the impetus was a desire to prevent getting COVID-19, or to protect themselves and others.

Idahoans who identified as Republicans were more likely than Democrats or Independents to say they got vaccinated for travel, or to travel outside the U.S.

Independents, though, were more likely than others to say they got vaccinated because they were mandated/forced to for my job/because I had to.

There also was a racial divide in the impetus for getting vaccinated. Idahoans who said they were Black, Indigenous or persons of color were more likely than white Idahoans to say they got vaccinated to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, and more likely than white Idahoans to report getting the vaccine because of mandates, their job or another requirement.

What is the one main reason you have not gotten it yet?

The top three reasons Idahoans said they hadnt yet been vaccinated were:

believing they had immunity from a previous COVID-19 infection.

not having time or opportunity.

wanting to see more research, evidence and testing.

BIPOC Idahoans were much more likely than white Idahoans to report not yet having the time or opportunity to get vaccinated.

Most Idahoans believe COVID-19 vaccines work

The survey took place about one week before the omicron variant came to light, with more ability to infect people whod been vaccinated (as well as those previously infected with another variant).

About 42% of the 500 Idahoans surveyed at that point said they knew of a vaccine breakthrough case, where someone got infected despite immunization.

Still, a larger share of the surveyed Idahoans said they felt safe and comfortable returning to normal routines and being out in public with the vaccines availability  including about 60% of the Idahoans who hadnt yet been vaccinated themselves.

About 83% of surveyed Idahoans said they believed the vaccines worked at least as well as expected; only 13% believed the vaccines performed worse than expectations.

Those who werent yet vaccinated were almost three times more likely to believe the vaccines were underperforming.

Has anyone close to you died from COVID-19?

About three in every 10 Idahoans surveyed said someone close to them has died from COVID-19. That varied only slightly by party affiliation and race  with Democrats, Independents, Republicans, white and BIPOC Idahoans all losing people to the coronavirus disease.

The starkest difference was among people who remained on the fence about getting vaccinated: 80% of them said nobody close to them had died from COVID-19.

What about vaccinating children?

Nearly half of Idaho parents surveyed (48%) said they believed the COVID-19 vaccines are very safe for children. Another 21% said the vaccines are safe, while 31% either didnt know or believed theyre not safe. Republicans were the most likely to believe the vaccines are unsafe for kids, while Democrats and BIPOC Idahoans were most likely to believe the vaccines are safe.

Despite their confidence in the vaccines safety profile, only 64% of Idaho parents surveyed said their children were, or would likely be, vaccinated.

More than half of parents (56%) told those taking the survey that they support adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required immunizations to attend public school in Idaho (with 39% very supportive. About 37% opposed perfunctory vaccines for students (27% very opposed).

Democrats overwhelmingly voiced support for such mandates. Republicans were more likely to be opposed; 35% of Republican parents said they supported such mandates for schools.
About this series:

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Two hundred years ago, grizzly bears ruled the West. Today, people have taken that throne and relegated Ursus arctos horribilis to a fraction of its former range. But the bears  backed by legal protection and decades of recovery efforts  have begun reasserting themselves, in some cases appearing in areas where they hadnt been seen for nearly a century. And as the line between what is human versus bear territory blurs, a subsequent increase in conflicts has created challenges for residents, wildlife managers and politicians alike. In this 10-part series produced over the past year by outdoor reporters and photojournalists across Montana and Wyoming, the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzlies and humans are examined in full.

See where we went:

PART I  YEAR OF THE GRIZZLY

The slow but steady expansion of grizzly populations has led to an increase in bear-human conflicts that run the gamut from minor to deadly  trash-can rummages, chicken-coop break-ins, livestock depredation, fatal human maulings. As both bear and human populations grow in the region, experts say the number of conflicts will grow as well. That leaves stakeholders to grapple with how people should react when grizzlies eventually reach their properties, and whether the bears will adapt to the limits we impose on them.

Year of the grizzly: how 2021 conflicts might shape our perspectives on bears

OVANDO - Are grizzly bears tourist attractions, traffic hazards or nightmare killers? How people imagine bears drives a lot of how stakeholders try to manage them in the Lower 48.

Making the list: how grizzlies became endangered

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - Grizzlies once roamed widely across the West until settlers and explorers reduced their numbers out of spite and sport from an estimated 50,000 to 600 in less than 200 years time.

A bear, a bicycle and the challenges associated with backcountry recreation

CORAM  Brad Treats fatal bike collision with a grizzly illustrates the challenge of recreating in bear country. With both bear populations and human activity on the upswing, conflicts will grow accordingly.

PART II  BEARS ON THE RANCH

Cows and sheep taste good to people and grizzly bears. The people who raise livestock, and the people who manage grizzlies, face growing conflicts as bear populations expand into grazing country. The livestock industry led the charge to eliminate predators like the grizzly from the West a century ago. Now that bears are back, can ranchers find a way to co-exist?

What ravens, dogs, sheep and grizzlies all have to do with a Big Hole ranch

GLEN  A ranching family has used guard dogs with tracking collars and other tech to protect their sheep from predators. Now they hope an effort to keep grizzlies away from a nearby dump will solve a bigger issue  ravens.

Connectivity, livestock hang in balance as grizzlies show up in ranching town

AVON  A ranching family dealing with grizzly depredations offers an account of incidents which left one grizzly and several steers dead. Bear managers are now working with landowners as more bears arrive.

PART III  LIVING WITH GRIZZLIES



Living in grizzly country demands adaptation and passion. As the great bear has progressed from near-extinction to near-recovery in the Continental United States, the people who live closest to them have complex opinions about how to live with an apex predator.

Noted author, filmmaker advocates for grizzlies that saved his life

EMIGRANT  Grizzlies helped Doug Peacock heal after his traumatizing service as a Green Beret in Vietnam. In return, the author and filmmaker has dedicated his life to advocating for the bears.

Outfitter in grizzly country advises co-existence

BIG SKY  For several generations, the Kelsey family has raised cows and led groups through some of the wildest grizzly country outside of Yellowstone National Park. Theyve found a way to co-exist.

Who you looking at? Camera trap wins photographer international award

SEELEY  A Montana man's photo of a grizzly guarding a carcass won 1st place in the "Animals in their environments" category in the 2021 international Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

PART IV  GRIZZLY SCIENCE

Recovering the grizzly bear required decades of innovative, diligent scientific effort. From the time when finding a grizzly in the wild was nearly impossible to todays hi-tech tactics for managing grizzlies and their prey, the best available science has been constantly under review.

Biologist's tenure along Beartooth Front spans from grizzly bear listing to repopulation

RED LODGE  For years a state wildlife biologist's efforts to spot grizzlies along the Beartooth Front were fruitless, but that changed after bear numbers rebounded in Yellowstone National Park. Now the bruins are a more common sight and a challenge to manage.

Rancher charts new way forward for dealing with grizzlies

TOM MINER BASIN  In the Tom Miner Basin near Yellowstone National Park, a ranching family has worked to live alongside grizzly bears by modifying their own behaviors, and by adopting unique technology.

PART V  GETTING BEAR AWARE

The general public has just as much stake in grizzly bear co-existence as the wildlife managers and scientists who get paid to interact with them. That has spawned an extensive education effort to persuade people to adapt to grizzly needs before they come into conflict with the bears appetites and attitudes.

Virginia City: the model Bear Smart Community

VIRGINIA CITY  Black bears used to cause havoc in Virginia City, but efforts to neutralize attractants changed that. Now, residents hope those efforts have prepared them for their next likely visitors  grizzlies.

Kylie Kembel educates Red Lodge-area residents about grizzlies

RED LODGE  As grizzlies have expanded to the Beartooth Front, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has hired Kylie Kembel to educate the public about living safely with their new, wild neighbors.

PART VI  LOVE GRIZZLIES OR HUNT THEM?

Grizzly bears dont attend policy meetings. Our reactions to their activity may be rooted in economics, fear, adoration or politics. A comprehensive survey of Montana grizzly attitudes found that we love having the great bear on the landscape, and we think hunting them would be a good idea. Current science indicates those two opinions will conflict, as people assume hunting bears will solve problems when instead it may push grizzly populations back into endangered status. Can both humans and grizzly bears adapt to share the landscape they both claim?

Survey results show Montanans love grizzlies, yet they also want to hunt them

MISSOULA  A survey of Montana grizzly attitudes show residents value having grizzlies around, but think hunting is necessary and useful  something bear biologists havent found much evidence to support.

Guard dogs fix some, not all bear problems at Avon ranch

AVON  A Montana rancher doesnt agree with how grizzlies are being managed on private lands. Nonetheless, he supports the species right to exist and is using nonlethal methods to protect his property.

PART VII  THE RECOVERY PROCESS

Bears are where they find you. The history of grizzly bear recovery in Montana has shown that this opportunistic omnivore can adapt to almost any landscape it can reach, if given a chance to find food and stay out of trouble. But our tendency to leave food and trouble in bears reach means we must adapt to the bears needs, or risk pushing them back to the brink of extinction.

Bear biologist sees human management as major challenge

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK  A national park bear biologist has seen grizzly populations slowly recover. He says the main challenge is teaching people to act responsibly for the health and safety of bears and humans.

Wayward griz shows how bears use the land, get in trouble

GOLD CREEK  Experts are studying grizzlies as they travel to new territories. One collared male has roamed to surprising places, demonstrating where more bears may show up and the precautions people should take.

PART VIII  WHERE BEARS GO

Micro transmitters and satellite connectivity have exposed the secret ways of grizzlies in the wild. Weve learned how they learn where to find food, how to avoid people and what kind of country they prefer to travel. To achieve full species recovery, grizzly bears must be able to connect isolated populations. But the corridors they use brings them into conflict with people and development that have claimed the same ground.

Connecting recovery zones may benefit grizzly populations

BIG HOLE VALLEY  Grizzlies have made gains toward recovery, but populations may need to connect to secure long-term stability. That has prompted scientists to focus on lands that fall between large populations.

From Idaho to Montana, Ethyl the bear rambled 2,800 miles

EUREKA  A radio-collared grizzly sow took a lengthy trek through Montana and Idaho. Her trail shows the many places bears may soon inhabit as their numbers increase.

PART IX  INDIGENOUS INPUT

While federal and state agencies have dominated grizzly bear management for decades, Native American tribal nations have co-existed with the great bear for millennia. Many tribes now claim a stake in the grizzly bears future, and they have historical and legal standing to make their opinions matter.

American Indian tribes seek greater voice in grizzly management

Native American tribes throughout the Rocky Mountains have extensive traditions regarding grizzlies, and their sovereign nation status gives them legal rights in the future of grizzly management.

Spirit animal: grizzlies in the Indian world

Bear management in Indian Country looks very different from the mainstream public lands approach. For one thing, theres a strong spiritual component.

PART X  THE WAY FORWARD

The past year has recorded a remarkable reshuffling of political attitudes toward grizzly bears. Changes of administration in Montana and nationwide have upended long-standing positions about predator management and endangered species recovery. While the grizzly bear remains the same animal its always been, our human response to it, exercised through our political leadership, must find ways to link biology and behavior.

Threat or thrill? Where do grizzlies go from here?

Grizzly bears arent only a challenge for Montanans. People confront the big brown bears around the world, and have many different ways of building a relationship.

Grizzlies walk political tightrope as state, feds reverse course on protections

As the grizzly population has grown, so too has the political divide in the country and Montana. How will polarization shape the future of grizzlies, a species that can be both revered and divisive?

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By Trend

Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov has sent letters of condolences to Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkey Hulusi Akar and Chief of the General Staff, Army General Yashar Guler, Trend reports with reference to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

"I am deeply saddened by the news that three servicemen of the glorious Turkish army became martyrs as a result of a treacherous terrorist attack in the Akcakale district of Sanliurfa, the letter said. Your grief is our grief too.

We are always close to the Armed Forces of fraternal Turkey and we support them with all our strength in the fight against terrorism, the letter said. I pray to Almighty Allah for the repose of the souls of the martyrs, share the sorrow and grief of their relatives and express my deep condolences to their families.

May Allah rest the souls of the martyrs in peace, the letter said.
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul has promised to wage a vigorous review into the origins of the coronavirus if Republicans retake the Senate and he lands a committee chairmanship. Paul spoke to supporters at a campaign rally Saturday in Kentucky. The libertarian-leaning Republican is seeking a third term this year in Kentucky. He says hes in line to assume a committee chairmanship if the GOP wins Senate control after the November election. With that power, he promised to get to the bottom of where this virus came from. U.S. intelligence agencies remain divided on the origins of COVID-19 but believe Chinas leaders didnt know about the virus before the start of the pandemic.
The Montana Department of Justice has released a missing and endangered persons alert for a missing Indigenous teenager from Missoula.

Kaelynn Bixby, 13, was last seen on Dec. 15.

She does not have a history of running away but has not been back to school. The family is uncooperative with law enforcement. There is concern for Kaelynns welfare, the alert says.

Shes described as 5 feet tall and 120 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair.

If you have information, contact the Missoula Police Department.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

Deep cultural ties dating back thousands of years connect Indigenous people to grizzly bears through myth, culture and law.

The Hopi Tribe see grizzly bears, known as Hoonaw, as a healer and medicine man.

He is our uncle, said Benjamin Nuvamsa, elder of the Hopi Bear Clan and director of the Global Indigenous Council. He plays a central role in the traditions, ceremonies and the sovereignty of the native people. I do not know of a tribal nation that does not hold the grizzly in high regard.

To the Eastern Shoshone, grizzly bears are kin, elders. They arent to be hunted for food, sport or hides. The Shoshone learn about them as medicine. They learn from them.

For millennia, our people lived with wolves, bear and buffalo that were here and that system, that ecological balance, has been dismantled, said Jason Baldes, an ecologist, biologist and member of the Eastern Shoshone in central Wyoming. Now we have created a constructed landscape, weve plowed it over, paved it over, fenced it in or fenced it out, and we as man think our role is just as important as anything else. But we are a small piece of that puzzle.

The Eastern Shoshone, Hopi and more than 200 other tribes or tribal organizations have signed a treaty demanding protection for the grizzly bear. Many of them have also joined lawsuits to overturn federal efforts at removing Endangered Species Act protection from grizzlies. In the process, they have expanded the public discussion about which values and voices have a stake in the grizzlys future.

Fighting back

With the appointment of Laguna Pueblo enrolled member Deb Haaland to the position of U.S. Secretary of the Interior in 2021, American Indians hope their opinions may be heard when it comes to decisions affecting issues like grizzly bears. Haaland oversees the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is charged with administration of the Endangered Species Act.

There must be a balance, but right now there is no balance, and our Mother Earth is sick, said Lee Juan Tyler, councilman for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of southeastern Idaho. Our Mother Earth is suffering from so much contamination and the effects of climate change. We can see how our Mother Earth is out of balance when we look at the grizzly bear.

Climate changes effects on grizzly bears have included the decline in whitebark pine trees, which produce a high-protein seed grizzly bears dine on in the fall. How shorter winters with less snow, which could become the norm, will affect grizzlies is uncertain. But an increase in wildland fires will displace bears and other wildlife, and rising temperatures have the potential to forever alter the mountain habitats bears rely on and to which they have been confined by development.

Tribal leaders also raised religious freedom claims when the federal government last proposed delisting the grizzly bear in 2017. They focused on the potential for states to resume trophy hunting of grizzlies if ESA protection was removed.

Such killing and/or other reduction in population of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone area profoundly disrupts, if not entirely prevents, the grizzly bears sustainable recovery to its full habitat range, a portion of the 2017 complaint read.  The continued existence and expansion of grizzly bears back into their traditional habitat range is necessary to ensure that the Plaintiffs have the ability to freely express their religious faith.

Trophy hunting grizzly bears is part of a killing tradition, said Don Shoulderblade, a Northern Cheyenne Sun Dance priest and spiritual leader. We come from a subsistence culture where there is ceremony and great respect accorded those beings you ask to offer their lives so that you might live.

Tyler noted the grizzly is a sacred being in Shoshone-Bannock culture, and that killing a bear would be akin to the murder of a relative.

The Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho spent years crafting a plan for managing grizzlies on the reservation. It says that the tribes recognize grizzly bears as strong, as great and as deserving of respect and placed here by the Creator for a purpose.

The plan also says grizzly bears would be managed as a trophy game animal, in consultation with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team. It does allow for the possibility of bear hunting, particularly of bears that may be creating conflict with humans on the landscape. However, a group of elders and leaders from both tribes repudiated the hunting plan in 2019 in testimony before Congress.

In 2019, the Blackfoot Confederacy drafted a declaration regarding the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem population of grizzly bears. The document opposes any trophy hunting of grizzlies.

The Crown of the Continent is the heartland of the Blackfoot Confederacy, and we will not stand by and watch our ancestors legacy pass into oblivion with the sacred grizzly bear, and see our children and future generations robbed once more of a vital part of their culture, that which is represented by the sacred and spiritual power of the grizzly bear, the declaration stated.

Tribal voice

Following the delisting decision, tribal governments testified in U.S. House and Senate committees requesting a moratorium until they had an opportunity to contribute their ideas, plans and alternatives. While a federal court blocked the delisting in 2019, tribal leaders have maintained pressure on management debates.

Those alternatives will provide for cultural, economic and environmental revitalization to tribal communities, and enable economic diversification, said Tom Rodgers, a Blackfeet Tribal member. Tribal nations continue to fight for a meaningful seat at the table.

The Grizzly Treaty calls for government-to-government consultation with all tribes regarding delisting; the raw data behind scientific conclusions; a moratorium on delisting until Indigenous people are consulted; and reintroduction of grizzlies to suitable habitat on reservation lands rather than trophy hunting of the species.

We want to see the articles of that treaty implemented into future federal grizzly bear management decision-making and management plans, Rodgers said.

Rodgers said Ryan Zinke, who was Secretary of the Interior under President Donald Trump in 2016, ignored Indigenous peoples requests for consultation before announcing the bears removal from protections offered by the Endangered Species Act.

While a delisting may not directly impact management of grizzly bears on tribal lands, it does impact grizzlies living in traditional territories. The Wind River Reservation, for example, was once 44 million acres before the federal government continued to shrink it to the final 2.2 million acres.

The future of grizzly bears should be decided in consultation with tribes because where they exist is still in areas of high cultural importance and value, Baldes said.

Were fighting for water rights and buffalo restoration and cultural restoration to allow native people to speak our language and practice our cultures and impose our belief systems on how we treat and manage things, he said. My hopes are bears would be secure, that they would be respected and given places to be.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes oversee some of the most heavily-populated grizzly habitat in the Lower 48 States on their Flathead Reservation. Part of their management strategy has restricted one of the most scenic and popular segments of the Mission Mountains from public access in the middle of summer  because thats when grizzly bears use those high-altitude slopes to gorge on insects.

The Salish and Kootenai are the gold standard for wildlife and natural resource management among the tribes, said Cristina Eisenberg, a research biologist with extensive experience on tribal lands throughout the United States. Bear management isnt just about the science. Its about human values.

Missoulian reporter Rob Chaney contributed to this story.

Grizzlies leave marks on landscape and culture Northern Cheyenne Sun Dance priest and spiritual leader Don Shoulderblade wrote a book, Almost Ancestors: The Grizzly Bear in Cheyenne Religion, that is scheduled for publication this year. Shoulderblade died on Sept. 26 before the book was in print. In the book, he provided this Native story about a feature in Yellowstone National Park called Obsidian Cliff. Nahkohe, the word for bear, is a near-homonym of nahkoe, mother  a term used only in addressing ones mother. There is thus a link between bears and the maternal aspect of women, one that is brought out in the story, in which the two meanings of the term are played upon. One fall, some women were singing while picking chokecherries and bear berries beside a stream. An unmarried young woman, engrossed in the singing and her work, was suddenly confronted by a large grizzly bear; her companions had fled. The grizzly approached and picked her up, carrying her to his den in the mountains. There, a cub came forward and addressed her as mother. The young woman indeed became like a mother to the cub, but she continued to miss her people. When the cub was bigger, it addressed her one-day. Mother, it said, It is nearly time. Soon we shall leave both this place and my father. It told her to make many pairs of moccasins, as their trail was long. In the spring, when the thunder had returned, and the cubs father was gone hunting, the cub pushed aside the stones and logs with which the bear had concealed the entrance, and the two of them took flight. After suffering various difficulties, they reached the Cheyenne camp, and walked into it hand in hand, so that the people would know the young bear was friendly. The young bear soon became part of society, and struck up a friendship with two boys, named Hatchet Keeper and Fastest Runner (i.e. Thunder and Lightning). One day the three of them decided to go to an ancient place, one they had not seen before. After traveling west for several days, they came upon an immense rock cliff that barred their way. There was no way around it. There is only one thing to do, said the bear. In response, Hatchet Keeper took his axe and struck the wall of rock. Great chunks of rock flew off the rock wall until its top was jagged, like teeth. Then he struck the cliff so violently that when he jerked the hatchet back, most of the head remained embedded in the rock wall. That is how the Obsidian Cliff in Yellowstone was formed  it is the head of Hatchet Keepers axe. The story, which relates both Thunder and the grizzly bear to the creation of the Obsidian Cliff, also suggests the awe with which the early Indians must have confronted this monument, seeing themselves reflected darkly in the shiny black stone, as though they were seeing themselves in the Spirit World. As the color black is associated with winter, it is small wonder that the Obsidian Cliff was the site of the Winter Solstice Rite in ancient times.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

When Kerry Gunther goes backpacking, he likes to visit the desert Southwest.

Theres two reasons the lead bear biologist in Yellowstone National Park cites for his penchant to travel south. One is that he has more time off in the winter, when bears are hibernating, and the weather in the Southwest in winter is fairly mild and free of tourists. The other reason is that he doesnt have to worry about grizzly bears when he pitches his tent.

You dont have to have that in the back of your mind, he said.

The rest of the year, when bears are roaming the landscape, black bears and grizzlies are always top of mind for Gunther, who has spent 39 of his 62 years working with bruins in the nations first national park.

There are so many ways they can come into conflict with people, usually at the fault of people, and we get called to deal with them, Gunther said.

Bear abode

Thanks to the protection provided by the creation of Yellowstone National Park, Gunther works in one of the few places grizzly bears have survived the onslaught of Euro-American settlement of the lower 48 states. While the big bruins were hunted and trapped to extinction elsewhere, grizzlies were able to hide out in the more than 28,000 square miles of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Even with that protection, however, grizzly numbers in the GYE dropped to an estimated low of only 136 animals in the mid-1970s, although verifying that figure for a species that occupies remote terrain is difficult. Due to the low bear populations, in 1975 the species was protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act.

Dan Wenk noted in the book Yellowstone Grizzly Bears: Ecology and Conservation of an Icon of Wildness that grizzlies were scarce when he first worked in the park from 1979 to 1984. He saw only five in that entire period. When Wenk returned to Yellowstone in 2011 as superintendent, he noticed a distinct shift. In one day on a drive through the park he counted 10 grizzlies.

It was abundantly clear that this was a different park than the one I left more than 25 years earlier, he wrote.

Thanks to recovery efforts, the GYEs grizzly population is now estimated by wildlife officials at 690 bears with an asterisk. Bear populations could be underestimated by 40% to 50% agency scientists claim.

We probably reached ecological carrying capacity in the mid- to late-90s, Gunther said. The population is now pretty stable.

Those figures have been challenged by grizzly advocates outside of federal and state agencies. Environmental groups have repeatedly and successfully fought to keep grizzlies on the endangered species list because of the many threats to traditional food sources. These include a 70% loss of whitebark pine trees, whose seeds are a high in protein, and dramatic declines in Yellowstone cutthroat trout and elk populations inside Yellowstone.

Bears have also weathered the 1988 fires in Yellowstone, which burned more than 800,000 acres, and the reintroduction of wolves which started in 1995.

Despite the loss of traditional foods, grizzly biologists note that Yellowstones bear population has grown due to the animals ability to adapt and its omnivorous nature. By collecting and analyzing scat, researchers identified more than 260 items on the grizzly bears menu, led by 20 to 30 most-consumed. Whats more, scientists noted through capture studies that, despite the decline in some food sources, grizzly bears have maintained healthy body condition.

They can survive just about anything as long as we dont kill them, Gunther said.

However, loss of food sources can lead to bears seeking new home ranges outside of Yellowstone since competition for food can push less dominant bears out as males seek places to avoid confrontation, Gunther noted.

They wander as far as they need to to eat, he said.

Management

Wandering bears are the main reason for people management, Gunther noted. By bear-proofing dumpsters, homes and campsites, those bears don't receive food rewards that could make them associate humans with a meal.

Whats fortunate for us is that almost all the (human) visitation occurs in developed areas, Gunther said.

So the backcountry, where bears want to be, is mostly free of human encroachment. Visitor studies have shown the majority of the parks 4 million annual visitors dont get more than two to three miles away from boardwalks. Although there are 300 designated backcountry campsites, they are rarely filled every night.

So bears still have millions of acres with little human use, he said. In the best habitat in the park, use can only get so high, since backcountry use is controlled by a permit system.

Scientists continue to expand their knowledge of Yellowstone grizzlies, including a current study examining a decade of data from GPS-collared bears showing how they are utilizing the landscape in Bear Management Areas, which are temporarily closed or restricted to human access to avoid conflicts.

BMAs were created in 1983 to reduce bear-human encounters in designated areas, like around Old Faithful in the spring. Bears will seek out winterkill, often bison carcasses, to feed on after awakening from hibernation. The BMAs were created based on recommendations from park staff. The new study, expected to be completed by next spring, will pinpoint what habitat bears are using.

Anything that restricts recreation use is controversial, so this will be helpful, Gunther said.

At those backcountry campsites, the Park Service has made it easier for campers to safely store their food by installing metal bear boxes or poles to hang food out of a bears reach.

If you make food storage easy and convenient, people will use it, he said. Were trying to make it easier for people to do the right thing, which keeps bears out of trouble.

The efforts have been largely successful, with few human-bear conflicts despite increasing visitation. Yellowstone visitors have a 1 in 63.4 million chance of suffering an injury by a grizzly bear, which drops to 1 in 1.7 million for those who camp inside the park.

Crowding

In his tenure in Yellowstone, Gunther has seen visitation double from about 2 million people a year to 4 million.

The ecosystem used to be very remote and rural, and now there are a lot of people living in the ecosystem, he said. So the human-bear interface is becoming more of a challenge.

Some of those people are building homes in what is now referred to as the wildland urban interface, or WUI, next to national forests and trout streams seen as amenities that increase a propertys value. Such development means fewer places for wildlife to avoid contact with humans.

In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which extends outside the park, more people visiting to hunt and hike has also increased the number of human-bear encounters. The leading cause of grizzly mortalities in the GYE is from hunters shooting bears in the fall, when bruins are actively seeking food before hibernating. Some elk hunters joke that a rifle shot in the fall is like ringing a dinner bell for a grizzly.

Currently, the highest proportion (30%) of all reported grizzly bear mortalities is associated with shootings by ungulate hunters (mostly self-defense kills), followed by conflicts with humans in developed areas (25%) and livestock depredations (19%), according to the book Yellowstone Grizzly Bears.

Key to reducing these bear fatalities is greater education. Many hunters and hikers do not carry bear spray, a proven bear deterrent when successfully deployed. Even in Yellowstone, fewer than 30% of backcountry visitors carried bear spray, a park study found.

Finding a way to reduce bear-human conflicts will help build more social tolerance for the big animals on the landscape, Gunther said. The difficult part is that there are always some folks who are ignorant about how to recreate in grizzly bear country.

They just dont behave very well, he said.

He cited three instances this summer when backcountry campers freaked out after seeing bears and abandoned all of their food and gear.

That could have been bad for the bear and for the next people who camped there, he said. Just because you see a bear, its not going to kill you.

Population

Gunther said Yellowstone probably reached its ecological carrying capacity for grizzly bears in the mid to late 1990s. Since 2001, scientists have recorded slow growth, partly due to lower cub and yearling survival  two ages that are difficult for scientists to monitor.

Despite a relatively small population when the animals were listed as threatened, studies have shown Yellowstone grizzlies have maintained genetic diversity. One of the goals of bear managers, however, is to increase the animals genetic diversity to help it withstand future challenges that climate change may pose. To do that without human intervention, grizzlies from the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem need to migrate as far south as Yellowstone, or vice-versa. So far, that hasnt happened, but Gunther remains optimistic that it could occur someday soon. If not, bear managers have the option to capture and release animals from each ecosystem to manually attempt to increase genetic flow.

One of the main complications is for a bear to successfully navigate the landscape between Glacier and Yellowstone national parks requires crossing highways, rivers and human development without running into conflict.

Right now our genetic diversity is not at risk, but eventually if they dont connect it could be, Gunther said. In the next decade or two, it could happen.

Suggestions by park critics that bears are abandoning Yellowstone because of critical food shortages are unfounded, he said. Instead, the increasing bear population is what motivates some animals to leave the protection of Yellowstone.

Our counts are pretty stable," Gunther said. "Collared bears havent moved.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

For the first 20 years as a state wildlife biologist along the eastern front of the Beartooth Mountains, Shawn Stewart followed up on every report of a grizzly bear.

I could not verify a grizzly bear on the Beartooth Face, he said.

Stewart began working for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks in 1976  a year after grizzlies were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. At the time, it was estimated about 210 grizzlies occupied the 28,000 square miles of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

During the 19th century, the big bears had been eliminated from 98% of their historic range in the Lower 48 States. This included the Beartooth Face  deep glacier-carved valleys and tundra-like mountaintops in south-central Montana that stretch from the Wyoming border about 85 miles northwest to Livingston.

Based in the community of Red Lodge, in the foothills of the Beartooths, Stewarts tenure as a biologist for the past 45 years has spanned a unique arc of the grizzly bears recovery, from its listing as a threatened species to its return to a landscape after a 100-year absence.

The first

It wasnt until May 8, 1997  21 years after starting his job  that Stewart finally saw his first grizzly bear west of Red Lodge. The bear, a 3-year-old male, had been shot and killed by a landowner after it attacked a horse.

Im not saying it was the first bear ever in the area, but it was the first one I could document, and I spent a lot of time trying, he said.

Within a week, another subadult was seen traveling in the nearby East Rosebud drainage. Over the course of the next month, grizzly bear tracks were confirmed in the upper West Fork Stillwater River and about 10 miles west of Red Lodge.

After being absent for a century, the big bruins were back along the Beartooth Front and making their presence known.

By 1998 the first grizzly bear killing of a sheep was documented along the Face in the Fishtail area. The 5-year-old male had been captured for a similar offense in Wyoming and was therefore euthanized.

In 2004, a grizzly cub born in the Bad Canyon area, northeast of Nye, was the first confirmation of reproduction.

Three years later, a 2-year-old male became the first bear captured near Red Lodge after it wandered into a subdivision south of town during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Then in 2011  after 35 years on the job  Stewart saw his first live grizzly bear in the wild. He was flying a survey, high up in the East Rosebud drainage, for bighorn sheep and mountain goats in mid-May when he saw the bear. It was practically to Granite Peak, Montanas highest mountain, he said.

That was a monumental thing for me, Stewart said. I thought, You know, Ive been doing this for a lot of years, and thats the first one Ive ever seen. I wonder how long it will be until I see another one on the Beartooth Face.

I believe it was within a week I was watching a female and a cub down on Line Creek. So it didnt take long to see the second one.

Now

Twenty-four years after Stewart saw his first grizzly bear along the Beartooth Face, the bruins are now a more common sight. Hes seen them while walking his dog near Red Lodge, which has a growing population of about 2,000 people  the largest community along the Front. Residents have photographed bears wandering suburban streets, and livestock depredations by grizzlies occur annually on nearby ranches.

With more bruins in nearby Yellowstone National Park, it was only a matter of time before they explored adjacent wildlands, including the Beartooth Mountains.

As the Yellowstone ecosystem filled it seemed that bears spilled out of the park to the east first, into some of that Wyoming country and some of that good bear habitat on the east border of Yellowstone, then maybe a little bit more to the southeast, Stewart said. They were a little slower to get into the Beartooths, for whatever reason. Part of that is that the Beartooths themselves, those high alpine plateaus, are not really that great a grizzly habitat. There are bears there occasionally, but Ive often wondered if  that large block of alpine habitat  was somewhat of an impediment to their movement.

Now on flights to count wildlife for FWP, Stewart sees half-a-dozen grizzlies a year. While hiking he spies their tracks in the mud and their hair caught on barbed wire fences. One Wyoming bear that was captured left its ear tag snagged on a Montana fence.

You quickly realize that there is really no place in the Beartooths, and I mean this literally, where you have no likelihood of running into a bear, Stewart said. At some time, during the course of the year, or course of a couple three years, there are bears in every drainage. There is no place that I can say there are not going to be bears, because weve got observations practically every place now.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

Southwest Montanas Big Hole Valley is an intriguing piece of the grizzly bear puzzle.

Equidistant from the two largest populations of bears in the Lower 48 States, and surrounded by several potential mountain ranges that bears could travel through, the Big Hole Valley could be the place where grizzlies from populations in the Northern Continental Divide (NCDE) and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems (GYE) meet. Or it could be their next new home.

Whether a grizzly population is viable long-term depends on genetic diversity, experts say, and challenges to delisting have been successful in federal court in part because grizzlies from the populations have yet to connect or prove they can.

That's why a hairball from a young male grizzly bear in the Big Hole Valley was sent to Canada to be analyzed last year. The question was: Where did the grizzly that left the hair come from?

The results came back this fall. The bear was from the NCDE.

There have been many Big Hole grizzly sightings in recent years, but only the one sample has been analyzed closely. There were five confirmed sightings in 2020, and this year was mostly quiet in the valley until two grizzlies were confirmed by a range rider in the Miner Lakes area near Jackson in August.

This summer, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees grizzly recovery, wrapped up a pilot DNA study  setting up hair snares and cameras across remote sites in southwest Montana, including in the Big Hole. The goal was to see if grizzlies from the two recovery areas have started to mingle, thus strengthening that gene pool and their chance for long-term survival.

Preliminary camera results released in mid-October confirmed two grizzly bears are using the headwaters of the East Fork Bitterroot River, just northwest of the Big Hole. Those are the first documented bears to use that area in recent history.

The study found light-colored hair samples in the Big Hole Valley, but no grizzlies were captured on camera there, and the species of bears behind the hair remains unknown until DNA results come back.

Grizzlies are in the Big Hole, however, and Rory Trimbo, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks grizzly bear specialist out of Anaconda, and non-profit People and Carnivores field leader Kim Johnston are targeting the area for conflict prevention work.

Johnston plucked that first sample from a barbed wire fence near Wisdom in April 2020 herself. She also got the young male grizzly on camera.

The long road to connect

The fatal grizzly attack on camper Leah Davis Lokan in Ovando, 90 miles north of the Big Hole Valley, made national headlines.

The fatality also stirs echoes of the Night of the Grizzlies in 1967, when two grizzly bears killed two women in two separate Glacier National Park campgrounds on the same night. Then, as now, grizzly bears stood on the threshold of major change.

Fifty-four years ago, wildlife biologists and land managers dueled over the bears dependence on garbage-dump feeding in Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. The debate ended with the abrupt closure of the dumps, which led to hundreds of grizzlies getting killed in conflicts with tourists and others as they sought new sources of food. By 1975, there were so few grizzlies remaining in the Lower 48 states that they became the eighth animal given protection under the new Endangered Species Act of 1973.

A half-century later, the number of grizzlies in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington have grown four-fold. They have also roamed beyond the recovery areas developed in the 1990s. The six designated areas, or ecosystems, were created as part of the grizzly recovery plan. While those grizzlies are exploring and occasionally denning in habitat they dominated for a millennia, they also share those places with people who havent encountered an apex predator at their grandfathers fishing hole before.

The NCDE lies entirely within Montana, and has about 1,000 grizzlies between Glacier National Park and Missoula. The GYE has an estimated 1,000 grizzlies in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho surrounding Yellowstone National Park. The Cabinet-Yaak and Selkirk Ecosystems each have about 50 bears, while the Bitterroot and North Cascades have no confirmed resident bears.

Why some bears are moving out of their isolated mountains inspires both scientific and political debate. Are recovery areas such as the NCDE and and GYE too crowded or depleted, forcing bears to seek new territory? Or are the surrounding lands too attractive, drawing bears to literally greener pastures?

While wildlife managers concentrated their efforts to boost grizzly populations inside the recovery areas, that didnt mean the bears couldn't saunter outside the zones. And in fact, part of the criteria for getting grizzlies off Endangered Species Act protection is proof they can wander between those designated areas.

But although the two biggest populations lie a mere 70 miles apart, that gap contains a minefield of highways, towns, ranches, orchards, chicken coops, garbage dumps, boneyards, and other obstacles that are either dangerous or enticing to grizzlies.

The Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems are home to the vast majority of grizzlies south of Canada. Southwest Montana is the passage between them, and the Big Hole Valley is at the center of southwest Montana.

The area is also at the edge of the Bitterroot Ecosystem, a grizzly recovery area with no confirmed resident grizzlies thats getting increasing attention as bears from the other big populations explore new territory.

Bears attempting the passage face a serious barrier of Interstates 90 and 15. Younger males are often the first to venture into the unknown, and stand a higher chance of getting into conflicts as they seek new food sources on a landscape split 50-50 between public and private land.

More homes and people are arriving with the real estate boom, and even those who are well established may not have dealt with grizzlies in the past.

The Big Hole bears

Before results came back from the 2020 Big Hole hair sample, bear experts werent sure whether the bear came from the NCDE or GYE. Johnston leaned toward the NCDE.

NCDE bears have been trekking farther south. A young male grizzly Trimbo collared in fall 2020 is presumed to be an NCDE bear and made his way to within 25 miles of the Big Hole, after crossing I-90, no less, and was picked up on camera east of Sula during the FWS study this summer.

Grizzlies are also occasionally sighted just north of Butte in the Elk Park and Basin areas, also fairly close to the Big Hole, but on the opposite side of I-90.

On the other hand, a study conducted by FWP and the U.S. Geological Survey using 15 years of data from collared male bears from both the NCDE and GYE did find future travel direct from the GYE to the Big Hole probable.

Now the question is whether the other Big Hole bears are also from the NCDE.

The FWS led a major study with sites in the Big Hole and other reaches of southwest Montana between populations this summer to find out.

The big study

FWS grizzly bear biologist Jennifer Fortin-Noreus led the charge way back up Forest Service roads to find bear scat, huckleberries and rub trees in the Beaverhead, Pioneer, Anaconda-Pintler, Flint Creek, John Long, and Sapphire mountains, as well as to the lower Clark Fork and Ninemile Divide.

It has been fun to get to know these very rugged areas, Fortin-Noreus said.

Collaborating with the U.S. Forest Service, teams from the FWS and conservation group Defenders of Wildlife built barbed wire hair corrals with scent lures and set up cameras at that sites.

The lures were stinky, but didnt provide a food reward, and sites were chosen in part based on past verified or possible sightings and recommendations from area biologists.

From cameras, the scientists can determine whether grizzly bears were on site, and whether there were any sows and cubs. From the hair, the species, sex, actual individual bears, and the origin of population can be determined.

Fieldwork went from mid-May through the end of August, and Fortin-Noreus presented the preliminary results at the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committees Bitterroot Subcommittee meeting in late October.

A total of 140 barbed wire hair corrals with cameras were set up across the region for 3-4 weeks each, and 805 hair samples were collected.

However, only 181 hair samples were sent to the lab, because cameras verified that the other samples were from black bears. The study had camera problems at 52 sites, often from black bear cubs moving the cameras as they climbed trees. The grizzlies captured on camera east of Sula also tore down the camera eventually, Fortin-Noreus said.

The agencies working on the study ran into challenges in the Big Hole. Due to livestock grazing allotments on National Forest lands, the Big Hole sites were only set up a few weeks early in the study season before grazing would pose an issue.

Although the hair corrals would not hurt livestock, livestock tend to investigate our hair snare corrals, and oftentimes just trample them and destroy the barbed wire. So we try to avoid them, Fortin-Noreus explained.

She added that she would ideally like to maintain the Big Hole sites the entire season, and is working with Forest Service officials to plan around grazing practices in the future.

The Trail Creek Fire west of Wisdom also destroyed one of the sites too, along with its camera. Light-colored hair samples were taken at Big Hole sites however, so its possible the origins of more Big Hole grizzlies will be identified.

Fortin-Noreus is hoping the DNA results will be back in time for the spring meeting of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

In-between lands

Fortin-Noreus said establishing where bears are, and which populations they belong to, helps predict connectivity corridors. Understanding these corridors is also important for bear management.

"If you're looking at the landscape, you can see how much of that area they have to travel through is private versus federal lands. We do see as bears are expanding their range an increase in the number of conflicts on private lands. It also tells us, from a management standpoint, where to target information and outreach efforts to people that live and recreate in those areas  how to do it safely in expecting grizzly bears there," she said.

The targeted opportunistic study to establish bears origins was not a grid sample to determine everywhere bears are present in southwest Montana, however, so Fortin-Noreus said the public shouldnt assume a location is grizzly-free just because the study didnt find one there.

As Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials have said, residents should now expect grizzlies anywhere in the western half of the state.

Connectivity is a chief focus of the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, the collaborative formed in 1983 to ensure the bears recovery.

Former Montana Gov. Steve Bullock formed the Grizzly Bear Conservation and Management Advisory Council in 2019, appointing 18 Montana citizens from various walks of life  ranchers, farmers, trail runners, hunters and conservationists, among others.

Cole Mannix, a member of the council and part of a 5-generation ranching family in western Montanas Blackfoot valley, told IGBC members at the winter 2020 meeting that establishing its vision statement was one of the most important things the council accomplished.

The statement depicts the challenge faced by people and bears across Montana. It reads:

We envision fully recovered grizzly bear populations in the four identified recovery areas in Montana and the landscapes in-between that accommodate grizzly bear presence and connectivity while maintaining the safety and quality of life of those that live, work and play in Montana.

Debate was fierce over the wording of that sentence during the meetings. While recovery ecosystems are largely uninhabited public lands, the places in between are packed with private ranches, homes, roads, railroads, farms and orchards.

The grizzlies moving through the areas dont change Endangered Species Act status when they step outside a recovery area, but they do become a novel and unpredictable threat to the people unaccustomed to their appearance.

Even as the experts wait for DNA results to illuminate where more Big Hole bears are coming from, they are preparing folks in the area for the next batch of new arrivals.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

Rancher Brian Quigley doesnt beat around the bush  he believes its time to take a firm hand with grizzlies.

Problem bears, regardless of whether its a sow or a boar or whatever, need to be shot, he said.

He isnt advocating for extirpation of the species, however. And hes willing to fight fur with fur  employing a pack of specially bred guard dogs to defend his cows.

The grizzly bear has as much a right to be here as you, me and anybody else. When they start destroying my property, and theyre killing my livestock, theyre in violation of my constitutional right, he said.

American jurisprudence has found wildlife are a public trust, belonging to all Americans, however. That builds tension between the hundreds of millions of people who want grizzly bears protected and the thousands of ranchers who live with grizzlies in their midst.

Quigley said the big bears have been present on the landscape near Avon throughout his lifetime. Now there are just more of them. He has had at least three on his property this year.

Though he hasnt confirmed cattle losses in 2021, he said grizzlies have been responsible for losses on his property the last two years, and in years before that as well.

Delisting the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems' grizzly populations is long overdue, Quigley believes. He also thinks the official counts underestimate grizzly numbers and supports the slate of new Montana laws allowing livestock owners to kill bears that pose a problem and prevent FWP from taking a problem bear from my neighborhood and dumping it into somebody elses neighborhood.

He also believes in a grizzly bear hunting season.

But since the grizzly is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, the Montana Legislature lacks authority to give landowners killing rights. And given the growing divide between Montanas anti-predator wildlife policies and the federal governments ESA duties, the chance of grizzlies getting delisted, and therefore becoming huntable, has declined.

Quigley has taken steps to protect his property within the bounds of current laws.

He has used livestock guardian dogs for six years to protect his animals from wolves and other predators, including grizzlies.

Theyre not a cure-all, he said. Theyre kind of a neutralizer. They try to push the predators out.

This year, his game cameras captured video evidence: his dogs going berserk on a grizzly in his stockyard while a bear tried to get into a bear-resistant container holding their feed.

Quigley has been working with Kim Johnson of the nonprofit organization People and Carnivores to reduce grizzly threats. Johnston connected Quigley with a breeder for some additional guardian dogs  Turkish Boz-Kangal crosses.

These dogs seem to be really effective with these apex predators like wolves and bears, Johnston said. They're also good patrolling dogs, which is good for cattle.

Nothing is easy on a ranch.

With roaming guardian dogs, its necessary to have the dogs food secured out on the landscape as well  another potential lure for predators.

Quigley secured the feed in bear-resistant containers, but a grizzly managed to get into two containers stationed in remote locations late this summer.

"You'll never catch me saying bear proof and there's a reason, Johnston explained. When they do the certification testing on the containers, the criteria is that they test it with actual live grizzly bears for 60 minutes of paws-on, full-force contact.

She wasnt out there in the night, but Johnston speculated that the grizzly, motivated by a food reward, put in some serious time and work.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear manager Rory Trimbo dropped off some heavy-duty metal tool boxes early September as replacements. So far, theyve worked as expected.

Johnston knows grizzlies. Before joining People and Carnivores, she was a bear management technician with FWP and worked at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana. She loves collaborating with working landowners.

"When you get on the ground and visit with these people  most ranchers, people in Montana, they appreciate the wildlife we have, Johnson said It's just finding solutions when it's their family or their kids and their property (at stake).

Ranchers often have an excellent understanding of the movement of local wildlife, she added.

Quigley has likewise enjoyed working with Johnston, and said he benefited from her grizzly expertise.

Shes been very helpful to me, he said.

Theyve been hard at work training the new dogs, and are using a phone app and SPOT GPS tracking system Johnston rigged up for dog collars thats more affordable than traditional tracking systems and has a longer battery life.

On Sept. 11, one of Quigleys older livestock guardian dogs was killed by a grizzly, and the depredation was confirmed by U.S. Wildlife Services trapper Bart Smith. The trapper was unable to capture the bear that was responsible.

Theyre important to my business as a livestock producer, Quigley said. Right now I have six dogs left. Ill probably have to replace what I lost.

Confirmation allows the rancher to seek reimbursement from the Montana Livestock Loss Board for the dog that was killed.

Quigley and Johnston continue to work together, and grizzlies were still digging for caraway roots in Quigleys hay fields as of early October, very close to his home.

If you kill one bear, another bear is just going to come in, Johnson said. It might help for the moment, but a lot of times it doesnt help them in the long-term. Ive talked to a lot of ranchers that see that lethal control is not the only solution. We really do think conflict prevention is much more effective than killing bears to help that rancher sleep at night.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

Although shes moved from black bear management issues in the forests of northwest Montana to the Beartooth Front in the states south-central region to deal with grizzlies, Kylie Kembel said the work remains much the same.

Everyone struggles with bears all across the state, she said.

Kembel was one of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 2017 hires to beef up its bear program, now composed of 11 experts spread across the state. As a bear management technician, she mainly deals with educating the public about how to live and play safely as black bears and grizzlies become more common along the Beartooth Front. These teaching efforts stretch from civic and school groups to local landowners.

My role is to work with the people in Region 5 who have questions, concerns, struggles with bears, she said. People who request me to come to a group event typically have some understanding, but some of the more detailed aspects they have questions about.

Kembel attended the University of Montana majoring in wildlife biology. That led to her working in wild places across the West, including as a volunteer outside of Lander, Wyoming, and in the Flathead Valley next to Glacier National Park and the expansive Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

Red Lodge was picked by FWP as a location to place Kembel because of an increasing grizzly bear presence in an area that for decades only had to worry about black bears. Grizzlies began regularly showing up in about 2011, possibly following the mountains up from Wyoming. Two years later a pair of bears were captured after wandering into the Red Lodge region. They were relocated as reports of eight to 10 bears spread across the landscape trickled in to wildlife officials.

More grizzlies along the Beartooth Front is due to the success of their protection under the Endangered Species Act, as well as the animals population growth in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the core of which is Yellowstone National Park.

Along the Beartooth Front, grizzlies often use drainages as travel corridors, following creeks down from the mountains onto the foothills where they are more likely to run into homes, ranches, towns and farms.

Theyre just out searching for food everywhere, Kembel said.

Her main focus is conflict prevention, helping people to understand what bear attractants are and how to stay safe in bear country. The themes have been widely circulated for years.

Property owners should pick up fruit from trees in their yards, keep barbecue grills inside garages and avoid putting pet food outdoors. Hikers should travel in groups, make noise on the trail, carry bear spray and know how to use it. Campers need to secure their food inside of a hard-sided vehicle when not around or at night.

Backcountry hunters need to hang the carcass of a deer or elk they kill out of a bears reach. Backpackers are also advised to hang their food in bear country or keep it inside bear-proof containers.

Kembel also works with the larger Yellowstone Ecosystem Subcommittee on its information and education outreach for the entire region. She works in partnership with other officials from Yellowstone National Park and Wyoming Game and Fish, to name a few.

The goal is to prevent bears from associating humans with food. Thats safer for bears and humans. The old adage that a fed bear is a dead bear often holds true. When problems arise and a bear needs to be removed or killed, Wildlife Services  a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture  is called. Wildlife Services also partners with FWP to investigate livestock depredations, sometimes trapping problem bears for relocation or, when bears are repeat offenders, to euthanize the animal.

The increased education effort has been paying off, Kembel said, with more people in the community reaching out to her for advice on living safely in an area where homeowners had previously never seen grizzlies. Her work isnt limited to just spring, when bears wake up from hibernation, and fall, when they eat heavily to pack on calories before their long winter nap. Instead, she said shes busy the entire time bears are awake.

Thats OK because Kembel enjoys what shes doing.

There are a lot of fun aspects to my job, she said. Working with people who are just first-time experiencing bears and helping them understand theres ways to be here and enjoy Montana with the bears, helping people understand that is very rewarding.

Bears are also a very charismatic species, she noted, as well as adaptable.

We try to understand bears, but in the end they are wildlife.

Her role, along with others in FWP, similar agencies and conservation groups to spread the word about living with bears will be key to the big animals surviving on a landscape that is seeing increasing development in what used to be largely rural areas. Also, bears are encountering more hikers and campers using forests since the COVID-19 pandemic, some of whom have no knowledge of how to recreate responsibly in bear country.

Theres no place you can go in the Beartooths that you shouldnt be thinking about grizzly bears, said Shawn Stewart, FWP wildlife biologist in Red Lodge. And with COVID, the people are everywhere."

Kembels education efforts have the additional effect of informing the public in hopes of increasing understanding and acceptance of the species.

I think we need people to support the bears if they are going to stay, Kembel said.

If anyone is worried about bears, she encourages them to contact her for more information.

People can reach out any time they have questions and concerns.

Her phone number is 406-850-1131.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

For tens of thousands of years, likely as long as grizzly bears occupied North America, they have coexisted with humans.

Tribes ranging from the far northern tip of Alaska to central Mexico, the coast of California to the banks of the Missouri River, found ways to live alongside the massive omnivores.

That all ended with Europeans.

The Spanish came first, pillaging their way up the California coast. Grizzly bears there numbered in the thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, feasting on rich coastal ecosystems, grasses, insects, berries, deer and nearly anything else edible.

Accounts from Spanish explorer Sabastian Vizcaino tell of a group of bears feeding on a whale carcass in 1602, according to naturalist and bear advocate Doug Peacocks book Grizzly Years.

Extermination of the California brown bear began as quickly as the Spaniards settled the area. Grizzlies in the rest of the U.S. would have another couple hundred years.

The Lewis and Clark expedition first ran into grizzlies in North Dakota in 1804. It was verry large and a turrible looking animal, William Clark wrote, and extreemly hard to kill.

Voyage of Discovery members reported killing 43 grizzlies and wounding several others during their cross-country odyssey. A majority of those encounters occurred in what is now Montana along the Missouri River.

In his journal entry on June 28, 1805, Lewis wrote that after portaging around the Great Falls of the Missouri River, The White Bear have become so troublesome to us that I do not think it prudent to send one man alone on an errand of any kind, particularly where he has to pass through the brush.

Another Euro-American mention of grizzlies near the Beartooth Mountains appears in Osborne Russells book, Journal of a Trapper. During his visit to the Yellowstone River valley in 1837-38 Russell wrote that grizzlies were more numerous than in any other part of the mountains, owing to the vast quantities of cherries, plums and other wild fruits which this section of country affords. When going to set his traps in the morning, he would often see seven to eight bears along the 3- to 4-mile ride.

In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was created in part to protect wildlife from being hunted to extinction by Euro-Americans migrating westward, as well as unregulated trophy and meat hunting. The U.S. Army was called in to provide enforcement.

Yellowstone created a 3,400-square mile refuge for what was left of once numerous species like grizzly bears and bison. It seems hard to believe that only 70 years earlier they had flourished on the Great Plains.

By the early 1900s, grizzlies proved no match for modern guns, white settlers, government bounties and the sheer determination of Europeans interested in reshaping the West as quickly as possible.

Starting in 1914, the federal governments Predatory Animal and Rodent Control program sent agents to spread poisoned bait across 30 million acres of the West. The effort nearly eliminated wolves, mountain lions and especially grizzly bears between Canada and Mexico.

The bears near extermination in the Lower 48 States is also in part explained in Malcolm Mackays 1925 book, Cow Range and Hunting Trail  unrestricted hunting. Mackay, a Wall Street stockbroker, created the Lazy E-L Ranch along the Beartooth Face in 1901.

He was also an avid hunter, and in the book he writes about traveling from the region in the early 1900s to hunt grizzly bears because there were none along the Front. On one hunting trip to Canada he killed eight bears, two of them grizzlies.

Like many other once-abundant species, grizzly bear history becomes a tally of the last ones recorded or killed. In California, it was 1922. In Oregon, 1931. In Arizona, 1935; and in Colorado, 1979.

What had once been a creature accustomed to moseying through the plains, grasslands and foothills feeding on carcasses or blueberries or laying underneath plum trees on the banks of meandering rivers, became a mountain species hiding out in a small fraction of its historic range. And in Yellowstone, it was a mountain species living off garbage dumps.

Massive open-pit garbage dumps held up to 7,000 tons of edible garbage a year from tourists flooding the countrys first national park. The dumps themselves became tourist attractions, visitors lined up to take pictures of bears feasting, wrote Mary Meagher, a former wildlife researcher for the National Park Service.

But researchers and managers decided the best path for long-term grizzly survival would not be dependence on humans discarded lunches, so park officials closed the dumps in 1970  against guidance from famed ecologists Frank and John Craighead  covered the pits, and bear numbers plunged as those used to feasting on human food scraps were viewed as a hazard.

In 1975, grizzly bears were placed on the endangered species list. Their numbers began, slowly, to climb back up. In the Yellowstone Park area, just 210 grizzlies were estimated to persist. Perhaps 600 were left in the Lower 48 States.

Today, that population has grown to an estimated 2,000 grizzlies, based on newly revised counting methods. Each female grizzly requires about 50 to 300 square miles of habitat, 200 to 500 square miles for males.

Although grizzlies can be long-lived, females arent sexually mature until they are at least 4 years old. Litter sizes average about two cubs, and mothers often keep family groups for two or three years before breeding again. So replacing bears on the landscape can be a slow process.

In 1982, the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee formed to link together all the federal, state, tribal and local efforts trying to recover grizzly bears. A decade later, the IGBC designated six recovery areas in four states: the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem surrounding Yellowstone National Park in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho; the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem in the Montana Rocky Mountains; the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem in northwest Montana and Idaho; the Selkirk Ecosystem in northern Idaho and Washington; the Bitterroot Ecosystem along the Montana-Idaho border; and the North Cascades Ecosystem in Washington.

Of those, only the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide have seen success, with an estimated 750 and 1,000 grizzlies respectively. The Cabinet-Yaak and Selkirk ecosystems have about 50 bears each, and depend largely on transplants from the bigger ecosystems. The Bitterroot and North Cascades have no confirmed resident grizzlies, although both historically were prime grizzly habitat.

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A Missoula teenager has been located and is safe on Sunday after a missing and endangered persons advisory was issued by the Montana Department of Justice.

Kaelynn Bixby, 13, was the subject of an advisory posted on Saturday at the request of the Missoula Police Department. The alert said she had not returned back to school and was last seen on Dec. 15.
By Trend

Chief Executive Officer of the Turkish Airlines Bilal Eksi disclosed the timing for the resumption of Turkish Airlines flights to Kazakhstan, Trend reports with reference to Eksis message on Twitter.

The flights to Kazakhstan will be resumed as soon as possible, Eksi tweeted. We make flights to friendly and fraternal Kazakhstan in four directions, namely, Almaty, Nursultan, Turkistan and Aktau.

We constantly talk to our Kazakh partners and we will resume our flights as soon as possible, Eksi tweeted.

Earlier, Turkish Airlines suspended all passenger flights between Turkey and Kazakhstan until January 9.

Kazakhstan's government announced late Jan. 4 that it was restoring some price caps on liquefied petroleum gas, after the rare protests reached Almaty following a sharp rise in the price of the fuel at the start of the year.

Many Kazakhs have converted their cars to run on LPG, which is far cheaper than gasoline as a vehicle fuel in Kazakhstan because of price caps. But the government argued that the low price was unsustainable and lifted the caps on Jan. 1.

After the price of the fuel spiked, big demonstrations erupted on Jan. 2 in certain parts of the country. Public protests are illegal in the country unless their organizers file a notice in advance.

Following the development of the situation, the government declared a state of emergency all over the country. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the government initiated anti-terrorist operations to deal with the ongoing riots.

Also, the divisions of the united peacekeeping contingent of CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) arrived in Kazakhstan to assist in restoring order and help protect strategic objects of the country.
Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

It was an unusual sight, about eight years ago, when 17 grizzly bears grazed on wild caraway plants in a field not far from Malou Anderson-Ramirezs ranch home.

When I was a child I only saw one grizzly bear my whole time being out with the sheep, she said.

The increase in grizzly activity has prompted new technology that may rattle old ranching traditions.

Since they were placed under federal Endangered Species Act protection in 1975, grizzly bears have been mostly a Yellowstone National Park feature in southwest Montana.

That changed about 10 years ago, coinciding with when large die-offs of whitebark pine trees were being recorded. Blister rust and pine beetles were killing the long-lived trees that grow at high elevations. The trees seeds have long provided a high-protein food source for grizzly bears in the fall. Being an adaptable species, capable of dining on a variety of foods, the grizzlies sought out other sources of nourishment and started showing up in Tom Miner Basin.

It was already pristine, perfect grizzly bear habitat, Anderson-Ramirez said.

The basin is located about 30 miles south of Livingston at the base of the Gallatin Mountains and just north of Yellowstone National Park. Wild country surrounds the high meadows and grasslands Anderson-Ramirezs family has ranched since her grandparents bought property there in the 1950s.

So many bears feeding in one place is unusual in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, with the exception of high elevation talus slopes where some grizzlies congregate to feed on cutworm moths.

Kerry Gunther, Yellowstone National Parks lead bear biologist, said seeing a dozen bears on a rocky slope was the most unique grizzly interaction hes had in his 39 years working in the park.

Seeing that many bears that close together with no conflicts, they had a hierarchy worked out, he said.

Likewise, the bears feeding in Tom Miner Basin seemed willing to share and be close to each other when feeding, defying human conceptions of the animals as solitary and defensive when it comes to food sources.

There are quite a few sows with cubs that live up here or come through here, Anderson-Ramirez said. Its just kind of a nice place to raise young.

Thats something she can relate to, raising two daughters with her husband, Andres, on the family ranch. In describing herself, Anderson-Ramirez said she is a mother first and foremost, in addition to being a rancher, business owner and community supporter.

I would say that its a gift to be able to be here and to raise children in such a wild place, she said. And its a good lesson in tolerance and understanding. We can learn a lot from the bears and other wildlife around the evolution of change and being able to be adaptable.

For her family and the cattle they raise, that has meant traveling across the landscape in a consistent and predictable pattern so wildlife adapt to their rhythms. That may mean moving irrigation pipes at the same time on the same days, or keeping cows out of densely wooded coulees and draws in the fall when bears are seeking berries or other foods to fatten up before winter. It also requires removing attractants from the landscape, like salt or molasses blocks provided as livestock supplements.

Anderson-Ramirezs sister started a range rider program to check on cattle and keep predators at bay. They also can quickly identify predator-killed livestock to document for reimbursement under the states livestock loss program, as well as remove the carcasses to ensure predators dont camp out at the site. Camera traps have taught them wildlife migratory paths through the area, as well as den sites, so they can alter where they graze livestock to avoid conflicts.

Theres a humility that comes with living in places like this where one really has to understand when a feeling isnt quite right, she said. Ive learned to really follow my gut. When I dont have a good feeling about something I dont push the envelope.

She compared it to a surfer assessing the ocean and deciding not to ride when conditions seem dangerous.

TEAL tags

Anderson-Ramirez is being proactive in another way, co-founding a technology company designed to help ranchers track cattle and monitor them from afar.

Called TEAL  which stands for Technology, Education, Agriculture and Landscape  the goal is to create a cost-effective tracer for livestock. Using cellphone technology, ranchers could monitor cattle by receiving a signal if theres a mortality, or even if the cows heart rate increased rapidly during a confrontation with a predator. The tags could also be used for geo-fencing, creating invisible fences to contain cattle to certain allotments, somewhat similar to an invisible dog fence.

Prototypes of the tags are still being tested, and it may be three years before they are ready to market at a projected cost of $5 to $15 each, she said.

The end result is to have a simple tool for producers to use to better manage their livestock in wild places, Anderson-Ramirez said.

Once developed, encouraging ranchers to try TEAL tags will be the next hurdle she will have to overcome. That could be a tough sell to a ranchers who have been stereotyped as self-reliant.

We are a sentimental and loyal group of people that are nostalgic and sentimental to our old value systems, Anderson-Ramirez said. But with the regenerative movement and looking more at the importance of profitability on ranches and keeping large landscapes intact  I think thats helping to change the language and the narrative around how important it is to diversify, to be open to change, to be adaptable.

The important thing is  honoring our struggle, everyones struggles, including the wildlife and the bears and the badgers and the people, she said. I really think thats what coexistence is for me. Just honoring the struggle that we all have as we try to live and conserve and protect these wild places.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West. This story also contains an excerpt from The Grizzly in the Driveway: The Return of Bears to a Crowded American West by Robert Chaney, author and long-time reporter for the Missoulian.

In his greeting to the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, a man named Standing Grizzly Bear demonstrated the multifaceted perspective some cultures have toward animals.

Standing Grizzly Bear is also known as Mike Durglo, and he is the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal historical preservation director. At the meeting, he greeted the committee with a story from his early career as a game warden.

Durglo worked under Chuck Jonkel from 1977 to 79 on the Border Grizzly Study. He had captured grizzlies and brought them to Missoula where Jonkel and Carrie Hunt were developing the first successful bear spray deterrent. For thirteen years, he was the Flathead Indian Reservations tribal grizzly bear manageronly bitten once.

In his younger days, Durglo patrolled the reservations tribal wilderness area for three days at a stretch, usually solo. Once, heading to Summit Lake behind McDonald Peak, he was working his way up a set of rocky switchbacks on the side of a cliff. He heard a grrrrr. A grizzly bear was coming down the same switchback.

My grandfather had told me what to do, if you ever meet a bear and have nowhere to run or go, Durglo said. He said wait for the bear to charge you. So I did. And just as he was ready to bite me, I reached into his mouth and grabbed his tail and pulled so hard I pulled him inside out. And he turned around and kept running the other way."

He added, I kind of feel bad about it. One of these days, Im going to have to sneak up behind him and make him right.

At the 2018 IGBC meeting where Durglo told his joke, most of the mostly white audience wasnt accustomed to pulling pranks on God. A spirituality where other creatures, and even creation itself, can have a holy relationship with humans in the here and now doesnt fit comfortably with mainstream American Christianity, where people are on earth and God is in heaven.

The Pew Research Center on Religious and Public Life reports 70 percent of the United States identifies as Christian, with only 6 percent avowing non-Christian faiths such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. One-fifth of those surveyed claimed they were unaffiliated: either agnostic, atheist, or nothing in particular.

The numbers of followers of Native American spiritual traditions dont even rank on the survey. But they may play an outsized role in grizzly country.

Durglo spoke shortly after a US Fish and Wildlife Service representative announced that the final rule for removing federal protections from about a thousand grizzlies in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem would be published by the end of that year. A few days later, official representatives of the Blackfeet and Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal governments said they had no intention of meeting that deadline. Furthermore, the tribes said that allowing states to set trophy hunts for grizzlies was a showstopper, in the words of CSKT Wildlife Program Manager Dale Becker.

Theres more than just biology related to species recovery here, Becker said. The larger audience is strictly thinking about wildlife. But grizzly bears are a cut above pretty much every species on the reservation. They have a role in the tribes of tremendous cultural, spiritual, and ecological significance. Travel all over our land looking at petroglyphs, and sooner or later the bear turns up. Hes in our elder stories, our grandparents stories. Hes the guardian of our ancestral lands.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) were among the first stakeholders to acknowledge and react to the grizzlys listing as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 1975. The tribes designated ninety thousand acres of their Flathead Indian Reservation as tribal wilderness, banned grizzly hunting and imposed seasonal closures on the most popular climbing peaks when grizzlies congregated there to feed on high-altitude ladybugs and moths. Yet 2018 marked the first time the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee had held a meeting on reservation land since the bear received federal protection.

That matters, because the CSKT and Blackfeet tribal governments have active membership in the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, as well as oversight of 2.8 million acres of prime grizzly recovery habitatmore than the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex that forms the core of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem for grizzly recovery.

However, American Indians were systematically erased from the grizzly bear story of American settlement. In his influential 1901 essay Our National Parks, John Muir observed as to Indians, most of them are dead or civilized into useless ignorance. In that same paragraph, Muir sympathized more with the parks remaining bears: Poor fellows, they have been poisoned, trapped and shot at until they have lost confidence in brother man.

American Indians hold a complicated position in the recovery of the grizzly bear. Where dominant American society had almost no recorded encounters with grizzlies before 1805, Mike Standing Grizzly Bear Durglo claims a family relationship pushing back ten thousand years, give or take a millennium. He can recite cultural traditions and beliefs regarding grizzly bears that have just as much relevance and durability as the Virgin Mary has to a Christian or Ganesh has to a Hindu. The grizzly shows up in his world creation stories like Adam and Eve and teaches lessons like Siddhartha Buddha. With one whopping difference. Standing Grizzly Bear, and anyone else, can occasionally meet a grizzly bear standing in the trail, word made flesh.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

Montanans seem of two minds regarding grizzly bears in their midst.

A University of Montana survey completed this year found nine of 10 Montanans believe grizzly bears belong in the state, while just 3 percent thought grizzlies should not be anywhere in Montana.

Yet the same survey also found 83% of Montanans supported some level of grizzly bear hunting season.

We were extremely surprised at the strong, overwhelming public support for grizzly bears, said UM researcher Alex Metcalf, who co-authored the survey paid for by Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks. To get 90% agreement on anything is rare. But 92% of Montanans say bears have a right to exist in Montana.

The strong support for a hunting season was equally surprising, Metcalf said. Only 16.7% felt grizzlies should never be hunted.

However, responses fragmented when asked more specific hunt-related questions. Just over a third of Montanans agreed that hunting would make grizzlies more wary of humans, while another third disputed that claim and 29% were undecided. About 61% said people should be allowed to hunt grizzlies as long as the bear population can withstand the pressure. But only 46% supported using grizzly hunting to reduce human-bear conflict, while 36% opposed the idea and 18% had no opinion.

This sort of makes sense in the context of other wild animal management we have in Montana, Metcalf said. We like to have wild animal populations and we manage them by hunting them. And the survey sees lots of agreement that hunting is a viable tool. If were going to do something other than that, we need to have that conversation.

For many, the lines are clear: Grizzlies should be available to hunt like any other charismatic western big game animal. In an interview with the Billings Gazette shortly before the 2017 delisting effort failed in court, now-Gov. Greg Gianforte said he was all for allowing a trophy hunt.

"Id be the first one putting in for a tag," Gianforte said in 2016. I did a grizzly hunt once up in Alaska. I didnt connect, but  I look forward to the day when we have a grizzly hunt in Montana.

Asked at the time if he though a grizzly hunting season would eventually arrive in Montana, Gianforte bet it would.

Again, this is part of bringing science back to the process," he said. "We need to conserve and preserve our wildlife. I think one of the best ways to do that is through scientifically set hunting quotas to keep them at sustainable levels. I think, when Montana issues a grizzly tag, theres going to be a lot of people applying, and I will be one of them."

That presents a biological challenge.

Studies in Alaska have shown that places with lots of grizzlies can sustain a lot of hunting for mature male bears, if the females and cubs are protected. But the evidence is inconclusive that hunting is effective at targeting problem bears or reducing conflicts.

At a December gathering of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Bear Specialist Group, bear biologists and game wardens from all over North America compared notes on the effectiveness of grizzly hunting. Chris Servheen, who led the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grizzly program for 35 years, supervised the session.

"Hunting bears teaches bears nothing, as death is not a learning experience," Servheen said. While some Montanans claim that grizzlies were more leery of humans before the end of legal grizzly hunting in 1993, that's more likely because there were actually very few grizzlies left to get into conflicts, he said. And the practice of sport hunting has little relationship with conflict-management, as it's extremely difficult for a private hunter to find and kill the specific bear that raided a chicken coop or other depredation. Furthermore, hunting tends to be extremely restricted for safety reasons in residential areas where food-attracted bears get into trouble.

And the total population of grizzlies in the Northern Rocky Mountains is a sliver of the 20,000 or more grizzlies in Alaska. The 1,000 or so grizzlies in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem could quickly see a population crash after a few over-successful hunting seasons. The Cabinet-Yaak, with perhaps 50 grizzlies, cant stand to lose a bear.

Alaska continues to allow big-game hunting of grizzly bears, although neighboring British Columbia banned trophy grizzly hunts in 2017. Wildlife biologist Sterling Miller, whos worked in both Montana and Alaska, said his experience revealed a complicated relationship between hunter and hunted.

In Alaskan places where grizzlies were hunted, Miller said they showed extra wariness when humans were nearby. But historically, most successful grizzly hunting grounds were near national parks or other refuges, where bears got habituated to human presence and then fell to hunters just over the border.

You can hunt wildlife populations in a sustainable way, Miller said. But its more problematic for small or isolated populations like grizzlies. Theres less resilience in those small systems.

Hunting grizzlies also risks a public backlash that could have unintended consequences. A 2021 study published in Conservation Biology by Chris Darimont at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, warned that opposition to grizzly trophy hunts could hurt big-game hunting overall.

The killing of large carnivores for trophy and not food, conducted by few hunters, has potential to threaten the social license to hunt afforded to the larger group who hunt for food, Darimonts study found. Social license means the general public acceptance of an activity.

Only 2 percent of U.S. hunters pursue black bears. In places with more opportunity, such as the Rocky Mountain West, wolf and bear hunters made up about 18 percent of Montanas hunting community.

In 2018 court filings favoring delisting, Safari Club International argued hunting grizzlies should be allowed to reduce the threat big-game hunters seeking other species faced when in grizzly habitat. The second reason was that grizzlies were considered a high-value trophy for those who enjoyed hunting. If the population was large enough to endure some hunting take, it should be allowed, the SCI lawyers claimed.

Those are just code words playing to a narrow political base, looking for a way to rationalize killing a big predator, countered Kevin Van Tighem, a retired Canadian national parks superintendent and grizzly bear biologist. The number of bears is irrelevant. The question is: Can we achieve something useful for society by hunting?

Van Tighem said his experience managing Banff, Elk Island and other grizzly-frequenting Canadian parks showed that hunting bears tended to address human concerns more than species management.

"Far more people killed every year by mishandling of firearms, and I know how you (Americans) think about firearms," Van Tighem said. "Your problem isnt the bear. It s the fear."

This Julys grizzly mauling death of a bicycle camper in Ovando happened a few months after the Montana Legislature passed a collection of measures directing the state Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks to take a much more aggressive approach to predator control than it had in the past. Public policy in Wyoming and Idaho have also taken a harder stance toward grizzlies. Yet in Washington, D.C. the winds have shifted in the opposite direction.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lost its latest bid to delist the grizzly bears of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) two years ago, and to date hasnt announced how it plans to go forward. A five-year status report on grizzly recovery released last March found that while the NCDE and GYE grizzly populations were biologically recovered, grizzly populations in four other recovery areas remained precarious or non-existent. As when they were first listed, human-caused mortality and habitat loss remain the top threats to grizzly survival. In sum, it recommended keeping grizzlies under the Endangered Species Act.

The GYE delisting effort was initiated under President Barack Obama, but collapsed under President Donald Trump. Trumps Interior Secretary David Bernhardt visited Montana and promised more federal effort to kill problem grizzlies. President Joe Bidens Interior Secretary Deb Haaland co-sponsored legislation to protect grizzlies in perpetuity when she was a Congresswoman from Arizona.

The two biggest recovery areas, the NCDE and GYE, both anchor around popular national parks. Millions of tourists come each year, supporting thousands of local businesses and employees. Many dream of seeing a bear, and they post their success on social media with videos that professional biologists used to spend entire careers hoping to see. In August, amateur videographers caught two grizzlies fighting over a bison carcass in the Yellowstone River and a sow grizzly digging a marmot out of its burrow in Glacier Park while its cubs watched. Grizzly 399 in Grand Teton National Park has her own series of bumper stickers, among other fan memorabilia.

The University of Montana survey also found Montanans supported trying mitigation tactics like carrying bear spray, following food storage guidelines and securing attractants from property. Each of those proposals drew at least 90% agreement.

More livestock-related tactics such as changing ranching practices or using carcass-removal programs drew more opposition, but still had at least two-thirds of Montanans in favor.

Wildlife managers and wildlife biologists have widely differing attitudes about the effectiveness of grizzly hunting to achieve desired goals. While big-game species such as deer and elk number in the tens of thousands across Montana, the state holds about 1,000 grizzlies. Grizzlies are the slowest-reproducing mammal in North America.

Theres overwhelming agreement that grizzly bears are a positive contribution to the economy of Montana, Metcalf said of the survey results. Theres also a great deal of support for encouraging conflict-reduction. Were trying to balance the costs of bears and the value of bears.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

OVANDO - Which grizzly bear defined the summer of 2021?

Was it Monica, the aging sow on the northern edge of Glacier National Park who had to be killed by game wardens after she and her subadult cubs of the year went on garbage-raiding sprees at cabins along the North Fork of the Flathead River?

Or Felicia, an equally prolific female with cubs who became a traffic hazard on Togwotee Pass east of Grand Teton National Park, inspiring a posse of volunteer bear patrollers who tried to keep the peace between camera-slinging tourists and bears trying to make a living along a federal highway?

Or was it the unnamed 4-year-old male grizzly that killed a bike-camper in her tent in Ovando, roughly halfway between Glacier and Grand Teton, in the middle of whats fast become one of the most contentious Endangered Species Act debate in the nation?

The July 6 mauling death of Leah Davis Lokan, 65, made international headlines.

To say the incident happened in downtown Ovando overstates the size of the ranching center along Highway 200 thats grown equally popular with trout anglers and long-distance bike tourists. But looking at where Lokan pitched her tent, a dozen feet from the Brand Bar Museum, next door to the post office and across the main street from a grocery, cafe, and fly-fishing store, puts the attack squarely in the center of human habitat.

The details of the other two grizzlies, including the names Monica and Felicia, illustrate how humans have pushed the other way, into places grizzlies used to dominate. When Lewis and Clark made their Voyage of Discovery at the opening of the 19th century, an estimated 50,000 grizzly bears inhabited the Lower 48 States west of the 100th meridian  the longitudinal line running roughly from North Dakota to Texas.

A dozen decades later, the bear emblazoned on the flag of California was nearly extinct throughout its natural range. Systematic destruction of its habitat and numbers, by ranchers, farmers and government agents, removed the grizzly bear from virtually every place except the preserves of Yellowstone and Glacier national parks.

Remarkably, the grizzlys attractiveness to tourists spared it from National Park Service predator culls. An 1895 Yellowstone superintendents report mentions the bears had increased notably after the U.S. Army put out garbage to feed them, while other bounty hunters were eradicating the wolves, mountain lions and coyotes in the park.

When the grizzly bear became the eighth animal given protection under the Endangered Species Act in 1975, somewhat fewer than 600 individual bears remained between Canada and Mexico. Over the next 45 years, two numbers changed: Grizzly populations grew from 600 to an estimated 2,100 in the recovery zones of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. And humans in the same space expanded from 1.9 million to 3.4 million.

What didnt change was the size of the landscape. Put another way, people in the Rocky Mountain West went from 5.9 per square mile to 10.3 per square mile between 1975 and 2020. Grizzlies went from .002 to .006 per square mile.

Monica the North Fork grizzly was about 20 years old when Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks killed her and her three yearling cubs in early September. In her lifetime, annual visitation to Glacier National Parks Polebridge entrance went from 31,000 to 89,000, data shows.

While she often spent time near homes and was observed by residents, she did not cause conflicts that we knew about until the fall of 2018 when she had just two of her three yearlings with her, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear manager Tim Manley noted in a report to the North Fork Preservation Association. The initial reports we had were that the family group had ripped into a yurt, damaged two vehicles, got into unsecured garbage and had pushed on a trailer.

Wardens captured Monicas two yearlings, who were suspected of causing the most trouble, and killed them. She gave birth to three more cubs in 2020, but had no reported conflicts. Things stayed quiet until this summer.

Manley said in late August, Monica and her triplet yearlings got into trouble all over the Polebridge vicinity. They knocked over barbecues, broke into improperly closed bear-resistant trash cans, pulled garbage out of a horse trailer, broke windows out of a pickup topper to get food, damaged a car that didnt have any food, and tore the wall out of a camper trailer to get a big food reward.

The sow and all three of her yearlings were captured and killed.

I have said it many times before, killing bears is the worst part of my job, Manley told the homeowners. We try to avoid having to do it, but when bears become very food-conditioned and start causing property damage and breaking into vehicles, trailers and cabins, those bears are removed.

Outside Grand Teton, the opposite problem developed. People wouldnt leave Felicia alone.

Wildlife biologists call the bear by her number, 863, which means she was the 863rd bear to be caught and affixed with a telemetry collar in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. On social media, she became Felicia.

Either way, the female with cubs who likes to munch on grass and clover near Highway 26/287 in western Wyoming has become one of the most famous grizzly bears after fellow Grand Teton Bear 399. And her propensity to be near traffic  and apparent nonchalance about hordes of people gathering to take pictures  helped make her into a bit of a social media sensation. She also created a traffic hazard, according to Wyoming wildlife and law enforcement officials, not to mention the daily possibility that one of those photographers will inch just a little too close before everyone remembers too late that grizzly bears on the side of the road are still grizzly bears.

Were trying to alter the bears behavior but also trying to fix peoples behavior, and thats where the big challenge is, said Dan Thompson, large carnivore section supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. From a human psychological standpoint its been fascinating to be involved with.

Draw a line about 25 miles to the south and the human behavior aspect of the story changes.

Ranchers say theyre struggling against an increasing number of grizzlies preying on their cattle. Problem grizzlies must be managed, and often lethally removed. Their ranching livelihoods depend on it. Conservation groups are suing to stop those killings, and leasing in general. Grizzlies and cattle dont mix, they say, among other things.

At the same time, new homeowners are buying houses and property, often sight unseen, throughout the stretch of land bordering Yellowstone National Park on any side. The buffer has long been a place where grizzlies could wander with minimal impact, with its human residents long-ago trained in the art of keeping food away from bears. Wildlife managers worry the flood of new residents may not be so bear wise, and that conflicts will only increase.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol and Forest Service tried placing flashing signs telling people not to stop on the side of the road. They threatened tickets to those standing in traffic, ignoring oncoming vehicles. Eventually, the Fish and Wildlife Service decided to spend a couple of weeks hazing the female with cubs to make her leave the road and move further into the mountains.

Jack Bayles understands that some people behaved irresponsibly. Watchers started a live video stream from Togwotee Pass to alert anyone following them when she appeared. People from as far as Montana, Salt Lake City, Utah and Colorado came to the area, and some approached her and her cubs far too closely.

But the best reaction wasnt to shoot the bear with rubber bullets and bean bags, he said. Instead, Bayles said he believes officials should have managed the human side of the situation.

They have no problem when that section is a parking lot in the weekend in the winter and people are dragging trailers 90 mph down icy roads, Bayles said. Its not the land of many uses, just the land of uses we approve of.

Bayles is one of countless guides in the Yellowstone region and across bear country stretching from Jackson to Katmai National Park in Alaska that take people out to watch bears and other wildlife. He started his business in 2015 with his wife, Gina, and named it Team 399 after the regions other famous bear.

The accidental ambassador of her species, she is representative of a new age in human  wildlife relationships where coexistence and understanding are the new way, where a love of the wild is foremost in our hearts and minds, their website reads.

He wants to raise awareness for conservation issues. He wants to give back to the wild places and wild creatures that have given so much to us. He also knows that most people coming to Yellowstone or other areas with grizzly bears are there, at least in part, for the chance to see a grizzly bear.

Its the only place in the world where the common middle class person can see a grizzly bear in the wild, Bayles said. You could say over the course of our life, bear 399 is a billion-dollar bear to the Wyoming economy.

There is going to be conflict between bears and people, Thompson said. We will have to lethally remove grizzly bears for the greater good  theres the potential for humans to be injured and even killed, and thats the reality of it. The notion of a future of bears and humans together without conflict is very naive.

As far as the future? I dont think its going to get any easier.

In Ovando, the future holds a lot of work.

While complete details surrounding the death of Lokan await the release of a Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Board of Review report, a big part of the small town was on the scene that night, trying to staunch the campers fatal wounds and wondering what had triggered the attack.

For many, it was a replay of The Night of the Grizzlies, the famous book chronicling the 1967 tragedy when two women in two separate campgrounds were attacked and killed by two separate grizzlies on the same night in Glacier National Park. At the time, resort managers in both Glacier and Yellowstone national parks deliberately left garbage out to attract grizzly bears for tourist viewing. Some Yellowstone hotels even set up bleachers to watch the evening show.

That food conditioning combined with growing popularity of backcountry camping put two 19-year-old hotel workers in the path of two predators in a place marketed and managed for recreation.

The grizzly that killed Loken had also raided a chicken coop nearby the same evening. Two nights later, a game warden staking out another chicken coop spotted it with night-vision goggles and shot it to death. The entire time, strings of long-distance bike riders kept pedaling into Ovando, often off-the-grid and bewildered by the swarm of armed agents, helicopters, culvert traps and law enforcement vehicles infesting their vacation itinerary.

This is one of those absolutely very rare and extremely unfortunate events, like a lightning strike, said Seth Wilson, the executive director of the Blackfoot Challenge, whose office sits about 75 feet from where Lokan was killed. This is not a time where we say Lets throw our hands up and go home, but Lets roll up our sleeves and see what we can do to improve our work.

The rural region south of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex where the Blackfoot Challenge works has endured many economic lurches, from the collapse of logging and mining to the rise of tourism and the ever-volatile agriculture sector. It also sits on the southern tip of the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem  the most productive grizzly bear recovery area in the Lower 48 States with about 1,000 resident bears.

Ranchers who grew up rarely seeing a grizzly in their childhood now fear for their grandchildren when they visit favorite fishing spots or hunt pheasants in thickets. Ovando and nearby Lincoln both sit in the middle of major wildlife corridors, and bears as well as elk and deer and wolves make a constant presence. That means new costs and hassles in damaged fencing, plundered crops, harassed cows and frightened workers.

Among the most effective changes the Blackfoot Challenge has helped instill has been a carcass pickup program thats overwritten the old practice of boneyards  dumps for dead livestock on the far edge of a ranch. Those boneyards were regular feeding grounds for grizzlies and wolves. But as the numbers of both predators increased, Wilson said ranchers started to see that getting free meat off the menu discouraged big scavengers from hanging around herds.

On the human side, Ovando residents quickly raised several thousand dollars to upgrade protections for chicken coops, buy bear-resistant trash cans for landowners, create a stockpile of bear spray for residents to use and install four new food storage lockers for bike tourists moving along Highway 200. The plan is to first increase Ovandos bear-awareness, and then work with the visitors whose behaviors are harder to influence, Wilson said.

Weve come to expect some level of bear activity in these small towns, Wilson said. Were located in the middle of prime grizzly bear habitat.

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Editor's note: This story is part of the Lee Enterprises series "Grizzlies and Us." The project examines the many issues surrounding the uneasy coexistence of grizzly bears and humans in the Lower 48, which have come more into focus in recent years as the federally-protected animal pushes farther into human-occupied areas. The 10-part series, comprised of more than 20 stories, was produced by reporters and photojournalists across the Rocky Mountain West.

Grizzly bear managers sat side-by-side at the Augusta Community Center in June, listening and answering questions for nearly two hours from a restless crowd gathered to talk increasing numbers of the bruins.

Attendees voiced concerns over human safety and livestock conflicts, asked how many bears now occupy the prairie east of the Rocky Mountain Front and where the federal government stands on delisting. But in the world of grizzlies, an animal that can be both revered and yet polarizing at the same time, answers are seldom simple.

Officials such as Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Hank Worsech and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grizzly bear coordinator Hilary Cooley, often delved into the uncertainty of challenging regulatory processes, past legal decisions and strongly divided opinion around the management of the iconic species.

Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras stood in front of the crowd and offered her assessment of the grizzly debate, pointing to gridlock in Congress as one major hurdle standing in the way.

(Montana is) prepared to manage grizzly bears but it has become a political issue at the federal level, she said.

As the grizzly population has grown, so too has the political divide in the country and the state, and the meeting came during a shift in the political landscape. It might be easy to assume that policies around grizzly bears fall along party lines, but that isn't the case, and many of those interviewed for this story still hope to find common ground.

The two attempts to delist grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem came under presidents of both parties, and former Gov. Steve Bullock convened a working group near the end of his administration to offer guidance to state wildlife managers should bears return to state control.

Grizzlies at the federal level

With the election of Democratic President Joe Biden came new appointees overseeing federally protected species  a fact Cooley told the crowd meant she was awaiting direction on grizzlies. Any delisting decision needed to be able to withstand another court challenge, she said.

During a July U.S. Senate hearing, Montana Republican Sen. Steve Daines asked Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland if she considered grizzly bears recovered in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems of Montana, citing current populations above targets.

The ongoing recovery is a remarkable success for the (Endangered Species Act), Haaland said, adding the law has done what its meant to do.

Haaland stopped short of support but pledged dialogue with Daines and other GOP senators who introduced a bill in March that would legislatively delist grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone. Similarly to how gray wolves were delisted in the Northern Rockies in 2011, the legislation would restore a 2017 delisting rule currently vacated by a federal judge.

The grizzly bear has more than recovered and now we have seen that grizzly bear conflicts are on the rise, harming Montana families and ranchers. Secretary Haaland and the Biden Administration must follow the science, delist the grizzly bear, and return management back to the state for the sake of our communities, ranchers, wildlife and the bear itself, Daines said in a statement. I have proposed legislation to delist the grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and am pushing for a hearing on this needed bill. This shouldnt be political. I urge Sen. (Jon) Tester to cosponsor my bill and join me in the effort to delist the bear.

Montanas lone representative in the House Republican Matt Rosendale in December introduced a bill to delist grizzlies both in the Greater Yellowstone and also in the Norther Continental Divide ecosystem. Maintaining federal listing ignores science showing recovery, he said, blaming "radical environmentalists" for litigating previous delisting attempts.

This puts the lives of Montanans and the livelihoods of Montana ranchers in jeopardy ," he said in a statement. "Its high time we follow the science and pass my bill to delist the grizzly bear populations in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems, and return management back to the states.

Rosendale's bill comes as Gianforte filed a petition with Department of the Interior to delist bears in the Northern Continental Divide. Federal officials have not yet responded.

Tester, a Democrat, has not co-sponsored Daines' bill and his office says he continues to monitor grizzly policy at both the federal and state levels.

When it comes to wildlife management of any type, Sen. Tester continues to believe we need to follow the science and allow the facts on the ground to dictate decision making, not politics, a Tester spokesperson said. He has not signed on to any grizzly-related legislation at this time.

Senator Tester is going to keep pushing to make sure Montanas grizzly populations are responsibly managed, and will continue prioritizing local efforts like nonlethal predator management and improving habitat corridors that will help get grizzlies stable, fully recovered and off the ESA for good.

Grizzlies at the state level

Gov. Greg Gianfortes election shifted Montanas top executive post to the GOP for the first time in 16 years. Now like neighboring grizzly bear states Idaho and Wyoming, both the governors office and the legislature are solid red.

Republican lawmakers also passed a resolution calling for all grizzlies in the entirety of the state to be delisted from the Endangered Species Act  a step further than past resolutions that only called for delisting in recovered areas.

Worsech highlighted the passion around grizzly bears in a recent interview.

A lot of stuff we deal with is divisive, for lack of a better term, he said. On any given day Im going to upset half the people on any given issue. Does some of this divisiveness play into a political realm right now? Is it really political or is really about the animals sometimes?

Sen. Bruce Butch Gillespie, R-Kevin, carried the resolution as well as Senate Bill 98 which puts in state law that a grizzly could be killed for threatening livestock. As the bears are federally protected, federal law currently applies that does not allow bears to be killed for threatening livestock, but does for predation or threatening human life.

I take a lot of phone calls from a lot of people on the Rocky Mountain Front and even those out on the plains are concerned with how many bears there are, he said. The bill wasnt to get rid of all the bears but to at least defend ourselves and our property when bears come around and are aggressive.

Gillespie echoes what many who live in grizzly country say, that if those opposed to delisting had to deal with the bears on a day-to-day basis, they might feel differently. Although it became law, the party-line votes on his legislation were disappointing, he said, adding he believed the message would have had more impact if Democrats voted for it.

A Democrats life is just as valuable as a Republicans life or a Libertarians life, he said. I had a lot of friends on the other side that said they sympathized with me, but I dont know if its pressure from a certain party, but they didnt vote to support me.

In addition to Gillespies legislation, Republicans also passed a bill that reforms the states involvement in relocating conflict bears. FWP has historically worked with federal counterparts to respond and trap bears that get into conflicts. Federal authorities then make a call on whether the bear will be relocated or euthanized. Senate Bill 337 limits the states involvement should a conflict bear be captured outside of a grizzly bear recovery zone, now leaving it up to federal officials to do the actual release. The bill also directs the states wildlife commission to approve relocation areas for bears trapped within recovery zones and released by FWP.

FWP supported the bill, and Worsech said he believes it has gotten the attention of federal officials. But short of delisting, he and counterparts in other states are pushing for changes to federal rules dictating when grizzlies may be killed in the name of self-defense.

What people are worried about is not so much to go and hunt grizzly bears as the protection part of it, he said. ... People are just afraid that if they do shoot a grizzly bear, even if they feel its self-protection, are they going to lose their ranch in legal fees fighting it?

Sen. Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, spoke out against some of the new grizzly bear legislation, and says he and other Democrats understand the frustrations, but contend the issues are far more nuanced. Flowers is a retired regional manager for FWP and worked on previous delisting efforts for the Yellowstone region.

As a caucus, I would characterize it as we are following the science, and when we meet the criteria, lets delist, he said. Id rather see any species in the hands of the state than the federal government.  Its a responsibility we take really seriously and I think we do a darn good job of it.

Flowers agrees with some opponents of the legislation that the bills could do more harm than good when it comes to reaching the ultimate goal of delisting. Federal authorities must consider regulatory mechanisms in place by the state that limit human-caused grizzly deaths and ensure populations dont backslide towards threatened or endangered status.

I think our job is to create a clear runway to make (delisting) happen, Flowers said. If it becomes clear down the road that a barrier is one or both of these laws, Im sure that well be willing to work on both sides of the aisle to provide adequate regulatory mechanisms. If we can meet delisting criteria then absolutely, I think youll see Democrats behind it.

Erin Edge, senior representative with Defenders of Wildlife, felt the laws were flawed in terms of the Endangered Species Act, but also saw less effort to work together in the recent session. She pointed to the majority of public comment and many biologists that opposed the bills contributing to polarization.

This wasnt just the environmental community coming out against these bills, so it doesnt seem like we were heard or even listened to, she said. It was just an opportunity for (Republicans) to run with it and they did. As the years progress I think well start to see some of the fallout from these bills and I think its important for the public to understand some of the possible ramifications.

Edge, like Gillespie and Flowers, hopes to see more bipartisanship in the future and believes state lawmakers could get there.

I feel strongly that there is common ground, she said. When you get this kind of extreme lawmaking or management it polarizes people.  I do think there are places we can come to an agreement and I can only hope well continue working in those kinds of collaborations.

Missoulian reporter Rob Chaney contributed to this story.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

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Well, its been almost a year since the Republicans took office in Montana. Its a good time to reflect on how they have been doing.

With a legislative majority and control of the governors office, Republicans moved to violate the constitutional separation of powers by taking control of the judiciary. The Legislature tried to force the Supreme Court to turn over records, which the court refused to do since it was nothing but a Republican witch hunt. In the end there was lots of smoke and not much fire. The Supreme Court refused to knuckle under to the overreach of the Legislature.

Then the Legislature eliminated the State Judicial Nominating Commission and replaced it with executive fiat, allowing Gianforte to just pick people to fill vacant judicial positions. Recently he chose Andrew Breuner to fill a judgeship in Bozeman. In addition to being a lawyer, Breuner served on the boards of the Petra Academy and Love in the Name of Christ, two religious organizations heavily tied to Gianforte. Not sure whether that is religious bias or old-fashioned cronyism. Probably a bit of both.

Attorney General Austin Knudsen sent staff members to St. Peter's Health in Helena to intervene in the treatment of a COVID patient whose family was demanding the woman be treated with ivermectin. After complaints from the hospital and Democratic leadership, Republicans appointed a special counsel to investigate the incident. The special counsel just happened to be a lobbyist for the NRA and the former chief of staff for the Senate Republican Caucus during the last legislative session. Not surprisingly, her report did little to illuminate what had happened, but the hospital maintains that Knudsens actions were both inappropriate and intimidating.

Knudsen also intervened in a local criminal case in Helena. A man assaulted a restaurant employee who asked him to put on a mask (this incident occurred when the state was under a mandatory mask mandate). The man allegedly knocked water glasses off a table and struck the employee several times in the genitals. He then displayed a sidearm and said, Im going to get you. The county attorney charged him with felony assault. Knudsen took the case from the county attorney and let the assailant off with only a small fine. Maybe its time for Austin to trade in his cowboy hat on a gold-plated crown.

Recent news coming to us from Elsie Arntzens operation at the Office of Public Instruction is that 90% of the staff have left since she was elected in 2017. Superintendents of the eight largest schools in Montana recently sent her a letter with a scathing expression of no confidence. The bottom line, the superintendents wrote, is that for us to best do our jobs, we need you to be doing yours.

Even though they won, Republicans continue to press for an investigation into fraud during the last election cycle in Montana by citing conspiracy theories. Knudsen and others also recently met with the My Pillow guy to discuss litigation to overturn the last election at the federal level. Theyre wasting time and resources chasing voter fraud that never existed.

Derek Skees, Republican legislator and candidate for the Public Service Commission, summed it up for Republican leadership when he referred to our state constitution as a socialist rag. In Republican Montana, if you disagree with our leaders, you are either a radical leftist or a raging socialist. If Skees and his ilk dont like our constitution, maybe they would prefer Mein Kampf.

Taking their lead from Donald Trump, Republican leadership turned the COVID pandemic into a divisive political side show. Suffice it to say their actions have resulted in unnecessary deaths of many Montanans and turned neighbors against each other. Meetings of school boards, health departments and local governments have turned into forums for angry conspiracy theorists and scientific know-nothings.

The sad truth is that Montana Republican leadership has gone all in on Trumps playbook, do what you want, rules are for suckers, and never admit you are wrong. Its a sad state of affairs when the model for political behavior in Montana is a reality-show huckster and failed businessman from New York City.

Ken Toole is a former state senator and public service commissioner.

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Heres a headline that should be featured in every major newspaper in America: Republican party members and the ex-president organized a coup to overthrow the election of 2020. Not since the British attempted to demolish the Capitol in the War of 1812 has there been such an attempt. Only this time the perpetrators came from within our own government. And this time from the party that saved our Union from secessionists who wanted to preserve slavery.

In his recent memoir, Peter Navarro, the former trade adviser to then-President Donald Trump, details how this coup (called The Green Bay Sweep) was planned and organized by Steve Bannon, Trump and coordinated with politicians like Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and over 100 congressmen committed to it, including Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), and our very own Matt Rosendale (R-MT). Our senator, Steve Daines (R-MT) was supportive of this coup until the violence on Jan. 6 convinced him otherwise.

As Navarro describes it, the plan would try to overturn the results of the election by increasing pressure on Vice President Mike Pence to send the electoral votes back to the six contested states where the Republican-led legislatures would attempt to overturn the results. This plan included journalists reporting on the allegations by creating a 24-hour delay with televised hearings in the certification process.

Navarros role was to devise a written multi-pronged plan with names like The Immaculate Deception and The Art of the Steal where he would provide receipts for the congressmen to lay the legal predicate for the actions to be taken, even though exhaustive court challenges and recounts proved there was no fraud. Sixty-three lawsuits were filed and lost contesting every aspect of the election process in multiple states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Judges (many Trump-appointed) and lawyers called the suits frivolous. Only one case was initially successful, but did not affect the total of votes and was later overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Some Trump lawyers had their bar licenses suspended and may possibly be revoked and levied fines for their actions.

The other part of the plan was to have televised hearings to put pressure on Pence to return the certification ballots to the states to overturn the votes of the people of those states and thus give the election to Trump.

Many of the key participants in this coup plan have not been identified; yet, many have been refusing to cooperate with the Jan. 6 Committee. If innocent, why? Recently, Rep. Liz Cheney has revealed the messages sent to Trump by Fox News stars and others to stop the assault on the Capitol.

This is why this story should be on every front page of every newspaper in America. The refusal of some participants to testify what they knew in a lawfully submitted subpoena, the news celebrities who knew Trump organized this coup, and the Republican party's refusal to criticize those coup participants stink to high heaven.

David James of Eureka is a retired history/political science teacher with 40 years of teaching experience.

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Toward the end of the 19th century, the fear of forest depletion became engrained in Americas psyche. As our country neared the end of our westward expansion, advocates like Franklin Benjamin Hough lobbied for forest preservation. Hough, a predecessor of Gifford Pinchot and known to some as the Father of American Forestry, saw dangers of the relentless taking of forests. His quote:

"The experiences of pioneer life, as regards the timber, present little that can be commended and much that can be blamed. It has been observed in all countries and at all periods, that trees furnishing products demanded by commerce, or standing in the way of cultivation, become an object of inconsiderate waste, and not unfrequently to such degree that the markets are overstocked, and ruin is brought upon the greedy but thoughtless adventurers in a business liable to bring an over-supply."

This was the mindset of some preservationists at the time. Since then, mankind has used our forests for a variety of uses, always taking, not much giving. Yet science has recently shown our forests and grasslands to have another role in our global welfare, one of carbon sequestration, a role which helps mitigate climate change. For years now, the Gallatin Wildlife Association has been raising alarm bells urging the U.S. Forest Service to change their paradigm from one of indoctrination of Multiple Use Concept to one emphasizing more protection.

We need to allow the forests to fulfill their role in sequestering carbon. Of course, this needs to be a nationwide effort. Laws need to be changed and it needs to be inclusive, not just the Custer Gallatin National Forest, but all forests. This will take time. Therefore, we offer another solution. Instead of scrapping the Multiple Use Concept altogether, lets incorporate carbon sequestration into one of the management directives under the Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act utilizing a stronger emphasis.

The ability of our forests to sequester carbon indicates our forests are on this planet for a greater purpose than just to provide goods and recreation for mankind. Perhaps, through science, were comprehending more fully how our planet really works.

Literally within the last few days, a new science research paper found in an open access journal by Nature Portfolio called Communications, Earth and Environment published an article: Strategic Forest Preserves can protect biodiversity in the western United States and mitigate climate change. Authors of Law, Beverly E., et al, state our forests are multifunctional in their importance, critical to life as we know it on this planet. Some of the summations in the article include:

 Forest preservation is crucial for protecting biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

 The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) jointly recognized the intertwined nature of climate and biodiversity.

 The federal government owns more than half (6162%) of high preservation priority forestland in the region, while states own 4 to 5%, comprising the lands most readily available and identified for permanent protections under the US Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project.

 Notable high vulnerability areas with high biodiversity occur in the Southern Rockies, the Sierra Nevada, and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

 Depending on preservation priority, if 30% of forestlands were preserved, they would currently store 3.603.94 gigatonnes of carbon (3235% of total) and could accumulate another 0.740.91 gigatonnes by 2050. (1 metric gigaton = 1 billion tonnes)

 Preserving 50% of forestlands would triple the amount of carbon that is currently protected.

 We found that generally less than 20% of each animal and tree species regional forest habitat is currently protected, yet this could increase to ~30% and ~50% for each species if the 30  30 and 50  50 targets were met by preserving high priority forests.

 To meet preservation targets, new permanent protections are needed at the highest levels for forests in the western US.

This highlights the fact that our forests can grow into their full sequestering potential by allowing our forests to become mature. While forest sequestration of carbon is not the only answer, it needs to be part of the answer. Time is fleeting; its time to allow our forests to return to their destiny.

Clinton Nagel is president of the Gallatin Wildlife Association.

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Zero dong minimart chain launched to support people in need

A series of six minimarts were opened in Phu Nhuan, Go Vap, Tan Binh, Hoc Mon and Cu Chi districts in Ho Chi Minh City, to provide zero dong necessities for disadvantaged people to welcome the Lunar New Year 2022.



These are the first six minimarts in a chain of 32 minimarts, to be launched in all districts throughout Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to six more in other provinces and cities across the country.

Needy people in Phu Nhuan district buy necessities at the zero dong minimart.


By Trend

Police officers of Kazakhstans Nur-Sultan city inspect every yard and flat, head of the police department of the capital of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Sadenov said, Trend reports with reference to Interfax.

Sadenov said that the city is under full operational control, checkpoints continue to operate.

Law and order operational and preventive procedure is being carried out to find violators of public order, head of the police department added. Every yard and flat are being inspected.

I urge residents to understand this procedure and render assistance, Sadenov added. If you know facts about suspicious people, immediately inform about this.

Kazakhstan's government announced late Jan. 4 that it was restoring some price caps on liquefied petroleum gas, after the rare protests reached Almaty following a sharp rise in the price of the fuel at the start of the year.

Many Kazakhs have converted their cars to run on LPG, which is far cheaper than gasoline as a vehicle fuel in Kazakhstan because of price caps. But the government argued that the low price was unsustainable and lifted the caps on Jan. 1.

After the price of the fuel spiked, big demonstrations erupted on Jan. 2 in certain parts of the country. Public protests are illegal in the country unless their organizers file a notice in advance.

Following the development of the situation, the government declared a state of emergency all over the country. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the government initiated the anti-terorrist operations to deal with the ongoing riots.

Also, the divisions of the united peacekeeping contingent of CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) arrived in Kazakhstan to assist in restoring order and help protect strategic objects of the country.
Other than a short-lived bookstore in the 100 block of East Union Street, no independent local bookstore selling new books existed in Morganton after The Muses closed in 2009. Then in June of 2018, Angela Shores opened Adventure Bound Books downtown.

Now Morganton has two. In 2021, Jean and Ellen VanNoppen opened Thornwell Books at 202 S. Sterling St.

And, of course, books abound at the Morganton, Valdese and Hildebran public libraries, along with low-priced selections at the many used book outlets in the county, including the Book Nook at the Morganton Public Library.

Are you reading books you enjoy? I hope so. I read 54 novels last year and four nonfiction volumes for a total of 58. Ten of the novels stood out, and Ill list them below. All the nonfiction books deserve a mention.

Black and White by Leslie Dula McKesson, 2013

The Morganton author and member of the Morganton Writers Group researched and detailed the story of her great-great grandparents. They were Harriet Harshaw Dula, a Black woman, and Squire James Alfred Dula, a white man who owned Harriet before the Civil War. In this unusual story, Squire Dula made special legal arrangements to assure Harriet and the children he fathered with her had resources and land.

Forever Young by Hayley Mills, 2021

As a child actor in the early 1960s, the mesmerizingly cute and watchable Mills starred in Disneys Pollyanna and The Parent Trap, movies I loved. Her fascinating memoir offers insights on her family, the film industry and Walt Disney, among other celebrities.

The Home Place by J. Drew Lanham, 2016

Herein lie interesting perspectives and exquisite poetic prose from a Black man and lover of nature. He grew up on a farm in South Carolina, has a PhD in ornithology and teaches at Clemson.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, 2016

This memoir offers details about medical careers and surgery, and musings on life and death from a neurosurgeon who learns at age 36 he has lung cancer. He has eight months with his new daughter before he dies.

My favorite fiction books read last year include:

No. 10: Plaguemaker by Tim Downs, 2006

I thought this would be a sort of CDC racing-to-contain-an-infection thriller, but no. The threat is a Japanese scientist who hates the U.S. and is planning to deploy thousands of plague-infected fleas into New York City. Solid writing, cool characters and lots of great twists and turns.

No. 9: The Man From St. Petersburg by Ken Follett, 1982

Im embarrassed to confess that Ive never read a book by this famous author. I picked this one intrigued by the title. (Knowing nothing about a book except title, author and cover blurb has burned me in the past, but I still find myself buying them.) Pleasant surprise: great early 1900s story set in London, full of suspense, neat characters and a fascinating Russian element.

No. 8: Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz, 2020

I love British cozy mysteries. This is the second delightful Susan Ryeland tale that features a story within a story, and I couldnt figure out either one. The multi-talented author brought Midsomer Murders to television.

No. 7: The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes, 2019

Engaging story set in 1937 Kentucky about women who start a traveling library under the Works Progress Administration. A naive English beauty, Alice, is swept off her feet by the controlling son of a coal mine owner and marries him. Misery ensues. Can the library women help?

No. 6: Belgravia by Julian Fellowes, 2016

The Downton Abbey writer and creator adds this novel set in 19th century England to his many credits. The story tangles with sexism, the rigid class system, and nobility estate laws. And its riveting. Ann Trenchard proves a wonderful heroine. Shes kind, level-headed, strong, yet constantly beaten down by having to straddle two social milieus  her middle-class background and her social-climbing husbands thrusting her into situations with the nobility.

No. 5: Spoonbenders by Darryl Gregory, 2017

An old-fashioned magician whose magic is based on trickery and sleight-of-hand winds up with children who have real paranormal powers  astral projection and telekinesis. Humor abounds despite much grief and loss. Entertaining on every page.

No. 4: Deacon King Kong by James McBride, 2020

Set in the housing projects of 1969 Brooklyn, African Americans, Italians, Puerto Ricans and gangsters all make for a thoughtful, surprisingly humorous and meaty story. An aged churchgoer shoots a drug dealer, and drama unfolds when the dealer doesnt die.

No. 3: The Lost Girls by Heather Young, 2016

Excellent prose in this mystery about the disappearance of a young girl in the 1930s. I listened to this novel on CDs from the library, and one reason I liked it so much is the two fabulous womens voices reading the novel.

No. 2: American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson, 2019

A radical novel set in 1980s U.S. following an African American woman from New York City to Martinique to Burkina Faso where she is torn between idealism and survival.

No. 1: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, 2021

This is what fiction is for. The carefully explained science does not get in the way of this near-future adventure story, a wild and suspenseful tale of a schoolteacher on a space travel mission to save the earth. A great fun read even for folks who usually dismiss science fiction.

More than half of these favorites were recommendations from friends or my book club. Many thanks to them! Happy reading in 2022!

Gwen Veazey is a member of the Morganton Writers Group.
A local church has implemented an innovative new curriculum to help revitalize its childrens ministry and draw young families back to church.

In October, Oak Hill United Methodist Church launched Godly Play, an interactive childrens curriculum focused on creativity and experience. In Godly Play, children are introduced to spiritual practice through Bible stories, artistic expression, play and discovery.

Godly Play is an elemental and experiential curriculum for childrens spiritual formation, said Dr. Amalie Hinson, worship arts director at Oak Hill UMC. It involves manipulatives and a story. In Godly Play, there is a story time, there is an art response time and then there is a time called feast.

According to Hinson, Feast is a replication of communion done in a way that helps children engage in and understand the ritual. In addition to these elements, Hinson, a longtime music educator, incorporates a music element into Oak Hills Godly Play program.

According to the Godly Play website, the program focuses on more than simply communicating theological knowledge to children. Instead, it is a holistic approach to spiritual formation, helping children discover and explore spiritual practice through wondering and play. At its heart, Godly Play helps children learn to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to Gods call. This focus on creativity is a significant factor that first drew Hinson to Godly Play.

To be made in the image of God means that you have the ability to create, Hinson said.

She added that the programs simplicity and openness make it a powerful way to approach spiritual formation in childrens ministry.

One of the things about Godly Play is that it invites questions, Hinson said. Theres always a time for students to process the story and to think about it on their own terms. I believe this can transform the message and allow the listener to look at the things that maybe the story doesnt say instead of just what it does.

Hinson believes this creative approach has the power to transform the way children think about and engage with spiritual practices.

Godly Play is a very calming approach to spiritual formation, she said. When I have observed it myself, Ive found it to be transformative.

Hinson believes that everyone in the church, not just children, can benefit from Godly Plays approach to spirituality.

I feel like Godly Play works, Hinson said. Its so basic and gets back to the root of faith that we would all benefit from some time in the Godly Play circle, not just children, but it feeds the souls of the adults that are involved as well.

According to the Rev. Paul McClure, pastor of Oak Hill United Methodist, Godly Play is part of a larger outreach and community involvement strategy that includes cooperation with Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina and Oak Hill Elementary School.

I see this as part of the ongoing mission of the church, McClure said. Its central to what we see as our mission and outreach to the community to reach people of all ages with the gospel and disciple people  to help them grow in their faith, understanding and participation in the life of faith.

McClure sees the intergenerational nature of the program as a critical piece of the churchs outreach strategy. He hopes Godly Play will help draw young families back into the church and challenge the entire membership to nurture spirituality and encourage a life of faith in the next generation.

I like the fact that its intergenerational, he said. Its a good way to get children, parents and grandparents involved. Its a good way of helping children, adults and any age in between to enter into the narrative of the Scriptures.

Moving toward this goal of multi-generational ministry, Hinson has already initiated a new music program where children and adults sing and play music together.

We have some Orff instruments we obtained through a grant, Hinson said. They were originally designed by a German musician, Carl Orff, who believed that children should have quality instruments that are legitimate as a tool for learning. These are something that I use with the children and adults because there is no music skill necessary and no music knowledge necessary.

Last fall, David Butner, a church member, used models found in the Godly Play curriculum to build manipulatives for the childrens ministry to use during the Advent season. Hinson hopes this trend of intergenerational involvement in childrens ministry continues to expand in the New Year.

There are all kinds of opportunities for people to step up and contribute whatever their gifts are, Hinson said. When you are personally involved in any ministry in the church, whether that be childrens ministry or music or whatever, you always are blessed more than those who receive what youre doing.

Oak Hill United Methodist Church features Godly Play during the childrens Sunday school time at 9:45 a.m. Oak Hill United Methodist Church is located at 2239 NC 181 in Morganton.
A local law enforcement agency recently took on a little bit of Hollywood to inspire people to consider a career path with the department.

A new recruitment video for the Morganton Department of Public Safety opens with a boy and a girl sitting at a table while they play with Legos and toy cars.

The boy, whistling the wail of a siren, is pushing a toy police car around the table when the girl asks him what he wants to be when he grows up.

A pair of piercing blue eyes look up to the camera with a simple response: I want to help people.

Behind the scenes

It was MDPS Sgt. J. Beaver who tossed out the idea of an updated recruitment video after the department formed a recruitment committee early last year.

I knew that in years past, we did have some videos, Beaver said. They had been outdated, it had some of our old cars, old designs, some employees that no longer worked here and I had the idea that we should revamp it.

He looked to other departments around the country for some inspiration and the committee started putting together a script of things they thought would give viewers a glimpse at all the divisions of public safety.

Officers give chase to a pair of armed robbery suspects, the traffic unit takes a speeding, impaired driver off the streets, community services officers get out in the community, a serious wreck is reconstructed, detectives work a case and officers and firefighters respond to a structure fire  all in about six minutes.

Beaver said more than half the department was involved in creating the video, which took place over multiple days.

Ultimately, everybody was on board with it, Beaver said. I had a lot of officers come in on their day off to be part of it.

Some scenes took hours to film.

For example, the (scene) on (NC) 18 North for the traffic stop, that was a several-hour process which involved monitoring the roadways and ensuring no cars were coming through during the shooting, Beaver said. We had to post officers at both sides of the highway just to make sure that, while we and the other gentleman that was involved in the video were filming, no cars were going to be affected by it.

Scheduling of filming was quite the undertaking to make sure officers were available, along with Alex and Lydia Powell of LUMA FILMS.

The Powells worked with Beaver and the rest of the recruiting committee to develop a plan.

It was back in May or June that Sgt. Beaver reached out to me about the idea of a day in the life of an officer and all the things that could happen and what that could feel like and so we were just trying to bring that to life, Alex said. It was a lot of fun. We had the idea of maybe starting before the day and starting when the officer was a boy, and its always fun to kick around ideas like that and see what sticks with the committee, what they like and ultimately show it to the department and see what they think about it and what they think would be compelling to their viewership.

The technical side

The Powells have been operating LUMA FILMS since 2020, and before that, Alex worked in post-production for a video company.

He first got interested in video production when he was working with another video team as an audio specialist.

Thats something I care a lot about, sound design, dialogue, all those kinds of things, Alex said. But in the process of working with them, I became more and more interested in the production-side of film, and so thats kind of how all this got started. I wanted to branch out and learn ... we both love to continue learning, and I wanted to stretch out and take a more active role in the entire production process.

Alex said Lydia, his wife, is one of the best editors he knows  whether its a written product or a video production.

And for a video like the MDPS recruitment video, there was a lot of editing to be done to get the footage down to something digestible for viewers.

Theres a lot of unknown when you go into a situation when youre filming this many people in this many divisions and you have this much footage and hard drives full of footage, and then youre going to create something that, ultimately, you want to be effective and driven by the strategy of this committee, Alex said.

Its a lot of work, he said, piecing together the footage like puzzle pieces, but as they build toward finishing the video, it all starts to come together, Alex said.

When we got the night footage, the drone footage of the fire trucks leaving the fire station and the federal Q siren comes on and those fire trucks start rolling out of there, when that all came together, you get goosebumps, Alex said. At that point, youre like, okay, this is gonna be really good.

We wanted them to feel like we helped put them in their best light, Lydia said. I think that, ultimately, they did feel that, and that makes us feel good.

Eye-opening experience

The recruitment video aimed to give viewers a glimpse into the life of a public safety officer, and it did just that for the Powells.

The one thing that is really great about what we do in any organization that we walk into, and certainly with public safety, it was great to kind of get a behind the scenes look at what goes on, and then be able to bring that to life for others to be able to see behind the scenes too, Lydia said. For sure there were things that you dont really think about just offhand when you think about what a public safety officer in Morganton does day-to-day.

Alex said he enjoyed getting to see some of the parts of MDPS that arent always in the public eye, like the criminal investigations division and SWAT team.

The SWAT team has trainings that are ongoing and regular, Alex said. In a way, its stuff that you hope you never have to see used, but its great that theyre ready to do it. Its great that theyre ready for whatevers gonna happen.

But more than that, the Powells walked away with a greater sense of who serves the city at MDPS, Alex said.

People are really proud of what they contribute to this community, Alex said. That was very evident.

The video closes with a scene parallel to the beginning. The sun streaks through the windows of a bedroom, an alarm clock blares and an officer wakes up to get ready for the day.

Wake up with a purpose, a voice chimes in before the screen cuts to black.

Visit morgantonnc.gov/public-safety for more information on the department, or find Morganton Public Safety on Facebook.

Chrissy Murphy is a staff writer and can be reached at cmurphy@morganton.com or at 828-432-8941. Follow @cmurphyMNH on Twitter.

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Governors took sweeping actions during earlier surges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many closed schools and ordered businesses shut down. They issued mask mandates, vaccine requirements and even quarantines in some places for people who had traveled to out-of-state hot spots.

Not this time, even as the exponential spread of the super-contagious omicron variant shatters COVID-19 infection records. While governors are sending help to hospitals, they are displaying little appetite for widespread public orders or shutdowns.

Even Democratic governors who passed strict mandates early on are now relying more on persuasion than dictates. They largely are leaving it up to local officials to make the tough calls on decisions such as whether to limit capacity in restaurants and theaters or keep schools open.

South Carolina set a record for positive tests over the New Year's weekend and COVID-19 hospitalizations are up 67% from the week before. But Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, urged everyone to carry on as if everything's fine. "If you get real sick, there will be room in the hospitals," he promised this week.

"There's no need to panic. Be calm. Be happy," McMaster said. "We just had a great Christmas season. Business is booming."

McMaster has consistently urged people to get vaccinated and in the earliest days of the pandemic, he directed K-12 schools and colleges to move to distance learning. But students are back in classrooms across the state, and he continues to resist imposing any statewide business shutdowns.

California is grappling with an astonishing spike in infections, and the state health department extended an indoor mask mandate to Feb. 15, but the state's Democratic leaders included no mechanism to enforce it. "I think a lot of people will self-enforce and do the right thing," Gov. Gavin Newsom told reporters last month.

The sentiment seems familiar to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. The Republican announced a 30-day state of emergency to fight the omicron variant surge, but it doesn't include the same statewide mask mandate ordered earlier in the pandemic.

"I'm not sure the people that are refusing to wear a mask are going to wear one anyway, and we don't have the ability to enforce it," Hogan said. "So we're just strongly encouraging people to wear the damn mask."

New Jersey has had the second-largest U.S. caseload during this surge, after New York, and Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy asked the legislature to renew his emergency powers so he can continue a mask mandate in schools. But renewed business shutdowns and near universal mask mandates appear to be off the table, and instead of issuing new executive orders, he's urging people to follow public health recommendations.

"Here is what we need everyone to really take to heart  the need to mask up, to get boosted, and to just practice common sense," Murphy said.

Even governors who pushed the hardest for restrictions during earlier outbreaks have settled on appealing for people to take personal responsibility. Oregon removed its mask requirement from outdoor crowds in November and hasn't reinstated it. Schools and businesses remain open, and Democratic Gov. Kate Brown has urged booster shots as the best way to combat the virus.

"Our focus right now is on making sure our most vulnerable Oregonians have access to booster shots and ensuring we are ready to support our hospital systems," the governor's spokesman, Charles Boyle, said in an email.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, was one of the first to close schools in March 2020 as the virus began spreading rapidly through the U.S. But his desire to take aggressive measures has waned, and since the summer he has focused on voluntary mask wearing and vaccinations.

"We don't have the practical ability to really put on a statewide mask order at this point," DeWine said in late December. "I don't think it's appropriate at this point. We have the vaccine. We have the tools."

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, while listing his accomplishments during his first year in office Tuesday, said that through previous COVID-19 surges there was little differences in case counts between states run by Republicans that tended to take fewer precautions and those run by Democrats, which generally took stronger actions.

"Heavy-handed, one-size-fits-all mandates don't work," Gianforte said.

In North Carolina, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is still leaving it to local governments to decide whether masks should be required in stores or government buildings rather than ordering them statewide, and encouraging but not requiring local school boards to retain mask mandates for students and staff.

Cooper has taken this tack even though the Republican-controlled legislature has lacked veto-proof majorities necessary to overturn his previous statewide COVID-19 mandates.

"We're going to have to learn how to live with it, and continue to keep our kids in school and our businesses open and all of our government operations running effectively and efficiently," Cooper said.

Pandemic fatigue among the public has led Utah Gov. Spencer Cox to suggest COVID-19 and its variants could be treated more like the flu or any other contagious disease. The focus, he said, should be on reducing the effects of the illness through vaccines and medicines, not government mandates. On Thursday, he encouraged people to wear masks as cases hit record levels and the state was running out of monoclonal antibody treatments, but stopped short of calling for new rules.

"We have lots of illnesses that spread very quickly," he said last month. "But if they're not filling up hospitals and killing people, you know, we go about our business. If they are filling up hospitals and killing people, then obviously it becomes much more concerning."

___

Associated Press writers Mike Catalini in Trenton, New Jersey; Amy Hanson in Helena, Montana; Gary D. Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina; Andrew Selsky in Salem, Oregon; Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus, Ohio; Lindsay Whitehurst in Salt Lake City; and Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland, contributed to this report.

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While in his editorial, "We Must Conquer Fear with Hope," I wish John Ray had supported his generalizations with more specific examples, I agree with him that the autocratic impulses of Trumpism, the radical right and almost the entire Republican Party are driven by fear. Trump's central slogan, "Make America Great Again," is a coded promise to return America to the era of white supremacy, when white men (especially conservative, Christian ones) ruled the roost, and everyone else knew their place.

But even if returning to this time is a good idea (which it isn't) Trump's promise is a lie; there is no going back. Blacks are never again going to agree to being disenfranchised by slavery and segregation. Women are never again going to agree to having their lives limited to being wives and mothers, subservient to their husbands. Gays are never again going to agree to hide in the "closet," fearing exposure and filled with self-loathing.

Demographic trends indicate that relatively soon America will become a nonwhite majority nation, even if Donald Trump somehow succeeds in building his Wall in a desperate attempt to keep out brown-skinned Latin American immigrants. Whether we like it or not, the future of America is multiracial and multicultural.

While there are many things about the nation's future Americans should fear  especially climate change, which threatens to make the planet uninhabitable for human beings  a multiracial, multicultural America isn't one of them.

Perhaps it's because I'm Jewish and grew up in New York City, the most diverse place on earth (and because three of my four grandparents were immigrants) but a multiracial, multicultural American future has always struck me as something to welcome, not fear. It will certainly be a country more truly allied with Thomas Jefferson's words in the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal."

America is a nation based not on race but on certain basic democratic principles: freedom of speech, the rule of law, one person, one vote. So long as Americans obey these simple but essential principles, it doesn't matter whether the citizenry is white, black or brown, male or female, gay or straight; the country will thrive.

Here in Butte, these are ideas we should all embrace, since Butte is the most multiethnic place in Montana, founded by people from everywhere on earth, most who came to work in the mines.

White, rural Americans are genuinely suffering today. But they are not suffering because of the nefarious machinations of Democrats, liberals, feminists, gays, blacks, Jews, urbanites, academics, or any other of the right's usual suspects. They are suffering because of income inequality, globalization, deindustrialization, underfunded public schools, a dysfunctional heath care system, the fraying of the social safety net for the poor, the decline of unions, environmental devastation, trickledown economics, pandemics.

These are the problems we should be confronting as a nation, rather than hating the "other," fearing some "Great Replacement," and yearning for a utopian past that never existed. If we do that, we can make America great: not again, but for the first time.

Henry Gonshak is a retired English professor at Montana Tech. For many years he was a regular book and theater reviewer for The Montana Standard. He is the author of "Hollywood and the Holocaust" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2015). His views do not necessarily reflect those of Montana Tech.

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The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work.

The big idea

We found that college students who have children had significantly less time for college than their childless peers  about 4.3 hours less per week, to be specific  and that this time poverty is greatest for mothers of preschool-age children. Thats according to a 2021 study of 11,195 U.S. college students.

Our study found other trends as well. Student parents also often had to care for children while they were studying. The most time-poor parents sacrificed a great deal more of their free time for their studies than childless students who had more time and could complete an academic degree more rapidly.

Among all student parents, those with the youngest children  and mothers in particular  had the least time for college and were likelier to enroll in college part time. For example, parents with children less than a year old spent a higher proportion of their free time  time left over after all necessary tasks  on their education than any other group. This was perhaps an attempt to make up for the fact that they had less time for their studies.

In addition, despite having less available time for their studies in the first place, mothers on average spent more time on their education than fathers. For example, among parents with children ages 1-5, mothers had 8.4 fewer hours per week to spend on their studies than fathers with children of the same age. Still, these mothers spent almost two more hours per week on their education than fathers.

Why it matters

This time difference matters, because college students with children are more likely to drop out and take longer to complete their degrees than college students without children, even though on average they have higher GPAs, according to a study we published in 2018.

In our 2021 study, having less time for college explained much of the difference in time spent on education between college students who have children and those who dont, as well as between mothers and fathers. It also explained differences among these groups in part-time enrollment.

However, mothers and fathers who lived with other adult family members who could help with child care were able to devote more time to their college work. They also spent less time studying while simultaneously caring for children, and they enrolled in college full time more often. Each additional adult family member living with a student parent increased the time they spent on their studies by over 1.5 hours each week. It also increased the time student parents spent studying without children present by 5 percentage points and their probability of enrolling full time by over 2 percentage points. This suggests that access to child care is critical to the progress of student parents.

Improving outcomes for student parents is important not just for students but for their families. One reason for this is that achieving a college degree is linked to better economic and educational outcomes for their children.

What still isnt known

We dont yet know which kinds of supports might work best to improve outcomes for college students who are parents, but there are several potential solutions.

One possible approach could be to invest more systematically in on-campus child care centers at colleges to support student parents. Another approach could be to increase federal financial aid awards to automatically cover the costs of child care that student parents need in order to study or attend class.

Whats next

Time poverty may be a challenge also for students who are not parents. Currently, we are looking at time poverty rates for other groups, such as students who enroll in online courses, women and students of color, to explore the extent to which time poverty is unequally distributed, and whether it may explain inequitable college outcomes for these groups. This may help us to understand whether different groups finish college at different rates because of differences in how much time they have to devote to their studies.

[Like what youve read? Want more? Sign up for The Conversations daily newsletter.]

Claire Wladis receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

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By Trend

One of the detainees in Kazakhstan admitted that he was participating in the protests for money, Khabar 24 TV channel reports, Trend reports with reference to Lenta.ru.

This man arrived in Almaty from Kyrgyzstan on January 2, the message said. Some individuals contacted him and offered to join the protests. As a reward, they promised 90,000 tenge, more than $200.

"As I am unemployed in Kyrgyzstan, I agreed, the detainee said.

The detainee said that they bought an airline ticket for him and on January 2 he arrived in Almaty. He was taken to an apartment in which there were about ten citizens of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Kazakhstan's government announced late Jan. 4 that it was restoring some price caps on liquefied petroleum gas, after the rare protests reached Almaty following a sharp rise in the price of the fuel at the start of the year.

Many Kazakhs have converted their cars to run on LPG, which is far cheaper than gasoline as a vehicle fuel in Kazakhstan because of price caps. But the government argued that the low price was unsustainable and lifted the caps on Jan. 1.

After the price of the fuel spiked, big demonstrations erupted on Jan. 2 in certain parts of the country. Public protests are illegal in the country unless their organizers file a notice in advance.

Following the development of the situation, the government declared a state of emergency all over the country. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the government initiated the anti-terorrist operations to deal with the ongoing riots.

Also, the divisions of the united peacekeeping contingent of CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) arrived in Kazakhstan to assist in restoring order and help protect strategic objects of the country.
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Rep. Mike Thompson held a press conference with state and local leaders at Napas Camille Creek Community School on Jan. 5 to highlight what the broadband portion of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law November last year, will bring to California.

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Thompson and several other speakers specifically highlighted how the investment into broadband will help with education, telemedicine services and small businesses.

Theres a total of $65 billion in broadband funding in the bill. Its the largest funding the federal government has ever provided for broadband expansion, Thompson said.

Thompson was joined by California Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Napa County Office of Education Superintendent Barbara Nemko, Vintage High School principal Sarah OConnor and Vintage senior Carolina Padilla Ayala.

Thompson said the investment will help equalize internet access in education, improving learning conditions for many students. He also said it will also improve peoples ability to access telemedicine  which has expanded considerably during the pandemic  and improve internet conditions for small businesses, leading to more jobs and increased economic activity.

Aguiar-Curry said all the speakers had been fighting for broadband investment before the pandemic, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear how important internet access can be. Aguiar-Curry highlighted recent state bills to bring up to $150 million per year into broadband grant funding for under-connected areas. The bills, Assembly Bill 14 and Senator Senate Bill 4  authored by Aguiar-Curry and Sen. Lena Gonzalez  passed into law last year.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires the past several years have made it glaringly clear how critical connectivity is in the times of emergencies, including the massive destruction of our area, said Aguiar-Curry. We need to make sure we have a transition of students learning from home and what we can do during wildfire evacuation. The accelerated need for broadband cannot be ignored.

Nemko, whos been highly involved in implementing digital learning in early education, said it cant be overstated how much the internet and connectivity has changed education. She gave the example of a young child getting a wholly different interactive educational experience from a digital book that reads itself to the child and allows the child to, for example, click on a cow that would then moo.

Nemko said Napa is a rural county with many places that have poor connectivity. Under distance learning, she said, students who were actually able to consistently connect to the internet had a much better experience than those who couldnt.

When we are on distance learning, and we hope we dont ever have to do that again, but when we were on it, it was huge for students who were able to connect and do their work, Nemko said. For the students who had to get a paper packet, it was definitely not the same. And so we were thrilled that even in our preschool, our children all had iPads and were able to work at home because they knew how to use an iPad.

OConnor, the principal of Vintage High School, said nothing will ever replace the in-person, human connection of teaching and learning, but the circumstances of the last few years show the importance of being to move to distance learning at the snap of a finger.

Whats most important about the bill, she said, is creating a greater consistency for internet access, and thus improving equity in the educational environment.

Padilla Ayala, a Vintage High School senior, said shes had difficulty with internet connectivity throughout the pandemic. Even without distance learning, she said, so much of school is dependent on the internet  to check grades, turn in assignments and see announcements, for example.

In distance learning, she said, My internet probably never worked. I would have to turn off my camera in order for my sound to work or have to turn off my sound in order for my camera to work. And she still has to attend various meetings carried out on Zoom.

California is set to receive $44.6 billion from the infrastructure act overall, which is more than any other state but among the lowest adjusted for population, landing at around $1,100 per California resident, according to reporting from CNBC.

But, Thompson said, California is still set to benefit tremendously from the federal funds, which includes about $25 billion for highways, $4 billion for bridges, $10 billion in transit funding and $385 million to build electric charging stations throughout the state.

You can reach Edward Booth at (707) 256-2213.

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By Trend

No terrorist entered Kazakhstan through Kyrgyzstan, head of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan Kamchybek Tashiyev said, Trend reports citing Tashiyev's statement on his Facebook page.

"There are no terrorists in Kyrgyzstan, if they appear, the measures will be taken in accordance with our legislation," Tashiev added.

Kazakhstan's government announced late Jan. 4 that it was restoring some price caps on liquefied petroleum gas, after the rare protests reached Almaty following a sharp rise in the price of the fuel at the start of the year.

Many Kazakhs have converted their cars to run on LPG, which is far cheaper than gasoline as a vehicle fuel in Kazakhstan because of price caps. But the government argued that the low price was unsustainable and lifted the caps on Jan. 1.

After the price of the fuel spiked, big demonstrations erupted on Jan. 2 in certain parts of the country. Public protests are illegal in the country unless their organizers file a notice in advance.

Following the development of the situation, the government declared a state of emergency all over the country. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the government initiated the anti-terorrist operations to deal with the ongoing riots.

Also, the divisions of the united peacekeeping contingent of CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) arrived in Kazakhstan to assist in restoring order and help protect strategic objects of the country.
The statements of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the presence of Russian peacekeeping forces on the territory of foreign states reflect the position of the White House, representative of the American administration said during a telephone briefing.

The White House also noted a disagreement on a number of issues that Russia proposed in the context of a future meeting.

A day earlier, on Saturday, Blinken, commenting on the entry of Russian peacekeeping forces into Kazakhstan, said that Washington had learned one lesson from history, allegedly, when Russians are in your house, it can be difficult to force them to leave.

On the same day, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, called the statement of the head of American diplomacy despair from a lack of arguments.

In addition, she considered such a statement by Antony Blinken boorish. And she invited him to take into account another "history lesson", recalling those who were not lucky to see such uninvited guests as the United States at their home.
Ninety per cent of Afghanistan's healthcare centres are on the verge of collapse, which in turn is "depriving millions of basic care, threatening the Covid-19 response and creating a major risk of disease outbreaks, malnutrition and preventable deaths", said a humanitarian organisation. Highlighted the "growing" humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the New York-based International Rescue Committee (IRC) said in a report: "Afghanistan rises to the top of Watchlist as the population increasingly cannot meet basic needs and the economy and public services collapse, despite the end of major conflict," TOLO News reported. The IRC report underscored that the suspension of international donors' funding and the freezing of Afghan assets caused the closing of the health centre and an economic meltdown amid drought, hunger and the ongoing Covid pandemic. "A cash shortage means Afghans are running out of money while prices of basic items, from food to medicine, are skyrocketing. Afghanistan could see near universal poverty by mid-2022, with 97 per cent of Afghans impoverished, according to the UN. Unaddressed, this economic crisis will drive up humanitarian needs, from food insecurity and malnutrition to health crises," it added. However, officials from the Taliban-led Ministry of Public Health on Saturday rejected the possibility of 90 per cent of health facilities in the country closing, while acknowledging challenges in the health sector. The officials urged international health organisations to support Afghanistan's health sector. --IANS ksk/ ( 245 Words) 2022-01-09-09:02:03 (IANS)
By Trend

On January 9, 2022, the CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas had a telephone conversation with the commander of the CSTO Collective Peacekeeping Forces in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Colonel General Andrei Serdyukov, appointed by the decision of the CSTO Council of Defense Ministers, Trend reports citing CSTO press service.

The progress of the deployment of the CSTO Collective Peacekeeping Forces on the territory of Kazakhstan was discussed, which were sent there in accordance with the Decision of the Collective Security Council of the situation, adopted on January 6, 2022 in order to normalize the situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

It was noted that the units of the peacekeepers have already begun to fulfill the assigned tasks. They have taken under protection important state, military and strategic facilities.
With a 26-member delegation, the Taliban's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials on political, economic and transit issues, as well as on the Afghan refugees in Iran, media reports said. This is the first official visit of a high-ranking Taliban delegation to Iran since it took over Afghanistan in August 2021. in November 2021, an Iranian delegation had visited Kabul during which the two sides discussed bilateral issues. "What is most emphasised in Afghanistan by Iran and neighbouring countries is the formation of an inclusive government that reflects the ethnic and demographic diversity of Afghanistan," Xinhua news agency quoted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh as saying to reporters on Saturday hours before the Taliban delegation's arrival in Tehran. The Iranian government will hand over the Afghan embassy in Tehran to the Taliban, Asr Iran news said in a report. "The Iranian government has not yet recognized the Taliban government, but it will hand over the Afghan embassy in Tehran to the Taliban to look after the affairs of Afghan citizens in Iran," it said. Before leaving Kabul, Mutaqqi told reporters earlier on Saturday that "we will try to form agreements with Iran on trade, economic, and political issues and we hope to have a fruitful visit", TOLO News reported. Meanwhile, acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi said they will talk with Iranian officials on importing gas and fuel from Tehran to Kabul and will sign large contracts in this regard. "We will work to sign big contracts on fuel so our private sector can buy and import goods to meet the demands in the market and decrease the prices," TOLO News quoted Azizi as saying. "The private sector is also included in this visit and Iran will invest in Afghanistan's energy and mining sector," said Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, deputy head of the Chamber of Industry and Mines. --IANS ksk/ ( 333 Words) 2022-01-09-10:06:03 (IANS)
Jalal, also a political commentator, would participate regularly in TV talks shows and round tables, reports Khaama Press.

Following his arrest on Saturday, his children have appealed humanitarian agencies on Twitter to help release their father.

Although the Taliban government is yet to comment on the development, sources told local media that the lecturer was arrested by the Taliban.

Just a day before he was arrested, Jalal had tweeted about the ongoing tensions along the Durand Line, the de facto border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Khaama Press reported.

"Durand Line has always been signed by Pashtoon heads of states and this is an official border between Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said.

--IANS ksk/

( 153 Words)

2022-01-09-11:46:02 (IANS)
In addition to being a frequent television and media presence, Jamil is also affiliated with the proselytising organisation Tableeghi Jamaat, the report said.

Taji Khokhar, known for the allegations of criminal activities and land-grabbing against him, as well as his controversial allegiance to the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), died on January 6.

Last year, the Rawalpindi police had placed him in the Fourth Schedule list of terrorists, the Friday Times report said.

Twitter users did not take kindly to what was seen as the preacher's lack of condemnation, it added.

"Maulvi Tariq Jamil has addressed the anniversary of the late Underworld Don of Rawalpindi. But I have never seen him praying in a slum or in a poor house," one commentator wrote about the popular religious figure's conspicous attendance of Khokar's funeral.

Others questioned why such a popular figure was "providing legitimacy to every fraud/thug in this country", while another alleged that he was a "maulana on hire".

"Sometimes i don't understand the hatred against Maulana Tariq Jamil, He's a principled and disciplined maulana obviously he'll go for the prayers... as long as he's getting paid well He's a maulana on hire, will work for state, khan, nawaz, army or whoever pays or has powers," the commentator said.

In 2020, Jamil received condemnation for blaming the coronavirus pandemic on "shamless, scantily dressed women" during a fundraising telethon.

He later apologised for his remarks.

(Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at Sanjeev.s@ians.in)

--IANS san/ksk/

( 291 Words)

2022-01-09-14:36:02 (IANS)
"We anticipate that around 20 per cent of our current scheduled operations will be withdrawn from service," it said in a statement.

"Where possible, cancellations of flights will be done at least 72 hours in advance and customers will be moved to the next available flight and will also be able to change their travel through the use of Plan B on our website," the statement said.

Besides, it decided to waive change fees for all new and existing bookings made up to January 31, 2022, for flights up to March 2022.

The airline operator urged the passengers to avoid connecting to the call centre, instead use its digital channels where possible, as it is getting a large volume of calls.

--IANS ad-rv/vd

( 158 Words)

2022-01-09-21:04:04 (IANS)
Japanese drama 'Drive My Car' was named the best picture of 2021 during the 56th annual meeting of the National Society of Film Critics, held virtually on Saturday. As per The Hollywood Reporter, the society's members voted virtually Saturday on the best in acting, direction, writing, cinematography and more from 2021's onscreen and streaming US releases. 'Drive My Car' and 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Fantasy's Ryusuke Hamaguchi was selected as best director, while Penelope Cruz won the best actor (female) for her performance in 'Parallel Mothers' and 'Drive My Car's Hidetoshi Nishijima won in the category of best actor. This year's Film Heritage Award was bestowed on the late Bertrand Tavernier and Peter Bogdanovich, "distinguished critic-filmmakers who never lost their passion for other people's movies and film history." The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Maya Cade was also honoured as a winner of this year's Film Heritage Awards for the Black Film Archive, "which expands knowledge of and access to Black films made between 1915 and 1979." The society's special citation for a film awaiting US distribution to Jean-Gabriel Periot's documentary titled 'Returning to Reims'. The ceremony was dedicated to Morris Dickstein and Michael Wilmington, "two esteemed colleagues and longtime members" who wrote about movies in reviews, essays and books "with wit, warmth, passion and skill, and will both be deeply missed." The organisation also announced that Liz Weis, who served as executive director of the National Society of Film Critics for 47 years, is stepping down. Critic Justin Chang, who serves as the group's chairman, tweeted the winners live via the @NatSocFilmCrix Twitter account. Here is the list of the winners: 1. Best picture: 'Drive My Car' Runners up: 'Petite Maman', 'The Power of the Dog' 2. Best actor: Hidetoshi Nishijima for 'Drive My Car' Runners up: Benedict Cumberbatch for 'The Power of the Dog', Simon Rex for 'Red Rocket' 3. Best actor (female): Penelope Cruz for 'Parallel Mothers' Runners up: Renate Reinsve for 'The Worst Person in the World', Alana Haim for 'Licorice Pizza' 4. Best supporting actor (female): Ruth Negga for 'Passing' Runners up: Ariana DeBose for 'West Side Story', Jessie Buckley for 'The Lost Daughter' 5. Best supporting actor: Anders Danielsen Lie for 'The Worst Person in the World' Runners up: Vincent Lindon for 'Titane', Mike Faist for 'West Side Story', Kodi Smit-McPhee for 'The Power of the Dog' 6. Best director: Ryusuke Hamaguchi for 'Drive My Car', 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Fantasy' Runners up: Jane Campion for 'The Power of the Dog', Celine Sciamma for 'Petitite Maman' 7. Best screenplay: Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Takamasa Oe for 'Drive My Car' Runners up: Pedro Almodovar for 'Paralell Mothers', Paul Thomas Anderson for 'Licorice Pizza' 8. Best Cinematography: Andrew Droz Palermo for 'The Green Knight' Runners up: Ari Wegner for 'The Power of the Dog', Sayombhu Mukdeeprom for 'Memoria' 9. Best nonfiction film: 'FLEE' Runners up: 'Procession', 'The Velvet Underground' For the unversed, the vote meetings for the annual event were held at New York's Film Society of Lincoln Center but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held virtually for the second year in a row and will not have an awards party. The previous year, Chloe Zhao's highly acclaimed drama 'Nomadland' was NSFC's best picture titleholder. (ANI)
Taking to his Instagram handle, Vicky shared a photo that appears to be from their sangeet ceremony--the function from which no photos were revealed yet.

In the all-smiles candid picture, the duo could be seen grooving on a party song on the stage. Katrina looks drop-dead gorgeous in a popping pink lehenga choli, while Vicky looks dapper as always in a navy blue ethnic kurta.

"Forever to go!" Vicky captioned the post adding a red heart emoticon.

Earlier today, Katrina also marked the special day by sharing a snuggled up selfie with her husband.

Fans and fellow celebrities have already gone gaga over the pictures of the couple, who tied the knot in a grand yet intimate wedding ceremony at Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan on December 9, 2021.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Vicky is currently shooting for 'Mimi' director Laxman Utekar's yet-to-be-titled film with Sara Ali Khan.

On the other hand, the makers of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif-starrer 'Tiger 3' have postponed the film's Delhi shooting schedule in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases across the country. (ANI)
As per Deadline, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) announced recently that it will pay tribute to the late cinema trailblazer with a day of special programming on Sunday.

The special programming will include the late iconic actor's 2000 and 2007 appearances on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' and an airing of his 1967 film 'To Sir, With Love.'

The network also shared that it will air the 2015 special 'Oprah Winfrey Presents: Legends Who Paved the Way' featuring Poitier at a gala honouring "some of the legendary men and extraordinary women of the civil rights movement who made history."

For the uninformed, the groundbreaking and Oscar-winning actor was also a civil rights activist.

'To Sir, With Love' and the 'Oprah Winfrey Show' episodes will be available beginning Sunday on the WatchOWN app, the network said, according to Deadline.

Poitier died on Thursday night at the age of 94. Among his many achievements was becoming the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, when he was recognised for 'Lilies of the Field' on April 13, 1964.

Poitier was an inspiration to many. The Bahamian actor has played several pivotal roles in some of the most iconic Hollywood movies. His notable works include 'The Defiant Ones', 'Porgy and Bess', 'A Raisin in the Sun', 'Paris Blues', and more. (ANI)
A representative confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Lang died of complications from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at Sloan Kettering hospital in New York City.

A Brooklyn native, Lang dropped out of New York University before heading to the Miami area to organize music events, including the 1968 Miami Pop Festival, which featured Jimi Hendrix.

Lang later moved to Woodstock, N.Y., where he worked with Artie Kornfeld and partners Joel Rosenman and John Roberts to plan the famous festival, which took place from August 15-18, 1969, on Max Yasgur's farm near Bethel, N.Y.

The massively attended event became a signature moment for the counterculture movement and showcased such performers as Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Grateful Dead, the Who, Carlos Santana, Sly and the Family Stone, Joe Cocker and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

"Woodstock offered an environment for people to express their better selves if you will. It was probably the most peaceful event of its kind in history. That was because of expectations and what people wanted to create there," Lang told Pollstar in 2019.

Lang, who was portrayed by Jonathan Groff in Ang Lee's 2009 film 'Taking Woodstock', also produced follow-up events Woodstock '94 and Woodstock '99. He helped plan Woodstock 50, which was set to take place in August 2019 until the concert was ultimately cancelled.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, he is survived by his wife Tamara and his five children, Shala, Lariann, Molly, Harry and Laszlo. (ANI)
Actor Alec Baldwin has responded to apparent claims that he is not cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the October shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the 'Rust' film set. He took to Instagram on Saturday to share footage of himself asserting that he is "one thousand percent going to comply" with the investigation. "Any suggestion that I am not complying with requests or orders or demands or search warrants about my phone, that's bullshit. That's a lie," Baldwin said. According to The Hollywood Reporter, while on 'Rust's' Bonanza Creek Ranch set in Santa Fe on October 21, Baldwin was holding a revolver when it accidentally discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has said he was not aware the firearm contained a live round, and the Santa Fe County Sheriff's department and district attorney are investigating the incident. According to Baldwin's new Instagram post, any perceived delay in his involvement stems from the fact that he lives in New York. He said, "Someone from another state can't come to you and say, 'Give me your phone, give me this, give me that. They can't do that. They've got to go through the state you live in. That is a process that takes time." Baldwin continued, "The best way, the only way, we can honor the death of Halyna Hutchins is to find out the truth. I have no worries about that. That's all going to work itself out, regardless of what they say in these right-wing rag sheets." As per The Hollywood Reporter, during a January 1 post to Instagram, Baldwin referred to the incident as "the worst situation I've ever been involved with," adding that his goal in 2022 is to not let negativity "destroy" his well-being. (ANI)
Pete Davidson hit the stage with rapper Jack Harlow, shortly after his return from the Bahamas with his girlfriend, Kim Kardashian. According to Page Six, in fan footage shared on social media, Harlow, was seen performing 'SUVs (Black on Black)' at The Novo in Los Angeles when Davidson joined him onstage, covering the chorus solo as Harlow stepped back and gave the 'Saturday Night Live' star the stage. The duo previously worked together during Harlow's turn as 'SNL's' musical guest, where they parodied Eminem's 2002 track, 'Without Me'. The boys' night out follows Davidson's return from a brief vacation with Kardashian. The pair are reportedly "really happy together" after their three-day getaway. "Things are going great between them. They're taking things slow, but both are really happy when they're together," one source told Page Six. "All of their friends love seeing how happy they both are. It's really great," the source added. An insider close to Davidson told that the stand-up comic is intrigued by Kardashian's success but "isn't intimidated at all." "He's very supportive. He admires how successful she is and loves how down-to-earth, funny, smart and kind she is," they continued. Kardashian, however, is "taking a more private approach" with this relationship, we're told, as, "She wants to take her time, but she is really enjoying spending time with Pete." The pair reunited for the trip after spending New Year's Eve separately, as Kim stayed home in Los Angeles with her children while Davidson hosted an NYE Bash in Miami alongside Miley Cyrus, as per Page Six. (ANI)
Saudi Water Partnerships Company (SWPC) has issued request for qualifications (RFQs) for the development of two independent sewage treatment plants in the kingdom with a total capacity of 150,000 cu m per day.

Riyadh East ISTP with 100,000 cu m/day capacity will be coming up in the capital, while the 50,000 cu m/day Khamis Mushait ISTP will be located in the Asir Province of southwestern Saudi Arabia, said a statement from SWPC.

SWPC had in 2021 end announced that it was considering the option to bundle both the Riyadh East and Khamis Mushait ISTP and seek bidders for the Bundled ISTPs together under one RFP.

The successful bidder will then be awarded the Bundled ISTPs. However, each project will be implemented by a separate project company, which will be incorporated by the successful bidder following award of the Bundled ISTPs, it added.

According to SWPC, a total of 42 utility project developers, including 23 Saudi companies, had expressed their interests in the projects.

The top firms eyeing the project include Spanish infrastructure majors Acciona, Abengoa Agua; Cobra; GS Inima Environment and Copasa Group, French groups Veolia, Saur Sas and Suez International, Dutch utility specialist Arkoil Technologies and Ireland-based Ask Environmental Services in addition to Korea's Samsung Engineering and the local units of China Gezhouba Group and Harbour Engineering Company.

Among the top Saudi firms in the race are Ajlan & Bros; Marafiq; AFAC; Tawzea; Al Bawani Water & Power (AWP); Nesma; Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies; Haaco; AWT; Alfanar Company; Al Yamama; Lamar Saudi; Mowah and Tamasuk Holding Company.

The regional heavyweights who have expressed interests in the project include UAE groups Utico and Metito; Kuwait-based Alghanim International General Trading & Contracting and Egypt's Orascom Construction and Hassan Allam Holding.

According to SWPC, the winning bidders, under a 25-year sewage treatment agreement with the utitility firm, will be incorporated to develop each facility.

For the Riyadh East and Khamis Mushait ISTP, the utility firm is being advised by KPMG Professional Services as financial and lead advisor, White & Case as legal advisor and Future Water and Power Consulting as the technical advisor.

The deadline for submitting the bids has been set at January 12, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Telugu superstar and producer Ram Charan, whose upcoming release 'RRR' has been postponed till further notice, states that big releases play a vital role in regulating the economy of the film industry. The big-budget films not only generate employment but also make sure that people working at the lower rung of the crew get paid well. The actor recently spoke with IANS over the importance of star value for a film, the need for big-ticket releases, and the evolution of his working equation with filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli from 'Magadheera' to 'RRR'. Elaborating on the hardwiring of star value with a film, the actor said, "The aspect of star value is only to bring the masses to the theatres. Post that the story takes over and the story has the responsibility to talk and make the audience sit in the theatre." Laying down the framework of commercial potboilers vis a vis the film industry, the producer opines, "Every film has its own role to play the business part of the entire industry but these (big releases) are the films that bring glory back to the theatres. Not differentiating between the OTT films or theatre films but on the whole all these (spectacle) films have their own part to play. Their numbers and their economy are integral to not just the industry but also to the government in the form of taxes." Ask him how his working with Rajamouli has changed over the years, and he quips, "As actors we evolve with every year, there has been a sea change especially since the last decade. S.S. Rajamouli has evolved multifold and just to work with such a person, who knows what he exactly wants from us, is a pleasure." A filmmaker with clarity of thought at the helm is a blessing for any artiste working on a film set, "Our job gets so much easier when we are working with someone, who is so sure about what he's making. He has evolved so much, I am really blessed to work with him." Although the third wave played spoilsport for the film's release, he is hopeful that normalcy would soon return and the audience while relieving the stress would also appreciate the efforts into putting this film together, "What I am really looking forward to from this movie apart from it becoming a huge hit is that people appreciate the hard work of the entire team for making a film of this scale." "I think it's been so long that I have been in a theatre enjoying popcorn. Films like 'Suryavanshi', 'RRR' and 'Radhe Shyam' are those that should bring back the theatre days to glory and provide a holistic experience of movie watching to people", he concluded. --IANS aa/kr ( 476 Words) 2022-01-09-17:06:07 (IANS)
Madhya Pradesh reported 1,572 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, out of which, 618 were registered in Indore and 347 in Bhopal, according to the daily health bulletin issued by the state government on Saturday. Covid infections have reached to 26 out of 52 districts of the state, of which, Indore and the capital city have been reporting the maximum number of cases. Other districts where daily cases were reported above 50 are - Gwalior (111), Jabalpur (96), Ujjain (65), Vidisha (39), Sagar (36) and Ratlam (24), while the daily cases in other districts remained below 20. With this, the total active cases in the state have crossed 5,000 (5038), while 166 Covid infected people were reported to have recovered in the last 24 hours. The daily positivity rate that has been below 1 per cent till last couple of days, was reported at 2.1 per cent on Saturday. A total of 74,088 Covid samples were tested in the last 24 hours. There was no Covid related death in Madhya Pradesh in the last 24 hours, whereas a total 10,536 people have lost lives since the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020. During a review meeting on Covid pandemic on Saturday, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed district administrations to monitor the situation at block and village level and prepare a report. As per the official statement, Chouhan will hold a meeting with district collectors on Monday to take stock of Covid situation and preparation. Meanwhile, earlier on Saturday, Madhya Pradesh High Court taking a suo-motu cognizance sought a report from the state government on its preparations to fight the third wave of the Covid pandemic in the state. The bench headed by Chief Justice R.V. Malimath has asked the state government to submit its report next week. --IANS pd/skp/ ( 320 Words) 2022-01-08-22:18:05 (IANS)
Maharashtra Covid-19 cases remained above 40,000 mark but its variant Omicron infections shot above the 1,000 mark, as the state entered into an era of night curfew, besides extending closure of all schools till February 15, health officials said here on Saturday. The state reported a slight spike in Covid-19 infections and 'suspect cases' whose samples have been sent for genome sequencing touched 900 for the day. The state Covid-19 count shot up - from 40,925 on Friday to 41,434 cases on Saturday - and fatalities dropped from 20 a day earlier to 13 on Saturday, while the mortality rate fell from 2.07 per cent to 2.05 per cent. After recording zero Omicron infections on Friday, the number suddenly shot up to 133 of the variant on Saturday, with tally crossing the 1K mark to touch 1,009, with Mumbai remaining at the top of the list. Worried by the spread, the state government announced curfew-style measures akin to the first wave in 2020 - ban on groups of five or more persons during daytime from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., total ban on all public movements from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., barring essential services, starting from midnight of Sunday-Monday. Entry will be strictly regulated and enforced in government offices and only 50 per cent attendance with staggered working hours will be allowed. Gathering for marriages, and other social functions further scaled down to 50 only, only 20 mourners for funerals, 50 per cent intake in restaurants, cinemas and malls, and the shutting of all schools extended from Jan 31 to Feb 15, barring for critical academics for board students in Class X and Class XII. Swimming pools, gyms, spas, saloons will be shut, barber shops to serve only 50 per cent capacity, besides a host of other restrictions as the third wave has settled in. Of the 133 new Omicron infections, 129 are from Pune district, 2 from Palghar and one each from Ahmednagar and Mumbai. Omicron has spread extensively across several districts in the state, and out of the 1,009 cases till date, 439 have recovered. Mumbai accounts for the bulk of Omicron cases, 566, followed by 286 in Pune, 63 in Thane, 30 in Nagpur, 18 in Raigad, 10 in Kolhapur, 8 in Satara, 6 each in Palghar and Osmanabad, 3 each in Amravati and Nanded, 2 each in Aurangabad, Buldhana, Ahmednagar and Sangli, and 1 each in Akola and Latur. The health authorities are continuing the intensive surveillance of passengers arriving at the three international airports - Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur - since December 1. A total of 36,624 travellers have landed here from the "high risk" countries of which 436 have tested positive and 464 from other countries, with all their reports sent for genomic sequencing to confirm if they are afflicted by Omicron. Besides, another whopping 3,076 positive samples from field surveys conducted since November 1 have been sent for genomic sequencing with the results of 97 are awaited, the officials said. Of the 41,434 new Covid-19 cases, Mumbai Metropolitan Region alone accounted for 33,134 infections, while Mumbai city remained above the 20K mark with 20,318 new cases. The next is Pune Circle's 4,749 infectees, Nashik Circle 1,392, Nagpur Circle 981, Kolhapur Circle 489, Latur Circle 251, Aurangabad Circle 226 and Akola Circle's 212. The number of people sent to home quarantine shot up hugely - from 742,684 on Friday to 845,089 now, and another 1,851 have been shunted to institutional quarantine. Mumbai, Pune and Thane remain at the top with the highest number of 'active cases' currently in the state, with the afflictions shooting up from 141,492 a day before to 173,238, with the recovery rate improving from 95.08 per cent a day earlier to 95.37 per cent. The state's cumulative figures of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic stands at 68,75,656 cases and 1,41,627 deaths, while another 65,57,081 patients have fully recovered till date. --IANS qn/skp/ ( 667 Words) 2022-01-08-22:32:05 (IANS)
Of these, 8 have travel history, while four are local cases. The travel history of 2 other persons is yet to be ascertained, officials said.

With the latest additions, the state's Omicron tally has gone up to 75, of which five have recovered.

The Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, which is conducting genome sequencing to detect Omicron cases, has informed the state Health and Family Welfare department about the new cases.

Odisha had reported the first two Omicron cases on December 21 and both had travel history from Nigeria and Qatar. Within a span of 19 days, the cases have gone up to 75.

Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has declared a hostel of the Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB) as a micro-containment zone following the detection of large number of Covid cases there. According to sources, 30 students of XIMB tested positive for Covid on Saturday.

--IANS bbm/arm

( 181 Words)

2022-01-08-22:48:04 (IANS)
The data, which was published late on Friday night, showed 7,164,906 people have been infected by Covid-19, with 242,440 new cases reported in the 48-hour period between Wednesday till Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The same period also saw the confirmation of 97 more deaths in the country due to the virus, lifting the death toll since the start of the pandemic to 89,934.

Spain is suffering the sixth wave of infections due to the Omicron variant, with the last million cases confirmed in just 10 days since the country crossed the 6-million cases mark on Dec. 28 and with a 46 percent increase in cases over the past week.

The 14-day incidence of the virus continued to rise and hit a new high of 2,722 cases per 100,000 inhabitants on Friday.

Children returned to school on January 10 with the Health Ministry on Friday agreeing that if five Covid-19 cases are detected in a class, then all the children in the class will be subject to quarantine.

--IANS int/shs

( 214 Words)

2022-01-09-00:50:05 (IANS)
Covid should be treated as an endemic virus similar to flu, and mass vaccination must end after the booster campaign, the former chairman of the UK's vaccine taskforce has said. According to Dr Clive Dix, there is a need to protect the vulnerable and not all must be vaccinated. Dix called for a major rethink of the UK's Covid strategy, the Guardian reported. "We need to analyse whether we use the current booster campaign to ensure the vulnerable are protected, if this is seen to be necessary. Mass population-based vaccination in the UK should now end," he was quoted as saying. He said ministers should urgently back research into Covid immunity beyond antibodies to include B-cells and T-cells (white blood cells). This could help create vaccines for vulnerable people specific to Covid variants, he said, adding: "We now need to manage disease, not virus spread. So stopping progression to severe disease in vulnerable groups is the future objective." His intervention comes as it was revealed that more than 150,000 people across the UK have now died from Covid. Official figures published on Saturday recorded a further 313 deaths, the highest daily number since February last year when the last peak was receding. It takes the total recorded deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test to 150,057, the report said. "Coronavirus has taken a terrible toll on our country and today the number of deaths recorded has reached 150,000," UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a tweet. "Each and every one of those is a profound loss to the families, friends and communities affected and my thoughts and condolences are with them. Our way out of this pandemic is for everyone to get their booster or their first or second dose if they haven't yet," he added. Meanwhile, Dix's remarks on ending mass-vaccination come as the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) ruled that fourth doses were not currently needed because most older people who had received boosters were still well-protected against Omicron, three months after the booster campaign began. The UK Health Security Agency said protection for over-65s was about 90 per cent, three months after a booster jab. The JCVI's deputy chair, Professor Anthony Harnden, said the committee was monitoring the impact of Omicron on older and vulnerable people on a weekly basis. --IANS rvt/vd ( 408 Words) 2022-01-09-20:38:05 (IANS)
Despite getting the maximum 14 councillors elected to the 36-member House of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which contested the polls for the first time, on Saturday failed to get its Mayor and his Deputy installed in the House. The BJP, with the support of 13 councillors and its sitting MP Kirron Kher, got its candidate Sarabjit Kaur elected as Mayor, with Anup Gupta as her Deputy. A total of 28 votes were polled as the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal abstained from voting. The BJP got 14 votes, the AAP 13 while one vote was declared invalid. Gupta won through a draw of lots after votes were tied 14:14 between him and AAP's Ram Chander Yadav. Later, AAP leader Jarnail Singh accused the BJP of murdering democracy in the mayoral election. He said that in the corporation elections, the residents of the city had voted the maximum number of 14 seats for AAP. AAP's victory in the Mayor election was certain, but the BJP deliberately cancelled a vote of AAP by insulting the verdict of the public and declared its Mayor forcibly, he told the media. He said the elections for Mayor showed that there was a clandestine understanding between the BJP and the Congress to defeat the AAP. After winning 12 seats in the elections, the BJP inducted a councillor from the Congress. "Somehow BJP's vote figures reached 14 by including one vote of from an MP and it equalled AAP's 14 votes. But the BJP, by flouting all the rules and regulations, got its candidate appointed as the Mayor," Singh added. --IANS vg/arm ( 281 Words) 2022-01-08-20:42:44 (IANS)
Women participation in the electoral process has increased in all the five states going to polls -- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, and Manipur as compared to the last assembly elections with UP witnessing the maximum participation of the fair sex at 29 points, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said on Saturday while announcing the poll schedule. As many as 18.34 crore electors from the five states will take part in the democratic exercise and out of that 8.55 crore are women electors. In the women participation, UP is followed by Goa with 24 points, Manipur with 19 points, Uttarakhand with 18 points, and Punjab at 10 points. In the gender ratio, Goa recorded 1056, Manipur 1065, Punjab 902, Uttarakhand 928, and UP at 868, Chandra said. Notably, out of the 24.9 lakh first-time voters, 11.4 lakh are also women. Nearly 13.01 lakh are differently-abled voters and 31.47 lakh senior citizens mostly above 80 years will exercise their franchise and this will inspire the younger generation, he said. The CEC said service electors including Security Forces deployed in far-flung places, Mission staff, and others are about 5.29 lakh. Polling time has been increased by one hour in all the states. The final electoral rolls were published on January 5. The EC has made an effort to increase the number of voters and as a result, all states have seen an increase, with the maximum voter increase in Uttar Pradesh. The EC has capped the number of voters per booth to 1,250, resulting in an increase in the number of polling stations to 30,334 as the average number of voters per polling booth has decreased. --IANS jw/skp/ ( 289 Words) 2022-01-08-20:46:10 (IANS)
Political parties, both ruling and opposition on Saturday, welcomed the Manipur assembly election schedule and are confident of winning the polls to be held in two phases -- on February 27 and March 3. The counting of votes will take place on March 10. Election Commission officials in Imphal said that similar to this year, the elections to the 60-member Manipur assembly were held in two phases on March 4 and 8 in 2017 and they are fully geared up to conduct the upcoming polls following the poll panel guidelines and Covid protocols. The leaders of the ruling BJP and the main opposition Congress while welcoming the election schedule have expressed confidence of victory. Union Minister Pratima Bhowmik, who is one of the election in-charge of BJP for Manipur, said that her party is fully ready for the polls and will win with a landslide victory. "As the Election Commission imposed restrictions on the physical campaign, we would undertake a massive virtual campaign at the earliest. All the central leaders in-charges of Manipur are now in the state. We would discuss everything including the strategies with the state leaders and act accordingly," Bhowmik told IANS. She said that Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, Assam's Urban Development Minister Ashok Singhal, BJP's central observer for Manipur and party's national spokesman Sambit Patra are now in Imphal and they are discussing the next course of action with the state leaders including Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Manipur Congress spokesman Ningombam Bupenda Meitei welcoming the ECI's poll dates announcement, emphasised on level playing field to all the political parties and effective implementation of ECI's orders and directives on ground. "I am confident that Congress will be back to power not only in Manipur, but also in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa," the Congress leader told IANS. After 15 years, Congress was ousted by the BJP-led alliance in the 2017 Assembly polls, despite emerging as the single largest party with 28 seats. But the saffron party, which had bagged 21 seats, stitched together a coalition government with the support of four National People's Party (NPP) MLAs, four Naga People's Front (NPF) members, the lone Trinamool Congress MLA and an Independent member. The NPP headed by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, however, already announced to contest the elections on their own this time and would field candidates in at least 40 seats. The political parties have already started their campaign for the ensuing elections in Manipur. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur and addressed a public gathering at the Hapta Kangjeibung ground in Imphal after inaugurating 13 projects and laying foundation for nine projects with a total investment of Rs 4,815 crore. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was scheduled to visit Manipur on Thursday and Friday, cancelled his trip, instead virtually inaugurated and laid foundation for 29 projects worth of Rs 2,450 crore, from Delhi. BJP President J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, who is the party's election in-charge for the northeastern state, and many other Central ministers and leaders have already visited the poll-bound state and addressed several public rallies in different parts of Manipur. --IANS sc/skp/ ( 540 Words) 2022-01-08-20:54:59 (IANS)
As per the police, the accused were identified as Rajesh Singh alias Chandan, Anubhav Singh, Nafeez, Shaifali alias Neha Singh, Yogitha alias Pooja Kumari, Shalu Kumari alias Radhika Rai, Priya alias Nisha Kumari and Shivani alias Nadini Agarwal.

According to the statement from Gajarao Bhupal, Joint Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, all eight accused together started a call centre at Mayur Vihar, Delhi with an intention to cheat innocent job seekers.

"They cheated the job seekers by contacting them over mobile phones and emails," Bhupal said.

The police in its further statement said that a complaint from a girl was received on October 20, 2021, in which she stated that she was cheated with Rs 8,02,426 in a fake call.

During the raid, the police seized 26 mobile phones, one laptop and one mobile dongle, the police added. (ANI)
Bahrain-based Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm, has announced its acquisition of Resa Power, a major provider of mission-critical engineering, testing and maintenance services for electrical infrastructure in the US, from Blue Sea Capital.

Headquartered in Houston, Resa is a market leader in providing maintenance and testing, systems integration, and related distribution services to clients across the renewables, commercial, and industrial end markets in North America. It has over 20 locations across the US and Canada.

The company draws on its experienced and highly skilled employee base of NETA (InterNational Electrical Testing Association) technicians, systems solutions technicians, and engineers to serve over 6,000 clients.

It is led by Monte Roach, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. Since Monte joined in 2019, the company has accelerated its growth and positioned itself as an industry leader, starting two greenfield locations and completing four acquisitions in the last twelve months while providing exceptional services that enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical infrastructure for its clients.

Investcorps partnership with Resa will focus on continuing the Companys organic growth, expanding geographically across North America, and accelerating the potential to make strategic, value-creating add-on acquisitions.

Yusef Al Yusef, the Managing Partner for Investcorps Private Wealth, said: "We are pleased to have acquired Resa Power. We believe that the company is well poised for growth as it operates in the large and growing electrical power services market driven by several macroeconomic tailwinds, including the need to upgrade public and private electrical infrastructure."

"We are particularly appreciative of the contributions of RESAs technicians and employees throughout the pandemic, which contributed to its accelerating growth and increasing market share over the past twenty months and look forward to working with them as they continue to grow," he added.

On the deal, CEO Roach said: "We believe Investcorps deep understanding of branch-based and human capital-centric Industrial Services businesses makes them an ideal partner for Resas next chapter of growth."

"Investcorps resources and expertise will help us accelerate our growth both organically and through acquisitions," he added.
Political parties in poll-bound Goa have welcomed the decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hold state assembly elections on February 14. While state Bharatiya Janata Party president Sadanand Shet Tanavade said that the party is geared up for the polls, All India Congress Committee senior observer for the Goa polls P. Chidambaram also said that while the Covid situation was worrying, holding elections is also important. "I welcome the decision of the ECI. They have prescribed guidelines, which say that no road shows and public meetings should be held till January 15. The BJP had already postponed public meetings from January 5. We have already taken the decision in view of Covid," Tanavade said. "BJP will win with the blessings of people of Goa and hardwork of party workers. We will win with a full majority," he said. "We will abide by the law. The pandemic situation is worrying. But we will observe the rules and conduct our election campaign in accordance with the guidelines. We appeal to the people to follow Covid restrictions," Chidambaram said, while "accepting" the poll schedule. "But elections are equally important. Elections must be held," he also said. Earlier on Saturday, Goa's Chief Electoral Officer Kunal (he does not use a surname) said that the election machinery was in readiness to implement the guidelines put forth by the ECI in Goa. "No padyatra, no nook meeting or any kind of meeting (will be allowed). We will be strictly monitoring. Right now our teams are in places to enforce from the defacement point of view. Goa Prevention of Defacement of Public Property will be strictly enforced. Request all stakeholders to ensure that they adhere to law of land," Kunal told reporters here, adding that apart from static surveillance, two flying squads had been constituted in each of the 40 assembly constituencies. "Covid situation we are monitoring daily. One is the Health department guidelines and secondly is the guidelines by the ECI. So, Health department has said no meetings over 100 and ECI has said no meetings until January 15," Kunal also said. "So we expect around 20,000 personnel will be part of the election process to man 1,722 polling booths in Goa," he said. Goa polls would be formally notified on January 21, while the last date for nomination of candidates is January 28. The candidature will be scrutinised on January 29 and the last date for withdrawal of candidates has been set at January 31 for the polls, which will be held on February 14, which incidentally is Valentines Day. Results will be declared along with all other four states on March 10. The state has 5,62,500 male and 5,93,960 females listed voters, along with four third gender voters taking the total tally of eligible voters to 11,56,464. --IANS maya/skp/ ( 482 Words) 2022-01-08-21:01:29 (IANS)
The deceased Aditya alias Alok Tiwari was a resident of Tiwari Tola of the Sangrampur police station area. The incident took place in Ghusiyar Bind Toli.

"The officer was stabbed to death in the Sangrampur police station area of the district. The police have reached there and investigated the matter," Superintendent of Police Kumar Ashish said.

The officer's body was cremated after the post-mortem was conducted, he said

"Special Investigation Teams (SIT) has been constituted. Three to four people have also been taken under custody for inquiry. The incident is being investigated," Ashish said.

According to the family, Aditya Tiwari was a Junior Warrant Officer (JWO) in the 40 Wing of Indian Air Force who was posted in Amritsar. (ANI)
Andhra Pradesh BJP General Secretary, Vishnuvardan Reddy, in a press release stated that, "The BJP leaders including Srikanth Reddy and others questioned the government over illegal constructions at Atmakur town. When they were questioning it, some people attacked the BJP leaders and damaged their vehicles in front of the police. It is shameful and unfortunate. The BJP is condemning it and demanding a stern action on it."

Vishnuvardan Reddy termed the incident as a murder attempt on Srikanth Reddy and others and demanded a thorough investigation.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) DG Sawang said, "Some people were trying to instigate clashes in Kurnool district. Police will take stringed action on those who tried to provoke people in the name of religion."

The DGP directed the Superintendent of Police, Kurnool to visit Atmakur and control the law and order situation. (ANI)
The VRS request of Joint Director of Enforcement Directorate (ED), Rajeshwar Singh, has been accepted by the department. Singh is now likely to contest upcoming UP Assembly elections. In August last year, Singh, who was posted in Lucknow, had applied for the VRS. Six months after his request, the concerned department took cognisance of the matter and allowed his move. There are possibilities that he might contest election from Shahibabad. As of now Singh has not made any official statement regarding his joining BJP and about his VRS. So far he is keeping mum on the matter. During his long tenure in ED, he probed most sensitive cases i.e 2G spectrum allocation case. He was also given case of alleged irregularities in 2010 Common Wealth Games. PMLA cases lodged against former Union finance minister P. Chidambaram, his son Karti Chidambaram, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda were also probed by him. In 2018, Singh got into controversy after he received a suspicious call from Dubai. This call was detected by the intelligence agencies who informed the apex court regarding this. Karnail Singh, the then ED director had said that he (Rajeshwar Singh) was a responsible official. Singh is holding a B.Tech degree and did his PhD in police, human rights and social justice subject. He became 1996 batch PPS official of UP and was a UP Police official. In 2009 he joined the ED. He was permanently absorbed into the ED cadre in 2015. Abha Singh, his sister who is a practicing lawyer in Mumbai has lauded his likely move saying country needed him. Rajeshwar Singh is married to IPS Luxmi Singh. --IANS atk/skp/ ( 300 Words) 2022-01-08-22:08:04 (IANS)
"All community support staff will receive an annual uniform allowance of Rs 1,000 and will be given one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to buy their preferred smartphone," said a statement from Chief Miniter's office (CMO)

"All Community Resource Person- Community Mobilisation (CRP-CMs) will be paid monthly honorarium of Rs 3,000 along with Rs 350 per month for travel expenses and Rs 150 per month for telephone allowance totalling Rs 250," it added.

Stating that "Mission Shakti" has become a movement that has changed the lives of 70 lakh women in Odisha, the CMO said that "in the current year, women Self Help Group under Mission Shakti have been given a bank loan of a record Rs 6,000 crore."

"In addition, Rs 200 crore has been deposited in the bank account of SHGs towards interest subvention," it added. (ANI)
"Anganwadi workers play an important role in children's health, nutrition and education along with the awareness among the women in rural areas," said a press statement from Chief Miniter's office (CMO).

"The Chief Minister has increased the amount of incentives for retired Anganwadi workers as an appreciation for their hard work and dedication towards the service," it added Anganwadi workers, mini-Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi assistants employed in the state under Anganwadi Service Scheme are being given one-time incentives on their retirement at the age of 62.

As of increased incentive, Anganwadi workers will receive a one-time incentive of Rs 40,000 instead of Rs 20,000 on their retirement.

Similar, the incentives of mini Anganwadi workers have been increased to Rs 30,000 from Rs 15,000 and Anganwadi assistants will be provided Rs 20,000 instead of 10,000, the release said.

The increased incentive will be effective retroactively from January 1, 2019. This will benefit 1991 Anganwadi workers, mini Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi assistants who have been retired to date.

And as many as 1.30 lakh Anganwadi workers of the state will be benefited from the announcement.

Along with that, the Chief Minister has also announced that "Anganwadi workers, mini-Anganwadi workers and Anganwadi assistants are admitted to any government or government-listed hospital due to illness while on duty, will get paid medical leave." (ANI)
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has stayed an order issued by the state government's Child Welfare Committee (CWC) regarding shifting of 44 children from the St. Francis Orphanage located in Sagar district to some other place. The principal bench of the high court headed by Justice Nandita Dube, while hearing the petition, questioned the government's unusual move, saying there is nothing on record as to under what circumstance and what provision are the children being shifted from the orphanage to some other place. "I deem it proper to direct the authorities not to shift the children right now. There is nothing on record as to under what circumstance and what provision the children are being shifted from the orphanage," Dube said adding, "The order of shifting the children dated December 29 has been stayed." The court was hearing a petition filed by St. Francis Orphanage challenging an order issued by the CWC regarding the shifting of children from the orphanage on December 29. The petitioner stated that on January 6, the CWC along with the police forcefully tried to shift children to other centres. The court has also directed the district CWC to submit a report within two weeks explaining why the children are being shifted in this cold weather and this difficult time when there is a rising threat of the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the court also asked the state government and the CWC to submit a report on the condition of the orphanage where the children are staying presently, and what is the condition or availability of space where they were intending to shift all these 44 children. Father Sinto Varghese, Director of St. Francis Orphanage, told IANS on Saturday said that the CWC through the police was trying to remove 44 children forcibly from the orphanage. He further said that on January 6, government officials accompanied by the police came and began forcing children to accompany them. An official in CWC, Sagar, claimed the order regarding the shifting of children was issued as the registration of the orphanage expired in 2020. Replying to this, Varghese said, "We had applied for renewal of licence and had submitted all the documents required to seek extension before the tenure of registration was over. However, the government did not reply on that and instead tried to shift children from here." He added that false information was being spread against the Catholic institute despite its selfless service to the poor and marginalised people of the society for the past 145 years. He claimed the orphanage was located on a portion of a prime 277-acre of land granted to the church during the British era. --IANS pd/arm ( 460 Words) 2022-01-08-22:32:06 (IANS)
Following the Election commission's announcement of the schedule of state Assembly polls and related COVID restrictions, Punjab Minister Raj Kumar Verka on Saturday said that the Congress party will promote its election manifesto via social media, TV and other mediums in the state. "Congress welcomes Election Commission's instructions. We wanted the Commission to impose strict rules on COVID guidelines, which they have done. I am sure Punjab will vote in big numbers. We will promote our manifesto via social media, TV and other media forms," the Punjab Minister told ANI. The Election Commission on Saturday announced poll dates for five states with Uttar Pradesh going for a seven-phase assembly election from February 10, Manipur to go for two-phase election from February 27 and Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand to face elections on February 14. The counting of votes in all states will take place on March 10. In the wake of the COVID-19 surge, the Commission directed that no physical political rallies and roadshows will be allowed till January 15, however, further rallies and election campaign meetings will be allowed only in earmarked places and with prior permissions of district administration. (ANI)
More than 500 artists have done the research and prepared these paintings scrolls. The Government of India is organizing the Kala Kumbh-Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate the 75 years of India's independence and its culture and achievements.

Earlier, the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi organized Kala Kumbh exhibition in Chandigarh and Bhubaneswar in December last. 10 huge painting scrolls of about 750 metres were displayed at designated educational institutes in these cities.

Now, these huge paintings are all set to catch the attention of people in Delhi on Republic Day.

Kala Kumbh is being organized under the joint aegis of the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Defence. (ANI)
A court here has sentenced a former court employee to a five-year jail term for threatening and trying to extort money from a judge in 2007. Highlighting as an extraordinary case, the prosecution submitted that he committed this crime by putting the victim Judge in fear for a considerable time for his illegal gain. Maximum punishment should be awarded to him so as to send a message to the society, it was argued. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Dr Pankaj Sharma held the man guilty of offences under Section 387 (putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt, in order to commit extortion) and 506 part II (if threat be to cause death or grievous hurt) of the Indian Penal Code. The convict submitted that he has already suffered a lot as his job has been lost and he has faced humiliation and indignity in the society. It is submitted that convict is the only son of his parents as his mother is old having disc fracture of backbone and is bed ridden. His father has mouth cancer and he is also severely ill. As a son, he is taking care of his ailing parents through a meager income from tuition. It is submitted that accused has four months old daughter and he is taking care of the family. The accused worked as a Ahlmad with the complainant and obviously during that time, became aware of her family members and her vulnerabilities. The convict acted like an obdurate criminal by continuously texting threatening messages to the victim for extortion, the order read. It is a matter of fact that at a workplace trust plays an important role and generally co-employees or officer trust his or her support staff. The convict misused that very trust by becoming aware of the vulnerability of his boss and made a sinister plan to extort money from her by putting her in fear of death of her children. The threat extended by him were direct and same were capable of putting the complainant in fear and the tone and tenor of the messages was enough to raise an alarm to her which had infact caused great fear, anguish and agony in her mind. Being the mother of two children she would have naturally got threatened and the same had in fact impacted her mind and work. The terror created by convict had certainly disturbed her peace of mind and even the tempo of doing her official duties. Convict has not only betrayed the trust of her boss i.e. complainant but he has also shattered the trust which an officer reposes with his/her support staff, the court observed. It was also noted that creating fear in the mind of the Judge affects his/her ability to function properly which directly affects the justice dispensation system and same is an unpardonable act. The crime of the convict is an egregious act that has affected the stream of justice and also created trust deficit among Judges and support staff. The crime committed by convict is required to be dealt in a manner which could prevent recurrence of such incidents in future. --IANS jw/skp/ ( 540 Words) 2022-01-08-23:08:01 (IANS)
Bahrain-based NorthStar 3D Scanning Services has successfully delivered 3D scans of the interior of a major vessel MV Aquasalwador, prior to it being fitted with a ballast water treatment system in line with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.

As an expert in 3D laser scanning and point cloud processing, NorthStar 3D Scanning Services has carried out similar scans for numerous vessels in the Middle East region.

Elaborating on the need for compliance with these new regulations, Keith Bernard, Project Manager at Northstar Technology - of which NorthStar 3D Scanning Services is a part - said approximately seven billion tonnes of ballast water is transferred from one region to another globally each year by shipping vessels that move more than 80 per cent of the worlds commodities.

This ballast water is used to keep the ship's trim, draught, stability and structural loading within safe limits when cargo and other liquids are distributed as part of normal ship operations.

"At any one time, ballast water can naturally contain an estimated 7,000 different species of organisms comprising plankton (microscopic plants and animals), bacteria and viruses. While the vast majority of marine species carried in ballast water do not survive the ships journey, those that do survive are inadvertently introduced into new ecosystems through the discharge of ballast water," he stated.

"Once discharged, some species can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions and may not have natural predators. In such cases, these organisms can become invasive species causing a change in the ecosystem balance. Once such changes have occurred, the effects are irreversible," he explained.

To combat this ever-growing threat to our planet, the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention which was ratified in September 2017, has made it mandatory for all ships to fit a ballast water treatment system," said Bernard.

In accordance with the IMO Regulation D2, which comes into effect on September 8, 2024, all ships are expected to undertake Ballast Water Exchange and instal an approved ballast water treatment system, he added.

In order to carry out these necessary modifications, it is essential to have complete engineering drawings of the vessel and that is where NorthStar 3D Scanning comes into the picture.

The company provides its vital services by providing 3D scans of the interior of the vessel in order to get the detailed measurements used in preparing the drawings.-TradeArabia News Service
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday exuded confidence of returning to power with a thumping majority after the Election Commission announced the schedule for five state assembly elections. "Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh has been progressing on the path of development in the last five years. We welcome the festival of democracy in New India's Naya Uttar Pradesh. The BJP will be successful in forming in the government again with a thumping majority when results for Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are announced on March 10. There should be no doubt about it," Adityanath told ANI. "In the last five years, the double engine government of Uttar Pradesh has worked for the holistic development of the state. People will give their blessings to the BJP in the elections. But yes we need to be alert and careful against the COVID pandemic and follow the protocols," he added. The Election Commission on Saturday announced poll dates for five states with Uttar Pradesh going for a seven-phase assembly election from February 10, Manipur to go for two-phase election from February 27 and Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand to face elections on February 14. The counting of votes in all states will take place on March 10. In the wake of the COVID-19 surge, the Commission directed that no physical political rallies and roadshows will be allowed till January 15, however, further rallies and election campaign meetings will be allowed only in earmarked places and with prior permissions of district administration. In the 2017 Assembly elections, the BJP won a landslide victory winning 312 Assembly seats. The party secured a 39.67 per cent vote share in the elections for 403-member Assembly. Samajwadi Party (SP) bagged 47 seats, BSP won 19 while Congress could manage to win only seven seats. (ANI)
Following the controversy over hairstylist Jawed Habib using his spit to style a woman's hair in a viral video, Karni Sena held a demonstration at a franchise salon of Habib in Indore on Saturday. However, the franchise salon owner had already changed the name of the shop before the demonstration. The salon is located in the city's One Center Mall where Karni Sena workers had reached to demonstrate. Receiving the information of the protest, the Tukoganj police reached the spot. Speaking to ANI, Amit Dantere, the owner of the salon said, "As the incident sparked row, we have changed the branding of our salon in honour of women. I had taken the franchise of Jawed Habib 6-7 years ago and left the franchise after this incident." In a viral video, hairstylist Jawed Habib was seen using his spit to style a woman's hair during a workshop. In the video, a woman is seen sitting on the stage on a salon chair while Habib prepares to cut her hair while giving hair care tips. "Hair is dirty. Why are they dirty? Because shampoo has not been used," he says. "Listen carefully... If there is a scarcity of water," Habib continues as he spits on the woman's head while parting her hair. He can be heard saying " this spit has life" before the video ends. Meanwhile, people present there could be heard laughing and clapping. However, the woman seemed disturbed by what had happened. After the video went viral, the woman in the video came forward to recount the bad experience. After facing huge backlash over this, issuing an apology in a video message, Habib said, "I just want to say one thing...these are professional workshops, as in, they are attended by people from within our profession. When these sessions get very long, we have to make them humorous. If you are hurt are, I apologise from the bottom of my heart." (ANI)
According to the police, the accused were identified as Mohd. Naim and Md. Farookh, resident of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.

Gajarao Bhupal, Joint Commissioner of Police, Detective Department, Hyderabad said that the police received a complaint from a man on August 3, 2021, in which the complainant said that he was cheated for Rs 9,19,400.

The accused Mohd Naim and Farookh along with their two other friends of Bareilly are in collusion with Nigerians and were supplying bank accounts to the Nigerians for a commission of 10 per cent, the police said.

The police added that Farookh created forged documents of Mohd Naim and himself and opened many bank accounts.

Nearly 40 bank accounts were opened and were supplied to African people, they used these banks account in other fraud activities, it added.

Police seized mobile phones, debit credit cards of different banks and bank passbooks. (ANI)
According to the police, the operation has been initiated.

"A group of Naxals set around 27 vehicles on fire in Ghumla district yesterday evening. Many vehicles have burnt completely," Gumla Police said.

An extensive search operation has been launched, the police said. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his greetings on the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh's jayanti, the birth anniversary of the 10th Sikh Guru, and said that the Guru's life message gives strength to millions of people. The Prime Minister also shared some pictures of his visit to Bihar's Patna. "Greetings on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. His life and message give strength to millions of people. I will always cherish the fact that our Government got the opportunity to mark his 350th Parkash Utsav. Sharing some glimpses from my visit to Patna at that time," PM Modi tweeted. Earlier, Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday extended his greetings on the occasion of Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh, and called him an epitome of courage and compassion. The Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh is being celebrated on January 9 this year. Born Gobind Rai at Patna Sahib in Bihar, Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and last of Sikh gurus in human form. He was enthroned at the 'Guru Gaddi' at the age of nine, following the martyrdom of his father, the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Meanwhile, in view of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has given relaxation to the devotees during the weekend curfew in Delhi, allowing them to offer prayers at Gurudwaras on Sunday. (ANI)
With this, the COVID-19 tally has risen to 35,528,004 in the country.

According to the Health Ministry, a total of 3,623 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in India so far. The number of recovered patients from the variant rises to 1,409.

Maharashtra accounts for the highest number of Omicron cases (1009), followed by Delhi (513) and Karnataka (441).

The Ministry further informed that the active caseload in the country currently stands at 5,90,611 which accounts for 1.66 per cent of the country's total number of cases.

The weekly positivity rate currently is at 6.77 per cent, while the daily positivity rate stands at 10.21 per cent.

As many as 40,863 patients recovered from the disease in the last 24 hours. The cumulative tally of COVID recovered patients now stands at 3,44,53,603. The recovery rate is at 96.98 per cent.

The country also reported 327 new deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 4,83,790.

India conducted 15,63,566 COVID-19 tests in the last 24 hours. The country has conducted 69,00,34,525 tests so far, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data.

India has administered a total of 151.58 crore vaccine doses so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive.

The COVID vaccination drive began on January 16, 2021. 1,51,57,60.645 people have been vaccinated in the country so far. 89,28,316 doses were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. (ANI)
"Om Thakur has been arrested from Indore. He is the main mastermind behind the Sulli deal app case," said KPS Malhotra, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations Unit, Delhi Police Special Cell.

The person is detained on the basis of inputs received during the questioning of "Bulli Bai" app creator Niraj Bishnoi.

In both Sulli Deal and Bulli Bai applications, photos of women were allegedly uploaded without their consent and inappropriate remarks were passed against them. Both the apps used the hosting platform 'GITHUB' to auction the stolen photos. 'Sulli deal" is a year-old case whereas "Bulli Bai" surfaced last month.

Other than Bishnoi, three other accused have also been arrested in the Bulli Bai app case. (ANI)
As per the ministry, during the meeting, the Union Minister urged the officials of the Department of Fertilizers to take necessary steps for sustainable agriculture and the green future of India.

In the Independence Day speech in 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the National Hydrogen Mission and stated the goal to make India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production and export, stated the ministry.

According to the ministry, the Mission proposes a framework for inter alia creating demand for Green Hydrogen in sectors such as petroleum refining and fertilizer production; support for indigenous manufacturing of critical technologies; Research and Development activities; and an enabling policy and regulatory framework.

The proposed steps will lead to the development of additional renewable energy capacity for Green Hydrogen production, it added. (ANI)
"Assembly polls in all the five states must be held peacefully. Police administration must work without bias. The people of Uttar Pradesh should vote for development. Our party will follow all guidelines of EC. I will chair a high-level meeting of party officials today regarding the final selection of candidates," said Mayawati while addressing a press conference here today.

The Election Commission on Saturday announced poll dates for five states with Uttar Pradesh going for a seven-phase assembly election from February 10.

The counting of votes in all states will take place on March 10.

In the wake of the COVID-19 surge, the Commission directed that no physical political rallies and roadshows will be allowed till January 15, however, further rallies and election campaign meetings will be allowed only in earmarked places and with prior permissions of district administration.

In the 2017 Assembly elections, the BJP won a landslide victory winning 312 Assembly seats. The party secured a 39.67 per cent vote share in the elections for 403-member Assembly. Samajwadi Party (SP) bagged 47 seats, BSP won 19 while Congress could manage to win only seven seats. (ANI)
"After recovering from Corona, I am back at your service," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor had informed that he has tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, a day after holding a political rally in Dehradun in poll-bound Uttarakhand.

Taking to Twitter, he had said that he has mild symptoms and is isolated at home.

A week before testing positive for coronavirus, Kejriwal had actively campaigned in poll-bound states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Goa.

Election Commission on Saturday announced the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, Manipur, and Uttarakhand. Uttar Pradesh is slated to go to poll in 7 phases from February 10 to March 7, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa will vote on February 14 and Manipur to vote on February 27 and March 3.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister will address an important press conference today at 12 noon.

Delhi reported 20,181 new COVID-19 cases during the last 24 hours, its highest since May 5 last year, said the state health department on Saturday.

The city has reported 513 cases of Omicron variant so far. (ANI)
With the start of 2022, the Guidance Team of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Hotel & Residences has begun the countdown to the opening of its new venue in May 2022, with the announcement of a management team led by General Manager Tareq Derbas.

Derbas is continuing the legacy of the late Chairman of Al Eqbal Real Estate Development and Hotels, Tawfiq Fakhouri, whose vision brought The Ritz-Carlton to Amman. He said: The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is eager to begin providing guests with a refined stay in the capital, all the while bringing the cultural riches and natural beauty Jordan has to offer within reach. To realise this, I have assembled a best-in-class management team whose combined experience is unrivalled.

Derbas brings with him more than 27 years of luxury hotel management experience, and a philosophy that is characterised by an insistence on perfecting the finer details and a commitment to doing everything possible to guarantee an extraordinary experience for guests.

Director of Residences Behiye Salk arrives to Amman from Dubai, where she served as Hotel Manager during the opening of Caesars Palace, Caesars Resort, and Caesars Residences. She launched her 30-year hospitality career with the Swissotel chain, where she served as Director of Housekeeping at several properties.

Salk and Derbas joined forces in 2002 as part of the Four Seasons Amman opening team. She previously held several managerial roles at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts and was the GM of both The House Hotel Collection Istanbul and Wellborn Luxury Hotel, Kocaeli, in Turkey.

Meanwhile, with over 20 years of experience in fine dining, German Executive Chef Joergen Sodemanns arrival at The Ritz-Carlton Amman marks the chefs return to the Ritz-Carlton brand. It was at The Ritz-Carlton, in Berlin, Germany, that he was first promoted to Executive Chef before broadening his horizons to help open the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in Muscat, Oman.

Sodemanns career has garnered him international recognition and accolades: in 2012 and 2014, he won The Ritz-Carltons Award of Culinary Excellence (ACE) Chef of the Year for the Middle East & Africa, and he was also named The Ritz-Carltons ACE Global Chef of the Year in 2014.

The hotels Director of Food & Beverage, Emmanuel Nelo, has accrued 15 years of service to the Ritz-Carlton brand. An expert sommelier and bartender, he has managed the dining and banquet experiences of some of the chains destinations, including Bali, Jakarta, Aruba, Santiago, Cancun, and even Muscat, where he worked with Sodemann at Al Bustan Palace.

The propertys Director of Sales & Marketing, Antoine Hobeika, arrives from Paris, France, where he served as Marriott Internationals Cluster Director of Sales, overseeing sales and marketing across three luxury hotels in the French capital. Before that, he was at the Dorchester Collection hotel, Le Richemond, in Geneva, and also played a key role in the opening of the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, in the UAE.

Abdelaziz Salhab, Director of Finance, has been loyal to Marriott International for two decades, serving as the Levant Area Director of Finances and overseeing finances for the groups hotels in Jordan and across the Levant region, with experience at the Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel.

The most recent recruit, Director of Revenue, Rajvi Damur, is a tech-savvy strategist who is making his way to Amman from his current position at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. Damur earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees in International Hotel Management from Vatel while working for Marriott International properties in Mauritius.

Among the other talents taking up leading roles at the hotel are:

- Majd Haddad, Director of Human Resources, comes from W Amman, where she served as Human Resources Manager during the pre-opening and launch phase, and later as Assistant Director of Human Resources.

- As Director of Engineering, Hazem Albedawi will be keeping everything running smoothly at the property. His experience includes positions at The Boulevard Arjaan by Rotana, Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, and the Grand Hyatt Amman Hotel.-TradeArabia News Service
The Pakistani ship was identified as 'Yaseen'.

ICGS Ankit was carrying out night operations when it apprehended the boat.

The Pakistani boat was 6-7 miles inside the Indian waters and attempted to escape from there as soon as they saw the ICG ship.

The Pakistani boat was apprehended after a chase by the ICG after which 2,000 kg fish and 600 liters of fuel were recovered.

The ICG informed that the crew did not have any documents and they are being brought to Porbandar for further interrogation.

"The Indian Coast Guard ship Ankit apprehended Pakistani 'Yaseen' with 10 crew in Indian waters at the Arabian Sea during Night-Ops on 08 Jan Boat being brought to Porbandar for further interrogation," ICG officials said.

Coast Guard chief VS Pathania has issued directions to further strengthen patrolling along waters with Pakistan in view of frequent attempts to push contraband and terrorists into India from that side. (ANI)
The address comes a day after the Election Commission announced poll dates for five states.

With Uttar Pradesh going for a seven-phase Assembly election from February 10. Manipur will go for a two-phase election from February 27. Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand will go for voting on Februrary 14.

The counting of votes in all states will take place on March 10. (ANI)
A silent revolution is in process in Jodhpur where youths of the Bishnoi community are collecting funds to build a grand memorial in the memory of the blackbucks that were buried here in Kankani village after being poached by Bollywood star Salman Khan 24 years ago. Salman Khan was accompanied by actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu and Neelam on this trip when the blackbucks were hunted. The land where these blackbucks were buried will have a memorial soon, said Prem Saran, one of the youths behind the project. The memorial will have a statue of a blackbuck and 1,000 trees will be planted on the land where the mute animal was buried, he said adding that a few young boys from his community have formed a WhatsApp group which has started a fund collection drive. They are collecting around Rs 500 to Rs 1000 from each person to ensure they have around Rs 2 lakh for the memorial. Recently, a team with JCB machines was here to clear the land of debris and now we shall start growing trees and construct a statue of a black buck. The memorial will be built in around a year, said Prem. The reason it will take time is because trees take time to grow. We want deer, blackbucks and other animals to have a jungle feel while located here. Many deer die of fear after becoming scared as people pass by, so we want to make them feel secure, he added. This is the land where deer and blackbucks can be seen roaming freely. In fact, they were roaming freely here 24 years back too when Salman Khan along with the other stars killed them, he lamented. They came here as tourists and Bollywood stars but then shot the animals. We don't want this to ever be repeated and hence will create a dense jungle so that animals are safe in its green periphery. We will also ensure that the place has a rescue centre with doctors so that if any animal gets injured, it can be treated right away as presently the forest team takes a lot of time to come, Prem said. About 7 bighas of land around the Chabutra has been cleared with JCB machines recently and now nearly 1000 trees are going to be planted. "It will take around a year to complete the project, however we want people to come here and take inspiration soon to save the environment and animals", said Prem. Kankani is the village where Salman Khan and the other stars of 'Hum Saath Saath Hai' allegedly poached blackbucks in 1998. The Bishnoi community stood against them and approached the court. On April 5, 2018, the Rajasthan Sessions Court convicted Salman Khan and sentenced him to five years' imprisonment. Salman's lawyers appealed against the sentence, and the matter is still pending in the Rajasthan High Court. --IANS arc/bg ( 498 Words) 2022-01-09-08:06:03 (IANS)
Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to mark December 26 every year as 'Veer Baal Diwas', saying that the courage portrayed by Sahizades under oppression is unparalleled and people across the globe must know about their supreme sacrifice. He termed the Prime Minister's move as a 'commendable step'. "Welcome PM @narendramodi ji's decision to mark 26th December as 'Veer Baal Diwas'. The courage portrayed by Sahibzades under enormous oppression is unparalleled & everyone across the globe must know about their supreme sacrifice. This is a commendable step in that direction," said Singh who is also Punjab Lok Congress (PLC) chief in a tweet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that starting this year, December 26 will be marked as 'Veer Baal Diwas' as a tribute to the courage of Sahibzades (Guru Gobind Singh's sons) and their quest for justice. "Today, on the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, I am honoured to share that starting this year, 26th December shall be marked as 'Veer Baal Diwas.' This is a fitting tribute to the courage of the Sahibzades and their quest for justice," PM Modi tweeted. "Veer Baal Diwas will be on the same day Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall. These two greats preferred death instead of deviating from the noble principles of Dharma," he tweeted. "The bravery and ideals of Mata Gujri, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the 4 Sahibzades give strength to millions of people. They never bowed to injustice. They envisioned a world that is inclusive and harmonious. It is the need of the hour for more people to know about them," read another tweet. The Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh is being celebrated on January 9 this year. Born Gobind Rai at Patna Sahib in Bihar, Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and last of Sikh gurus in human form. He was enthroned at the 'Guru Gaddi' at the age of nine, following the martyrdom of his father, the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to mark December 26 as 'Veer Baal Diwas', saying that the incomparable sacrifice and patriotism of four Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri is the heritage of the country. "The incomparable sacrifice and patriotism of 4 Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri to protect the country and religion is the heritage of the country. Today on the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, I heartily welcome the decision of @narendramodi Ji to celebrate the martyrdom day of Sahibzadas on 26th December as 'Veer Bal Diwas'," said Shah in a tweet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that starting this year, December 26 will be marked as 'Veer Baal Diwas' as a tribute to the courage of Sahibzades (Guru Gobind Singh's sons) and their quest for justice. "Today, on the auspicious occasion of the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, I am honoured to share that starting this year, 26th December shall be marked as 'Veer Baal Diwas.' This is a fitting tribute to the courage of the Sahibzades and their quest for justice," PM Modi tweeted. "Veer Baal Diwas will be on the same day Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall. These two greats preferred death instead of deviating from the noble principles of Dharma," he tweeted. "The bravery and ideals of Mata Gujri, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the 4 Sahibzades give strength to millions of people. They never bowed to injustice. They envisioned a world that is inclusive and harmonious. It is the need of the hour for more people to know about them," read another tweet. The Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh is being celebrated on January 9 this year. Born Gobind Rai at Patna Sahib in Bihar, Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and last of Sikh gurus in human form. He was enthroned at the 'Guru Gaddi' at the age of nine, following the martyrdom of his father, the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. (ANI)
According to a senior forest department official, Seema Yadav, daughter of Parshuram Yadav, a resident of Chenaini village, had taken out their goats for grazing in the dense Charda forest on Saturday when the tiger dragged her away.

Forest official Ahmed Kamaal Siddiqui said that the forest falls in Abdullah Ganj Range under Bahraich Forest Division.

The villagers and forest workers, who searched for the girl on through a blood trail and footprints, found her in a severely wounded state and with head injuries.

She died before reaching the hospital.

The forest department has provided assistance to the girl's family members and compensation as per the norms will be given after receiving her autopsy report, Siddiqui said.

He added that the forest workers are constantly cautioning villagers to prevent children from moving out alone.

Villagers have also been asked to go out in groups.

In another incident in the Katarniaghat Wildlife Division, a leopard allegedly dragged a 10-year-old into a forest and left him seriously injured.

Divisional Forest Officer, Akashdeep Badhawan, has identified the child as Santosh Yadav.

He said the leopard left Yadav in a badly injured state and strayed away into the forest after villagers raised alarm.

Yadav was sent to Medical College in Bahraich and later referred to Trauma Centre in Lucknow.

--IANS amita/sks/ksk/

( 247 Words)

2022-01-09-09:04:03 (IANS)
Amid the row between the Centre and the Punjab Government over the security lapse issue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the state recently, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia on Sunday hit out at Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and said that he is only subservient to the Gandhi family, not to the Constitution of the country. Earlier on Saturday, speaking to ANI, CM Channi had said that he had a conversation with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and he briefed her on whatever happened in Ferozepur. Speaking to ANI, Bhatia said, "Today, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr Channi has stated that he shared all the sensitive, highly confidential details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security and his visit with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. It is a very serious matter because the Chief Minister has taken an oath of secrecy under the Constitution. All information pertaining to the security of the Prime Minister pertains to highly confidential information." Raising questions over the position of Priyanka Gandhi, the BJP spokesperson said that she does not hold any constitutional position that the Chief Minister needs to report her. "Priyanka Gandhi Vadra does not hold any constitutional position that the Chief Minister needs to report her and share sensitive details pertaining to the Prime Minister's security. This clearly shows that for a Congress leader, the priority is to be subservient to the Gandhi Parivaar, not to the Constitution of the country," he said. "They will take care of the interests of the Gandhi Parivaar, but, not take care of the interest of the country. They will act under the direction of the Gandhi Parivaar, but, will not think about their responsibility under the Constitution," Bhatia added. Bhatia further cited the example of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to compare CM Channi and alleged that he too reported to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi. "This trend continues from Mr Manmohan Singh, who as the Prime Minister of the country then continued to report to Madam Sonia Gandhiji. And, now the Chief Minister is replicating that model and reporting to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra," he said. The BJP leader further said that the "conspiracy" against the Prime Minister would not have been hatched if Channi was "half as loyal as he is to the Gandhi family, to the Constitution". "If Channi was half as loyal and faithful, as he is to the Gandhi Parivaar, to the Constitution of our country, then this conspiracy would not have been hatched and PM's security would not have been compromised. This is a very serious matter and the people of India are watching the misdeeds of the leaders of the Congress Party," he said. Calling the sacking of the DGP and transferring of the SSP a "drama", Bhatia said the state Government is trying to smudge with such acts. "Sacking DGP or transferring of SSP and other officials is only drama and State Government is trying to smudge with these actions," he said. Referring to the Supreme Court's direction to the Registrar General of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to secure and preserve the travel records of the Prime Minister during his visit to Punjab forthwith, he said that it is clear from the order that it was difficult to trust the current Punjab Chief Minister and the police. "Supreme Court had already taken cognizance of the grave security lapses that occurred. And it is clear from the essence of the order passed by the honourable Supreme Court that it was difficult to trust the current Punjab Chief Minister in Government, as well as the police, that is why there is a direction that all relevant documents may be taken care by the Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court," Bhatia said. "These transfers and postings also reveal that there have been grave security lapses," he added. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy was stuck for 15-20 minutes on Wednesday due to a road blockade in Punjab's Ferozepur. The Prime Minister, who was travelling by road, had to call off his event in the city. Following the incident, BJP alleged that the Congress Government in Punjab had deliberately created a scenario to harm Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)
As per GSM Arena, last year in June, the company closed registrations of the app and made the store available only to existing users and they could only get previously downloaded apps.

Meanwhile, after December 31, 2021, however, the Tizen app store was permanently closed.

For the Samsung Z series smartphone users, GSM Arena suggests to switch over to Android or iOS.

The last Samsung Z4 phone running Tizen OS was released back in 2017. (ANI)
Owners of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) said they have been financially hit by the restrictions imposed by the government even though their workforce is vaccinated against COVID-19 and their workers have become unemployed, so they have urged the government to allow them to operate with certain conditions. Industry owners said the government has done little to help them during these harsh circumstances and has imposed restrictions without looking at the MSMEs from their perspective. On one hand, industry owners fear that labourers would leave for their villages. They also face a challenge in paying salaries, electricity and water bills, rents while the production and hence income is lower than usual. On the other hand, labourers are forced to roam around looking for work. Most of them will have to leave their respective workplaces and head back to their homes in case COVID-19 cases increase and restrictions get harsher. Dr Anil Gupta, Chairman, Jhilmil Friends Colony Industrial area body told ANI, "There are 3,000 MSMEs in our area and at least one lakh workers in Delhi. We show 100 per cent compliance with COVID-19 norms and our entire workforce is fully vaccinated. There are no crowds either. But still, we are always the first who are told to shut down our work by the government." Gupta said that MSMEs pay Rs 1 crore in taxes daily, adding that the MSMEs face a 'triple attack': COVID-19 restrictions has left people without employment, consumers are worried and owners face difficulties in paying salaries to labourers, bills and rents. "Permanent labourers are our responsibility no matter what. But casuals are dependent on our factories. We fear that they will leave for their villages if factories do not open. Government should think about us. We are not a very big industry," he added. Vinit Jain, the General Secretary of the Jhilmil Friends Colony Industrial area body told ANI, "We are yet to get out of the difficulties faced during the first two lockdowns. Even this curfew is like a lockdown to us. 100 per cent of our labour is fully vaccinated. We follow COVID-19 protocols while working. Our work does not involve any public dealing. Restrictions on industries are beyond my understanding." Another industrialist named Deeparam Chaudhary said, "Employment is finished. We cannot even manage our expenses. We are not exempted from any bills, rents. Our backs are broken. Government policies are not right." Labourers in the area have been struggling to get work for the last 5-10 days. Forced to roam around for a source of employment, some of them are considering heading back to their villages in case of harsher restrictions. A labourer said to ANI, "We are not able to find work. We are struggling with hunger and everything is shut down. I have been roaming here since morning for work." Another labourer, Sachin said, "We roam around for work so that we get two meals a day. We live in a rented room. There is no work going on here. We have to go to gurudwaras and mosques for our food. In the first lockdown, government was at least providing some aid to us. But this time, I will have to go back to my village in Prayagraj and do agricultural work." Sajjan, another labourer, echoes the sentiment of his fellow labourers. He too is not hopeful of work resuming anytime soon. The situation is not different in the Okhla industrial area either. In adherence to COVID-19 protocols, industrial units here are also closed during the night and the weekends, causing a struggle for both the owners and labourers. Charanjit Singh, General Secretary, Okhla Industrial area told ANI about the struggles of the MSME industry, both from an owner and labourers' standpoint and suggested that the government allow them to function at 50 per cent capacity. "There are 180 units here. 120 of them work in night duty. There are problems for labourers. If they go back to villages, they do not return. They also face struggles while travelling to their workplaces since they do not have personal vehicles and capacity in public transport has been reduced too. We have faced loss of Rs five crore in two days. We are taking precautions right now such as sanitising our complex and toilets, restricting the entry of visitors. We are doing everything possible at our level. My suggestion to government is that we should be allowed to work at 50 per cent capacity. Had this been allowed, we would have suffered less," he said. In view of rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, a night curfew was imposed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led government in the national capital from December 27. Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the national capital, the DDMA has also imposed a curfew in Delhi on Saturdays and Sundays to curb the spread of infection. All government officials except for those engaged in essential services will work from home. 50 per cent workforce of private offices will work from home. (ANI)
The BJP on Sunday slammed Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi over his briefing Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security and asked why she was kept in the loop regarding the PM's security. Sambit Patra, the BJP spokesperson, said, "Punjab Chief Minister himself said that he had briefed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Prime Minister's security issue. The question arises--why a sitting Chief Minister briefs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on such sensitive issue like PM's security. This is not the matter of Priyanka Gandhi. What constitutional post does Priyanka hold and who is she to be kept in the loop regarding PM's security? Public want to know why a sitting Chief Minister briefs a party leader on such a sensitive issue." He further said that the Gandhi family should give clarification on this whole issue. "Why was it a compulsion to keep Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the loop as far as security of PM is concerned? It is a serious issue. We firmly believe that the Gandhi family should come out clean on this. Gandhi family should give clarification on this whole issue," he added. Earlier, speaking to ANI on Saturday, CM Channi had said that he had briefed Priyanka Gandhi on everything that happened at Ferozepur during the Prime Minister's visit to the state. Goyal tweeted, "Congress leaders once again expose their sycophancy towards the Gandhi family. The Punjab CM briefing a non-constitutional authority raises questions on who scripted the whole plot compromising PM @NarendraModi ji's security and risking his life." Earlier, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia on Sunday hit out at CM Channi and said that he is subservient only to the Gandhi family, not to the Constitution of the country. Speaking to ANI, Bhatia said, "Today, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr Channi has stated that he shared all the sensitive, highly confidential details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security and his visit with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. It is a very serious matter because the Chief Minister has taken an oath of secrecy under the Constitution. All information pertaining to the security of the Prime Minister pertains to highly confidential information." Raising questions over the position of Priyanka Gandhi, the BJP spokesperson said that she does not hold any constitutional position that the Chief Minister needs to report to her. "Priyanka Gandhi Vadra does not hold any constitutional position that the Chief Minister needs to report her and share sensitive details pertaining to the Prime Minister's security. This clearly shows that for a Congress leader, the priority is to be subservient to the Gandhi Parivaar, not to the Constitution of the country," he said. "They will take care of the interests of the Gandhi Parivaar, but not take care of the interest of the country. They will act under the direction of the Gandhi Parivaar but will not think about their responsibility under the Constitution," Bhatia added. Notably, the Prime Minister's convoy was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes due to road blockage by some protestors about 30 km away from the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala. The Prime Minister was to visit Ferozepur and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 42,750 crore. After the security lapse, it was decided that he head back to Bathinda Airport. The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Punjab Government on the security breach during the Prime Minister's visit to Punjab on Wednesday. (ANI)
BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a message of sympathy to Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani over his infection with the COVID-19 virus.

In his message, Xi said that learning about the infection of President Ghazouani, he extends sympathy to him and wishes him a speedy recovery.

The Chinese government and the Chinese people firmly support the Mauritanian government and people in the anti-pandemic fight, Xi said, adding he believes that under the leadership of Ghazouani, Mauritania will surely defeat the pandemic at an early date.
Youth across the country can share suggestions and innovative ideas for the Prime Minister's speech on the occasion. The Prime Minister may include some of the suggestions in his speech, the official release by the Prime Minister's office said.

The event will be attended by youth representing every district of India, National Youth Festival aims to galvanize, ignite, unite and activate the young citizenry towards nation-building, to unleash the true potential of our demographic dividend.

The Festival also aims to ignite and fuel the minds of millennial and build a post COVID template of a Youth-Led and most significantly, craft an Authentic Indian Leadership strategy, for the world.

A National Youth Summit will be organized on 13th January 2022 that aims to bring diverse cultures of India and integrate them into a united thread of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat', through an immersive and interactive approach. Idea exchange Youth Summit Sessions will be held with homegrown and global icons and experts to disseminate knowledge and shape intellect. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday hit out at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi in Telangana and said that the day is not far when Owaisi's name along with Nizam's name will be forgotten forever in the same manner as Article 370 was scrapped in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a program in Warangal in support of teachers and unemployed youth, the Assam Chief Minister said, "The way Article 370 was scrapped, Ram Mandir's construction began...here also Nizam's name, Owaisi's name will be forgotten forever...that day is not very far." Sarma said that the history of India says that Babur, Aurangzeb, and Nizam cannot live long. "The history of India says that Babur, Aurangzeb, and Nizam cannot live long. I am sure that the legacy of Nizam will come to a complete halt and a new culture based on Indian civilization will emerge," said Himanta Biswa. He further said that people believe in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and they want to make Telangana a new state. "The love and support of people inspire me to come again in Hyderabad. I will come back in 2023 when the BJP government will take oath in the state. People have belief that with the support of PM Modi they will make a new state," said the BJP leader. Sarma said that from May 1 to May 10 Assam government will give jobs to one lakh people as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the election campaign. Slamming the Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao for not providing jobs to the people in the state, he said, "My state is a small state. Telangana's GDP is 9 lakh crore and Assam's GDP is 3.5 lakh crore. But we are working much more than Telangana. During the election campaign, our BJP leaders said that in one-year our government will give one lakh employment to the people in Assam, but people forget after the election like KCR forget his promise of giving two lakhs jobs. Today I am saying to KCR he should watch the news and see that from May 1 to May 10 I will give jobs to one lakh people in Assam. We will fulfill our promise." "Whenever a dictator becomes Chief Minister or Prime Minister, an emergency-like situation arises in the country... We have to keep fighting and it will result in the creation of a new Telangana. Dictatorship will not work here," he added. Telangana BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar, BJP National President- OBC Morcha Dr K Laxman and others also present at the event. Taking to Twitter he had earlier said that the people of Telangana are fed up with the misrule of the TRS government and are yearning for a change. "The enthusiastic reception at Hyderabad proved how the people of Telangana are fed up with the misrule of TRS government and are yearning for a change," he said. Earlier today, Assam Chief Minister reached Hyderabad and was received by BJP Telangana President Bandi Sanjay Kumar "Humbled by the rousing welcome I got at Hyderabad airport. While BJP Telangana President Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar ji received me inside the airport, thousands of BJP Telangana Karyakartas lined up outside chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," he said in a tweet. (ANI)
It was the Bahujan Samaj Party that brought them together and it is, again, the BSP that is slowly driving them away. The parry itself is imploding. After nearly two decades, Uttar Pradesh is likely to witness a fragmentation of Dalit votes that is bound to weaken the political base of the BSP. With the announcement of election dates, Mayawati becomes the only leader who will guide her voters into election without addressing them even once. The rallies addressed by BSP MP Satish Chandra Mishra have been aimed at bringing Brahmins into the BSP, rather than in keeping the Dalits together. Dalits in Uttar Pradesh are an influential caste group Their population is around 21.6 per cent, which includes 66 Dalit sub castes. Seventeen of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in UP are reserved for Scheduled Castes. Of these, the BJP won 14 in the 2019 general election, including the Hathras seat. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) won two and the Apna Dal one seat. This proves that on its own, the BSP cannot get elected unless it has the support of other caste groups. Since 1993, when late Kanshi Ram formed an alliance with Mulayam Singh Yadav's Samajwadi Party and formed the first BSP government in a coalition, Dalits have been voting en bloc for BSP. It was Mayawati who led the BSP to its first government with a majority in 2007 and in 2022, it is Mayawati's unexplained inertia that had led to the dismantling of her own party and also her vote base. Since 2012, whether BSP's vote power has been in the decline and its oft-tested Dalit-Muslim card is no longer in play. "It is only the Jatav community that remains loyal to the BSP while other sub-castes are searching for greener pastures. Dalits, in general, are disillusioned with Mayawati's leadership since the BJP came to power in UP. Her statements are erratic and leave her voters confused about her relationship with the BJP. This political inconsistency that made Muslims think twice about supporting BSP. Dalit Muslims and Dalit, to a considerable extent, are shifting to the Samajwadi Party who seems better positioned to defat the ruling BJP," said Israr Ahmad, a former BSP leader. Muslims have also been upset after Mayawati came on to a stage at her party office last year, carrying a 'trishul' while a bunch of supporters chanting 'Jai Shri Ram'. "This was the last thing we expected from the BSP president. If this is the new party posture, we might as well join the BJP," said a former Muslim MLA of the party. Mayawati has sacked leaders with a vengeance and the exodus of veterans like Sukhdev Rajbhar, Lalji Varma and Ram Achal Rajbhar has ensured that these leaders have taken Dalits away from the BSP in their respective areas of influence. The BSP now lacks the presence of a senior Dalit leader and the party which had won 19 seats in 2017, is now left with just three MLAs. Satish Chandra Mishra, the second tallest leader of the party, is the new face of the BSP, along with his wife and son, who have been addressing Brahmins. The BSP leaders in Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha now belong to upper castes. Dalits, naturally, are wondering if this is the same party that swore its allegiance to Dalits. A major factor, meanwhile, that is all set to divide Dalit votes, especially in west UP, is the emergence of the Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar. Chandra Shekhar became a known face in the state after the Dalit-Thakur clash in Saharanpur in May 2017. He has been relentlessly working at the grassroots level among Dalits - holding classes to educate Dalit children and protecting the welfare of his community members. He has been visiting various areas where atrocities on Dalits have been reported and now enjoys a sizeable following among Dalit youth. "We need a leader who responds and is accessible. Mayawati remains locked in her ivory tower and even during the Hathras incident, she did not step out. Chandra Shekhar is becoming increasingly acceptable because the BSP is losing its core ideology," said Raj Narain Gautam, a young student who now works for Bhim Army. Even as Mayawati's presence recedes from the state's political horizon, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has been quick to step into the vacant space. Akhilesh has formed the Baba Saheb Vahini and celebrated Dalit Diwali on Ambedkar's birth anniversary. He has opened his door for leaders expelled from BSP and is ardently wooing non-Jatav Dalit leaders from various sub castes. The SP is trying to extend its social alliance to add Dalits and Most Backward Castes in UP by forming alliances with smaller caste-based parties and organising caste and community conferences. It would not be surprising if the SP finally eats into BSP's vote base and get a slice of Dalit votes in these elections. The BJP, on its part, has also worked on its Dalit outreach and even used the Buddhist circuit to appease Dalits. The party is focusing on castes like Pasi, Kori and Dhobi and if the party ensure representation of these sub castes in ticket distribution, it could grab a chunk of Dalit votes. The Congress that seems to be making a renewed bid for power in Uttar Pradesh after three decades of exile, is also focussing on Dalits. The Gandhis have rushed to areas where atrocities against Dalits have been reported. Rahul and Priyanka were among the first to rush to Hathras, following the rape and murder of a Dalit girl in September 2020. Priyanka also went to the home of Arun Valmiki, a Dalit who died in police custody, and even sent financial assistance to the family. Priyanka, interestingly, has endeared herself to Dalit women. "Look at her, she happily embraces us without grimacing. Have you ever seen a photograph of Mayawati embracing a Dalit woman?" asks Preeti Valmiki, now an applicant for a Congress ticket. --IANS amita/dpb ( 1014 Words) 2022-01-09-12:30:02 (IANS)
A new study has found that currently, the advice given to obese patients is to eat less and nutritious food as well as exercise more. However, in a few severe cases, some opt for obesity surgery. "We see a strong need for interdisciplinary treatment that considers the psychological aspects of morbid obesity much more than is happening now," says Trine Tetlie Eik-Nes. "The treatment we've been using is based on teaching patients to make them aware of the reasons for their overeating, followed by exercises and group discussions." Eik-Nes is an associate professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's (NTNU) Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science and has led the project. The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology. Patients who wanted help Overeating is defined as repeated episodes where a person eats far more than normal. The 42 adults who participated in the study were people who had visited the Obesity Outpatient Clinic at St. Olavs Hospital to ask for help. All the participants had third-degree obesity, meaning a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or second-degree obesity with additional problems. The majority of the group were women. Six people had undergone obesity surgery.Compound causes Eik-Nes believes that the understanding and treatment of obesity and overeating has been too narrow. "The explanation is more complicated than simply having a big appetite, genetic susceptibility and 'laziness'. International research indicates that 30 to 50 per cent of people with a high degree of overeating who seek treatment for obesity have psychological challenges around the loss of control, such as overeating that lasts a whole day," she says. Eating to numb the pain According to the researcher, overeating is often related to internal and external stressors. The causes can be many and complex: for example, childhood trauma, negative thoughts about oneself, contempt for the body, problematic relationships with parents, and social difficulties. A lot of people feel stigmatized because of their large body - in their family, at school, at work, and elsewhere in society. Food acts to numb and helps cope with everyday life. "If you have security, good support, decent finances, and a manageable everyday life, you don't need to regulate your emotions so much with food, alcohol, or other stimuli," says Eik-Nes. Lack of treatment She believes that the health service offers morbidly obese patients lifestyle changes, when they really need a comprehensive assessment and treatment that combines mental health care and somatics, meaning an understanding of what is going on internally, in their bodies. "This approach will give people with eating disorders a chance to succeed. Psychological treatment isn't used enough for morbid obesity, and the methods are too limited for such a heterogeneous group," Eik-Nes says. New method The treatment method used in the study was developed by Eik-Nes and Kjersti Hognes Berg. An interdisciplinary team conducted the assessments and treatment, which emphasized emotional safety and openness. The participants came together for 30 hours over ten weeks. After each teaching session, the patients broke into small groups for training in "dissecting" their own everyday lives. All 42 stayed with the study to the end. "We wanted to teach and make the patients aware of the connection between weight and mental health. During the ten weeks, the goal was for them to become more aware of the challenges they faced in everyday life and what strategies could help. Every individual was able to receive customized goals and measures this way," says Eik-Nes. Carryover to own life During treatment, patients became more aware of what causes them to react and trigger their overeating. For example, overeating or grazing (constant snacking) can calm the experience of being outside one's comfort zone. Many participants felt that their negative body image and shame posed a barrier to physical activity and social life. Eik-Nes believes this might explain why it is so difficult for this group to put lifestyle measures into practice. Less eating and restlessness, more social life The researchers measured a clear improvement at the end of the ten weeks. "The patients experienced a nearly 30 per cent reduction in the number of overeating episodes and a significant improvement in their emotional issues, like inner turmoil, anxiety, depression and irritability. In addition, the patients reported that they felt far less restricted in their social activities," says Eik-Nes. The study did not measure weight loss, but the impression was that a good number of the participants had experienced some weight loss. According to the researcher, an important point of the study was to investigate how a treatment that spans both physical and mental health can work. "Our interdisciplinary approach worked well. Just the fact that everyone completed the study is a very good result," says Eik-Nes. "We can't say anything about the long-term effect of the treatment yet. We hope this study can lay the foundation for a larger project on morbid obesity and psychological disorders. Then we'd like to investigate change over time," says Eik-Nes. (ANI)
The IFSO unit of Delhi Police's Special Cell arrested the mastermind of the Sulli Deals app from Indore on Sunday after receiving information about him from Bulli Bai app case mastermind Neeraj Bishnoi during investigation, said Delhi Police DCP (IFSO), KPS Malhotra, on Sunday. "During the interrogation of the Bulli Bai app mastermind Neeraj Bishnoi, we found evidence that helped us arrest Aumkareshwar Thakur, who wrote codes for Sulli Deals app. He is being interrogated and his laptop is under forensic examination", said Malhotra. "Both the Bulli Bai and Sulli Deal app case masterminds have been arrested. On Saturday, a team of IFSO, Special Cell went to Indore and arrested Thakur," added the DCP. As per police information, the arrested 25-year-old Aumkareshwar Thakur is a Computer Graduate residing at Newyork city Township of Indore. "We are still investigating the case and have seized Aumkareshwar Thakur's laptop which was used in Sulli Deal case and have sent it for forensic examination", said DCP Malhotra. " "The accused was operating on Twitter under the name of Aumkar Thakur." In July 2021, the Sulli Deal app was made on the Github platform to auction Muslim women. The matter came to light when Delhi Police took suo moto cognisance of this matter. The Delhi Police were investigating the case for the last six months but the first arrest in the case came after Bulli Bai app case mastermind Niraj Bishnoi was apprehended from Assam's Jorhat. The Delhi police, during the investigation, found out that the Bulli Bai mastermind Niraj Bishnoi and Aumkareshwar Thakur were virtually connected over the internet. "They never met in person. They were connected virtually through chat rooms," KPS Malhotra said. KPS Malhotra further said, "In January 2020, through the Twitter handle @gangescionBK, a group called 'Trade Mahasabha' had joined Aumkareshwar Thakur. Trolling women of the Muslim community was discussed through the group. After which the Sulli Deal app was created on GitHub." "The accused deleted all their social media footprints as the case came to light. The Special Cell of Delhi Police is now interrogating Aumkareshwar Thakur, as well as analyzing technical gadgets to trace the code/photos related to the Sulli Deals app case." The accused Aumkareshwar Thakur said that there are others who are guilty in the Sulli Deal case along with him, said police. The police are now looking for the other culprits. DCP said that all the information that they have got in the case is from interrogating the accused and police research. No information has been received from Github. (ANI)
As Congress launched its 11-day padayatra seeking early implementation of the Mekedatu drinking water project on Sunday, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that the Congress party has undertaken politically motivated Mekedatu padayatra to fool the people. "Congress party has undertaken politically motivated Mekedatu padayatra to fool the people. But you can't fool the people again and again," Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said. Speaking to media persons today, he said, "The Congress government failed to submit a proper Detailed Project Report (DPR) during its five-year term. The Congress party has no commitment. DK Shivakumar himself was the Water Resources minister in the previous coalition government and then too, no concrete action was taken in this regard. The party had not bothered to raise its voice for the project in the last three years." "Now as the assembly elections are approaching, they have taken out the Padayatra with political motivation. A sense of guilt is haunting them as they had not done anything for implementing the project during their reign in power. So they are out here to fool the people. This is a political Padayatra," Bommai said. Slamming Congress further, Bommai said, "Congress has not worked with commitment for any irrigation project. They had vowed to provide Rs 10,000 crore for Upper Krishna Project during their Krishna padayatra. But in their 5-year term they failed to release even Rs 7000 crore." Notably, from May 2013-2018, Siddaramaiah was the Chief Minister representing the Indian National Congress. BJP has proved its commitment for the Mekedatu project, he said and added that "After I became the Chief Minister, the DPR has been sent for approval by the Central Water Commission and Cauvery Monitoring Board. A meeting over the project would be held this month and suitable decisions are expected." "The state government has geared up on the legal front too before the Supreme Court," Bommai said. The Chief Minister highlighted that in the past, the National Green Tribunal had taken a serious view on just a visit of some farmers' outfits to the project site and had issued a stay order for the project. "Now Congress has launched a programme on a large scale and the Congress leadership is aware of the consequences. But still, politicking remains to be their priority," Bommai said. "Congress would not have launched the Padayatra if the leaders were sensible about the legal issues of inter-state water dispute, Cauvery Tribunal award and court orders involved in the Mekedatu project. But Congress leaders are interested only in politics. People will take the call on this issue," Bommai said. "Congress could not prepare even a DPR when it was in power. As a saying goes 'digging a mountain to catch mice', all they did was to prepare a feasibility report of the project," the Chief Minister said. "A notice has been served for Congress party against taking out the Padayatra violating Covid norms. Action in accordance with law would be taken against any violation," he said. The Mekedatu balancing reservoir-cum drinking water project, to be constructed across the Cauvery river basin, has been at the centre of controversy between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Earlier too on July 12, 2021, Bommai had said that the Centre will have to give clearance to the project as per law and there is no reason the state government will stop the project. (ANI)
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has sparked a controversy over his statement that he had briefed party leader Priyanka Gandhi on whatever happened during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Sunday slammed Channi and said that it is unfortunate that a person holding a constitutional position is reporting to a person who has no authority over PM Modi's security breach. Calling Channi a shameless person, Chugh said, "He made the Prime Minister stand at a distance of just 20 kms from the Pakistan border within the range of the enemy's tanks." "But Channi has not responded on the matter yet," he said. "I am surprised that he is reporting to Priyanka Gandhi ji. I want to ask Channi sahib...who is Priyanka Gandhi ji... which constitutional post she hold? A CM is saying that he has informed Priyanka Gandhi about the people involved in the conspiracy," the BJP leader said while hitting out at the strange administrative behavior of the chief minister. He further alleged that Congress High command is behind the conspiracy of the PM's security breach. "The conspiracy is connected to Punjab's Chief Minister's residence and Congress High Command, who had given Channi a task to bring PM Modi to a place where his life will be at risk and he is reporting them," he said. "It is unfortunate that a person holding a constitutional position is reporting to a person who has no authority. Congress has been insulting Constitutional posts from the very beginning," he added. Channi earlier on Saturday said that there was "no threat" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the state, and the Prime Minister was "completely safe" when his convoy was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes on his way to National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala. Channi had also said that he had briefed party leader Priyanka Gandhi "on whatever happened here". "I am again saying there was no threat to the PM here, it was not there, will not be there. He was completely safe. His security was around him. No one went near him, for one kilometre no one came near him...I had a conversation with Priyanka Gandhiji and I had briefed her on whatever happened here," he told ANI. Meanwhile, Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Punjab Government on the security breach during the Prime Minister's visit to Punjab. The Prime Minister's convoy was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes due to road blockage by some protestors about 30 km away from the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala. The Prime Minister was to visit Ferozepur and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 42,750 crore. After the security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport. Channi said security force personnel came in sizeable numbers during the visit of the Prime Minister. "I am tired of asking, what security threat was there to PMji? There were no protestors within the one km range of the Prime Minister, there were 6000 security personnel, IB, and SPG for PM's security. He is Prime Minister of the biggest democracy. What danger could have been?" Channi asked. Congress leaders have spoken in different voices on the security breach. Former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jhakhar has said that a secure passage for the Prime Minister of India to address BJP's political rally in Ferozpur should have been ensured. (ANI)
Punjab Congres Chief Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday informed that the party will decide on the list of candidates for upcoming assembly polls in the state after a screening committee meeting being held today via video conferencing. "The list of candidates for the upcoming assembly polls will be announced soon. It will be finalized very soon. Even today, the screening committee meeting is going on. We will make our decision after careful thought. Congress always announces its candidates at the end," Sidhu said. Further, speaking on how Congress would run its poll campaign, Sidhu said, "I hope things will change after January 15. Till then, directions are clear that you will have to campaign digitally. In case things go worse, then we'll have to pass this litmus test." The assembly polls in Punjab are due on February 14. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the date of polls for Punjab along with four other states and issued some restrictions in view of the COVID-19 infection. The poll panel also informed that the counting of votes in all five states will be done on March 10. In the wake of the COVID-19 surge, the ECI directed that no physical political rallies and roadshows will be allowed till January 15, however, further rallies and election campaign meetings will be allowed only in earmarked places and with prior permissions of district administration. "No roadshow, Pad-yatra, cycle, bike, vehicle rally and procession shall be allowed till 15 January 2022. The commission shall subsequently review the situation and issue further instructions accordingly. Further, rallies and meetings shall be allowed only in earmarked places and with prior permissions of district administration," said ECI. (ANI)
He is likely to join Congress. The Sanguem MLA submitted his resignation to the Goa Assembly Speaker.

Meanwhile, Assembly elections in Goa are scheduled to be held on February 14.

The counting of votes in all states will take place on March 10. The poll dates were announced by Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra at a press conference in Delhi today. With the announcement of poll dates, the model code of conduct has come into force. (ANI)
In his letter to the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Verma said, "I am resigning from the membership of Bihar Legislative Assembly because of my personal reasons. Kindly accept my resignation."

She was elected to Bihar Assembly from Narkatiaganj seat on BJP ticket in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections.

With the resignation of Rashmi Verma, the tally of BJP in Assembly will reduce to 73 if Speaker accepts her resignation.

The NDA had secured a 125-seat majority in the 243-seat strong Bihar Legislative Assembly in 2020, of which BJP won on 74 seats, JD(U) on 43 while eight seats were won by two other NDA constituents. The RJD, on the other hand, emerged as the single-largest party with 75 seats while the Congress only won 19 of the 70 seats it had contested on. (ANI)
On Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to media inquiries about the fine and warning issued to the Chinese subsidiary of the Japanese company 7 & i Holdings that is the operator of 7-Eleven convenience stores in China, violating China's Regulation on Map Management.

The Credit China website, which publicizes details of administrative penalties, shows the company displayed problematic maps on its official website and the entrance to its company offices in Beijing. The maps contain so many mistakes that they could even be listed as an index for mistakes to be avoided.

In the map on its official website, it skipped the islands in South China Sea and the Diaoyu Islands, made mistakes on China's boundaries in Aksai Chin and Southern Tibet, and portrayed Taiwan as "an independent country". The map at its company entrance had all the mistakes except the last one.

Beijing Municipal Commission of Planning and Natural Resources fined the company 150,000 yuan ($23,520) for the two wrong deeds.

The difference between the two maps suggests two possibilities. One, the company knows China's stance of sovereignty issues well, which is why it avoided portraying Taiwan as an independent country on the map at its company entrance. Yet it just turned a blind eye to the same mistake on its official website, putting the wrong map there as if no one would notice that.

Two, its executives know that Taiwan is part of China and tried to avoid wrongdoings on the issue, but were so ignorant that they cared little about the other mistakes on the map.

The company has said that it "is taking the issue seriously and making sure to prevent a recurrence".

Upholding the principle of one China should be done in deeds, not just words. It is the obligation of all companies doing businesses on the Chinese mainland to obey the laws and regulations, and to gain enough knowledge about the laws should serve as a key, indispensable step of that.
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the country, the aviation sector in the country seems to be reeling under pressure. IndiGo airlines on Sunday anticipated that around 20 per cent of its current scheduled operations to be withdrawn from service. IndiGo, further said that it has waived change fees as scores of people are altering their travel plans. In its official statement, IndiGo said, "Owing to the increasing number of Omicron infections, large numbers of IndiGo customers are changing their travel plans. In response to customer needs, IndiGo is waiving change fees and is offering free changes for all new and existing bookings made up to January 31, for flights up to March 31, 2022. With the reduced demand, we will also be selectively withdrawing some of our flights from service." "Where possible, cancellations of flights will be done at least 72 hours in advance and customers will be moved to the next available flight and will also be able to change their travel through the use of Plan B on our website," the statement said. The official statement added, "Since our call centre is currently handling a large volume of calls, we are encouraging our customers to use our digital channels where possible. We anticipate that around 20 per cent of our current scheduled operations will be withdrawn from service." Amid a surge in the COVID-19 cases, the Central government on Friday announced a seven-day mandatory home quarantine for all international arrivals in the country. All the international arrivals in the country will have to observe a seven-day mandatory home quarantine with effect from January 11 till further orders. As per the order issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday, travellers from specified countries at risk will at first, submit a sample for the post-arrival COVID-19 test at the point of arrival (self-paid). Such travellers will be required to wait for their test results at the arrival airport before leaving or taking a connecting flight. "If tested negative they will follow, home quarantine for seven days and shall undertake RT-PCR test on the eighth day of arrival in India. Travellers shall also be required to upload results of repeat RT-PCR test for COVID-19 done on the eighth day on Air Suvidha portal. If negative, they will further self-monitor their health for the next seven days. However, if such travellers are tested positive, their samples should be further sent for genomic testing at INSACOG laboratory network," read the order copy. India reported 1,59,632 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the daily positivity rate in the country to 10.21 per cent, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday. With this, the COVID-19 tally has risen to 35,528,004 in the country.According to the Health Ministry, a total of 3,623 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus have been reported in India so far. The number of recovered patients from the variant rises to 1,409. Maharashtra accounts for the highest number of Omicron cases (1009), followed by Delhi (513) and Karnataka (441).The Ministry further informed that the active caseload in the country currently stands at 5,90,611 which accounts for 1.66 per cent of the country's total number of cases. On December 2, India detected its first case of Omicron Variant of COVID-19 in Karnataka. (ANI)
Preparations are in full swing at vaccination centres in the national capital for administering COVID-19 precautionary dose, which is scheduled to commence from January 10. The precautionary COVID-19 vaccine dose will be given to healthcare and frontline workers, and those over 60 years of age with co-morbidities. The eligible population who have taken two doses of COVID-19 vaccine can directly take an appointment or walk-in to any COVID vaccination centre. For the precautionary dose in the national capital, most of the centres are same where vaccination is already taking place. At present, a total of 17 centers are running in the Civil Lines sub-division. One of these is MCD School Aruna Nagar, where precautionary dose will be administered. Speaking to ANI, Rajiv Ranjan, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Civil lines said, "Health care workers, frontline workers and those over 60 years of age with co-morbidities will be given a precautionary dose from tomorrow and we have made all the preparations for it." Ranjan said that the procedure for the prescription dosage is the same as that of the pre-released vaccinations. "Since vaccination is already going on, there is no need to do much differently. The procedure for the prescription dosage is the same as that of the pre-released vaccinations. We just have to inform the eligible people about where they will get the prescription dose. The health staff and other staff working at the centers are also fully aware of this," he said. He further said that the eligible population can go to any vaccination centre and can take the dose. "They can go to any vaccination centre for the precautionary dose, but they have to make sure they take the same vaccine they were administered earlier. Here at MCD School we only have Covishield vaccine, but other centres do have Covaxin too. People can register through CoWin portal However, precaution dose will be administered with a gap of nine months after the second dose," he added. Ankita, the nodal in-charge at MCD School vaccination centre said that whatever is basic regarding the prescription dose, it will be updated on the vaccine portal. "The important thing is that there should be a gap of 9 months between the second dose and the precautionary dose. Such eligible health care workers, frontline workers and co-morbid people above 60 years of age can take the online slot or register for walk-in and take the precautionary dose," said Ankita. Meanwhile, The registration for 'precaution dose' of COVID-19 vaccine for healthcare, frontline workers and senior citizens above 60 went live on the Co-WIN platform on Saturday. Union Health Ministry had earlier said that there is no requirement for new registration for the beneficiaries of precautionary COVID-19 vaccine dose The senior citizens with co-morbidities will not be required to produce a doctor's certificate or prescription at the time of administration of precaution dose. (ANI)
According to Mumbai Police, the woman lost control and fell into the water after a strong ocean current hit her boat.

"A team of Coastal Police and Colaba Police rescued a woman tourist who was drowning in the sea near Gateway of India, Mumbai today. The woman lost control and fell into the water after a strong ocean current hit her boat," said Mumbai Police. (ANI)
Goa Pradesh election in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao welcomed Goankar and his 25 odd supporters into the party fold. "I have earlier been a Congress worker but kept myself out of the party in the last 10 years. I have rejoined Congress", said Prasad Gaonkar on Sunday.

According to Gaonkar, Goa's witnessed very little development in the last five years. "Congress works with a different mentality and ideology which I think would benefit Goa in the future", added Gaonkar.

"I had extended my support to Trinamool Congress (TMC) and my Karyakartas too had joined the party but we sensed that TMC's decisions were not good for Goa. So we all left TMC", Prasad Goankar told ANI.

"All my party workers who had joined TMC resigned and joined Congress."

AICC secretary election in charge of Goa desk Dinesh Rao said, "TMC should have thought of alliance and support for elections before coming to Goa." "Goa Forward Party is on board and we are in talks with Shiv Sena," Rao added. Many supporters of Prasad Gaonkar also joined the Congress Party. (ANI)
Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij today urged people to adopt the "No Mask, No Service" policy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the state. Vij also urged the people to follow the COVID-19 protocols strictly. The Health Minister in a Tweet on Sunday wrote, "A humble request to the Honorable People of Haryana to adopt 'No Mask No Service' policy to defeat Corona." "The COVID-19 vaccination is on and so far more than 3 crores 67 lakh beneficiaries have been vaccinated", Vij informed. He said that the COVID-19 vaccination is going on in the state and so far more than 3 crore 67 lakh people have been vaccinated. Out of the total vaccinated people, the first dose is administered to more than 2 crore 14 lakh 20 thousand people while 1 crore 52 lakh 82 thousand people have received the second dose. He said that Haryana has 13,937 COVID-19 cases, out of which 10,324 are in home isolation. Further, only 23 Omicron cases are active while 100 Omicron patients have been discharged. The Health Minister said, "Although the COVID-19 infection is increasing rapidly, there are not many infected patients in the hospitals." The Health Minister said that he is now personally taking stock of the health service in the state, amid the rising COVID-19 cases in the country. He reviewed the PSA Oxygen Plant in the Civil Hospital at Sector-6 of Panchkula and got it operational. "So far, there are 84 PSA oxygen plants in government hospitals and medical colleges while 54 oxygen plants have been established in private hospitals of the state", added Vij. According to Vij, there was an oxygen deficiency problem in the last COVID-19 wave. So we decided to install PSA oxygen plants in all the hospitals", added the Health Minister. Vij also informed that the second genome sequencing laboratory would also be established in the state. According to Health Minister, the state's second genome sequencing lab will be set up in Panchkula. "With the establishment of another lab in Panchkula, there will be one laboratory each at both ends of the state. Earlier, genome sequencing has also been set up in Rohtak", he added. (ANI)
The Madhya Pradesh police have suspended a constable who refused to trim his long moustache saying that it was a matter of his pride and self-respect. Constable Rakesh Rana worked as a driver in the state police's transport wing. He was posted as the driver of Rajendra Mishra, Special Director General, Cooperatives Fraud and Public Service Guarantee section of the Madhya Pradesh Police. "I am a Rajput, and my moustache is my pride," Rana told ANI. He said he had kept his moustache at this length for a long time. "I am with him since last February, but he never objected before. He has gone on many tours with me. Two-three days ago suddenly Mishra sir asked me to remove my mask and then he started commenting on my moustache. As I removed my mask, he asked me how I had kept a moustache. Do you know that keeping a moustache is against the Police Regulation Act? I did not respond," he said. "Earlier, I was with many officers. I was also in CID, even then I had similar moustache. Abhinandan ji was discussed later, after seeing him, people started calling me Abhinandan. I stayed with the ADG, IG too and they also praised my moustache. I was asked to cut my moustache to a proper size but I refused. Never before in my service, I was asked to do so. Many IPS officers also have a moustache, so why object to mine? I will accept the suspension but will not cut my moustache," he added. Assistant Inspector General, Cooperatives Fraud and Public Service Guarantee Prashant Sharma has issued the suspension order. The suspension order reads, "On checking the turnout, it was found that he has grown hair and moustache around his neck with a strange design, making the turnout look extremely inappropriate. Constable driver Rakesh Rana was instructed to cut his hair and moustache properly to keep his turnout right but the above order was not followed by the said constable and he insisted on maintaining the hair and moustache which is uniform. It comes under the category of indiscipline in service and this act has adverse effect on other employees. Therefore, the said constable Rakesh Rana is suspended with immediate effect. During the suspended period, he will be given subsistence allowance as per rules." This suspension order was given by the Assistant Inspector General of Police on 7 January. (ANI)
Amid a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases and with a projection of over 32,000 infections in Tripura in the possible third wave, the state government has decided to impose a night curfew from 9 pm to 5 am. As per a decision following a slew of meetings chaired by Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Chief Secretary Kumar Alok, curfew would be in force between 9 pm in the night to 5 am in the morning from January 10 to January 20, said Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) minister Sushanta Chowdhury. In a press conference at Civil Secretariat here on Sunday evening, Cabinet spokesperson and ICA minister Chowdhury also informed that adequate preparations are afoot to tackle the third wave of the COVID-19--if the present rise in the cases is considered the third wave of the pandemic. He said that altogether 689 positive cases have been reported till Saturday with the overall positivity rate of the state standing at five per cent. The majority of cases are being reported in the Agartala Municipal Corporation area with the test positivity rate of 16.95 per cent, the minister added. According to Chowdhury, the health experts have already sounded an alarm considering the present situation prevailing all over the state and an initial projection of 32,000 cases has been set. "The health experts and scientists have predicted that in the third wave, Tripura is expected to have over 32,000 cases altogether and five per cent positivity rate that accounts for 1,617 cases per day that would be serious in nature", he told mediapersons. "Tripura is prepared to tackle the third wave of COVID-19 with the availability of adequate health infrastructure across the state. In view of the increase in COVID cases across the state, two crucial meetings were held on Saturday and Sunday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Kumar Alok with officials of various departments and Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb with the council of ministers, respectively," he added. The minister further said that a total of 3,880 children might get affected in the third wave and among them, 194 may develop severe symptoms. "Taking this on a serious note, 216 beds with ICU facilities are available in Agartala while 50 beds in each district are arranged for children," he informed. Meanwhile, Chowdhury also spoke in detail about the state's COVID-19 related infrastructure. "All districts have been directed to open COVID-19 call centres and redressal cells. In the state, there are 2,562 total beds for COVID-19 patients and 700 beds are reserved for serious patients. Out of these 700 beds, 330 beds are installed in various facilities of West Tripura district", he stated. "If there is a requirement, the number of beds can be increased and there is a facility for that. At present, 22 oxygen plants are functional. There is a sufficient stock of medicines. There is sufficient stock of oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, pulse oximeters and ventilators. About 500 to 700 doctors, nurses, MPWs, sweeping staff, etc shall be recruited on a contractual and emergency basis", he added. (ANI)
The state has increased the duration of night curfew from 10 pm at night to 6 am in the morning, stated the official order. Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra ordered the suspension of physical classes in educational institutions in the state till January 16. However, the schools will conduct online classes.

"All the beneficiaries aged between 15 to 18 years of age must get a vaccination against COVID-19 by January 15", said the Chief Secretary.

He also ordered the Integrated COVID Command Control (ICCC) to run with full capacity. He has ordered the Police officials and the District Magistrates to take stock of the pandemic situation.

According to Uttar Pradesh's Saturday health bulletin, the state saw 6,411 new COVID-19 cases. (ANI)
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that pregnant women and divyang (differently-abled) employees of the Central government have been exempted from attending office in the wake of a surge in COVID cases. However, they will be required to remain available and work from home. Briefing about the guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in the wake of the third wave of the pandemic, Union Minister said that all officials and staff living in the Containment Zone will also be exempted from coming to office till the time Containment Zone is de-notified. The Minister further informed that the physical attendance of government servants below the level of Under Secretary has been restricted to 50 per cent of the actual strength and the remaining 50 per cent will work from home. "Roster will be prepared accordingly by all the departments concerned," he added. However, he said that the officials and staff who are not attending the office and are working from home wil; remain available on telephone and other electronic means of communication at all times. In view of the rapid spread of the virus infection, Singh said that a DoPT with the advice that the official meetings shall be conducted as far as possible through video conferencing. Similarly, personal meetings with visitors are to be avoided, unless absolutely necessary, he said. In order to avoid overcrowding in the office premises, the Minister said that the officials and staff will follow staggered timings that is 9 am to 5:30 pm 10 am to 6:30 pm. Meanwhile, DoPT has advised all the officers and staff to ensure strict compliance of COVID-appropriate behaviour that is frequent washing of hands/sanitisation, wearing face mask/face cover and observing social distancing all the time. "Proper cleaning and sanitisation of the workplace, particularly frequently touched surfaces, may also be ensured," it said. Singh said that the guidelines issued as per the DoPT will remain in force till January 31 and the guidelines may be revised accordingly depending on the situation. (ANI)
Sulli Deals app creator Aumkareshwar Thakur, has been sent to police custody for four days by a court, informed Delhi Police on Sunday. The IFSO unit of Delhi Police's Special Cell arrested the mastermind of the Sulli Deals app from Indore on Sunday after receiving information about him from Bulli Bai app case mastermind Neeraj Bishnoi during the investigation, said Delhi Police DCP (IFSO), KPS Malhotra, on Sunday. "During the interrogation of the Bulli Bai app mastermind Neeraj Bishnoi, we found evidence that helped us arrest Aumkareshwar Thakur, who wrote codes for Sulli Deals app. He is being interrogated and his laptop is under forensic examination", said Malhotra. "Both the Bulli Bai and Sulli Deal app case masterminds have been arrested. On Saturday, a team of IFSO, Special Cell went to Indore and arrested Thakur," added the DCP. As per police information, the arrested 25-year-old Aumkareshwar Thakur is a Computer Graduate residing at Newyork city Township of Indore. "We are still investigating the case and have seized Aumkareshwar Thakur's laptop which was used in Sulli Deal case and have sent it for forensic examination", said DCP Malhotra. " "The accused was operating on Twitter under the name of Aumkar Thakur." In July 2021, the Sulli Deal app was made on the Github platform to auction Muslim women. The matter came to light when Delhi Police took suo moto cognisance of this matter. The Delhi Police were investigating the case for the last six months but the first arrest in the case came after Bulli Bai app case mastermind Niraj Bishnoi was apprehended from Assam's Jorhat. The Delhi police, during the investigation, found out that the Bulli Bai mastermind Niraj Bishnoi and Aumkareshwar Thakur were virtually connected over the internet. "They never met in person. They were connected virtually through chat rooms," KPS Malhotra said. KPS Malhotra further said, "In January 2020, through the Twitter handle @gangescionBK, a group called 'Trade Mahasabha' had joined Aumkareshwar Thakur. Trolling women of the Muslim community was discussed through the group. After which the Sulli Deal app was created on GitHub." "The accused deleted all their social media footprints as the case came to light. The Special Cell of Delhi Police is now interrogating Aumkareshwar Thakur, as well as analyzing technical gadgets to trace the code/photos related to the Sulli Deals app case." The accused Aumkareshwar Thakur said that there are others who are guilty in the Sulli Deal case along with him, said police. The police are now looking for the other culprits. DCP said that all the information that they have got in the case is from interrogating the accused and police research. No information has been received from Github. (ANI)
Vietnam tourism sector targets 65 million visitors this year

The Vietnamese tourism sector has set a target to serve 65 million visitors in 2022, 90 percent of which would be domestic travellers.



According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the local tourism sector welcomed around 40 million visitors, including 3,500 foreigners, last year. In the year, the industry earned a total revenue of VND180 trillion (USD7.75 billion), down 42 percent on-year.





The first tourists in Hue City this year



In 2022, the sector has set a goal to attract 65 million tourists, including five million foreigners, with revenues of VND400 trillion.



Pham Huy Binh, chairman of Saigontourist Group, said that the tourism industry needs to boost the promotion of safe destinations, which is very important amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Travel companies should diversify more products, he added.



Since November last year, Vietnam has piloted the welcome of foreign travellers again. This month, dozens of flights are expected to be conducted to bring foreign visitors to tourist sites, including Phu Quoc, Khanh Hoa and Quang Ninh.



Many localities have launched programmes to lure more visitors. The northern province of Quang Ninh has reduced entry tickets to Ha Long Bay, Yen Tu and Quang Ninh Museum by half in the first half of this year.



The central city of Danang has also continued offering free entrance to local state-owned tourist spots in 2022.



Meanwhile, Hanoi and 11 localities have signed an agreement for co-operation on safe tourism development amid the pandemic.



Phu Quoc City in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is expected to welcome 6.3 million visitors this year, including 300,000 foreigners. The city is co-operating with other localities for tourism development.
The Annapolis City Council is considering extending the current state of emergency in the city by an additional 90 days.

Mayor Gavin Buckley declared a 30-day state of emergency on Dec. 23 amid a surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. At its first meeting of 2022, the council will consider a resolution which would extend the emergency order through April 22.

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This is the new normal, Buckley said Friday. This variant is right on top of us; its happening right now and this is a short-term solution.

There are no closures or mandates with the emergency order Buckley declared two days before Christmas. Instead, the city is prepared to reinstate permissions for temporary outdoor dining in parking lots and municipal parking spaces. The permissions are similar to the outdoor dining permits that were issued to create recovery zones over the past two years since the pandemic began in March 2020.

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Applications that include seating on public streets will not be approved, according to the order.

Buckley, a Democrat, said he plans to introduce legislation to establish permanent rules for outdoor dining to keep people from dining indoors, but that process could take a few months.

What Im trying to push toward is really adapting our outdoor event spaces, so that we can be prepared for the next wave, he said. I think theres going to be another variant. I think that weve all accepted that this is going to be part of our lives from now on. And so I think that we need to activate outdoor spaces for that reason.

Buckley said he expects the extension will be supported by the all-Democratic council and hopes they will suspend the rules to pass the resolution during the same meeting at which it is introduced. Some City Council members would like to discuss the merits of an extension in the city before granting it.

I dont know yet on the extension, said Alderwoman Elly Tierney, D-Ward 1. I do have some questions.  I guess I just want to know what the plan is.

The Anne Arundel County Council on Friday voted down a proposed extension of County Executive Steuart Pittmans state of emergency through Jan. 31. It also voted down an extension of Pittmans mask mandate; however, several hours later, county Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman overrode the councils decision with a public safety order under state law that will extend the mask mandate until Jan. 31. The order, which also includes the city, requires face coverings to be worn for those older than 2 in indoor public areas and outdoor public settings where social distancing isnt possible.

Three establishments have already had their outdoor permit applications approved, including Forward Brewing in Eastport and Main & Market and Grumps Cafe on Forest Drive.

Claire Bowdren, co-owner of Forward Brewing, said she submitted an application immediately after Buckleys emergency order was announced. The dining tables in the brewerys parking lot have helped draw in visitors who are once again wary of dining indoors, she said.

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Its been pretty immediate that weve seen people come and now stick around and be outdoors regardless of the weather, and bring their kids, and just feel more comfortable being outside right now, Bowdren said. I would say its pretty critical to us right now, and I think will be all winter as we are still not even in the peak of omicron probably.

Businesses interested in applying for an outdoor dining permit should contact Stephen Rice, manager of the Office of Economic Development, at smrice@annapolis.gov.

Permit applications can be found on the citys website at annapolis.gov/1682/Recovery-Districts-and-Zones.

Other council business

The council will take a final vote Monday on its standing committee appointments. It will also introduce a slew of new bills to kick off the new year, including seven ordinances and four resolutions.

Here is an overview:

O-1-22: Requires property owners on Main or Francis streets to install fire sprinkler systems within five years. Sponsors: Elly Tierney, Rhonda Pindell-Charles

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O-2-22: Tightens requirements for leasing mooring balls in city waters. Sponsor: Mayor Gavin Buckley

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O-3-22: A proposed 10-year lease agreement with AT&T to use city utility and streetlight poles and other facilities for small-cell antennas. Sponsor: Buckley

O-4-22: Clarifies in the City Code that aggressive panhandling is a misdemeanor offense. Aggressive panhandling is defined in the city code as to accost and beg from persons in a public place and shall include the conduct of begging which harasses, menaces, intimidates, impedes traffic otherwise causes harm, Sponsor: Buckley

O-5-22: Clarifies who can tap or connect with a public sewer, water main or stormwater line. Sponsor: Buckley

O-6-22: Allows medical cannabis dispensaries in certain city zoning districts so long as they are not within 2 miles of another licensed dispensary or within 1,000 feet of the lot line of a public or private elementary, middle, or high school. Sponsor: DaJuan Gay

O-7-22: Changes eligibility requirements for short-term rental permit holders to include an individual and any and all legal entities in which the individual has an ownership or beneficial interest and separate legal entities that share common owners or beneficiaries, in whole or in part. Sponsor: Tierney

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R-1-22: Approves compensation for acting Transportation Director Kwaku Agyemang-Duah beyond six months as required by the City Charter. Sponsor: Buckley

R-2-22, R-3-22 and R-4-22: Offers formal City Council support for grant funds from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development provided to three businesses affected by Hurricane Ida and the subsequent tornado: Chriss Charcoal Pit in Annapolis, Annapolis International Market and Kiddie Academy of Annapolis. Sponsor: Pindell-Charles
Speaking to ANI, Gurpreet Singh, a devotee said, "I am feeling very good after offering prayers here. This place is looking very beautiful with the fireworks."

"Today is Prakash Parv or Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti. We have come here to worship on this auspicious occasion. The sky is looking beautiful due to fireworks," another devotee, Harmanpreet Singh said.

Pargat Singh, another devotee also said, "I wish Guru Gobind Singh ji would bless everyone with happiness."

The Prakash Parv of Guru Gobind Singh Ji is being celebrated on January 9 this year.

Born Gobind Rai at Patna Sahib in Bihar, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the tenth and last of Sikh gurus in human form. He was enthroned at the 'Guru Gaddi' at the age of nine, following the martyrdom of his father, the ninth Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. (ANI)
Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) MLC and daughter of Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, Kalvakuntla Kavitha on Sunday slammed Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over his comments against the TRS-led state government and said that the BJP intents to "erase the glorious history of Telangana". Reacting to Sarma's address at a program in Warangal in support of teachers and unemployed youth, Kavitha, in a tweet, said, "Himanta Biswa Ji, your remarks today once again restated the intent of BJP to erase the glorious history of Telangana. I wonder, why you and your party are so threatened with the idea of unity? Did you forget the verdict of Telangana in 2018, where BJP lost deposits on 107 seats?" Underlining that the TRS government has generated employment in the state, "while the unemployment rate in country scales", Kavitha said, "The unemployment rate of India has been scaling up and is at is 8 per cent now. The TRS is made from the struggle of peoples rights, we fought for Telangana all by ourselves. As promised, we have generated over 1.3 lakh jobs so far for our people and we continue to create avenues." Slamming the BJP for renaming the schemes initiatives by KCR, she said that the initiatives of CM KCR Garu like Raitu Bandhu, Kalyana Laxmi and Mission Bhageeradha have been a testimony for the entire country. "If you look up for these schemes, you'll find some similar projects. Fun fact, your party renamed these schemes of Telangana Government," she added. Sarma then replied to Kavitha with a link to this speech and said, "Kavitha Garu, sending you the link of my speech. I spoke about unifying modern-day Telangana and linking it with the glory of Bharat Varsha. Also, to remind you, BJP once upon a time won just 2 Lok Sabha seats, but now the example is in front of you." At the program at Warangal yesterday, Sarma had slammed the Telangana Chief Minister for not providing jobs to the people in the state. "My state is a small state. Telangana's GDP is 9 lakh crore and Assam's GDP is 3.5 lakh crore. But we are working much more than Telangana. During the election campaign, our BJP leaders said that in one-year our government will give one lakh employment to the people in Assam, but people forget after the election like KCR forget his promise of giving two lakhs jobs. Today I am saying to KCR he should watch the news and see that from May 1 to May 10 I will give jobs to one lakh people in Assam. We will fulfil our promise," he had said. "Whenever a dictator becomes Chief Minister or Prime Minister, an emergency-like situation arises in the country... We have to keep fighting and it will result in the creation of a new Telangana. Dictatorship will not work here," the Assam Chief Minister added. Taking to Twitter, he had earlier said that the people of Telangana are fed up with the misrule of the TRS government and are yearning for a change. "The enthusiastic reception at Hyderabad proved how the people of Telangana are fed up with the misrule of TRS government and are yearning for a change," Sarma had said. (ANI)
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Sunday spoke to his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian and discussed what France and India can achieve together in 2022 and how to make France's EU presidency an accelerator for EU-India ties. "Delighted to speak to French Foreign Minister @JY_LeDrian today. We recognized that our achievements of 2021 are a strong foundation for 2022. The presidency of EU that France occupies adds an important dimension to our strategic relationship," he said in a tweet. According to an official statement, he congratulated France for taking over the presidency of the European Union after 13 years and celebrates the French commitment towards a more digital, ecological, and social Europe. The year started with 16th staff talks conducted between the Indian and the French Navies in the first week of January. France was the first foreign partner of India to post a liaison officer at Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), set up for collaborating and cooperating with partners towards enhancing maritime safety and security in the area. Vice Admiral Christophe Lucas, Head of Foreign Relations, French Navy, visited the IFC-IOR and was briefed on the efforts of the Centre towards enhancing maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region as the two nations are sharing more and more real-time, sensitive information on maritime awareness in the area. With the establishment of the strategic partnership in 1998, there has been significant progress in all areas of bilateral cooperation through regular high-level exchanges at the Head of State/Head of Government levels and growing cooperation and exchanges including in strategic areas such as defence, counter-terrorism, nuclear energy, and space. France was the first country with which India entered into an agreement on civil nuclear cooperation following the waiver given by the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, enabling India to resume full civil nuclear cooperation with the international community. There is also growing and wide-ranging cooperation in other areas such as trade and investment, culture, science & technology, and education. France has consistently supported India's increasing role in international fora, including India's permanent membership of the UNSC. --IANS nimish/vd ( 365 Words) 2022-01-09-21:02:04 (IANS)
After two successive high-profile visits, that of the President and Vice President within a span of less than two weeks, indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant is heading out for the next set of sea trials, officials said on Sunday. The maiden sea trials in August last year were to establish propulsion, navigational suite, and basic operations, and the second, in October-November, witnessed it being put through its paces in terms of various machinery trials and flight trials. The ship, in fact, was out for 10 days proving its sustenance in the second sortie. Various seamanship evolutions were also successfully cleared during it. Having gained adequate confidence in the ship's abilities, the IAC now sails to undertake complex manoeuvres to establish specific readings of how it performs in various conditions. In addition, various sensor suites would also be tested. On successful completion of a series of progressive sea trials, the ship is scheduled to be commissioned as INS Vikrant later this year, the Defence Ministry said. The IAC has been a success story on numerous counts, be it Atmanirbhar Bharat, wherein 76 per cent of the equipment is indigenously sourced, or the close engagement between the design teams of the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Ltd, a high-point in the largest and most complex warship ever to be built in the country. The ship has been able to carry out basic flying operations from its very first sortie, itself a landmark in the history of Indian warship construction. --IANS nimish/vd ( 265 Words) 2022-01-09-21:46:03 (IANS)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that his Telangana counterpart K. Chandrasekhar Rao betrayed the people, especially the unemployed youth. Addressing a meeting organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Hanamkonda town, he said Chief Minister KCR failed to fulfill his promise of providing jobs. Sarma claimed that despite being a smaller state than Telangana, Assam is doing well in providing jobs to the unemployed. He said the BJP government in Assam was working to fulfil the election promise of providing one lakh jobs in one year. He alleged that KCR had failed to provide two lakh jobs in a year as he had promised. He said the Telangana Chief Minister was not giving jobs despite vacancies in government departments. The meeting was organised by the BJP to demand amendment to government order 317 regarding transfer of government employees and teachers. The Assam Chief Minister was invited to address the meet as part of party's efforts to rope in top leaders from across the country to target Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government for 'illegal' arrest of BJP state unit chief Bandi Sanjay Kumar and other party leaders. Sanjay and others were arrested during the protest over GO 317 in Karimnagar on January 2. Stating that BJP will come to power in Telangana in 2023, Sarma warned that the party will take revenge for the humiliation meted out to its leaders. Alleging that police broke into Bandi Sanjay's office, the BJP leader said in 2023 the police may enter KCR's farm house. The Assam chief minister said that both the government employees and unemployed youth were unhappy with the TRS government. "The government has support of only the police," he remarked but reminded KCR that police merely obey the directions of those in power. Sarma said KCR was frustrated over the defeat of TRS in recent by-election to Huzurabad Assembly seat and was hence resorting to steps like using police against the BJP leaders. He also targeted KCR for being concerned only about his family and for running the government from his farm house. "A chief minister has to come to the secretariat and meet 500 to 1,000 people. The government can't be run from a farmhouse," he remarked. He also alleged that the KCR was running the government with the support of AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi. "Owaisi will not be able to save you. The way Article 370 was scrapped and Ram temple's construction started, the name of Nizam and Owaisi will also be written off. That day is not very far," he said. Sarma also criticized KCR for luncheon meetings with leaders of CPI-M and CPI. He reminded the TRS chief that the CPI-M had opposed formation of Telangana state. Meanwhile, TRS legislator and KCR's daughter K. Kavitha hit back at Assam chief minister. She pointed out that the TRS government has so far created 1.3 lakh jobs. "Your remarks today once again restated the intent of BJP to erase the glorious history of Telangana. I wonder, why you and your party are so threatened with idea of unity? Did you forget the verdict of Telangana in 2018, where BJP lost deposits on 107 seats," she told Sarma. She also reminded him that the unemployment rate of India has been scaling up and it now stands at 8 per cent. "The TRS party is made from the struggle of peoples's rights, we fought for Telangana all by ourselves. As promised, we have generated over 1.3 lakh jobs so far for our people and we continue to create avenues," she tweeted. Kavitha mentioned schemes like Rythu Bandhu, KalyanaLaxmi and Mission Bhageeratha launched by KCR saying they have been a testimony for the entire country. "If you look up for these schemes, you'll find some similar projects. Fun fact, your party renamed these schemes of Telangana government," she wrote. --IANS ms/pgh ( 654 Words) 2022-01-09-22:12:01 (IANS)
The major gas pipeline project is known as TAPI for Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India--has yet to be completed despite being "in progress" for the past three decades. During this time Afghanistan has seen the collapse and establishment of various governments, according to Tolo News.

Also, Afghanistan Deputy Prime Minister Adbul Salam Hanafi met with Turkmenistan's Deputy Foreign Minister Wafa Khadzhiev on Saturday and discussed bilateral co-operation including restarting the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India project in Afghanistan.

Earlier, the leaders of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and India in 2010, 2015 and 2018 discussed TAPI.

The latest meeting over TAPI was held in 2018, in which several other projects including electric power facilities, a railway, and fiber optics were inaugurated, according to Tolo News.

TAPI was expected to be inaugurated in 2020 but the construction of the project has remained unfinished so far despite the promises of funding by the Asian Development Bank, according to Tolo News.

The TAPI project, which has an estimated price tag of USD 10 billion in 2018 endeavours to bring 33 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas to energy-starved South Asia for 30 years via a 1,800-kilometer pipeline that will stretch across Afghanistan.

TAPI was expected to be inaugurated in 2020 but the construction of the project has remained unfinished,

After Turkmenistan was separated from the Soviet Union in December 1991, it sought to develop economic projects and transfer its most valuable resource to South Asian nations such as Pakistan and India through Afghanistan as originally envisaged under the TAPI project. (ANI)
Police in the northern Chinese city of Xi'an in Shaanxi Province have arrested dozens of people for spreading "rumors" online after the authorities banned the city's 13 million residents from posting negative reports from coronavirus lockdown. The string of other arrests suggests growing public anger over restrictions that have left many without access to adequate food, daily necessities, and urgent medical car, according to Radio Free Asia. Further hospitals were sometimes not even admitting people who were able to provide a green health code on China's COVID-19 tracker app, which has crashed on a number of occasions amid a huge spike in traffic as lockdown regulations barred anyone from moving around the city without a green code, according to RFA sources. Many account holders are being investigated for reporting "false diagnosis of cases" during the two-week lockdown, during which thousands of residents have been forcibly removed from the city to stay in out-of-town quarantine centres and others have been forced to stay home and denied medical treatment, as per Radio Free Asia. Xi'an residents have repeatedly taken to social media during lockdown to complain that isolation rules are being enforced so strictly that they have been unable to buy sufficient food or daily necessities, with some reporting being turned away from hospitals with dire consequences. In sweeping restrictions, China in December last year locked down the entire 13 million residents of the Xi'an city after the COVID-19 cluster was found in the area. On the other hand, Netizens have written they are facing all sorts of difficulties including non-availability of food in their houses, financial difficulties due to no work in China's Xi'an city. Despite many hastags and posts on Weibo, Xi'an citizens are unable to buy groceries and other products for their daily needs. Further during the found of lockdowns, Xi'an citizens have come out and asked for help despite promises by various state organs. (ANI)
Shehbaz said the report revealed that the PTI hid millions of rupees worth of funds. "A person who hides facts, steals, and lies, cannot hold constitutional, government or political offices," the PMLN president said in a statement shared by the party on Twitter, according to News International.

Further, the PMLN president also said that the Constitution, law, and ethics also demand that Imran Khan should quit immediately.

"After the ECP scrutiny report, any decision that is made cannot be considered constitutional or legal," he said.

"All parties and workers who have faith in the Constitution and the law will have to play their role in bringing Pakistan out of this constitutional vacuum," he added.

The ECP report stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provided " false information "regarding the party's funding.

It said that the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) statement revealed that the party had received Rs 1.64 billion in funding.

Further, according to the report, the PTI did not disclose funding worth more than Rs 310 million to the ECP.

The scrutiny committee was formed in 2019 to audit foreign funding received by the PTI The case began in 2014 when the party's founding member, Akbhar S Babar filed it.

Babar alleged that the PTI received funding from illegal sources and that the party was involved in money laundering. (ANI)
The US has said that it is "deeply disturbed" over the reports of an attack on a Sikh cab driver at John F Kennedy airport in New York City and stressed that the country has the responsibility to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable for their actions. "We are deeply disturbed by reports of an attack on a Sikh cab driver at John F. Kennedy airport, captured on video last week," said the US State Department's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in a tweet on Sunday. "Our diversity makes the US stronger, and we condemn any form of hate-based violence," the State Department added. Emphasising that no matter where such crimes occur, the State Department said, "We all have a responsibility to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable for their actions." It came after the Indian Consulate General in New York termed the assault on a Sikh taxi driver at the John F Kennedy International Airport as "deeply disturbing" on Saturday (local time) and informed that it has taken up the matter with the US authorities and urged them to investigate the incident. "The assault against a Sikh taxi driver in New York is deeply disturbing. We have taken up the matter with US authorities and urged them to investigate this violent incident," tweeted the Consulate General of India in New York. The video of the incident went viral on Twitter where a man could be seen assaulting the Sikh taxi driver outside the airport. It has elicited condemnation of the attack from the Indian communities based in the US. Details about the driver or cause or time of the incident were not available. (ANI)
The opposition leaders in Pakistan and citizens have lashed out at Prime Minister Imran Khan over his insensitive remarks on the Murree snowstorm tragedy as the premier blamed tourists for the deaths in the snowfall saying the rush of people left administration "unprepared", reported local media. "Shocked and upset at tragic deaths of tourists on road to Murree. Unprecedented snowfall and rush of people proceeding without checking weather conditions caught district administration unprepared," Imran Khan said in a tweet on Saturday. His remarks drew massive criticism from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders and the citizens on social media as he blamed the incident's responsibility on the tourists rushing to the location without checking weather conditions, reported Geo News. This statement is the height of your indifference, cruelty, and incompetence, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a tweet. She demanded Imran Khan's resignation over his insensitive remarks saying, "corruption" and "incompetence" aside, PM Imran Khan should resign after blaming those who lost their lives. Demanding answers for his "criminal negligence", Marriyum regretted that such a statement comes from a man who claims he wants to model Pakistan after Madina, according to Geo News. Imran Khan's remarks were also criticised by the PML-N Vice President Pervaiz Rasheed. He demanded PM Imran Khan take his "ruthless, cruel and stupid" tweet back. Calling Imran Khan a "callous person", PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) issued a warning on December 31 about heavy snowfall and "everyone in the government was sleeping". PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal also lashed out at Imran Khan. "He is now blaming the people for failing to check the weather before coming. Those who brought such a person in to the office of PM will taste Allah's wrath for the suffering of people," Geo News quoted Iqbal as saying. At least 23 people have died in Pakistan's Murree after their vehicles were stranded following heavy snowfall overnight on Saturday. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar declared Murree calamity hit and imposed a state of emergency in hospitals, police stations, administration offices and Rescue 1122 services. Pakistan Army was called in for assistance as around 1,000 cars were stuck on the hill station while the Punjab chief minister issued instructions for expediting rescue work and providing aid to the stranded tourists, Dawn reported. (ANI)
Two men are dead and three others are injured after a series of violent incidents in Baltimore on Sunday, police say.

Sunday just after 6 a.m., police responded to a hospital, where a man was receiving treatment for massive trauma sustained during an assault, according to a news release from the Baltimore Police Department. Shortly thereafter, the man was pronounced dead.

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Police believe the crime scene is in the 2000 block of E. North Ave. in the citys South Clifton Park neighborhood. Doctors were still trying to determine how the man sustained his injuries, police said, but his death is being investigating as a homicide.

Earlier Sunday morning, police said officers responded to three nonfatal shootings, including a drive-by attack.

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At about 1:50 a.m., police responded to the 1800 block of McHenry St. in the Carrollton Ridge area for a reported shooting and found a 45-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital, where he was listed in serious but stable condition.

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Then, just after 3:30 a.m., police responded to the 100 block of N. Fremont Ave. in Poppleton for a shooting. An unidentified man was taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds, and is listed in critical condition. Police believe the man was walking down the street when a sedan pulled up next to him and one of the occupants of the car shot him.

Later Sunday morning, a 21-year-old man was shot in the Pigtown neighborhood, police said. Officers responded about 10:15 a.m. to the shooting, in the 1100 block of Washington Blvd., police said.

The victim was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Just after 5 p.m., officers were called to Northwest Baltimore to the 2800 block of Ulman Ave. for a shooting.

When officers arrived in the Park Circle neighborhood, they found a 44-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds.

The man was transported to Sinai Hospital, police said, where he died about 2 1/2 hours later.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incidents to contact them, or make an anonymous report to Metro Crime Stoppers by calling 1-866-7LOCKUP.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended greetings to the Indian diaspora on Pravasi Bhartiya Divas and said that their achievements are a source of pride for us. "Greetings to the Indian Diaspora on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Your achievements are a source of pride for us," said S Jaishankar in a tweet on Sunday. "And our emotional bond grows from strength to strength," Jaishankar added. It came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to the Indian diaspora on the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas saying that they have distinguished themselves all over the world and have excelled in different spheres. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said on Sunday, "Greetings to everyone, especially the Indian diaspora on Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. Our diaspora has distinguished itself all over the world and has excelled in different spheres." The Prime Minister also appreciated the Indian diaspora that they have remained connected to their roots and said, "We are proud of their accomplishments." India celebrates Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) on January 9 every year to mark the contribution of the Overseas Indian community to the development of India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the date January 9 was chosen to celebrate this occasion since it was the day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, leading India's freedom struggle. (ANI)
Negotiations at the level of heads of delegations also continued bilaterally and multilaterally on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the ministry's report.

In the last two days, intensive talks aimed at reviving the Iranian nuclear pact, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, have been held at various levels and in different forms, it added.

According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, mechanisms are on the table in the Vienna talks for the issue of guarantees for the full implementation of a possible deal, and there are discussions about the details of such mechanisms.

Another important issue is the verification of lifting sanctions in such a way that Iran can benefit from the removal of sanctions in an effective, practical and verifiable manner, it said.

Tasnim also reported that a checklist of US actions in the Vienna talks is being prepared.

--IANS int/shs

( 193 Words)

2022-01-09-04:44:03 (IANS)
Hundreds of tourists have been transported to safe localities so far by the Islamabad police and continued the evacuation operation at full pace, ARY News quoted Inspector General Islamabad Muhammad Ahsan Younas.

Younas has inspected the progress of the ongoing evacuation operation for stranded citizens in Murree and more than 1500 police officers were deployed to take part in the evacuation operation that will be continued till the safe return of the last tourists from Murree.

On Saturday, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar declared Murree calamity hit the area. The Chief Minister also imposed a state of emergency in hospitals, police stations, and rescue services.

The administration had to call Pakistan Army for assistance in evacuations as around 1,000 cars were stuck on the hill station. Buzdar had issued instructions for expediting rescue work and providing aid to the stranded tourists, Dawn reported.

Rawalpindi administration presented a report to Punjab CM. It emphasized that the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had not alerted the district administration about the unprecedented snowfall.

According to the report, Murree received five feet of snowfall, and the roads leading to the hill station were closed on the night of January 6. People were advised to avoid traveling to the area, reported ARY News. (ANI)
Security personnel are inspecting all vehicles at the 13 checkpoints located around the city of Almaty and thorough document checks are being carried out, said Sputnik.

The control of all entrances and exits from the city has been taken by law enforcement authorities.

Suspects are being detained and are taken to the headquarters.

It came after nearly 300 people were detained in Kazakhstan as they attempted to cross the country's border on January 6-7, according to Kazakh Interior Minister Yerlan Turgumbayev.

Officials seized firearms, stolen items, including cell phones and large sums of money, both in domestic and foreign currencies, were seized from them. More than 5100 people have been so far detained during the unrest in the country this week, reported Sputnik.

Kazakhstan witnessed large-scale protests this week as thousands of people flooded streets against soaring liquefied petroleum gas prices, forcing the Central Asian country's cabinet to resign. (ANI)
In a statement, the AL reiterated the importance of tackling all reasons for political, social and economic instability in Sudan, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The pan-Arab body is willing to fully cooperate with the UN for reaching consensus that could contribute in meeting the Sudanese aspirations of peace, stability, development, and democracy," said the statement.

The UN said earlier that it would hold talks in Sudan aimed at salvaging a democratic transition.

Volker Perthes, special representative of the UN secretary-general for Sudan, said in a statement the UN-facilitated political process would seek a "sustainable path forward towards democracy and peace" in the country.

--IANS int/shs

( 151 Words)

2022-01-09-06:58:02 (IANS)
According to the notification from the office of the Deputy Commissioner Mansehra, Tehsil Balakot, Naran, Kaghan and Shogran have been closed for all kinds of traffic due to the extreme weather conditions, reported Samaa TV. It comes as a heavy snowfall forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department has been made.

The notification said that the movement from Balakot upward would be "injurious" for people.

DC Qasim Khan has said that more than 2.5 feet of snowfall have been recorded in Shogran so far. The valley has been already overly crowded and DC Qasim Khan has imposed the restrictions, said Samaa TV.

The decision by the authorities came after 23 people were killed in Murree due to heavy snowfall. Pakistan's Punjab government had to call Army for the rescue and evacuation operations.

More than a thousand tourists have been evacuated from the affected areas. The opposition parties in Pakistan have criticised the government for their unpreparedness and negligence of effective measures. (ANI)
The heaps of cassava, sweet potatoes and cocoyams are lesser in comparison to earlier years at Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market, the main supplier for Nepali capital Kathmandu. Though the Maghe Sakranti festival is at the doorsteps, the sales still remain low as the COVID-19 continues to affect the economic condition of people badly. Vendors have seen lesser sales this year in comparison to the earlier years as a new strain of coronavirus continues to surface. "The sales have dipped further in comparison to the earlier years as the number of customers visiting the market is few," Shree Krishna Basnet, a local vendor at Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable shop told ANI. "As a few more days are left for the festival, we have pinned hope that it would soar up the sales," Basnet added. As per Basnet, sales of various yams stood at around 30-50 tons before the arrival of the festival of Maghe Sankranti but this year, the sale has stood at less than 30 tons. Till the day of the festival, Basnet claimed to sell 90 tons of yams but he is sceptical that he would meet the number this year. "The COVID scare has still continued to haunt down consumers and the market is still struggling hard to fall back on the track. The business has continued to remain low till now and it is the problem of every sector now," Basnet added. Yams which has been the most popular domestic products in the festive market use to be sold as same as at other times of the year but the recession caused by coronavirus has continued to haunt. The festival of Maghe Sakranti (first day of Magh) is celebrated and marked by consuming different tuber crops mainly yam and sweet potato. People boil yams in the evening of the last day of Poush and relish them the next morning with ghee and chaku (Molasses). It is widely believed that the boiled yams taken on the morning of Maghe Sakranti staves off cold-related ailments. (ANI)
UK-based British Sikh Association has condemned the security breach which occurred during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Ferozepur in Punjab earlier this week. "The Prime Minister is a democratically elected Head of the Government and represents the entire nation, not just one State. Therefore, no one should undermine the authority of a leader who has to steer the country. It is a sad indictment of the security arrangements surrounding his visit that allowed a handful of an unruly mob to hamper the visit planned to exercise his democratic right to meet and greet the public," Lord Rami Ranger CBE, chairman of the body, said in a statement. The Association also stated that the nation was waiting to see what message the Prime Minister had for the people of Punjab, whom he holds in the "highest esteem." "No other Prime Minister has done as much for the people of Punjab as him. He opened the Kartarpur Corridor to honour the religious feelings of the people. He has gone out of the way to promote the teachings and lives of Sikh Gurus in the world through the Indian diplomatic missions," the chairman said. He recalled that the Prime Minister celebrated the 550th birth anniversary of the founder of the Sikh faith Guru Nanak Dev Ji. In the same way, the 350th birth anniversary of the tenth Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the 400th birth anniversary of the ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was acknowledged and celebrated through the efforts of Modiji, he said. "No other Indian Prime Minister has shown such reverence to the Sikh Gurus," the association noted. The British Sikh Association highlighted that Prime Minister has revoked the three farm bills, as a mark of respect for the Punjab farmers. "If anything, the people of Punjab should have shown their respect and gratitude to the Prime Minister for taking back those contentious bills that too on the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji," he said in the statement. The Sikh association also said that the "misguided" people who disrupted the visit should realize that the Prime Minister had come to give more benefit to their State. "By hampering the visit, they have impeded the development of Punjab as a whole," he said, urging the leaders of Punjab to extend an unequivocal apology to the Prime Minister and show their utmost remorse for the way he had to cut short his visit. The statement also noted that the Prime Minister does not depend on Punjab for his strength in Parliament. "Punjab depends on the Prime Minister's goodwill for its future development. Being a border State, Punjab needs the central government to help fight terrorisrn and the drug epidemic unleashed by India's neighbour with dire consequences to future generations," it added. "Sadly, a great opportunity has been lost by the people of Punjab to show their admiration to the Prime Minister for his respect for the people of Punjab and their Gurus. I hope lessons will be learned, and the leaders and the people of Punjab will remember that there is no future for any disloyal citizen in India. We are one and must always stand as one," it added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy was stuck for 15-20 minutes due to a road blockade in Punjab's Ferozepur. The Prime Minister, who was travelling by road, had to call off his event in Ferozepur on Wednesday. PM Modi, who had to return to Bathinda airport on Wednesday due to a security breach during his visit is learned to have told state government officials at the airport, "Apne CM ko thanks Kehna, ki mein Bhatinda airport tak zinda laut paaya". Following the incident, BJP alleged that the Congress government in Punjab had deliberately created a scenario to harm Prime Minister Modi. (ANI)
Xi'an has registered 1,989 local cases since December 9, amid the latest resurgence. Of them, 262 had recovered by Saturday, Xinhua reported.

Earlier, police had arrested dozens of people for spreading "rumors" online after the authorities banned the city's 13 million residents from posting negative reports from coronavirus lockdown.

The string of other arrests suggests growing public anger over restrictions that have left many without access to adequate food, daily necessities, and urgent medical car, according to Radio Free Asia.

Xi'an residents have repeatedly taken to social media during lockdown to complain that isolation rules are being enforced so strictly that they have been unable to buy sufficient food or daily necessities, with some reporting being turned away from hospitals with dire consequences.

In sweeping restrictions, China in December last year locked down the entire 13 million residents of the Xi'an city after the COVID-19 cluster was found in the area. (ANI)
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday held talks with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and discussed several issues including tourism, investments, and fight against the COVID-19 to mark the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two nations. Wang arrived in Colombo on Saturday from the Maldives where he reached on Friday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations of China and the Maldives. Taking to Twitter, the Sri Lankan Prime Minister also announced that he had a "very pleasant meeting" with Wang Yi. "Had a very pleasant meeting with the Foreign Minister of China. Discussions centred around the logistics of facilitating the return of the many lka med students to China. Also discussed were a host of issues including Tourism, investments, COVID-19, SL relief & post-Covid preparedness," Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted. "I thanked #China and her people for the continued support to #lka. As both our nations celebrate 65 years of bilateral relations, I am hopeful that this relationship we share will only grow & be strengthened in the years to come," he added. As per Chinese media outlet, Global Times reported that Colombo will be the last stop of his first foreign visit in the new year. (ANI)
Maryland lawmakers will head back Wednesday to the State House in Annapolis amid a resurgent pandemic to sort through an ambitious slate of proposals during their final legislative session before facing voters in this years elections across the state.

The coronavirus will cast a shadow over the General Assemblys session for the third straight year, with lawmakers planning to kick off their work largely online with livestreamed committee hearings in hopes of dodging major omicron outbreaks.

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The latest coronavirus wave will add urgency to some relief measures, including efforts to boost the states beleaguered health care workforce, craft further aid for industries like tourism and hospitality likely to again be hit hard by this surge, and build an ongoing plan for testing people for the virus.

COVID was always going to be the top priority for us, said Senate President Bill Ferguson, but the new wave has made it clear that the health impacts and the stability of our health system is going to be another core component that were going to have to be focused on.

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With the June primaries looming, electoral politics also will hold a central place in the minds of many politicians. Many are refining their reelection messages or gearing up to run for higher office, even as a number of major figures, including term-limited Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, are heading for the exits.

[ Turnover in 2022: Marylands top statewide offices are about to get new occupants, a rare occurrence ]

Among the issues raised as potential priorities this session are a slew of progressive proposals that have been touted by lawmakers for years  legalizing marijuana, major climate change legislation, more protections for renters facing eviction  but have yet to muster enough support to pass.

Democrats hold a 2-to-1 advantage in the General Assembly and will be able to set the agenda, even over the objections of Hogan and Republican legislators. That includes deciding how to spend a budget surplus bolstered by federal pandemic relief money.

Redistricting

Elections will be among the first orders of business when the session kicks off, as lawmakers finish redrawing their own legislative districts as part of Marylands once-a-decade redistricting process.

The politically contentious process will largely be in the hands of the Democratic majority, although Hogan and Republican lawmakers continue to raise complaints of unfairness and partisan gerrymandering. Hogan has called on Democratic lawmakers to set aside their proposals in favor of maps drawn by a multiparty commission Hogan created.

States are required to redraw electoral districts once every 10 years to account for population shifts.

A continued exodus from Baltimore City  which shrank by 5.7% between 2010 and 2020  will cost the city clout in the General Assembly, with more of the legislatures 188 seats are allocated to fast-growing parts of the state, especially the outer suburbs of Washington, D.C.

Baltimore is slated to lose two seats in the General Assembly under proposed maps made public just before Christmas. Sen. Cory McCray, a Democrat who chairs Baltimores Senate delegation, called trying to defend as much of the citys political representation as possible in redistricting a priority.

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Legal marijuana

Marijuana will certainly be in the air again in the State House after lawmakers have inched toward legalizing recreational use for several years. Top lawmakers, including House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones and Ferguson, have vowed to tackle the issue this session.

The speaker has promised to put the question to voters, something she reiterated with certitude in an interview the week before the sessions start.

We are going to put a referendum for legalized cannabis on the 2022 general election ballot, said Jones, a Baltimore County Democrat, noting that polling shows a clear majority in Maryland in favor of legalization.

But exactly how a legal market would be regulated, what criminal laws addressing things like black-market sales might look like, how to spend tax revenue from legal sales and what to do about the criminal records of people with past convictions for marijuana offenses remains unclear.

Also unclear: just when those questions might be answered.

The speakers proposed referendum would simply ask voters to weigh in on whether they support legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use. House Judiciary Chairman Luke Clippinger, a Baltimore Democrat whos sponsoring the legislation, said a work group hes leading would have a framework of bills in time for the 2023 session.

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Some lawmakers and outside advocates, however, have pressed for the General Assembly to legalize marijuana directly, instead of putting the issue on the ballot and waiting for voters to weigh in.

Meanwhile, others like Ferguson and Sen. Jill P. Carter, both Baltimore City Democrats, have argued legislators should hammer out the details of how Maryland would legalize marijuana before sending the question to voters.

I dont think we should ask Marylanders to vote on an issue in which were not telling them the full story, Ferguson said. Marylanders deserve to know the details of what legalization would look like if theyre going to be voting on it at the ballot box.

Climate change

Environmental advocates are hoping to finally pass major climate legislation after a comprehensive package aimed at sharply cutting Marylands greenhouse gas emissions fell short last spring amid disagreements between key senators and delegates.

Adding funding for renewable energy, improving school facilities and replacing the states vehicle fleet  and thousands of local school buses  with cleaner, electric-powered engines are on lawmakers wish lists. Sen. Paul Pinsky, whos sponsored the Senate version of the package and chairs the key committee, said he hoped to also include measures to phase out natural gas in new buildings.

Pinksy, a Prince Georges County Democrat, said hes cautiously optimistic about a deal this year after several meetings to work out differences.

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We have to be bold and I think they understand that, Pinsky said of discussions with House Environment and Transportation Chairman Kumar Barve.

Housing and evictions

Lawmakers last year expanded access to free legal aid for renters facing potential eviction  but didnt outline long-term funding to pay for that help. Among the bills that fell short was a proposal from state Attorney General Brian Frosh to substantially hike the fees for landlords to file for evictions, aimed at curbing how frequently Maryland landlords turn to the courts when tenants fall behind on rent.

Frosh, a Democrat whos retiring at the end of the year, said he plans to push the fee hike again.

Sen. Shelly Hettleman, a Baltimore County Democrat who sponsored several of the proposals last year, said two priorities for her this session are allowing judges to put evictions on hold if renters have applied for housing aid  preventing landlords from putting families out of their homes in case bureaucratic delays hold up assistance  and finding ways to fund legal aid.

Abortion again an issue

The renewed national battle over abortion rights  fueled by legal challenges before the U.S. Supreme Court that could allow major restrictions on abortion access in conservative states  could reverberate in Maryland. State voters enshrined the right to abortion into law in the 1990s, but several Democratic lawmakers said its time to pass measures expanding affordable access to abortion procedures.

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Republican opponents like Sen. Bryan Simonaire of Anne Arundel County, the GOP leader in the Senate, dismissed efforts to renew the issue as mostly a political stunt to fire up supporters. Abortion is a well-settled issue in Maryland and not currently under fire.

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But Democrats note that two-thirds of Maryland counties dont have a clinic providing abortions.

The legal right to abortion is not the same as having access to abortion, said Del. Ariana B. Kelly, a Montgomery County Democrat whos co-sponsoring legislation on the issue. The question isnt about whether abortion is legal in the state, Kelly noted, but whether its affordable and safe without having to wait a long time and without having to drive too far.

Democrats also want to make sure Maryland laws and regulations reflect changes in medical practice during the nearly three decades since state lawmakers last took up the issue.

Hogans last session

Hogans office declined an interview request from The Baltimore Sun for this article. At a news conference Thursday, Hogan said his attention has been focused on dealing with a pair of emergencies  the omicron wave of coronavirus cases and snowstorms that hit the state in the last week  instead of the upcoming legislative session.

But Hogan said hes discussed a few priorities with legislative leaders for his final full session, including his more fair proposal for redistricting, a slate of tax cuts (Republican legislative leaders also said tax cuts are a priority) for business owners and individuals, as well as a package of criminal justice bills that would primarily stiffen penalties for certain firearms offenses.

Hogan has proposed a similar slate of tax and crime initiatives in previous years, but has been unable to win enough support from Democratic lawmakers to pass them into law.
"During the unrest, 164 people died in Kazakhstan, [including] 103 in Almaty," a statement on the Telegram channel with releases of Kazakh government agencies said.

About 400 protesters were detained in the Kazakh city of Shymkent, half of whom came from other regions, Kazakh broadcaster Khabar 24 channel reported today, citing sources in the city administration.

According to the broadcaster, 45 police officers received various injuries, two officers with serious injuries were admitted to intensive care, and 155 administrative and 55 criminal cases were initiated.

The government declared a state of emergency until January 19. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev asked for the Collective Security Treaty Organization's (CSTO) assistance, which was granted. CSTO peacekeepers were sent to Kazakhstan.

The Kazakh president said Friday that there were still militants who continued resistance and pledged to fight those who do not lay down their arms. At the same time, Tokayev has said that the government had reached a compromise with peaceful protesters on urgent social and economic issues. (ANI/Sputnik)
"The Crown Princess, who is fully vaccinated, has cold symptoms but is otherwise well. Infection tracing has been initiated," the Court said in a statement.

The Crown Princess and her family are in isolation in their home, reports Xinhua news agency.

It was the second time that Crown Princess Victoria tested positive. Last March, she and her husband Prince Daniel tested positive.

The Royal Court said last week that after positive test results, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Victoria had mild symptoms.

The Swedish Public Health Agency said earlier that the Omicron variant is spreading fast in the country where it has become the dominant strain.

Nearly 24,000 cases were confirmed in the country on January 5, according to the Agency.

This was considerably more than the previous record number of just over 17,000 infected that were confirmed during a 24-hour period earlier in the week.

The cumulative number of confirmed cases since the pandemic started is nearly 1.417 million among the population of 10.4 million.

The statistics also show that the total number of deaths in the country currently stood at 15,377.

According to official figures, 86 per cent of the population aged 12 and over have had at least one dose of vaccine, while 82.2 per cent were fully inoculated, and 32.3 per cent of those aged 18 and older have received their booster jabs.

--IANS ksk/

( 271 Words)

2022-01-09-13:28:06 (IANS)
"During the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, all overseas athletes and other relevant personnel will be strictly isolated from the local community from their entry to departure in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Beijing 2022 Playbook. Please do not believe in or spread rumours," Xinhua News Agency reported citing the statement.

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing will be held from February 4-20. The massive security deployment and checks are being carried out by China soon before the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Meanwhile, in an effort to conduct Winter Olympics next month hassle-free, China is adamant about implementing a Zero-COVID policy, further complicating problems for its citizens.

China had welcomed the year 2022 with the worst tally of COVID-19 cases for any seven-day period since subduing the country's first epidemic nearly two years ago.

The worst situation is said to be found in Xi'an town and since December.

Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, reported 30 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, local media reported citing authorities on Sunday.

For over two weeks now, Xi'an's 13 million residents are confined to their homes.

Only one person per household is allowed to leave home every two days to buy essential goods. Nobody can leave the city whatever the circumstances. The process of seeking permission is cumbersome, according to Hong Kong Post.

The US, the UK, Australia, Canada and Lithuania have announced the diplomatic boycott of games. (ANI)
Suva [Fiji], January 9 (ANI/Xinhua): Fiji announced on Sunday tightened measures to contain spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the South Pacific island country. Speaking at a joint press conference with Fiji's health ministry and police, Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya said that with a rapid spread of the Omicron variant confirmed in the country, the key measures against COVID-19 should be tightened to contain the variant's transmission. According to the minister, people who fail to comply with the health protocols over COVID-19 will face fines from Monday. The minister said those who fail to wear a mask in the required settings will be fined 250 Fijian dollars (about 117 U.S. dollars). For the failure to conduct temperature checks, the fine for individuals will be 250 Fijian dollars (about 117 U.S. dollars), and 1,000 Fijian dollars (about 468.6 U.S. dollars) for businesses. High-risk businesses failing to verify vaccination status will face 1,000 Fijian dollars (about 468.6 U.S. dollars) in fine. Among other measures to be strengthened From Monday, group sizes for gatherings in homes, communities, and community halls will be limited to 20 persons. Koya said the authorities will not hesitate to fine people or shut down businesses including hotels if necessary. The minister also urged Fijians to take the booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Health Ministry James Fong reported five new deaths from the pandemic, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded since confirmation of the third wave of infections to 12. There have been 1,280 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded since Wednesday in the country, bringing the total tally to 57,187 with 709 deaths, according to the health ministry. Currently, 94.2 percent of the adult target population in Fiji are fully vaccinated, while 97.9 percent have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Fiji, which has a population of around 900,000, reported its first confirmed coronavirus infection in March 2020. It was hit by the second wave of COVID-19 in April last year. (ANI/Xinhua)
Spokesperson Haitham Abu Al-Foul confirmed that the ministry was following up on the developments taking place in Kazakhstan.

The Ministry was able to contact the embassy staff and Jordanian expatriates in Kazakhstan through various means of communication, Al-Foul said.

He added that international telephone communications are experiencing interruptions due to the current conditionh.

The spokesperson expressed his astonishment at the circulation of misleading information, calling on the media to verify the accuracy and ensure the credibility of information before it was published.

--IANS ksk/

( 129 Words)

2022-01-09-13:32:02 (IANS)
London [UK], January 9 (ANI/Sputnik): Windsor Castle, the official royal residence of British monarchs, will become a no-fly zone due to the concerns for the safety of Queen Elizabeth II, the country's media reported on Sunday. The decision on the security measure was taken after an attacker armed with a crossbow entered the castle's grounds at the end of December, threatening to kill the Queen, according to the Sun. From January 27, planes and unmanned aerial vehicles will be prohibited from flying over the residence at an altitude of 2,500 feet, the news said. Under the order, flying within 1.4 miles from the castle walls will be deemed a crime, the Sun noted. The UK civil aviation authority said the ban was in the public interest. The compliance with the decree will be monitored by air traffic control, and in the event of a violation fighters will be dispatched to escort the plane that enters the zone and does not respond to radio warnings. The police guarding the castle will also receive more powers to take down illegal drones. (ANI/Sputnik)
The shooting took place at around 8 a.m. on Saturday, according to Houston police.

About 10 minutes before the shooting, a commotion happened inside the club and the DJ stopped the music, Xinhua news agency quoted report from local news outlet ABC13.

It was at that point that several people were removed from the club.

The suspect opened fire in the parking lot before fleeing, wounding a customer, a security guard and an employee at the club.

Houston police later confirmed the customer died from his injuries.

Cities across the US are experiencing a rise in homicides and gun violence incidents.

In Houston, homicides rose 18 per cent last year from 2020, according to local media reports.

--IANS ksk/

( 164 Words)

2022-01-09-14:04:02 (IANS)
"Russian President Vladimir Putin will take part in an emergency meeting of the Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization on January 10, 2022," a statement read.

The video summit of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will focus on the situation in Kazakhstan in the wake of violent protests and on ways to normalize it.

The sides do not plan to adopt any documents following the extraordinary session of the CSTO security council on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Sputnik. (ANI/Sputnik)
He was reported to be planning a major attack against a sensitive installation in Quetta, the report said.

A long sought-after militant by the law enforcement agencies, Samalani was previously an active member of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi that carried out serious sectarian attacks in Balochistan as well as across the country.

The IS terrorists led by Samalani were located at a hideout near the QDA graveyard on Eastern Bypass, Quetta.

The forces team was approaching the hideout when the terrorists attacked it with grenades and indiscriminate heavy fire on Saturday.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, six militants were found dead while four to five others escaped.

Search is underway to find the remaining members of the network.

Apart from weapons and ammunition, a motorcycle fitted with IED meant to target the sensitive installation was also recovered, the report said.

--IANS san/ksk/

( 183 Words)

2022-01-09-14:42:04 (IANS)
In view of rising COVID-19 cases in Nepal, the COVID Crisis Management Center (CCMC) on Sunday has recommended to the cabinet to shut schools until January 29. A meeting of CCMC summoned in wake of rising COVID infection in the nation made recommendations which now would need to undergo cabinet approval to be implemented. "Many of the schools now have given winter vacation to their students which extends from a week to a month. We have recommended the government to extend it till 29th of this month seeing the surging cases of Corona Virus infection," CCMC spokesperson Sunita Nepal told ANI over phone. As per the official, the decision has been taken as the students are yet to be vaccinated against COVID and the possibility of the third wave induced by Omicron variant. Though the Directorial meeting of overseeing mechanism can execute decisions, Sunday's meeting was made by managerial meeting which has the provision to undergo cabinet approval. Along with, the body has made vaccination certificates mandatory to take public services or use public places starting from January 17. "Vaccination cards also are to be made compulsory to enter public places such as government offices, hotels, cinema halls, stadium, amusement park and during Domestic flights also. In order to minimize the flow of passengers at airports we have requested the Civil Aviation ministry to work further on the flight schedules," Nepal added. Though the schools would remain shut for virtual classes vaccination campaign targeting school level students would continue as planned, the official stated. Also, the number of people gathering at public places has been capped to 25 by the body. Decisions over the recommendation made by the CCMC are expected to be approved by end of the week as all the major leaders of the nation are isolating themselves after falling under contact tracing. CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal along with nearly a dozen senior leaders have tested positive for Corona Virus which has forced major political figures including Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to isolate. As per government sources, Deuba will be in isolation for at least three days starting from Saturday morning after he had a meeting with former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Prime Minister Deuba along with other senior leaders of the ruling coalition were present in the meeting of the political coordination committee on Friday held at the Prime Minister Residence. Friday's meeting was attended by PM Deuba, Congress Leader Ramchandra Paudel and Purna Bahadur Khadka along with Minister Gyanendra Karki, Maoist leaders Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Dev Prasad Gurung. Leader of Socialist Party Madhav Kumar Nepal, Secretary Beduram Bhusal, JSP Chairman Upendra Yadav amongst others. (ANI)
Cornelius J. Neil Behan, who led the Baltimore County Police Department for 17 years and was known nationally for promoting community policing strategies and gun control, died Friday at his home in Towson. He was 97.

Chief Behans wife of more than 70 years, the former Patricia Papp, died Dec. 28. I think my dad died of a broken heart, said a daughter, Mary Behan Fields, of Olney, who said her father had also recently been under hospice care, and died a day after he laid his wife to rest.

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Chief Behan was a pioneer in the law enforcement profession and created a foundation for community policing, gun control, and many other programs that have since been adopted throughout the country, current Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt said in a statement.

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Robert J. Dubel was the popular superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools for 16 years until retiring in 1992.

Neil was an extremely friendly person who really believed in community relations. He could be extremely stern and disciplined, but after all, he was the police chief, Dr. Dubel said with a laugh.

Cornelius Joseph Behan, son of Cornelius J. Behan, a New York Auction Co. fur grader and World War I veteran, and his wife, Josephine Olley Behan, a New York Public Library employee and homemaker, was born and raised in College Point, New York.

He was a 1942 graduate of the old St. Agnes Academic High School in College Point, and enlisted in the Army that year.

Chief Behan, who had attained the rank of sergeant, had served with the 45th Division, 157th Infantry Regiment, Company H, and saw action in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. In 1945, he participated in the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp in Upper Bavaria, where more than 31,000 Jews and other prisoners perished.

His decorations included the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Purple Heart.

While I was under shell fire I organized and led two litter teams to rescue a lieutenant and his aide, who were badly wounded by exploding shells from the enemy, and we removed them from the artillery fire to a safer place, he told family members. His bravery earned him the Bronze Star.

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He managed to survive a bomb attack by a German fighter on a field hospital where he was being treated. The attack killed medics and the doctor.

All I received was a scratch across the back of my neck, he told family members. There is no reason why I came through the war without serious injury or death. I have assumed that God saved me for a reason. I have spent my life trying to figure it out and prayed that I did the right thing to justify it.

Cornelius J. "Neil" Behan, in a picture dated July 1977, resigned after 31 years with the New York Police Department to head Baltimore County's force. (handout file photo/Check with Baltimore Sun Photo)

After the war, Chief Behan returned to New York where he trained as a firefighter at the Delehanty Institute near Union Square. He took civil service tests for police and fire jobs, but placed higher on the police exam  17th out of 30,000 applicants who took the test.

Chief Behan began his NYPD career in 1947 on a foot patrol in the 11th precinct in Bayside, Queens, and two years later, joined the Pickpocket and Confidence Squad.

During his 16 years with that squad, which he eventually commanded as a captain in 1965, he developed an eye for the knavish tricks of con artists, Gypsies and pickpockets. He demonstrated his talent in appearances on the Jack Parr and Johnny Carson talk shows, The Evening Sun observed in a 1977 article.

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I loved the intrigue, the chase, the outwitting the thieves, he told the newspaper.

Chief Behan played a pivotal role in 1967 when Captain Frank Serpico, who was a detective in the departments Bureau of Public Morals, approached him with the news that there was corruption among the plainclothes officers of the NYPDs 7th Division and told the chief of the sordid details of payoffs and corruption, the article said.

Chief Behan passed on the information to his superiors, resulting in the formation of the Knapp Commission to investigate the incident. It later became a bestselling book and a 1973 film starring Al Pacino as Serpico that was directed by Sidney Lumet.

In 1971, he became head of the police training academy, and the next year, was named commander of 15 precincts in South Brooklyn. He became chief of personnel in 1974, a position he held for two years, until being promoted to chief of field services with 21,000 police personnel under his command.

After 31 years with the NYPD, he joined the Baltimore County police department in 1977. At the time, he was seen as a candidate to succeed New Yorks police commissioner, but told The New York Times, I have an opportunity to become chief of an agency, and you dont get opportunities like that too often.

He replaced former Chief James R. Gallen, who had left the department in disarray and with an overwhelming sense of low morale.

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His commands are given quietly. He is not flamboyant. In his Oxford gray business suit, Baltimore Countys nominee for chief of police, who is expected to take the job in September, could be a Chase Manhattan banker, The Evening Sun said.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 60 Naomi Judd, the Kentucky-born matriarch of the Grammy-winning duo The Judds and mother of Wynonna and Ashley Judd, has died at the age of 76. Her family announced Judd's death on April 30, 2022. (Josh Anderson/AP)

During his tenure as chief, he reorganized the department and modernized the 1,400-member department, and was seen as an innovator in crime prevention. His work earned him invitations to head police departments in major American cities, which he declined, preferring to stay in Baltimore County.

His work included establishing Community Oriented Police Enforcement units that became national models, seeking to better listen to residents, ease tensions and fears, and solve problems at the root of public safety concerns. And under Chief Behan, county officers were first equipped with bulletproof vests and with 9 mm semi-automatic handguns instead of revolvers, as more powerful and deadly firearms became more common on the street  a concern he spoke out about often.

Chief Behan was so vocal with concerns about the proliferation of powerful guns in the United States, he faced pointed criticism from the National Rifle Association.

As he lobbied against federal legislation that loosened restrictions on the sale of guns and ammunition in 1986, the NRA sent mailings to thousands of Maryland residents calling him a New York City import who is hard at work undermining your gun rights, The Washington Post reported.

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But Chief Behan held his ground, telling the Post: Twenty thousand people die every year from handguns. We dont need any legislation that makes guns more available.

[ Joseph H. H. Kaplan, retired chief judge for the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, dies ]

Afternoon Update Weekdays Updating you on the day's biggest news before the evening commute. >

Over the years, he was recruited to apply to become the top cop in cities around the country, including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, where search committees twice recommended him for commissioner, according to Sun archives. He was also encouraged to take roles as Maryland State Police superintendent and state secretary of corrections, but remained in Baltimore County.

He was as well respected as any police chief in the country during his tenure in Baltimore County, said Donald P. Hutchinson, who served as county executive from 1978 to 1986.

When Chief Behan retired in 1993, then-County Executive Roger B. Hayden told The Sun the chief transformed the department into not only a strong crime-fighting organization but also an excellent crime-preventing organization.

In his retirement, he continued to promote gun control and better policing, serving as a liaison to Congress and state legislatures for the Major Cities Chiefs Association, and as an executive in residence at the Johns Hopkins University.

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He also pursued his love of golfing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Jan. 28 at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Baltimore and Ware avenues, Towson, where he was a longtime communicant.

In addition to his daughter, he is survived by a son, Neil Behan of Laurel; three other daughters, Carol Tucci and Kathleen Brunner, both of Columbia, and Elaine Behan of Bayside, New York; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
The improvised explosive device planted by "terrorists" on the borde in Akcakale district, the Ministry said statement without providing more details.

The explosion occurred when a military vehicle was passing by Syria's northern border town Tal Abyad, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Tal Abyad town has been under control of Turkish forces and Turkey-backed rebels since Ankara launched Operation Peace Spring against a Syrian Kurdish group in October 2019.

The Turkish army launched Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016, Operation Olive Branch in 2018, Operation Peace Spring in 2019 and Operation Spring Shield in 2020 in northern Syria, in order to eliminate Syria's Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) along its border with the neighbouring country.

Turkey sees the YPG group as the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

On Friday, the Defence Ministry said eight YPG members were killed in northern Syria when they "attempted to attack" Turkish forces at the Operation Peace Spring zone.

Turkish forces and the YPG members in the region often exchange fire on the Syrian border.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Ankara government for more than three decades, claiming more than 40,000 lives.

--IANS ksk/

( 240 Words)

2022-01-09-15:06:04 (IANS)
The UN Secretary-General's special adviser for Libya made the remarks after Muhammad Al-Haddad, chief of staff of the Government of National Unity, and Abdel Razek Al-Nadori, acting general commander of the eastern-based Libyan National Army, met on Saturday in the northern coastal city of Sirte, reports Xinhua news agency.

A number of senior military figures from both sides also attended the meeting, the second of its kind between the two military leaders.

"I reiterate the support of the United Nations for all efforts made at various levels to unify the military institution," Williams wrote on Twitter.

The oil-rich North African country has been in turmoil since the fall of the Muammar Gaddafi's government in 2011.

The escalating tensions between a number of political forces in 2014 resulted in two separate governments -- the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord recognized by the UN and the House of Representatives allied with the Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar.

On February 5, 2021, the UN-led Libyan Political Dialogue Forum selected a temporary unified executive authority to take Libya to national elections on December 24.

The country's High National Elections Commission suggested on December 22 that the elections be postponed by a month to January 24, 2022 over technical and legal concerns.

--IANS ksk/

( 254 Words)

2022-01-09-15:08:03 (IANS)
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the handling of the Murree incident that claimed the lives of more than 20 people after their vehicles ended up being stranded in heavy snowfall. In a statement, Sharif said that the horrific Murree tragedy has proved that there is no functional government in the country, Geo News reported. "Only incompetency, impassivity, cruelty, and oppression are prevalent in this country," he said. He urged the government to reveal the facts and figures about the deaths and inform the masses of the current situation of Murree so that a strategy could be devised accordingly. At least 23 people have died thus far as thousands of tourist vehicles ended up being stranded in Murree due to heavy snowfall and ensuing road blockage, Geo News reported citing official statistics. PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz censured the government for its "negligence". "The job of governments is not only to count tourists but also to make prior arrangements and security measures for them," Nawaz tweeted. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticised the government, saying a few moments of happiness in pleasant weather were ruined by the "poor arrangements" of the government, The Express Tribune reported. It further reported that Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed his sorrow over the Murree tragedy, saying that the whole nation was saddened over the incident. At least 23 people have died in Pakistan's Murree after their vehicles were stranded following heavy snowfall overnight on Saturday. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar declared Murree calamity hit and imposed a state of emergency in hospitals, police stations, administration offices and Rescue 1122 services. (ANI)
Save the Children said that millions are hungry, out of school, displaced, and face the threat of cold weather. They need urgent humanitarian assistance, Tolo News reported citing the organisation's statement.

"Families at the moment are struggling to eat. Nearly five million children are one step away from famine, so it is absolutely critical that the international community continue to support Afghanistan," said Kristiana Marton, an officer at Save the Children.

Ahmad Hussain, 11, is one of millions of Afghan children who is working to afford food for his 11-member family. He said that poverty forced him to leave school.

"I was in school, but I left it after my father lost his job. Every day, I earn about 50 to 60 afghani," Ahmad Hussain told Tolo News. "I polish shoes to find the money to buy bread for my family; in these cold days, few people come," said Kaihan.

Afghanistan has been in turmoil since the Taliban took control of the war-torn nation in mid-August.

Moreover, the humanitarian crisis has spiked since international aid has dried up. (ANI)
The News International quoted a foreign office spokesperson as saying that all Pakistanis were safe.

Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in close contact with its Embassy in Kazakhstan to provide all possible assistance to the Pakistani community residing there, The News International reported.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the recent unrest in Kazakhstan reached 164, Kazakhstan's Health Ministry said Sunday.

"During the unrest, 164 people died in Kazakhstan, [including] 103 in Almaty," Sputnik News Agency reported citing a statement on the Telegram channel with releases of Kazakh government agencies said.

About 400 protesters were detained in the Kazakh city of Shymkent, half of whom came from other regions, Kazakh broadcaster Khabar 24 channel reported today, citing sources in the city administration, as per Sputnik.

The Kazakh government declared a state of emergency until January 19, as per media reports. (ANI)
Pakistan's anti-graft body -- National Accountability Bureau -- has requested the National Assembly secretary to consider its earlier letter as withdrawn in which the bureau had said that its chairman Javed Iqbal will not attend a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) earlier this week, local media reported on Sunday. "The reference made in this context ... to His Excellency the Hon'ble Prime Minister in the above-referred letter was inadvertently and accidentally. Therefore NAB has requested secretary National Assembly that NAB's letter written on January 3, 2022 should be considered as withdrawn," Dawn reported citing a new letter of the accountability watchdog to the NA secretary. It may be recalled that the chairman of the PAC on January 6 reportedly ended its meeting in protest after the panel came to know that the NAB chairman would not be attending it as he had asked a senior official to represent him with the approval of Prime Minister Imran Khan. According to the Pakistani media outlet, the members, who had come to attend the special in-camera meeting of the PAC, which had been convened at the request of the NAB chairman, were surprised to see the earlier letter from the NAB chairman's office, stating that the Prime Minister had nominated the director general (DG) of NAB headquarters to represent the bureau chairman in the PAC meeting. The opposition members of the PAC had blasted the NAB chairman over his "behaviour" and asked PAC chairman Rana Tanveer to move a privilege motion against Javed Iqbal in the National Assembly to make him accountable before the parliament, as per Dawn. In the fresh letter to the NA secretary, the NAB claimed that its chairman held the parliament in the highest esteem, honour and dignity. "He (NAB chairman) has already appeared before the PAC meeting and will continue to appear as and when required. He also remains steadfast to his commitment made earlier in this regard with the PAC," the letter said. NAB chairman was not available and thus the director-general of NAB headquarters was nominated to represent the chairman as the principal accounting officer in the PAC meeting to answer all questions of the parliamentarians, as per Dawn. (ANI)
Proscribed extremist groups such as Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) find electoral space in Pakistan politics which will be witnessed in the upcoming local elections to be held soon. The TLP is among several religious sect groups, functioning on the blurred line between non-violent religious extremism and violent militancy that want their share of the pie in the upcoming local government elections, particularly in urban centres like Karachi, according to News International. In recent years, the Pakistan government, under its unannounced policy of 'mainstreaming militants', has been encouraging several religious groups, proscribed or otherwise, to take part in electoral politics instead of using violent means, News International reported. Further, in some cases, political parties in Pakistan alliances have been formed with major political parties and independent groups and proscribed religious groups are now taking part in elections. In the process, they are becoming actors in mainstream electoral politics aided by their party workers. Earlier, TLP a violent Barelvi sectarian group is a case in point. It was formed in 2016 following the execution of Mumtaz Qadri, a policeman who killed Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, in 2011, over his opposition to blasphemy laws. After pulling big crowds, and organising violent street protests on the issue of blasphemy laws, the TLP took part in the 2018 general elections. It emerged as Pakistan's fifth most popular party, finishing third in terms of votes polled for the Punjab Assembly, surpassing the Pakistan Peoples Party, and winning two provincial assembly seats from Karachi, according to News International. Despite polling a significant number of votes in the 2018 general elections, the TLP continued to organise violent protests. This compelled the Pakistan Federal government to declare it a proscribed outfit. However, after weeklong protests in November last year, the TLP was able to pressure the federal government into unbanning the party. (ANI)
Deputy chairmen of the country's security committee, Marat Osipov and Daulet Ergozhin, were relieved from their duties. Bakytbek Koszhanov and Askar Amerkhanov were appointed new deputy heads by the presidential decree.

Karim Masimov, the former chief of the National Security Committee, was previously taken into custody on treason charges. The committee said that a pre-trial investigation was opened into Masimov and unnamed others on Thursday after Kazakhstan was hit by violent protests. (ANI/Sputnik).
Amidst the ongoing financial and forex crisis, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has requested the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for possible restructure of the debt repayment. "It would be a great relief if it could be focused on restructuring the debt repayments as a solution to the economic crisis that has arisen due to the Covid-19 pandemic," President Rajapaksa said. President Rajapaksa met China's Foreign Minister and State Councilor Yi who was visiting Sri Lanka marking the 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Sri Lanka is the final destination of Chinese Minister who visited five countries in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from Africa to Asia Eritrea, Kenya and Comoros in Africa and the Maldives in Asia. In the back drop of financial crisis faced by the Indian Ocean island nation, President Rajajapaksa also said, "if a concessional trade credit scheme could be obtained for imports from China, it would enable industries to run smoothly". During the meeting, President Rajapaksa also has requested Minister Yi to assist in attracting Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka by allowing visit using the bio-bubble program, President's Office said in a statement. During the meeting Sri Lankan leader thanked the "Chinese government for the material and financial assistance given to battle the Covid-19 pandemic and for its continued support in providing Sri Lanka with Sinopharm vaccines for the successful implementation of the vaccination program", President's Office stated. In response, Chinese Foreign Minister has stated that "China would always support the island nation as a close friend". Meanwhile Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who met Wang Yi at the Temple Trees has thanked Chinese government for its financial support in the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic. "As you know, similar to many other countries, Sri Lanka's economy was also greatly impacted by the pandemic. We appreciate China's assistance towards our economic revival and financial stability," said Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa. "There is still a long way to go in establishing normalcy, but we're confident that with support from friendly countries like China, we will be able to overcome these challenges soon. I look forward to continue working closely with you and the Government of China in addressing common challenges," PM Rajapaksa said. Foreign Minister Yi has assured to assist Sri Lanka and has said "China will continue to do its best to provide all the necessary help and support [to Sri Lanka]," Prime Minister's Office stated. Chinese Foreign Minister's visit comes amidst strained relationship due to shipment of 20,000 metric tonnes of organic fertilizer from China which was rejected by Sri Lanka after it was found to be infected with harmful bacteria. In last September, the Hippo Spirit ship carrying organic fertilizer left for Colombo from China's Qingdao Port. Initially Sri Lankan court ordered state-run People's Bank not to pay for the shipment and in response Chinese embassy blacklisted the bank. However, bowing to the pressure of Beijing on Saturday (January 8) the bank paid the fertilizer company Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group $6.87 million while settling legal dispute. --IANS sfl/skp/ ( 522 Words) 2022-01-09-19:38:05 (IANS)
Former Senate chairman Mian Raza Rabbani termed the tragedy at Murree as a national disaster and demanded a judicial inquiry under a Supreme Court judge should be ordered to ascertain the negligence of the district and provincial administrations, according to News International.

At least 23 people have died so far as thousands of tourist vehicles ended up being stranded in Muree in Pakistan's Punjab province due to heavy snowfall and ensuing road blockage.

"A day of national mourning should be declared and all national resources should be mobilised to rescue the families still trapped," he said while reacting to Murree tragedy through a statement.

"It is unfortunate that the district and provincial administrations were unable to control the inflow of people and vehicles into Murree despite weather warnings. He said the chief minister Punjab sits in Lahore, while the people are trapped without food and water even after 24 hours," he added.

Earlier, Mian Raza Rabbani was the seventh Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan from March 2015 to March 2018.

On the other hand, Pakistan Opposition leaders have lashed out at the Imran Khan government over the handling of the Murree incident. (ANI)
Gov. Larry Hogan has made a flurry of self-congratulatory announcements about agreements reached with the three unions representing state employees. Recall that when the governor announced a $2.5 billion surplus in October, part of his five-point plan for fiscally sound use of those monies was enhancements for State Employees. Well, the enhancements have been announced, and they are separate and unequal.

The governor announced two agreements with state employee unions on Dec. 20. The first includes a 7% cost-of-living adjustment in 2022, and another 5% in each of the next two years  a 17% increase. Some employees are eligible for additional increases up to 3% per year, for a possible 26% increase. This is the agreement for police and firefighters.

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The very same press release that announced the deals included details of the agreement with the AFT-Healthcare union workers. Are you expecting a comparable increase for our healthcare heroes, especially as our hospitals fill up again with COVID-19 patients? Well dont.

AFT members are getting a 1 to 2% increase this month with a $1,000 bonus, and 3% and 2% cost-of-living increases this year and next. That is a 7% increase over a two-year period  what the police and firefighters are getting in one year. Nurses will get an additional 6% this July for a two-year total of 11%.

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The third union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, will receive COLAs of 5% this year and 2% in 2023 with the potential for up to a 4.8% increase for two long-delayed step increases and a $1,000 bonus. The total possible increase for AFSCME employees is 11%.

In summary, over the next two years police and firefighters will receive a 12% cost-of-living increase while healthcare workers, except nurses, and most others will receive 7%. So, two types of union employees are receiving roughly the same increase and the third will receive almost twice as much.

Governor Larry Hogan gives budget updates while speaking today at the State House. (Bryn Stole)

So, why are salaries going up twice as fast for police and firefighters? Do you think a $1,000 bonus matches the additional $1,300 annual salary increase the average police officer will receive because their cost-of-living increase this year is 7% instead of 5%?

A bonus is a one-time sugar jolt; a salary increase is the gift that keeps on giving in your pay and retirement account. Understand that these small percentages quickly add up to real money that gets compounded for decades.

I dont want less for the police and firefighters. What bothers me is the disparate treatment of other state employees, who are more likely to be women and minorities.

U.S. News and World Report ranked patrol officer as one of the highest-paying jobs for people without college degrees. State troopers in Maryland have salaries that are competitive with surrounding states; only New Jersey had a higher average on GlassDoor, a website that publishes salary information. Hence, the disparity doesnt seem to address a competitive disadvantage.

So, during the Great Resignation, with Americans quitting their jobs in historic numbers, and with multiple problems surfacing in state systems  remember the unemployment check debacle?  this is how we are treating our front-line and behind-the-scenes heroes? Just last month a cyber-attack left the state without information on COVID-19 cases and hospitalization as we entered the largest surge thus far. ( Hogan did not mention that detail in his recent CNN appearance.)

A 2018 report by the Maryland Department of Legislative Services concluded that the state had a deficit of 2,600 needed and unfilled positions, which is now closer to 5,000. The report noted that uncompetitive wages were a major factor in the high vacancy rate. Yet the governor portrays himself as a fiscally responsible executive deftly navigating the crisis of the century.

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Another perspective is that Hogans idealogical commitment to fewer and less reliable government services and more toll roads is doing real harm to our state. A $2.5 billion surplus achieved on the backs of underpaid, overworked staff and at the expense of reasonable services to citizens is not great leadership; its being penny-wise and pound foolish.

Janet Holbrook is a resident of Crownsville and a member of WISE: Women, Indivisible, Strong, Effective.
On January 6, 2020, President Trumps supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to stop the counting of the Electoral College vote after weeks of unproven allegations that Democrats stole the election. One year later, Republican led recounts or audits in Arizona, Georgia, and Wisconsin have confirmed the vote counts. Now, Trump can only claim that Democrats rigged the election. However, the truth is that states legally expanded convenience voting making the 2020 election results legitimate.

The rigged argument has two components. First, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife gave $350 million to the Center for Tech and Civic Life (CTCL) to help municipalities safely administer the election during the pandemic. Counties that received the money spent it on personal protective equipment, salaries, mail-in ballots, machinery to process ballots, etc. However, much of the grant money went to making and promoting early and mail-in ballots as safer means of voting. Even though more Trump voting counties received grants, more populous, urban, Democratic counties received more money on a total and per capita basis which Republicans claim was an intentional plot to increase Democratic turnout.

Second, Democrats filed lawsuits against states arguing the pandemic required greater use of convenience voting in ways that Democrats have promoted for years. These lawsuits would have varying degrees of success requiring universal vote-by-mail, no-excuse absentee voting, extended voter registration times, revisions to photo ID and absentee ballot witness signatures requirements, pre-paid postage for absentee ballots, the use of drop-off ballot boxes, changing deadlines for accepting absentee ballots, and making it easier to correct minor disqualifying mistakes on absentee ballots, etc.

The rigged argument has several problems. First, everything done was legal. There were no laws banning private contributions for administering elections. Moreover, lawsuits are legitimate means of influencing policy as Republican lawsuits against Obamacare, the vaccine mandate, Bidens immigration policy, etc. demonstrate. Furthermore, court-mandated or election official-imposed election changes were approved early enough for all parties to adapt to the new voting rules. Frankly, Republicans committed political malpractice by not using the new procedures which potentially cost them the election.

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Second, Republicans cannot prove the CTCL intentionally increased Democratic turnout. Overall voter turnout was 5% higher than 2016 and included gains among Democratic and Republican groups. Although Republicans points out that Democrats ran the CTCL, they ignore the fact that the CTCL brought in Republican Michael Toner, a former Chair of the Federal Election Commission, to review all grants to ensure fairness. Moreover, Republicans use the example of Green Bay, Wisconsin basically turning over most of its election administration to a former Democratic operative connected with CTCL as partisan bias. However, they cannot prove he ran the election in a partisan manner nor that CTCL money caused greater Democratic turnout in Green Bay or other counties across the country.

Third, the best legal argument for Republicans is weak. Conservatives argue that Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution empowers state legislatures to create election laws without the concurrence of the other political branches. Consequently, courts and election officials that used the pandemic as a justification to change election laws acted unlawfully. However, this claim of unilateral state legislative control over election law is contrary to the practice and design of state constitutions from the colonial times to the present. Moreover, state courts and officials used their own state constitutions and law to justify the changes and many of these constitutions provide additional rights to voting beyond the federal constitution. Based on long-standing constitutional doctrine, federal courts deferred to state court interpretations of state constitutions and laws that expanded voting.

Fourth, Trump campaign and Republican lawsuits suggesting courts reject all ballots that did not meet pre-COVID election laws after the votes were cast is both anti-democratic and unconscionable. Just as judges do not exclude evidence police officers collected in good faith but later found to be incorrect, voters who cast votes in good faith based on court decisions and election official guidance should not have their votes excluded.

In our polarized times, everyone needs to put aside their biases to seek all relevant information, humbly discuss and weigh competing arguments, and make reasonable conclusions. If we did that, we would reject unreliable election fraud claims and use the 2020 election experience to make to easy to vote and hard to cheat by banning private funding of elections to prevent potential election improprieties, making voting easier, and providing appropriate safeguards to convenience voting. By doing this, we could strengthen our republic for generations to come.

Sean Evans is the chair of the political science department at Union University. Reach him at 731-661-5237 or at sevafns@uu.edu.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: 2020 election wasn't rigged | Opinion
Its the second full week of the new year -- have you gotten used to writing 2022 yet? Now that the holidays are just a memory, things are gearing up in Volusia County. NASCAR is back with its Next Gen cars, rock musician John Mellencamp is exhibiting his artwork in DeLand, the 6th Annual Florida History Con is scheduled at MOAS, John Ford Coley will give a concert in Ormond Beach and the Poland Wieniawski Philharmonic will entertain at Peabody Auditorium. Take your pick and stay safe.

NASCAR NextGen' cars test session

NASCAR's 'Next Gen' cars will be at Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

From noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, and Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Daytona International Speedway, racing fans can get a first look at the cars that are billed as bringing the stock car look back to NASCAR. The cars will take to the track, allowing fans to also watch the teams preparing the cars to go on the track. Parking and admission are free.

Daytona International Speedway is at 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. For information, visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com/next-gen-test

Related: Nascar next gen cup car 2022 season debut

And: Next Gen timeline development

John Mellencamp: Paintings and Assemblages

Musician John Mellencamp's artwork will be on display at the Museum of Art in DeLand starting Friday, jan. 14.

Bet you didnt know Grammy Award-winner John Mellencamp is not only a musician but also a painter, collector and activist. His paintings will be on exhibit at the Museum of Art in DeLand from Friday, Jan. 14, to Sunday, March 27.

The museum is at 100 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. For information, call 386-279-7534 or go to moartdeland.org

Related: Mellencamp.com/paintings

6th Annual Florida History Con

Learn more about Florida's history at the 6th Annual Florida History Con at the Museum of Arts & Sciences on Saturday, Jan. 15.

This all-day celebration of Florida history on Saturday, Jan. 15, will include a look at Floridas often colorful and sometimes uncomfortable history, with historians hosting sessions on Black history in the rural South, Front Page News, racial terror lynching in Jim Crow Volusia County, and forts in Florida. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach.

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The museum is at 352 S. Nova Road. For information, call 386-255-0285 or visit moas.org

Previously: Full steam ahead: Steamboating on the St. Johns River

Opinion: Port Orange's railway depot, still by the tracks, awaits its next phase

Photos: Vintage photos sent in by readers

See John Ford Coley in concert Saturday at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.

John Ford Coley

A singing legend and avid guitarist, John Ford Coley will give a concert at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. Recording since 1971 and known as half of the duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, hes known for the diversity of his music, including country-rock.

The Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center is at 399 No. U.S. 1. For information or tickets, call 386-676-3375 or go to tix5.centerstageticketing.com/sites/ormondbeach6/

In case you missed it: Plans afoot to redevelop Regal Cinemas property in Ormond Beach

Poland Wieniawski Philharmonic Orchestra

The Poland Wieniawski Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Saturday at Peabody Auditorium.

Also giving a concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, the Poland Wieniawski Philharmonic Orchestra, under the artistic direction of conductor Wojciech Rodek and with Agata Szymczewska featured on the violin. The concert is presented by the Daytona Beach Symphony Society.

Peabody Auditorium is at 600 Auditorium Blvd. in Daytona Beach. For information, call 386-253-2901 or visit peabodyauditorium.org.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida History Con, NASCAR Next Gen, and more things to do in Volusia
As a result of the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant, Covid case numbers have continued to rise across the UK in record numbers, with 146,30 new cases reported in the last 24 hours.

Now, the prime minister is reportedly set to scrap free lateral flow tests amid plans to limit them to high-risk settings, such as schools, care homes and hospitals.

While lateral flow tests are still available for free on the government website and able to be picked up from pharmacies, how accurate are these at-home tests in determining whether or not you have Covid?

According to a meta-analysis of studies by medical database the Cochrane Library, lateral flow tests detect an average of 72 per cent of symptomatic cases and 58 per cent of asymptomatic ones  which could be the reason why youre testing positive one minute and negative the next.

Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton says: Lateral flow tests are very good at producing a positive result when you are infectious (and so able to transmit the virus). This can include the day or two before symptoms develop. Thus, they are a very good first line of inquiry, to be followed up with confirmation via the more sensitive PCR test.

A study published in the Clinical Epidemiology journal in October from researchers at University College London, Liverpool University, Harvard University and the University of Bath found that lateral flow tests are more than 80 per cent effective at detecting any level of Covid-19 infection are are more than 90 per cent effective at detecting Covid when people are at their most infectious.

A study from UKHSA published on Friday 17 December found that lateral flow tests are as effective at detecting the Omicron strain of the virus as they are the Delta, which means whatever strain you may have the test should be able to pick up that its Covid.

A Cochrane review of 64 studies found that lateral flow tests correctly identify 72 per cent of infected people who have symptoms, and 78 per cent within the first week of becoming ill, GP Dr Gary Bartlett says.

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What I often tell my patients is that lateral flow tests are really useful for asymptomatic screening (testing when you have no symptoms). If you have symptoms suggestive of Covid then you must get a PCR test which are the gold standard test for Covid as they are better at detecting Covid. If you have Covid symptoms, lateral flows are less reliable as they can be associated with false negatives often leading the person to believe that they dont have covid when in fact they do.

Head adds: False positive results will happen in a fraction of a per cent of occasions, but false negatives (i.e. a negative result when in fact you do have Covid-19) are more common. Therefore, if you have Covid-like symptoms but test negative on a lateral flow, it is a good idea to book in for a PCR test.

A faint line on the T indicates a positive Covid test (iStock)

What is the correct way to take a lateral flow test?

Hussain Abdeh, Clinical Director and Superintendent Pharmacist at Medicine Direct says, if you can, you should avoid eating and drinking anything for at least half an hour before you take a lateral flow test.

Similarly, do not smoke or vape for as long, he continues. Make sure the surface you are taking the test on is disinfected and make sure the kit is not damaged when you take it out of the box. Wash or sanitise your hands before handling any of the apparatus. Blow your nose then wash your hands again before starting.

Each lateral flow test kit will come with instructions on how to use it. If you need to carry out a throat swab, Abdeh says to open your mouth wide and rub the swab over the back of your throat  but dont let it touch your tongue, gums or teeth.

Following the throat swab, insert the same swab into your nose until you feel a little resistance and swab it around for about 10 seconds. Some tests will require you to take a nose swab only.

Once the swab is complete, insert the cotton end of the swab into a tube of liquid and press the swab down to the bottom of the tube. Squeeze the bottom of the tube and move the swab around so that the sample can be properly transferred into the liquid, Abdeh advises. Remove the swab from the tube, close the tubes cap and shake the liquid around a little to mix the sample with the liquid. Squeeze the stated number of drops of liquid onto the test strip and check the strip after the stated amount of time has passed.

The government website says its best to leave the test for 15 to 30 minutes before checking the result.

Does a faint line on the T mean youve tested positive?

If the result is negative for Covid-19, there will be a singular red line next to the C mark on the lateral flow test. A positive result means there is a red line next to both the C mark and the T mark  but what if the second red line is faint?

When reading lateral flow test results, two lines through both the C and T, even faint lines, indicate the test is positive, a Public Health England spokesperson says. However, a T line alone indicates the test has failed and will need to be retaken.

Is it possible to have a negative lateral flow test and a positive PCR test?

Public Health England says lateral flow tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have different roles to play in controlling the virus, so we cant directly compare them.

The spokesperson adds that lateral flow tests are useful for finding out if the person is infected now and able to transmit the virus to others. The level of sensitivity is high enough to detect most of these cases, they add. Lateral flow tests are less likely to return a positive result outside the infectious window.

A PCR, on the other hand, is used to confirm or deny a suspected case of Covid-19 as a PCR is generally done after a person is already self-isolating following a positive lateral flow test. The higher sensitivity of PCR tests means it can identify genetic material from Covid-19 even after the active infection has passed, Public Health England adds.

If you have Covid symptoms but test negative using a lateral flow test, its worth ordering a PCR to double check.

How effective are lateral flow tests in combatting the spread of Covid-19?

According to the NHS, one in three people with Covid-19 do not show symptoms but can still infect others, which is why taking a lateral flow test regularly  even when youre vaccinated  is so important in helping to stop the spread of the virus.

The infection period for Covid-19 can start up to two days before symptoms begin to show and last for 10 days afterwards.

Most people should take a lateral flow test twice a week but if youve been in contact with someone who has caught Covid-19 you should do a daily lateral flow test for the seven days following.

Lateral flow tests are highly effective at preventing the spread of Covid, Abdeh says. First of all, you can get them ordered to your home, so if you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, or if you are exhibiting possible symptoms, you can avoid spreading it to others by leaving the house.

Lateral flow tests are easy to do and provide results in less than 30 minutes. You can take them at home and report your results instantly online through the NHS. This means that anyone who gets a positive result can begin isolating straight away. Lateral flow tests provide accurate and quick results without the need to risk infecting others.
Correction: This article was updated to correct that the vice president of operations informed Tony Golemi he was suspended, not his general manager.

More than 30 employees and their supporters gathered Saturday outside of the Via 313 Pizzeria restaurant on Guadalupe Street to protest the company's COVID-19 policies.

One worker told the American-Stateman on Saturday he was among a group of workers suspended Thursday, a day after they presented a petition to management asking for COVID-19 safety protocols for workers and restaurant guests; paid sick leave and hazard pay for employees; and notices and updates to staff about co-workers who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Some Via 313 employees told Statesman they feel unsafe working because the restaurant's COVID-19 safety protocols are not uniformly enforced and differ from one location to the next.

Employees of Via 313 Pizzeria and their supporters rally Saturday outside the restaurant's North Campus location for paid sick leave and stricter COVID-19 safety measures. Company officials said in a statement that the health and safety of workers and customers is their top priority.

Although company officials did not immediately respond to the Statesman's requests Friday for an interview, public relations firm Giant Noise shared a statement on their behalf: "We at Via 313 Pizzeria care deeply about our employees. Their health and safety is top priority. Like everyone, this is our first time facing a global pandemic, and with that comes a learning curve. Since March of 2020 we have followed CDC guidelines, along with federal and state regulations, mandates, and protocols to protect the health of our team and guests."

The petition delivered Wednesday was signed by more than 40 employees from the pizza chains' Austin locations.

"We want dignity for every employee here and every restaurant worker in the nation," Tony Golemi, 33, said Saturday. Golemi is a server at the Guadalupe Street location just north of the University of Texas. He said he was suspended indefinitely Thursday. "We're not asking for anything unreasonable. This is something that exists in our society and companies do offer sick pay and hazard pay for their employees."

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Four out of the seven employees who presented the petition to their managers were suspended, he said.

In the statement, company officials said some employees were suspended after they "allegedly created a hostile work environment that made others feel unsafe." The company did not provide details about behaviors that prompted the suspensions.

The protest comes amid a nationwide COVID-19 surge that started during the holiday season. Austin Public Health on Thursday shifted to Stage 5, which encourages the strictest social distancing and masking guidelines, to slow the spread of the virus. For restaurants, those guidelines ask that even fully vaccinated and boosted people at low-risk for severe symptoms wear a mask when dining outdoors or indoors. The guidelines warn that indoor dining should only be considered at places that require proof of vaccinations and masks.

Via 313 has three brick-and-mortar locations in Austin.

The 46 employees who signed the petition asked that Via 313 restaurants cease indoor dining during COVID-19 case surges, require staff to wear N95 or KN95 masks at all times, and require workers who get sick to test negative and be without fever for 24 hours before returning to work.

Saturday's protest by Via 313 Pizzeria employees comes amid a nationwide COVID-19 case surge that started during the holiday season.

Employees seek transparency and mask-wearing

Some Via 313 employees who spoke to the Statesman said they had to rely on word-of-mouth to keep track of possible COVID-19 exposures.

North Campus location part-time worker Joshua Gamboa, 21, started working at Via 313 three months ago as a cook.

"At the start of the month, we had about six to seven cooks that could do all this stuff in the back. I'm one of them, included. Two of them have quit," Gamboa said. "The rest of us are sick or just unable to work from long hours."

Gamboa said he tested positive for COVID-19 the week of Dec. 27 and returned to work Tuesday. Gamboa believes at least nine North Campus workers have tested positive, though he is not sure because he never received notification from management when someone tested positive.

An employee at Via 313's Oak Hill location said Friday that the restaurant is back to 50% capacity and is requiring masks. No one was available to answer questions from the media regarding COVID-19 protocols.

A manager at the North Campus location declined to comment and referred reporters to Courtney Morris, director of Human Resources at Savory Fund, a Utah based investor and part-owner of Via 313. Morris did not immediately respond to Statesman email or phone requests to speak Friday.

"Our first priority is always the safety of our employees and guests," Morris wrote in an email to employees after management received the petition. "We have every intention of informing the team to address any individual questions or concerns. Any employees who come in close contact with an affected individual within 48 hours of symptoms manifesting will be notified directly by a member of management as recommended by the CDC."

Morris wrote that employees are required to wear a mask on the premises and they can be given a mask if they do not have a suitable one.

But Gamboa said employees may wear a mask if they choose to in the restaurant, but not every staff member wears one.

Ty Keys, a full-time back-of-house shift leader at the North Campus location, said the restaurant is still open for indoor dining and said workers haven't been enforcing mask rules.

"I was definitely feeing unsafe, because I knew that the main reason we were understaffed was because so many of us were out with COVID," said Keys, who has been working at Via 313 for about a year. "So, I knew it was going around and I was just fortunate enough to not have gotten it."

Elyanna Calle, a part-time worker at the restaurant and UT student, said the email did not address a desire for a mask requirement for customers.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines updated August 2021 ask employers to do what they can to make it easy for employees to get vaccinated, instruct infected workers and exposed unvaccinated workers to stay home, and protect from retaliation those who raise reasonable questions about infection control.

Forty-six Via 313 Pizzeria employees signed a petition asking that Via 313 restaurants cease indoor dining during COVID-19 surges, require staff to wear N95 or KN95 masks at all times, and require workers who get sick to test negative and be without fever for 24 hours before returning to work.

Seeking hazard and sick pay

The workers' petition requests sick pay for up to 14 days as long as an employee tests positive or exhibits symptoms, and time-and-a-half for those who work during COVID-19 surges.

While no one is being forced to come into work, Calle said, employees feel they must work or lose income.

More: Rents rising: Austin apartment market shifts into overdrive as pandemic recovery continues

Morris wrote in an email to employees that Via 313 follows all federal and state required paid sick leave laws.

For tipped workers, the federal subminimum wage is $2.13 an hour. Only 10 states and Washington, D.C., require companies to offer paid sick days. Texas isnt one of them.

According to the Restaurant Opportunities Center United, a nonprofit aiming to improve wages and working conditions for restaurant workers, low wages and lack of sick leave have low-wage workers challenged to afford to stay home from work when they are ill.

More: Restaurants, other businesses struggle to fill positions in wealthier Austin suburbs

A March 2020 study by the Pew Research Center showed that 92% of U.S. workers in the top quarter of earnings (earning hourly wages greater than $32.21) have access to some form of paid sick leave, compared with only 51% of workers earning wages in the lowest quarter ($13.80 or less per hour).

In their statement, company officials said Via 313 is reviewing its paid sick leave policy and welcomes suggestions and recommendations from employees as they strive to have a transparent company culture.

"We are not only reviewing our safety protocols daily but are also working with management to review our paid sick leave policy and other allowances that further support and protect our employees," the statement said.

More: The Great Resignation led to 4.3 million Americans quitting in August. This trend is here to stay.

Presenting the petition and suspensions

Via 313 employees had initially emailed the petition to management. Seven employees went to the vice president of operations on Wednesday at Via 313's Oak Hill location to speak about the petition they emailed, but employees said the associate director said she would only speak to one or two people at a time.

Employees Golemi and Calle spoke with her.

Golemi had been working at Via 313 for two months but has worked as a server for more than a decade. Golemi said working at Via 313 had been good until the holiday season and staffing became a huge issue.

Via 313's vice president of operations read from a script Thursday night informing Golemi he would be suspended midshift.

Keys, who also was suspended, said he was told he was suspended for being unprofessional and creating a culture of negativity.

Via 313 Pizzeria employee Elyanna Calle protests Saturday outside the restaurant's North Campus location. While no one is being forced to come into work, Calle says, employees feel they must work or lose income.

In the emailed statement, a spokesperson from the PR firm Giant Noise wrote: "We are aware of certain employee allegations and take their concerns seriously. No employees have been suspended or terminated for signing a petition that was submitted to the company. The employees who were suspended allegedly created a hostile work environment that made others feel unsafe. As a result, those employees have been suspended pending an internal investigation."

Keys does not know if or when he will be back to work. He works full time, and this is his only job, he said.

"I am out of a job, obviously. I'm not getting paid," Keys said. "This is definitely affecting my availability to pay rent, to pay any of my bills, to feed myself. If I were to get COVID, if I were to get sick, that would definitely affect my ability to pay for any medical bills."

Contact Nusaiba Mizan at nmizan@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @nusaiblah.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin Via 313 workers protest for sick pay, COVID safety protocols
Bernie Rabik

To be sure, some of you have had a door closed before another opened. At some point, you have had to take a leap of faith. For example, getting fired and escorted from your place of employment within minutes of your firing (no explanation given) when another door opened.

Amanda Gorman writes in the introduction to her current New York Times bestseller "Call Us What We Carry," For all of us both hurting and healing who choose to carry on. It is easy to complain but harder to hope.

We labor equally when we fall as when we rise. Always remember that what happened to us happened through us.

Every day we are learning how to live with essence, not ease, how to move with haste, never hate, how to leave this pain that is beyond us behind us. Just like a skill or any art, we cannot possess hope without practicing it. For, it is the most fundamental craft we demand of ourselves."

Gorman reflected on 2021 and looked ahead to 2022 in a new poem New Days Lyric," which begins with a call for unity as she acknowledges both the difficulty and hardship which marked 2021. But of those challenges, she notes how weve been readied by it, and that, We steadily vow that no matter/how we are weighed down/We must always pave a way forward.

Come, look up with kindness yet, she says later, For even solace can be sourced from sorrow./ We remember, not just for the sake of yesterday,/ But to take on tomorrow. And the poems final verse even includes a nice interpretation of the New Years classic, Auld Lang Syne, with Gorman reciting. We heed this old spirit,/ In our hearts, we hear it:/ For auld lang syne, my dear,/ For auld lang syne./ Be bold, sang Time this year,/ Be bold, sang Time.

New Days Lyric closes out a major year for Gorman, the countrys first National Youth Poet Laureate, which began with the celebrated recitation of her poem The Hill We Climb at President Joe Bidens inauguration last January.

Poets rarely enjoy the kind of attention Gorman received in 2021. She reflected less on her own success than on the state of the country. Gorman wrote that the chaos and instability of the past year had made her reject the idea of going back to normal and instead fight to move beyond it. She mentioned Maya Angelous poem Human Family and added. To be a family, a country doesnt necessitate that we be the same or agree on everything, only that we continue to try to see the best in each other and move forward into a shared future. Whether we like it or not, we are in this together."

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Gorman wrote, You cant relive the same day twice  meaning every dawn is a new one, and every year an opportunity to step into the light.

One last admonition: To tell the truth, then, is to risk being remembered by its fiction, otherwise, known as fake news.

Bernard J. Rabik, a Hopewell Township attorney, is an opinion columnist for The Times.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Rabik: One door has to close before another opens
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that a man was seriously burned after an explosion and fire aboard a boat as it was leaving dock at Indian Mound Park in Englewood Saturday.

The 44-year-old man operating the boat, who wasn't identified, sustained significant burns and was taken for treatment to Tampa General Hospital, FWC regional public information director Melody Kilborn said in a statement Sunday. The severity of his injuries weren't known, she said, but six other passengers were unharmed.

More local news: Sarasota Orchestra cancels weekend concerts due to COVID exposures

Restaurant reviews: Best things to eat in Sarasota-Manatee: Jan. 5-11

The explosion occurred about 12:15 p.m. Saturday off the park in south Sarasota County. The 24-foot vessel with seven people aboard was preparing to leave dock when, shortly after the engine was started, an explosion occurred, the FWC reported.

Englewood Fire Rescue, the Sarasota and Charlotte County Sheriffs Offices, the Florida State Fire Marshall and FWC responded to the scene.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Explosion on boat off Englewood park injures one
"Rising and Other Stories" by Gale Massey

Reality

Florida author Gale Massey presents Rising and Other Stories, her collection about women and girls in modern society, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Pablo Creek Branch Library, 13295 Beach Blvd.

Signing

Amelia author Linda Guecia, Fishing for Love: A Mosaic of Creature-Inspired Tales, 1 p.m. Saturday, The Book Loft, 214 Centre St., Fernandina Beach

With lunch

Tampa Bay columnist and author Craig Pittman (Oh, Florida: How Americas Weirdest State Influences the Rest of the Country discusses his work, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, ticketed, Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach.

Virtual events

Storytime with Ms. Dearsha, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Story & Song Facebook Live.

Send Bookmarks information to brandysbookmarks1@outlook.com (dont forget the 1). Announcements must arrive seven days before the Sunday of publication. Events free and open to all unless stated and always subject to change.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Bookmarks: Author events, book signings and virtual events
She grew up in a time when women almost never attended college, almost never spoke out on the issues, and certainly never voted. But one woman did all of them, and in the process, Ma Ferguson became one of the most unforgettable women in Texas political history.

Bridges

Miriam A. Wallace was born in Bell County in 1875. She was well-educated, attending Salado College and the Baylor Female College, among the very few colleges in the South that allowed women students at the time. On New Years Eve, 1899, she married James Ferguson, a lawyer and banker living in Belton. The couple had two daughters and were extremely devoted to each other.

In 1914, her husband was elected governor. Gov. Ferguson, had a stormy two-term reign and was impeached in 1917 over charges of misappropriation of funds regarding the University of Texas as well as embezzlement. He maintained his innocence, and in spite of a ban on him holding office in the state, he ran three more times.

In 1924, he had his wife run for governor in his place. Always the devoted wife, determined to uphold his honor, she agreed. Campaigning on the theme of getting two governors for the price of one, as she put it, the contest soon became a heated contest between Ferguson and Judge Felix Robertson, the candidate of the Ku Klux Klan. Klan forces in the 1920s attempted to seize control of the major political parties across the nation, Democratic and Republican alike.

The Fergusons and their allies, repelled by the violence and corruption the Klan brought with it, portrayed Miriam Ferguson, Ma, as the embodiment of traditional Texas values and motherhood. The battle of the bonnet versus the hood captivated Texans, and she won the election easily.

She became the first woman elected governor in Texas history, and only the second in the nation, after Gov. Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming took office just a few days before Ferguson and served from 1925 to 1927.

Her husband was believed to have been responsible for most of her decisions. The most important law passed was an anti-mask law aimed at the Klan. Ferguson though was very forgiving and pardoned an astonishing 100 convicts per month. Though critics charged that she and her husband accepted bribes for these pardons as well as highway contracts, no evidence ever emerged from these charges. However, the rumors led to her defeat in her 1926 re-election bid and the eventual creation of a commission to oversee all pardon requests before they reached the governor.

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Ferguson failed at another run in 1930 before winning again in 1932. She pushed for attempts to control state spending during the cash-strapped years of the Great Depression. However, attempts to consolidate agencies failed. While she advocated old-age pensions, bank reforms, and other measures, the state legislature failed to make any significant progress, and the Fergusons found themselves embroiled in new political fights.

She quietly stepped down in 1934 and stayed away from politics for the next few years. In 1938, voters across the state signed petitions asking her to run for governor once again. She resisted the Draft Ma movement, but accepted the call when a new draft movement spread in 1940. She attempted to unseat Gov. W. Lee Pappy ODaniel in the Democratic Primary, but in spite of the many criticisms of ODaniel, Ferguson could not win the nomination.

With this loss, the Fergusons stepped away from politics for good. After her husbands death in 1944, Ma Ferguson lived a quiet life of retirement in Austin until her passing in 1961 at age 86.

Ken Bridges is a writer, historian and native Texan. He holds a doctorate from the University of North Texas. Bridges can be reached by email at drkenbridges@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Ken Bridges 'Ma' Ferguson left memorable mark on Texas as governor
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., left, with Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., speaks to the media in 2019.

What's on your mind? Call Sound Off, our weekly column of community comments, at 352-337-0368.

 Since actions speak louder than words, Im not going to ask our Sens. Rubio and Scott to define democracy for me, to tell me what democracy means to them. Im going to get my answer from their actions. What are they going to do to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act? Their actions will be my answer as to what democracy means to them.

 What a county we live in! People elected a person who sat with a gun over her lap on her campaign posters. We have a restaurant with a special on their menu disrespecting our president. These people support a former president who tried to destroy our country and maybe had succeeded. Wake up, people!

 Why isnt Jacksonville more like Green Bay? Why doesnt Jacksonville own the Jaguars? The Jaguars are an asset to the city of Jacksonville.

 The more I read in this paper, the less I feel that the Florida governor has the interest of Floridians at heart. He wants national exposure, so lets expose him to the nation. He cares of no one but himself and his own personal interests. Hes looking for a higher national office. Lets give him and boost. Lets not re-elect him to the Florida governorship come next year.

 Im so thankful that Gov. DeSantis is keeping Florida a free state without tyranny over masks and vaccines!

 Two recent reports make me both heartsick and angry. First, there are now 167,000 orphans whose parents, or a single parent, died from COVID. Second, at an event with Bill OReilly, Donald Trump told his fans that he got his booster shot, but they booed him because they have been so misinformed by FOX, Newsmax, OAN, right-wing radio and/or Facebook. Please, for your loved ones, get vaccinated, get boosted and wear your mask in public.

 I just found the research that was the basis for the government changing the quarantine and isolation times for COVID. The problem is that it came out in February of 2021, basically saying that test-and-release strategies worked almost as well as a 10-day quarantine. Why did the government wait from Feb. 5, when this article was released  and Im sure they had the information before that  until December before deciding to act on the science? Their decision was not based on science.

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 I wonder why Lori Lightfoot is requesting help from the Biden administration to deal with the violence in the city of Chicago, but she had rejected that same offer from President Trump not very long ago.

 Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro now are boasting on their podcast that more than 100 members of Congress, including our own Rep. Cammack, violated the U.S. Constitution to facilitate a Trump coup d'etat by GOP state legislatures. Has The Sun even asked Cammack to explain her role in the conspiracy? If her hometown newspaper simply stands aside, who can we talk to?

 Who could have ever thought that an attack like that on our Capitol would occur on Jan. 6. To suggest that it happened due to lack of Capitol police staff is absurd.

 It makes common sense to me that anyone who has been impeached, much less impeached twice, should no longer be allowed by law to run for any office.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Sound Off for Jan. 9, 2022
Maryland lawmakers will head back Wednesday to the State House in Annapolis amid a resurgent pandemic to sort through an ambitious slate of proposals during their final legislative session before facing voters in this years elections across the state.

The coronavirus will cast a shadow over the General Assemblys session for the third straight year, with lawmakers planning to kick off their work largely online with livestreamed committee hearings in hopes of dodging major omicron outbreaks.

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The latest coronavirus wave will add urgency to some relief measures, including efforts to boost the states beleaguered health care workforce, craft further aid for industries like tourism and hospitality likely to again be hit hard by this surge, and build an ongoing plan for testing people for the virus.

COVID was always going to be the top priority for us, said Senate President Bill Ferguson, but the new wave has made it clear that the health impacts and the stability of our health system is going to be another core component that were going to have to be focused on.

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With the June primaries looming, electoral politics also will hold a central place in the minds of many politicians. Many are refining their reelection messages or gearing up to run for higher office, even as a number of major figures, including term-limited Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, are heading for the exits.

[ Turnover in 2022: Marylands top statewide offices are about to get new occupants, a rare occurrence ]

Among the issues raised as potential priorities this session are a slew of progressive proposals that have been touted by lawmakers for years  legalizing marijuana, major climate change legislation, more protections for renters facing eviction  but have yet to muster enough support to pass.

Democrats hold a 2-to-1 advantage in the General Assembly and will be able to set the agenda, even over the objections of Hogan and Republican legislators. That includes deciding how to spend a budget surplus bolstered by federal pandemic relief money.

Redistricting

Elections will be among the first orders of business when the session kicks off, as lawmakers finish redrawing their own legislative districts as part of Marylands once-a-decade redistricting process.

The politically contentious process will largely be in the hands of the Democratic majority, although Hogan and Republican lawmakers continue to raise complaints of unfairness and partisan gerrymandering. Hogan has called on Democratic lawmakers to set aside their proposals in favor of maps drawn by a multiparty commission Hogan created.

States are required to redraw electoral districts once every 10 years to account for population shifts.

A continued exodus from Baltimore City  which shrank by 5.7% between 2010 and 2020  will cost the city clout in the General Assembly, with more of the legislatures 188 seats are allocated to fast-growing parts of the state, especially the outer suburbs of Washington, D.C.

Baltimore is slated to lose two seats in the General Assembly under proposed maps made public just before Christmas. Sen. Cory McCray, a Democrat who chairs Baltimores Senate delegation, called trying to defend as much of the citys political representation as possible in redistricting a priority.

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Legal marijuana

Marijuana will certainly be in the air again in the State House after lawmakers have inched toward legalizing recreational use for several years. Top lawmakers, including House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones and Ferguson, have vowed to tackle the issue this session.

The speaker has promised to put the question to voters, something she reiterated with certitude in an interview the week before the sessions start.

We are going to put a referendum for legalized cannabis on the 2022 general election ballot, said Jones, a Baltimore County Democrat, noting that polling shows a clear majority in Maryland in favor of legalization.

But exactly how a legal market would be regulated, what criminal laws addressing things like black-market sales might look like, how to spend tax revenue from legal sales and what to do about the criminal records of people with past convictions for marijuana offenses remains unclear.

Also unclear: just when those questions might be answered.

The speakers proposed referendum would simply ask voters to weigh in on whether they support legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use. House Judiciary Chairman Luke Clippinger, a Baltimore Democrat whos sponsoring the legislation, said a work group hes leading would have a framework of bills in time for the 2023 session.

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Some lawmakers and outside advocates, however, have pressed for the General Assembly to legalize marijuana directly, instead of putting the issue on the ballot and waiting for voters to weigh in.

Meanwhile, others like Ferguson and Sen. Jill P. Carter, both Baltimore City Democrats, have argued legislators should hammer out the details of how Maryland would legalize marijuana before sending the question to voters.

I dont think we should ask Marylanders to vote on an issue in which were not telling them the full story, Ferguson said. Marylanders deserve to know the details of what legalization would look like if theyre going to be voting on it at the ballot box.

Climate change

Environmental advocates are hoping to finally pass major climate legislation after a comprehensive package aimed at sharply cutting Marylands greenhouse gas emissions fell short last spring amid disagreements between key senators and delegates.

Adding funding for renewable energy, improving school facilities and replacing the states vehicle fleet  and thousands of local school buses  with cleaner, electric-powered engines are on lawmakers wish lists. Sen. Paul Pinsky, whos sponsored the Senate version of the package and chairs the key committee, said he hoped to also include measures to phase out natural gas in new buildings.

Pinksy, a Prince Georges County Democrat, said hes cautiously optimistic about a deal this year after several meetings to work out differences.

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We have to be bold and I think they understand that, Pinsky said of discussions with House Environment and Transportation Chairman Kumar Barve.

Housing and evictions

Lawmakers last year expanded access to free legal aid for renters facing potential eviction  but didnt outline long-term funding to pay for that help. Among the bills that fell short was a proposal from state Attorney General Brian Frosh to substantially hike the fees for landlords to file for evictions, aimed at curbing how frequently Maryland landlords turn to the courts when tenants fall behind on rent.

Frosh, a Democrat whos retiring at the end of the year, said he plans to push the fee hike again.

Sen. Shelly Hettleman, a Baltimore County Democrat who sponsored several of the proposals last year, said two priorities for her this session are allowing judges to put evictions on hold if renters have applied for housing aid  preventing landlords from putting families out of their homes in case bureaucratic delays hold up assistance  and finding ways to fund legal aid.

Abortion again an issue

The renewed national battle over abortion rights  fueled by legal challenges before the U.S. Supreme Court that could allow major restrictions on abortion access in conservative states  could reverberate in Maryland. State voters enshrined the right to abortion into law in the 1990s, but several Democratic lawmakers said its time to pass measures expanding affordable access to abortion procedures.

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Republican opponents like Sen. Bryan Simonaire of Anne Arundel County, the GOP leader in the Senate, dismissed efforts to renew the issue as mostly a political stunt to fire up supporters. Abortion is a well-settled issue in Maryland and not currently under fire.

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But Democrats note that two-thirds of Maryland counties dont have a clinic providing abortions.

The legal right to abortion is not the same as having access to abortion, said Del. Ariana B. Kelly, a Montgomery County Democrat whos co-sponsoring legislation on the issue. The question isnt about whether abortion is legal in the state, Kelly noted, but whether its affordable and safe without having to wait a long time and without having to drive too far.

Democrats also want to make sure Maryland laws and regulations reflect changes in medical practice during the nearly three decades since state lawmakers last took up the issue.

Hogans last session

Hogans office declined an interview request from The Baltimore Sun for this article. At a news conference Thursday, Hogan said his attention has been focused on dealing with a pair of emergencies  the omicron wave of coronavirus cases and snowstorms that hit the state in the last week  instead of the upcoming legislative session.

But Hogan said hes discussed a few priorities with legislative leaders for his final full session, including his more fair proposal for redistricting, a slate of tax cuts (Republican legislative leaders also said tax cuts are a priority) for business owners and individuals, as well as a package of criminal justice bills that would primarily stiffen penalties for certain firearms offenses.

Hogan has proposed a similar slate of tax and crime initiatives in previous years, but has been unable to win enough support from Democratic lawmakers to pass them into law.
Watching TV

Hospital Rounds

Kyle Schwarz talks with Alliance's new orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Eric Peterson.

Monday, Jan. 10  9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 11  10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 12  6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 13  2:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 14  9:00 a.m.

Media Innovators

John Hampu talks with AHS Media Arts Student Roman Feguson-Smith.

Monday, Jan. 10  2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 11  9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 12  10:00 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 13  6:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 14  2:00 p.m.

Mount Matters

John Hampu talks with Joseph Haas.

Monday, Jan. 10  6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 11  2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 12  9:00 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 13  10 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 14  6:00 p.m.

Focus on Flyers

John Hampu interviews Alliance Intermediate School art teacher Renee Marinchek and student Jaymes Smith.

Monday, Jan. 10  10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 11  6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 12  2:00 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 13  9:00 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 14  10:00 p.m.

Other programming

AHS Announcements are shown Fridays and Saturdays at 3:30, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Kyle's Kitchen-Quick Beef Stir Fry  Weekdays at 8:30 a.m.,11 a.m., 5:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Artist for a Day-Winter Fusion Glass  Weekdays following Kyle's Kitchen.

Alliance City Council meetings can be seen at 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Alliance City School Board meetings can be seen at 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Channel 1022 schedule for week of Jan. 10
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP)  The president of debt-ridden Sri Lanka on Sunday asked China for the restructuring of its loans and access to preferential credit for imports of essential goods, as the island nation struggles in the throes of its worst economic crisis, partly due to Beijing-financed projects that dont generate revenue.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that it would be "a great relief to the country if attention could be paid on restructuring the debt repayments as a solution to the economic crisis that has arisen in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from his office.

Rajapaksa asked Wang for a concessionary credit facility for imports so that industries can run without disruption, the statement said. He also requested assistance to enable Chinese tourists to travel to Sri Lanka within a secure bubble.

Wang and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the president's brother, later visited Colombos Port City, a reclaimed island developed with Chinese investment, where they opened a promenade and inaugurated the sailing of 65 boats to commemorate the 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his speech at the Port City Wang said a persistent and unchecked pandemic has made economic recovery difficult and the two countries must take the anniversary of the diplomatic ties to work closer together.

He did not elaborate nor announce any relief measures.

Wang arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday from the Maldives on the last leg of a multinational trip that also took him to Eritrea, Kenya and the Comoros in East Africa.

Sri Lanka faces one of its worst economic crises, with foreign reserves down to around $1.6 billion, barely enough for a few weeks of imports. It also has foreign debt obligations exceeding $7 billion in 2022, including repayment of bonds worth $500 million in January and $1 billion in July.

The declining foreign reserves are partly blamed on infrastructure projects built with Chinese loans that dont make money. China loaned money to build a seaport and airport in the southern Hambantota district, in addition to a wide network of roads.

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Central Bank figures show that current Chinese loans to Sri Lanka total around $3.38 billion, not including loans to state-owned businesses, which are accounted for separately and thought to be substantial.

Technically we can claim we are bankrupt now, said Muttukrishna Sarvananthan, principal researcher at the Point Pedro Institute of Development. When you have your net external foreign assets have been in the red, that means you are technically bankrupt.

The situation has left households grappling with severe shortages. People wait in long lines to buy essential goods like milk powder, cooking gas and kerosene. Prices have increased sharply, and the Central Bank says the inflation rate rose to 12.1% by the end of December from 9.9% in November. Food inflation increased to over 22% in the same period.

Because of a currency shortage, importers are unable to clear their cargo containing essentials and manufactures are not able to buy raw materials from overseas.

Expatriate remittances have also fallen after the government ordered the mandatory conversion of foreign currency and exchange rate controls.

Ratings agency downgrades have resulted in Sri Lanka losing much of its borrowing power. In December, Fitch Ratings noted an increased probability of credit default.

The Central Bank has added a currency swap in Chinese currency worth $1.5 billion to the reserves, but economists disagree whether it can be part of foreign reserves or not.

Wangs visit has again highlighted the regional power struggle between China and India, Sri Lankas closest neighbor that considers the island part of its domain.

Before Wang spoke with Sri Lankan leaders, the top Indian diplomat in the country on Sunday morning inaugurated a train service from a station near Colombo to the north using compartments provided through an Indian loan facility.

An Indian embassy statement quoted Vinod Jacob recalling the priority placed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on ties with Sri Lanka in line with the Neighborhood First policy.

He said that a recent statement by India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that India would support Sri Lanka in difficult times was an affirmation of that policy in the current context.

We can see Sri Lanka being saddled between India and China for a potential bailout package, said political analyst Ranga Kalansooriya.

India is dragging its feet for some time while China is trying to manipulate the situation to the maximum, he added.

China considers Sri Lanka to be a critical link in its Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative. Relations were recently strained over a shipment of Chinese fertilizer that allegedly contained harmful bacteria, and business agreements that were inked with Chinas rivals, the United States and India.

Kalansooriya said that China was unlikely to bail Sri Lanka out of its economic crisis.

They will look for more business opportunities, fishing in the troubled waters of economic doldrums in the country, he said.
House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) addresses reporters during a press conference on Friday, November 19, 2021 after the Build Back Act vote.





House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) lambasted Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) on Sunday for saying a vote on changing voting rights laws must be bipartisan.

Last week, Manchin delivered a blow to Democratic hopes of advancing voting rights legislation, telling CNN that any rule changes made to advance voting rights bills should be made on a bipartisan basis.

Appearing on "Fox News Sunday," Clyburn told Fox News anchor Bret Baier that's Manchin's suggestion of requiring bipartisan support for voting rights caused him "pain."

"I am, as you know, a Black person, descended of people who were given the vote by the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The 15th Amendment was not a bipartisan vote. It was a single-party vote that gave Black people the right to vote," Clyburn told Baier.

"Manchin and others need to stop saying that because that gives me great pain for somebody to imply that the 15th Amendment of the United States Constitution is not legitimate because it did not have bipartisan buy-in," he added.

With the Build Back Better Act stalled in the Senate, the White House has recently shifted its focus to voting rights legislation. President Biden and Vice President Harris are expected to travel to Georgia later this week to promote the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.

Last week, Manchin said on CNN that it was his "absolute preference" for Senate rules to be changed with a bipartisan vote, having previously expressed his opposition to eliminating the filibuster along party lines.

"I've always been for rules being done the way we've always done, two-thirds of the members voting. Any way you can do a rules change to where everyone's involved, that's a rule that usually will stay. That's what we should be pursuing," he said.

--Updated on Jan. 10 at 5:44 a.m.
President Biden speaks in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot. (Drew Angerer / Associated Press)

Lucky countries have celebrations that remind their citizens of what binds them together  think Memorial Day or the Fourth of July.

Unlucky countries do the opposite: They commemorate the divisions that drive them apart.

In Northern Ireland, Protestant militants march noisily on July 12 to remind the Catholic minority which side won the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbs march on Jan. 9 to assert their independence from the groups they fought in their countrys war.

After the U.S. Civil War, Southern states celebrated Confederate Memorial Day on a different date than the Norths Decoration Day; the holidays didnt merge until World War I.

Last week, with the anniversary of the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, the United States slipped onto the list of unhappy countries.

The day turned into a festival of national division  not a single, unifying commemoration but three very different observances.

President Biden gave an unexpectedly fiery speech, blaming Donald Trump for inciting the mob that attacked the Capitol and for continuing to stoke the poisonous myth that the 2020 election was stolen.

The former president of the United States of America has created and spread a web of lies, Biden said. Hes done so because he values power over principle  and because his bruised ego matters more to him than our democracy.

Predictably, Trump rose to the bait, issuing four angry statements from his exile in Mar-a-Lago, all renewing his spurious claims.

The Big Lie was the election itself, he wrote. The election outcome was the real insurrection, he said. And he accused the Biden administration of appalling abuse of political prisoners, an apparent reference to defendants held on federal charges after the riot  a favorite cause of his fringiest followers, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).

Caught in the middle were Republican leaders who know Trump lost the election but dont want to say so because it would enrage the vengeful former president.

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They observed Jan. 6 by offering muddled statements that disapproved of the riot but blamed Democrats for politicizing the issue  as if there were any way to avoid connecting the invasion of the Capitol to politics.

The actions of that day were lawless and as wrong as wrong can be, House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) said. The problem now, he complained, is that Democrats are using it as a partisan political weapon.

Its a difficult straddle to execute, as Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discovered when he incautiously described the riot as a violent terrorist attack, a phrase he has used in the past.

Heresy! Cruz, who ran against Trump for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination, was assailed by Trump supporters and subjected to interrogation by Tucker Carlson of Fox News. It was not a violent terrorist attack, Carlson insisted.

In a scene reminiscent of the show trials of Mao Zedongs China, Cruz promptly recanted his deviation from party doctrine.

It was a mistake, he said, referring to his statement, not the riot.

Lesson to other Republicans who seek reelection: Dont deviate from Trumps views, or you may be a victim of the GOPs own form of cancel culture.

Trump, who gloried in watching the mob rampage through the Capitol, doesnt appear to want the battle to end. And thats the chief obstacle to getting over the division that remains. Its not about whether sacking the Capitol was right or wrong; even McCarthy can answer that question accurately. Its whether the myth Trump used to rile up the mob  his infinitely debunked claim that the election was stolen  should be embraced or repudiated.

Thats not a debate that offers ground for compromise. Either Trump is right, and the current president of the United States is illegitimate  or Trump deliberately set out to overturn a democratic election and is bending the rest of the GOP to his will.

So far, he appears to be succeeding, at least when it comes to radicalizing his party.

Thats why Biden, after months of pretending that Trump was no longer there, escalated last week.

We are in a battle for the soul of America, he said, reviving a slogan from his 2020 campaign. I did not seek this fight  but I will not shrink from it, either.

Trump's continuing campaign to deny the president's legitimacy  no ground for compromise there, either  left him little choice.

For a few weeks after Jan. 6, 2021, it was possible to hope that the trauma of the day might unify the country. That didn't happen; the ensuing year only confirmed our division.

The lesson of Jan. 6, 2022, is that Jan. 6 isnt over.





This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Attorney Austin Dove speaks at an April news conference on the shooting of Isaias Cervantes by sheriff's deputies at his home in Cudahy on March 31. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Isaias Cervantes had become agitated and began shoving his mother. Autistic and deaf, and dealing with anxiety and possibly intellectual disabilities, the 25-year-old man was generally calm but could occasionally become difficult. His sister called 911 and asked that someone come to the house in Cudahy and take her brother to the hospital.

It was March 31, 2021. When two Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies arrived, Cervantes' mother and sister went outside to speak with them. They and Cervantes' therapist, who was at the home at the time, tried to assure the deputies that the young man, sitting calmly and quietly in the living room, was not a threat.

When Cervantes declined to come outside, the deputies entered the home. One of them told Cervantes that they were there to help him and that he was not under arrest  indeed, no one at any point had accused him of committing a crime  but that, for reasons unstated, they had no choice but to handcuff him.

Then they grabbed him. Cervantes tried to avoid the grasp, and in an audio recording of the incident (no video is available because both deputies' body cameras fell off), one deputy is heard saying, "He's going for my gun." The other deputy then shot Cervantes.

The bullet damaged his spine and one of his lungs. He underwent multiple surgeries and spent months in physical rehabilitation. In addition to his previous disabilities, Cervantes is now paralyzed.

Cervantes story is horrifying but unfortunately not unique. Families doing their best to care for loved ones with special needs or who process information differently than the majority of people must on occasion seek emergency help, and they call 911. Sometimes, instead of the help and expertise they expected, they get officers who escalate rather than calm the situation. They get excessive and unnecessary force, injury and death.

Examples are not hard to come by. Eric Bricenos mother called 911 when her son was having a mental health crisis in 2020. L.A. County sheriffs deputies responded to their Maywood home  and beat and tasered the 39-year-old man to death.

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Last year, David Ordaz Jr. was having a mental health crisis, and the family called for help. Sheriffs deputies responded  and shot the 34-year-old-man to death.

The Cervantes case is perhaps unusual in that the young man survived the encounter. But that opened the door to further traumas. Sheriffs deputies blocked the family from seeing Cervantes in the hospital, and repeatedly came to the house in the aftermath, ostensibly to investigate the incident. But the family saw it as intimidation, especially after they sued the department over the shooting.

And then, nearly seven months later, the Sheriff's Department asked the district attorney to file criminal charges  against Cervantes: Assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer (allegedly one deputy's own weapon) and two counts of resisting arrest (although there had been no arrest) with force.

After being notified of the details of incident by disability advocates, the district attorneys office, to its credit (although rather late in the process), notified Cervantes attorney last week that it would not pursue the charges, and that Cervantes need not appear for the hearing given "the totality of the circumstances," according to a spokesman for Dist. Atty. George Gascon. Charges are pending against one of the deputies involved (Jonathan Miramontes) for falsifying records in another case.

The Cervantes case, and others like it, show why we need alternative crisis response  a set of protocols and programs that dispatch behavioral health experts and clinicians to handle mental health crises rather than armed law enforcement officers. A nationwide call for such services grew amid protests in the wake of George Floyd's murder in 2020, and state and local governments have studied various approaches. Beginning this July, a nationwide mental health crisis number  988  is supposed to provide an alternative to 911 and provide more appropriate responses. County Supervisor Janice Hahn launched the effort to build a Los Angeles County response system of integrated services.

But if they are to meet the deadline, state and local agencies have to move faster. In California, AB 988  known as the Miles Hall Act, in memory of yet another man killed by police responding to a mental health call  has yet to pass.

Many law enforcement agencies argue that they already have some form of alternative response protocols. The Sheriffs Department, for example, has had Mental Evaluation Teams to send health clinicians along with sheriffs deputies since 1993.

But no MET responded to the Cervantes familys call. There is little value in alternative programs if they are not used.

Because of the looming 988 deadline, 2022 will likely be a pivotal year for alternative crisis response, in Los Angeles, California and around the nation. Weve seen, in the examples of Isaias Cervantes and others, how badly things can go wrong. Its time now to make sure they start going right.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Palm Beach Fire-Rescue worker gets set to receive information from a resident who came to Phipps Ocean Park for a COVID-19 rapid antigen test Thursday.

At least someone's paying attention.

The Town Council has once again declared a state of emergency, this time because of the surge of coronavirus cases fueled by the highly contagious omicron variant. The decision allows the council to authorize town boards and committees to meet in virtual sessions this month.

During a special meeting last week, the council agreed to Police Chief Nicholas Caristo's request for the declaration. The state of emergency lasts only eight days; the council is scheduled to discuss whether to extend it at Tuesday's meeting.

The council's actions are in sharp contrast to those by state leaders, who have been noticeably absent until just recently during this surge.

Though Gov. Ron DeSantis deserves credit for sending up to 1 million at-home COVID-19 test kits to nursing homes and senior heavy communities across Florida, that comes on the heels of the news that the state Division of Emergency Management had between 800,000 and 1 million coronavirus tests that expired between Dec. 26 and Dec. 30. With the long lines seen at testing sites, those surely could have come in handy.

Even while sending out the test kits, DeSantis confoundingly continues to de-emphasize testing and push ineffective monoclonal antibody treatments over vaccines and boosters. That policy is on the wrong side of science and will probably cost more lives.

He also issued an infamous executive order May 3 invalidating local COVID-19 emergency orders, which has hamstrung local efforts to do more.

Before the order, the town showed what true leadership is about by using its emergency powers to close beaches, institute a local mask mandate and enact a curfew. (The town continues to have a mask mandate on town property, while urging people to avoid crowds and get tested if symptoms develop.)

Unlike state leaders, Town Council members and town staff know the pandemic has nothing to do with what party affiliations residents have and, instead, have concentrated on doing what's best for its citizens. How refreshing.

At least there are some people in government who are willing to emphasize public safety over politics during a pandemic. All you have to do is pay attention.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Editorial: COVID emergency declaration shows council's courage
(Corrects translation in 6th paragraph)

By Mark Trevelyan

LONDON (Reuters) -Kazakhstan's president must move fast to consolidate his grip after breaking with his powerful predecessor as the country was racked last week by the deadliest violence in its 30 years of independence from Moscow, a former prime minister said on Sunday.

As protesters torched buildings in the biggest city Almaty last Wednesday, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev removed former leader Nursultan Nazarbayev as head of the powerful Security Council - a role in which Nazarbayev, 81, had continued to pull the strings despite handing over the presidency in 2019.

With 164 people reported killed and more than 6,000 detained as part of what Tokayev has called a counter-terrorist operation, a purge of the security apparatus is now under way in the oil- and uranium-producing Central Asian state.

Former prime minister Akezhan Kazhegeldin told Reuters that Tokayev, having ruled since 2019 in the shadow of the man who dominated the country for the previous three decades, needed to dispel doubts about who was really in charge.

"I think a lot of people in social networks, critics, continue to say he's a nominee of Nazarbayev, that Nazarbayev is standing behind his back and manipulating him," he said.

"Now he has complete formal executive power, the question is how he will deploy it. He needs to recruit a team."

Kazhegeldin served as prime minister under Nazarbayev in the 1990s, when Tokayev was foreign minister, but quit over concerns about corruption and now lives in exile in Britain.

He urged Tokayev to investigate quickly, bring those responsible for the violence to justice, and listen to people's demands for reform.

"If he does it in a short time, he can count on citizens' support in elections. If he doesn't, people will blame all the problems and everything that's happened recently on him."

Nazarbayev, a former Communist Party boss, amassed substantial wealth during his decades in charge, wielding power through what Kazhegeldin described as a clan system.

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He said the "embittered" Nazarbayev faction would attempt to remobilise if given the chance.

"The people who have just been defeated are very rich. They have huge capital abroad, including in Britain," he said.

"This money must be returned to the country and used to develop the economy. If this isn't done these people will use the money to destabilise the situation in the country."

Nazarbayev could not be reached for comment but his spokesman issued a statement on Sunday in an apparent attempt to quash the impression of a rift between him and Tokayev.

He said the former president had chosen to give up his security council post to Tokayev to help ease the crisis, and the two men had always been "on the same side of the barricades".

(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Like so many COVID-weary Americans, Kyle Hopwood thought the pandemic was winding down over the summer, as virus case counts in the Chicago area waned and life seemed to inch closer to normal.

She was relieved after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, and tentatively began dining at restaurants and resuming small get-togethers with loved ones. Hopwood and her fiance set a wedding date for September 2022, assuming that by then the pandemic would be a distant memory.

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But then came colder weather  as well as the highly contagious omicron variant of the virus  and infections soared once again, wreaking havoc on holiday celebrations, businesses, travel, education and health care.

We thought we saw the light at the end of the tunnel, said Hopwood, 29, of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, who has a masters degree in public health. Now were back to square one.

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Ian and Liza Papautsky, with their children Myer, 4, and Sasha, 8, prepare dinner at home in the western suburbs on Jan. 6, 2022. I would be less distressed if both my kids were vaccinated, said Liza Papautsky, 42. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

In some ways, Hopwood has found this latest surge to be even more draining mentally and emotionally compared with earlier points in the pandemic, which has killed more than 5 million people around the world.

While shes planning her wedding for later this year, she said its hard to get excited with so much uncertainty.

Youre not alone in feeling what youre feeling, if you are feeling angry or anxious, she said. Your feelings are valid. I think were all frustrated.

Roughly four dozen readers shared with the Tribune their struggles and worries during this latest COVID-19 surge, which has temporarily shut down many schools, filled hospitals to near capacity and spurred a wave of new local COVID vaccine mandates for restaurants, bars, gyms, theaters and other indoor public venues.

Some expressed dismay at the unpredictable nature of the virus, citing uncertainty about how cases might ebb or spike, as well as bewilderment amid ever-changing public health guidelines. Others described exhaustion due to the duration of the pandemic, wondering when it will finally end.

Many reported heightened anxiety and fatigue as the pandemic stretches into its third year, once again upending so many aspects of daily life.

Ive been home with my 8-year-old for one and a half years due to her heart condition, said one parent who responded to a Tribune survey about the surge. Was hoping shed be able to go back to school now that shes vaccinated, but due to the surge  and only 30% of 5-to-11-year-olds being vaccinated, which means 2 out of 3 are NOT vaccinated  we are going to wait. Her health and safety are number one.

I am the (human resources) manager for a company of 370 people and I feel like I am in a pressure cooker and have been for the past two years, one woman responded. Feels like whatever I do Im fighting people and with this new surge its constant. You have to deal with the ignorant people who dont want to mask up or get vaccinated and think this is a joke, and its infuriating as you see people around you getting sick. What happened to being considerate of others?

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Rubi Carmona, 21, shows nail swatches to a client at Mermaid Spa in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood on Jan. 7, 2022. Carmona and her mother, Nereida Aparicio, opened the spa in January 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. We almost feel like were going back to step one, and its forcing us to think about what we would do next, Carmona said. Will we survive? (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

I am so dismayed by the readiness with which our leaders have chucked out these essential workers who helped us get through the pandemic, said a local social worker, referencing workplace COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and adding in the survey that she recently lost her job after refusing to get vaccinated. Most recently, many have been banned from public places, leaving them to wonder where they will get their social interaction.

As local COVID-19 case counts continue to set pandemic records, here are the experiences of a few more Chicago-area workers, parents and business owners, as told to Tribune reporters.

Inevitable

When the first coronavirus cases were reported in Illinois in January 2020, Maggie Coons was determined to do anything she could to protect her family from the new virus.

But now, with the Omicron variant spreading so quickly, shes almost resigned that eventually they will get sick despite taking precautions like vaccinating, getting booster shots and masking.

So many of her friends and relatives and neighbors have caught COVID recently, even those who have been very careful throughout the pandemic.

During the first week of the new year, the state has averaged 28,775 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 per day, including 42,903 new cases reported Friday. Thats up from an average of 19,797 daily cases during the final week of 2021, a 45% increase.

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Deaths also are rising again, with state health officials on Friday reporting 101 additional fatalities, the second consecutive day with a triple-digit death toll. The state has recorded 444 coronavirus-related deaths since Jan. 1, more than in the entire month of June or July.

Its so much more contagious, said Coons, 52, of northwest suburban Palatine. I feel like theres nothing we can do to keep from getting it. I feel like its inevitable. At this point its a dreary resignation instead of a dread or fear.

While she knows infections from the new variant have generally been milder, particularly for the fully vaccinated, shed rather her loved ones not get ill.

It still could mean weeks of school missed or work, she said. And who knows if its going to produce long-haul symptoms. They dont know yet.

One silver lining of this point in the pandemic is that there are more tools to fight the virus, from vaccines to boosters to medications, she said.

But shes frustrated that so many people are still forgoing COVID-19 shots, the greatest protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death.

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Its extremely infuriating, she said. Its the reason this has gone on for so long. Theyre putting their personal freedoms above whats best for everyone.

Restaurant woes

More than three decades ago, Gloria Torres and her husband opened a little restaurant in their home in the Pilsen neighborhood.

Right next to the small kitchen where Torres prepares homemade Mexican delicacies, they served patrons at their dinner table covered in a colorful tablecloth.

Torres is 72 and her husband is 82. Theyve managed to keep their business open throughout the pandemic, despite their fear of catching the virus, which has so far infected more than 2.3 million in Illinois and 300 million internationally.

The restaurant industry has taken a tremendous hit amid the pandemic, facing waves of indoor dining shutdowns and staff shortages. At certain points, government regulations allowed only takeout or delivery food orders.

Over the summer, their worries about getting the COVID-19 eased a little after they got vaccinated. Their hope for normalcy revived when cases began to drop and city regulations allowed them to once again fully reopen and welcome customers inside their kitchen for dining.

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But the most recent surge has discombobulated the couple and their home business.

New rules in Chicago and suburban Cook County require proof of vaccination at restaurants and many other indoor public venues, a heavy burden on the couple, who live alone and have no help to check vaccine cards and identification.

To keep their business going while complying with regulations, theyve decided to switch to only offering carryout because the vaccine mandate exempts those quickly picking up food as opposed to dining inside.

Were just so sad, Torres said in Spanish. This is again affecting the poor people, the small business owners.

School uncertainty

For thousands of Chicago-area families, abrupt school cancellations or a switch to remote learning have thrown education and child care into a tailspin.

An impasse between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union canceled classes starting Wednesday. Various suburban districts have also suspended classroom instruction due to a statewide shortage of school employees.

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Teachers and school workers are out sick or need to quarantine. There arent enough substitutes. Even at schools that are open, so many parents and students awaken wondering if class will in session tomorrow, the next day and the day after.

The hardest part for Chris Arjona, a father of two in the Lakeview neighborhood, is the day-to-day uncertainty.

His daughters, ages 6 and 4, are in the Chicago Public Schools district, and the sudden cancellation of classes presents the biggest challenge yet.

The hardest part for Chris Arjona, a father of two in the Lakeview neighborhood, is the day-to-day uncertainty, Jan. 6, 2022. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

The biggest impact (of) the surge is the chaos surrounding schools, Arjona said, adding that he and his wife work full time. Parents are stuck in the middle to reconcile jobs that have full demands, but schools are unreliable and unpredictable.

Theres also the emotional toll on kids, who thrive on routine and consistency, he said. They miss their friends, teachers and activities. The inability to plan and answer all the swirling questions  will classes be canceled for a few days or weeks or longer  is so hard on adults and children alike.

The suddenness of it, the lack of warning and the lack of a clear path forward is just hard on everyone, he said. Citywide, its everyone going through this.

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More complexity

The mother felt great relief when COVID-19 shots were authorized for kids aged 5 to 11 in November, and her 8-year-old daughter could finally get vaccinated.

But her son, who is 4, still cant get inoculated against the virus, leaving him unprotected.

I would be less distressed if both my kids were vaccinated, said Liza Papautsky, 42, who lives in the western suburbs.

In some ways, the earliest days of the pandemic were easier for her because there were fewer decisions to make with so much of the world on lockdown. Now every choice feels like a difficult and complicated burden.

Only part of her household is vaccinated, and Papautsky is a breast cancer survivor, putting her at higher risk. Yet she also has to take into account her familys mental health and well-being.

Ian and Liza Papautsky, with their daughter Sasha, 8, prepare a dinner at home on Jan. 6, 2022, in the western suburbs. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

Should she have her unvaccinated son in a swim class where he and other unvaccinated kids wont be able to wear a mask? She ultimately opted against it, but then theres also the toll on kids that comes with limiting outside activities and contact with their peers.

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This surge is a painful punch in the gut, deflating (and) dejecting, especially after a period of a more hopeful time, she said. Im tired, angry, and hopeless.

Shes concerned about the health of her family, but shes also worried about passing along the virus to others and further overwhelming health care systems.

As of Thursday, more than 7,000 patients in Illinois were reported to be in the hospital with COVID-19; more than a thousand were in intensive care units and over 600 were on ventilators, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Local childrens hospitals have also recently seen a huge spike in kids admitted for COVID-19.

Its navigating the uncertainty and then making the best decision you can in the midst of all this uncertainty, she said. Especially right now, in the moment were in, having to revisit those decisions frequently.

Will we survive?

In January 2020, Nereida Aparacio made her longtime dream a reality when she opened her nail salon in the Pilsen neighborhood with the help of her daughter, Rubi Carmona.

The family had invested all their savings in the new business. The two were optimistic and excited for their venture  until the coronavirus-spurred March 2020 lockdown forced them and other businesses to temporarily close.

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Sentia que el mundo se me venia encima, said Aparicio, who had worked as a nail technician for over a decade in different salons around the Chicago area. I felt like that world was coming down on me.

But they chose to remain strong, said Carmona, who is now a senior at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Nereida Aparicio, 41, works Jan. 7, 2022, on a client at Mermaid Spa, a Pilsen neighborhood nail salon that she owns and runs with her daughter Rubi Carmona. The two opened the spa in January 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

She recalled the tension and anxiety her mother went through when they were forced to shut down the salon. Now shes stressed again at the prospect of losing salon clientele amid the latest surge.

Its frustrating and tiring, Carmona said.

Shes had to handle the pressures of the business while navigating her last year in college via remote learning. She takes care of all the salons administrative work for her mother even as she manages her own difficulties with online classes for her biology degree.

We almost feel like were going back to step one, and its forcing us to think about what we would do next, Carmona said. Will we survive?

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Holidays disrupted

So many of Eric DeChants relatives and close friends had COVID-19 recently that his family canceled their Christmas dinner celebration.

He said as many as a dozen people in his inner circle have tested positive in recent weeks.

We were going to spend time with friends on New Years Eve, he said. It got canceled.

The 43-year-old father of two from the Oriole Park neighborhood said this surge has affected nearly every aspect of his life, from work to school to vacations and social gatherings.

Its like, should we leave the state? he said. Should we go to this museum? Is it that dangerous? I dont know.

In addition to his work as a legal engineer for a software company, DeChant also helps carpool his daughter and area classmates to school following a CPS school bus driver shortage.

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DeChant said the surge has even intruded on his main respite from the troubled world: a nearby health club with hot tubs and a lap pool where he went to relax.

I love hot tubs, he said. In the aquatic section, you cant wear a mask, so its the biggest infection hazard. I normally would have spent a decent amount of time there relaxing or rejuvenating over the winter break ... but I did not just out (of fear) that I bring something home.

Despite the all-encompassing effect the surge has had on his familys life, DeChant said he still looks to the positive.

Its stressful, he said. While this has been a very long period, its not as bad as other points. I have less peace of mind, but overall, Im incredibly grateful that I can work from home. My furnace works. Im a count your blessings kind of guy.

Tribune reporter Dan Petrella contributed.

eleventis@chicagotribune.com

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wlee@chicagotribune.com
President Colette Pierce Burnette of Huston-Tillotson University has been named Austinite of the Year by the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

By her own account, the 2016 movie "Hidden Figures" altered Colette Pierce Burnette's life.

"My husband and I saw that movie together, and I kept saying: 'That happened to me! That happened to me!'" the outgoing president of Huston-Tillotson University said about the lives of trailblazing Black women who toiled almost invisibly in the fields of math and science.

Seeing "Hidden Figures" helped spark a "fire in the belly" to make sure that higher education became more equitable. She came to Huston-Tillotson at a time when historically Black colleges were stepping into the national spotlight  and she could do something significant about those inequities, some of which she experienced personally.

Burnette, who conquered the fields of engineering, information technology and higher education management, had many times been the only woman  and the only Black woman  in the room. Early conclusions were ignored; her work was discounted.

More: Huston-Tillotson University president to retire in 2022

Burnette, who just turned 64, is no longer a hidden figure.

In fact, the Austin Chamber of Commerce has named Burnette its 2021 Austinite of the Year, not only for her work in accelerating and expanding the city's historically Black university, but also for her citywide civic leadership, including crucial service as co-chair for the Mayor's Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities.

"In every room I've been with her, she has encouraged courageous leadership," said Nikki Graham, the 2021 chairwoman of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. "She's collaborative. She wants people to work together. But she's not afraid to push the status quo and make people see things differently. She has played a key role in this important time in our city's history.

Laura Huffman, president and CEO of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, said the Austinite of the Year Award is given to people for making outsize contributions to the community. She said she feels Burnette helped turn longtime talk on issues such as social justice, economic opportunity and affordability into action, especially by making Huston-Tillotson a locus of that action.

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"In every sense of the spirit of this award, she has made extraordinary contributions in a very short time," Huffman said. "Her impact was felt immediately and deeply on the most important issues our community has been struggling with, and on the opportunities we have to fix those problems. ... She's practical, but she's also aspirational. She truly believes that Austin's best days are ahead of us  and I love that about her."

Burnette gets choked up when she thinks about the new honor  she has earned many  which is often given to leaders who have devoted lifetimes to improving Austin.

"When I found out, I was speechless," Burnette said. "It's big. But not for me  I mean, not just for me. It's big for a lot of people. I may be the face of it, but I'm not it. I am a vessel. People say: 'How do you do it? How do keep up the stamina? How do you keep up the energy?' It's just not me. ... I have an army of people behind me."

'There was no mediocrity'

Burnette was born in 1957 in Cleveland, Ohio, where she also grew up. Her father, who moved to the North from Mississippi during the Great Migration, was one of 18 kids. He finished the sixth grade. Her mother, a Cleveland native, graduated from high school.

"My mom and dad are the smartest people I know," Burnette said. "But they didn't have the opportunities."

Schooling, therefore, was paramount for the Pierce children.

"I thought college was the 13th grade," Burnette said. "I did not know that it was optional until I got to Ohio State, and then I realized that people were there by choice. My dad knew that my sister and I were going to college."

A child of the 1960s  "protected from but not protected from" the great swirl of social changes  Burnette attended the still-new John F. Kennedy High School, a Black public school in Cleveland with high standards.

More: A generation of civil rights pioneers left Austin a better place

"Education truly is the great equalizer," Burnette said. "In my school, there was no mediocrity. It was all excellence.

"When I go back to my high school reunions, I have judges in my class, a college president  myself  doctors, very successful entrepreneurs. So even though we were quote-unquote 'low income,' you don't know it until you look back on it."

Early on, the girl from a large, strong family was good at math.

"My grandmother used to get butcher paper from the local deli, which was owned by Italians  there were very few stores that were owned by Black people in my community," Burnette recalled. "She'd paste the butcher paper up on the walls around the kitchen. While I was eating, I'd recite my times tables  all the elements of math  and my spelling words, etc."

At Ohio State University in the 1970s, she was the only Black engineering student in her graduating class, and also the first Black Ohio State student to intern at an engineering job.

"When I walked in my chemistry class, the only thing I recognized was the beakers and the Bunsen burners," Burnette said. "I was the only girl in that class and the only Black. But my upbringing made me know that I could do anything. I was a bit fearless."

More: 'God of aerospace engineering': Hans Mark, former UT chancellor who fled Nazis, dies at 92

Minnie M. McGee, an administrator who had attended a historically Black college in the South, had been hired to recruit and retain Black students in Ohio State's engineering program.

"She built a cocoon where I could just be me," Burnette said. "Where someone was pouring into me and making me proud of who I am so my own gifts could come out, without me apologizing."

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree, she took a job as an engineer at Proctor and Gamble, running the computer lab at a plant that made Tide and Crest.

Soon after, Burnette met and married now-retired Air Force Lt. Col. Daarel Burnette, who had attended Morehouse College, a historically Black college in Atlanta.

"I knew absolutely nothing about active-duty military life," she said. "I knew he was cute. He is from the South, and I am from the North. He is introverted, and I'm extroverted."

The couple raised two children, Daarel Burnette II, a journalist now working in Washington, D.C., and Daana Burnette, a producer in Los Angeles.

"We got married in July, and we got orders to move in August  to Warner Robins, Georgia," Burnette said about a place not unlike the setting for "Hidden Figures." "I had to get 20 references for a job. I interviewed with an older white guy  all of them were Georgia Tech graduates. ... They called me the 'sassy Negro.' ... But I come from big family in Cleveland. That did not intimidate me."

She faced another hurdle when she went to pick up an application for the officer's club.

"She told me: 'There is criteria to join this club,'" Burnette said. "'Well, my husband is an officer, is that criteria?' She didn't believe me. My husband had to come back that afternoon to pick up the application."

While there, she earned her Master of Science degree in administration from Georgia College, a public liberal arts school in Milledgeville

The Burnette family moved often, living across the country and abroad.

"My husband's career was good to me," Burnette said. "I would have stayed in Ohio for my whole life. I'm from Cleveland, went to school in Columbus, and took my first job in Cincinnati. I'd still be working for Proctor and Gamble."

Among other jobs, Burnette worked for The Washington Post as a systems analyst, and she ran her own computer consulting firm, CompuMent.

While her early adult career was spent in the corporate world, she moved over to education when her husband retired.

Burnette started by teaching community college and then earned her Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League school. She is also a graduate of the management development program at Harvard's Graduate School of Education.

Before coming to Austin, she held numerous administrative positions at universities across the country.

"We learn backwards to live forwards," Burnette said. "Everything in my life has prepared me for my journey in Austin and for my presidency of Huston-Tillotson. I am praying and hopeful that my journey at Huston-Tillotson will now prepare me for my next chapter  and I don't know what that is. "

Colette Pierce Burnette, the departing president of Huston-Tillotson University, has been a major player on the Austin civic scene since she arrived in 2015.

Leading a university and a community

Burnette joined Huston-Tillotson as president and CEO on July 21, 2015, the first woman to hold that position since Huston and Tillotson colleges merged in 1952.

Many Austinites don't know that Huston-Tillotson was the first institution of higher learning in Austin, established in 1875, two years before St. Edward's University and eight years before the University of Texas.

The school's rich history  though often hidden in the heart of the city  attracted Burnette. So did the community that surrounded it.

"As I drove around East Austin and saw the remnants of it  you'd see where there used to be a barbershop, but now there's just a sign ... or a school that is not in the best condition anymore," Burnette said. "It really reminded me of the community that I grew up in. I had the feeling that I was home in a very odd way in East Austin."

Although she did not attend a historically Black college herself, she had long been a proponent of the schools. A member of Delta Sigma Theta, a historically Black sorority with a strong presence at Ohio State, she remains very engaged with the organization.

During the past couple of years, the general public has learned more about the reach of historically Black colleges and historically Black sororities and fraternities because of interest in Vice President Kamala Harris, a graduate of Howard University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

"HBCs have been important since their inception," Burnette said. "The world is finally recognizing the beauty of these schools and how they built the middle class."

Huston-Tillotson, however, was financially fragile when she arrived. Enrollment was down. As president, she gave speeches about perseverance.

"Not using as an excuse that you came from a quote-unquote 'underprepared' high school," Burnette said. "Preparation is relative. Grit is a good part of preparation. It is sometimes even more so than the reading, writing and arithmetic part of it."

She credits her predecessor, Huston-Tillotson President Larry L. Earvin, with setting the stage.

"When I arrived, I read something in the Statesman about the college not facing outward," she said. "I only knew about facing outward. ... If Cleveland had had a historically Black college with such rich history in the middle of my community, how wonderful that would have been."

More: 'We should honor all parts of who we are': Nichole Prescott on reviving indigenous cultures

Injured at the airport early in her tenure, Burnette took Uber back and forth to Huston-Tillotson. She always chatted with the drivers.

"Eight or maybe nine of the first 10 didn't even know the university existed," Burnette said. "I could not understand that in a city like Austin with a university in the heart of the city  and people didn't know it was there."

That has changed substantially during the past seven years.

"Colette has transformed Huston-Tillotson," said Graham, formerly with Bank of America, now the head of Hector and Gloria Lopez Foundation, which supports students who identify as Latino, low-income and first-generation in their pursuit of higher education. "She has increased HT's endowment, made it a central focus of the community, and made clear the needs of college attainment for young men of color in order to build the highly skilled, talented workforce we need in Austin. She has put a finer point on the needs of HBCs in keeping with a trend we see nationwide.

Huffman goes even further in her assessment.

"I believe that Dr. Burnette has made the students and the institution of HT part of the economic success of Austin," she said. "I do think part of growing the university is making sure that economic opportunities are available to the students, to the teachers, to the staff  and that they are helping drive the success of the community. I think she's done that."

Making a 'Beloved Community'

"Austin is such a magical city," Burnette said. "There is so much opportunity here. There are so many things my students have been able to do, and be a part of, and to be able to blossom. We have a long way to go as an institution, but we are at that stage."

Although here for just seven years, Burnette has put down deep roots and has served on numerous citywide boards and committees, despite holding down a daunting day job.

"I am a self-proclaimed lifetime member of the Austin community," she said. "Nobody can take that away from me. ... You are not going to get rid of me."

As Austin looked once again for answers about social justice and equity in light of the Black Lives Matter movement, Burnette discovered many others in Austin who shared her passions.

"I've always been a social justice warrior," Burnette said. "I met people who really leaned into wanting Austin be a beloved community as Dr. King defined it."

More: Texas History: Notable Texans recall growing up in the Lone Star State

As Mayor Steve Adler put together the Mayor's Task Force on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities, he sensed that Burnette fit the job of co-chair of the task force, along with Paul Cruz, then chief of Austin schools.

"I am not a token," she said. "I am unapologetically a Black female. I was hesitant to do it, because my job was so complicated."

Improving Austin's effectiveness at social equity helped her day job. She discovered that she could not recruit effectively for a historically Black college if the city's reputation was not inclusive. Also, she could draft local leaders in her efforts to build up Huston-Tillotson.

"It put me in a position to meet more people and share the gifts of the institution in a more public way," Burnette said. "I met the movers and shakers and thought leaders in the city."

As a result, enrollment is up and Huston-Tillotson is no longer fiscally fragile. So why leave her position at the college?

"I have stood in my purpose as president of the university,'" Burnette said. "And my purpose in the community. A mentor once told me, 'You always leave the party when you're having fun.' The university is in a really good place right now."

Colette Pierce Burnette stands in front of Huston-Tillotson University's King-Seabrook Chapel.

She has but one regret regarding her Huston-Tillotson tenure: She did not build more buildings.

"We have the land. We need a new academic building, and we need a new residence hall. Our gym is not air-conditioned. We don't have a student union," she said. "I kept looking for a private-public partnership. ... That's not going to happen by June 30. But the next person is going to get that done. You rarely get to see the tree from the seeds you plant. I want to come back for the ribbon cutting, and I hope I just get to touch the scissors."

In the near future, Burnette will continue to teach a course in social justice in higher education leadership at the University of Texas. She has thought about running a nonprofit that has social justice and higher education as part of its mission.

"Look, Colette has the energy, the intellect and the influence to make sure Austin achieves its fullest potential," Huffman said. "She's also someone whose enthusiasm is contagious. You find yourself wanting to work with her."

"She has a background in business and a unique set of skills that help her relate to elected officials, business people and academics alike. She's a unifier," Graham said. "She brings all people to the table at HT while shining a light on the needs of the surrounding community.

"She's transformed our community for the better."

Michael Barnes writes about the people, places, culture and history of Austin and Texas. He can be reached at mbarnes@statesman.com.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Colette Pierce Burnette named Austinite of the Year
A branch of Firehouse Subs. Businesswire

A Firehouse Subs customer said she received a death wish from an Alabama store owner.

The incident arose over a dispute about her sandwich order, according to a local news outlet.

"It's really sad that someone would wish death on somebody," the customer said.

A regular customer at sandwich chain Firehouse Subs in Ozark, Alabama, said that the store owner wished death upon her, following a dispute about her order.

Local news outlet WRBL first reported the news.

Cinnamon Clarke told the outlet that she and her husband visited Firehouse Subs about once a week. But on this occasion, she noticed something was not right about her order.

Clarke said when she arrived home, her sandwich had hardly any meat in it. Disappointed, she called the shop and an employee told her to return so they could fix her order.

The owner of the store, however, refused to substitute her order, according to Clarke. The situation prompted her to record her encounter.

She said the owner told her: "When I talk to God tonight, I'm going to see if he can come to your house and take you."

According to the outlet, Clarke said the owner's comments were another way of saying, "I'm going to pray that you die tonight." She added that she found it sad that anyone "would take Christ's name in vain."

Firehouse Subs did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

The company's corporate office told WRBL in a statement that it was "saddened to say that this guest was not treated with the heartfelt service we expect at one of our restaurants."

It added: "The behavior of the franchise owner at this location is not acceptable to us and is being addressed internally."

Heated incidents between customers and workers at chain restaurants frequently made headlines in 2021.

In October, a Waffle House employee pulled a gun on a customer during a dispute over his order. According to police reports, the incident stemmed from an argument over his "cheese eggs." The employee had apparently become enraged by the customer's complaint.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Essence Preparatory charter school in San Antonio falls prey to states law limiting how schools teach about race

A proposed Texas charter school almost became a casualty of the states battle over critical race theory towards the end of last summer, recently unveiled public records show.

Administrators for Essence Preparatory Public School in San Antonio were told in August that certain statements, authors, or written works, including a quote from How to Be an Antiracist author Ibram X. Kendi, must be deleted from their application and website before state regulators would approve its application, according to documents obtained and reported by ChalkBeat.

The school also was instructed to submit a statement assuring its design and curriculum materials comply with the states education code, including its new law governing how race and slavery are taught in classrooms.

Ibram X. Kendi visits Build to discuss the book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You at Build Studio on March 10, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Essence Preps administrators removed all antiracism references from the schools website and application in response before receiving a charter in October, according to ChalkBeat. The school is scheduled to open in August.

A previous version of Essence Preps website stated that the school is determined to address the legacy of racism in education.

We reflect consistently and look at ourselves as we consider the role race plays in our work, experiences and decisions, the old website stated. We listen and actively pursue actions that lead us to be clear and focused on systemic educational reform to achieve social, cultural, environmental, economic, and racial justice.

The Essence Prep website also previously said the school strives to embody antiracist practice and pedagogy, and included a quote from Kendi that said the opposite of racist is not racist, it is antiracist.

Former San Antonio city council staffer Akeem Brown is the founder and superintendent of Essence Prep who submitted an estimated 500-page application for the school to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in early 2021, records show.

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The TEA governs primary and secondary public education in Texas. Essence Prep was on its way to receiving final approval in June when Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, signed House Bill 3979 into law.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill in June that legislators say seeks to ban teaching critical race theory in its schools. (Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

The measure, which went into effect on Sept. 1, limits how race and slavery can be taught in Texas schools.

Brown told Texas state Board of Education members in June that Essence Prep leaders are compelled to offer a culturally competent curriculum, but will also serve our students following the law of the state of Texas.

The board voted 11-3 two days later to approve Essence Preps application. But the situation changed after Republican state Rep. Steve Toths office emailed TEA Commissioner Mike Morath a draft of a Toth op-ed that criticized the agency for approving Essence Preps creation.

Toth is the Texas lawmaker that came up with the states law opposing so-called critical race theory after some parents expressed concerns about curriculums making white students feel bad about their race.

His op-ed was never published, but ChalkBeat obtained a copy of it through a public records request.

Unlike other charter schools who focus solely on academics, Essence Preps goal is to promote Critical Race Theory and community activism, Toth wrote in the op-ed, according to ChalkBeat.

Essence Preps leaders received notice about the material the TEA found objectionable after Toths office contacted the agency, ChalkBeat reported. Brown told ChalkBeat he doesnt think the Kendi citation violated the statute.

I just think it offended those supporters of the law, he said.

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The post Forthcoming Texas charter school forced to cut antiracism references, curriculum appeared first on TheGrio.
PARIS (Reuters) - A conservative lawmaker who until last year was No. 2 in the centre-right Les Republicains party on Sunday said he was defecting to join the ranks of far-right presidential challenger Eric Zemmour.

Guillaume Peltier said he had no confidence in Les Republicains party presidential nominee Valerie Pecresse, describing her as too ideologically close to centrist President Emmanuel Macron.

Peltier told Europe 1 Zemmour was "the only candidate capable of galvanising the right and beating Macron" in the April presidential poll.

Zemmour, 63, who holds convictions for inciting hatred and has said he wants to save https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/french-far-right-commentator-zemmour-announces-presidential-run-2021-11-30France from decadence and minorities that "oppress the majority", has made a career of testing the limits of political correctness.

It was not immediately clear how damaging Peltier's defection would be for Pecresse. The staunch rightwinger has done little too conceal the overlap in his political convictions with Zemmour and other far-right figures.

Peltier had backed Eric Ciotti in the centre-right party's primary, whose own no-nonsense talk on restoring the state's authority in socially deprived immigrant neighbourhoods and defending France's national identity flirted with the far-right.

Pecresse defeated Ciotti https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/frances-les-republicains-party-choose-between-pecresse-ciotti-presidential-2021-12-02 in a December primary run-off but Ciotti won nearly 40% of the vote, some of which analysts said could follow Peltier into Zemmour's camp.

Voter surveys show Zemmour polling behind Macron, Pecresse, Marine Le Pen of the traditional far-right party Rassemblement National. However the race for a place in the presidential run-off vote is tight.

(Reporting by Richard Lough; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
Brad Raffensperger, the secretary of state of Georgia, says "the only person who should touch your ballot is you and the election official."
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -General Motors Co on Sunday said it had agreed to recognize Californias authority to set vehicle emission standards under the Clean Air Act.

The move will make the Detroit automaker eligible for government fleet purchases by the state of California, GM said.

The automaker made the commitment to recognize California's authority in a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom. GM said in the letter it is "committed to complying with California's regulations."

Soon after Joe Biden was elected president, GM in November 2020 reversed itself and no longer backed an effort by the then-Trump administration to bar California from setting its own emissions rules.

"GM is joining California in our fight for clean air and emission reduction as part of the company's pursuit of a zero-emissions future," Newsom said. "This agreement will help accelerate California's nation-leading commitment to tackling the climate crisis."

GM announced in January plans to eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035. In June, GM boosted global spending on electric and autonomous vehicles to $35 billion through 2025, 30% over its prior forecast.

"We are committed to working in collaboration with California to achieve an equitable transportation future," said GM's global public policy chief Omar Vargas.

In November 2019, California said it planned to halt all purchases of new vehicles for state government fleets from GM, Toyota and other automakers backing former President Donald Trump in the tailpipe emissions battle.

California said it purchased $58.6 million in General Motors vehicles between 2016 and 2018.

In April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it was moving to restore legal authority to California to set tough vehicle emission rules and zero-emission vehicle mandates.

In July, 16 Republican state attorneys general urged the EPA to reject reinstating California's authority. "The Golden State is not a golden child," they wrote.

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GM previously backed overall emissions reductions in California's 2019 deal with rivals Ford Motor, Volkswagen, Honda and others, but asked the Biden administration to give automakers more flexibility to hit carbon reduction targets.

California plans to ban the sale of new gasoline powered passenger vehicles starting in 2035, a step the Biden administration declines to endorse. Biden has called for 50% of new vehicles sold by 2030 to be electric or plug-in hybrid.

Last month, the EPA finalized https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-epa-finalizes-tougher-new-vehicle-emissions-requirements-2021-12-20 new vehicle emissions requirements through 2026 that reversed Trump's rollback of car pollution cuts and will speed a U.S. shift to more electric vehicles.

(Reporting by David ShepardsonEditing by Chris Reese)




Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) on Sunday said large businesses should not comply with the Biden administration's "oppressive" vaccine or testing mandate.

"[T]his mandate of [the Occupational safety and Health Administration], the federal government, needs to be struck down. And that's why we're fighting against it. And I expect the Supreme Court, hopefully, to rule against the Biden administration on that oppressive vaccine mandate," Hutchinson told co-anchor Jake Tapper on CNN's "State of the Union."

Asked if eligible businesses should comply with the vaccine-or-test mandate, which is set to take effect on Monday, Hutchinson said "no," pointing to the pending litigation in the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Friday about the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine-or-test mandate, which will apply to businesses with 100 or more employees. A group of 10 states, including Arkansas, filed a lawsuit against the vaccine and testing requirement in November, arguing that such a policy is "unconstitutional and unlawful."

The conservative justices asked sharp questions regarding if a decades-old federal workplace statute provides the legal authority to impose the mandate.

The Biden administration first introduced the policy in September, which calls for employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing. It could impact almost 80 million workers.

Hutchinson on Sunday said he does not think the vaccine mandate is the right policy for this moment because it will cause a spike in worker shortages and an increase in vaccine resistance.

He did, however, say he supports businesses who wish to impose such a policy - but said it should not be required.

"Our employers in Arkansas, some make the decision that they ought to have a vaccine requirement in the workplace. And I support their ability to make that decision. There shouldn't be a ban against that," Hutchinson said.

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"But others make the decision that it's not necessary. Maybe they work in a more open environment or they have a risk of losing too many employees. And so they have that freedom," he added.

The conversation regarding vaccine mandates comes as the U.S. is seeing a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases, largely driven by the highly transmissible omicron variant.

Roughly 74 percent of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine tracker.
The 6-year-old North Chicago boy reported missing before his body was found days later in an abandoned northwest Indiana house had been forced into a cold shower by a relative as punishment before he died, prosecutors told a judge Sunday.

Damari Perry had been forced to stay in the running shower for an unknown amount of time before he began vomiting and became unresponsive Dec. 29, authorities said during a Sunday morning bail hearing for his older brother.

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That sibling, Jeremiah R. Perry, 20, was charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm to a child younger than 12, concealing a homicidal death and obstructing justice, according to authorities. A judge ordered him held on $3 million bail during the hearing, said Jim Newton, a spokesman for the states attorneys office in Lake County, Illinois.

Damaris mother, Jannie M. Perry, 38, also faces charges of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death, but her expected appearance was removed from the Sunday court call for unknown reasons. North Chicago police werent immediately available for comment.

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Another of Damaris siblings appeared in Lake County juvenile court Sunday on similar charges, but Newton declined to provide details on that case.

During the hearing, Assistant States Attorney Kyle Doyle told the court that Damari had apparently misbehaved inside his home last month and the frigid shower was his punishment, according to Newton. Authorities didnt say which family member forced the boy into the shower. It wasnt immediately clear what specifically the 6-year-old was being punished for.

Despite the boys troubled state, no one in the house sought medical attention and he later died from his injuries, officials said. After Damaris death, his family took his body to an abandoned house in the 700 block of Van Buren Street in Gary.

Damari was reported missing Wednesday by his mother and a sibling, and the family at first told police he might be in Skokie, which turned out to be a completely false story contradicted by evidence and resulting in the obstructing justice charges, according to the states attorneys office.

Then investigators quickly turned their focus to the boys home in North Chicago and the three were arrested Friday night. The boys body was discovered in Indiana early the next day.

Damaris tragic death is eerily similar to that of 5-year-old Andrew AJ Freund, of northwest suburban Crystal Lake, who authorities said died in April 2019 after his parents put him in a cold shower for an extended period of time as punishment before he was beaten and put to bed naked, wet and cold. After finding him dead early the next morning, his father allegedly stored the boys body in a plastic tote in the basement before burying his body a few towns away  three days before reporting him missing to police. The FBI was called in to assist on that case, just as with Damari.

AJs parents, JoAnn Cunningham and Andrew Freund Sr., were charged in connection with AJs death not long after AJs body was found in a shallow grave near Woodstock. Both were held on $5 million bail before trial and later were convicted.

Cunningham, 37 at the time, was sentenced to 35 years in prison, which some family members felt was not a harsh enough sentence. Even McHenry County States Attorney Patrick Kenneally said his team was disappointed Cunningham did not receive the maximum 60-year prison term allowed under a plea deal his office reached with defense attorneys. She faced a minimum of 20 years.

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Andrew Freund Sr., then 61, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery of a child and concealment of a homicidal death. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

AJ also had a younger brother who, although displaying no visible signs of abuse or neglect at the time of the investigation, was placed with a licensed foster parent.

Similarly, all other children in the Perry family home were placed in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, authorities said.

Damaris father is not implicated in connection with his sons death. Calls to Damaris father and other relatives were not returned Sunday night.

Jeremiah Perry is scheduled to return to court Tuesday.

An autopsy is expected to be performed Monday in Lake County, Indiana, to determine Damaris cause and manner of death.
Mary Ferrazzano of Westwood knows what it's like to stay up late into the night waiting for a son to return home when he's a police officer.

"A lot of dangerous situations arise in law enforcement," she said. "You have to have faith that God will watch them and keep them safe. That's the best you can do."

Ferrazzano, a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glen Rock, gathered with other congregants Sunday morning to thank law enforcement, pray for their safety and recall those who lost their lives at the church's third annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Service.

The mother of three and grandmother of four could not divulge her son's department because of police policy, she said.

Pastor Jay Unzaga is shown at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Glen Rock, during Law Enforcement Appreciation Sunday. January 9, 2022

The event  which was celebrated live and also aired online to congregants at home  offered a rare display of honor and appreciation for police in an era when they are often the target of hostility around the nation.

Events in the news, such as the killing of George Floyd by a police officer or the handling of Black Lives Matter protests, have often triggered protests against police. But the church service did not touch on news events or politics. The aim was to thank local police for performing a thankless job with grace and dignity.

The event took place on Jan. 9, which was dedicated in 2015 as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day for citizens to thank officers around the country.

The service kicked off with a bagpiper, followed by an honor guard of police who marched down the church aisle as the assembly stood in silence.

Among the small crowd who had braved icy roads and COVID fears were police garbed in uniform, flanked by their loved ones.

"We want to say thank you. We see you. We honor you. We thank you," began Pastor Jay Unzaga.

NJ COVID information: As hospitalizations continue to rise, the number on ventilators has jumped 50%

NJ schools and COVID: Experts at hearing: NJ education during COVID pandemic 'heartbreaking.' State officials didn't show

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Over 500 American law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2021, he said, adding that the pandemic was responsible for the vast majority of the deaths.

The pandemic that has sickened and killed thousands of Americans has also brought out their worst behaviors, he said. Nobody knows that better than the men and women who wear the blue uniform, and who risk their lives daily while racing to those in need of help.

"We want to say thank you. We want to say you are beloved. We want to give you blessings so that God will protect you and your families and the people you serve," he said.

The event was the brainchild of Linda Scarpa, whose two sons work in law enforcement. When she joined the church several years ago, she suggested the idea of a law enforcement service to Ferrazzano, who immediately loved it and offered to help bring it to fruition.

"I feel that the police should be honored," said Scarpa. "They work so hard and during the height of COVID worked 24/7 for us. I hope other churches pick this up. It's important to recognize our first responders."

Members of the Bergen County Honor Guard is shown at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Glen Rock, for Law Enforcement Appreciation Sunday. January 9, 2022

Aside from an annual law enforcement Mass in Newark, Scarpa said, she hasn't heard of many church services honoring living police officers.

Rich Skinner, the chief of Washington Township police, who sat in a front pew, applauded the event. "It's a wonderful idea to recognize law enforcement. We do get appreciation locally in the small towns in Bergen County. We feel the national negativity, too, but in our small towns we also get a lot of support from our residents."

Janet Tenore, a church member, said she was glad to see new attendees in the pews. "It was beautiful," she said about the service. "When the honor guard marched in, it was so emotional. I hope more churches start to do this. Our police deserve to be thanked."

Deena Yellin covers religion for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to her work covering how the spiritual intersects with our daily lives, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: yellin@northjersey.com

Twitter: @deenayellin

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Glen Rock NJ church service thanks police officers
Damage to the front of Schultzy's Place restaurant in Heritage Plaza in Sutton where a SUV crashed through the building Sunday.

SUTTON  Sutton Police, Fire and MedStar ambulance crews Sunday afternoon responded to a vehicle that drove into Schultzy's Place restaurant in Heritage Plaza.

Police said in a Facebook post that there were no major injuries and that the driver of the vehicle was cited. The property owner along with the building inspector will evaluate the damage to see if any other businesses may be affected, police added.

Elsewhere, icy road conditions were to blame for state police temporarily shutting down a portion of Interstate 190 northbound near Exit 9 in West Boylston.

Sanding crews were sent in to treat the road surface before the highway reopened.

In Sturbridge, state police had a portion of Route 84 East down to a single lane in order to treat an icy stretch.

Crews respond to Schultzy's Place restaurant in Heritage Plaza in Sutton where a SUV crashed through the building Sunday.

Damage to a SUV and the front of Schultzy's Place restaurant in Heritage Plaza in Sutton where the vehicle crashed through the building Sunday.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Icy conditions shut down roads Sunday
SEAFORD, NY  Several state lawmakers have weighed in about Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's controversial decision allowing the mask mandate in schools to end. He is giving school districts the power to reverse the mandate.

Ten lawmakers made a joint statement on Friday criticizing Blakeman.



Click here for more information on the story.

This article originally appeared on the Wantagh-Seaford Patch
Through Vincents Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources (Santa Barbara Museum of Art in association with Yale University Press, 306 pages, $60) edited by Eik Kahng

For those who would like to delve deeper into the Columbus Museum of Arts spectacular exhibit, Through Vincents Eyes, there are two beautiful, big books to peruse.

Through Vincents Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources is the catalog for the exhibit, full of scholarly essays and color photographs of works by Van Gogh and a host of his contemporaries. Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved, by exhibit co-curator Steven Naifeh, considers at length the impact those artists had on the Dutch painter.

In the catalog, Through Vincents Eyes, each of the Van Gogh works included in the exhibit is reproduced and described. Also included are color plates of the numerous works by the other artists  Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Gustave Courbet, Edouard Manet, Jean-Francois Millet, Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, to name a few.

More: Year in review/visual arts: Van Gogh exhibits among the highlights of the past year in Columbus

Essays investigate many aspects of Van Goghs artistic development, including a fascinating consideration of his relationship with literature written by Princeton University English professor Rebecca Rainof. In one passage, she discusses Van Goghs love of George Eliots novel, Silas Marner, and how he was inspired to create drawings of a weaver and a child, much like the title hermit character and the orphan little girl he adopts.

Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved (Random House, 411 pages, $40) by Steven Naifeh

Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved takes readers not on a chronological study of the artists life and work but rather, through the many schools of art and artistic periods that influenced him  the Hague School, romanticism, Japanese art, Academic art and impressionism, among them. Naifeh and his late husband, Columbus native Gregory White Smith, wrote the 1994 biography Van Gogh: The Life. Unable to afford purchasing works by Van Gogh, the couple collected pieces by other artists of the period.

Van Gogh wrote about artists he admired and their works in his letters to his brother, Theo. He made his own versions of some of their paintings but, as Naifeh writes, perhaps the clearest way that Van Gogh demonstrated his admiration for certain artists was not by describing their works in extraordinary prose, or even by absorbing their qualities into his paintings and drawings, but by making his own very personal versions of their paintings. It is difficult to think of another artist of Van Goghs greatness who continued to copy the work of other artists so late into his or her career  or to such magnificent effect.

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More: 'Through Vincent's Eyes' exhibit a celebration of the Post-Impressionist painter

Certainly the extensive research that Naifeh and Smith conducted for their biography contributes to the detail and depth in Van Gogh and the Artists He Loved. This book, more friendly to the lay reader than the scholarly essays in the catalog, is also rich with color plates of works by Van Gogh and his contemporaries.

It concludes with an insightful essay by Ann Dumas, curator at the Royal Academy of London, who comments on Van Goghs impact on modern art and how his paintings became renowned after his death, thanks largely to the efforts of his sister-in-law, Theos wife, Jo Van Gogh-Bonger.

The museum show, Through Vincents Eyes, a project of the Columbus Museum of Art and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, is an exceptional exhibition that, thanks to these two books, can be revisited after it is no longer on view in Columbus.

negilson@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Van Gogh is popular in Columbus: Two books shed light on artist
Mark Hirsch/Getty Images

John Deere recently unveiled its new autonomous tractor that's ready for large-scale production.

The tractors will be able to operate without a driver vis mobile device.

While the farming industry has lost workers over the years, some farmers are debating if this technology is necessary.

Self-driving tractors are coming to plow a field near you.

Acruculrual manufacturer John Deere unveiled its new autonomous tractor that's ready for large-scale production at a press conference last week. The company hopes to have the tractors available for sale sometime later in the year.

Farming with these self-driving tractors will look a little different and John Deere hopes the new machinery will help fill the gap between the world's growing population and the dwindling number of workers on farms.

"The global population is expected to grow from about 8 billion to nearly 10 billion people by 2050, increasing the global food demand by 50%," according to a press release from John Deere. "Furthermore, farmers must feed this growing population with less available land and skilled labor, and work through the variables inherent in farming like changing weather conditions and climate, variations in soil quality and the presence of weeds and pests."

The tractor combines technology already in John Deere tractors like GPS navigation, horsepower, and plows with newer innovations that allow it to be autonomous. All that farmers need to do to operate the equipment is set in their field and use their mobile device to start the tractor, according to John Deere. While the machine is on, the farmer can then leave the field.

From their mobile device, farmers will be able to monitor the tractor and see things such as live video, images, data, and metrics that will allow the farmer to make any adjustments as needed.

Although this may seem like a big step for farmers, John Deere has been automating much of its equipment for nearly two decades. Much of the company's machinery today has an auto-steer system that uses GPS to locate and guide tractors. While these tractors still need a driver to correct and missteps and watch the direction of the plow, a lot has been taken off of farmers' hands. This new tractor is just taking these existing technologies to the next level.

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"This is not a demo. It's not a concept machine. It's something we've had in the field with farmers for years and will be taking to production in fall," Deanna Kovar, vice president of production and precision ag production systems at John Deere, said to The Verge.

For certain tractor models, farmers can expect to spend over $600,000. While John Deere is selling the automation system separately so it can be downloaded into tractors they already own, some farmers are still worried about the costs.

Many farmers say they can't even repair their John Deere tractors on their own, they have to find a John Deere authorized repair shop to do the work for them which can be expensive. The company even has the availability to remotely shut down many of its tractors using cloud technology if a farmer has modified their equipment or has missed a lease payment on their machine.

"I'm all for innovation, and I think John Deere is a helluva company, but they're trying to be the Facebook of farming," Kevin Kenney, an agricultural engineer who believes farmers have the right to repair their own equipment, told Wired.

While self-driving machinery could help farmers save money in the long term by limiting the number of workers they need on their farms, the necessity of the involvement of artificial intelligence in farming is still debated amongst farmers.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Olzhas Auyezov and Tamara Vaal

ALMATY (Reuters) - Kazakhstan's president fired two more top security officials on Sunday after the worst unrest in three decades of post-Soviet independence and authorities said the situation was stabilising, with Russian-led troops guarding key facilities.

The sacked officials were deputies to former intelligence chief Karim Massimov, who was arrested on suspicion of treason after violent protests swept the oil- and uranium-producing Central Asian republic that borders Russia and China.

Thousands of people have been detained and public buildings torched during mass anti-government protests in the past week. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev issued shoot-to-kill orders to end unrest he has blamed on bandits and terrorists.

Russian and state media reported 164 people were killed during the clashes, citing a government social media post. But health and police authorities did not confirm the figure, and the social media post was then deleted.

The internet has been restricted and telecoms patchy, making it difficult to check figures and confirm statements.

No single group has emerged to speak for the protesters. Demonstrations against a fuel price rise began a week ago before erupting into a wider protest against Tokayev's government and the man he replaced as veteran president, 81-year-old Nursultan Nazarbayev.

At Tokayev's invitation, a Russia-led alliance of ex-Soviet states - the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) - sent troops to restore order, an intervention that comes at a time of high tension in Russia-U.S. relations ahead of talks this week on the Ukraine crisis.

Tokayev's spokesman said on Sunday he thought the forces would not be in Kazakhstan for long, and possibly no more than a week or even less.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders of CSTO countries will hold a video conference on Monday to discuss the crisis in Kazakhstan, the Kremlin said.

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The violence has spurred speculation of a rift in the ruling elite, with Tokayev fighting to consolidate his authority after firing key officials and removing Nazarbayev from a powerful role as head of the Security Council.

The president's website announced the sackings of Marat Osipov and Daulet Ergozhin as deputy heads of the National Security Committee. It gave no explanation in a terse statement late on Sunday.

Their arrested former boss, Massimov, a two-time prime minister, was seen as close to Nazarbayev. Authorities have not disclosed any details of the allegations against him. He and his lawyer could not be reached for comment.

In a statement meant to quash talk of a rift, Nazarbayev's spokesman said Nazarbayev had been in the capital Nur-Sultan throughout the crisis and chose himself to give up his security council post to Tokayev to help ease the crisis.

"(He) and the head of state have always been 'on the same side of the barricades'... In these difficult days they have demonstrated the monolithic nature of state power for all of us," the statement said, calling for people to rally around Tokayev.

Former Prime Minister Akezhan Kazhegeldin told Reuters that Tokayev needed to dispel doubts about who was really in charge.

"I think a lot of people in social networks, critics, continue to say he's a nominee of Nazarbayev, that Nazarbayev is standing behind his back and manipulating him," he said.

"Now he has complete formal executive power, the question is how he will deploy it. He needs to take command."

Tokayev is likely to name new government members when he addresses parliament on Tuesday, his spokesman said.

He awarded prizes for bravery to 16 police and army officers killed in the violence.

IMAGE SETBACK

"The situation has been stabilised in all regions of the country," the presidential office said, adding law enforcement agencies had seized back control of administrative buildings.

"The counter-terrorist operation ... will be continued until the complete elimination of the terrorists," Deputy Defence Minister Sultan Gamaletdinov said.

The violence has dealt a blow to Kazakhstan's image as a tightly controlled and stable country, which it has used to attract hundreds of billions of dollars of Western investment in its oil and minerals industries.

Police said 6,044 people had been arrested in connection with the unrest.

Russian paratrooper commander Andrey Serdyukov said the CSTO force had finished deploying to Kazakhstan and would remain there until the situation stabilised completely.

"A number of strategic facilities have been transferred under the protection of the united peacekeeping contingent of the CSTO member states," the presidential office said.

Serdyukov said the troops were guarding important military, state and socially-important sites in the city of Almaty and nearby areas. He did not identify the facilities.

The deployments signal resolute Kremlin backing for the Kazakh authorities in a region Moscow sees as vital to its security along its southern flank.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was seeking answers from Kazakhstan as to why it needed to call in Russian-led forces to resolve domestic unrest. He also denounced the government's shoot-to-kill order.

CASH MACHINES GUTTED

In Almaty, the biggest city where much of the violence was concentrated, normal life appeared to be returning on Sunday.

Security forces have set up checkpoints around the city. Smashed windows, gutted cash machines and torched buildings bore witness to the destruction.

The main Republic Square remained sealed off.

Reuters saw two military vehicles with mounted machine guns driving towards the square. Most of dozens of civilian and police cars torched during the unrest had been removed.

Supermarket chain Magnum said 15 of its 68 stores in Almaty had been looted.

A shopping mall's staff told Reuters that video cameras showed looters attacking an ATM, changing into stolen clothes at the stores and walking out wearing two or three coats.

Yerkin Zhumabekov, a mall manager, said: "They arrived in cars with no number plates at night, they destroyed everything. They took everything they could, shoes, clothes, cosmetics."

(Reporting by Olzhas Auzeyov, Tamara Vaal, Mariya Gordeeva Robin Paxton and Mark Trevelyan; Writing by Mark Trevelyan, Tom Balmforth and Phil Stewart; Editing by Louise Heavens, Frank Jack Daniel, Andrew Heavens, Frances Kerry and Diane Craft)
Judge Roberts Kengis was appointed chief judge of the 48th Circuit Court for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1.

ALLEGAN  Judge Roberts Kengis took over supervision of the 48th Circuit Court on Jan. 1 as chief judge after he was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to replace Judge Margaret Zuzich Bakker in the role.

Bakker, who remains on the 48th Circuit Court bench, became Allegan County's first female circuit court judge when she won election to the position in 2010. Bakker was immediately appointed chief judge and served 11 years as chief judge.

The chief judge holds "administrative superintending power and control over the judges of the court and all court personnel, including the friend of the court," according to Michigan Court Rule, managing staffing, caseload, court finances, making county clerk and prosecutor's office appointments and managing assignment and reassignment of cases.

Kengis was appointed to the circuit court judgeship in March 2018 by then-governor Rick Snyder after the resignation of Judge Kevin Cronin. He was elected to a six-year term in 2020.

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Before taking the bench, Kengis served as the elected prosecuting attorney for Allegan County.

Bakker did not apply for reappointment in this appointment cycle, circuit court administrator Jennifer Brink said, and supported Kengis's application for chief judge in a letter to the Michigan Supreme Court.

"Since Judge Kengis was appointed, Judge Bakker and Judge Kengis have worked together on chief duties, and the two plan on continuing this practice moving forward," Brink wrote in an email. "Whenever an issue arises or a policy decision needs to be made, Judge Bakker and Judge Kengis always discuss the matter prior to the chief making the final decision."

The Michigan Supreme Court votes on the appointment of chief judges for Michigan courts every two years after "an extensive review process," according to the State Court Administrative Office.

In the same order appointing Kengis, the Court also reappointed Judge Michael Buck to chief probate court judge for Allegan County and Judge Joseph Skocelas to chief judge of the 57th District Court.

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Judges Jon Van Allsburg, Mark Feyen and Bradley Knoll were reappointed to two-year terms as chief judges of Ottawa County's 20th Circuit Court, Probate Court and 58th District Court, respectively.

 Contact reporter Carolyn Muyskens at cmuyskens@hollandsentinel.com and follow her on Twitter at @cjmuyskens.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Kengis replaces Bakker as 48th Circuit Court chief judge
A man takes a photo of a medical marijuana flag July 30 in front of the Capitol as supporters of medical marijuana rally at the Capitol in support of better transparency from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.

One of the biggest challenges Oklahoma faced in 2021 with its nascent medical marijuana industry was enforcement.

It was a both a law problem and a human problem. The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority had limits in how it could enforce the rules. And even if they had that power, the agency didn't have enough inspectors to visit every cannabis business.

OMMA is closer to realizing its staffing goals in 2022, however.

The Legislature gave the agency stronger authority to shut down noncompliant businesses. Director Adria Berry said staffing at OMMA has grown by about 75% since May, and it now has 171 employees. This is after the state Legislature beefed up funding to increase staffing levels.

More: Medical marijuana farm planned for former Crossroads Mall department store

Of that number, 67 work in the division that ensures businesses comply with the law.

"We do still have hiring to do," Berry said. "We're looking at at least 30 more compliance inspectors, and then we'll reevaluate once we get to that number and see how many more we need."

Whittling down businesses as numbers grew out of control

No one truly knows how many cannabis businesses there are in Oklahoma. Until last year, the state had no way to verify if a license holder was actually doing business.

This fact is a sobering example of how quickly Oklahoma's cannabis industry has grown, and shines a light on troubles OMMA has regulating the industry.

People who follow the cannabis industry might notice in 2022 a decreasing number of business licensees. The first large chunk of those will be businesses that did not comply with a new law aimed at negating the effect of foreign money.

Marijuana businesses must sign an official document confirming or denying the existence of any foreign financial interest.

More: Second petition filed to legalize recreational cannabis in Oklahoma

Berry said the state has filed 650 administrative cases to revoke licenses for businesses that didn't sign the document. Hundreds more will be filed in the coming months.

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Many license holders voluntarily surrendered their license when the case was filed.

"I think some of them either were operating businesses and no longer are, or they just got a license to hold on to," Berry said.

Licensure spiked last year when lawmakers discussed capping the number of licenses that can be issued, Berry said. It's likely a significant amount of those are dormant, with the license holder never actually launching a business.

Cannabis could be a hot topic at the Capitol this session

It might come as a surprise, but there currently isn't a legal ability for the OMMA to perform business inspections before issuing a license, something Berry said she's asking lawmakers to change.

"If you think of a restaurant or a hair salon or anywhere like that, that serves people, or even agriculture farms, there is always pre-licensure inspection," she said.

It will take legislative action at the state Capitol to achieve, and the idea already is circulating among lawmakers.

One of the most vocal legislators on cannabis issues, state Rep. Scott Fetgatter, said he still hears concerns from his constituents about the proliferation of grow operations and how often criminal organizations profit from it.

More: Could recreational marijuana be in Oklahoma's future in 2022? Here's a look

State investigators have received tips about illegal marijuana grow operations from every county, and in June alone, several high-profile raids uncovered thousands of plants worth tens of millions of dollars, as well as dozens of workers who were paid little or no money while laboring in poor conditions.

With more inspections and the implementation of a seed-to-sale tracking system currently tied up in district court, those concerns could be alleviated. It's been a long time coming: Oklahoma picked the tracking system, operated by a company called Metrc, 16 months ago. Legal challenges have claimed that the state improperly selected Metrc and is thwarting competition.

Could the OMMA branch off from the state Health Department?

Another big change for OMMA in 2022 could be that it gets to be its own agency. It's currently housed in the state Health Department, but lawmakers have discussed the agency's ability to stand alone.

"OMMA is big enough. They fund themselves. They're funded through licensing fees and excise tax," Fetgatter said. "They need to be a standalone agency that can make the decisions it needs to make as it pertains to public safety and health, without having to go through a bunch of bureaucratic red tape."

When asked about Capitol discussions to create a standalone agency, Berry simply replied that she's glad OMMA has a seat at the table.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma taking major steps to enforce marijuana law in 2022
Chicago Public Schools canceled classes for the fourth school day in a row as Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Teachers Union continued negotiating on a potential reopening of city schools.

Out of fairness and consideration for parents who need to prepare, classes will be canceled again Monday, Lightfoot tweeted late Sunday. Although we have been negotiating hard throughout the day, there has not been sufficient progress for us to predict a return to class tomorrow.

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Earlier in the day, CTU tweeted, The Union wants to reassure the parents and guardians of Chicago that we will remain at the bargaining table until we reach an agreement that will return us all to in-person learning safely and equitably.

In the morning, Lightfoot accused the Chicago Teachers Union of abandoning kids and their families but said she remains hopeful an agreement can be reached to reopen schools Monday.

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Lightfoot made the comments during a national interview Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press, in which she vacillated between criticizing the union and saying she hopes to soon reach an agreement with union brass. Asked if schools could reopen Monday, Lightfoot said: Were working like the dickens to make sure we get a deal done today so Im hopeful.

At another point, she said shes doing everything she can to make sure schools reopen this week.

To be clear, what the Chicago Teachers Union did was an illegal walkout, Lightfoot said. They abandoned their posts and they abandoned kids and their families.

The biggest point of contention between Chicago Public Schools and the union is over remote learning, which Lightfoot said her administration categorically rejects.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot addresses news media about COVID-19 and Chicago Public Schools during a news conference at Chicago City Hall on Jan. 5, 2022. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

The unions most recent proposal, announced Saturday, calls for districtwide remote learning beginning Wednesday if school officials agree to a set of additional COVID-19 safety protocols.

Sign up for The Spin to get the top stories in politics delivered to your inbox weekday afternoons.

But even before the unions announcement was complete, Lightfoot shot down the idea, accusing the union of not listening.

Under Saturdays offer, CTU members would return to classrooms starting Monday  not for formal classes but to distribute laptops and help students sign up for a weekly, school-based COVID-19 testing program. Remote learning would begin Wednesday with in-person classes slated to resume Jan. 18, assuming case numbers hold tight.

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Scores of Chicago Public Schools staff members and students already are absent from in-person classes because they have COVID-19 or are quarantining because of possible exposure. But Lightfoot, CPS and public health officials have repeatedly opposed a wholesale return to remote learning during the standoff that so far has resulted in three days of canceled classes.

As of Thursday, the union had demanded a negative PCR test for students to return to class, but the new proposal would scrap that requirement for a plan in which 10% of a schools population would be tested at random each week, on top of those who already have signed up for a voluntary weekly testing program.

If 20% or more of a schools CTU staff is isolating or quarantining because of COVID-19, the school would switch to remote learning, according to the proposal. The threshold would jump to 25% if there are fewer than 100 employees at the school.

In-person learning also would be suspended at elementary schools if more than 30% of students are isolating, from more than 30% of homerooms. For high school and middle school programs, the threshold to suspend in-person classes would be if more than 25% of the student body is isolating.

Another new proposal from the union is an increase to the monthly substitute teacher stipend, from $420 to $1,000.

The union also continues to call for regular mask distribution and for reinstating the health screener at schools where administrators request that option.

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During her Sunday appearance on Meet the Press, Lightfoot said shes opposed to districtwide remote learning and defended her administrations handling of COVID cases. She also said there are only 53 outbreaks tied to schools.

We havent sat idly by and let COVID rage through our schools, Lightfoot said. When theres been a necessity to shut down a classroom or shut down a school, to go to remote learning, weve done that.

She added: Were following the science. And what I wont do is allow the teachers union to politicize this surge or the pandemic in general. People are nervous. They are scared. We get that, but the thing to do is to lean into the facts and the science and not abandon them in a panic.

In negotiating with CTU, Lightfoot faces several challenges and has relatively little leverage. Her administration has filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the union, which seeks to have the work action stopped, though that could take significant time to resolve (the union also filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the district). Lightfoot also has called on teachers to return to their classrooms, despite the unions vote, which is unlikely to sway the opinion of a significant number of educators. About 13% of CTU teachers showed up to buildings late last week, the district said.

Asked what leverage she has over the union, Lightfoot said, The leverage I think we have is weve got the will of the people. Parents are outraged and theyre making their outrage known to the teachers union.

While Lightfoots dispute with the union over remote learning is ongoing, her office quietly extended permission for its employees to continue temporarily working from home.

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Late last month Lightfoot authorized staff members to work remotely through Jan. 7, but her chief of staff told workers last week that they can work from home for at least another week.

Lightfoots office acknowledged that the mayors staff is currently allowed to work remotely but said it isnt an apples-to-apples comparison and noted other city workers, such as police, arent allowed to work remotely.

gpratt@chicagotribune.com
GUATEMALA CITY (AP)  A long-simmering dispute between communities in western Guatemala exploded into violence again Friday, when federal authorities reported they were met with gunfire that left at least one officer dead and others wounded.

Nahuala, a mountainous municipality about 95 miles west of Guatemala City, had already been under a declared state of emergency since the bodies of 13 people were found there Dec. 18.

National Police spokesman Jorge Aguilar said an officer of the anti-riot force was killed.

Residents of Nahuala and neighboring Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan have been feuding for more than 100 years over land boundaries and states of emergency have been declared periodically when violence erupts.

On Dec. 18, 13 bodies were found in the Nahuala village of Chiquix. The victims were apparently from Santa Catarina Ixtahuacan and had crossed Nahuala to collect their harvests. They were intercepted and shot. Three men from Nahuala were arrested in relation to the killings. Emotions have been running high ever since.
The Recount

Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) sounded off during a press conference about Trevor Noahs jabs at him and the state of Florida during the White House Correspondents dinner on Saturday. The Florida governor and possible 2024 presidential candidate who did not attend the dinner said he never would have and had no interest in it. During his monologue, Noah roasted politicians from both parties.
Chicago Public Schools canceled classes for the fourth school day in a row as Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Teachers Union continued negotiating on a potential reopening of city schools.

Out of fairness and consideration for parents who need to prepare, classes will be canceled again Monday, Lightfoot tweeted late Sunday. Although we have been negotiating hard throughout the day, there has not been sufficient progress for us to predict a return to class tomorrow.

Earlier in the day, CTU tweeted, The Union wants to reassure the parents and guardians of Chicago that we will remain at the bargaining table until we reach an agreement that will return us all to in-person learning safely and equitably.

In the morning, Lightfoot accused the Chicago Teachers Union of abandoning kids and their families but said she remains hopeful an agreement can be reached to reopen schools Monday.

Lightfoot made the comments during a national interview Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press, in which she vacillated between criticizing the union and saying she hopes to soon reach an agreement with union brass. Asked if schools could reopen Monday, Lightfoot said: Were working like the dickens to make sure we get a deal done today so Im hopeful.

At another point, she said shes doing everything she can to make sure schools reopen this week.

To be clear, what the Chicago Teachers Union did was an illegal walkout, Lightfoot said. They abandoned their posts and they abandoned kids and their families.

The biggest point of contention between Chicago Public Schools and the union is over remote learning, which Lightfoot said her administration categorically rejects.

The unions most recent proposal, announced Saturday, calls for districtwide remote learning beginning Wednesday if school officials agree to a set of additional COVID-19 safety protocols.

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Story continues

But even before the unions announcement was complete, Lightfoot shot down the idea, accusing the union of not listening.

Under Saturdays offer, CTU members would return to classrooms starting Monday  not for formal classes but to distribute laptops and help students sign up for a weekly, school-based COVID-19 testing program. Remote learning would begin Wednesday with in-person classes slated to resume Jan. 18, assuming case numbers hold tight.

Scores of Chicago Public Schools staff members and students already are absent from in-person classes because they have COVID-19 or are quarantining because of possible exposure. But Lightfoot, CPS and public health officials have repeatedly opposed a wholesale return to remote learning during the standoff that so far has resulted in three days of canceled classes.

As of Thursday, the union had demanded a negative PCR test for students to return to class, but the new proposal would scrap that requirement for a plan in which 10% of a schools population would be tested at random each week, on top of those who already have signed up for a voluntary weekly testing program.

If 20% or more of a schools CTU staff is isolating or quarantining because of COVID-19, the school would switch to remote learning, according to the proposal. The threshold would jump to 25% if there are fewer than 100 employees at the school.

In-person learning also would be suspended at elementary schools if more than 30% of students are isolating, from more than 30% of homerooms. For high school and middle school programs, the threshold to suspend in-person classes would be if more than 25% of the student body is isolating.

Another new proposal from the union is an increase to the monthly substitute teacher stipend, from $420 to $1,000.

The union also continues to call for regular mask distribution and for reinstating the health screener at schools where administrators request that option.

During her Sunday appearance on Meet the Press, Lightfoot said shes opposed to districtwide remote learning and defended her administrations handling of COVID cases. She also said there are only 53 outbreaks tied to schools.

We havent sat idly by and let COVID rage through our schools, Lightfoot said. When theres been a necessity to shut down a classroom or shut down a school, to go to remote learning, weve done that.

She added: Were following the science. And what I wont do is allow the teachers union to politicize this surge or the pandemic in general. People are nervous. They are scared. We get that, but the thing to do is to lean into the facts and the science and not abandon them in a panic.

In negotiating with CTU, Lightfoot faces several challenges and has relatively little leverage. Her administration has filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the union, which seeks to have the work action stopped, though that could take significant time to resolve (the union also filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the district). Lightfoot also has called on teachers to return to their classrooms, despite the unions vote, which is unlikely to sway the opinion of a significant number of educators. About 13% of CTU teachers showed up to buildings late last week, the district said.

Asked what leverage she has over the union, Lightfoot said, The leverage I think we have is weve got the will of the people. Parents are outraged and theyre making their outrage known to the teachers union.

While Lightfoots dispute with the union over remote learning is ongoing, her office quietly extended permission for its employees to continue temporarily working from home.

Late last month Lightfoot authorized staff members to work remotely through Jan. 7, but her chief of staff told workers last week that they can work from home for at least another week.

Lightfoots office acknowledged that the mayors staff is currently allowed to work remotely but said it isnt an apples-to-apples comparison and noted other city workers, such as police, arent allowed to work remotely.

gpratt@chicagotribune.com
Austin, Texas. RYAN KYTE/Getty Images

Facebook's parent Meta will lease 589,000 square feet of office space in Austin, Texas.

Austin Business Journal reported that the leased space will be in the city's tallest building.

The 66-story skyscraper is still under construction and due to be completed in 2023.

Facebook's parent company Meta has signed a deal to snag a huge amount of extra office space in Austin, Texas.

Austin Business Journal recently reported that the company will lease the entire commercial section of Sixth and Guadalupe, a 66-floor tower that is still under construction.

The building is expected to be the city's largest and is due to be completed in 2023.

The deal, which took place on December 31, according to the outlet, appears to be the second-largest single office lease in the city. Meta will rent 589,000 square feet of office space across 33 floors of the property, it added.

Meta did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Katherine Shappley, head of Meta's Austin office and vice president for commerce customer success, told Austin Business Journal: "We first came to Austin over 10 years ago with just seven employees, now over 2,000 of us are proud to call Austin home. We're committed to Austin and look forward to growing here together."

Last December, Meta joined other major tech companies, including Google and Lyft, in delaying mandatory office returns, amid the rise of the Omicron variant.

The company still planned to forge ahead with the reopening of its offices on January 31, although it said it would give staff more flexibility over how they worked. As part of this move, workers would have the option to delay returning by three to five months.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former first lady Michelle Obama said in a letter on Sunday that a coalition of voting rights organizations would register more than a million new voters across the country in the run-up to this years midterm elections.

Obama, who founded When We All Vote, a campaign to register and organize voters, also said in the letter that the coalition would organize at least 100,000 Americans to contact their senators, urging them to pass the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Election reform legislation is struggling to pass the Senate, as moderate Democrats are reluctant to change Senate rules and push it through.

Obamas letter, which ran as an ad in the Sunday New York Times, comes at the start of a week when President Joe Biden will travel to Georgia to speak on what the administration views as Republican efforts to suppress the vote. Biden is expected to talk about his support for a filibuster carveout that would allow voting rights legislation to pass the Senate.

The push for voting reform is intensifying ahead of the 2022 midterms, in which Democrats will fight to maintain their narrow control of the 50-50 Senate as Republican-led state legislatures across the country enact restrictive voting laws.

In the letter, titled Fight For Our Vote, Obama referenced the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

One year ago, we witnessed an unprecedented assault on our Capitol and our democracy, she wrote. From Georgia and Florida to Iowa and Texas, states passed laws designed to make it harder for Americans to vote. And in other state legislatures across the nation, lawmakers have attempted to do the same.

She compared modern voter suppression tactics to poll taxes, literacy tests, and laws designed to strip away [Americans] power, saying that we must give Congress no choice but to act decisively to protect the right to vote and make the ballot box more accessible for everyone.

The letter outlined a plan for this year that includes recruiting and training at least 100,000 volunteers through 2022 to register and turn out voters; registering more than a million new voters nationwide; and recruiting thousands of lawyers to protect voters in the states where the freedom to vote is threatened.

In addition to Obama, the letter was signed by multiple high-profile groups, including Vote.org, the NAACP and the National Urban League.
Brandt Wajda, of Hopedale, has been named project executive for Boston-based Commodore Builders' Strategic Projects Group.

He brings nearly 23 years of relevant experience, including contract execution, project pricing and subcontractor procurement.

Wajda

Wajda previously worked at NEI General Contractor where he held the roles of senior project manager and project executive. He has also worked at Consigli Construction, Toll Brothers and Guerriere & Halnon Inc.

A Milford native, he holds a degree in civil engineering from UMass Dartmouth.

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Alison Howard, of Medfield, has been hired as director of marketing at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate, a Natick-based a full-service real estate brokerage that is a division of Commonwealth Realty Group, LLC.

She is responsible for developing an overall organizational marketing strategy, including managing new and existing marketing programs and conceiving and executing services and strategies to drive growth.

Howard brings marketing experience in venture capital, high-tech marketing and agency advertising. Her previous employers include Zozimus and Highland Capital Partners.

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Jeanine Hamilton, of Waltham, has been named to the board of directots at Operation ABLE, a Boston-based nonprofit provider of training programs and employment services.

Hamilton brings more than 25 years of staffing and recruiting experience. She established Hire Partnership in 2008, a leading employment agency, recruiting firm and temp staffing agency in Boston.

Before launching her own business, Hamilton served as senior vice president of client operations for a national organization. She also sits on the Employee Advisory Committee for Operation ABLE.

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Marianne Kitchenka, of Maynard, has joined the Middlesex Digestive Health & Endoscopy Center in Acton to assist with bookkeeping and office management.

Kitchenka came to Middlesex Digestive as a client, and the practice came to learn she was a fit for an open role as medical secretary/referral specialist.

Story continues

Since its inception in 2006, Middlesex Digestive has grown from a staff of five to 60, including a number of physicians with decades of experience in gastroenterology, psychiatry and specialized areas such as IBD, Celiac, Crohns, weight management, cancer screening and GERD management.

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Dr. Guy Fish, CEO of the Greater Lawrence Family Health Centers, has been added to the board of directors at Arch Therapeutics Inc., a Framingham-based marketer and developer of self-assembling wound care and biosurgical devices.

He brings several years of experience and expertise as an operator, investor, board member and adviser to numerous health care and biotechnology companies.

Fish holds a medical degree and MBA from Yale University. He previously earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Harvard University.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Brandt Wajda Alison Howard Hopedale Milford Natick construction real estate
The League of Women Voters of Collier County is hosting a virtual Forum for the City of Naples Council Candidates, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, from 6 to 7:30 pm. Five candidates are running for three seats; they are Ray Christman, John Dugan, Terry Hutchison, Beth Petrunoff and Ian Rudnick.

Election Day is Tuesday, Feb. 1.

Municipal elections impact many services in our community. Only 25 percent of eligible voters participated in the last off-year Naples City Council election, Feb. 6, 2018. The League is working to improve that percentage.

The Candidate Forum is hosted by the League of Women Voters of Collier County, in partnership with the Naples Better Government, Collier Citizens Council and Greater Naples Leadership. The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

For updated information about the candidates forum, visit the League website at https://www.lwvcollliercounty.org.

League of Women Voters of Collier County.

HOW TO WATCH THE FORUM

Naples City TV  broadcast on local cable stations Comcast Cable 98, Century Link 95, and Summit Cable 98

Online via City of Naples live stream. https://www.naplesgov.com/citymanager/page/naples-tv

On Facebook:

WGCU Facebook account: WGCU Public Media

LWVCC Facebook account: League of Women Voters Collier County FL

For the most current information: https://www.lwvcolliercounty.org/forum

Viewers can email questions during the forum to naples.forum22@aol.com

Recordings will be available after the event.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples City Council candidates forum hosted by League of Women Voters
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken speaks in the briefing room of the State Department on Friday ahead of bilateral talks with Russia on Monday in Geneva. (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)

The U.S. and Russia open high-stake talks on the fate of Ukraine on Monday, but prospects for a resolution  or any agreement  are dim, diplomats say.

Moscow and Washington are worlds apart on whether Ukraine should be embraced by the West or cast its lot with Vladimir Putins Russia. And U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has had to struggle to build unity among America's allies on how to defend Kyiv from an increasingly aggressive Russia.

Its very hard to make actual progress with Russia in an atmosphere of escalation and threat with a gun pointed to Ukraines head, Blinken said ahead of the talks.

Russia, which invaded a part of Ukraine nearly eight years ago, has amassed some 100,000 troops along the border in recent weeks and spewed a campaign of invective, accusing Ukraine and the NATO alliance of posing a looming threat.

After a couple of telephone conversations between Presidents Biden and Putin, and dozens of other lower-level consults, the two governments agreed to a meeting Monday in Geneva of the Strategic Stability Dialogue, a U.S.-Russia working group established last year to focus on arms control, followed by meetings the rest of the week involving NATO and other larger multilateral organizations. The U.S. delegation is being led by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman.

Biden, Blinken and NATO officials have issued dire warnings to Russia if it were to follow through with another invasion of Ukraine. Most punishment would involve additional economic sanctions on Moscow, Putin and Russian oligarchs, the Western officials say. Numerous sanctions already in place, however, have failed to alter Putins behavior.

Most officials are ruling out military action beyond continuing to arm Ukraine forces and, possibly, repositioning additional NATO troops on the eastern flank of NATO territory that includes countries such as Poland.

"A diplomatic solution is still possible and preferable," Blinken said. "If Russia chooses it."

Story continues

Ukraine has symbolism for both the U.S. and Russia that extends past its real-life role. For Putin, it represents part of the lost power of the Soviet Union, which he yearns to reestablish. In Washington, Ukraine came to represent the corruption of the Trump administration after then-President Trump attempted to secure political favors from President Volodymyr Zelensky, actions that led to Trump's first impeachment.

The broader issue, however, is how Russia and the rest of U.S.-allied Europe will coexist. Much of Europe  including nations once part of the former Soviet bloc  are now part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization with the United States and Canada.

NATO expansion into the part of the world he considers Russia's domain infuriates Putin.

U.S. diplomats are also worried about presenting a united front to Russia. Major powers such as Germany have rhetorically condemned Moscow's belligerence but are more dependent on Russia for energy and trade than the U.S. is. They may be inclined to refrain from tough actions to punish Putin.

The U.S. says it has committed $2.5 billion in defensive military equipment to Ukraine over the last seven years and would ramp that up if Russia continued its aggressive position.

"President Biden has told President Putin, should Russia further invade Ukraine, we will provide additional defensive material to the Ukrainians above and beyond that which we already are in the process of providing," a senior State Department official said in a briefing of reporters conducted on condition of anonymity.

William Taylor, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine who became a star witness in Trump's first impeachment hearings, is among several officials and experts who advocate ramping up sanctions against Moscow now rather than waiting for an invasion.

"If you wait until [Putin] moves, you are responding, not deterring," he said.

U.S. administration officials said they might be able to find some common ground with Russia on broader arms control, missile deployments, military exercises or similar issues. But both the U.S. and Russia have bottom-line demands that the other side considers nonstarters.

Putin wants a pledge that NATO will not expand further. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated Friday that countries that want to join the 30-nation alliance will be welcome to apply.

And for Washington, Russian de-escalation is imperative.

The upcoming talks may be a start, Taylor said, "but nothing really serious is going to happen as long as Russia is mounting troops" at the edge of Ukraine.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
OAKLAND COUNTY, MI  Here are Patch's top stories from Oakland County this past week.

Stabbing Leaves 2 Dead, 1 Injured In Shelby Twp: Police

Two people were killed and another critically injured in a triple stabbing inside a Shelby Township home Sunday morning, according to police.



Oxford HS Unveils Plan To Bring Students Back To School

Oxford High School plans to bring students back to the building on Jan. 24, Superintendent Tim Throne said in a statement Wednesday.



Accused Oxford Shooter Could Plead Guilty: Report

Accused Oxford school shooter Ethan Crumbley could plead guilty to killing four of his high school classmates and wounding seven others at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, according to a report by WWJ News.



1 Shot On I-75 In Oakland County: MSP

Michigan State Police are investigating an Oakland County freeway shooting that left one in critical condition on Friday morning, officials said.



Parents Of Accused Oxford Shooter Lose Bid To Reduce Bail

The parents of accused Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley were denied a bond reduction in court on Friday. Lawyers for James and Jennifer Crumbley were seeking to reduce their bond from $500,000 each to $100,000 each.



COVID-19 Hospitalizations Surge In Michigan: MDHHS

Confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations are increasing again in Michigan, state health officials reported Monday.



MI Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence Will Not Seek Re-election

Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence announced Tuesday night she will not seek re-election to the U.S. Congress.

Beaumont Health Says It's At "Breaking Point" With COVID-19 Surge

Beaumont Health said it's at a "breaking point" as its hospitals are caring for more than 750 COVID-19 patients, 62 percent of which are unvaccinated, officials said Thursday in a statement.

This article originally appeared on the Troy Patch
OCEANSIDE, CA The recent surge in COVID-19 cases has prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to activate the California National Guard to support testing facilities.

California has led the countrys fight against COVID-19, implementing first-in-the-nation public health measures that have helped save tens of thousands of lives, said Governor Newsom. We continue to support communities in their response to COVID by bolstering testing capacity.



In San Diego County there are six testing sites that are receiving assistance from the National Guard including one location in Oceanside:

3708 Ocean Ranch Blvd, Oceanside, CA 92056 (Tuesday-Saturday 7am-7pm)

649 W Mission Ave, Escondido, CA 92025 ( Tuesday-Saturday 7am-7pm)

5330 Linda Vista Rd, San Diego, CA 92110 (Monday-Friday 7am-3pm)

1301 Oleander Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911 (Tuesday-Saturday 7am-7pm)

200 S Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 (Monday-Friday 7am-7pm)

1221 D Ave, National City, CA 91950 (Tuesday-Saturday 7am-7pm)

NEW: California is deploying the National Guard to testing sites to help expand capacity.



If youre feeling sick, dont hesitate to get tested.



Make an appointment now: https://t.co/gyG4api36l pic.twitter.com/pV60vHx3SF

 Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) January 8, 2022

FREE COVID TESTING / PRUEBA DE COVID



Services:



COVID-19 Test

COVID-19 Vaccines for those 12 and older

Distribution of masks, and other COVID safety materials

COVID-19 Health Education

Oceanside City Hall offers free COVID-19 testing

The City of Oceanside COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information.

Related: Fake COVID-19 Tests Are Latest  But Not Only  Coronavirus Scam



This article originally appeared on the Oceanside-Camp Pendleton Patch
A 40-year-old Mount Prospect woman was formally charged in Glenview Friday in an August accident which killed a bicyclist.

Ewelina F. Pikulska, 40, of the 1100 block of Hunt Club Drive, Mount Prospect, was charged Friday with leaving the scene of an accident involving death (felony) and leaving the scene of an accident involving death _ failure to report within  hour (Felony), Glenview police announced in a news release.

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She will be taken for a bond hearing on Saturday, the release said.

Pikulska was arrested on Oct. 2 in Florida on a nationwide warrant for leaving the scene of an accident involving death stemming from an investigation into an Aug. 21 fatal hit and run crash involving a car and a bicycle near Sanders Road and South Parkway Drive in Glenview. At the time of the Florida arrest, Pikulska was listed at a Des Plaines address.

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Trinidad Salgado, 59, Wheeling, was the cyclist killed in the crash which happened in the north suburb shortly after 3 a.m., police said.

According to the news release, the investigation revealed that about 3:05 a.m. Aug. 21, Pikulska drove her gray 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport south on Sanders Road near South Parkway Drive and struck Salgado, in the roadway. Pikulska did not stop her vehicle following the crash, left the area without rendering medical aid to Salgado and did not notify police of the crash.

The investigation revealed that Pikulska was in Okaloosa County, Florida. Pikulska was taken into custody by the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office and was later extradited..
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The Ohio Department of Transportation is seeking input on proposed improvements to a portion of Route 14 near the border of Streetsboro, Shalersville and Ravenna Township.

ODOT is proposing safety improvements on Route 14 at Price and Lake Rockwell roads. The work is expected to start and finish next year, and cost is estimated at $1.97 million. The project will be funded by ODOT safety funds, ODOT spokesman Justin Chesnic said.

Any comments about the proposed project, maintenance of traffic or environmental impact should be submitted by Feb. 6 via ODOT's project page.

The proposed project area includes 0,72 miles along Route 14, at the intersections of Price and Lake Rockwell roads, and affects the "climbing" or auxiliary lanes of the road. The existing auxiliary lane of Route 14 would be removed and replaced with left turn lanes at the intersection. The existing southbound auxiliary lane would be extended south another 760 linear feet. The project also includes improvements to the Price and Lake Rockwell road intersections, resurfacing of Route 14, new signs and pavement markings.

The construction will be phased to minimize disruption, and at least one lane of traffic on Route 14 will be maintained in each direction. However, there may be short turning restrictions on Price and Lake Rockwell roads. Substantial environmental impacts are not expected.

Those who have commentsbcan contact Brian Peck, environmental specialist, at 330-786-4931 or Brian.Peck@dot.ohio.gov

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: ODOT seeks input on Route 14 in Streetsboro
Latest updates: Death toll could rise after space heater ignites Bronx apartment fire

At least 19 people, including nine children, were killed Sunday in a fire ignited by a malfunctioning portable space heater at a Bronx apartment complex, the city's deadliest blaze in more than 30 years.

New York City Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said the fire started in a malfunctioning electric space heater in a bedroom of a duplex apartment on the second and third floors of the 19-story Twin Parks North West complex in New York City's West Bronx. The door of the apartment was left open, allowing smoke to quickly spread throughout the building, Nigro said.

Thirteen people remained hospitalized in critical condition as of Sunday evening, New York Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference. In all, more than five dozen people were hurt. Most of the victims had severe smoke inhalation, Nigro added.

Stefan Ringel, a senior adviser to Adams, told the Associated Press the children killed were 16 years old or younger. According to Nigro, victims were found on every floor of the building.

"In buildings like this there are no fire escapes, there are interior stairways," Nigro confirmed. "Residents should know where the stairwells are. I think some of them could not escape because of the volume of smoke."

The fire department said over 200 members responded to the scene. Officials said the fire was under control as of 1:27 p.m. ET.

MORE: US residential fires have declined over the decades. Bronx blaze is a reminder how dangerous they can be.

Fire marshals determined the space heater to be the cause of the fire through physical evidence and firsthand accounts, according to Nigro.

Emergency first responders remain at the scene after an intense fire at a 19-story residential building that erupted in the morning on January 9, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Associated Press reported 19 people, including 9 children, were killed.

"This is a horrific, epic, painful moment for the city of New York," Adams said Sunday. "The impact of this fire is going to really bring a level of pain and despair in our city. The numbers are horrific."

Adams added: "This is going to be one of the worst fires that we have witnessed during modern times here in the city of New York."

Story continues

Building resident Luis Rosa said he was awakened Sunday by a fire alarm, but dismissed it at first, thinking it was one of the buildings periodic false alarms.

But when a notification popped up on his phone, he and his mother began to worry. By then, smoke began wafting into his 13th-floor apartment and he heard sirens in the distance.

He opened the front door, but the smoke had gotten too thick for an escape, he said.

Once I opened the door, I couldnt even see that far down the hallway, Rosa told The Associated Press. So I said, OK, we cant run down the stairs because if we run down the stairs, were going to end up suffocating.

All we could do was wait, he said.

Another resident, Vernessa Cunningham said she raced home from church after getting an alert on her cellphone that the building was on fire.

I couldnt believe what I was seeing. I was in shock, Cunningham, 60, said from a nearby school where some residents gathered. I could see my apartment. The windows were all busted out. And I could see flames coming from the back of the building.

Approximately 200 FDNY members are operating on scene of a 5-alarm fire at 333 East 181 Street in the Bronx. There are currently 31 serious injuries to civilians. pic.twitter.com/yrTYwOfonH  FDNY (@FDNY) January 9, 2022

The 120-unit building in the Twin Parks North West complex was built in 1973 as part of a project to build modern, affordable housing in the Bronx.

According to Nigro, the Bronx hasn't had this "horrific" of a fire since the Happy Land fire in 1990, which killed 87 people. Sunday's disaster was the biggest loss of life in a blaze in the city since that fire.

Sunday's fire was also the deadliest at a U.S. residential apartment building since 2017 when 13 people died in an apartment building, also in the Bronx, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association.

Adams praised the responding firefighters, noting some ran out of oxygen in their tanks while attempting to rescue victims.

"Some of these firefighters, their oxygen tanks were empty and they still pushed through the smoke," Adams said. "You cant do this if you dont feel attached to the city in this community, and I really want to thank them for putting their lives on the line to save lives."

Adams said schools would be open and people displaced by the fire would be taken there to connect with family. He said the community was a "heavily immigrated community," and government officials would work to help affected families find temporary and permanent housing.

Those seeking assistance would not be turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to Adams.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., pledged to provide as much support as possible at the federal level, including housing and tax assistance as well as immigration assistance for those in need.

When theres a tragedy we come together, we dont care about ideology, we dont care about race, creed, color, religion," Schumer said. "We come together, we embrace one another and we say we are for helping New Yorkers who need help."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she plans to establish a victim's compensation fund aimed at providing new housing and covering burial costs for affected families.

"We'll take care of them because that's what we do here in the state of New York," Hochul said. "We are here for the Bronx, and we're here for anyone who needs us."
The pandemic changed education in Rapides Parish in ways big and small, challenging everyone from teachers to students to parents and more.

For a consortium of juvenile justice and social service advocates, the pandemic meant hard-fought gains against truancy were lost. Keeping track of kids who already were mostly off or just off the radar got harder, as did trying to help their families.

One principal had to rally faculty, students and their families to keep steady not only in the face of the pandemic, but through more than one natural disaster that kept them out of their rural school longer than any other in the parish.

The school districts child welfare and attendance director moved into the position in June 2021, more than a year after the pandemic began. Now, quarantine is a frequent reason given by parents who are asked why their kids arent in school, she says.

Safety procedures and protocols being implemented by LPSS in the Learn Lafayette Plan due to COVID-19. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020.

Showing firm compassion

"We really want kids to be face-to-face," said Carlessa White.

Some students have thrived with online learning, but she said most students need daily interaction with teachers. Students who are learning from home have so many other distractions to keep them from their studies, she said.

"They're just free to roam," she said. "But at school, it's more guarded. Teachers are watching. Teachers are teaching, so theyre engaged."

Data from the Louisiana Department of Education shows Rapides' 2019 attendance rate at 93.8 percent, a figure that has held steady since 2017.

The state's rate is 93.6 percent.

Carlessa White, the director of Rapides Schools' Child Welfare and Attendance Office, said her office will work with parents who need help so that their children can attend school.

Her office often hears about excessive unexcused absences, five or more, from schools. A letter will be sent to the parents or guardians and, if no response is received, the office's truancy interventionist will visit the home. Its not unusual to be told a child is being quarantined, she said.

The district will verify that, and White said those claims aren't true always. The district will make efforts to get kids into school, but will escalate cases if necessary.

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White said she tries to have compassion. It's part of her office's motto  Accountability. Compassion. Equity.

COVID has made life difficult for so many people, no matter their station in life, she said.

"With everything that people are going through, I think we're just even more compassionate."

Offering help to better communities

If parents can't provide school materials or clothes, White said they can help. Those who don't cooperate will have their cases forwarded to Families In Need of Services (FINS).

Sometimes, families will move just before this happens, says White, which she calls frustrating.

Dasha Roberts is the FINS director in Rapides Parish, "the arm of the juvenile court," as described by 9th Judicial District Judge John Davidson.

It's Roberts' job to do whatever she can, legally, to keep kids out of his juvenile courtroom, said the judge.

Both of them are part of a larger group that forms My Community Cares, and Rapides is home to one of four pilot programs in the state. It's a collaboration between the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, the Pelican Center and Rapides' juvenile court.

Dasha Roberts, Rapides Parish's Families In Need of Services director

It connects families with services and resources and provides support for them, said Destiny Fatula, the Rapides coordinator. The group can go into schools, if invited, to help mentor students and have contact with their families so their needs can be assessed.

Fatula said everyone works in unison to help families and strengthen the community.

Success despite the odds

For Rapides' most rural school, the K-12 Plainview High School, the pandemic was just the beginning of a challenging year. When schools closed on March 13, 2020, the initial thought was that the shutdown would last two weeks so the COVID curve could be flattened.

Sonia Rasmussen, then the principal at Plainview, gathered her faculty and staff that afternoon. None of them could fathom that classes wouldn't be held, she said.

They kept making lesson plans even as the district experienced downtime. After the Easter break, people realized things wouldnt get back to normal soon.

The district began moving to online learning, getting packets or equipment to students without at-home computers, adequate or any internet service.

Sonia Rasmussen, formerly the Plainview High School principal, talks about the struggles her school had engaging students in their education during the pandemic and subsequent natural disasters.

As in-person classes resumed in August 2020, about 100 students remained strictly virtual. But that number soon dropped significantly, said Rasmussen.

Just weeks later, on Aug. 27, 2020, Hurricane Laura sliced through the Plainview area. Most of the community was without electricity for 23 days.

Once power was restored, the school had to be cleaned. Although there wasn't much structural damage to the school, it was closed longer than any other in the parish.

Classes resumed, but then "here comes hurricane number two," said Rasmussen. Hurricane Delta followed a similar path to Laura as it made landfall on Oct. 9, 2021.

"I could just see on the faces of my faculty and staff, and even parents, like, 'Oh my goodness, what do we do?' We couldn't push out lessons virtually because we had no internet access, so we really were kinda dead in the water."

Some students could travel to pick up packets of learning materials, but others couldn't because their families were conserving gas for generators. This time, the school was closed for almost two weeks.

Morale wasn't great, and Rasmussen tried rallying her faculty with treats, encouraging emails or notes. She had time to think over the Christmas break and returned with a new motto  Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.

She knew everyone would have to believe it to get through the rest of the school year. She told them that, no matter what they had endured, they had to let their students know how important education is for them.

"And so the teachers did. They embraced it. They pushed and pushed and pushed."

That included a last push through the February 2021 ice storms. She helped teachers call parents, stressing that kids needed to be in school. She met with students to go over their previous testing results, showing them how close they were to reaching that next level.

And when results came back in late July, she saw it had worked. She credits her teachers for the gains, and some couldn't believe what they had done.

"Because, in essence, we almost lost a whole grading period, a whole quarter. So, basically, we shoved four quarters into three quarters."

Rasmussen said the school's third through fifth graders showed particular improvement. Her third-graders performed near the top for the district. The school gained a full point on its ACT scores.

Some light in the darkness

Those working on the truancy problem have seen some successes.

Roberts, the FINS director, recalls one former truant who began reaching out to her after receiving help through My Community Cares. The student needed food and Fatula, the Rapides coordinator, got it to her.

From there, the student began checking in with Roberts when going to school.

Destiny Fatula, Rapides Parish coordinator for My Community Cares

She also talked about the mom who broke down crying because transportation was an issue that sometimes kept her son out of school, so they worked with her to help. Both the mom and child have a desire to do better, she said.

"The one thing that keeps us going is this," said Spears. "The community will get better if we keep showing them there are resources there."

Many parents don't know about those and think the only way out is to let their children get in trouble, he said, and the courtroom won't solve those problems.

"This has to be a ground, grassroots effort, and we've got to get the community involved, particularly the parents," said Clifton Spears, Rapides' juvenile prosecutor who also works with My Community Cares. "So we've got to get back to family values, education is the key and find some way to engage these children to believe in the American dream again."

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Pandemic brings struggles in Rapides' fight against truancy
Community is first at Fort Smith Brewing Co. and the beer names are only one part of that. The brewery boasts a collection of beers including their Trailblazer IPA, Dat Nguyen Stout, Bill Bradfords Porter, Pearl Starr Saison and Hans Muller Kolsch.

Going out with friends or even colleagues after a long day or just to catch up is the norm for many  but what about grabbing a pint with your pastor?

A Fort Smith pastor and priest are doing just that once a month at the Fort Smith Brewing Company in Chaffee Crossing to connect with people.

It started from becoming aware of the fact that theres a lot of people for whom church just doesnt work, local pastor Steven Kurtz said. A lot of them have questions and a lot of them have had experiences of maybe even having had difficult relationships in churches.

Many of these people are the ones who check none when filling out forms that ask about religious affiliations, Kurtz said.

While many Arkansans are religious, with around 79% identifying as Christian according to the Pew Research Center, around 18% of residents identify as a religious none.

Kurtz wants the monthly meetings at the brewery to be a chance for those interested in religion to have a space to gather without the formalness of the actual church.

Pastor Steven Kurtz at Fort Smith Brewing Co. before a recent Pints with a Pastor. Kurtz is the pastor at Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith.

Its a big, motivated interest of mine talking to people for whom the church doesnt work because I get that, Kurtz said. I think that very often times theyve been exposed to  number one  a version of Church that is hurtful  and number two  a version of God that is unhelpful.

Father Matt Garrison, the priest for Sacred Heart of Mary in Barling and St. Sabina and Mary in Fort Smith, shares a similar mindset.

A lot of times when Im teaching or preaching in a church setting, its formal, Garrison said. Its a lot more difficult to really open up and in this setting, its easier to just be completely honest and open and to bring in more elements of humor and things like that.

The monthly gatherings are an informal way for people who might not feel comfortable going to church or want a more relaxed introduction to learn about Catholicism, Garrison said.

One of his favorite subjects from past meetings is a funeral planning 101 chat.

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It was an opportunity to have a candid discussion about how the Catholic liturgy is supposed to flow, Garrison said. A lot of times the only opportunity to do that is when someone had died and in those instances, I have to be pastoral.

Those conversations that may not fit into a regular church sermon are some of Kurtzs favorites to have.

Being able to talk about issues like Do I have to believe everything the bible says?, Is there really a hell and would God send people there? or Is God a man, does God have gender? Could God have feminine characteristics? is one of the benefits of having pints with a pastor, Kurtz said

Those (are the) kinds of questions and issues that I think are interesting and open a door to reconsidering that faith might have a role to play, Kurtz said.

What has become a staple at the Fort Smith Brewing Co. started as an idea between Garrison and his religious education director at the time while looking for ways to reach the community.

We tossed around some ideas, and (we) went and talked to Quentin and decided on pints with a priest, Garrison said.

The meetings began in 2019, with pints with a pastor taking off in 2021 after the pandemic pushed back initial plans.

When it started, we had no idea want to expect, Garrison said. We thought we might have 10 to 15 people, and I think we had close to 100 people.

Quentin Willard, one of the brewery owners, said he thinks part of creating a vibrant community is having a variety of forms of entertainment, outlets and diverse ways for people to express themselves.

Religion is a very important part of our community here, so having a place to do that outside of the church is unique, Willard said. It also affords the opportunity for non-religious people to kind of get a taste of it and maybe find something they didnt know they liked.

Pints with a Pastor is held on the second Thursday of the month with Kurtz, and Pints with a Priest is held the third Thursday of the month with Garrison or church members from other parishes.

Garrison said the meetings often have different speakers that play off of their different roles like brews with a bro, sips with a sis and sacraments with a seminarian. The speaker gets to choose what they want to chat about in each meeting.

Fr. Patrick Boland discusses sainthood at the October Pints with a priest gathering.

Weve had some great subjects, a lot of people ask fantastic questions, Garrison said.

Reactions to the meetings have been amazing, Kurtz said.

People say things like, Wow Ive never heard this perspective before or wow this makes a lot of sense to me, Kurtz said.

While attendees might not end up attending the church Kurtz is pastor of, or others, that is not the purpose behind the meetings, he said.

I think the church just has to get outside of its walls and find people where they are and ask the questions, What are their concerns? What are their needs? Kurtz said.

Abbi Ross is the business and features reporter at the Southwest Times Record. She can be reached at aross@swtimes.com or on Twitter at @__AbbiRoss

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Pints with a pastor, priest bring new ways to communicate religion with community
Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski completed his first year in office with a lot of changes under his belt.

From implementing needed repairs and maintenance at the Portage County Justice Center to forming a new SWAT Team, Sheriff Bruce Zuchowskis first year in office has been a busy one.

What we basically did, and we feel pretty proud about this, is we really professionalized our agency, said Chief Deputy Ralph Spidalieri.

Zuchowski was elected in November 2020 and began his new job at the start of 2021. He had previously been with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for 25 years before retiring in 2017. More recently, he was a special and then part-time deputy with the sheriffs office before running for the top job.

More: Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski makes his case for $2.9 million in additional funding

He has said that he had no intention of being simply a caretaker at the sheriffs office, but had a long list of improvements he wanted to make.

Advancing law enforcement efforts

For starters, Zuchowski said he wanted to form a SWAT Team to replace the countys dependence on Metro SWAT, which is composed of members from a number of different law enforcement agencies in multiple counties.

Part of this has to do with the amount of time it can take for Metro SWAT, which is based out of Summit County, to respond in Portage. Another factor, Spidalieri said, was cost. It cost the county more than $18,000 a year to be a part of Metro SWAT and the sheriff's office had to pay a Portage deputy to serve on the team, which could take him or her out of the county.

The sheriffs SWAT team was formed last year following an extensive selection and training process and now has 16 members. The team is expected to be operational in early February.

We brought this in-house so that we have now where every shift has anywhere between, you know, four to five members of the SWAT team, Spidalieri said. So, God forbid something were to happen, we have four to five people that would immediately be able to activate and be able to begin to control a scene and render security while the other units are started, contacted to start to head our way.

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Spidalieri said the SWAT team could increase in size and would be available to respond to incidents in parts of the county not policed by the sheriffs office and other law enforcement agencies have expressed an interest in taking part in it.

The SWAT team is not the only new law enforcement unit within the sheriffs office. PACE, or the Portage Aggressive Crime Enforcement Unit, is made up of a couple of K-9s and two or three deputies that focuses on complaints the sheriffs office receives of drugs or crimes of violence.

PACE often works with the new drug and violent crime unit, which handles investigations, sometimes leading to raids and arrests.

Its all an undercover drug unit, Spidalieri said.

Although not an internal unit, the sheriffs office is also now a part of a joint human trafficking task force that also includes the Summit and Stark county sheriffs offices and other regional and law enforcement agencies.

We're working this as a collaborative with the state attorney general's office, Zuchowski said.

Spidalieri said the cooperative effort has resulted in about 60 prostitution-related arrests in four sting operations within Portage County, both people attempting to hire prostitutes and people engaging in it. However, the focus with the latter group is not so much punishment, but helping them by connecting them with medical personnel, social workers and drug counselors. Spidalieri said that many of those engaged in prostitution are suffering from drug addictions, which is often why they are engaged in prostitution.

We give people an opportunity to avoid arrests, he said. We give people a chance to get some help.

The sheriffs office has also worked to straighten out the monitoring of sexual offenders within the county. A sheriffs detective worked with the U.S. Marshals Service over a period of about six months last year to visit the approximately 170 registered sex offenders to determine if they were actually living in the homes they are registered in and that all information in the countys registry was accurate.

They were able to track down a lot of people that it hadn't been known even their whereabouts, Zuchowski said. One of them was in Florida or North Carolina or something and they said that they were still in Portage County. And they hadn't been checked on in over three years.

Spidalieri said he believes there were as many as 10 indictments resulting from the effort of sexual offenders who had not complied with legal registration requirements.

We pretty much made contact with every single person thats on that list, he said And monitor them pretty much on a daily basis, weekly basis, monthly basis, all dependent upon what they're required to have to notify.

And finally, the sheriffs office has formed a new traffic division.

What we've done is we've tried to focus on a lot of the traffic complaints in the school zones, building awareness, working with all the municipalities in the county to assist them also in establishing safer schools programs for their school zones, Spidalieri said.

He added that the division also investigates traffic complaints in general, as well as areas that have had crashes to determine what the contributing factors were and to get more deputies on patrol to monitor those areas.

Zuchowski said an important part of his mission is to have deputies on patrol to be more proactive.

You don't just see the state patrol blue lights on, he said. Now you're seeing the red and white lights which are ours.

He said he is encouraging deputies to make more traffic stops, not mainly to write tickets, but as a way to encourage safer driving.

Were just being proactive as far as stopping people for minor traffic infractions to where not only are you teaching that person that you're sopping, writing a warning or whatever it would be to correct their behavior, but also allowing other people to see, you know, the other 30 cars that drive by during a traffic stop, that we are out there, were actively doing our jobs and we're enforcing the laws. And I've gotten a lot of positive remarks from people that I see.

Improving operations

The sheriffs office has also taken steps to improve operations in general, including increasing staffing.

Additional deputies have been added in the past year, resulting in adding a deputy to each 12-hour shift, bringing the total to between six tand eight, increasing the size of the detective bureau by two detectives and including two detectives within the drug and violent crime unit.

More: Portage sheriff wants $1 million to hire staff, suggests renting out jail space to fund it

We're still not where we probably should be to be able to serve at the highest level but it has definitely improved, Spidalieri said.

Training for deputies and corrections officers has also increased, both in the amount of time spent training and in the number of subject areas.

We did training in crisis intervention, weve done training in crimes against children, we've done training in human trafficking, we've done training in drug interdiction. We've done a lot of training on how to handle, you know, overdoses, dealing with the families, Spidalieri said.

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He said there is also a new program in which patrol personnel have rotated in and out of the detective bureau to improve their ability in taking reports, following up on incidents and assisting with investigations.

So across the board, you know, just a lot of of current trends in crime and services that we're out there providing, Spidalieri said.

Thera have also been staffing increases among four-legged personnel with the addition last year of a third K-9.

With the new K-9, we made the largest seizure in the countys history, over $150,000 in cash and there was over 50 pounds of marijuana and also cocaine, Spidalieri said.

More: Seizure of about 50 pounds of pot, more than $140,000 in cash in Portage believed to be record

He said that K-9s are now trained locally. Rather than sending the dogs and their handlers to another part of the state, training is now done at Excel K-9 in Hiram. In the past, training was primarily in suspect control and management, said Spidalieri, with drug interdiction also a big part of it. But now an emphasis has also been placed on tracking, but not just of criminals.

If we have a lost child, because of the areas that we have, a lot of rural areas, you know, he said. There's a situation where somebody with Alzheimer's goes missing, the dogs now have the ability of being able to get on a track and we train heavily on that. Because we know that, especially in Ohio with, you know, the bad weather, time is life.

Zuchowski said there is yet another role for the dogs.

Its not just about the law side of it, he said. There's also the PR side of people that like to come up and pet the dogs and see what they're able to do.

More: Portage County Sheriff makes case for new fleet of cruisers

Equipment purchases were also made last year. Vehicles, some with as much as 200,000 miles on them, were replaced, as well as radios with a new generation.

The [older] ones were non-serviceable and obsolete, Spidalieri said.

Buying the new radios, however did not solve a transmission problem, with some parts of the county where transmission is zero, Zuchowski said. He said the issue involves the towers, not the radios. Use of three towers is leased from the states Multi-Agency Radio Communication System, which provide inadequate coverage. But an effort is in the works to fix the problem in 2022, which Zuchowski said the Portage Emergency Management Agency is helping with.

Maybe an additional tower or maybe a booster tower, he said There may be a movement of a tower to another location. That's something that will be done through MARCS.

And early on in Zuchowskis tenure, a program to just generally spruce up the sheriffs justice center facility was undertaken, including painting, repairs to floors and new office furniture. Spidalieri said a big issue that was rectified is that some door locks in the jail werent securing properly, making escapes more of a risk.

Zuchowski said carpeting was replaced after it was discovered it had not even been cleaned since it was installed in 1994.

So it was disgusting, to say the least, he said.

Increasing community engagement

Spidalieri said the sheriffs office has worked to increase transparency and communications.

For one thing, we've definitely created a strong social media platform to basically make residents aware of scams, make residents aware of troubled areas and anything in that nature, he said.

Various programs have also been started to give residents a look inside the sheriffs office, such as ride-alongs, as well as tours of the county jail in January.

Last year, the sheriffs office started a citizens police academy to provide free multi-week sessions for residents to learn how law enforcement in general and the sheriffs office in particular does its job. Two sessions were held last year and a third is planned for the spring, with space typically filling up fast.

Every person that's graduated has commented how they thought they had understanding, even someone with a law enforcement background, and they had no idea how multifaceted the sheriff's office was, Zuchowski said.

The sheriffs office has also increased the efficiency of its concealed carry permitting office, including going full time from part time, improving safety measures so the office could reopen following a shutdown due to COVID and creating Walk-In Wednesday, one day in the week when people could come in without an appointment.

We became convenient to the residents, Spidalieri said.

Raising morale

Last year, the sheriffs office was able to increase the pay of personnel, which came out of a salary study comparing pay in Portage County to that of sheriffs offices in other counties. Zuchowski and Spidalieri said this in particular has had an enormous impact on morale.

We worked with the [county] commissioners to reach an agreement of trying to assist our guys to just be able to make a salary that was just comparable to what was out there, said Spidalieri, adding Our guys were very, very underpaid.

But improving morale also encompassed just recognizing employees for the good work they do. In December, at the offices Christmas party, an award and recognition program took place for the first time.

We have good people here and a lot of them for some reason were just never really acknowledged for some of the above and beyond things that they do here, said Zuchowski, adding that this recognition makes employees want to do better.

Spidalieri said that other actions, such as adding personnel and replacing vehicles and radios, have had a positive impact on how staff feel about their jobs. He said he also credits Zuchowskis management in general.

Our employees are not a number, he said. Our employees are people and we we deal with them on a one-on-one basis.

Spidalieri said the sheriffs office has had a very good year in 2021 and he says the reasons for that are multi-faceted.

We brought accountability, a high level of integrity, and just professionalism to the agency here, he said. But more than even that, we have totally reached out with a partnership with our residents that we serve and the other agencies in this county and our goal is to just continue to improve service.

Reporter Jeff Saunders can be reached at jsaunders@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Portage County sheriff's first year saw a lot of changes and activity
The Quality Inn located at 6300 Terminal Dr., the only terminal grounds hotel at Will Rogers World Airport, closed in June and is set to be demolished.

Will Rogers World Airport is set to destroy the only hotel on its terminal grounds following litigation with its last operator and complaints about cleanliness and service.

The Quality Inn at 6300 Terminal Drive closed in June following litigation between the Oklahoma City Airport Trust and operator OM Hospitality, which leased the property from the trust.

The airport trust owns the 62,646-square-foot, two-story, 117-room hotel, which was built in 1972 and underwent an extensive renovation in 2011.

Stacey Hamm, airport spokeswoman, said the trust sought possession of the property in March 2020, after making several attempts to get the operator to make necessary repairs. OM Hospitality filed counterclaims alleging breach of contract, resulting in a $2 million settlement paid by the airport trust just weeks before the dispute was to go before a jury.

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An appraiser hired by the airport trust reported in June the hotel was in poor condition needing costly repairs. The hotel was valued at $576,095, with the appraiser concluding it was not the highest and best use of the site.

From an operational standpoint, a hotel with only two floors, no restaurant, no elevator, a failing roof system, and other water intrusion issues, pose significant operational constraints for any operator to overcome, Hamm said. Unfortunately, any renovations would be extremely costly and extensive. When the trust regained possession of the hotel and began inspecting its condition, it was determined that the hotel was more dilapidated than was previously anticipated.

The former Will Rogers Airport Hotel underwent an extensive renovation in the late 1990s when it was reopened as a Sheraton Four Points.

The hotel opened with a ground lease shortly after a new terminal was built in the late 1960s. It closed once before after a prior operator declared bankruptcy. At that time a new operator, Robert Haupt, announced a $2.2 million renovation as part of a 25-year lease.

Hotel Broker One, a national hotel brokerage based in Oklahoma City, assisted in both the 1997 lease and the discussions that took place between the airport trust and OM Hospitality. Peter Holmes, COO at Hotel Broker One, said Haupt kept his promise and turned the property from an old-style motel to a modern hotel with meeting rooms, a restaurant and other amenities.

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The hotel operated under a Sheraton Four Points flag which was downgraded to a Quality Inn under OM Hospitality, which took over the lease from Haupt. Online reviews show an array of complaints during the final years ranging from bugs and unclean rooms to a dirty pool, and plumbing and heat and air problems.

When Bob (Haupt) owned it, it was very successful, Holmes said. When he renovated it into a Four Points it won a lot of awards. The restaurant and bar, Follies, won a lot of awards. It had a moment in time when it was doing very well.

The Quality Inn at Will Rogers World Airport was poorly reviewed by guests in the months before it closed in June.

The hotel at Will Rogers World Airport is to be demolished at a time when other airports are upgrading or building new hotels. Tulsa International Airport has two hotels on its grounds, and one with a Clarion Inn flag was recently torn down to make way for a new four-story Hilton property.

At Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, a Grand Hyatt operates at one of the terminals with a dedicated Skylink transit station. The 298 rooms are soundproofed and guests have access to three restaurants, a rooftop pool, a 24-hour gym, a business center and views of the airport runway.

Hamm said airport hotels are still successful, though the business model locally changed over the years.

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Years ago, and like many on-airport hotels across the country, the hotel at Will Rogers World Airport was used by both the general public and various flight crews for stays while in Oklahoma City, Hamm said. In recent years and with more competitive hospitality markets, airlines have made other accommodations and arrangements for their flight crews off airport premises and fewer flight crews stayed on-airport.

With airports urging travelers to arrive two hours prior to their flights, the market shifted.

Prior to the hotels closure, the airport understood that the typical guests were people who would drive in from remote areas of Oklahoma and stay overnight in the hotel to catch an early flight or who arrived on later flights and didnt want to drive home late at night, Hamm said.

Holmes said the citys airport hotel was challenging to refinance due to the ground lease, the loss of the Sheraton Four Points flag, and the size of the property, which he called undersized for completing any sort of redevelopment.

Having a hotel on airport grounds is something expected by travelers and gives an airport a level of sophistication, Holmes said. Even airports in smaller markets like Wichita, Kansas, have hotels on airport grounds. He said the city is missing an opportunity to have an aviation themed hotel at Will Rogers World Airport that could showcase a history that includes Wiley Post and Braniff Airlines.

We wanted to see it remain a hotel, Holmes said. We think a hotel at the airport is beneficial. It's highly unlikely we will see a hotel built on airport grounds after this mainly due to FAA restrictions. It doesnt appear our airport is highly motivated to have a hotel when we have a lot of hotels nearby.

Staff writer Steve Lackmeyer started at The Oklahoman in 1990. He is a reporter, columnist and author who covers downtown Oklahoma City, related urban development and economics for The Oklahoman. Contact him at slackmeyer@oklahoman.com. Please support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Will Rogers World Airport to tear down its only terminal grounds hotel
Rowan Sockol (bottom right) with fellow marines after just arriving to Germany from Afghanistan.

Rowan Sockol, 27, grew up in Fellsmere, Fla., and participated in the Navy Jr. ROTC program in high school. Naturally, upon graduation, he chose to enlist in the military for somewhat of a unique reason.

People told me not to, Sockol said. Everyone said whatever you do, dont join the Marine Corps. So I signed up for the Marine Corps.

Sockol served in the infantry as a mortarman and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 for eight months. He was stationed at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province in the I/9 The Walking Dead company. There, his main job was to patrol for IEDs to make sure none of his patrol stepped on them or drove over them.

It was an experience to say the least, Sockol said. There wasnt a day our company didnt get in a fire fight.

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Rowan Sockol at Cax desert training.

Toward the end of his tour, his company began focusing on hearts and minds, as they called it. Leaders met with the local townspeople while Sockols company would stand guard as they negotiated peace and goods.

One of Sockols highlights there was meeting the Jordanians, a group of men from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a country in Western Asia.

They came in and made us the best food I had the entire time I was there, Sockol said.

After Sockol returned to the states, his company was disbanded and he was sent to the 3/2 Betio of Bastards company.

We mostly did training but we got to go to Japan, the Philippines and South Korea which was cool, Sockol said. I wasnt deployed to any more war zones before I was honorably discharged.

Life after getting honorably discharged

Sockol moved to Maine where he met his wife, Amanda. They loved it there but the winters became too much to handle after they gave birth to their first baby. After a close call with freezing pipes, they decided it was time to move back to near their family in Florida.

Sockol worked odd jobs as he acclimated back into the daily grind but found that it became difficult with his anxiety. He had been diagnosed with PTSD and didnt really know where to turn.

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When I got out of the service I was a heavy drinker, Sockol said. At one point, I had even attempted suicide. I dont do well with crowds and its a daily struggle. Thankfully, I have a good support system and am getting help."

Rowan Sockol, with his new puppy, works at St. Johns Hops farm in Umatilla.

When looking for job opportunities, Sockol came across a horticulture therapy farm in Umatilla that employed veterans with PTSD.

I thought it was too good to be true, Sockol said. No one offers good pay, good hours and a therapist on site.

But it was true. Sockol became the newest addition to St. Johns Hops farm, which was started by Sebastian Lajeunesse, who also was diagnosed with PTSD. His horticulture therapy hops farm was just what Sockol needed.

Before working here, I preferred to be indoors, laying around, Sockol said. Now, I really enjoy getting out in the sun, working with my hands, learning new things and other aspects of the job. I enjoy the peace and quietness of the farm and seeing the results of the work I do. Its very fulfilling.

Sockol has also just acquired a new puppy that is still in need of a name, but he intends to train him as a service dog.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Marine Corps veteran finds peace in horticulture therapy at St. Johns Hops
courtneyk / Getty Images

When most people talk about Social Security, theyre referring to the programs retirement benefits, which provide monthly checks as early as age 62 for some beneficiaries. But the Social Security program also has a host of other benefits.

In fact, the so-called Social Security taxes withheld from your paycheck every payday are technically known as Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance taxes, or OASDI. As the full name explains, in addition to old age or retirement benefits, youre also paying taxes to support payouts for survivors and disability insurance.

Heres how to qualify for disability benefits and what you might expect in terms of a payout if youre eligible.

Learn More: Understanding the Basics of Social Security

Also See: The Biggest Problems Facing Social Security

What It Is

Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is similar in some ways to private or corporate-sponsored disability plans. In other words, if youre disabled to the point that youre unable to work, the program will pay you a monthly income benefit. Just like Social Security retirement benefits, funds for Social Security disability insurance come from current workers, whose taxes fund the SSDI Trust Fund.

Eligibility

Although the general structure of SSDI may be similar to other disability insurance plans, eligibility is much more difficult. Only the most severely disabled qualify for SSDI. However, the payouts are not partial or temporary.

As defined under the Social Security Act, a disabled person eligible for SSDI must have a severe medical condition that either prevents work for at least one year or is expected to result in death. A qualifying person must be unable to do any type of work, not just work in a former chosen field.

Generally, you can qualify for SSDI only if you meet the same work requirements as for retirement benefits. This means that you need to have completed at least 40 quarters of coverage, with 20 coming in the past 10 years before you became disabled. Allowances are granted, however, for younger workers.

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See More: All the States That Dont Tax Social Security

How Much Does It Pay?

Although its fairly tough to qualify for SSDI, the benefits are by no means a windfall. As of November 2021, the average monthly benefit awarded was just $1,282.39, although this amount is expected to increase to $1,358 for 2022.

Just like with Social Security retirement benefits, however, your SSDI payout will be tied to your individual income. To calculate your benefit, the Social Security Administration examines your earnings record from age 22 and until the age you became disabled. Between one and five of your worst-paying years are dropped for purposes of the calculation, depending on how long youve been working.

Are There Spousal or Family Benefits?

Qualifying spouses and children of eligible disabled workers can also draw Social Security disability benefits. A spouse must have a disabled child or a child under 16 or be over 62 to draw a disability benefit. Divorced spouses still qualify, as long as they were married for at least 10 years.

A child can qualify for SSDI benefits if they are under 18 or in high school and under 19. People who were disabled before age 22 also can receive Social Security disability benefits. [7]

Find: All You Need To Know About Collecting Social Security While Still Working

What Are the Maximum Payouts for SSDI?

For 2022, the absolute top payout a recipient could get from SSDI is $3,345 per month, up from $3,148 in 2021. However, as payouts are based on earnings, only high-income individuals qualify for the top SSDI payout. Qualifying spouses and children receive, at a minimum, the same as eligible disabled recipients, up to a maximum of 150% of the disabled persons payout amount.

What Is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a safety net program for low-income individuals that may also pay disability benefits. To qualify, you must be 65 or older and either blind or disabled. Unlike SSDI, SSI doesnt require work credits to qualify. However, you must have limited income and resources. Specifically, your assets must not exceed $2,000 for an individual or a child, or $3,000 for a couple, and your monthly income for 2022 must not exceed $841 for an individual or $1,261 for a couple. Those are also the maximum payout amounts for 2022.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Social Security Disability Insurance: What It Is and How It Pays
This past week, Springfield-Greene County Health Director Katie Towns said southwest Missouri is in for the "worst surge yet" from the omicron variant. She hopes to use what the Springfield learned during the delta surge over the summer to combat this latest outbreak.

For several months over the summer, southwest Missouri was the epicenter of the coronavirus for all of the United States. The delta variant nearly brought Springfield's hospital systems to their breaking point. But Towns told the News-Leader that experience will be vital to surviving the omicron variant.

"We're using that experience to prepare us for the next wave of disease. We're doing some different things to make sure that we're better prepared and more on top of the information that we could have in order to best react. The hardship that we endured, and having that surge and being the epicenter of that activity, has taught us many things that will prepare us for the future," Towns said.

Springfield-Greene County Health Director Katie Towns speaks during a press briefing about the surge in COVID-19 cases in Greene County at the Greene County Public Safety Center on Jan. 5, 2022.

One of those lessons learned is "better monitoring" and the importance of genomic testing. Because Greene County was one of the first places the delta variant hit in the United States, the health department invested in genomic sequencing showing "how the variant is acting in the community."

Once an individual in Greene County tests positive for COVID-19, their test is anonymously sent to a lab that can determine which variant of the virus it contains. That information is then given in aggregate to the health department, although it will not be tied to specific patients. But that does not mean such information cannot inform how Greene County tackles the next surge.

"Over the summer, we started sending samples for sequencing in June and we got it back in July and knew we had delta in our community," Towns said. "Once we confirmed that the characteristics of the virus were very similar in nature, and when we would start to see cases and investigate how the variant is progressing in terms of infecting folks. What we do is we're able to sort of look at that progression of that variant in our community and associated it with those different characteristics. It's not a perfect science but we do associate the differences with the increase in the variant being present in our community."

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More: As omicron cases surge, here's where you can get tested for COVID-19 in Springfield

For example, one of the biggest differences with the delta variant was the high susceptibility of children to be infected compared to the original strain. That knowledge of the variant helps coordinate services throughout the community.

In the case of omicron, Towns reiterated the variants is somewhat less severe but much more transmissible. But those characteristics are related  the more people surviving the illness gives the virus more time to infect others.

"If a virus were to kill all its hosts, then it would go away. And so this is the natural progression of viruses over time is that they weaken but then they continue to figure out ways to better spread. If you look at the the future of SARSCOV2, it will become endemic. People will be exposed and it's likely that most of us will contract it at some point. But the goal of vaccination is you have built a level of immunity within your body to help prevent that severe disease from occurring."

Omicron hits a not-so-sweet spot on that curve where the disease creates enough severe infection that many still need hospitalization but also allows for many more to be infected overall.

So far, genomic sequencing has only identified two Greene County residents with the Omicron variant, but that metric is a lagging indicator and is expected to sharply rise in the coming weeks.

Heath department: With omicron variant, worst surge yet of pandemic likely on its way to Springfield

Recent projections from the National Institutes of Health show COVID-19 infections in Springfield rising to more than a thousand cases a day very shortly. Some projections show more than ten million new COVID infections nationwide by the end of January  a number that could over-capacitate many hospitals across the country.

According to the New York Times, Cox's and Mercy's ICU capacities are already at 95% and 90%, respectively.

Towns said omicron seemed to be "perfectly designed" to overwhelm hospital systems.

Over the summer crisis, Springfield's hospitals only just escaped the point of turning people away.

"Our hospitals were over capacity in terms of the levels of patients they were seeing. They had never seen that many people with COVID they needed to take care of," Towns said. "But there was never a time where our hospitals actually had to turn away patients."

Diana Perryman receives her COVID-19 booster shot from Joan Cisna, a registered nurse with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.

But Springfield's health leaders were certainly concerned of that possibility at the time  asking the State Emergency Management Agency and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for assistance to set up an "alternate care site" in the county to relieve strain on Cox and Mercy.

That alternate care site never materialized from the state. In hindsight, Towns said she now knows "the type of timeframe the state needs" for setting up an alternate care site.

"We saw that surge so quickly materialize. We in our local area did not have the luxury of giving the advance notice necessary to really trigger the things that needed to take place. I think the state did what they could with the timeframe that we alerted them."

But that new understanding will help the city better navigate state bureaucracy in this latest crisis, she added.

70% vaccination rate still the goal

The biggest priority for the health department in 2022 is still the same as it was last year  to get as many people as possible boosted and vaccinated.

Coming into the new year, 53.7% of Greene County have had one dose of vaccine and 48.9 have had the second. That lags behind both statewide and nationwide figures and is far from the 70% goal the Springfield-Greene County Health Department set out to reach.

"When we set out initially with our vaccine campaign, we aimed at a goal of 70% and that is still something our department holds that we need to achieve," Towns said.

"I really hope by the end of next year, that we have achieved our 70% goal," she added. "Because that's not just some number we picked out, it would mean that we have overcome some of the barriers that still exist. It would mean that we would have figured out ways to create trust and to get people as protected as we can from the virus. It would also mean that we as a community get to move into this next phase overcoming polarization and differences and focus on what is exciting for our community."

Ariana Morris, 10, receives her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from Linda Maddux, a registered nurse with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.

Towns pointed to misinformation as "one of the biggest threats to our public health"  saying the politicization of vaccines and the pandemic has bled into other routine vaccinations and medicine generally.

"We sometimes hit sort of a wall of trust and credibility. And I'm not sure how we overcome that completely. It doesn't make us stop trying."

She said the health department will continue reaching out to the community until they reach that 70% threshold.

But what worried Towns even more is how misinformation has seeped into other aspects of the medical field.

"As vaccination itself became politicized, we're going to see a lag on children's vaccinations being up to the same level as before the pandemic. We're going to see a lag on many things that we might have taken for granted years before."

Towns hopes that concern "does not materialize legislatively"  being wary of how the public officials could disincentivize vaccinations more broadly.

"I haven't seen anything along those lines yet, but I know how vaccines have been politicized. And I hope public officials know how much vaccines have done  not just the COVID vaccine  to protect our community. You know, measles is not something that we want to have a resurgence as we continue to battle COVID."

Asked about Attorney General Eric Schmitt's recent letter to school districts and health departments across the state, Towns said the Springfield-Greene County Health Department is "not in any way in violation" of the law and did not change their practices because of the letter.

That letter threatened legal action against local public health agencies and school districts imposing COVID mitigations. It also ordered them to "stop enforcing any mask mandates, quarantine orders, or any other public health orders that are null and void" under Schmitt's interpretation of a recent state court ruling.

Towns maintains the health department is in compliance with the letter because they are not involved with enforcing any COVID mitigations. But that letter prompted several health departments across the state to drop their COVID-related services altogether and Towns sees that as a problem.

"When you're fighting things like viruses, you can't see them and so they spread beyond borders without being told what to do or not to do. So, when health departments have... either been forced to or had to make the hard choice to move away from mitigation techniques, the reality is that the disease is going to spread. And it's not going to be limited to one county jurisdiction."

Springfield Public Schools recently ended several mitigation efforts, like masking and quarantine orders. Towns said the health department is "watching that situation closely" and hoping the number of vaccines given to younger children will curb the most severe omicron cases in Springfield's youth.

Towns' year 'trial by fire'

The past year also marked Towns' first as director of the Health Department  a "trial by fire" she called it.

"Leading the health department has come with challenges. We were exhausted, all of us were exhausted and then this huge surge came out of nowhere over the summer. It was very hard," Towns said. "And I want everyone to know that it's OK to need help. I see a counselor regularly and that is tremendously helpful to me in terms of being able to help me refocus. And there should not be a stigma with that."

Towns is particularly concerned mental health issues have fallen by the wayside as the health department has spent the vast majority of their focus on the pandemic.

"That is the stuff keeping me up tonight right now. Before the pandemic, we had a pretty large-scale mental health and substance abuse crisis in our community. We had identified some priority areas and then suggested some strategies on how we could assure those different gaps in our community. But during the pandemic and these surges, we can only do so much."

Towns hopes as more become vaccinated, the Health Department can again focus on these issues.

While not going into many details, Towns said the toll on her mental state came from criticisms of her leadership that sometimes metastasized into threats. In part, that criticism is why Towns shared her survival of breast cancer during the summer surge.

"I told that story because it was an opportunity to sort of reestablish what I know to be true about myself and my department and the team members here. Why we get up and do our jobs every day  it's not to seek to control or to have power. In fact, I think that is the exact opposite of what the folks here in this department are seeking to do."

For Towns, sharing her history of cancer was a way to show her critics "we are human too."

Despite the dire projections of the omicron variant, Towns is hopeful for herself and the community she serves. In large part, that's because both of her kids are now fully vaccinated and the community's children have that opportunity too.

"That means so much to me, my family. It feels so good because we get to celebrate Christmas with my family this year, which we haven't done in two years. And I have a niece who is a toddler and a grandfather who's almost 94. Both of them are highly at risk, so we are thrilled because we all are fully vaccinated and are able to be together. I hope more families get that in 2022."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: How Health department is battling COVID surge in southwest Missouri
Japan gives scholarships on training Vietnamese officials and civil servants

The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS) 2021, which uses non-refundable aid from the Japanese Government, was officially launched on January 7.



The project is part of the cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).





The 21st JDS course's trainees take a photo in Tokyo after 14 days of quarantine. (Photo: JICA Vietnam)


Oak Park police continue to investigate a carjacking outside an Oak Park school Wednesday afternoon, police said.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, an Oak Park resident reported she was sitting in a white 2011 BMW parked on the north side of Washington Boulevard at Grove Avenue near Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, according to a police report. A letter Oak Park School District 97 later sent to parents identified the person as a parent anticipating the dismissal of school.

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According to police, two men got out of a black sedan and advanced toward the womans car, with one showing a black handgun and telling the victim to leave the BMW.

One suspect  described as a male approximately 20 years of age, 57 with a medium build wearing a black winter hat and all black clothing - also took the victims iPhone. He entered the victims white BMW and drove it away going westbound on Washington Boulevard, according to the police report.

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The second suspect  described as a male with a heavy build - entered the black sedan and also headed west on Washington, police said.

The victim went into the school and called police.

Fortunately, the parent was not physically harmed, and all of our students and staff were safe in our building at the time the incident occurred, read a letter the school district sent to the community on Wednesday night.

The car was located on the 3100 block of West Polk Street in Chicago later Wednesday, police said.

There was an extra police presence outside the school on Thursday, police said.

On Thursday, District 97 Interim Superintendent Griff Powell issued a statement.

We are disturbed and extremely concerned about the incident that occurred near Brooks Middle School on Wednesday, Powell wrote. The safety of our students, staff and families is our highest priority, and we are grateful that no one was physically harmed. We have been cooperating with the Oak Park police as they conduct their investigation, and are appreciative that they have provided additional patrols to increase safety in the area. We are reviewing the safety procedures at the school, just as we do any time a serious incident occurs in or near the building.

Oak Park Police Commander Paul Kane said there were 29 reported carjackings in the village in 2021, including four attempts when the vehicle was not stolen.
By Uditha Jayasinghe

COLOMBO (Reuters) -Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa asked China to help restructure debt repayments as part of efforts to help the South Asian country weather a worsening financial crisis, his office said in a statement on Sunday.

Rajapaksa made the request during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Colombo on Sunday.

Sri Lanka has benefited from billions of dollars in soft loans from China but the island nation is currently in the midst of a foreign exchange crisis placing it on the verge of default, according to analysts.

"The president pointed out that it would be a great relief to the country if attention could be paid on restructuring the debt repayments as a solution to the economic crisis that has arisen in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic," Rajapaksa's office said in the statement.

China is Sri Lanka's fourth biggest lender, behind international financial markets, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan.

Over the last decade China has lent Sri Lanka over $5 billion for highways, ports, an airport and a coal power plant. But critics charge the funds were used for white elephant projects with low returns, which China has denied.

"China has always helped Sri Lanka develop its economy as best as we can," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin at a daily briefing in Beijing on Monday.

"We will continue to do so in future."

Rajapaksa also requested China to provide "concessional terms" for its exports to Sri Lanka, which amounted to about $3.5 billion in 2020, the statement said, but did not give more details. Rajapaksa also proposed allowing Chinese tourists to return to Sri Lanka provided they adhere to strict COVID-19 restrictions, including only staying at pre-approved hotels and visiting only certain tourist attractions.

Before the pandemic China was Sri Lanka's main source of tourists and the island imports more goods from China than from any other country.

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Sri Lanka is a key part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a long-term plan to fund and build infrastructure linking China to the rest of the world, but which others including the United States have labelled a "debt trap" for smaller nations.

Sri Lanka has to repay about $4.5 billion in debt this year starting with a $500 million International Sovereign Bond (ISB)maturing on Jan. 18.

A $1.5 billion yuan swap from China helped the island boost its reserves to $3.1 billion at the end of December.

Debt repayment to China in 2022 is likely to be smaller than its ISB commitments of $1.54 billion, at about $400 million-$500 million, a Sri Lankan finance ministry source told Reuters.

Sri Lanka's central bank has repeatedly assured all debt repayments will be met and said funds for the January ISB has already been allocated.

(Reporting by Uditha Jayasinghe; Additional reporting by: Yew Lun Tian in Beijing; Editing by Rupam Jain, Susan Fenton, Kirsten Donovan)
J. Antonio Cantu-Clatza

Shawnee, OK- SSM Health Medical Group is pleased to welcome J. Antonio Cantu-Clatza, MD., endocrinology.

Dr. Cantu-Clatza is a board certified endocrinologist. He received his medical degree from the University of Tamaulipas, Tampico, Mexico. He completed his internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK.

Dr. Cantu-Clatza diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormone-related diseases and conditions, including but not limited to diabetes, thyroid disorders, lipid disorders, adrenal disorders, obesity, and much more.

He fluently speaks three languagesEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese.

Dr. Cantu-Clatza is accepting new patients in his practice located at SSM Health Medical Group, 3315 Kethley, Shawnee. To schedule an appointment, call 405-273-5801.

This article originally appeared on The Shawnee News-Star: SSM Health Medical Group welcomes Dr. J. Antonio Cantu-Clatza
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty

There are political candidates who are all boasts and bluster on the campaign trail, who tone things down once they take office.

Not Eric Adams. In the week since he officially became New York Citys mayor, the man who was a police officer for 22 years before going into politics full-time has kept up the same Big Sweaty Cop Energy he displayed during his run.

Adams was sworn in just after the ball dropped on New Years Day last weekend, and he immediately proceeded to kick things off by tacitly criticizing the outgoing administration for allowing New York City to be brought low by both COVID and a lack of mayoral swagger, a problem he promised to remedy by firmly calling on everyone to return to business as usual in the midst of a global pandemic.

In keeping with a campaign promise, he affirmed that he will be reviving the NYPDs anti-crime team, a unit which had been disbanded for aggressively over-policing Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, accruing frequent civilian abuse complaints and amassing so many fatalities the NYPD couldnt fabricate enough justifications. At a press conference during which he stood with his newly appointed NYPD executive team, Adams evinced support for a gang-focused crime crackdown that explicitly promises to send teenagers as young as 15 and 16 years old to prison.

The Left Had Been Rising in NYCIs Eric Adams About To Knock It Down?

On Thursday, he was joined by Gov. Kathy Hochul in announcing a plan to reach police omnipresence on the citys subways, despite crime levels on public transport being at 25-year lows. On Friday, he announced that his deputy mayor for public safety, overseeing the NYPD, would be Philip Banks, who was an unindicted co-conspirator in a sweeping federal investigation of police and political corruption; named his younger brother Bernard, a retired NYPD sergeant who worked for the last decade as assistant director for parking at Virginia Commonwealth University, as a deputy police commissioner; and saw his newly appointed police commissioner send out a memo to officers blasting the newly elected Manhattan district attorneys plans for justice reform.

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Those moves came after the mayor, in response to an open letter from 29 incoming City Council membersa majority of the citys legislative branchrejected their request to walk away from his support for restoring the inhumane practice of solitary confinement. At the same time, he used smoke-and-mirrors cop-speak to insist his support for confining prisoners in isolationyou know, solitary confinementis punitive segregation, something totally different.

I wore a bulletproof vest for 22 years and protected the people of this city, Adams huffily stated at the presser, a challenge to anyone who might point out how the policies he endorses have not only failed to ensure public safety but instead been instruments of yet more harm. When you do that, then you have the right to question me.

Putting aside the echoes of I alone can fix it in Adamss statementwhat is it with these guys who grew up in Queens?the mayor was dismissing not only the City Council letter signatories, whom he will have to work with for at least the next two years, but also shush-ing all of his progressive critics. Its a sign of how Adams will likely govern going forward, at the helm of an administration that is focused on law-and-order carceral solutions and corporate-friendly policies.

Eric Adams Wears a Gun, Brandishes Dead Rats, and Maybe Lives in Jersey. He Could be NYCs Next Mayor.

Adams never hid this agenda, and he won the mayoral race not despite but because of it. A former Republican and ex-NYPD police captain who said he would wear a gun while undertaking mayoral duties, Adams ran as an unapologetic proponent of tough-on-crime measures, once calling himself a conservative on public safety, vowing to appoint Criminal Court judges who might challenge bail reform, and voicing support for a redux of stop-and-frisk law enforcement.

Elsewhere, Adams has been Bloombergian in his welcoming of big business, assembling a new Corporate Council of advisers from the C-suites of companies including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Pfizer, while making the laughable assertion that his election signals New York will no longer be anti-business, as if corporate millionaires and their company shareholders havent played an outsized role in shaping contemporary New York City.

Last week, Adams earned justified blowback on social media after erroneously referring to essential workers as low skilled, but it seems just as noteworthy that he made that gaffe in the course of arguing that laborers of every stratum should risk getting a potentially fatal respiratory disease to ensure the permanency of capitalism.

Five days in, Adams is continuing with the rhetoric that put him in the mayors office and fulfilling the promises he made to a cross section of wealthy donors, working class Black and brown folks wary of both racialized policing and a crime surge overhyped by local and national media, an opportunistic real-estate sector and centrist/moderate elements of this so-called liberal stronghold.

During a recent television appearance, Adams said, and for not the first time, I am the face of the Democratic party. (He has also previously said, I am real estate also, but I digress.) That suggests that despite the swells of progressivism in New York Citys political waters in recent years including that incoming wave of first-term City Council members he rebuffed just days agoAdams represents the interests of an awful lot of voters in this overwhelmingly Democratic city.

In many disheartening ways, thats true. Theres a reason it seems fitting that Adams recently dubbed himself the Biden of Brooklyn, and that he was able to eke out a win over more progressive Democratic primary contenders led by Maya Wiley.

Having seized that narrow victory, hes bringing Big Sweaty Cop Energy down on everyone who sees the world differently, including those who have called him out on social media in recent days.

Its wrong to keep saying that this is what all New Yorkers are saying just because a numerical minority or the best Twitter handle, the best Instagram, the best Facebook [says it], Adams declared his first day in office. That is not what people need.

Its gonna be a rough four years, folks, with Adams determined to put progressives into the political equivalent of punitive segregation.

You cant be a good shepherd if you are not among the sheep, Adams recently told media as a way of explaining why he will Citibike and subway his way across the city. It sounds like a vaguely biblical quote, a sort of benevolent stance of a mayor describing how he can best caretake his constituents by moving amongst his flock.

That is, until you consider that earlier this year, he used another bit of sheep imagerynot derived from the Bible but from Game of Thronesto a group of high schoolers: All of you are lions and lions dont care about the opinions of sheep.

That scans, so far, at least where Adams progressive critics are concerned.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Covering The Villages

Throughout Donald Trumps presidency and during most of the 2020 election, it seemed like The Villages made headlines every week. A picture was painted of lines being drawn in the sand, neighbor turning against neighbor, and even some threats of violence. But these events are very rare, especially when you consider the size of the community as a whole with more than 130,000 residents today and growing.

The claims by the media of The Villages being only a Trump-loving community are often blatantly false, some are outdated and others only have a grain of truth to them. The reputation may be related to the developer being a large contributor to Republican politicians; however, The Villages does not support a single political party but is home to residents with varying opinions. According to the Florida Division of Elections, as of Nov. 31, 2021, the number of registered voters in Sumter County (where most Villages residents reside) was 111,753, of which 56.4% were registered as Republicans, 22.4% were registered as Democrats, 1% were registered as as members of a minor party, and 20.2% had no party affiliation.

The media must cover this diversity and call out real sources of fraud. Three voters in Florida  all living in The Villages  were recently arrested for voting more than once in the 2020 election. They all voted for Trump  two registered Republicans and one with no party affiliation. What these arrests actually show is that when would-be criminals try to cheat, the existing system can be strong enough to catch them and hold them legally accountable. And the public deserves accurate coverage, regardless of party affiliation. Where is that coverage?

Susan Koffman, The Villages

Limiting your right to keep and bear arms

In early November 2021, the Supreme Court heard another case on your right to keep and bear arms. Not long ago the court ruled you had that right, but it never discourages liberals from wanting to limit your Second Amendment rights.

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Liberals know they can continue to deny individuals their constitutional rights because no law enforcement officer is going to show up at their door with an arrest warrant because the Supreme Court has no power to compel politicians to follow laws they dont like.

The latest case involves two New Yorkers who claim, since the court has ruled, they have a right to own firearms and should not have to show cause as to why any more than any citizen has to show cause as to why they can exercise their right to free speech or practice their religion.

Judges discuss the historical context of our laws as to how they came about. Liberal politicians are going back to early English times and arguing that even though English citizens originally had a right to firearms, those rights were limited and, since our laws are based on early English laws, our rights should be limited also. Its called originalism.

If religious theologians can change some of the Ten Commandments, why cant progressives change the meaning of the Second Amendment? Today, the sixth commandment states, "Thou shall not kill. Originally it was, Thou shall not commit murder. Big difference.

Today, the 10th states, Thou shall not covet thy neighbors wife. Originally it was, Thou shall not covet thy neighbors goods. In biblical times, a mans wife was part of his goods.

Normally progressives want to move away from originalism, encouraging liberal judges to draft new meanings to laws they dont like. Today, progressives are arguing the reverse. Will they succeed?

Sonny Heninger, Leesburg

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Jan. 9 letters: Readers comment on The Villages, Second Amendment
Talks are set to begin Sunday in Geneva between representatives of the U.S. and Russian governments with the goal of diffusing tensions in Eastern Europe.

Almost 100,000 Russian troops have massed on the Ukrainian border, and intelligence analysts warn that an invasion could be immanent.

Both parties, however, have issued statements suggesting that negotiations are unlikely to produce any workable solution on which Russia and the U.S. can agree. The New York Times reported Sunday that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei A. Ryabkov said the U.S. was entering into the talks with "a lack of understanding of what we need." He said Russia's goal is to "bring NATO back to positions that are essentially equivalent to what was the case in 1997."

NATO began expanding into Eastern Europe in 1999 with the admission of Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

On the American side, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that he does not expect talks to be productive, NBC News reported. Russia submitted draft treaties last month containing a pair of ultimatums. NATO, the Russians insisted, must curtail its troop deployments in Eastern Europe and offer a binding guarantee that Ukraine will never be admitted to the alliance. "Neither of those is on the table," Blinken said on CNN's State of the Union.

Of course, this may be exactly what Russian President Vladimir Putin wants. "If Putin believes he could achieve [territorial gains in Ukraine] easily by force and thereby demonstrate the West's impotence to stop him, he might well prefer near-term conflict even over a relatively favorable settlement," Noah Millman wrote at The Week.

Blinken also predicted that if Russia does invade Ukraine, NATO will likely "reinforce its positions along its eastern flank, the countries that border Russia." He also said there would be "massive consequences for Russia if it renews its aggression on Ukraine."

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During a Dec. 7 call with Putin, President Biden ruled out the possibility that the U.S. would unilaterally send troops to defend Ukraine, but he did warn Putin that, in the event of an invasion, Russia would face economic sanctions "like nothing he's ever seen."

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By Elizabeth Piper

LONDON (Reuters) - Reducing the self-isolation period for people who test positive for COVID-19 from seven days to five would help British employers that have been hard hit by absences, education minister Nadhim Zahawi said on Sunday.

The Omicron variant is still spreading in Britain and many businesses, schools and hospitals are struggling with staff shortages, fuelling calls for the rules on isolation after a positive test to be reduced further.

Last month, health authorities in the United States shortened the recommended isolation time for asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 to five days from the previous guidance of 10 days.

"I would obviously always defer to the scientific advice on this. It would certainly help mitigate some of the pressures on schools, on critical workforce and others," Zahawi told Sky News after being asked whether he backed a move to five days.

He said the UK Health Security Agency was reviewing the length of the isolation period and the government was doing all it could to make sure the stretched health service could operate during what he called "a rocky few weeks".

Teacher absences in schools stood at 8.5% and could rise further, he said, adding his department was drafting contingency plans for absenteeism of up to 25%, including asking retired teachers to help out.

On Saturday, Britain's official death toll in the pandemic rose above 150,000, following a record wave of cases caused by the Omicron variant, prompting Prime Minister Boris Johnson to renew his call for people to get vaccinated.

But David Spiegelhalter, an expert in statistics, told Times radio that level had been breached in March 2021 when using a broader measure which records cases where COVID-19 appears on a death certificate and using that measure the number now stands at more than 173,000.

Looking forward, Zahawi said he hoped Britain would become one of the first countries to learn to "live with" COVID.

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"I hope we will be one of the first major economies to demonstrate to the world how you transition from pandemic to endemic," he said.

Zahawi, who was Britain's vaccine minister before being appointed education secretary, said he did not recognise a report in the Sunday Times that the government was planning to end the free mass supply of lateral flow tests.

Reuters reported in October that the government was aiming to be ready to start charging for some previously free COVID tests to try to rein in spending.

(Reporting by Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Frances Kerry and Elaine Hardcastle)
The number of people in New Jersey hospitals being treated for COVID-19 continued to climb Saturday, reaching 5,747, a 22% jump since Jan. 2 and the largest number since April 30, 2020, during the initial wave of the pandemic.

And those seeking medical help over the past week appear to be more seriously ill. The number in intensive care units rose to 833 on Saturday, a 29% increase since Jan. 2, and those needing ventilators to breathe rose to 460, a 57% increase in that period.

The state Health Department on Sunday reported 12 more deaths due to COVID, bringing the total number of confirmed or probable deaths in New Jersey during the pandemic to 29,456.

The state also reported 26,615 new COVID infections confirmed by PCR tests Sunday, and 2,813 new infections confirmed by antigen tests. That marks the sixth consecutive day with more than 25,000 new cases, and 12 consecutive days with more than 20,000 cases as the omicron variant continues to spread.

Hospitalized COVID patients needing the most intensive care remain far and away those who are unvaccinated. For instance, Hackensack Meridian Health reported on its Facebook page that of the 1,062 COVID patients its 11 hospitals were treating Wednesday, 55% were not vaccinated.

Even more telling, among those needing ICU care, 68% were not vaccinated, and of those needing a ventilator to help them breathe, 74% were not vaccinated.

COVID cases: Another daily jump in COVID cases among staff and patients keeps pressure on NJ hospitals

What are the symptoms of omicron?: Answering your questions about the latest COVID variant

Meanwhile, hospitals are still grappling with large numbers of employees getting infected with COVID and forcing to isolate at home for five days, making it more challenging to treat the waves of new pandemic patients entering the hospitals. On Saturday, an additional 425 COVID infections were reported among hospital workers, bringing the total number of new cases to 3,482 over the past five days.

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Over the past 30 days, University Hospital in Newark has seen 647 infections among staff, followed by St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson with 575, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick with 555, Hackensack University Medical Center with 514, St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton with 441, Morristown Medical Center with 403 and Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus with 379.

To cope, some hospitals have been shifting administrators into support roles and suspending non-emergency surgeries. In addition, the state has asked for strike teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to supplement staff at some hospitals.

The one silver lining during this wave is that hospitalized COVID patients are recovering more quickly and fewer are dying than in prior waves of the pandemic.

Nursing homes are also dealing with a depletion in staff as cases continue to rise. There are currently COVID outbreaks at 513 long-term care facilities in New Jersey, with infections among 5,627 residents and 8,679 employees. Starting Monday, National Guard personnel will assist at some nursing homes with basic chores.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Ventilator use up 57% since Jan. 2 for COVID patients in NJ hospitals
Licking County Municipal Court Clerk Marcia Phelps last week made the first public plea - at least from a local elected official - that something needs to be done on employee pay.

Phelps told the Newark City Council that she wants to give her employees more than the 4% annual raise allotted to them in the 2022 budget. She said employees are leaving for better paying jobs in other city departments or in municipal courts in neighboring counties.

It was only last month we noted that local government leaders must make steps to level the playing field for employees to stem the exodus to nearby communities that often offer significantly higher salaries. It appears this effort by Phelps is trying to do just that.

We believe her request should be given serious consideration, but also that she should provide a bit more information to back her claim. The cost of the requested raises for the 20 employees is $150,000 - not nothing, but not a massive portion of the city's budget either. The real rub, Mayor Jeff Hall said, is that if Phelps' employees get more money, other department leaders will ask for higher raises for their workers.

This gets to the ultimate question - is Newark paying a fair rate for its workers in municipal court or any other department? To demonstrate this we suggest Phelps show:

How many workers have actually left in the last couple of years, and how long it has taken to fill those positions.

What workers at the municipal court are paid compared to similar jobs in the city or other municipalities.

Where Phelps would propose the $150,000 come from to pay for the raises.

To her credit, Phelps said while she has the authority to mandate the raises on her own as a separately elected official, she is trying to work with the council and administration. The raises were originally proposed by Phelps in fall of 2020, so it is a bit concerning that no progress has been made one way or another on them.

Councilman Dog Marmie, R-6th, asked what the return on investment of the salaries would be - a legitimate question. But we hope there isn't an expectation that higher salaries will lead to more revenue generated. The goal should be preventing pay rates from being a leading cause of employee turnover, which has its own intrinsic costs.

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This test of pay is further complicated by the council's investigation into Phelps. In 2020, it voted to spend up to $10,000 to investigate alleged harassment in her office, a claim she has vehemently denied. Council members provided no update to the investigation other than it was ongoing.

We certainly hope our now all Republican City Council and Republican mayor can put that to one side and work with the city's only elected Democrat, Phelps, to find a solution to the salary issue.

This is not a simple problem. Pay raises require additional tax money, but constant turnover also drains resources and employee morale, leading to decreased performance. Finding a balance is difficult, but that is what our city leaders were elected to do.

Editorial Board

Jim Bidigare

Olivia Biggs

Tim Huffman

Paddy Kutz

Benjamin Lanka

Jody Richter

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Our view: Newark must find balance on employee pay, budget
The shopping cart pictured above was located in an isolated wooded area near where human remains were found on Wednesday in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County. Fairfax County Police Department

A potential fifth victim of a serial killer was found in a shopping cart in Washington, DC, police said.

Police said the suspect used dating apps to lure his victims and transported their remains with shopping carts.

Police also said the identities of the third and fourth victims were confirmed through DNA analysis.

Virginia police believe they have identified a fifth victim of the "shopping cart killer" after receiving a tip earlier in the week, Fairfax County Police Department Major Ed O'Carroll said Friday at a press conference.

Anthony Robinson, 35, was arrested in November and charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Police said they believe he used shopping carts to transport the remains of his victims.

According to O'Carroll, digital evidence placed Robinson in the vicinity of the suspected fifth victim, whose body was found in a shopping cart in Washington, DC, around the time of their disappearance.

"Our detectives have been working to uncover additional digital evidence to find out where Robinson was each and every day over the past year and beyond," O'Carroll said. "We know a lot. But we do need your help about his habits to help uncover additional victims or survivors, and to build a strong, accurate, and detailed case against Robinson."

FCPD Police Chief Kevin Davis also said the identities of the third and fourth victims of the "shopping cart killer" was confirmed through DNA analysis. The victims were Cheyenne Brown, 29, of Washington, DC, and Stephanie Harrison, 48, of Redding, California.

Brown was seen with Robinson prior to her death and her last known location was the Moon Inn Hotel on Richmond Highway, according to an FCPD press release. Robinson stayed at the hotel on at least six occasions and used dating apps to lure his victims, Davis said during the press conference.

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FCPD has solicited the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Behavioral Analysis Unit and Washington field office, as well as authorities in Robinson's home state of New York. The police department in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where the first and second female victims of the "shopping cart killer" were found, is also assisting with the investigation.

Robinson has been charged with the deaths of the first and second victims, 54-year-old Allene Elizabeth Redmon and 39-year-old Tonita Lorice Smith, according to the Harrisonburg Police Department.

"Additionally, we are working on a victimology profile and hoping to get in contact with other women who may have interacted with Robinson," Davis said during the press conference. "Just this week, our detectives met with 35 other police departments in the DMV (Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia] to comb over existing missing person cases to determine if any commonalities exist."

Robinson is currently being held at a jail in Rockingham County and remains the prime suspect in the homicide investigation, Davis said at the press conference.

Read the original article on Insider
Respiratory therapist Theresa Camarena recounts her COVID-19 experience in her Hobart, Indiana home Friday January 7, 2022. Camarena was diagnosed with COVID-19 in July 2020 and is still plagued with symptoms which is known as a being a long-hauler. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Post-Tribune)

Theresa Camarena used to be able to workout and walk her dog in the same day. She used to be able to unload the dishwasher without experiencing shortness of breath. She used to be able to work four days a week.

Camarena, 63, works as a respiratory therapist and started the pulmonary rehabilitation program at Franciscan Health Crown Point more than 30 years ago. She has worked there for 43 years.

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On July 20, 2020, Camarena, a mother of three who lives in Hobart, tested positive for COVID-19, she said. Camarena strongly believes she caught the virus from a patient at work, she said.

Her initial symptoms were cold-like symptoms, aches and pains in her body, fatigue and she lost her taste and smell, Camarena said. A few weeks later, Camarena said she wanted to return to work, so her daughter suggested they go on a hike to see if she can handle it.

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I could hardly breathe. We had to stop five or six times. I exercised prior to this four or five times a week, Camarena said. My heart was pounding and so from that point on things just started happening.

Respiratory therapist Theresa Camarena visits with her dog Max in her Hobart, Indiana home Friday January 7, 2022. Camarena was diagnosed with COVID-19 in July 2020 and is still plagued with symptoms which is known as a being a long-hauler. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Post-Tribune)

Following her initial diagnosis, she had a dry cough, chronic fatigue and brain fog, she said. Her blood pressure had been impacted by the virus, and her heart rate would jump up into the 120s and 130s and shed get shortness of breath while doing simple tasks, such as unloading the dishwasher, she said.

But, things got even more serious, Camarena said, when she noticed something on her leg that indicated she could have a blood clot. Camarena said her daughter took her to the emergency room, and she was there for four days to treat the blood clot, which doctors determined was caused by COVID-19 pneumonia.

Since her hospital stay, Camarena said she still feels the symptoms of COVID-19 most days, mostly chronic fatigue and brain fog.

Now, Camarena said she has to pick between working out or taking the dog on a walk because she can no longer do both in a single day.

She cant sit and watch her daughters softball games in the humidity without having shortness of breath, and standing to cook a family dinner causes fatigue, Camarena said. She used to be able to take a 2-hour walk but theres no way (she) could do that now, she said.

I had more symptoms post-COVID than I did during the actual time I had the COVID, Camarena said. Its been a long haul.

Camarena is part of the Franciscan Health long hauler program, which patients can attend with a physician referral, said Dr. Kami Strong, the medical director of the COVID-19 long hauler program. Once a patient is referred, Strong said she talks with the patient about his or her symptoms and then refers them to a therapist.

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The therapists patients are referred to either a speech therapist, occupational therapist or a physical therapist to help with their symptoms, Strong said. For example, patients who have brain fog are assigned to a speech therapists who works with them on memory functions, she said.

Many patients feel like they are a different person after having COVID, Strong said. Their quality of life has definitely changed.

Respiratory Therapist Theresa Camarena works out on an elliptical trainer in her Hobart, Indiana home Friday January 7, 2022. Camarena was diagnosed with COVID-19 in July 2020 and is still plagued with symptoms which is known as a being a long-hauler. (Andy Lavalley for the Post-Tribune) (Post-Tribune)

Camarena said as a respiratory therapist she helps patients who are COVID-19 long haulers and they describe similar symptoms.

The patients have been spaced apart amid the pandemic and stations have to wiped down between patients, she said. While at work, Camarena said walking around between patients and sanitizing stations triggered her symptoms.

Patients would ask me if I was OK because my legs felt like they wouldnt move anymore and I was just that out of breath, Camarena said. It was kind of embarrassing, on my part. Here Im supposed to be taking care of them and helping them with their symptoms and how to cope with them and here I cant even (catch my breath).

When she talks with the long-hauler patients, Camarena said they share her same feelings of going crazy because some days patients report feeling good and then fatigued a few days later.

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Camarena said shes had similar shifts in energy, which have forced her to change her work schedule from four days a week to three days a week.

Its like youre on a roller coaster. A couple days you feel like Oh this is great, Im finally feeling back to myself and you dont have that brain fog. And then boom, it hits you and youre just so exhausted and so tired, Camarena said.

Camarena said she received her COVID vaccines and booster shot, and she hopes more people get vaccinated so the pandemic can end. Even though she experienced symptoms after the vaccines, Camarena said getting vaccinated was worth it because it protects her, her family and her patients.

Its really kind of sad because working in a hospital setting you see these people and their struggle for life, Camarena said. Anybody that touches their care ... theyre burned out and its very sad.

When she views comments about people not believing in the virus or refusing to get vaccinated or wear a mask, Camarena said it upsets her.

My life has totally changed. The stuff that I used to be able to do, its not that I cant (do those things) but I cant do it to the level that I did, Camarena said. If they would see these people that are fighting for their lives and these nurses that are running around crazy trying to help these patients live, they need to see that.
Ward J. "Jack" "Timken, president of the Timken Foundation of Canton, speaks at the Timken Family Cancer Center groundbreaking in May 2021.

CANTON  The man who has helped hand out millions of charitable dollars in Stark County over the last four decades is retiring.

Ward J. "Jack" Timken has stepped down as president of the Timken Foundation of Canton after leading the nonprofit for more than 40 years.

"During his tenure as president, Jack Timken oversaw more than 5,000 of the approximately 6,000 grants made in the foundations history, which total more than $400 million," according to a foundation news release.

More: Aultman begins work on new Timken Family Cancer Center

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Local agencies that have benefited include ArtsinStark, Habitat for Humanity, Stark Education Partnership, Stark Economic Development Board, local health systems, colleges and universities.

Ward "Jack" Timken was the fifth and longest-serving president of the foundation.

He will be succeeded by Robert R. "Bob" Timken, a graduate of the College of Wooster. Robert "Bob" Timken has served on numerous local nonprofit boards and is a partner in the Maryland-based Carmony Development LLC.

The foundation also elected Henry H. "Kurt" Timken II as its new treasurer. He succeeds Ambassador W.R. "Tim" Timken Jr., who served as the foundation's treasurer for more than 40 years.

Kurt and I are honored to continue the foundations work of investing in communities where The Timken Company has significant operations, including Stark County and Northeast Ohio, Robert "Bob" Timken stated in the release.

Ward J. "Jack" Timken and Ambassador "Tim" Timken will remain trustees of the foundation.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ward J. 'Jack' Timken retires as Timken Foundation president
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Beaumont Health Says It's At "Breaking Point" With COVID-19 Surge

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2 Women Killed In Wayne Shooting, Suspect Identified: Police

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RIGA TWP.  A young woman died and three other people suffered serious injuries in a crash Saturday afternoon.

The crash happened at about 4:45 p.m. at the intersection of Lipp Highway and East Horton Road, according to a news release from the Michigan State Police post in Monroe. From evidence at the scene and witness statements, troopers determined a Chevrolet Suburban was traveling westbound on East Horton Road and a Jeep Renegade was traveling southbound on Lipp Highway. The intersection is a two-way stop with traffic on East Horton Road having the right of way. The Renegade failed to stop at the signed intersection and proceeded into the path of the Suburban.

The 20-year-old woman driver of the Renegade was pronounced dead at the scene, the release said. The passenger of the Renegade, a 16-year-old girl, was transported by ambulance to ProMedica Toledo Hospital with serious injuries.

The two occupants of the Suburban, a 51-year-old man who was driving and a 55-year-old woman passenger, were also transported by ambulance to ProMedica Toledo Hospital with serious injuries.

Police did not release the names of the woman who died or the people who were injured.

Drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be factors in the crash, the release said.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Blissfield Police Department, Riga Township Fire Department, and Madison Township Fire Department.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Fatal crash in Riga Township claims woman's life
New York City Mayor Eric Adams enacted a measure Sunday that will allow more than 800,000 non-citizens in the city to vote in municipal elections.

The new law, which the city council passed a month ago, will grant voting rights to any adult who has been a lawful permanent resident in the city for more than 30 days. If it survives a legal challenge, New York City will be the first to institute such a law. Under the law, legal non-Americans would be able to vote for a number of elected positions including mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough president, and council member.

However, the law would disqualify eligible individuals from voting for president or members of Congress in federal races and state gubernatorial elections, among others. Undocumented immigrants would not be granted the right to vote under the measure.

A handful of localities across the United States, including eleven towns in Maryland and two in Vermont, permit non-citizens to participate in their elections.

I believe that New Yorkers should have a say in their government, which is why I have and will continue to support this important legislation, Adams said in a statement Saturday.

While I initially had some concerns about one aspect of the bill, I had a productive dialogue with my colleagues in government that put those concerns at ease. I believe allowing the legislation to be enacted is by far the best choice, and look forward to bringing millions more into the democratic process, he added.

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Every criminal trial is unique, and in general it is a mistake to read too much into a verdict. Still, the law professor in me cant help but notice the oddly mixed message delivered by the jury in the Elizabeth Holmes trial.

The disgraced founder of Theranos was acquitted on four counts of the indictment, including those related to the supposed misleading of patients. The jury reached no verdict on three counts, and she was found guilty on four counts  three involving her communications with investors, and one of conspiracy.

The odd part is that Holmes seems to have been convicted of fraud only against investors who asked few questions. The jury appears to have accepted the defenses argument that investors who sought and were denied more data should have known better.

This result might mirror existing law, but it creates incentives that are, to say the least, peculiar. One might read the verdict as suggesting that the less curiosity an investor displays before buying, the greater the protection extended by law.

From the start of the trial, observers noted that her best chance for acquittal would be a jury that understood the language entrepreneurs must speak if they want to attract investors. In this sense, the very culture of Silicon Valley was on trial  that is, the culture of puffing your invention to the Moon and back.

To be clear, entrepreneurs hyping their prospects beyond what they know for sure is a practice as old as entrepreneurship. Certainly its part of the culture of Silicon Valley. Years ago, an investor told me that every tech pitch concludes with something like this: I need your answer now, because a mutual friend is setting up a meeting with Peter Thiel tomorrow.

The investor was speaking half in jest, but the tendency isnt any secret. A couple of decades ago, the humorist P.J. ORourke was inspired by Californias search for alternative energy sources to pen this bit of acerbity: With all the puffery from Silicon Valley dot.com start-ups, wind farms wouldnt be a problem.

Courts have long understood these nuances of Silicon Valley culture. In 2015, a federal court in California dismissed most of a civil lawsuit alleging that defendant had falsely asserted that its technology was a proven concept; that the technology had been vetted by an unnamed biotech company; and that publicly-traded pharmaceutical companies wanted to license it. The court ruled that the assertions were sufficiently vague that they were merely predictions or hopes, and did not become actionable simply because they never panned out.

Drawing the distinction can be a challenge. Courts in criminal fraud prosecutions like to quote the old and delightfully convoluted rule that a hope or prediction about the companys future becomes fraud when it involves expression of an opinion not honestly entertained. Such an inquiry is complex, because it requires the jury to determine what was in the defendants head when she made a statement to an investor. Thats why trial judges have traditionally been generous in permitting prosecutors to introduce circumstantial evidence of what the defendant actually believed.

The Holmes jury, after two weeks of working its way through this thicket, apparently decided not to punish her for supposedly false claims she made to those who pressed for more information. One wonders, then, exactly how cautious the jury believes investors should be. Is it better to ask questions or not?

No doubt Holmes will raise this paradox on appeal. She will remind the appellate courts of the adage that the law of fraud does not attribute to investors a childlike simplicity. She will also surely raise once more the claim that every investor knows that Silicon Valley is a veritable hotbed of hype.

Dont get me wrong. Im not arguing that Holmes is innocent. We should always, as a first approximation, trust that juries have done their work correctly. I wont be surprised if the verdict is upheld on appeal.

But even if Holmes has to spend some time behind bars, one suspects that things will work out for her. Fairly or not, shes captured a corner of the zeitgeist, and is likely to retain a degree of celebrity  or perhaps notoriety  for years to come. Fans attended the trial in replicas of her iconic plain black suit. Jennifer Lawrence has agreed to portray her in the movie.

And because this is Silicon Valley, its appropriate to close with what might be the strangest coda to the Holmes story: Venture capitalist Marc Ostrofsky, an early Theranos investor whose stake was at one point valued at $22 million, is auctioning a non-fungible token of his stock certificate, good for 500,000 preferred shares in Theranos. As of this writing, there are no offers.

Stephen L. Carter is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. He is a professor of law at Yale University and was a clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. His novels include The Emperor of Ocean Park, and his latest nonfiction book is Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down Americas Most Powerful Mobster.
Despite a gradual improvement in Japans economic conditions, a labour shortage is slowly starting to bite in industries such as restaurants and manufacturing in which many people decided to switch jobs while on furlough amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

A sharp decline in the number of foreign workers and students due to pandemic measures has also had a significant impact on the labour shortage, shining a spotlight on Japans reliance on foreigners in the workforce.

Warakuan, a soba noodle restaurant in Taito ward, Tokyo, was busy at the end of last month when year-end gatherings are typically held and orders of toshikoshi soba, a traditional dish eaten at the end of the year, increase.

But the restaurant was short-staffed over the holiday season following the resignation of five employees during the state of emergency when business operations were reduced.

According to the Bank of Japans Tankan quarterly economic survey released last month, the index of excessive employment minus insufficient employment for accommodation, dining and drinking services was minus 17, a sharp decline from the plus 19 in September.

The labour shortage rapidly worsened after restrictions on business operations were relaxed at the end of September following the end of the state of emergency.

The labour situation is pushing up hourly wages. United and Collective Co, which operates the Teketeke izakaya chain, has raised hourly wages by an average of 130 yen ($1.10) at about 80 outlets since October.

The hourly wage is 1,450 yen for regular shifts at some outlets in central Tokyo, and more than 1,800 yen for night shifts after 10pm. Even so, the company said it closed nine stores as of the end of last year because it was unable to hire enough staff.
Be very prudent, wrote Anne Dodge to her husband Grenville Mellen Dodge, in the opening weeks of the Civil War.

Would you desire to rush forward into battle to win a name, at the expense of your life knowing what suffering you brought on your family? For our sakes, save your life ... dont get shot or taken prisoner, she wrote. Dont fight when you have odds against you.

We associate the name General Grenville Dodge with larger-than-life feats of bravery and accomplishments, even when the odds were against him, as documented in the house where he once lived here in Council Bluffs. The Historic General Dodge House, an official National Landmark, pays tribute to the diverse array of Dodges military, railroad, engineering, business, political and philanthropic triumphs.

But, as the Civil War began, Dodge was near bankruptcy and had much to achieve before he would be promoted to a high rank in the Union Army. At this point in his life, his greatest asset was unbridled ambition.

Anne Dodge knew this and it ate away at her. She encouraged him to disguise himself.

Get a soldiers jacket ... take the shoulder straps off that winter coat you wear every day. If anything happens to you, I shall want to die!

Dodge would have none of his wifes counsel. You are ruining me, Annie, in my own state ... you (would) see me posted as a coward in my own town!

His wifes letters weighed very heavy in his pocket, and on his mind.

Anne was right to worry. Dodge had a soldiers education, but no practical experience as a warrior. Even Iowas Governor, Samuel Kirkwood, unimpressed with Dodges short stature, described him as a sickly looking fellow.

While his wife and the Governor had concerns about Dodge, he quickly won the respect of his men. He did everything for  and with  his troops. He asked nothing that he himself would not do. Thus, he came upon his first nickname, one that he would not have chosen: Tough little fellow.

Dodges ambitions and tenacity only increased when, in the closing months of 1861, his Council Bluffs businesses in banking and land speculation failed. He was now in debt and honor-bound to repay every investor. He desperately yearned for the wages that would come with a promotion.

To add injury to the insult of financial failure, Dodge, just two days after Christmas, managed to shoot himself in the leg with a small pistol, gifted to him by Anne for protection. He was the brunt of jokes. Even his friends found it amusing.

A little good news came in January. His unit, the fourth Iowa Volunteers, suffering from the bite of winter, received black frock coats rather than the typical blue. To Annes horror, Dodge and his unit would stand out all the more.

Cheer up! Nobody is hurt yet, he wrote her, but Dodge was hurt. His leg was sore from the self-inflicted wound requiring him to spend too much time in the saddle  resulting in sores of a different kind.

Dodge persisted. Come March of 1862, he would have his moment.

Most of us have never heard of the Battle of Pea Ridge on the Missouri/Arkansas border, though it proved the most critical engagement on the western front during the early days of the Civil War. And it dramatically and breathlessly showcased the warrior within Grenville Dodge.

Before the Union forces could lay siege to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and gain crucial control of the Mississippi River, they had to deal with the western armies of the Confederacy. That critical moment of decision came all too soon. The Union forces shuttered as a large contingent of Rebels was reported heading straight for them, including Dodge (who held the rank of Colonel at the time), and his men.

Victory for the North seemed far from likely. Dodge and his unit, under the command of fellow Iowan Brigadier General Samuel Curtis, were greatly outnumbered as they prepared to engage Confederate forces near Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Rebels outnumbered Union forces three to one. A total of 50,000 souls converged on the field.

We must pause to consider the absolute and abject hell of war in that day and age. Retrieval of the wounded became an afterthought. No antibiotics. Infection, disease, dysentery, malnutrition and exhaustion could be as lethal as the enemy. Hot summers and cold wet winters were oppressive. Hygiene was, as a general rule, impossible.

These facts forbid nostalgia.

Fortunately, for Union forces and for Dodge, the Confederate general, Earl Van Dorn, had force-marched his troops for three days straight in the midst of a freezing rainstorm. His army arrived cold and exhausted. As the battle began, Dodges corps effectively blocked the roads by felling trees. Between their exhaustion, poor leadership, lack of resources, and now, barricaded roads, the Rebels made poor progress.

Many officers played important roles during the savage battle of Pea Ridge, but Dodges contribution was exceptional. His bravery, courage, recklessness and boldness became the things of legend when an early biographer, J.T. Granger, wrote that General Dodge saved Curtiss army from disaster. Three horses were killed and a fourth wounded under him, but when the order came to retreat, Colonel Dodge bravely fought on, and simply sent back word that to retreat was ruin.

A high price in blood was paid for this victory. The fighting was so intense that one-third of Dodges troops were killed or wounded and every field officer was likewise killed or wounded. The Rebels suffered terribly as well. One Confederate Commander said, Dodge fought more like a devil than a human being.

Dodge and his troops, dressed in their unusual black frocks, had a new nickname: The black-coated devils.

A name, no doubt, more to Dodges liking.

The victory at Pea Ridge effectively cut off most of Arkansas and all of Missouri from the rest of the Southern states. Here began the process of splitting the Confederacy in two which would be completed at Vicksburg just over a year later.

As for himself, Dodge wrote that he had suffered three slight hits along with a bout of diarrhea. He was the only field officer not killed or wounded. In his letters to Anne, he mentioned nothing of injury.

Within a month, Colonel Dodge became General Dodge.

Some time later, Anne would join her husband for a visit at his new command post in Corinth, Mississippi. Dodge was now on the ascent. He would never be financially broken or desperate again. Yet Annes insight into her husbands psyche proved correct. His new fortunes could not, and would not, ever, tame his ambition.
The Iowa Legislature will likely, to some extent, address the selection of school library books this session.

Thats among the hot-button education issues likely to come before the legislature in 2022.

Senate President Jake Chapman, a Republican from Adel; and Sen. Brad Zaun, a Republican from Urbandale who leads the Senate Judiciary Committee, have said they support bringing criminal charges against teachers and librarians who disseminate books Chapman and Zaun deem to be obscene.

Chapman has said he intends to propose legislation that would create a new felony offense for dissemination of obscene material to a minor.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, a Republican, said he expects a very broad conversation in general about education, including the issues Chapman and Zaun will bring to the front.

Whitver, of Ankeny, said he did not know what the end result would be.

I havent seen any legislation that they may be working on or what that would look like, but over the last two years there has been an increased emphasis on education and, and parental choice and parental rights within education in the state of Iowa, Whitver said.

Some of the passages and images in those books are disturbing, Whitver alleged, and parents have brought those forward.

Whitver said its his understanding schools have mechanisms in place to address such concerns, but the Legislature would likely start with seeing if that process is in place statewide, and how it is working, then go from there.

I think we feel very strongly obviously, that, you know, pornography shouldnt be distributed amongst a school, Pat Grassley, the Republican House speaker, said. However, how do we do that in a way in which, you know, the local school boards are the ones that are making sure that its being addressed?

I dont necessarily think its through putting felonies or any of these kinds of things on there, Grassley, from New Hartford, continued.

Rep. Dustin D. Hite, the Republican chair of the House Education Committee, said he also anticipates conversations among the lawmakers about the topic, including the performance of the existing review process.

Any work that is done on the floor will have to take First Amendment protections into account, Hite, of New Sharon, said.

When you discuss libraries and that sort of stuff, theres a big interplay with the First Amendment, Hite said.

Democratic leaders on both floors were critical of state lawmakers taking a hand in the issue and argued there is a process in place to address concerns about books or other materials.

The last thing that we need is to pour the gasoline of partisan politics on public education, Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls of Coralville said. And thats what Republicans are doing.

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights said the legislatures job is to create an environment in which Iowa can grow and thrive.

And by taking away  by opening the door to taking away  books and jailing teachers for content in the classroom  I dont think thats the direction we need to be going, Konfrst said.

The process that is in place to review materials is adequate to its task, Rep. Sharon Steckman, the senior Democrat on the House Education Committee, said.

Many of the books recently questioned are Amazon best sellers, or come highly recommended or have received accolades, Steckman, of Mason City, said.

Im not promoting porn for our kids, of course, I would never do that, but I do think we need to leave it the way it has been, Steckman said.

Sen. Herman Quirmbach, the senior Democrat on the Senate Education Committee, said he is anticipating action on this topic.

Its an election year, its a culture war issue, and its the kind of thing that they want to have to gin up their base, Quirmbach, of Ames, said.

Librarians do an outstanding job in selecting appropriate material for their clientele, including taking the age of the audience into account, Quirmbach said.

The School Administrators of Iowa is anticipating some kind of legislation introduced on the issue, Roark Horn, SAIs executive director, said.

It might be more broad regarding parental access to school curriculum and increased ability to challenge it rather than targeted to certain books, Horn said.

Emily Piper, who lobbies for the Iowa Association of School Boards, said she was not aware of any legislation that would ban specific books, but there has been discussion about what process is used, and the IASB is educating lawmakers about that mechanism.

Theres already an appropriate process in place and its been utilized in central Iowa where decisions have been made to either remove books or to keep them as instructional materials, Piper said.

On diversity and inclusion, and mask mandates

Those interviewed were also asked about potential action on the recently enacted law that governs training on racism and sexism and diversity and inclusion efforts (HF802), as well as the law prohibiting school districts from mandating face coverings.

On HF802, Whitver and Horn  SAIs executive director  said lawmakers are still watching to see if the law is performing as intended.

So that like a lot of issues in the legislature, were just gonna wait and see whats happening throughout the state, Whitver said.

Piper said the IASB was helping school boards and districts navigate the legislation so they understand how it applies to them and what they can do.

She would like legislators to require the Department of Education to provide a list of resources, curriculum and materials that meet the intent of the law.

The law prohibiting masks faces a federal court challenge.

No one anticipated new action on the law while the case is pending.

Erin Murphy of the Gazette Des Moines Bureau contributed.
An expected decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 to restrict abortion rights or overturn Roe v. Wade has set off a renewed round of abortion battles in state legislatures.

Leaders of Iowas Republican-led legisture, however, say theyre waiting to see how state and federal court cases play out.

I dont see us passing a bill, Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, said in an interview previewing the upcoming legislative session.

The Iowa Legislature convenes Jan. 10.

I would like to see us wait to see how these court cases play out, and then we react, Grassley said. I think right now, theres a lot of ifs surrounding the life issue, to be honest with you.

Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny, echoed Grassley.

From my perspective, we really need to see whats going to happen at the federal level in the Supreme Court, but also the state Supreme Court, Whitver said. I think waiting to see what happens at both of those, both the federal and the state level is something we need to do.

Iowa Democrats, however, argue the Republican-led legislature is likely to press an all-out abortion ban that would take effect if Roe is reversed. The 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision affirmed a womans right to an abortion before a fetus is viable outside the womb, usually about 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Republicans just cant help themselves when it comes to attacking womens right to make their own healthcare decisions, Iowa House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, said. And so I cant fathom a legislative session in which nothing comes up. ... Weve seen some pretty harsh attacks on women in this arena, and I cant fathom theyll just let it go. Thats just not who they are, especially in an election year.

Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls of Coralville, however, said he did not foresee more legislative action on abortion this year.

But in terms of whether or not Iowans are paying attention, I think if we see a Supreme Court decision that overturns either Roe or Casey, youre gonna see a whole heck of a lot of folks really wake up and realize the stakes of what were dealing with right here, Wahls said, including the prospect of young families and professionals leaving the state and exacerbating a state workforce crisis. Young Iowans are overwhelmingly supportive of a womans right to choose.

A Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll conducted in September found a majority of Iowans  57%  believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases.

Court rulings

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in December in a case concerning a Mississippi law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy and challenges the landmark abortion-rights ruling, which overturned would leave states with more freedom to restrict procedures terminating a pregnancy.

A majority of the Supreme Court during debate last month signaled it is open to upholding Mississippis abortion ban, but left unclear how far it may go to curtail or overturn the constitutional right to an abortion.

Several states have already passed so-called trigger laws that would automatically outlaw abortions upon a court decision overturning Roe.

A 2018 Iowa Supreme Court decision ruling the states constitution protects a right to an abortion, however, provides a major legal hurdle and would remain in place should Roe be overturned. Meaning nothing would happen immediately in Iowa.

Iowa Republicans, though, got the ball rolling earlier this year on an effort to pass an amendment to the Iowa Constitution to undo the Iowa Supreme Court decision.

The Iowa House and Senate passed a resolution during the 2021 legislative session proposing an amendment that explicitly states the Iowa Constitution does not recognize, grant, or secure a right to abortion or require the public funding of abortion. State lawmakers would need to approve the resolution again in the next General Assembly, beginning in 2023, to place the amendment on the ballot.

Iowa voters would still have to approve the change to the states constitution in a general election. Meaning the soonest the issue would appear before voters would be in 2024.

Republicans, too, are waiting to see how the Iowa Supreme Court rules in coming months in the states appeal of an Iowa District decision that permanently blocked a 2020 law requiring a 24-hour waiting period before receiving an abortion.

Anti-abortion activists have said theyre hopeful a more conservative court will reverse the 2018 ruling, which struck down a prior 72-hour waiting period.

Since the 2018 decision, Republican Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has appointed four of Iowas seven Supreme Court justices, and has called on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Sixty Iowa Republican legislators this fall asked the Iowa Supreme Court to overturn the 2018 ruling declaring women have a fundamental right to an abortion and any restrictions subject to strict judicial scrutiny.

I think they created out of thin air a fundamental right to an abortion, said Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison, who led passage of the constitutional amendment during the 2021 session. I think we certainly have appointed judges that are more constructionist in nature. That doesnt necessarily mean rulings will go the way I think they should go. Am I cautiously optimistic? Yes. But ... I dont think theres anything certain as to how the court might rule.

Extreme attack on women and girls

Iowa Democrats and abortion-rights supporters worry that if a new Supreme Court ruling or constitutional amendment passes, state lawmakers will be granted the unchecked ability to regulate and restrict access to abortion services, which will disproportionately harm low-income Iowans who cannot afford to travel out of state to receive the procedure.

The constitution is meant to give rights and not take them away, said state Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, the ranking Democrat on the House Human Resources Committee which considers abortion legislation.

If theres a focus this session it should be maternal health care  and making sure its safe to have a baby in Iowa and were not doing that, Wessel-Kroeschell said. Were making it more and more difficult and taking options away from Iowa families. The focus needs to change to supporting Iowans instead of taking away their rights.

Iowa hospitals have closed 18 labor and delivery departments, including in Muscatine, since fiscal year 2017, when the state hired private national firms to manage its Medicaid program.

Hospitals in the state lost a combined more than $38 million in calendar year 2020 between the amount billed by each provider and the amount paid for delivery claims under Iowas privatized Medicaid system, according to figures provided by State Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines.

As hospitals are dumping labor & delivery services at record speed, our state is becoming a more dangerous place for birthing parents and their babies, Petersen wrote in a June 15 letter to Iowa Department of Human Services Director Kelly Garcia. Even worse, privatized Medicaid isnt required to cover the transportation costs of getting birthing parents or their babies to hospitals equipped to care for them.

Garcia responded arguing Iowa Department of Public Health data shows that access and quality do not appear to be declining, even when accounting for the decline in labor and delivery units. Gracia, too, pointed to the declining number of women giving birth in the state and nationwide.

Iowa does not regularly review Medicaid labor and delivery reimbursement rates to providers; however, moving forward, the Department will work to undertake targeted rate reviews to help inform lawmakers, stakeholders and the public, Garcia wrote.

In addition, Iowa Medicaid has committed to developing necessary maternal health coordination and reimbursement strategies that lead to appropriate risk identification and referrals to promote positive health outcomes for moms and babies on Medicaid, she wrote. We have also identified a growing need to consider additional provider models, such as Certified Nurse Midwives, as we must augment our reliance on Family Medicine physicians to provide obstetrical services. Additional provider models are showing promise across the country in increasing maternal health access and quality, particularly for women in rural areas and for women of color.

Holt contends the constitutional amendment, if passed by Iowa voters, would return the Iowa Constitution to a position of neutrality on the issue of abortion.

It doesnt outlaw abortion in the state of Iowa, Holt said. It would remove the fundamental right, subject to strict scrutiny. ... There would have to be a ruling on the federal level before anything on abortion in Iowa would change, if the life amendment was to be passed.

Holt said he does not consider abortion health care, and worried if the 2018 ruling is allowed to stand it could open the door to taxpayer-funded and late-term abortions. Iowa law currently bans most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

(The constitutional amendment) does not do anything besides possibly protect the restrictions we already have had in place, Holt argued.

Representatives from Planned Parenthood North Central States and Iowa Right to Life did not respond to messages seeking comment.

Petersen called the constitutional Amendment an extreme attack on women and girls as part of a Republican agenda obsessed with banning access to legal, safe abortion care.

Iowa women and girls, Petersen said, need more access to safe health care close to home, not less.

This constitutional amendment takes away personal decision-making power from women  taking away our freedom to make personal decisions about what is best for our bodies, our future, our families and our pregnancies, Petersen said.

The Gazette Des Moines Bureau and Associated Press contributed reporting to this article
At the sentencing for his brothers killer, Ruben Lozano looked within himself and found sympathy for Christian Mora and his family.

About 15-20 years ago, Lozano said he was involved in gangs, sold drugs.

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I was shot at, Lozano told him. I was in your position.

A felony drug bust back then before the same Lake County judge gave him a choice to turn his life around, he said. Now in his early 40s, he had since become a pastor.

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Im glad I never killed anyone, because I would have been blind to the pain it would have caused, he told Mora.

Two lives have been ruined, he said, of his brother and Mora.

Still, he had empathy for the suffering of Moras family. His Christian faith gave him the motivation to forgive Mora.

From the bottom of my heart, I forgive you, he said.

As Lozano returned to the audience, he shook the hand of Moras mother, who cried the entire hearing, his grandmother and every relative in an entire row, before a bailiff gently nudged him back to his seat.

Calling Mora manipulative, however, Judge Salvador Vasquez sentenced him to 20 years in 34-year-old Erik Lozanos Nov. 28, 2019, slaying.

The sentence was the most allowed under the Oct. 1 plea agreement for voluntary manslaughter reached between prosecutors and Moras defense attorney.

Charging documents alleged they argued over money and drugs near an East Chicago bank, before Mora, now 21, stabbed Lozano 20 times, returning to throw his body in his trunk, then dumped it in Lake Stations Grand Park Lake.

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Three other men there were charged with assisting a criminal in connection with the case: Nathaniel Ostapchuk, now 23, of Lake Station, Casey Hall, of Merrillville, and Adam M. Martin, 20, of Lake Station.

Martins next hearing is Jan. 12. Ostapchuks next hearing is Jan. 31. Hall signed a plea agreement. His sentencing is Jan. 28.

The four men were looking to make money by robbing people Thanksgiving night and they started the evening by chasing a young man near St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, according to a probable cause affidavit. Lozano later joined the group, before Mora stabbed him to death.

Martin told officers they left Lozanos body at the bank and Mora drove the three to a house Mora believed was Lozanos because he thought that was where theyd find Lozanos drugs and money, according to the affidavit. Martin said when a woman answered the door, Hall and Mora returned to the car because Mora said he couldnt kill a female, records said.

Lozanos body was discovered Dec. 1, 2019, by someone feeding ducks.

Earlier in Fridays hearing, Moras grandmother, Maria, said he was not the monster portrayed in court. He was very kind and was helpful in church.

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Im sorry for the bottom of my heart this happened, she said. He cant take back what happened. Honestly, he is a very good person.

Moras mother, Martha Vasquez, asked the judge, no relation, for mercy.

She apologized to Lozanos family.

I cant say I can feel your pain, but I do empathize with you, she said.

As a mother of seven, she talked with Mora several times about his choice of friends.

Mora has apologized for hurting us, she said.

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What he did was wrong, she said. Thats not Christian.

Ruben Lozano, who followed Moras mother, told the judge his family wanted the right justice.

You are not necessarily a bad guy, he told Mora, saying he fell on the wrong path. A relative of Moras came to his church and talked to him, Lozano said.

But, his brother had slash marks over his heart, cuts on his hands from trying to fight back. His body was pulled from the lake.

For anybody that is human in here, how would you feel, Lozano asked.

We dont want nobody to feel sorry for us, he said. We just want justice for my brother.

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The agreement was a fair resolution, defense lawyer Marc Laterzo said.

If it had gone to trial, it would have been a voluntary manslaughter case with a possible self-defense element, he said.

He asked for a 17.5-year sentence.

Prosecutor Keith Anderson asked for 20 years.

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Mora apologized to Lozanos family, even responding, yes, sir, earlier during Lozanos brothers victim statement on if he would use it as a catalyst to change.

The victim, Lozano, was a friend, Mora said. During prison, he had a lot of time to think on his actions and so far, in two years behind bars, had tried to keep out of trouble.

I wish I could change things, Mora said.

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Michelle L. Quinn contributed.
Moroccos exports to Brazil have reached a record level estimated at about $2 billion in 2021, according to data of the Brazilian Ministry of Economy.

The data suggest that Morocco has exported products worth more than $1.9 billion to the Latin American country, which represents a record level never reached before since 1997 when Moroccan exports to Brazil did not exceed 50 million.

The total Moroccan exports to Brazil increased in 2021 by 70.29%, compared to 2020 ($1.1 billion), and up by 98.29% compared to 2019 (more than $967 million).

A sectoral breakdown shows that fertilizers dominated Moroccos exports to Brazil (about $1.6 billion), followed by inorganic chemicals and organic and inorganic compounds of precious metals ($170.5 million); salt, sulfur, plaster, and cement ($42.1 million); fisheries ($42 million); machines, equipment, and electrical materials ($20 million); and clothing and accessories ($19.7 million).

Exports also include aircraft, space vehicles and their parts ($2.5 million), and cars, tractors, bicycles, and their parts and accessories ($2.2 million).

Trade between the two countries during 2021 showed a surplus in favor of Morocco, estimated at $1.35 billion, an increase of 193.85% compared to 2020 (approximately $460.3 million), and up by 171.68% compared to 2019 (about $498 million).

In its global foreign trade, Brazil closed 2021 with a trade surplus of $61 billion dollars, an increase of 21% compared to 2020.
The second session of the 107th Legislature has convened. Second sessions are short, 60 legislative days. Bills introduced but not passed in the first session carry over into the second session. The current end of the session is scheduled for April 20.

I have introduced 16 bills so far this session. The last day of bill introduction is Jan. 20. I think I will be introducing a few more bills. I want to devote the next several weekly updates to explaining what these bills are about.

My priority bill is LB 773. This is commonly referred to as constitutional carry. This would change Nebraskas law to allow the carrying of concealed weapons without a permit. Five of our six neighboring states already have this law. The bottom line is simple; citizens should not have to pay money to lawfully exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights. I am hopeful I have the five votes needed in the Judiciary Committee to advance this bill. This bill will receive a hearing very soon. I urge citizens interested in supporting the Second Amendment to contact the senators on this committee and ask them to support the bill. If I am forced to, I will use the pull motion rule to advance this bill to the full Legislature for debate.

There are other bills coming this session the public should take note of. The Convention of States resolution (LR 14) by Sen. Steve Halloran will be up for debate next week. This measure petitions Congress under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to call a convention of the states for the purposes of limiting the size and scope of the federal governments authority, placing fiscal constraints on the federal government, and limiting terms of federal elected office. LB 364 is Sen. Lou Ann Linehans bill to provide tax-credit scholarships so poor schoolchildren can attend a quality private school. Sen. Julie Slamas LR3CA would amend the Nebraska Constitution to require photo identification to vote. This will require 30 votes of the Legislature to pass, so there is also a peoples ballot initiative that does the same thing. One way or another, I hope to see this question on the ballot next November.

Nebraska has about $1.1 billion in various one-time federal money to spend. Bright ideas for spending this money abound. Personally, I would divide that number by the number of Nebraskans paying taxes and send everyone a check and be done with it. I feel this way because assuming the government can decide how best to spend this money is never as beneficial as letting individual people decide. After all, the money belongs to the people in the first place. We must avoid creating things with this money that are going to have continuing costs in the years to come. We cannot let this turn into something we will have to cut in a lean year when revenues are down.

Contact Sen. Tom Brewer: tbrewer@leg.ne.gov, 402-471-2628.
I hope everyone has gotten their 2022 off to a good start. Colder temperatures may benefit hunters. It has brought more waterfowl into the area. Remember too that turkey season is still going, the late anterless deer season has another week to go and the recent snowfall makes small game hunting a lot of fun.

I had a downer tossed at me Christmas day. Fred Werkmeister, a long time friend and hunting/fishing companion, died. Werkmeister was a regular part of my camps for years and added a lot of wisdom and cheerfulness. Fred was just fun to be around.

Werkmeister was in a very serious vehicle accident a few years back and that accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. He had some movement in his arms, but very little strength. Even with his injuries, Werkmeister still loved the outdoors and especially shooting. For the last couple of years he had been working on a highly customized Ruger 10-22 target rifle that he would shoot from a custom built rest attached to his wheelchair.

A flood of memories from past trips and camps came back with Werkmeisters passing. I relived a turkey hunt where we only used Winchester 101 shotguns. I thought about prairie dogging in northern Dawson County. One great wiper fishing trip at Elwood Reservoir flashed back to me. One of the stories that brought the most immediate chuckles was a drone shoot I had with Werkmeister.

It was maybe 10 years back when drones were just becoming part of the outdoors vernacular. There were cases of groups like PETA using drones to harass hunters. The town of Deer Trail, Colorado, tried to cash in on this and wanted to issue drone hunting permits for a small fee. I know a couple guys who sent off their money and now have an official drone hunting permit. I thought we needed to have an actual drone hunt here in North Platte, so I asked Kent Elmshauser to build a RC plane we could shoot down. Elmshauser is one of those people who can build anything.

The day finally came when we were ready to test our wing shooting skills against the drone. We met at Golden Point Ranch, east of town. Werkmeister, Rodney and Roger Aden of Gothenburg, Tom and Larry Golden and I discussed how we would do this. Elmshauser pointed out that we did not want to hit the main servos, radio receiver or battery, located in the forward part of the drone, if we wanted to shoot the drone down more than once. That meant we had to shoot only the rear fuselage and tail control surfaces of the plane. This would take a bit of precision shooting.

Those of us who were the shooters lined up about five yards apart. Elmshauser launched the drone and orbited it around us. He then banked the drone toward us and over the firing line. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Everyone took a shot and we could see the drone shudder each time it was hit. On the second pass we had chewed up the tail section of the drone enough that Elmshauser lost control and the drone went down in the tall grass near us.

It took Elmshauser about 15 minutes to patch up the damage and get the drone airborne again. I think the drone got patched up and flew again three times that afternoon. On the fourth flight, Werkmeister had a touch too much lead on his shot and hit the battery and radio receiver. At Freds shot, the motor on the drone stopped and it banked to the left in a shallow dive. Smoke began trailing from the drone and it spiraled into the trees. It looked like the gun footage you see in a World War II documentary. Our drone shooting was done for the day  and of course everyone blamed Werkmeister and ribbed him a lot about ruining everyones fun for the afternoon.

Elmshausers wife, Sue, was there that day to video the event. I got a text from her the morning she saw the obituary for Werkmeister.

I see Fred Werkmeister passed away. So sad. He was quite a guy, she wrote. Ill never forget shooting down Kents airplane and his laugh. You were all like a bunch of kids out there! You guys laughed and laughed!

It was a good day and a lot of fun. That was generally the way all out get-togethers and camps were. Wed laugh until our sides hurt! Im considering getting another drone commissioned and having a memorial shoot. Fred would have liked that.

Werkmeister will be missed greatly in future camps. Vaya con dios, amigo!

Wind chill

If you have stepped outside in the last few days you know what wind chill is all about. According to the National Weather Service, wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it feel much colder. It is important to note that wind chill applies to both people and animals.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration developed a chart with wind chill temperatures calculated from wind speed and ambient temperature. Ambient temperature is the temperature of the surrounding environment. It began as a complex formula to calculate wind chill that was first developed by researchers in Antarctica in the 1940s to accurately calculate the temperatures they would face being out in the elements. This allowed them to better prepare for dangerously cold weather. Today, we use a newer formula, developed in 2001 by the United States National Weather service using the newest technology. Look it up at NOAAs website.

Here is an example: We had minus 10 degree temperatures recently with 35 mph winds in some areas. That translates to a wind chill of minus 41 degrees. Wind chill can make you more susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite results when water in the skin and surrounding tissues freezes causing tissue cells to rupture resulting in infections, gangrene, possible amputations and, in some severe cases, death.

Hypothermia is a real medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat. This causes your core body temperature to lower. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia can begin to set in when your body temperature falls below 95 degrees. At this point, your heart, nervous system and other organs cannot work normally. Untreated hypothermia can lead to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system and eventually to death.

We think of hypothermia most often when we think about falling in cold water and icefishing conditions are building. There are a few hard water anglers out on the ice already, and I hope they stay warm and dry. The beginning and end of icefishing season is when we have most of the accidents of people falling through the ice.

Enjoy the outdoors; just remember to dress for the weather when you go outside. Be smart and be safe.
The Pentagon. Photo: Nick Kirkpatrick/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Just before the New Year, the Pentagon established a new office that will study UFOs  or unidentified aerial phenomena, as theyre now known  and report its findings to Congress. However, the move  the most significant UFO legislation ever passed  is contentious to many in the UFO community, reports NBC News.

This is a subject with a provable history of secrecy, and anything that lacks a new openness about the information is subject to more, possibly inappropriate control, Ron James, a spokesperson for the Mutual UFO Network, which bills itself as the oldest and largest UFO organization in the world told NBC News. We dont see that this means new resources will be dedicated to the matter. We believe that considerable resources have always been dedicated to the matter at some level inside deep government and industry. Ufologist Steven M. Greer told NBC News that UAP shouldnt even be considered a national security threat worthy of special Pentagon attention.

Luis Elizondo, a former government insider who helped spark renewed interest in unidentified aerial phenomena by publicizing video from military aircraft, wrote in an op-ed in the Hill that the Pentagons decision to place the new UAP office inside the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security could mean70 more years of secrecy on this topic.

Elizondo also told the Hill that hes not convinced [that] burying this [issue] in the deep, dark bowels of the Pentagon under an intelligence organization is the best way to shed light on a topic that needs a whole-of-government approach. Instead, he likens the UFO problem to climate change, about which the government has brought in and relied on outside experts.

Meanwhile, lawmakers who spearhead the legislation  like New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand  argue it brings new resources and legitimacy to the investigation and tracking of potential national-security threats. Our national security efforts rely on aerial supremacy and these phenomena present a challenge to our dominance, Gillibrand said. The United States needs a coordinated effort to take control and understand whether these aerial phenomena belong to a foreign government or something else altogether.
A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. Here are the facts:

Fake vaccine quote circulates after Betty White's death

CLAIM: Betty White told a news outlet she received a COVID-19 vaccine booster on Dec. 28, three days before her death, saying: "Eat healthy and get all your vaccines. I just got boosted today."

THE FACTS: The quote is fabricated. White did not receive a booster that day, her agent confirmed to The Associated Press. The news article cited by social media users does not contain the bogus quote or anything about vaccines.

Days after Betty White's death at the age of 99 was confirmed on Dec. 31, social media users falsely claimed "The Golden Girls" star had received a COVID-19 vaccine booster on Dec. 28, using a bogus quote to suggest her death may have been related. Posters on Twitter and Facebook shared an image containing a quote reading, "'Eat healthy and get all your vaccines. I just got boosted today.' - Betty White, Dec. 28th, 2021," alongside a link to an article in Minnesota news outlet Crow River Media, titled, "Betty White: I'm lucky to still be in good health."

One post on Twitter shared the fabricated quote with a caption that reads, "Died 3 days later! Coincidence." But the article does not include that quote, and archived versions of the story stored by the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine also do not mention COVID-19 vaccine boosters.

Crow River Media ran an editorial addressing the falsehood in the Hutchinson Leader and Litchfield Independent Review, which they publish." The story itself is about a Dec. 28 article in People that included quotes from White given "a few weeks" before she passed away. The People article also does not mention boosters. White's agent, Jeff Witjas, confirmed to the AP that the quote attributed to White is entirely false. "Betty never said this," Witjas said in an email. Witjas also confirmed that White did not receive a booster on Dec. 28, though he did not comment on whether she received one at all. Witjas said she died peacefully in her sleep of "natural causes."

 Associated Press writer Karena Phan in Sacramento, California, contributed this report.

Labeled swabs in some COVID test kits are for quality control

CLAIM: A photo showing a COVID-19 test kit that includes swabs labeled "positive" and "negative" proves tests are manipulated to give a predetermined result.

THE FACTS: The photo does not prove the tests are being manipulated. The swabs labeled "positive control" and "negative control" are included in test kits for quality control purposes to make sure the tests work properly, a standard for most rapid diagnostic tests.

As the COVID-19 variant omicron generates a renewed wave of infections around the world, social media users began recirculating a photo from several months ago to falsely claim that COVID-19 test results are being planned in advance and that tests are unreliable. One recent Instagram post showed a photo of a COVID-19 test kit manufactured by ACON Laboratories, which included test swab packages labeled "positive control swab," and "negative control swab." The post added the caption "Picture taken secretly by a nurse on shift. Name not mentioned for obvious reasons." The same photo has been circulating online since at least spring 2021. However, the positive and negative control swabs are not used on patients, they are used to make sure the test kits work.

The swabs in the photo were part of an antigen rapid test first distributed in December 2020 by ACON Laboratories that was marketed for professional use. In this version of the test, a section of the instruction manual labeled "quality control" stated: "These control swabs should be used to ensure that the test cassette and that the test procedure is performed correctly." William Anderson, a technical support specialist with ACON Laboratories, confirmed to The Associated Press that this is the purpose of the swabs, and said it is "common practice" to include such control samples. ACON's positive control swab is precoated with a SARS-CoV-2 recombinant antigen, according to the test kit instructions. Recombinant antigens are manufactured artificially in a lab. When the positive control swab is used on the kit, it is supposed to produce a positive result to demonstrate that the test is functioning accurately. Similarly, the negative swab should show a negative result. The controls are often used by sites that perform a high volume of tests, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Loren Williams, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Georgia Tech, said the falsely captioned photos were "misrepresenting normal features" of these diagnostic tests. "For any good assay you need both positive and negative controls," Williams wrote in an email to the AP. He added: "You cannot believe a negative result if your positive control is not positive. And a negative control ensures that your reagents are not contaminated. If you get a positive result in your negative control, then you generally have a contamination problem." A similar claim was made on Twitter about swabs found in tests by Abbott Laboratories. The company responded in a statement clarifying that the labeled swabs are to make sure the tests work.

 Associated Press writer Sophia Tulp in Atlanta contributed this report.

Biden didn't 'fire' more than 200 Marines

CLAIM: "Joe Biden fired over 200 marines for refusing to take the COVID vaccine."

THE FACTS: As of Dec. 30, 206 Marines have been removed from the Marine Corps for refusing to comply with the Pentagon's COVID-19 vaccine mandate  but the removals were made by U.S. Marine Corps leadership, not the president, according to a Marine Corps spokesperson.

Disciplinary decisions for armed service members are handled by the respective military services, the Department of Defense confirmed to The Associated Press. As COVID-19 vaccination deadlines for some armed service branches recently passed, social media users spread false claims about which authorities carried out the discipline for those who refused to get the vaccine. The deadline for active-duty Marines to be vaccinated was Nov. 28, and the deadline for reservists to comply was Dec. 28. Shortly after the final deadline, Nick Adams, president of The Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness, a conservative civic education organization, tweeted to his more than 223,000 followers: "Joe Biden fired over 200 Marines for refusing to take the COVID vaccine." But the assertion is incorrect about who is responsible for disciplining troops. Cpt. Andrew R. Wood, a Marine Corps communication strategy officer, confirmed that Corps leadership removed the Marines. Adams' Dec. 31 tweet was deleted as of early Jan. 6, hours after an inquiry from the AP. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The post echoes similar false claims that social media users shared in October, asserting that Biden had ordered dishonorable discharges for all troops who refused to be vaccinated. A Pentagon official told the AP in October that Biden had not issued any such order, and that the president does not have the authority to make those decisions. The Biden administration did at one point oppose a proposal by the Pentagon to remove dishonorable discharges from the list of disciplinary options that could be used against service members who refuse COVID-19 vaccines. But the administration did not order that such punishments be carried out. In fact, last month the president signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act  the annual bill that sets the DOD's budget  with a provision that bars dishonorable discharges for service members who refuse the vaccine, the AP reported. The provision specifies they receive at least a general discharge, a less serious option.

 Sophia Tulp

Posts misrepresent movie schedules to push Jan. 6 conspiracy

CLAIM: Only one film is scheduled to play at many major movie theaters nationwide from Jan. 7-8, and this may be related to a Jan. 6 news conference planned by former President Donald Trump.

THE FACTS: The temporary lack of listings in movie theater schedules had nothing to do with any political actions or other conspiracies. The single film  called "The 355"  that was at one point the only movie listed for the second weekend in January on many schedules was the only new movie premiering for most theaters, meaning tickets were open for advance sale. Titles that previously premiered were scheduled in subsequent days, following standard practice among most theaters.

Social media users misrepresented the advanced theater schedules to push the baseless theory that they could foreshadow an announcement by Trump on Jan. 6, the anniversary of the violent insurrection in the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. The claims originated on the messaging app Telegram and hinged on the fact that as of last weekend, only one film was listed as showing on Friday, Jan. 7, and Saturday, Jan. 8, across many major markets and theaters. "Something odd is going on in theaters across the nation on Jan. 7 and Jan. 8," a widely-shared post on Facebook, Telegram and Twitter stated in part, before adding: "Wonder if this has something to do with the press conference Pres. Trump has scheduled for Jan 6?" Trump on Tuesday canceled the press conference. The claims were based on a misunderstanding of how most movie theaters compile and publish their schedules. A spokesperson for Cinemark Theaters told The Associated Press that its showtimes aren't usually booked for the week until after internal meetings each Monday, leaving the schedule sometimes looking bare until Tuesday. An exception is when theaters allow advance sales for a movie that is set to premiere on a specific date, the spokesperson said. Such was the case with "The 355"  a film starring Jessica Chastain as a CIA agent who joins forces with a rival German agent when a secret weapon falls into the hands of mercenaries. Ryan Noonan, public relations director for AMC Theaters, also said the showtimes reflect normal operations. "As is always the case, the complete showtime schedules at all AMC locations for the week of Jan. 7-13 will fully populate by Wednesday morning," Noonan wrote on Monday in an email to the AP. Trump had said he planned to hold a news conference on Jan. 6 but later canceled it.

 Sophia Tulp

Posts misrepresent Portugal's COVID-19 death count

CLAIM: A court in Portugal ruled that only 152 people died of COVID-19 in the country, not 17,000.

THE FACTS: More than 19,000 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in Portugal, not 152.

Social media users are misrepresenting figures from Portugal to make it seem like the country was inflating deaths related to COVID-19. In May, Portugal's General Directorate for Health was asked how many COVID-19 deaths were confirmed by autopsy. The agency responded to the request stating that 152 death certificates had been recorded at the time by doctors working for the Ministry of Justice, which performs forensic medical autopsies. At the time of the request, the country had recorded 16,945 COVID-19 deaths in total, according to the Ministry of Health.

A majority of death certificates in the country are issued by doctors in the Ministry of Health, not the Ministry of Justice. Autopsies performed by the Justice Ministry take place when there is a violent death or an unknown cause, according to the agency. Autopsies are not performed on most deaths related to COVID-19.

"In other words, forensic medical autopsies aim, namely, to support criminal investigations, and are not, as a rule, carried out in situations of natural death by COVID-19," the agency said in a statement. As a result, the number being circulated online did not reflect total deaths in the country, nor did it prove that health officials were increasing Portugal's COVID-19 death count. According to the Health Ministry's daily report for Jan. 5, Portugal had recorded a total of 19,029 COVID-19 deaths. False claims about the number of COVID-19 deaths in Portugal circulated in July and resurfaced this week as the omicron variant surges around the globe. One post sharing the false claim was retweeted on Twitter about 9,000 times.

 Associated Press writer Beatrice Dupuy in New York contributed this report.

Nuremberg Code says nothing about mask mandates

CLAIM: The Nuremberg Code explicitly states that mask mandates are a war crime.

THE FACTS: The Nuremberg Code, a set of research ethics created after World War II in response to atrocities perpetrated by Nazi scientists, does not discuss mask mandates.

Text circulating online that is said to show details in the code about masks is bogus. Posts claiming that the Nuremberg Code classifies mask mandates as war crimes have circulated widely on social media alongside an image purportedly showing text from "Article 6: Section 3" of the code. Part of the text in the image states, "Leaders should be aware that mandating masks on the citizens of a nation and preventing their access to food, healthcare, transport or education if they don't comply, is a war crime. Masks or any other medical intervention must remain voluntary."

But the Nuremberg Code contains no such information. The code doesn't mention masks or mask mandates. The sixth principle of the real code asserts that an experiment's "degree of risk" should "never exceed" the "humanitarian importance of the problem" that the experiment aims to solve. Dorit Reiss, a law professor at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, told The Associated Press that the Nuremberg Code doesn't include "anything like" the text in the image. "From start to bottom, this is made up," she said. "The essence of the code is to prohibit experiments on human subjects without informed consent. Mask mandates are not experiments. The people who are subject to them are not human subjects." "The code is in no way, shape or form relevant to mask mandates," Reiss added.

The Nuremberg Code originated at a military tribunal that occurred in Nuremberg, Germany, following World War II where Nazi officials were prosecuted. Physicians who conducted harrowing experiments on concentration camp inmates were among the defendants. The code was drafted in 1947 in response to the scientists' crimes and remains influential in medical ethics. The AP previously reported on different online posts that claimed Germany's restrictions for unvaccinated people violate the Nuremberg Code. Medical ethics and legal experts told the AP that these claims are false.

 Associated Press writer Josh Kelety in Phoenix contributed this report.

___
President Joe Biden has rescinded COVID-19-related travel restrictions that were imposed in late November on eight African nations. The rescission, which took effect on Dec. 31, was recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Prompted by concerns about the spread of the Omicron variant, the President had issued a proclamation on Nov. 26 that imposed travel restrictions on U.S.-bound travelers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa (where the Omicron variant was first detected) and Zimbabwe. The proclamation, with few exemptions and exceptions, barred entry to the United States of non-U.S. citizens, immigrants, or nonimmigrants, who had been in any of these countries 14 days or less before their entry or attempted entry.

The President stated the following reasons for revoking the Nov. 26 proclamation:

Since I issued [the original] proclamation, our Nations health officials, in collaboration with the South African scientists who originally reported the variant, have made substantial progress in understanding the Omicron variant. Importantly, scientific experts have determined that people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 are protected against severe disease and hospitalization from the Omicron variant.

Moreover, the Omicron variant has now spread to more than 100 countries, and it is prevalent in the United States. At the same time, my Administration has made international travel to the United States from all countries safer in the time since I issued [the original proclamation, including generally applicable rules requiring] noncitizens to be fully vaccinated, . . . and for travelers to wear face masks on commercial conveyances and at United States transportation hubs.

Current vaccination and testing requirements

All persons traveling to the United States continue to be subject to the COVID-19 vaccination requirements under Proclamation 10294 and the testing and travel requirements issued by the CDC.

The current testing and travel requirements are as follows:

All international travelers inbound to the United States (including vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents) must present proof of a negative COVID test taken no earlier than one day before their planned departures.

Unvaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents must, in addition, present proof of purchase of a viral test to be taken upon entry into the United States.

Foreign nationals must, in addition, present proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Other developments

Consistent with the revocation of the African travel ban, the U.S. Department of State has announced that as of Jan. 1, the issuance of visas to individuals who were subject to the ban would no longer be prohibited but that the current vaccination and testing requirements remained in effect. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has made a similar announcement.

The State Department guidance also addresses applicants whose visa applications were refused solely due to their presence in a country covered by a regional COVID proclamation Those applicants were advised to contact the embassy or consulate where they made the application to request reconsideration.

Tammy C. Woolley is Senior Counsel in the Opelika, Alabama, office of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP, and can be contacted at twoolley@constangy.com. This article is adapted from a recent e-newsletter published to our clients.
Just making sure that people open ONTD to something puny.

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That makes sense tbh if I was a celeb I would worry about my kids and what they see about me too. Hes still a douche canoe tho

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Douche canoe is a phrase that is simply not used enough. 



And yes Assfleck is one. (To make this on topic.) 

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His Dunkin Donuts habit is far more concerning than the sad memes

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I'm sure it was tough for them seeing their dad blame them/their mom for their drinking issues/being unhappy too but you sure haven't learned to shut the fuck up, Ben.

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right? that was WAY worse than some stupid lil memes.

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jfc yes. took the words right out of my mouth

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the meme of him spacing out in an interview will hurt them but saying he feels trapped in the marriage to their mother and can't leave bc of them isn't??? this fucking guy

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it was really tough when his kids discovered he was their father

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I'm rewatching Sex and the city right now, just started the Berger arc, and he reminds me so much of Ben Affleck. You know, an insecure coward little fuck who thinks he's much smarter than he actually is, can't deal with his partner's success & sees himself as a nice guy.

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YES! Berger always reminded me of someone and I could never place who, the little quips and everything

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This honestly decribes 99% of straight white men.

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Who's asking him all this???

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His therapist, Jlo

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i think i maybe hate him almost the most?? idk why since others have been much worse but there's something about him that i find irrationally irritating.

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for me it's because he thinks a half-hearted mea culpa and a lopsided smile he means to be charming will keep working

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He very much vibes as someone who expects his experiences to be relatable because they happened to him and doesnt do much self-reflection past that.

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For most people it DOES, though - just not here.

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I'm at bitch eating crackers with him

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when my wife finishes a call for work she slumps down and says "Ben Affleck" aloud. I laugh every time because there's so many different Sadfleck pics to choose from.



honestly tho, there are more concerning things coming out of his actual mouth than pics taken at the wrong moment by paps he himself called

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Sad Keanu wasn't more relatable.

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He's worried about the wrong things. What about all the internet articles about you having a 4 year affair with Shookus while you were married to their mama, only to dump her after everything came out and he and Jen divorced because the thrill of cheating was no longer there?

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So have his kids already found out he slept with their nanny?

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Like his AUDACITY!!!! blaming memes for making his kids upset! You do that with your own shitty behavior dumbass!

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is he promoting something right now? because if he is i haven't heard a single word about it, just his bullshit thoughts about how nothing's his fault

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I heard something about him being in Austin end of last year to film something but I dont remember the name and all the press hes doing doesnt seem to mention it

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The Tender Bar is out or out soon, maybe he wrote it? Stars in it? Something like that, there was a tweet.

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Lmao hes starring in it. It was originally a parenting book 

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George Clooney directed it too, no? He's probably somewhere muttering under his breath, "Ben, just SHUT UP already."

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it's gonna be so bad? i would kill to see his contract re: upfronts and backend + was he a producer? are he and clooney friends? i have so many questions here about money.

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His own downfall?

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Tender Bar and outside chance at a supporting actor nom.

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i just came in to wonder that, he is been all over -and not for the Bennifer 2.0 potluck

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"Do my kids think I'm fundamentally sad?" "Do my kids think I'm fundamentally sad?"

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We watched this over the weekend, such a great movie. Every song is amazing but I cannot get we dont talk about bruno out of my head

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I've done my part in this by streaming Surface Pressure ever since they released it lol

So nice to see this movie get the success it deserves!

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i love surface pressure and luisa!!

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Just here to say that Mirabel's Cumbia is !

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I've been listening nonstop since I watched on Xmas day.



In We Dont Talk About Bruno (the actual full scene is available on Youtube), when the whisperer is singing with Mirabel, you can see someone in the background upstairs looking very secretive, was that supposed to be Bruno lol?

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Yes that was Bruno.

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That's Camilo.



the whisperer is Dolores, his sister.



Edited at 2022-01-09 08:53 pm (UTC)

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No, it's Bruno. He comes out of the painting. And the director confirmed it.

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This was such a cute/fun movie! I loved how dynamic the camera was, esp. during We Dont talk about Bruno.

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I was rewatching the musical sequences at the gym this morning lol

I wish the Vivo soundtrack had gotten this love too.

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Vivo's music definitely lives rent free in my head.

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I liked this ones soundtrack a lot more than Vivos. The only song I remember from Vivo is Beat Of My Own Drum.

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my kid constantlyyyy replayed beat of my own drum. definitely one of the most annoying songs i've ever heard.

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There are a few songs that sound too similar. I wish they used a Colombian lyricist besides LMM for other songs.



But I like it, Dos Orugitas is so cute and nostalgic  and Surface Pressure is a bop



My favorite singer was probably Dolores.

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Just heard someone at the hospital im at playing "pressure" on their cellphone.

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I feel like What Else can I do is so underrated. Its so good

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Were never going to escape LMM x Disney collabs now.



Still glad to see this movie doing well because I think they could do more with it. A tv series that lets us learn more about the other Madrigals and focuses on them healing from all the pressures theyve been under or something. I really liked most of the cast and Dolores and Camilos singing talents were underused.

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Yeah, even for Dolores alone. Found her one of the most interesting characters and she was so underused.

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They uploaded the full movie/video sequence for Dos Oruguitas onto youtube (including the resolution and hug) so I can cry to/about it as much as I like!!!



I LOVE this family movie and have gotten to the point where I have watched every youtuber reaction to it LOL

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this is me, I get obsessed with something for a while, and now am watching reactors reacting to this film...

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often I skip right ahead to Abuela and Mirabel's argument to make it spicy for Dos Oruguitas and power through the finale. And I seriously want all the dolls - while being miffed that Dolores doesn't have an official one just yet (Camilo too but that was more of a long shot while people have been using Moanas to make their Dolores') and want to get my mom to watch it tomorrow. I'm a mess! LOL

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literally just watched it and cried my eyes out the music and songs were so good

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I need to watch this but Ive also said this about Moana

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Canada has one of the most ambitious climate commitments in the world. It is also the world's fourth-largest oil producer, with oil revenues accounting for 5 percent of GDP. It is not an easy situation to be in, but apparently, it is not an impossible one. Canada has committed to reducing its emissions by between 40 and 45 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. It has yet to draw a detailed plan about how to get there, but the Trudeau government has made the commitment.

Meanwhile, oil production is seen rising by as much as 18 percent by that year, the Financial Times reported recently, citing Canada's energy regulator. That would come in at a total of close to 4 million barrels of crude daily. Yet it seems that, according to the country's natural resources minister, the two are not entirely incompatible.

"For the [oil] demand that continues to exist, Canada needs to extract value from its resources, just like the United States, the United Kingdom in the North Sea, and Norway," Jonathan Wilkinson told the Financial Times this week,

At the same time, the minister added that the federal government was "going to be very aggressive in reducing emissions from the sector."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a formal commitment to impose a cap on emissions from the oil industry of Canada at the COP26 summit last November. The industry has not expressed any unhappiness with the commitment, mostly because the biggest players in the field have already made their own emission-related commitments in a pre-emptive move.

Related: Russia May Be Nearing Limit Of Oil Output Capacity Indeed, the chief executive of one of Canada's top oil producers, Cenovus, recently said the company was fine with an emissions cap as long as the government realizes it will not happen overnight.

"It's kind of like the equivalent of the Marshall Plan after World War Two," Alex Pourbaix said in November, as quoted by the National Observer. "This is something that can be done, but there are limitations on how quickly it can be done, and it very much has implications on Canadians' quality of life with the cost of doing these things."

Oil sands production is the most emission-intensive form of oil extraction, and the industry has been the target of much criticism for its carbon footprint that eventually spurred it into action, especially as strong demand for oil despite the pandemic boosted bottom lines, freeing up more cash to invest in both production and emission-cutting.

The emission-cutting investments will need to grow, too. The federal government's emission cap plan for the oil and gas industry includes lowering the maximum allowed emissions every five years. In his interview with the FT, Wilkinson signaled that the government preferred a collaborative approach, saying, "We believe that we have the jurisdiction and the authority to bring into play both the cap and the commitment with respect to reductions every five years," but also noting that the government "would prefer to work collaboratively with our provinces."

Canadas Energy Regulator last month estimated that total oil production in the country could peak by 2032, at a level of 5.8 million bpd of oil and condensate per day. That's seven years sooner than an earlier forecast for peak Canadian oil production. Current total oil production is around 5 million bpd, including oil sands, conventional oil, and condensate. Oil sands production alone was about to reach 3.5 million bpd by the end of 2021.

Related: U.S. Rig Count Rises Alongside Oil Prices

With the launch of new pipeline capacity, production will rise further. Cenovus and Suncor both expect production this year to rise by between 4 and 5 percent, to 800,000 bpd and 770,000 bpd of oil equivalent, respectively. And with demand still expected to remain robust, this would climb further in the next few years.

According to the Canadian Energy Regulator, another reason for the relatively bright future of Canadian oil sands is their very nature. "The resilience is really owing to the unique nature of the oil sands, once they are built they are very long-lived and operating costs are quite low," said CER chief economist Darren Christie, as quoted by CBC in December.

It is difficult to resist the allure of low-cost crude oil, a lot of which ends up abroad, bringing in substantial profits. And based on Wilkinson's stance as expressed to the FT, Canada does not intend to resist this allure even as its stance on emissions grows increasingly aggressive.

Perhaps Canada could, because of this insistence on both cutting emissions and keeping the oil flowing, turn into an example of good practices. Of course, this would only happen if the industry and the government do indeed team up on reducing the emissions footprint of oil and gas production in accordance with the government's commitments or if the government sets targets that the industry considers more realistic. In either case, compromises will be needed.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
You are here: Business

China's first high-speed railway controlled by private capital was put into operation on Saturday in east China's Zhejiang Province.



Two trains departed from Taizhou Station and Shengzhou Xinchang Station, marking the official opening of the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway. It is among China's first group of high-speed railway projects funded by a public-private partnership (PPP), with the private sector having a holding status.

With a total investment of nearly 44.9 billion yuan (about 7 billion U.S. dollars), the 266.9-kilometer rail line was designed with eight stops and to facilitate speeds of 350 kilometers per hour.

The construction of the railway began in 2017. The track-laying work was completed in June 2021.

At first, the local railway department will arrange 35 pairs of electric multiple unit (EMU) trains.

It takes 63 minutes to travel between Hangzhou and Taizhou at maximum speed.
One mom said she feels like she's endangering her kids' health. Another said she feels lonely and exhausted by the pressure of what to do. And a father said he and his wife live in fear that their daughter's school will close.

"The world at large is forgetting about anyone with kids under 5," one mother, Rachel Lekherzak, said.

Their experiences represent a snapshot of the broader chaos facing the country as Omicron infects hundreds of thousands of people daily, creating major staffing shortages for schools, hospitals, airlines and emergency services.

Their perspectives help illustrate the tricky position that millions of parents are in. All acknowledged the value of in-person education; all also knew the risks that in-person class could present with this wave of cases.

Here is a sample of their stories.

'Mommy, I'm sorry I failed you'

When Jane Peng's 13-year-old daughter spiked a fever and started vomiting Monday, Peng quickly used a home test kit. The result was negative, but there appeared to be a shadow where the line should be, she said.

The eighth grader at Eisenhower Middle/High School in New Berlin, Wisconsin, has been isolating and wearing a KN95 mask at home since then, the same day that class reopened. On Tuesday and Saturday, home tests came back positive, her mother said. Peng asked that her daughter not be named in this story.

Peng scrambled to find her daughter a PCR test Monday, but all the local pharmacies and testing centers she tried didn't have availability until Friday. "I'm angry and frustrated," she said. "I'm almost unable to get my daughter a test at any official sites ... at the time when she got sick."

The family's doctor couldn't see her daughter until Thursday. On Saturday afternoon, her daughter's PCR test results came back positive. Her husband, a healthcare worker, has tested negative with tests at work.

"Mommy, I'm sorry I failed you, that I didn't protect myself, that I got this Covid and I put you and daddy into danger," Peng said her daughter told her, crying.

Peng told her daughter, who has been wearing a KN95 mask to school, it wasn't her fault. "It's our adults' fault. It's the CDC and school district and me, the mother, that we failed you," Peng said.

The timing of her daughter's illness stung. She tested positive one day before the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its recommendations for the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine booster to include children as young as 12.

Her daughter's school did a good job with Covid-19 safety measures last year with mask mandates, social distancing and glass dividers set up for lunch, she said. Her daughter was struggling with virtual learning, so Peng let her go back to in-person classes in March 2021.

But for this school year, the School District of New Berlin is recommending masks for students and teachers, as opposed to requiring them, according to a May letter from the superintendent.

CDC guidelines for isolation changed from 10 days to five days if you do not have symptoms, plus five days of wearing a mask around others. It makes Peng angry, she said. The school district sent an email to parents on December 30 saying it would adopt the same reduced isolation period, though not the mask requirement.

"This is like drinking the sea water when you are really thirsty, and your children got sick because of this policy change. I blame the CDC and I blame our school district," Peng said. "I want to send this message to a school district -- open your eyes, look at the data, protect our children."

'I feel like I'm endangering them'

Rachel Lekherzak, 40, and her husband decided to hold their 4- and 6-year-old kids back a grade last year, hoping the pandemic would be over by now. The rise of Omicron and decisions made by the Cobb County School District in Georgia have foiled that hope, she said.

"It just feels like a trap," she said. "I feel trapped by it. On one hand, I want my children to have an education. On the other hand, I feel like I'm endangering them by sending them there."

Lekherzak's 6-year-old is in kindergarten and fully vaccinated, but her 4-year-old is in pre-K and is not yet eligible for the shot. School reopened in person on Wednesday. Remote learning is an option in Cobb County, but they would have had to sign up months ago, she said.

"It really is just a series of bad options right now. (People say,) 'You're in a pandemic, what do you expect?' But at some degree it's infuriating," she said.

Lekherzak suspects that the school will be closed by next week due to staff shortages, so she planned to keep her kids home for now to at least keep them from getting sick. Her husband disagrees and wants to send them to class. The situation has caused constant stress, and she was hardly comforted by the knowledge that Covid-19 is generally milder for children.

"There are so many decisions that have been from this pandemic that just puts kids at the short end of the stick. It's like, 'oh they won't get it that bad.' For people who are parents, it doesn't matter how you minimize it, if your child is sick and gasping for air, I'm sorry it's scary," she said. "That's what happens with this virus. That's a normal symptom of a coughing fit."

In a statement Monday, Cobb County School District said schools would reopen after the holiday break on Wednesday and advised parents to "not send a sick child to school." The district strongly encourages students and staff to wear face masks but does not require them, and there are no vaccine or testing requirements, according to its policies.

The district on Thursday also said that they would not continue contact tracing and loosened its quarantine rules, citing new state guidance. "Cobb's Public Health Protocols are intended to balance the importance of in-person learning and the frequent changes associated with Covid-19," a district spokesperson said in a statement.

'Are you gonna wrap yourself in bubble wrap?'

Brian Nagele, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, said he lives under the constant fear that his 6-year-old daughter's school will close due to Covid.

He and his wife aren't able to work from home, so closing in-person class means they have to scramble for day care or take the day off work. Sometimes his daughter's grandparents are able to babysit for the day, but not always.

"It's tough. There's nobody else that can help us out. If they can't do it, one of us has to take off work. Then we run the risk of losing our jobs or bringing less money in," he said. "We have options, but none of them are good."

Remote learning also has not worked for his daughter, he said.

"It's a constant (stress)," he added. "My wife is constantly worried about whether they're going to shut down. If they do, what do we do?"

Nagele and his wife are vaccinated, and their 6-year-old has gotten her first shot. He said safety has never been a concern and he trusted that his daughter's immune system was strong enough to keep her healthy.

He understands the idea of erring on the side of caution, but the district was being overbearingly cautious, he argued. People in a car should wear a seat belt, he said -- "but are you gonna wrap yourself in bubble wrap in the off chance you get in a crash? No."

'It wasn't a tough decision to send them back'

Timothy Lin lives in Cobb County, Georgia, and works as a pulmonologist in nearby Cartersville, so he treats patients sick and dying of Covid during his working hours. Talking to his kids after work about their time at school doesn't give him much of a reprieve from Covid issues.

"It's just hard. It's just in my face 24/7," he said.

Even so, he said it was not a hard choice to send his two vaccinated children, ages 8 and 10, back to Mountain View Elementary School on Wednesday with masks in hand.

"At the end of the day, with Covid here to stay for the foreseeable future, we really do need to do in-person learning," he said. "When they're just watching a video screen, I think there's a lot lost in that. It's valuable having peers who are with you, around you, (and) a teacher talking in front of you."

He expressed his ongoing frustration, though, that the school was not requiring students to wear masks.

"I think it's just a matter of heightened awareness and nervousness of them being at school. For us, it wasn't a tough decision to send them back in person because we felt the risks are outweighed by the benefits," he said. "That being said, you're just waiting to get the email saying, 'Hey, your kid needs to isolate for five days' or whatever."

'I'm not ... cool with getting Covid'

For single mom Anmari Linardi, it's all about her and her 14-year-old daughter, Diana Lesny, who has autism. She can't afford to get sick, and neither can her daughter, she said.

"I'm not one of these people that are cool with getting Covid, even though it's not going to kill us. I don't want it at all," the 51-year-old said. "I'm triple vaccinated, my daughter's double vaccinated. She's going to be getting her booster when it's available."

With the surge in Covid-19 cases, Linardi decided to pull Diana out of school just a couple days after she returned from the holiday.

Diana attends Springbrook, a private school for children with developmental disabilities. The mother and daughter live in Oneonta, New York, which is at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains.

"I have 100 percent confidence in the staff that they're doing everything they're supposed to be doing, but I know that kids who are autistic are not necessarily going to want to wear a mask," Linardi said. "I don't know if those kids' parents are vaccinated or are they as diligent about following the CDC guidelines as we are."

Diana has only five classmates, but Linardi also worries about what her daughter can't tell her. "My daughter is non-verbal, so it's not like she can tell me if her classmates are wearing masks or not, or if anyone's getting close to her face," she said.

Linardi said her daughter is at a kindergarten level of education, so she can supplement her education at home. She subscribes to an online learning tool called IXL for her daughter. Linardi has a flexible work from home situation, so she can spend time teaching her daughter, as well as doing yoga and other physical activities together.

She isn't sure when she will send Diana back to school, which has a year-long program. Linardi thinks it will be safer after the flu season, she said. "It's the outside world that determines how much we will experience."

'Trying to find that balance'

Micheal Garza, 46, said he and his wife are nervous about Omicron, but they decided they were comfortable sending their daughter Emma to her private preschool in Marietta, Georgia, on Wednesday.

Emma turned 5 last month and has received her first vaccine dose, so she has some protection. Still, Garza's elderly mother-in-law lives with them, so they plan to send Emma to school with an upgraded mask such as an KN95 or KF94.

"We're trying to keep her from getting this and also making sure she's in a good learning environment socially with other children, and trying to find that balance," he said. "We're making sure she's safe enough and making sure she gets educated. She loves pre-K, she loves her friends, and the idea that she wouldn't get to go back and see them is really too much for us to even consider pulling her out."

He praised her school, Holy Family Catholic Preschool, for hearing their concerns and making them comfortable with the decision.

"They may not put every measure we prefer in there, but we know they respect our wishes, and for us that means everything," Garza said.

'They missed their friends'

Aubree Norton, 43, is both a parent of two boys and a teacher at the Mercer County School District in Aledo, Illinois, a rural enclave near the Quad Cities. Her dual perspective has given her firsthand knowledge that remote learning didn't work for many kids last year, including her own.

"It's a very, very uneven playing field," she said, noting some students didn't have parents around or proper technology. "I saw my own kids struggle with remote learning. I saw their mental health decline. They missed their friends."

Her school is back in-person now, and while she had concerns about the spread of Omicron, she praised her district for keeping classes open and keeping people safe. Every family has different circumstances, she noted, and no one in her family is high-risk.

"I, of course, have a concern, but I don't think I have a concern as much as some people might," she said.

'It feels lonely, as well as exhausting'

Megan Dominy, of Marietta, Georgia, made a pros and cons list with her husband to decide whether to send their 5-year-old daughter to kindergarten on Wednesday. On the pro side, they noted their daughter is vaccinated and enjoys school.

"Our daughter absolutely loves social interaction with her peers, she craves interaction with other kids all the time. And she needs school," Dominy said.

The cons outweighed the pros, though. Covid cases are surging in Cobb County, and their 2-year-old daughter is too young to be vaccinated. Dominy also heard that another student's parents had contracted Covid but still planned to send their child to school.

Adding to her concern was a brief email from the Cobb County School District saying that classes would remain open, with little in the way of explanation or attempt to assuage concerns. The lack of specific guidance or support meant she and her husband were on their own.

"It feels lonely, as well as exhausting," she said. "Each family has to make their decision that's best for their family."

They ultimately decided to keep their daughter out of school on Wednesday. How long would she stay out? They weren't yet sure.

"Everybody has pandemic fatigue, but I feel like being a parent during the pandemic is a special sort of weariness," she said.

'Anger, fury, rage'

Patty Murphy, 47, of East Cobb, Georgia, has rheumatoid arthritis and takes medicine that suppresses her immune system. She said she's worried her two sons, ages 11 and 14, could catch Covid-19 at school and then infect the family, leading to a potentially serious case or even death.

"I understand it's statistically unlikely, but it's still a possibility," she said.

Still, she and her husband agreed to send them back to in-person class on Wednesday so that they don't fall behind in their studies.

"It was kind of an impossible decision. If I could have kept them home I would have," she said.

She supports in-person school but said she's frustrated by Cobb County's decision not to require masks or testing. The issue has so animated her that she has become an active critic of the school district and board and has emailed them ad nauseum about her concerns, she said.

"(I feel) anger, fury, rage. I feel despondent, helpless, hopeless, frustrated," Murphy said. "But also it motivates me. It encourages me to help be a voice for people who can't be a voice and want to say these things, or can't say these things, like teachers."

'We don't know how' Omicron will effect pregnancy

There's a new part of the equation for Kumar Santosh to consider when sending his child back to preschool: He and his wife are expecting a child in May, and they worry about the effects of Omicron on her pregnancy.

Santosh decided to keep his 4-year-old daughter, Akshara, out of school for one to two weeks to see what happens with Covid-19 cases in Austin, Texas. He said his wife's obstetrician suggested this measure as a precaution.

"That's one major concern that we don't know how this Omicron is having an effect on the pregnancy or the newborn," he said.

Before the holidays, the couple had been sending their daughter to in-person preschool at Casey Elementary School.

"She had been doing fine, but all of a sudden with this Omicron spread, that's the only thing we're worried about because it's something very contagious and it's spreading fast," Santosh said.

Santosh said he does have faith in his daughter's school. He said the spread of the variant and his wife's pregnancy weigh more on their decision to send their daughter back to school.

"I don't know how much we can stop the children from getting infected," Santosh said. "It's like kids to roll around and touch things."

The school has been using HEPA filters since school resumed in August, according to a district newsletter.

With the Omicron wave, the school clarified measures in place to protect the students, including extra ventilation and sanitization, as well as a mask mandate, social distancing and contact tracing, according to a January 5 school newsletter sent to parents. The principal urged students aged 5 and older to get boosted.

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The 2021 Goodfellows fundraising campaign raised $673,824.20, about $30,000 more than the previous year, said Shawna Forsberg, president and CEO of the United Way of the Midlands.

The campaign, administered by the United Way in partnership with The World-Herald, ran from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, with the total reflecting all donations received through Thursday. Last years total was $644,798.

This years drive got a major boost at the last minute with a $70,000 gift from sunny ... Florida, according to the note sent in with the donation.

He wanted to be anonymous, Forsberg said of the donor. He spent the majority of his life in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area and wanted to make a gift back to those in need.

His donation was the campaigns largest. The smallest was $5.

The World-Herald, which founded Goodfellows about 130 years ago, began working with the United Way to administer the charity right before the 2020 campaign.

It has been an amazing partnership, Forsberg said, with the United Way handling the accounting and The World-Herald writing stories about the donors, recipients and purpose of Goodfellows.

All Goodfellows donations go toward one-time emergency aid for struggling Omaha-area residents, including rent and utility assistance. The charity also distributes holiday meal vouchers and provides coats, mittens and clothing for schoolchildren.

Forsberg said the need remains great in the Omaha area.

United Way statistics show that many local residents are having a hard time rebounding from the ongoing pandemic, she said. Before COVID-19, the United Way 211 helpline received 60,000 to 70,000 calls each year. In 2021, the line received about 240,000 calls.

The top four things (callers) need are housing aid; utility aid; health services, including mental health; and food security, she said. Those are all things Goodfellows helps with.

She credits a generous community in Omaha and surrounding areas for helping Goodfellows exceed last years total. Many donors give year after year, some to honor or remember loved ones, some in thanksgiving for blessings and some just because they believe in the Goodfellows mission.

Many, like Roland Red Timmerman of Beatrice, Nebraska, are examples of all three.

In 2016, Timmerman, then 86, gave $52 in gratitude for a Goodfellows care package he received as a soldier in Seoul, Korea.

Dear Friends, in 1952 I was in Korea (combat zone). You sent me a great care package. Great gift! Thanks, he wrote in a note accompanying his donation.

This year, he gave $69 because it had been 69 years since he received the package. Now 91, he still remembers that the box held candy, cookies and other goodies and that he shared it with four buddies and an orphaned child adopted by some of the soldiers.

With his wife, Joyce, he gives to Goodfellows because he has been a regular World-Herald reader for many years and has been touched by stories about the charity during the holidays.

The money goes to those who need it most, he said in a recent interview. And I needed that care package bad.

He gave $52 for the same purpose in 2017, 18 and 19 and $200 in 2020 in honor of son Gary, who died of complications from Lou Gehrigs disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, that year.

Its not much, but I hope it helps, he said.

This years gift still was in the name of both Red and Joyce, though she died Dec. 13 at age 90. They were married for 69 years.

It was a great honor that (The World-Herald) mentioned it (in the donor list) on Christmas Day, he said.

Timmerman also represents Goodfellows benefactors who live outside the Omaha metro area. This year, the campaign had 1,343 donors, including people from 17 states in addition to Nebraska: Iowa, Minnesota, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Illinois, South Dakota, Montana and Kansas.

United Way recently aligned Goodfellows accounting with the United Ways fiscal year, which begins July 1, meaning that the last half of the year remains. From July 1 through Thursday, Forsberg said, Goodfellows raised $887,000.

In the last half of the previous fiscal year, she said, donations to Goodfellows totaled about $50,000, so she thinks that the charity will end up with about $900,000 in gifts by July 1.

Forsberg said the United Way will continue to look for ways to promote Goodfellows now that it has successfully completed two holiday campaigns.

We are hoping to keep momentum going throughout the year, she said.

She thinks that Omahas generous spirit is unique among other cities she has observed and that residents here fully embrace The World-Heralds charity.

We just have a very special community, she said. They know Goodfellows is effective and efficient and know that their money is going to their neighbors. We are happy to be a conduit.

To make donations:

Mail: World-Herald Goodfellows, c/o United Way of the Midlands, 2201 Farnam St., Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68102

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A 19-year-old man from Fairbury, Nebraska, was sentenced Thursday to 70 to 80 years in prison for causing the death of a 2-year-old boy.

Jake J. Gonzalez was found guilty by a Jefferson County jury in October of child abuse resulting in death and making terroristic threats. Besides the term for the child abuse charge, Gonzalez also was sentenced to three years in prison for making terroristic threats. The sentences are to be served at the same time.

Under Nebraska sentencing guidelines, Gonzalez must serve at least 35 years before he is eligible for parole. He will be credited with 315 days in jail.

Jefferson County sheriffs deputies were called to a Fairbury apartment on Feb. 26, 2021, after a woman called to say she needed an ambulance for her son. Deputies said Gonzalez was at the apartment when the call was made.

Deputies tried to speak with the woman alone, but Gonzalez tried to follow. He then fled from the scene, evading deputies who chased after him.

One of the deputies followed the woman into the apartments bedroom, where he saw two mattresses on the floor and a closed closet door. Inside the closet was a young child, face down on the floor.

According to an affidavit, the child was dressed only in a diaper. He had visible bruising on the back of his head, arms, back and legs. The boy was lethargic and poorly responsive and had difficulty breathing. He also had two black eyes, consistent with a skull fracture, as well as bruising to the lips, side of the head, chest and abdomen.

The boy was taken to a local hospital and then flown to Childrens Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha, where he died, authorities said.

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Nebraska's prison inmate population is growing faster than anywhere else in the nation, way out of sync with nearly every other state.

And the smoking gun behind much of that growth  and the millions of dollars that those extra inmates are costing Nebraska taxpayers  is a 2009 state law that created new gun crimes and toughened penalties. The law also helped steer hundreds of offenders from federal prisons into the state system, adding to the tab for Nebraska taxpayers.

As Gov. Pete Ricketts and the Legislature debate whether a new $230 million prison is needed to deal with the state's chronically overcrowded and understaffed corrections system, The World-Herald has uncovered a significant untold story behind the prison crisis.

No state grew its prison population more in the last decade than Nebraska. Its inmate count increased 16% between 2010 and 2020 even as such numbers nationally fell by nearly a fourth, according to a World-Herald analysis of U.S. Justice Department data. In fact, Nebraska and Idaho are the only states whose prisoner numbers didn't decline over the decade.

So at a time when many states across the country are closing prisons, Nebraska is staring at the possibility of building a pricey new one to deal with what has recently become the nation's most overcrowded prison system.

Why is Nebraska trending so out of step with the nation?

Amid a complex web of reasons, the World-Herald analysis indicates the tougher penalties for gun crimes passed by the Legislature in 2009 have been a major driver.

Enacted in response to an epidemic of gang violence in Omahas inner city, the law significantly ratcheted up penalties for assaults and gun crimes, including a number of new mandatory minimum sentences. And it did so at a time many other states were beginning to rethink stiff criminal penalties.

Now offenders facing longer gun and assault sentences are stacking up in Nebraskas prisons. In hindsight, that result seems obvious and predictable. But it wasn't fully appreciated at the time  or even since.

Between 2008 and 2020, Nebraska corrections records show that the number of inmates whose most serious offense was a gun crime skyrocketed from 85 to 777  an increase of more than 800%.

Those incarcerated for assault jumped from 539 to 730. The increase of inmates in those two categories alone account for the majority of the inmate growth in that time.

While few would dispute that those who commit crimes involving violence and guns deserve serious prison time, some question whether lengthening sentences and stacking charges under the 2009 law was necessary to tackle the problem.

Is that really success? said Mark Foxall, a former Omaha and Douglas County law enforcement official who now teaches at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. "Are you doing anything to prevent them from carrying a gun in the first place?

The state's increased gun crime incarceration came as fewer Nebraska gun crime cases were prosecuted federally after passage of the new law.

It's unclear how much the Nebraska law  which sought to make the state's gun laws more closely mirror federal ones  contributed to that decline. A UNO criminologist at the time predicted it would lead to a shift of cases from federal to state courts.

Regardless of the reasons, it's clear hundreds of gun offenders who previously would have done their time in federal prisons over the past decade have instead helped fill Nebraska's badly overcrowded system.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine, who backed the law and whose office prosecutes many gang and gun cases, defended the law as a necessary response to a serious problem.

"We said we were going to go after people who were illegally using guns and committing violent crimes, and it shows we've done that," he said.

Gun offenders are indeed paying the price under the law, but the state is, too, in the form of both overloaded prisons and huge costs to taxpayers.

The annual average cost of housing an inmate is more than $40,000 per year. If Nebraska had simply kept its prison population flat over the past decade, the state could have spent tens of millions of dollars less.

It's little wonder that in the past decade, only two states on a percentage basis have increased spending on corrections more than Nebraska. The state's $250 million corrections budget is up 60% over the past decade, well outpacing the 39% rate for the rest of state spending.

Prison spending is set to take an additional leap in coming years under sizable pay increases for corrections workers that are aimed at addressing longtime staffing shortages. And that doesn't take into account the cost of new facilities.

To be sure, its not just offenders sentenced under the 2009 gun law who are filling up Nebraskas prisons. Numerous other factors contribute to Nebraskas nation-leading incarceration growth.

 The number of Nebraska inmates whose most serious crime is a drug offense was up 21% between 2008 and 2020, despite widespread belief that such offenders should be diverted from expensive prison beds. Nebraska has a higher percentage of prisoners locked up for nonviolent offenses than most states.

 One in three Nebraska prisoners is back behind bars within three years. Nebraska needs more programming within prisons to help inmates change their lives, and also could do more to support them when they return to the community. Prison staff shortages in recent years have limited prisoners ability to receive such programming.

 Parole remains elusive for many offenders. The median time an offender spends in prison in Nebraska before being paroled increased 60% between 2011 and 2020.

The Legislature now has a historic opportunity to chart a new course on corrections.

A working group that includes law enforcement officials, judges, lawmakers and others has been studying the challenges facing Nebraskas prisons. With help from the nonprofit Crime and Justice Institute, it has put together a report that could spur possible action by the 2022 Legislature.

To help lay the foundation for that debate, The World-Herald plans an occasional series this year on Nebraskas prison crisis  what's driving it and what can be done to relieve it.

The series begins today with the revelation of Nebraskas nation-leading incarceration spike, and how past actions by state lawmakers have played a direct hand in that growth.

In many ways, the 2009 law was just part of a long-term pattern.

State lawmakers over the years have frequently been willing to stiffen criminal penalties, while at the same time showing no appetite for paying for the expensive prison space needed to properly house new inmates, said Bob Houston, former director of the Nebraska Department of Corrections.

It makes no logical sense, said Houston, now a UNO criminal justice professor. But it makes political sense.

The kinds of gang-related shootings that sparked the gun crackdown in 2009 continue  including the death last month of a 14-year-old Omaha girl. Overall, however, trends for homicides and shootings in Omaha have been down in recent years.

But other factors make unclear what role, if any, the 2009 law played in those reductions.

Since then, Omaha police have worked closely with community leaders to overhaul their strategy for tackling gun violence, with positive effect.

Thanks to a beefed-up gang unit, greatly enhanced Crime Stoppers rewards and shot-detection technology that speeds police response, those who commit such crimes are far more likely today to be caught. Research has consistently shown the certainty of being arrested is a vastly more powerful deterrent than punishment.

Some justice advocates say the state would be better off putting the millions spent annually locking up offenders longer into treatment and services that will help them succeed when they are released into society. After all, according to one report, 95% are expected to get out one day.

The state and community also could address the chronic poverty, broken households, generational offending and lack of school success that push kids into gangs and breed crime.

Rather than continue to invest more and more on penalty-driven systems, lets invest more in our youth and families, said Willie Barney, a North Omaha activist who has helped lead community efforts to combat gang violence. There would be an incredible return on investment, and drastic improvement in our communities, if we allocate more funds to prevention and rehabilitation.

**********

With roughly 50% more prisoners than they were designed to hold, Nebraska prisons have now surpassed Alabamas to become the nations most overcrowded, the World-Herald analysis of federal prison data found.

The analysis also found no state is seeing its prison population grow quite like Nebraskas.

Nebraska at 16% and fast-growing Idaho at 10% are the only states that posted prison population increases between year-end 2010 and year-end 2020  the latest for which state-by-state data is available. Every other state with valid data showed a decline. Almost half of the states went down more than 20%.

Due to the pandemic, Nebraska and all other states but one saw prison populations drop between 2019 and 2020. The pandemic closed courts and slowed the movement of cases through the justice system.

But most states had broader inmate declines that long preceded the arrival of COVID-19. Nationally, incarcerations were already down 11% in the decade prior to the pandemic. They've now fallen for 11 straight years.

In fact, Nebraska and Idaho are the only states that finished 2019  just before the start of the pandemic  with new all-time-high prison populations. All others saw their inmate populations peak in prior years. Iowa and more than a third of the states peaked a decade or more ago.

Experts have cited generally declining crime rates and efforts to reform criminal justice systems as the main drivers of those national numbers.

The United States by percentage still locks up more of its people than any other country in the world. Nebraska historically has had an incarceration rate significantly below the U.S. rate, and it remains lower today.

But in the past decade-plus, that gap has narrowed significantly. Based on pre-pandemic trends, Nebraska's rate was on pace to top the U.S. rate within a decade. A consultant previously projected Nebraska's prison population, now about 5,500, will top 7,300 by 2030.

For years, Nebraska's lower incarceration rate has given the state a financial advantage, allowing it to spend its money on things like education or social services rather than prisons, said Hank Robinson, a former UNO criminal justice professor.

But its losing that benefit it used to enjoy, Robinson said.

A number of state officials and other observers in Nebraska were stunned by the numbers behind Nebraska's nation-leading prison growth. After The World-Herald uncovered the state's sharp spike in gun offenders being locked up, one of the biggest reasons for that growth became apparent.

"Those weapons numbers are startling, said Len Engel of the Crime and Justice Institute, commenting before the nonprofit began working with Nebraska on its possible criminal justice reforms.

But Robinson already knew what had been driving those numbers. Because he saw it all from two perspectives  during the legislative process, and from inside Nebraska's prisons.

*******

In 2007 and 2008, rival gangs were at war on Omahas streets. One shooting incident would frequently spark a series of retaliatory shootings.

During the 31 days of July 2007, there were 31 shootings in the city. During a 15-day period in September 2008, there were 19 shootings, including six resulting in death.

"When there were serious gang battles going on, I remember every night getting a phone call at home of a shooting or homicide," Kleine said.

With homicides in Omaha reaching levels not seen in decades, State Sen. Brad Ashford of Omaha sought to do something about it.

The centerpiece of his 2009 gun violence bill was a proposed new State Office of Violence Prevention. It would fund intervention programs like CeaseFire, a celebrated, often emulated program in Chicago in which former offenders worked to talk kids out of gang life.

But Ashfords bill also included provisions creating mandatory minimum penalties for gun crimes.

At the same time, then-Attorney General Jon Bruning proposed an anti-gang crime bill of his own that went all-in on enhanced penalties for gun crime.

Ashford and Bruning soon joined forces. Ashford and Sen. Mike Friend of Omaha, who had introduced Brunings bill, agreed to marry the two proposals, creating what Ashford called a carrot and stick approach to gangs and gun violence.

The "stick" included a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for using a gun during a crime, and a three-year mandatory sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The felon in possession law was also broadened to include other prohibited persons, including domestic violence offenders.

The bill also mandated a three-year minimum term for shooting at an occupied structure, and created a new crime of drive-by shooting carrying a five-year mandatory minimum.

The measure created a new crime of possessing, but not using, a gun during the commission of a felony. The federal government had long had such a possession law, but not Nebraska.

Backers of the bill said they wanted to make Nebraskas laws and penalties on criminal gun possession more aligned with those on the federal level. In the case of felons in possession, the Nebraska penalties became more severe.

The bill also more than doubled the maximum penalty for first- and second-degree assault, and it made some graffiti offenses felonies, too.

Without the stick approach, youre not going to get anywhere with these kids, Ashford said at the time of Legislative Bill 63. Its a tool to get people to understand the gravity of what theyre doing.

While such statements are politically popular, they run counter to what criminal justice experts say.

The National Institute of Justice says studies have consistently shown that increasing the severity of punishment is not an effective deterrent to crime, in part because criminals know little about the sanctions for specific crimes and arent thinking about such things before they offend.

LB 63 carried huge budget implications for the state. But you wouldnt know that by looking at fiscal projections at the time.

The total cost to the state budget was officially estimated at just over $500,000, all just to fund the "carrot" in the bill: Ashfords violence prevention office. Due to the difficulty of projecting such impacts into the future, the Legislature and corrections officials offered no estimate of what increased incarcerations under the bill would cost the state.

One of the few voices speaking out publicly against the plan was Robinson, who at the time was director of the juvenile justice institute at UNO and who had been studying gangs.

Testifying in the public hearing, Robinson questioned whether the increased penalties were necessary. He estimated they would cost between $15 million and $20 million a year.

And his estimates didnt include the cost to Nebraska of housing inmates in state prison who previously would have been sentenced under federal gun crimes laws. Robinson anticipated such a shift, with offenders merely trading a federal cell for a state one.

"Constituents demand a response to thuggery and gun violence making headlines around the state, but not at any cost," Robinson said then.

If lawmakers wanted to deter potential shooters, he said, the best way was to give police more resources so offenders would know theres a high likelihood they will be caught.

State Sen. Ernie Chambers, a consistent and fierce opponent of proposals in Nebraska to lengthen prison sentences, had just left the Legislature due to term limits, not to return for another four years.

Ben Gray, a former Omaha city councilman who has worked to stop gun violence in Omahas Black community, went to Lincoln to testify in favor of Ashford's violence prevention program.

But he says today he never would have offered that support had he known it would be tied to the harsher criminal sanctions. He wonders whether some state lawmakers were similarly blind to all that was in the bill.

Thats a draconian bill, he said recently.

On the floor, the measure sailed to final passage on a 43-4 vote.

The bill was so relatively non-controversial that one of the senators voting for it  despite stated reservations about costs and penalties  was Danielle Conrad. Today, she's the leader of ACLU of Nebraska, which for years has sounded the alarm on Nebraska's overcrowded prisons and called for reforms.

************

One criminal who soon became subject to the new gun laws was an 18-year-old gang member named David Castillas. He would serve as an early example of how the new law functioned.

Targeting a rival he believed was seeing his girlfriend, Castillas in June 2010 twice wielded a rifle and shot up occupied Omaha homes during drive-by shootings. One bullet struck a woman in the arm.

Castillas was lucky he didnt kill someone. And under any circumstances, he was likely to face serious prison time for his crimes.

But with the new gun laws on the books, Douglas County prosecutors proceeded to throw the book at him.

He was convicted not only of second-degree assault, but also two drive-by counts and three tack-on charges of using a deadly weapon during a felony. Each of the latter five charges carried new five-year mandatory minimum sentences.

Whether such mandatories were necessary to appropriately punish Castillas is subject to debate.

Under previous state laws, even taking into account time off for good behavior, the judge had the discretion to sentence him to up to 25 years for using a firearm to commit a felony. And shooting at an occupied dwelling previously carried a maximum potential 10-year term. The judge arguably would have had the tools to send him away for as long as he felt was necessary.

But under the new law, with the conviction on the five mandatories, the judge was bound to imprison Castillas for a minimum of 25 years.

The judge apparently felt that was enough, as he tried to set that as the low end of the teens sentence. But the judge erred and accidentally added another 2 years to the minimum.

In the end, Castillas will serve 27 years before he is eligible for parole, and without parole would serve 52 years before completing his sentence. Arrested as an 18-year-old, Castillas would by then be 70 years old.

Kleine, whose office prosecuted the case, defends the sentence as what state law prescribed.

"The bottom line here is people shouldn't shoot into houses that are occupied trying to kill people," he said.

The sentence was upheld by the Nebraska Supreme Court in 2013 in one of the first legal tests of sentences under the new law.

The court also made clear those sentenced under such mandatory minimum laws dont start earning any time off the back end of their sentence for good behavior until they complete the minimum  contrary to corrections department practice at the time.

While the Castillas case may be an extreme example, a look at who is increasingly filling Nebraskas prison beds offers much evidence of the 2009 laws impact.

Before the law change, about 50 offenders per year entered prison in Nebraska whose most serious offense was a gun charge.

Within a few years, the number was up to 100 a year. And then 200 a year. Then 250. At first, they came mostly from urban counties, but over time they have come from all over the state.

Part of that increase related to increased gun crimes arrests, which rose 28% between 2010 and 2019. But sentences were a driver.

Between 2011 and 2018, the annual percentage of Nebraska inmates admitted with mandatory minimum sentences also quadrupled from 4% to 16%  an increase likely strongly tied to new minimums in LB 63.

While it's impossible to determine how long offenders actually would have been sentenced to prison under the old laws, typically increased legal penalties and mandatory minimums do tend to mean more time behind bars. Mandatory minimums give judges less discretion, must be served consecutively, and keep offenders from earning time off of their sentence.

Another indicator of the law's impact: Total incarceration has grown in the past decade even though the number of new admissions has been falling. Offenders are simply staying longer.

If the sentences get longer, it has a compounding effect, as the offenders stack up on top of each other, Robinson said.

Robinson had a first-hand look at the new laws impact on the prison population. For two years beginning in 2012, he worked as an administrator for the state corrections department.

At the time lawmakers passed LB 63, the states prison system was already among the nations most overcrowded  41% over design capacity. The inmate population had been flat for several years, but once the law took effect, it soon began to shoot up  27% over the next 10 years.

Robinson and other prison officials would at times suggest to local prosecutors and other law enforcement officials that they try to take gun cases through the federal system, given the impact of the new law on prisoner numbers.

But it didn't make much difference. The numbers just kept going up.

Before the pandemic hit, the Nebraska system topped out at nearly 60% over capacity.

*****

Brad Ashford today admits that his 2009 anti-violence bill turned out to be a lot more stick than carrot.

The violence prevention office, while today still handing out grant dollars for local programs aimed at stemming violence, has never really lived up to its promise. And he now believes the escalation of penalties went too far and was wrong, putting Nebraska out of step with national criminal justice trends and reforms.

I think it was a wasted opportunity, Ashford said recently. And were paying a price.

Friend, the other LB 63 sponsor who went on to serve as the first director of the new violence prevention office, defended the law. One of the prime obligations of public officials is protecting the public, he said.

But Friend also said its always appropriate to look at how a law is working.

I dont think LB 63 was a mistake, but time can give you a decent perspective on how a piece of legislation built by humans functions, he said. Maybe we can go back and look at those penalties. But we had an opportunity to handle this issue from every angle, and we did that.

The Nebraska ACLU says the law clearly isn't working as intended and should be fixed as part of "smart justice reform."

Nicole Porter of the Sentencing Project, which has worked to overhaul sentencing policies across the country, said shes not at all surprised to see Nebraskas prison growth under such a law.

She said Nebraska followed a playbook many states had used before, lengthening sentences and creating multiple crimes that can be charged in relation to the same offense, allowing prosecutors to pile penalties on top of penalties. She said prosecutors also use multiple charges and charges carrying mandatory sentences to try to force defendants into plea deals.

Overlapping criminal codes that empower prosecutors to stack charges that result in decades behind bars is the root of the mass incarceration problem in the United States, Porter said.

She said many states have been rethinking such policies. Indeed, one of the ironies of the Nebraska gun crimes law is that it passed just as many states were beginning to embark on criminal justice overhauls meant to reduce incarceration.

Beginning with Texas in 2007, at least 35 states have launched efforts to curb prison growth and save money, according to Pew Charitable Trusts research.

Louisiana, which for years has had the nations highest incarceration rate, enacted changes in 2011 that have helped reduce its prison population 33%.

Alabama, which had the nation's most overcrowded prison system before recently being overtaken by Nebraska, has reduced its inmate count more than 20% since 2012.

Utah, which at one point like Nebraska was looking at the possibility of building a new prison, has seen a 23% inmate decline since 2013.

Actually, Nebraska is among the states that have attempted a similar overhaul. After a previous task force study, the state passed a bill in 2015 that it was hoped would reduce Nebraskas prison population by as much as 20%.

But that measure failed to make its anticipated dent, and it's possible LB 63 played a role in that.

New prison admissions for nonviolent crimes like theft, burglary and fraud are down sharply since the reform efforts. But the increased numbers of gun offenders appear to have helped offset those changes.

During the 2015 Nebraska reform effort, lawmakers proved reluctant to touch any of the state's mandatory minimum sentences. At least eight states since 2007 have adjusted mandatory minimums, according to Pew.

Overall, national polls show the public is divided on whether they believe the United States overuses incarceration. A recent Pew poll found 28% of Americans believe people convicted of crimes spend too much time in prison, 32% don't feel they spend enough, and 37% say they spend the right amount.

While such polling tends to split on partisan lines, it's not just a partisan issue. The federal government under Republican President Donald Trump in 2018 passed a law seeking to roll back unnecessarily long federal sentences. And numerous states led by Republicans have passed reforms.

Now Nebraska is again looking to enact changes that could take it off its current course of higher incarceration, overcrowding and bigger spending on prisons.

Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha was in the Legislature in 2009 and voted for the gun bill. He was also one of the leaders of the recent state prison working group.

He said he supported the 2009 law as reflecting the prevailing "tough on crime" political views of the time. But he said it's fair now to question whether longer sentences are the best investment for protecting public safety.

"I don't think it has resulted in the public safety we wanted," he said.

He said he will be looking to find a more balanced approach, including "thoughtful changes" to sentences that "don't throw prison doors open," more focus on rehabilitation of offenders while they are incarcerated, and services to help offenders succeed once released.

Ashford believes the state needs both to reconsider criminal penalties and improve prisoners' reentry into society.

Its not acceptable anymore, for political reasons, or any reason, to simply address a problem by putting people in prison for long periods of time, Ashford said.

If we are going to keep these sentences on the books and not enhance reentry options, then, yes, we will have to build another prison. And we will fill it.

cordes@owh.com, 402-444-1130, twitter.com/henrycordes This story by The Omaha World-Herald is part of a collaboration with Flatwater Free Press examining Nebraskas prison crisis.

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The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating alleged online threats reported by State Sen. Julie Slama after she introduced a bill seeking to ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.

Slama, of Sterling, took to Twitter on Thursday and wrote: Its fascinating to see the death threats, rape threats, & sexually explicit comments sent by self-proclaimed feminists to me, a female state senator, because I introduced a #prolife Heartbeat Bill.

On Friday, Slama said on Twitter that she had reported threats to the patrol.

A patrol spokesman confirmed that the agency received a report Friday morning and said an investigation is ongoing.

Slama provided The World-Herald with photos of one email, one Facebook comment, one direct message on Twitter and six tweets that she received and reported.

Among the photos provided, one includes the word rape. An email with the subject line rape and incest asks Slama, so your future daughter gets raped and impregnated by your future husband, she should have to carry the baby to term?

One Twitter user said Slama has a great face to curb stomp. Another said that they would get pregnant just to leave the fetus on Slamas doorstep. In direct messages on Twitter, one user said die.

One of the reported tweets is a photo of a monkey holding a gun with the text this is a threat on the image.

The Nebraska Family Alliance, the Nebraska Catholic Conference and Nebraska Right to Life issued a joint statement condemning the violent threats and messages.

No public official, or any person regardless of their stance on any issue, deserves to have their human dignity degraded and disrespected in such a way, they said. We are proud to support Senator Slama in her legislation to help create a state where every unborn life is celebrated, valued and protected.

Slama introduced Legislative Bill 781  referred to as the heartbeat bill  on the first day of the legislative session. If passed, it would make abortions illegal after a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which usually occurs around six weeks of pregnancy.

There is a medical exemption in the bill that would allow abortion to save the life of the mother. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

In addition to Slama, the bill currently has 20 co-sponsors. In a statement after introducing the bill, Slama said the legislation is an absolute necessity to protect innocent life.

While abortion opponents cheered the legislation, abortion rights advocates warned that the bill was a red alarm and said the legislation violates current U.S. Supreme Court precedent established in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

But the future of Roe is uncertain. The court is currently weighing a case involving a Mississippi abortion law, and the ruling could lead to the overturning of Roe.

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As the raging omicron variant of COVID-19 infects workers across the nation, millions of those whose jobs don't provide paid sick days are having to choose between their health and their paycheck.

While many companies instituted more robust sick leave policies at the beginning of the pandemic, some of those have since been scaled back with the rollout of the vaccines, even though omicron has managed to evade the shots. Meanwhile, the current labor shortage is adding to the pressure of workers having to decide whether to show up to their job sick if they can't afford to stay home.

"It's a vicious cycle," said Daniel Schneider, professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. "As staffing gets depleted because people are out sick, that means that those that are on the job have more to do and are even more reluctant to call in sick when they in turn get sick."

Low-income hourly workers are especially vulnerable. Nearly 80% of all private sector workers get at least one paid sick day, according to a national compensation survey of employee benefits conducted in March by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But only 33% of workers whose wages are at the bottom 10% get paid sick leave, compared with 95% in the top 10%.

A survey this past fall of roughly 6,600 hourly low-wage workers conducted by Harvard's Shift Project, which focuses on inequality, found that 65% of those workers who reported being sick in the last month said they went to work anyway. That's lower than the 85% who showed up to work sick before the pandemic, but much higher than it should be in the middle of a public health crisis. Schneider says it could get worse because of omicron and the labor shortage.

What's more, Schneider noted that the share of workers with paid sick leave before the pandemic barely budged during the pandemic  50% versus 51% respectively. He further noted many of the working poor surveyed don't even have $400 in emergency funds, and families will now be even more financially strapped with the expiration of the child tax credit, which had put a few hundred dollars in families' pockets every month.

The Associated Press interviewed one worker who started a new job with the state of New Mexico last month and started experiencing COVID-like symptoms earlier in the week. The worker, who asked not to be named because it might jeopardize their employment, took a day off to get tested and two more days to wait for the results.

A supervisor called and told the worker they would qualify for paid sick days only if the COVID test turns out to be positive. If the test is negative, the worker will have to take the days without pay, since they haven't accrued enough time for sick leave.

"I thought I was doing the right thing by protecting my co-workers," said the worker, who is still awaiting the results and estimates it will cost $160 per day of work missed if they test negative. "Now I wish I just would've gone to work and not said anything."

A Trader Joe's worker in California, who also asked not to be named because they didn't want to risk their job, said the company lets workers accrue paid time off that they can use for vacations or sick days. But once that time is used up, employees often feel like they can't afford to take unpaid days.

"I think many people now come to work sick or with what they call 'allergies' because they feel they have no other choice," the worker said.

Trader Joe's offered hazard pay until last spring, and even paid time off if workers had COVID-related symptoms. But the worker said those benefits have ended. The company also no longer requires customers to wear masks in all of its stores.

Other companies are similarly curtailing sick time that they offered earlier in the pandemic. Kroger, the country's biggest traditional grocery chain, is ending some benefits for unvaccinated salaried workers in an attempt to compel more of them to get the jab as COVID-19 cases rise again. Unvaccinated workers enrolled in Kroger's health care plan will no longer be eligible to receive up to two weeks paid emergency leave if they become infected  a policy that was put into place last year when vaccines were unavailable.

Meanwhile, Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, is slashing pandemic-related paid leave in half  from two weeks to one  after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reduced isolation requirements for people who don't have symptoms after they test positive.

Workers have received some relief from a growing number of states. In the last decade, 14 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws or ballot measures requiring employers to provide paid sick leave, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

On the federal front, however, the movement has stalled. Congress passed a law in the spring of 2020 requiring most employers to provide paid sick leave for employees with COVID-related illnesses. But the requirement expired on Dec. 31 of that same year. Congress later extended tax credits for employers who voluntarily provide paid sick leave, but the extension lapsed at the end of September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

In November, the U.S. House passed a version of President Joe Biden's Build Back Better plan that would require employers to provide 20 days of paid leave for employees who are sick or caring for a family member. But the fate of that bill is uncertain in the Senate.

"We can't do a patchwork sort of thing. It has to be holistic. It has to be meaningful," said Josephine Kalipeni, executive director at Family Values @ Work, a national network of 27 state and local coalitions helping to advocate for such policies as paid sick days.

The U.S. is one of only 11 countries worldwide without any federal mandate for paid sick leave, according to a 2020 study by the World Policy Analysis Center at the University of California, Los Angeles.

On the flipside are small business owners like Dawn Crawley, CEO of House Cleaning Heroes, who can't afford to pay workers when they are out sick. But Crawley is trying to help in other ways. She recently drove one cleaner who didn't have a car to a nearby testing site. She later bought the cleaner some medicine, orange juice and oranges.

"If they are out, I try to give them money but at the same time my company has got to survive," Crawley said. "If the company goes under, no one has work."

Even when paid sick leave is available, workers aren't always made aware of it.

Ingrid Vilorio, who works at a Jack in the Box restaurant in Castro Valley, California, started feeling sick last March and soon tested positive for COVID. Vilorio alerted a supervisor, who didn't tell her she was eligible for paid sick leave  as well as supplemental COVID leave  under California law.

Vilorio said her doctor told her to take 15 days off, but she decided to take just 10 because she had bills to pay. Months later, a co-worker told Vilorio she was owed sick pay for the time she was off. Working through Fight for $15, a group that works to unionize fast food workers, Vilorio and her colleagues reported the restaurant to the county health department. Shortly after that, she was given back pay.

But Vilorio, who speaks Spanish, said through a translator that problems persist. Workers are still getting sick, she said, and are often afraid to speak up.

"Without our health, we can't work," she said. "We're told that we're front line workers, but we're not treated like it."

___

D'Innocenzio reported from New York and Durbin reported from Detroit.
At around 10 a.m. on Jan. 12, 1872, a special train from Kansas City, via St. Joseph and Council Bluffs, steamed to a stop at the Union Pacific rail depot at Seventh and Davenport, having crossed the newly complete UP bridge over the Missouri.

Aboard the train was a six-member delegation of Russian dignitaries led by the fourth son of Alexander II, the Tsar of Russia. Grand Duke Alexis was 21 years old and would turn 22 in two days time out on the high plains of southwestern Nebraska. He was tall, blonde, handsome, sported thick mutton chops, and spoke several languages fluently, including English.

He and his entourage, which included Russian Adm. Konstantin Possiet, his longtime tutor and governor, had arrived in New York harbor in late November 1871 to begin a three-month tour of the Americas that would include major cities in the U.S. and Canada, and  quite briefly  just five hours  Omaha.

His train was met by Gen. Philip Sheridan, Army commander of the Department of the Missouri at the time, and his staff. The region west of the Missouri was still largely federal territory and occupied by a number of tribes including Pawnee and their enemy, the Sioux. Sheridans boss, General of the Army William T. Sherman, had charged him to organize a buffalo hunt. The location would be some 60 miles south of Fort McPherson on the Platte.

The grand dukes visit was the culmination of several politically sensitive international embarrassments, public and private, including a dispute over payment for the purchase of Alaska five years earlier. That dispute brought the Russian ambassador, one Constantin Catacazy, into nettlesome conflict with the U.S. government, to the point that Washington wanted him recalled. He was, but only after the grand dukes visit. It was hoped that the presence of a member of the Russian imperial family would help assuage some of the ill-feelings generated by the Catacazy Affair.

Alexis was also on the run from a scandal brewing back in St. Petersburg. While his Russian Navy steam frigate, the 40-gun Svetlana, one of three sent to escort him, was still at sea, his commoner mistress, Alexandra Zhukovskaya, gave birth to their illegitimate child.

Its believed the idea for the buffalo hunt may have originated with western landscape painter Albert Bierstadt, several of whose paintings are part of Omahas Joslyn Museum collection. Through his connections, Bierstadt apparently heard of Alexis desire to hunt buffalo on the Great Plains: Omaha being the obvious gateway.

To add even more lore to the historic event, waiting for the grand duke in North Platte were two men who were already nationally known in their own right: a dashing Civil War hero and the youngest general in the Union cavalry, George Armstrong Custer. Besides Custer, serving as chief scout for the hunt was William F. Buffalo Bill Cody, just 26 at the time and already a dime novel hero. His notoriety would provide the impetus to eventually launch his famous Wild West Show, first publicly staged in Omaha on May 19, 1883.

The three-day hunt proved successful. The grand duke would kill several bison, hunting them, as he had wished, with Plains Indians  a band of Sichangu Lakota under the leadership of Sinte Galeska (Spotted Tail). His last night in Camp Alexis, as the troopers called it, was also his 22nd birthday. He and his Army hosts would feast with Spotted Tail and his people, exchanging gifts, even flirting (it is reported) with the chiefs teenage daughter, to the music of the regimental band.

According the Lee Farrow, author of Alexis in America, although the grand duke and his party were in Omaha only a few hours, they squeezed a lot into it. She writes, The imperial party appeared in Omaha late in the morning of Jan. 12, welcomed at the Union Pacific deport by several thousand people, including several classes of schoolchildren. The brief stopover also included a visit to the governors mansion, then located at 18th and Farnam, a dinner and general public reception that allowed citizens to shake the grand dukes hand.

While the role of Omaha may have been brief, its status as a gateway to the west and pivotal role in providing the logistical support for the enterprise made its contribution critical to the success of the hunt. A 2008-09 University of Nebraska-Lincoln archaeological survey of Red Willow Creek camp site  chronicled in Custer, Cody and Grand Duke Alexis  Historical Archaeology of the Royal Buffalo Hunt  recovered a number of intriguing artifacts, including lead seals from expensive bottles of French champagne. The hunters may have drank multiple toasts to each others countries and their health, but it got there through the efforts of Nebraska railway workers, sutlers and teamsters.

Bill Moore, a TEDx Omaha speaker and entrepreneur whose enterprises include EVWorld.com, is developing an immersive media project to recreate the events of Jan. 14, 1872, called Ghost of the Buffalo Grass.
In a recent World-Herald guest opinion, one of my colleagues, Sen. Megan Hunt, argued that 2022 is the time for the Nebraska Legislature to undo its protections for expectant mothers and unborn children and expand access to abortion. Just the opposite is true: 2022 presents new opportunities for electoral and legislative action to extend our states pro-life protections in accordance with the will and conscience of the people. We must seize this chance.

Nebraska is a pro-life state. This essential truth is reflected in our laws, in the outcomes of our elections and in the values held by many Nebraskans. Through their votes, they have made their voices loudly and clearly heard on the issue of life. Theyve elected a staunchly pro-life governor and legislative majority, of which I am proud to be a member, for a reason. With their support, Nebraska has long been a leader in protecting unborn life.

For example, our states partial-birth abortion ban ultimately paved the way for a federal ban on this abhorrent practice. In 2010, as speaker of Legislature, I introduced and helped pass the Abortion Pain Prevention Act, then the most sweeping pro-life law in the nation. It outlawed almost all abortions past the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and was the nations first pro-life protection based on the science of fetal pain. Under Gov. Pete Ricketts leadership, Nebraska has been a national leader in the fight to ensure taxpayers dollars do not subsidize abortions.

After nearly 50 years of pro-abortion judicial activism, our nation now appears to be on the cusp of returning questions of unborn life to where they belong: the purview of the people and their elected leaders, not unelected judges. In the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to revisit precedents that invented a supposed constitutional right to abortion in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Complex issues of such great importance ought to be decided by the voters at the ballot box, and by the leaders they elect to implement their will via legislation. In the 2022 legislative session, I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to advance further pro-life legislation to Ricketts desk. In May, and again in November, Nebraska voters will have the opportunity to expand the Legislatures pro-life majority above the 33-vote cloture threshold and elect a governor who will champion unborn life as fervently as the governor has.

It is my hope, and the hope of millions of Americans, that very soon, the peoples ability to implement their will on this issue will no longer be constrained by arbitrary decisions made on the basis of arbitrary, fictitious readings of the Constitution. Regardless of any Supreme Court decision, however, Nebraska must continue its fight and join states like Texas and Mississippi at the forefront of pro-life protections once again.

We will not go backward, and attempts to undo the progress weve made over the last three decades will fail. The people of Nebraska will see to that.

Mike Flood of Norfolk represents Legislative District 19 in the Nebraska Legislature.
State government will have difficult decisions this spring as it decides which programs and projects to fund.

Two relatively modest one-time investments at UNMC  in pancreas cancer research and care, as well as health security preparedness and response  merit serious consideration by the state. These two initiatives are among several important proposals from the University of Nebraska system, including one that would expand UNMC education programs at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, strengthening the development of health professions workforce for rural Nebraska.

Pancreas cancer is a dreadful disease, and one that has taken the lives of young and old alike, including that of my own father now more than a decade ago.

My familys story is hardly unique. Pancreas cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in Nebraska. Because it is particularly difficult to diagnose in its early stages, the cancer is usually advanced when patients receive their diagnosis. This makes pancreas cancer among the deadliest not only in Nebraska, but around the globe.

We believe, however, that we can change those odds, and were asking for Nebraskas help to do so.

At UNMC, we have formed a Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence to fight this disease.

Already, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, through the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, are fighting pancreatic cancer with a comprehensive program of research and care. In fact, were funded by more than $8 million annually in grants from the National Cancer Institute, and were conducting clinical trials using new diagnostics and treatments that were developed in Nebraska. In addition, significant philanthropic support is supporting faculty recruitment and program development for this center.

But we can  and will  do more.

The Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence will continue to transform the state-of-the-art care for pancreatic cancer by making diagnoses of the disease at the earliest possible stage and treating it with specific therapies. Patients will be evaluated and receive comprehensive care in a multidisciplinary clinic from a team including surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, as well as genetic counselors, nutritionists and others. Our momentum is such that we were able to recruit Dr. Sunil Hingorani, internationally recognized physician-scientist in pancreas cancer research and care, to spearhead our efforts.

In short, significant resources and human power will be devoted to defeating this terrible disease. UNMC and Nebraska will continue to be at the forefront of this battle.

UNMC also wants to ensure that Nebraska is the best-prepared for another battle  against emerging infectious disease threats and any other future disasters.

As the current pandemic stretches into its third year, it is inevitable that another type of disaster will occur at some point. Health-care resources will once more be stretched whether that disaster is a December tornado; a train derailment that causes thousands of Nebraskans to be exposed to hazardous chemicals; an overseas conflict that results in tens of thousands of combat casualties returning to U.S. hospitals; or another pandemic.

Regardless of the emergency, UNMCs Global Center for Health Security (GCHS) seeks to be the preeminent hub for health security expertise in early detection and responding to 21st century threats.

The COVID-19 activities of our academic health center, and in large part the GCHS, have seen us producing science that has informed national and statewide responses. We also have provided technical consultation to Nebraskas public entities and private businesses to aid them in navigating this pandemic.

The GCHS would use the one-time investment on several strategic initiatives, directing half of the funding toward the recruitment and retention of world-class scientists and physicians. It will strengthen and expand strong external partnerships with major funders within the military, other federal government departments and agencies, nonprofit organizations and philanthropic foundations. This investment will keep Nebraska as the premier leader in this area and will further propel the Global Center for Health Security to be the national expert in health-care preparedness and response for all-hazards events.

A corollary benefit is the economic impact of these funds. Based on recent GCHS success in leveraging investments to receive competitive grants and contracts, an independent outside economic impact projection shows that the states one-time investment would create 220 high-wage, high-skill, high-demand jobs statewide. This investment would conservatively also add $1.375 million annually to the state tax base.

In short, these two modest, but important, one-time investments will propel growth in two areas important to Nebraska and its citizens. We believe this is a sound investment to make today, and a solid investment to build our future.

Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold is chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
As the Legislature convenes at the dawn of a year in which Nebraska will elect a new governor, The World-Herald is launching an occasional series of editorials examining important issues for the state that we believe transcend the partisan bog where so much of politics is stuck.

Until the Legislature adjourns in April and primary election votes are cast in May, well hear a lot about social issues. These make lively debates and help fire up the electoral bases as an age-old, inevitable part of politics.

In the big scheme of things, though, lasting changes that influence the quality of life in Nebraska are more difficult and less lively. Improving housing access, broadband or tourism, for example, would make more long-term difference to more people than anything related to so-called culture wars. We are more concerned about creating a state that can attract new residents to address our critical worker shortage, which would benefit all of us economically and enable businesses to grow, than we are about hot buttons on the left and right. The latter will always be fought; the former must be solved.

So a critical question, then, is what we can agree is an important challenge.

We believe improving the states housing stock and affordability belongs at the top of this list, and can have important impact across the state, from North Omaha to the Sandhills. So well start there, and in coming weeks will discuss a range of other issues.

We have editorialized recently about the need for fresh and affordable housing stock.

This challenge runs hand-in-glove with the states worker shortage  to attract more workers to Omaha or Hastings or anywhere else, people must be able to find suitable housing.

Housing is where jobs sleep, Kathy Mesner, with a Central City real estate development and property management company, has said.

One example of the squeeze that Mesner has offered: A new arrival, such as a first-year teacher, works in the community but, due to the lack of housing, must live outside the district in a larger community. This situation hinders the teachers ability to develop a strong sense of the community being served. On its face, that situation makes it more likely the teacher will move on. We must retain talent.

We believe the Legislature should find, as it debates how to spend $1 billion of federal COVID relief money, ways to bolster existing programs and create new ones to tackle this issue.

That could include, for example, one-time support for a new Omaha nonprofit coalition working to reduce starter home costs and increase housing stock.

The Welcome Home coalition seeks to partner with local officials to review and reduce zoning and permitting regulations and fees pertaining to home lot development and construction. A report by the National Association of Home Builders estimated that, on average, 23.8% of the final price of a new house is due to regulations imposed by government at all levels: city, state and federal.

The Legislature can review its part in that to find ways to trim those costs.

One intriguing possibility was put forward by Valentine Mayor Kyle Arganbright in one of his recent World-Herald columns: Lets seed new regional home factories strategically throughout the state to build quality, affordable housing for area communities. Many Nebraska-based companies are successfully building homes off-site and leveraging the advantages of bulk pricing, temperature-controlled environments and an assembly line approach to home construction. Expanding this concept throughout Nebraska would create more affordable housing (and likely fill an Alco or Shopko building thats still sitting empty). Team up with community colleges and the high school shop class, and were on our way to creating a sustainable workforce for the industry.

Thats one of many ideas to make a dent in this foundational challenge to help Nebraska grow that affects both cities and small towns across the state.

We believe our leaders can find agreement here and make significant strides. We urge and look forward to leadership over partisanship.
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BLOOMINGTON  Browsing at Bargain Time Bins of Bloomington reminded one customer of the famous Forrest Gump quote about life being like a box of chocolates.

You never know what youre going to get, recited Tanya Boitnott of Bloomington while assembling a Fisher-Price pirate ship she planned to bring home to her kids.

She and a few dozen other shoppers were at the Crossroads Center store, at 474 Wylie Drive in Normal, for restock day on Saturday morning.

Co-owner Cole Thompson said that's when his store reopens for the week with their bins filled with items acquired through liquidation sales from large retailers.

His mother, Penny Thompson, is the store manager. She said theyre expecting a lot stuff to come in as retailers clear out overstock and returns following Christmas.

Its not your average shopping experience: Penny and Cole both call it a treasure hunt.

Stores typically stock their wares on shelves for visibility, but this shop piles products in bins that customers dig through.

Many boxes have already been opened, some are damaged, and others unlabeled. Customers are encouraged to inspect and test items in front of a store employee to make sure its in working condition before they buy.

The whole thing is the mystery of never knowing what youre going to find, said Cole.

Moving hands

All items have a set price, which drops by the day from $7 each on Saturday to $20 for filling a large bag on Wednesday.

Penny said one woman found facial cream on Saturday that was valued at $127. She also had Ivanka Trump-branded shoes on sale, which Penny said were originally priced at around $200.

Cole advised people to get there early for the high demand items, like Apple electronics.

Theres a lot of hands moving, he said of restock day. Not many people are going to pass up a $400 iPad.

Cole said the longer stuff sits in the bins, the more people will see it and grab the better bargains.

He added there are still good things to buy throughout the entire week, and they always sell out with their fill-a-bag sale.

Coles said he teases each weeks new items with Facebook live videos that get lots of engagement.

It kind of sets the pace for what week is going to be like, he said.

Family fun

Penny said theyll have as many as 30,000 items in the store as one time. They could be big items, like furniture or home appliances.

Then theres also novelty miniature clothes pins or a tiny cellphone that peaked the interest of Hudsons Jim Lavender.

It was his first time at the store. He said he dropped by while in town to run errands, and his buddy comes often.

Its really cool, Lavender said. You dont know what youll get.

Melanie Russell, of Chicago, said shes found many items there, like a robot vacuum cleaner. Theyre purchases she said she wouldnt make without the bargain pricing.

Russell said she goes with her boyfriend, telling him: Just grab everything you find and well figure it out later.

Normals Christine Huggett said the set pricing is nice. She also likes the mystery as well.

Youre finding things you didnt think you need, she said.

Her haul of the day included Christmas decorations, solar lawn lights, and shelf organizers.

Brittany Scybert, also of Normal, found some holiday lights too, plus baby products for her twins.

Its a money-saver, for sure, she said.

Two customers told The Pantagraph most of their holiday shopping was done in the bins.

Boitnott said she found a "Nightmare Before Christmas"-themed tree skirt, and then she did her "happy dance."

Also at the store, father Tony Kashner said: Dad wouldnt have been about to do Christmas if we didnt do this.

Digging through bins is a family affair for the Stanford dad. His daughter said she found Lucius Malfoys wizard wand from the "Harry Potter" series.

Kashner also brought his mothers adopted daughter with him. Khloe Scheets, 12, said she picked out a sewing machine to help her grandmother make oven mitts with.

I thought it would be fun, Scheets said.

Katie May of Normal was there with 17-year-old son Taylor Kelly. She said he typically finds video game items, and searching the bins is his favorite thing to do with his mother.

Kelly said he scored a $200 Xbox One controller, and his mother said shes gotten $100 Asics running shoes.

Bloomingtons John Wheeler bought several items on Saturday, including a Wi-Fi-router, a 3D printer pen, and a leg massager.

Wheeler said that four months ago, he started reselling the items he buys at a bargain and has been gaining a lot of traction.

One big sale he said was Kobe Bryant jersey that went for $250.

Hes hoping to go full time with reselling in a few months.

Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison

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SECOR  Whether you like to follow the tracks of deer and coyotes or in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln, you can do both at the ParkLands Foundations Kenyon-Baller Woods Preserve in rural Secor.

Located at 1917 County Road 500 North, Secor, the 178-acre Woodford County preserve is the farthest west preserve managed by ParkLands, a private, nonprofit organization working to manage and restore natural areas in the Mackinaw River watershed.

This preserve is unique for many reasons, one being that it serves as the confluence between the Mackinaw River and Panther Creek, both very high quality waterways, said Craig Lutes, volunteer and outreach coordinator for the foundation.

The actual meeting of the two waterways is not part of the preserve, but they each serve as its borders. About a mile of Panther Creek and a half mile of the Mackinaw River line the preserve.

The foundation bought the initial portion of the preserve from dairy farmer Frank Kenyon in 2002. The most recent acquisition was purchased from Dr. Robert Baller, a Bloomington ophthalmologist in 2019. Both purchases were made with the help of grants from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.

The land had been used primarily for grazing cattle and harvesting hay. ParkLands is restoring prairie and planting trees in the river bottomland and along the middle loop trails.

Lutes described it as a very scenic place with a lot of quality hiking in addition to good quality habitat on land and water.

The terrain is gently rolling with a few hills that can get your heart rate up. There are more than four miles of trails. Lutes said more are being added each year. Several can be done as loops.

A trail map can be found at www.parklandsfoundation.org by clicking on the Our Preserves tab then selecting Kenyon-Baller Woods.

Lutes led a hike at the preserve with about 30 people on New Years Eve. Originally planned as a First Day hike to welcome 2022, the outing was moved to the last day of 2021 in advance of predicted storms.

The narrow, somewhat hilly roads you need to travel to reach the preserve are not something you want to tackle in icy conditions.

Those participating in the hike ranged from enthusiastic youngsters running down hills and walking across downed trees as if they were balance beams to older hikers with handy trekking poles.

The bluffs in this area are unlike what you will see in many areas of Central Illinois, said Lutes. In the winter,  this is a great time to come because, with the leaves down, you can really take advantage of the scenery and the views of the bluffs.

The New Years Eve hikers were treated to an unusually comfortable day for the end of December and sightings that included a small flock of trumpeter swans and a large flock of greater white-fronted geese flying overhead.

A small monument as you drive to the preserve commemorates the once-thriving town of Bowling Green that was located there during Abraham Lincolns circuit-riding days as a lawyer.

Guy Frakers book, Looking for Lincoln in Illinois, describes Lincolns journeys through the area. Lincoln is believed to have debated Methodist minister Peter Cartwright in Bowling Green in 1846 when they were running against each other for Congress.

So whether youre interested in history, nature or exercise, Kenyon-Baller Woods is a nice place to visit.

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Embattled Ald. Edward Burke has spent more than $2.7 million on legal fees, tapping a deep reservoir of campaign funds built up over decades as he awaits trial on charges of racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion.

There is plenty more spending to come for the longest-serving alderman in Chicago history, as a federal judge has yet to set Burkes trial date amid a flurry of pretrial motions filed by his attorneys. All the lawyering may be costing Burke a fortune, but its also helping delay what promises to be a high-profile public corruption case, even by Chicago standards.

By the time FBI agents raided Burkes City Hall and 14th Ward offices in November 2018, Burkes three campaign funds topped $12 million, records show. For decades, the Southwest Side stalwart mostly sat on the growing mountain of campaign cash, leading many City Hall observers to wonder just what the septuagenarian alderman, who has been in office since 1969, planned to do with the money.

If Burke had been holding onto the money for a rainy day, the storm rolled in when federal prosecutors officially charged him in January 2019. A 14-count indictment filed four months later accused the longtime political power broker of abusing his City Hall clout to extort private legal work from companies and individuals doing business with the city.

Burke, who is married to Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Anne Burke, has spent heavily to mount a defense. Over the last two years, the alderman has spent an average of $109,000 per month on his legal team, state campaign finance records show.

He is bankrolling a legal team of former federal prosecutors, who have filed hundreds of pages of motions before U.S. District Judge Robert Dow, a rigorous effort that has left the judge wading through what he called an unprecedented stack of motions. As a result, Dow said during a September status hearing that the court was still months away from a pretrial hearing, let alone an actual trial date for Burke, who just turned 78.

However long the legal battle takes, records show Burke isnt in danger of running out of money anytime soon. His three political funds  Friends of Edward M. Burke, the Burnham Committee and the 14th Ward Regular Democratic Organization  held a total of $10.75 million as of September, when the alderman filed his most recent quarterly campaign finance reports.

Burke did not respond to a request for comment.

While he was forced to resign his powerful post as chairman of the City Council Finance Committee, Burke won reelection in 2019 despite the FBI raids and federal charges. Mayor Lori Lightfoot, herself a former federal prosecutor, has repeatedly called on Burke to resign, saying the case against him is strong.

As he nears the end of his 52nd year in office, Burke has refused to step aside, insisting he is innocent.

The 59-page federal indictment against Burke outlined a series of alleged schemes, including a bid to get then-fellow Ald. Danny Solis to help him extort the company behind a massive $800 million renovation of the Old Post Office into hiring Burkes law firm in exchange for help at City Hall. What Burke didnt know is that Solis was wearing a wire, which eventually led to a wiretaps on Burkes cellphone and City Hall phones.

As far as Im concerned, they can go f--- themselves, Burke allegedly said of the developers during a wiretapped conversation with Solis, who noted the projects request for tax breaks soon would come before Burkes Finance Committee.

Well, good luck getting it on the agenda, Burke allegedly replied.

Federal prosecutors also have accused Burke of trying to muscle developers of two smaller projects into hiring his law firm for property tax appeals and of threatening to oppose an admission fee increase at a Chicago museum if it did not respond to his inquiry about hiring the child of a friend. The Tribune reported Burke had tried to get the Field Museum to hire the daughter of former Ald. Terry Gabinski  a protege of the late U.S. Rep. Dan Rostenkowski who took office as alderman the same day as Burke in 1969.

The FBI listened in as at least 9,475 wiretapped calls were made or received on Burkes phone over a period of at least eight months, authorities have revealed. The indictment charged Burke with one count of racketeering, two counts of federal program bribery, two counts of attempted extortion, one county of conspiracy to commit extortion and eight counts of using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity.

Burkes lawyers have said the charges are unfounded and not based on actual evidence and that they welcome the opportunity to present the complete picture and all the facts to a jury. Burke, they have said, will be vindicated.

In court, Burkes lawyers have filed motions arguing the evidence collected from the wiretaps on Burkes phones should be suppressed. They have accused prosecutors of directing Solis, who secretly cooperated with the investigation, to have scripted interactions with Burke and lie about the post office deal to curry favor with the government.

Burkes team alleged that Solis had been recorded committing a number of different crimes and revealed that he entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the government on the same day Burke was first charged. Solis abruptly retired just days before erroneously unsealed court records showed he had been secretly recorded by a developer.

Burkes attorneys have argued the wiretaps should be inadmissible at trial because prosecutors recklessly and intentionally withheld in the wiretap application they took to court that they had used a desperate alderman to try to catch Burke committing a crime. They say that despite Solis best efforts, Burke never agreed on tape to provide any official action in exchange for private business.

Burkes private business helped him amass a personal fortune over decades as one of Chicagos top attorneys handling property tax appeals for companies and individuals who often had business before the city. Among Burkes onetime clients: former President Donald Trump.

The benefit of having City Halls largest campaign fund, however, is that Burke doesnt have to use his personal wealth to pay his lawyers.

Burke has been represented by former U.S. Attorney Anton Valukas and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Sklarsky, both of Jenner & Block. Through the end of September, Burke has paid the firm $1.6 million, records show.

Also on the defense team is Joseph Duffy, a former federal prosecutor and IRS agent from Loeb & Loeb, which has been paid $968,000 from Burkes campaign fund.

In addition, Burke has spent another $156,000 with Blegen & Garvey, the firm representing Peter Andrews, a longtime 14th Ward aide who has pleaded not guilty to conspiring with Burke to shake down two business owners seeking to renovate a Burger King in the ward.

Records show Burke has essentially halted all campaign fundraising since collecting tens of thousands of dollars in donations from attendees at his annual Christmas fundraiser less than a week after federal agents first raided his offices in November 2018. His funds, however, still have accrued income from interest and investment returns, records show.

Most of the money in his largest campaign fund, Friends of Edward Burke, is held in investments  about $8.5 million as of the end of September. In the last two years, records show Burke has sold $2.1 million in investments to cover his legal expenses.

While Illinois law allows politicians to spend campaign money on legal expenses, Burke may have an incentive not to spend all of it.

When then-Gov. Jim Edgar signed a campaign finance reform package into law in 1998, Illinois banned the personal use of campaign funds by future politicians. But a grandfather clause in the legislation allowed sitting officeholders to still tap the contents of their political war chests at the time the legislation was signed for everything from mortgages to college tuition.

For Burke, that means there are no restrictions on how he can spend the $2.45 million he had in his campaign fund on June 30, 1998, the date set in the law Edgar signed.

While Burke continues his fight in court, hes also facing a political battle at City Hall, as aldermen feud over the boundaries for the citys new ward map. Its a once-a-decade process set in motion by new census results that Burke used to hold great power over in backroom negotiations.

But the latest map proposed by the City Councils Rules Committee would make Burkes reelection prospects dicier, should he seek a record 14th full term in 2023.

The proposed map would push the western boundary of Burkes ward east of Midway International Airport, cutting out white precincts in the bungalow belt of the Garfield Ridge neighborhood west of the airport where Burke drew strong support while holding on to the increasingly Hispanic ward in the past few elections.

Instead, the new 14th Ward would include more of heavily Hispanic neighborhoods, such as Chicago Lawn and Marquette Park. The new ward would be 84.6% Latino, according to a Rules Committee breakdown of the racial characteristics of the proposed map.

The redrawn ward comes after supporters of the competing Latino Caucus ward map derided an earlier Rules Committee proposal as the Burke protection map, because it increased his share of Garfield Ridge. Lightfoot let it be known she was not happy with 14th Ward boundaries that were so friendly to the election prospects of her City Council nemesis, and changes were made before Rules Committee chair Ald. Michelle Harris unveiled the proposal.

Burke already has been ousted as the 14th Ward committeeman by state Rep. Aaron Ortiz, an ally of U.S. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia. Ortiz also defeated Burkes brother, former state Rep. Dan Burke, for his statehouse seat.

A vestige of the old Democratic machine, the Burke family has lorded over the 14th Ward for 68 years. Burke took over the positions of committeeman and alderman after his father, Joseph P. Burke, died of lung cancer after serving 15 years as alderman.

The federal charges have the familys political dynasty teetering on the edge of a final collapse, but Burke has shown little interest in discussing his case publicly.

That includes in April, when new filings in the case revealed the alderman had made an alleged antisemitic remark during a wiretapped conversation. According to prosecutors, Burke made the statement about Jewish lawyers while discussing development of the old main post office.

Well, you know as well as I do, Jews are Jews and theyll deal with Jews to the exclusion of everybody else unless ... unless theres a reason for them to use a Christian, Burke allegedly said, referring to the owner of the development company heading up the massive Old Post Office project. The Midwest Anti-Defamation League denounced the statement as deeply concerning.

Asked at City Hall about the alleged remarks, Burke replied, Well respond in court.

Chicago Tribunes Ray Long contributed.

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Several relatives are in custody Saturday after a 6-year-old missing boy was found dead in Gary, Ind., officials said.

The body of Damari Perry was located early Saturday morning near an abandoned house in the 700 block of Van Buren Street in Gary, according to a statement from North Chicago police that was released by the FBI.

Three of the boys relatives, who are believed to be responsible for Damaris death, were arrested and all other children in that home were placed in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, according to the statement.

North Chicago police earlier began a missing, endangered child investigation for Damari.

There was no threat to the general public and it was not clear immediately how Damari died.

Police did not announce charges as of Saturday afternoon.

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NORTH CHICAGO  The mother of a missing Illinois boy was charged with murder Saturday after the 6-year-old's body was discovered near an abandoned house in northwestern Indiana, authorities said.

Damari Perry of North Chicago was reported missing Wednesday. His body was found in Gary.

Police were initially told that the boy was missing from Skokie, another Chicago suburb, but the investigation turned to Damari's home after the family's story was contradicted, the Lake County state's attorney said.

"Our hearts ache over the murder of 6-year-old Damari Perry. ... Prosecutors, investigators, and victim support professionals worked late into the night and into the early morning to make sure we understood this tragic crime now," Eric Rinehart said.

Jannie Perry, 38, was charged with first-degree murder and other crimes. Two other family members also face charges.

It wasn't immediately known if Perry has a lawyer who could comment on the allegations. She was expected to appear in court Sunday.

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The mother of a 6-year-old North Chicago boy whose body was found in Gary, Ind. is accused in his suspicious death while the boys brother was charged with allegedly hurting him, hiding the body and misleading authorities, officials said Saturday evening.

Jannie M. Perry, 38, was charged with first-degree murder, concealment of a homicidal death, and obstructing justice in the death of Damari Perry, 6, whose body was found early Saturday in an abandoned house in the 700 block of Van Buren Street in Gary, Ind., according to a statement from Lake County Illinois states attorneys office.

Damaris brother, Jeremiah R. Perry, 20, was charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm to a child under 12, concealing a homicidal death, and obstructing justice, the statement said.

Damari was reported missing Wednesday by his mother and a sibling, and the family at first told police he might be in Skokie, which turned out to be a completely false story contradicted by evidence and resulting in the obstructing justice charges, according to the statement.

Then investigators quickly turned their focus to the boys home in North Chicago and the three were arrested Friday night.

Mother and son were expected to appear in Cook County bond court on Sunday for a hearing while a juvenile sibling of Damari, who is also believed to be responsible for his death, faces charges in Lake Countys Juvenile Court in Waukegan.

Prosecutors indicate that more charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

Our hearts ache over the murder of 6-year-old Damari Perry, Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart said in the statement. We would not have reached the awful truth of this case without the work of the FBI, the North Chicago Police Department, and the investigators and staff at the Lake County Childrens Advocacy Center.

Prosecutors, investigators, and victim support professionals worked late into the night and into the early morning to make sure we understood this tragic crime now, because of their rigorous and detailed investigation, we will be able to bring Damaris killers to justice in a courtroom, Rinehart said in the statment.

All other children in the familys home were placed in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, according to the statement.

There was no threat to the general public, an earlier statement said.

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Why did the medical system Fail us? As Bill Flick referred to in his Facebook pieces the other day, our medical system let us down. Now I may not be as erudite as Mr Flick, but I think he didnt finish the story about our friend who died Christmas morning at 4 A.M. I do not know Bill Flick personally but have read many of his columns and we have this common friend. A great an honorable man who should have had a better chance at living. Maybe, as our mutual friend said: that if it is Gods will I will pass this morning.

Flick stated that none of the local hospitals had an ICU bed, or even any bed and reaching out the same was found at the other hospitals in the surrounding Central Illinois area and even Chicago had only a few. Because mostly the beds were occupied by COVID patients. Did they have the vaccinations? Do they care?

But other factors played a part in the death of our friend. Hospitals spend millions of dollars year after year on new buildings and equipment but when it came to performing surgery, where were the doctors? No one could be found. It has always been my understanding that there was always doctors (surgeons, in this case) on call for emergencies. So, why were no surgeons able to be found? Yes, it was Christmas Eve, then Christmas morning and yes doctors are entitled to a holiday like everyone else. But shouldnt there be someone for acute emergencies?

And we hope that people will think about why they are not vaccinated? Others are affected by our actions.

Dennis M. and Janet K. Fries, Bloomington

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Senior Pastor of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has warned Christians to deviate from criticizing clergymen saying such attitude attracts dangerous punishment from God such as leprosy.



SaharaReporters reports that the renowned clergyman gave the warning during the Leadership Empowerment Summit at the churchs headquarters, Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State.



Oyedepo said many critics of his ministry must have been victims of the warning, stressing that the warnings are based on spiritual insights.



Beware of speaking hurt against the Ministry you claim to be part of advancing, its a risk. Beware of speaking hurt against a Prophet you claim to believe. It is dangerous. It can make a man leprous. It is dangerous. We dont have the data of how many victims may have come from this warning, but I know quite some would have been victims.''he said.







Source: LIB









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On Jan. 5, France broke a record with 264,184 new daily COVID cases, the most significant number in Europe since the pandemic broke out. "Every second, two French individuals are confirmed positive in our nation," said French Health Minister Olivier Veran.



Records for new coronavirus infections are being established across Europe as the Omicron variant rips through communities at an unprecedented rate. The World Health Organization (WHO) cautioned that Omicron might cause a "tsunami" of illnesses that would overwhelm healthcare facilities when combined with the Delta variant.

With the emergence of Omicron in the fifth COVID wave, several European nations implanted another round of lockdowns. According to WHO, Omicron includes various alterations, some of which are concerning and imply "immune escape potential and higher transmissibility." As a result, it is unknown whether the current COVID-19 vaccines can protect against it. What is certain is that the Omicron will trigger even more restrictions upon European countries already strained by COVID-19. However, will lockdowns stop the virus from spreading, and will the prevention measures be implemented successfully? Unfortunately, the answer seems to be no.

In Amsterdam, thousands of people gathered to protest new lockdown measures during the New Year holiday, which came after similar protests across Europe. Protesters built street barricades and ignited fires in Belgium, the Netherlands and Austria, battling police in several towns. In addition, protests happened in Italy, Croatia and Germany.

"What unites them is frustration, not only with COVID but also with democracy and political institutions. Anti-modern attitudes also play a role," said Johannes Kiess, a sociologist from the University of Siegen in Germany.

Just a few weeks ago, hundreds of thousands of people protested in Brussels, with some shooting fireworks at police officers who intervened with tear gas and water cannons. Belgium introduced new measures in the face of a sharp rise in infections. Protesters are mainly opposed to vaccine passports that ban unvaccinated people from venues like bars and restaurants.

These protests share something in common: They began as planned peaceful marches and rapidly devolved into violent scuffles. Protesters throw fireworks and rocks at police and their vehicles, and officers retaliate with tear gas and water cannons. In Rotterdam, police even opened fire and shot at the crowd.

Dr. Orsolya Reich, senior advocacy officer at Liberties, an NGO monitoring human rights across Europe, said, "Certain rights can be restricted in certain circumstances, but only if it is necessary and proportionate to achieve a legitimate aim."

In some regions of Europe, whether you're vaccinated or not has become a political identifier. Germany's new government intends to impose tighter laws on unvaccinated groups in Germany. For example, one new rule is for unvaccinated people to provide a negative coronavirus test before accessing public transportation. Austria has gone further, limiting the mobility of anybody over the age of 12 who is unvaccinated to employment, school, grocery shopping, and medical treatment and giving police the authority to check vaccination documents on the street.

Those protests have several causes, including opposition to globalization and immigration, criticism of multiculturalism, and opposition to the European Union. The New York Times alleged, "Vaccine resistance has become the long tail of the populist-nationalist movements that shook up European politics for a decade."

During the pandemic, economic populism in many European nations morphed into a rejection of multiculturalism international institutions and values. It took the form of anti-elite sentiment, and the public turned into scientific skeptics. Europeans distrust Brussels and government officials, and they are dissatisfied with the governments' ineffectiveness in combating COVID-19.

The right-wing and far-right media portrayed the fundamental limits imposed in response to the pandemic as a transitional restriction of personal freedom, elevating the wearing of masks to a "violation of human rights."

European nations have witnessed a substantial rise of radical right parties. The populism represented by the far-right in Europe is a force to be reckoned with and will affect the recovery of European countries from COVID-19. Resistance to globalization is one feature of populist parties, with such opposition advancing up the social ladder in Western countries. If the incapacity of European governments to cope with the growing protests continues, and they cannot alter economic systems significantly or promptly resolve social problems, the future of Europe may be in jeopardy.

The author is an associate professor with the School of Foreign Studies, East China University of Political Science and Law.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn.
There was drama in the courtroom of Koforidua Circuit Court B when the Presiding Judge, Kwame Polley described as twea poor police investigation into a land dispute between residents of Dedeso and Begoro Traditional Council.



The Judge blatantly told the police investigator in charge of the case that he did not do due diligence hence there are deficiencies in the charge sheet presented to the court.



According to the Judge, there is no link between the accused persons, the charges against them, and the facts supporting the case.



The Judge said the case is incompetent and cannot stand the test of judicial procedure therefore advised the investigator to go back and do a better job.



Fourteen residents of Dedeso, a VRA resettlement Community are standing trial at the Circuit Court for conspiracy, causing harm, and causing damage.



The accused persons are Michael Teye Sackey, a Teacher, Randolph Tetteh, Teacher, Samuel Batsa, farmer, and Simon Tetteh, a farmer, Richard Naakah, teacher and Bedasu Kofi Livingston, farmer.

The rest are Francis Mausor, farmer, Osom Akwetey, Alex Tetteh Bio, Partey Ben, Emmanuel Ahuble, Asare Kofi, Klodu Frederick and Samuel Agbeitor all farmers.



However, the 15th accused person identified as Bullet is still at large.



The Prosecuting Officer, Chief Inspector Owusu Ababio narrated to the court that, on June 26, 2021, at about 9am, the regent of the Begoro traditional area mobilized a group of men numbering about 20 from Begoro, Apaa, and Nsawam communities armed them with his pump-action gun and cutlasses, hired a Nissan Mini truck with registration number GW 1551-21 and two motorbike and delegated one Nana Barffuor Bimpong to take them onto the disputed land at Perteifoo junction.



On reaching Abuorso police station, Nana Baffour Bimpong Kwakye requested for police escort which Constable Kinni Daniel was detailed to escort the group.



The Chief asked the armed men to take the lead as he went to Dedeso Police station to request for more police officers.



The group upon reaching Ashaiman Kope, a village near Dedeso met three Krobo residents on a motorbike which they identified the rider as one of the people claiming ownership of the disputed land during their previous visit hence jumped off the truck and started beating them.



The Krobo inhabitants on hearing the incident mobilized and armed themselves with guns and cutlasses and rushed to the scene to fight the thugs.



They outnumbered the thugs, brutalized, and inflicted multiple cutlass wounds on two of the thugs namely Godfred Blewusi, 29, and Stephen Tetteh, 28.

The rioting residents drove two Hyundai mini Trucks to block the road and subsequently set fire into it.



They also allegedly ransacked a room belonging to Abu Madam a farmworker for the regent of Begoro and allegedly stole GHc15,000.



The arrival of Police personnel from Begoro helped to restore calm. The Police rushed the two victims to Begoro government Hospital where they were admitted, treated, and discharged.



Accused Michael Batsa, Samuel Batsa, and Simon Tetteh were arrested on August 9, 2021, at the premises of Begoro District Court.



Randolph Tetteh, Assembly Member was pointed out during a parade for his involvement.



They pleaded not guilty when put before Koforidua Circuit Court B.

The Presiding Judge Mercy Adei Kotei admitted each to GHC70,000 bails with two surety.



A bench warrant was issued on the rest of the suspects at large but all appeared in court Wednesday, December 5, 2022, except Bullet who is still at large.



They were also granted GHC70,000 bails each.



The judge adjourned the case to February 7, 2022.



Meanwhile, the docket has been forwarded to the Attorney Generals department for advice.









Source: Daily Guide









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Chairman of the Tema East constituency branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nene Agbadiagba Ofoe-Teye, has described the death of former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Ishmael Ashitey, as the loss of a piece of the soul of the NPP.



Speaking to the Ghana News Agency on Saturday in Accra, following the death of Mr. Ashitey on Friday, Nene Agbadiagba Ofoe-Teye said the loss was an inconsolable blow to the party.



We in Tema East are inconsolable because we know what this robbery by death has taken away from us. Also to the greater party, it is such a good chunk of its soul that has been taken away, Nene Ofoe-Teye wrote.



According to him, The NPP will find it difficult to replace this outstanding thoroughbred NPP stalwart and appointee of New Patriotic Party governments both in the past and in the present.



Mr Ashitey was said to have taken ill upon returning from the US, where he had gone to visit his wife and children. He was rushed to the International Maritime hospital (IMA) on Friday. However, he did not survive the emergency.



A respected stalwart of the ruling party, who was lacing his boots for the national chair of NPP, Mr. Ishmael Ashitey, is a former Greater Accra regional Chairman of the NPP.



He is also a former NPP MP for Tema East and got elected three times to Parliament on the partys ticket.



Ishmael Ashitey was a Minister of State in charge of Fisheries having been appointed so by former President John Agyekum Kufuor.



Under President Akufo-Addo, Mr. Ashitey was appointed Greater Accra Regional Minister and was only replaced recently by the current regional Minister, Henry Quartey.



The pedigree of Mr. Ishmael Ashitey makes his loss a huge one for the NPP as a whole and the Tema East branch of our great party in particular. Where are we going to get his type of dynamism and resourcefulness for the party again? Nene Agbadiagba Ofoe-Teye asked.



Even so, he sent condolences to the late Regional Ministers family and to the NPP family as a whole, adding that the Tema East NPP was ready and available to help give him a befitting funeral and burial.



As the longest-serving constituency executive committee member, I and others including Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, who was at the labour front before travelling to the United Kingdom for further studies and a former deputy minister of transport, worked hard to ensure Ismael Ashiteys victory as MP from 1996 to 2008.



We were also part of the struggle that made him Greater Accra regional chairman of the new patriotic party because he was a good man. The legacy of Ishmael Ashitey will live on, we promise to ensure that. He himself will live in the best place in our memories forever.

Source: GNA









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CAMBRIDGE  Four people were injured in an accident on Friday involving a box truck and an ambulance.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Maple Avenue and East Main Street. Police said that the call came in at around 6:30 p.m. and Route 313 remained closed until approximately 1 a.m.

According to the Cambridge-Greenwich Police Department, the box truck and ambulance collided head-on at the intersection. Each vehicle had a driver and passenger. The individuals in the box truck appeared to have head injuries and were sent to the Albany Medical Center for treatment.

The ambulance, which was from the Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad, was responding to a call and did not have any patients inside, according to police. The driver was sent to Bennington, Vermont for treatment of her injuries.

Police said that the passenger had to be extricated from the ambulance and sustained leg injuries.

Officials were initially unsure of how severe the injuries were, which prompted them to call in a helicopter for transport. However, the helicopter was called off because of the weather. Police said there were no critical injuries sustained by anyone involved in the crash.

The passenger of the ambulance had severe leg and pelvic injuries, according to police.

The Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad posted a release from Mark Spiezio, chief of operations, on its Facebook page informing the public of the accident.

According to the release, the ambulance was responding to a non-emergency call for an illness in the town of White Creek.

The collision caused significant damage to the ambulance and severely injured one of our crew members, Spiezio said in the release. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the two gentlemen that were injured in the truck. We wish them a very speedy recovery.

One of the individuals in the ambulance attends college in the region and returns to Cambridge weekly to volunteer with the squad, according to the release.

She was recently added to the squads paid staff. The other individual was an active volunteer and a full-time paid staffer, according to the release.

She is one of our primary community paramedic providers, including working in our school detail and conducting COVID tests, Spiezio said in the release.

Police said that an accident reconstruction team from Saratoga County came to assist the scene and conduct an investigation into the accident. The investigation was ongoing as of Saturday afternoon.

Jay Mullen is a reporter for The Post-Star covering the city of Glens Falls, Warren County and crime and courts. You can reach him at (518) 742-3224 or jmullen@poststar.com.

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The threat of further Russian aggression against Ukraine is very real. Unfortunately, the Biden administration is in a weak position to lead an international response.

In light of Russias illegal 2014 annexation of Crimea and threats of further aggression against Ukraine, President Joe Biden has emphasized how any use of force to change borders is strictly prohibited under international law.

This should not even be a question anymore. Preventing a country from expanding its territory by force was a founding principle of the United Nations, and it is embedded in its charter. It was this very principle, in fact, that led the United States to fight the 1991 Gulf War following Iraqs invasion and annexation of Kuwait.

Unfortunately, there are serious questions as to whether the Biden administration actually supports this bedrock international legal standard. Maps of North Africa from the United Nations, National Geographic, Rand McNally and elsewhere depict the nation of Western Sahara on the Atlantic coast wedged between Morocco and Mauritania; U.S. government maps, however, depict the country as part of Morocco, with nothing delineating the two.

Western Sahara  formally known as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)  has been recognized at various points in time by 84 countries and is a full member state of the African Union. Morocco invaded that nation, then known as Spanish Sahara, just prior to its scheduled independence from colonial rule in 1975.

The United Nations Security Council, the U.N. General Assembly, and the International Court of Justice have all gone on record asserting Western Saharas right to self-determination. For decades, no international body or foreign governments have recognized Western Sahara as part of Morocco.

However, in his final weeks in office, former President Donald Trump formally recognized Moroccan sovereignty over the occupied country, including roughly 25% of Western Sahara still under the control of the SADR government. The Biden administration has rejected bipartisan calls to reverse Trumps decision and the United States remains an international outlier.

Despite giving lip service to a moribund U.N.-sponsored peace process, the United States is effectively agreeing with the Moroccan monarchy that independence should not be an option for the Indigenous population, known as Sahrawis, who embrace a distinct history, dialect and culture. The Moroccan regime  emboldened by the U.S. recognition  insists that independence is completely off the table and is at most willing to offer a limited degree of autonomy under Moroccan rule.

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and other reputable human right groups have documented widespread suppression of peaceful pro-independence activists by Moroccan occupation forces, including torture, beatings, detention without trial and extrajudicial killings. Freedom House has ranked Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara as second only to Syria in its suppression of political rights.

As a result, Moroccos U.S.-backed autonomy plan not only fails to allow the Sahrawis any real act of self-determination, the ongoing repression raises serious questions regarding what it would look like in practice.

Bidens recognition of Moroccos illegal annexation of Western Sahara is a gift to Russias autocratic president Vladimir Putin, who can now portray U.S. opposition to Russian claims on Ukrainian territory as simply rooted in geopolitical rivalry rather than principled opposition to illegal territorial expansion.

For the sake of the people of Western Sahara and U.S. credibility in the growing crisis over Ukraine, Biden must immediately rescind U.S. recognition of Moroccos conquest.

Stephen Zunes is a professor of politics at the University of San Francisco and co-author of Western Sahara: War, Nationalism, and Conflict Irresolution. This column was produced for The Progressive magazine and distributed by Tribune News Service.

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ATLANTIC CITY  Two snowstorms that hit the city last week had residents and businesses dealing with piles of snow and hodgepodges of ice and slush by Saturday afternoon.

Businesses like Bass Pro Shops at Tanger Outlets The Walk could be seen Saturday clearing heaps of hardened snow from their parking lots with yellow plows.

The first storm was so horrible. After the storm ended, the snow was still all over the place, said Miguel Aguirre, who works at the Atlantic City Flower Shop at Atlantic and Georgia avenues. The second, they put salt down and brined the streets early.

Aguirre, of Mays Landing, shoveled snow outside the flower shop last week. Although he said business was slow, the miniature mountain of snow at the curb didnt stop people from coming in.

Naqeeb Khan, owner of Calis Variety LLC at Atlantic and Indiana avenues, said the freezing cold temperatures were one of the main reasons his convenience store was slow this week.

The second storm was the worst because it was freezing, said Khan. The rest is going to melt by itself. The rain will help it. It rained for periods of time Sunday before freezing temperatures were expected to set in once more.

New Jersey enters state of emergency with winter storm pending Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency starting Thursday night as a second winter st

Khan, who cleared all the snow outside his business Friday after the storm, said hed leave the rest of the snow to the weekends weather.

He said the city plows that cleared Atlantic Avenue last week didnt help his business parking situation.

People have to park almost in the middle of the road because of all the snow they pushed against the curb, Khan said.

City officials said they had been working since before last Mondays storm in preparation for the two snowstorms. In two news conferences Thursday, they outlined preparedness measures, offered free parking ahead of Fridays storm in the Wave garage on Baltic Avenue, detailed Code Blue plans to shelter the homeless and residents without heat, and asked residents to keep the streets clear so plows and emergency vehicles could get through.

The Atlantic City Office of Emergency Management and Department of Public Works will continue to monitor the weather and road conditions. The safety and well-being of city residents and employees are of the utmost concern, Mayor Marty Small Sr.s office said in a news release.

People walking Atlantic Avenue on Saturday afternoon struggled to maneuver through mounds of snow at the start of crosswalks and thick ice patches in front of empty storefronts.

Free parking for Atlantic City residents returns ahead of anticipated snow ATLANTIC CITY  For the second time this week, city officials have granted free parking for 

Rhonda Lewis, 52, crossed a bustling Atlantic Avenue in front of the old combination KFC/Taco Bell instead of using the crosswalk.

You see me here struggling, said Lewis, who said she is on disability. Shoving it against the curb still makes it hard for those of us that have to walk.

Holly Allen, who just opened ATAX at Atlantic Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard for the upcoming tax season, said she doesnt think its the citys responsibility to clear sidewalks.

Maybe they should do something for the empty storefronts and their sidewalks, but I dont think its the citys problem. I dont think they can do anything else, Allen said.

Allen said the snow hasnt impacted her business yet.

I missed my UPS package, but thats it, she said.

Cape May mayor helps dig out neighbors after snowstorm CAPE MAY  When the largest snowstorm in four years bared down on the seaside city, Mayor Za

As Darlene Cruz, an employee at Ocean Casino Resort, waited for her bus at the Atlantic City Bus Terminal, she said shoveling snow in the city may be different than shoveling in surrounding areas.

Its a city, so its bigger than other places, said Cruz, of Pleasantville. Theres a lot more people and a lot more cars.

Atlantic City is also a barrier island, which protects the mainland from the wind, ocean and other weather forces.

Its not harder, they just need to do a better job, Lewis said as she navigated her personal shopping cart over a snowy curb.

Allen, of Mays Landing, said she did notice Atlantic City was a lot icier than where she lives.

The roads are clear, but the sidewalks are bad, said her father, Robert Scott.

Cabrera again named Wildwood Crest mayor WILDWOOD CREST  In a unanimous vote Tuesday, a new Board of Commissioners named Don Cabrera

City Public Works Director Paul Jerkins said in a livestream with Press of Atlantic City Meteorologist Joe Martucci on Friday morning the roads were drivable and that there were no real issues.

City residents and business owners had conflicting thoughts and opinions about the citys snow efforts.

Khans advice for the city and business owners when dealing with future snowstorms: Just be prepared, and dont save it for the last minute.

Contact Selena Vazquez: 609-272-7225 svazquez@pressofac.com

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Today many Americans are experiencing despair about climate change, the new surge in COVID-19 and the uncertain future of our democracy. The best way to cope with these afflictions of the spirit, according to the Roman Stoic philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca, is not by pursuing false cheer this holiday season but by seeking equanimity with all lifes misfortunes, including death itself.

Seneca, a contemporary of Jesus, believed that the worst form of human suffering is despair. After long personal experience and deep reading in philosophy, he concluded that the only antidote to this crippling state of existence is daily visualization  and radical acceptance  of the calamities we fear most.

A principal theme of his writings is the salutary effect of mental rehearsal of sickness, disability, loss of loved ones and ones own death. This is the way a person attains true freedom and inward detachment.

As Seneca wrote in a series of letters to one aspiring Stoic, Lucilius Junior, We need to envisage every possibility and to strengthen the spirit to deal with the things which may conceivably come about. Rehearse them in your mind: exile, torture, war, shipwreck. To this list of objects intended for deep meditation, he added floods, volcanoes, plagues and fires.

Born in Cordoba, Spain, Seneca spent most of his life in Rome during a period of brutal and violent politics under five emperors. He served as a senator during the reign of Caligula and as a tutor to Nero.

Distilling the source of human misery down to its essence, fear of death, Seneca counseled his followers that if they wished to be happy they must first come to peaceful terms with their own demise. Rehearse death, he advised Lucilius. To say this is to tell a person to rehearse his freedom. Such practice is the only pathway to peace of mind, and, significant to Seneca, who spent much of his life at the tempestuous court of Rome, preparedness for death also places a person above political powers.

Seneca did not come to these insights about life, death and politics easily. He suffered his way into them. Early in life, his experience of severe asthma charted his course to Stoicism. He once became so prostrate with labored breathing that he was sure he would die. To relieve his suffering, he considered taking his own life. It was my Stoic studies that really saved me, Seneca recorded. Identifying that the fear of dying was the chief source of his despair, he adopted the belief, Nothing is grim when we have escaped that fear.

Later, the death of a close friend plunged Seneca into prolonged grief. His friend was younger than I was, a good deal younger too, leaving the philosopher angered at the disorder of the universe. To tolerate this fact of life, too, Seneca self-prescribed radical acceptance and mental preparation to ease future anguish.

Senecas self-therapy calls upon human beings to place the laws of nature, whether we like them or not, at the center of our thoughts. Now I bear it in mind, he wrote in one letter, not only that all things are liable to death but that liability is governed by no set rules. Whatever can happen at any time can happen today.

Seneca is famous for this contemplative model of self-healing. But in his writings he underscores a second facet of life that is vital to achieving a calm spirit. It is friends. During hard times, philosophy was always his first consolation and, after this, the intimate bond of friendship.

Not surprisingly, he connected friendship, illness and death into a soothing spiritual web. There is nothing, my good Lucilius, he wrote, quite like the devotion of ones friends for supporting one in illness and restoring one to health, or for dispelling ones anticipation and dread of death.

So unpredictable was death that when Seneca was 61 and in the prime of his philosophical work, his former pupil, Nero, ordered his execution. Suspected of plotting to overthrow Neros corrupt regime, Seneca was ordered to commit suicide and he complied.

Were Seneca alive today, he would not advocate passivity in the face of climate change and a global pandemic. He would advise us to fight and sacrifice for our values, at all costs, as he did during his lifetime.

Yet, to be most effective, and to live well during your remaining days, he would also say, lay aside the load on your spirit. Get free of the agony of fear. Accept your mortality and that of your loved ones and friends. To gain ultimate relief from despair, these are the things, Seneca counsels, that need to be not just learnt, but learnt by heart.

Eli Merritt is on faculty at Vanderbilt University where he researches the interface of demagogues and democracy.
Bettendorf Health Care Center likes to have five certified nursing assistants per shift, according to Tanisha Douglas, a CNA at the center. Right now, they are running on one CNA per shift.

It's just really difficult, Douglas said. Our departments are very good about helping people, but it just kind of puts a strain on you because then while you are helping another department you're not able to get your own work done. There's been a lot of late nights for me because I am trying to do four or five jobs at a time.

Douglas said the staffing shortages started with the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and had yet to improve. Although the center still is able to provide quality care for residents, it has had to pause taking on new clients temporarily.

Nationally, nursing homes struggled to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic amid high infection rates among residents and staffing shortages. Families are removing their loved ones from nursing home care, and facilities are desperate to increase their own staff.

Lori Ristau, spokesperson for Iowa Health Care Association, said nursing home employment in Iowa had dropped by about 1.5%, or 300 jobs. Despite the decrease in jobs being more mild than other sectors, the jobs arent returning.

We're seeing that those jobs are just not coming back as fast, Ristau said. We're just not recovering at the same pace as other sectors.

Douglas said a multitude of factors instigated by the pandemic slashed staff at nursing homes. Some workers dont want to get vaccinated against COVID-19, which prevents them from returning to work. More nurses are turning to agency work rather than being an employee at one facility because of more flexible hours and higher wages, according to Douglas.

Some workers are concerned with catching the virus at work and bringing it home to their families.

Everyone has family at home, Douglas said. Some people have children, some people have young children. So they're fearful.

The rigid COVID-19 quarantine and isolation requirements for personnel in nursing homes also impacts the sector more than others, according to Ristau. When outbreaks happen in care facilities, more nurses and CNAs are needed to provide adequate care for residents. But when those outbreaks happen, often some nurses and CNAs catch COVID-19 from the community, Ristau said, further limiting the amount of staff at the residents greatest time of need.

In order to address the staffing shortages, the American Health Care Association, the parent association of Iowa Health Care Association, is working to develop federal and state policies like the Care for Seniors Act that offers child care credits and tax credits to support nursing-home workers. At the state level, Ristau said the Iowa Health Care Association was focusing on grant funding opportunities and educational incentives.

They're talking through ideas to ensure adequate funding at the state level and then providing pathways for additional training and educational support for health care workers, Ristau said. Looking at things like expanding access to training programs, maybe there's some loan forgiveness things we can do at the state level.

Some nurses and CNAs demand higher wages for putting themselves at greater risk while working during the pandemic. Douglas said that, in combination with a fear of contracting COVID-19, had contributed to the staffing shortages at Bettendorf Health Care Center.

Every day I come into work I am fearful, but at the same time, these residents are in their home and they're as fearful as we are, and if they can sense our fears and it doesn't really make them feel comfortable or protected, Douglas said. So I try to stay level-headed and calm.

Despite staffing challenges, nursing homes in Iowa are faring well, according to data collected by the Iowa Health Care Association.

The quality of care is really still very good in nursing homes, Ristau said. The most recent data shows that less than 1% of residents right now are testing positive for COVID-19. So they're receiving really good care in those facilities.

Douglas said despite being unable to control some aspects exacerbating the nursing home staffing shortage, appreciation for workers could go a long way.

We should definitely respect them, Douglas said. Especially to the people that are still here in the nursing facilities, or in the hospitals, and that are working short-staffed and they're still willing to come to work every single day.

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King Abdullah II of Jordan on Saturday received visiting German Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht and exchanged views on advancing mutual defense cooperation.

The king underscored keenness to strengthen bilateral partnership and expressed his appreciation for Germany's support to Jordan in several fields, according to a Royal Court statement.

Their discussions also touched upon the latest international and regional developments and cooperation against terrorism.

Also on Saturday, Jordan's Prime Minister Bisher Al-Khasawneh met with the German minister, discussing cooperation between the two countries in various areas, especially in defense, training, and exchange of military expertise, in addition to efforts to combat terrorism.

The German minister hailed bilateral relations and Jordan's role under the leadership of King Abdullah II in promoting peace and security in the Middle East, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held extensive talks with the German official on ways of boosting Jordanian-German "strategic" partnership, latest regional and international developments of common interest, as well as efforts in resolving regional crises, according to a statement by the foreign ministry.

The two sides also reviewed regional developments, foremost of which the Palestinian causes, and efforts towards resolving the crises in Syria, Yemen, and Libya.
A Rock Island man was arrested early Saturday on felony drug, eluding and gun charges after leading the Iowa State Patrol on a high-speed chase through Bettendorf with the man driving in excess of 80 mph on Spruce Hills Drive and in excess of 100 mph on Interstate 74.

Tavion Aumad Jefferson-Collins, 18, is charged with one count of possession with the intent to deliver more than 5 grams of methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as MDMA and ecstasy. The charge is a Class B felony that carries a prison sentence of 25 years.

Jefferson-Collins also is charged with eluding, a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years. He also is charged with one count each of person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons, possession of a controlled substance-first offense and possession of marijuana-first offense, each a serious misdemeanor that carries one year in the county jail.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Iowa State Patrol Trooper Ian Cornwell, at 1:21 a.m. a red 2009 Chevrolet Impala was seen westbound on Interstate 74 crossing over State Street in Bettendorf at a high rate of speed.

Cornwell activated his radar which indicted the Impala was traveling 78 mph in a 55 mph work zone. Cornwell attempted to stop the vehicle as it was taking the Kimberly Road exit.

The driver of the vehicle, Jefferson-Collins, did not stop even though Cornwell had activated his emergency lights and sirens.

Jefferson-Collins then drove east on Spruce Hills Drive at speeds in excess of 80 mph. The speed limit there is 30 mph. Jefferson-Collins disobeyed traffic signals, made unsafe passes of other vehicles and drove into the opposite lanes of traffic.

Jefferson-Collins then made it back to State Street and began driving the wrong way, westbound on the eastbound one-way, toward Interstate 74.

He then got on westbound Interstate 74 and increased his speed in excess of 100 mph. Jefferson-Collins continued to eastbound Interstate 80 where he drove at speeds of 100 mph. Jefferson-Collins then rolled down his window and began making hand signs that he was pulling over.

Jefferson-Collins was taken into custody, and two other people in the vehicle were detained.

From the vehicle Iowa State Patrol troopers seized marijuana, suspected cocaine, ecstasy and a .38-caliber revolver with the serial number removed. The suspected drugs and firearm were sent to the state crime lab for testing and analysis.

Jefferson-Collins made a first appearance Saturday in Scott County District Court. A preliminary hearing in the case is set for Jan. 18.

Jefferson-Collins was being held Saturday night in the Scott County Jail on a bond of $33,000, cash or surety.

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The mother of a 6-year-old North Chicago boy whose body was found in Gary, Ind. is accused in his suspicious death while the boys brother was charged with allegedly hurting him, hiding the body and misleading authorities, officials said Saturday evening.

Jannie M. Perry, 38, was charged with first-degree murder, concealment of a homicidal death, and obstructing justice in the death of Damari Perry, 6, whose body was found early Saturday in an abandoned house in the 700 block of Van Buren Street in Gary, Ind., according to a statement from Lake County Illinois states attorneys office.

Damaris brother, Jeremiah R. Perry, 20, was charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm to a child under 12, concealing a homicidal death, and obstructing justice, the statement said.

Damari was reported missing Wednesday by his mother and a sibling, and the family at first told police he might be in Skokie, which turned out to be a completely false story contradicted by evidence and resulting in the obstructing justice charges, according to the statement.

Then investigators quickly turned their focus to the boys home in North Chicago and the three were arrested Friday night.

Mother and son were expected to appear in Cook County bond court on Sunday for a hearing while a juvenile sibling of Damari, who is also believed to be responsible for his death, faces charges in Lake Countys Juvenile Court in Waukegan.

Prosecutors indicate that more charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

Our hearts ache over the murder of 6-year-old Damari Perry, Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart said in the statement. We would not have reached the awful truth of this case without the work of the FBI, the North Chicago Police Department, and the investigators and staff at the Lake County Childrens Advocacy Center.

Prosecutors, investigators, and victim support professionals worked late into the night and into the early morning to make sure we understood this tragic crime now, because of their rigorous and detailed investigation, we will be able to bring Damaris killers to justice in a courtroom, Rinehart said in the statment.

All other children in the familys home were placed in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, according to the statement.

There was no threat to the general public, an earlier statement said.

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Two years into this pandemic, it shouldn't be this hard to get tested for Covid.

Yet, over the past several days, we've seen huge lines at hospitals, empty store shelves and people desperate to find out if they had Covid, even as the number of infections skyrocket.

Early last week, Genesis Health System Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kurt Andersen issued a statement, saying: "Our Lombard Street COVID-19 testing site in Davenport on Monday cared for more than 400 patients, who experienced exceedingly long lines and wait times reaching up to three hours." Things got so bad, he said, people berated and abused hospital personnel, even to the point of physical aggression.

We aren't alone in shortages, of course. Across the country, there are plenty of images of shockingly long lines of cars waiting for tests. You'd think we were in the first month of the pandemic, not in the second year.

So we understand the frustration, but we would echo the plea made by nearly three-dozen religious leaders in the Quad-Cities late last week who asked the public for patience; who asked that people not take out their frustrations on health care workers. They're not the cause of the shortages.

Last month, President Biden announced he'd ordered 500 million rapid tests to send to Americans. But we're still not sure when they'll be delivered. And, in an interview, the president conceded he'd wished he'd thought of ordering the tests a couple months ago.

We do, too. But the failure is not his alone.

State officials are on the front lines of this pandemic, even if some haven't acted much like it lately.

Months ago, Iowa shut down its Test Iowa sites, one of which was in Davenport. Test Iowa kits have been available at the Scott County Administrative Center, but people who went to there looking for them last week found they were out. (On Thursday, the county health department announced that they'd finally received a fresh batch.)

With hundreds of millions of dollars in reserves, Iowa shouldn't have a problem keeping the shelves stocked. In Illinois, meanwhile, Rock Island County Health Department officials say they'd love to get a state testing site located here. But as we talked to them last week, it didn't look likely.

We're not sure why Springfield can't get a site over here, but it's certainly needed.

We're hopeful the omicron wave that is driving this huge spike in cases is over soon. In South Africa, the number of cases spiked and has fallen relatively quickly.

But what if that doesn't happen here? And what if there's another variant that follows close behind? They can pop up pretty fast. Remember, it was only over the Thanksgiving holiday that omicron showed up on our radar screens.

There is good news. Early studies have said that while omicron is highly transmissible, it also is less likely to affect the lower lungs. That's a good thing. But as an opinion columnist for the New York Times noted last week, "its just luck that this highly transmissible variant appears to be less dangerous than other variants to those with prior immunity."

What if our luck runs out?

Hopefully, it won't. Some experts believe that omicron may be the pandemic's last gasp; that once it's passed, it might actually hasten the end of the pandemic.

Then again, some thought that about delta, too.

We've certainly got our fingers crossed that this is the beginning of the end. But counting on good fortune isn't how our state and federal governments should be playing this.

The paucity of tests is a pretty good sign that we're still not getting even the basics right. In some places, they aren't even sure what they have on hand. (Late last week, Florida officials admitted they found about a million unused, expired Covid tests at a warehouse. Let's hope Iowa and Illinois officials are checking their inventories.)

Adequate testing is still an important tool in fighting this virus. But two years in, our leaders still aren't up to the task.

Meanwhile, much of the world remains unvaccinated, raising the odds that new and unpredictable variants could emerge.

We need public officials at all levels to step up their game. In the meantime, we hope that Americans, including those in the Quad-Cities, will keep their heads while trying to get a hold of these tests. And let's hope the shelves are fully stocked soon.

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President Joe Biden's efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19 through vaccine mandates will get the ultimate test on Friday  a hearing before the U.S. Supreme Court. At the heart of this debate is just how much authority federal agencies have to apply such sweeping orders.

Federal courts have rightly called into question this apparent overreach by the Biden administration, with judges around the country halting all iterations of the mandates, whether for certain health care workers, federal contractors or private employers. Just over the weekend, a judge in Louisiana ruled that Biden can't force teachers in the Head Start early education program to get the vaccine, saying the order illegally bypassed Congress.

It's the mandate impacting private businesses with 100 or more employees that is especially egregious, however. The 500 pages of rules issued in early November by the Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration require employees at these companies get vaccinated or agree to regular testing. If employers don't comply, they face hefty fines.

The "emergency temporary standard" rules, which bypassed the typical notice and comment period for rulemaking, as well as Congress, were almost immediately put on hold by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on constitutional grounds.

Then last month, 6th Circuit in a 2-1 ruling allowed the rules to proceed. In her strongly worded dissent, Judge Joan Larsen (a Trump administration appointee who formerly served on the Michigan Supreme Court) wrote the following: "This emergency rule remains a massive expansion of the scope of (the administration's) authority."

She also compared OSHA's far-reaching rules to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's eviction ban, which the Supreme Court overturned last year.

Challengers, including business groups, appealed to the Supreme Court. Attorneys general in more than half the states have fought against the mandates.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has voiced its concerns, as well as those of many others in the business community. It has argued that while it supports vaccines, mandates are not the answer, and targeting employers with 100 or more workers could harm their ability to keep on or hire workers at a time when many employers are already having difficulty finding staff. Even Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month admitted vaccine mandates would be a "problem for all of us."

Given the Supreme Court's decision to hear the case, the Biden administration has slightly delayed enforcement to Jan. 10 from Jan. 4, but this still puts employers in a bind in trying to figure out how to proceed.

The nation is already facing a shortage of COVID tests, despite Biden's assurances he'd fix the problem. It's unclear where businesses would acquire the necessary tests to comply with OSHA's rules.

In a call with governors late last month, Biden said "there is no federal solution" to COVID. The president should take his own words to heart.

Breakthrough cases are becoming more common, and vaccines alone will not stop the spread. A better approach would be to focus on ensuring states have adequate access to testing and the early virus treatments that are coming online.

Such expansive federal mandates go against our system of federalism and our constitutional rights, and are unlikely to significantly slow the virus.

This is a Detroit News editorial. 2022 www.detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Lashonda Reese sees cooking as a hobby, rather than a chore.

In between running errands, helping her 20 and-18-year-old daughters, taking care of her 3-year-old niece and handling other responsibilities, taking the time to make meatloaf  her favorite to cook  or spaghetti and mac and cheese  her daughters' favorites to eat  is a reprieve from the daily juggling act.

"I've found myself worrying about most things that I can't really do anything about" Reese said. "So I've been trying to relax, basically."

Kitchen items such as pots, pans and utensils were some of the things Reese cited as needing right now, along with a new sofa and clothes for the family. Through Quad-City Times readers' donations, she will receive assistance from the Quad-City Times Wish List.

To donate, visit unitedwayqc.org/wishlist.

Tyler Wilson with Community Action of Eastern Iowa nominated Reese for the Wish List, which uses donations from readers to provide Quad-Cities residents with goods that fulfill a basic need.

"I've never really got nominated for anything before," Reese said. "I was really excited about this."

Reese moved to LeClaire from Chicago with her two daughters, Jada and Jessica, in 2017, and she has taken care of her niece, Katie, since 2019. She's currently working on gaining full custody of Katie.

With Jessica in her senior year of high school and working and Katie on the waiting list for a daycare, Reese is constantly moving. She drives Jessica to school and work and takes Katie along whenever she needs to go somewhere, like medical appointments.

Jada is pregnant and due in July, so she needs maternity clothes. Reese has also been looking for a larger space to move into before the baby is born.

"I'm on the move from seven in the morning to about six, and I'm just in and out of the house, in and out of the house," Reese said.

She had been working at Genesis Health Systems after graduating from Midwest Technical Institute with a Medical Assistant Certificate in May 2020 alongside her older daughter, but spreading arthritis in her back rendered her unable to work in December 2021.

In addition to her responsibilities in the Quad-Cities, Reese frequently heads to Chicago to look after her mother. Her father died in June 2021, and Reese has been trying to figure out how to move her mother to LeClaire, so they can be closer.

Once all of the things up in the air in Reese's life have settled, from waiting on custody and daycare to moving her immediate and extended family to a home they can all thrive in, she said she'll feel much more relaxed. She might even have more time to put her new kitchen items to good use.

"I'll have a lot of things off my mind," she said.

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The Chicago Teachers Union unveiled a new proposal Saturday that would have remote learning start Wednesday districtwide if school officials agree to a set of additional COVID-19 safety protocols.

But even before the unions announcement was complete, Mayor Lori Lightfoot shot down the idea.

Under the latest offer, CTU members would return to classrooms starting Monday  not for formal classes but to distribute laptops and help students sign up for a weekly, school-based COVID-19 testing program. Remote learning would begin Wednesday with in-person classes slated to return Jan. 18, if case numbers hold right.

Scores of Chicago Public Schools staff and students are already absent from in-person classes because they have COVID-19 or are quarantining because of possible exposure. But Lightfoot, CPS and public health officials have repeatedly opposed a wholesale return to remote learning during the standoff that so far as resulted in three days of canceled classes.

CTU leadership, youre not listening. The best, safest place for kids to be is in school. Students need to be back in person as soon as possible, read a statement from Lightfoot and CPS CEO Pedro Martinez. Thats what parents want. Thats what the science supports. We will not relent.

In our view this would solve all the outstanding issues, would give parents the clarity that we will begin instruction next week and begin in-person instruction on the 18th, CTU President Jesse Sharkey said at a news conference Saturday at which civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson also appeared.

Were not talking about a long, indefinite period where schools are remote, Sharkey said, but a temporary measure while were dealing with the high point of a surge.

He contended that what the mayor is basically offering instead is no (schooling) at all.  This impasse is hurting students.

As of Thursday, the union had demanded a negative PCR test for students to return to class, but the new proposal would scrap that requirement for a plan in which 10% of a schools population would be tested at random each week, plus those who already opted for the voluntary weekly testing program.

The metrics to switch a school to remote learning would be 20% or more of a schools CTU staff isolating or quarantining because of COVID-19, or 25% if there are fewer than 100 employees at the school.

Schools would also be shut down for in-person learning for elementary schools if 30% of homerooms have more than 30% students isolating, and high schools and middle school programs if more than 25% of the student body are isolating.

Another new proposal is demanding a greater substitute teacher stipend of $1,000 compared to the normal $420 monthly stipend.

The union will continue to call for regular mask distribution and reinstating the health screener.

Despite the fact that school districts across the state and nation are taking an opt-out approach to COVID-19 testing, Mayor Lightfoot has called the COVID-19 nasal swab test an invasive medical procedure, the union said, adding that under its proposal, students could still opt out of screening.

If negotiators at CPS are willing to reach an agreement, the CTUs governing body then has to approve it before the rank-and-file members vote. no agreement with CPS is reached, members would continue to stay home until Jan. 18 with hopes they could teach their classes remotely.

Martinez has signaled he favors testing 10% of unvaccinated people in schools each week plus those who voluntarily sign-ups, though parental consent would be required for any testing. But on other issues, the district and union are further apart.

For one, they have differing proposed metrics on when a school should shut down and go remote. CTU wants that to happen when 20% of the staff is in isolation or quarantine, while CPS says 40%. Martinez also said there can be no districtwide metric to shut down in-person learning for all schools, as there was during the previous reopening agreement last school year.

The union also expressed disappointment after it was revealed the Gov. J.B. Pritzker administration within the past several months offered to help the Chicago Public Schools with vaccination clinics, testing and more masks, according to the governors office. But city officials have not taken him up on the offer of help, his office said.

In response, CPS said in a statement that the district receives federal funding for school testing and that the states testing resources are for school districts outside Chicago. We would welcome any additional testing resources, the city added.

The update on the CPS impasse comes as the district reports 1,025 new student COVID-19 cases and 939 new staff cases from Monday to Thursday, a record for both groups.

Despite the numbers, Chicagos public health commissioner, Dr. Allison Arwady, has insisted that schools with proper mitigation are the safest place for children.

Jackson said at the union news conference Saturday that he appreciates Lightfoots point that students are better off in schools but on the other hand, teachers want safe working condition.

Jackson also said he wanted to see the CTU and school officials sit down in person and come up with a plan.

Im surprised theyre not meeting right now. ... We dont have time to wait, he said. My job is to try to get them back at the table ... not communicate on Zoom.

Sharkey said this proposal provides a solution and comprehensive solution that has an exact date to return to in-person instruction.

He added that whether in-person learning being better than remote is beside the point, comparing the situation to a when a blizzard shuts down school because its too dangerous for students and staff to get there. Whereas in the past school had to be canceled altogether, now remote learning is an option.

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SPRINGFIELD  A three-judge federal court panel has upheld the legislative redistricting plan that state lawmakers approved during a special session last summer, thus leaving in place the new maps that will govern state legislative elections for the next 10 years.

In their 64-page opinion, released Thursday, Dec. 30, the judges said the plaintiffs in the three separate lawsuits had failed to show that the redistricting plan violated federal law or the U.S. Constitution by diluting Latino voting power in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs or Black voting power in the Metro East region on the Illinois side of the St. Louis metropolitan area.

In the end, we find that the boundaries for Illinois House and Senate districts set out in SB 927 neither violate neither the Voting Rights Act nor the Constitution, the panel wrote. The record shows ample evidence of crossover voting to defeat any claim of racially polarized voting sufficient to deny Latino and Black voters of the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice in the challenged districts.

Last years redistricting process was complicated and slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic and delayed release of data from the 2020 U.S. Census.

Lawmakers initially passed one set of maps during their regular spring session in May, even though the census data had not yet been released, in order to meet the Illinois Constitutions June 30 deadline for lawmakers to pass a plan before handing over the process to a bipartisan commission.

Republican leaders in the General Assembly, as well as the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, or MALDEF, quickly filed suit, arguing the maps violated the one-person, one-vote principle because the districts were not close to being equal in population.

The Census Bureau eventually released the detailed population data on Aug. 12, and lawmakers convened a special session later that month to adjust the maps. Those maps passed the General Assembly on Aug. 31 and Gov. JB Pritzker signed them into law Sept. 24.

MALDEF and the Republicans challenged those new maps as well, arguing that they actually reduced the number of Latino-majority districts in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, even though Latinos were one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in Illinois over the previous 10 years.

Separately, the East St. Louis Branch of the NAACP, along with other civil rights groups, challenged the way lawmakers had redrawn three House districts in the Metro East region, saying the new maps broke up the areas Black voting population in order to protect two white Democratic incumbents, all to the disadvantage of the regions only Black House member, Rep. LaToya Greenwood.

Democratic leaders who had approved the new maps argued that they were not drawn for the purpose of racial gerrymandering but, instead, to protect Democratic majorities. They also pointed to recent elections of Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Secretary of State Jesse White, both of whom are Black, as well as Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who is Hispanic, and even former U.S. Sen. and former President Barack Obama to show that white majority voters will cross party lines to elect minorities.

* * *

LEGISLATIVE INSPECTOR GENERAL: The last day on the job for the Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope was Thursday, Jan. 6.

The office will be vacant on Friday, Jan. 7.

We have to reeducate ourselves to fight the corruption that exists under the Capitol dome, Sen. Jil Tracy, RQuincy, who chairs the Senate Ethics Commission, said during a news conference Thursday.

Pope, a former prosecutor and appellate court judge, tendered her resignation in July. She called the office a paper tiger and blasted lawmakers saying they demonstrated true ethics reform is not a priority. She originally said her last day would be Dec. 16, but agreed to stay on until the Jan. 6 to allow more time for her position to be filled.

Confirming a candidate before LIG Pope left has always been my top priority. It is unfortunate that my goal was not shared by some of the Democrat members of the (Legislative Ethics Commission) who did what they could to stall and circumvent the selection process, Tracy said. Our search committee interviewed multiple candidates and recommended two qualified candidates, and we should have been able to fill this position in a timely manner. But several Democrat members of the LEC did not commit to seeing the process through, and we find ourselves without a qualified LIG to address legislative ethics complaints.

The search for a new LIG began after Pope announced her resignation in July. The position was posted and the search committee was formed. Two candidates were recommended, but the Legislative Ethics Committee made up of four Democrats and four Republics couldnt come to a decision.

Tracy blamed the delay on Democrats. But Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park, who chairs the Ethics Committee, disagreed.

Senator Tracy's claims today are wildly mischaracterizing the situation, Burke said. Democrats have sought to advance two candidates for final selection, both of whom have been deemed qualified by the search committee and the LEC. Republicans have blocked that effort, insisting on only advancing their preferred candidate  even though both candidates have worked for former Governor Rauner and have demonstrated nonpartisan, professional expertise. In fact, both are also former federal prosecutors.

As we've said all along, this should be a straightforward process and we must end the political theater so we can fill this critical position. Senator Tracy is right on one thing, the people of Illinois deserve better."

* * *

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: Illinois lawmakers passed a bill clarifying issues around the massive criminal justice reform bill that passed with the support of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus last year.

On a 67-42 vote, the House voted Wednesday, Jan. 6, to accept a senate amendment to House Bill 3512, clarifying issues relating to pretrial services, detainee phone calls and moving back effective dates in the police decertification system and body camera footage labeling.

Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, the lead House sponsor of the bill, said its intended to help facilitate the implementation of the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today, or SAFE-T Act that was passed in January 2021.

During the debate, Republicans voiced their frustrations regarding language used for detainee phone calls and pretrial services.

The bill outlines that when someone is detained, law enforcement must allow them to make up to three phone calls within three hours of being detained. If the individual is moved from one detention center to the next, the three phone calls and three hours will restart.

But House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, argued that the bill did not provide enough clarification between the words police custody and detention.

Police custody means that theyre not free to leave. That means that theyre sitting in a squad car and under the way youve drafted your bill, that means that the police have to give that person three phone calls, Durkin said.

But the bill clarifies that the definition of detention is police stations, places that operate municipal police departments, county police departments and other law enforcement agencies.

Slaughter also clarified that the time on phone calls will begin at the place of detention.

It also notes that a record of the phone calls made must be maintained while an individual is in custody. If no calls are made, the detainee must give a statement to the police as to why the person detained did not make any calls.

* * *

DCFS STABBING: Sangamon County authorities are holding a Thayer man suspected in the stabbing death of an Illinois Department of Children and Family Services worker.

Police arrived at the home in Thayer  a small town 20 miles south of Springfield  in response to a 911 call at 4:11 p.m. on Tuesday reporting a possible stabbing. After arriving at the scene, law enforcement spotted a blood-like substance near the door of the home. Officers forced their way into the house and found Deidre Silas, 36, who died from her injuries.

Silas had gone to the home to check the welfare of children.

Detectives arrived and obtained a search warrant for the home. Through the investigation, they developed a suspect, Benjamin Howard Reed.

Reed, 32, was located at a hospital in Decatur where he sought treatment for a minor wound about two hours after the initial 911 call. He was questioned by detectives at the hospital and then taken to the Sangamon County Jail.

Silas worked as an investigator for DCFS for about six months. She previously also worked for the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. She graduated from Illinois State University in 2008 with a degree in criminal justice. She received her masters degree in public administration in 2019.

Deidre responded to this call and dedicated herself to the children, families and communities she served, and we will be forever grateful for her work. She was an incredible person, and her brightness and positivity will be missed not only by her family and friends, but also her second family at DCFS, DCFS Director Marc D. Smith said.

This is the second DCFS worker killed on the job in recent years.

Pam Knight, 59, of Dixon, went to a Milledgeville home on Sept. 29, 2017 to remove a 2-year-old boy from the custody of his father, Andrew Sucher. As Knight got out of her car, prosecutors said Sucher pushed Knight, causing her to strike her head on the concrete driveway then stomped on her head, causing a skull fracture and brain injury. She succumbed to her injuries four and a half months later.

Sucher later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 21 years in the Department of Corrections.

* * *

SHORTENED SESSION: The 2022 session of the Illinois General Assembly will be even shorter than originally planned due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Democratic leaders announced.

The session was originally scheduled to start this week with three meeting days  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 4-6. But leaders announced last week that they would meet only on Wednesday, Jan. 5, this week and it remains uncertain when they will return.

In an announcement released Thursday, Dec. 30, House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, D-Hillside, said COVID-19 cases in Illinois had increased 130 percent over the previous two weeks while hospitalizations were up 50 percent.

This pandemic is not over, Welch said in a statement. We must take necessary precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus, reduce the burden on our health care systems and keep each other as safe as possible.

Lawmakers typically meet from January through the end of May, with a short veto session that is usually held in October or November.

This year, however, they originally planned to meet only from Jan. 4 through April 8 for a session that would focus mainly on passing a budget for the upcoming fiscal year. That was meant to leave them time to campaign ahead of this years primary, which was pushed back to June 28 due to delays in last years redistricting process.

Since late October, however, Illinois has seen a massive surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, driven in part by the new Omicron variant, with daily case counts now far exceeding their November 2020 peaks.

In January 2021, lawmakers convened a lame duck session primarily to consider a legislative package of education, criminal justice and health care reforms being pushed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. During that session, the House met in a convention center in downtown Springfield, several blocks from the Statehouse, while the Senate continued to meet in the Statehouse under strict testing, masking and social distancing protocols.

When lawmakers convened the regular session later in January, both chambers adopted special rules allowing committee meetings to be held remotely and for some members to participate in floor debate and vote on legislation remotely.

We continue to monitor the situation in an effort to protect our colleagues, our staffs and everyone else who is part of a legislative session day, Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park said. We have work to do, and weve proven that we can do it, minimize exposure and keep people healthy and safe. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the vaccines and booster shots available to protect themselves and those around them.

* * *

COVID-19 UPDATE: As the omicron variant surges across the state, Gov. JB Pritzker warned Monday, Jan. 3, that hospitalizations are about as high as they were last winter before vaccines were widely available. About 85 percent of those hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state are unvaccinated.

It is frustrating and tragic that two years into the pandemic, with multiple widely available and free, life-saving vaccines, that we are once again in this horrible position, Pritzker said during a news conference in Chicago.

The Illinois Public Health Department reported 6,294 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Sunday, the most since the pandemic began. Dr. Ngozi Ezike, IDPH director, said an average of 550 people are being admitted to hospitals each day.

With hospital beds for other emergencies frighteningly limited, Pritzker joined the Illinois Health and Hospital Association in urging health care providers to postpone non-emergency surgeries and procedures as needed to accommodate the influx of COVID-19 cases.

This surge is testing our health resources yet again, A.J. Wilhelmi, CEO and president of the IHA said.

Though hospitals have become accustomed to managing bed capacity and the needs of COVID-19 patients over the course of the pandemic, Wilhelmi said the best way for people to provide relief for health care workers and facilities is to get vaccinated and boosted.

More than 19 million vaccines have been administered with about 60 percent of Illinois residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

* * *

COVID-19 MEASURES: Local hospitals and health departments will get help from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to meet the healthcare demand during a COVID-19 surge, adding staffing to provide medical care and provide vaccines and testing.

The state will also help ramp up COVID-19 testing, now operating six days a week beginning Jan. 3 to increase availability.

We are also increase testing and continuing to distribute monoclonal antibodies, anti-viral pills and any treatments or personal protective equipment communities need, Gov. JB Pritzker said during a news conference Monday, Dec. 27. I will continue to do everything possible to protect all the people of this state, whatever your vaccine status. But what kind of year 2022 turns out to be depends on all of us doing what is best for all of us.

Pritzker was on a call with President Joe Biden and the National Governors Association on Monday morning to discuss the response to the Omicron variant.

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SPRINGFIELD  Illinois officials are seeking answers after the killing last week of a state child welfare worker during a home visit  the second such tragedy to occur in less than five years.

Deidre Silas, an investigator with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, was stabbed to death last Tuesday when she responded to a call of possible endangerment of children in a home in the central Illinois town of Thayer.

A man related to one or more of the six children who were at home at the time, 32-year-old Benjamin Reed, is being held in the Sangamon County Jail without bond on first-degree murder and other charges. An attempt by The Associated Press to reach Reed's attorney on Friday was unsuccessful.

Silas' death is the second time in four-and-a-half years that state officials and the social work community are asking what should have been done, but wasn't, to prevent it. DCFS investigator Pamela Knight, 59, died following a brutal beating while attempting to remove an endangered child from his father in September 2017.

Like Silas, Knight was alone when she was attacked. Officials at DCFS, which has 23,000 children under its care, have not released details about the circumstances behind Silas' visit to the home in Thayer, 23 miles south of Springfield, but DCFS Director Marc Smith said last week that agency protocol was followed.

The attack on Silas also marked the 21st time since 2017 that caseworkers were subject to "threats or acts of violence" during 2.5 million home visits in Illinois, agency spokesman Bill McCaffrey said.

Her death has raised questions of why case workers are sent into potentially volatile environments alone, and whether understaffing  a problem that has plagued DCFS for decades despite a federal consent decree regulating it  affects the response of caseworkers in the field.

"DCFS, if you're sending someone into a situation like this, just send two at a time," Silas' father, Roy Graham, said last week. "Whether it's a male and female or two males or two females, either way, but send two per visit, not just one."

Police agencies historically have been willing and able to help. That cooperation was strengthened after Knight's death. A law signed in 2018 allows law enforcement officers to cross into another jurisdiction to back up a home visit. Knight, who was based in Sterling, did have police backup initially.

But the boy Knight was seeking was not at his father's home, forcing Knight to check his grandparents' home in the next county. She decided that waiting for a new police agency to accompany her jeopardized the boy's safety. The boy's father met her at the second stop, and beat and kicked her so severely that she suffered brain damage and died five months later.

Arnold Black, a child protection specialist and supervisor in the DCFS Urbana office, said that any time a case worker or a supervisor believes there should be two workers on a home visit, it's approved. And there is no hesitancy to seek police backup, as outlined in the agency's administrative procedures on field safety.

"Sometimes, taking the police can agitate the client. You've got to know the family ... You have some families that are going to yell and scream at you for the first five minutes, but then they're going to let you in," Black said. "But if it's a newer case, or if it's in a rural area, I have no problem pulling another worker to go."

The problem, though, is that pairing workers stretches the workforce, sometimes resulting in plucking employees from other offices, Black said. The Urbana office has a worker shortage of more than 6% and agents on Black's team have caseloads of 30 to 50 families per worker, in many cases exceeding the limit of a 1988 federal consent decree that limits to 12 the number of new cases assigned monthly to each worker.

The Knight tragedy also resulted  with a push from the DCFS employees' union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31  in office-based security guards and improved access to law enforcement records of people to be visited.

Black, a member of the AFSCME committee which quarterly discusses issues with DCFS management, said the workforce continues to push for other changes it supports.

Those changes include ongoing self-defense and de-escalation training from the Illinois State Police, public service announcements to familiarize the public with caseworkers and their duties and a law enforcement database like in Cook County that records not only arrests and convictions but any interaction police have with a particular address.

Newly hired investigators, who make about $55,000 a year, must successfully complete a six-week "foundations" training session that includes safety precautions, DCFS spokesman Bill McCaffrey said. Once in the field, they continue under a supervisor's tutelage and must complete a "workplace and field safety" training session within 90 days of starting.

Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, a Chicago Democrat and leader on child-welfare issues, said DCFS needs to build an infrastructure, with private sector cooperation, to recruit and retain employees. She anticipates more immediate safety legislation when the facts of Silas' death are public.

"If there are any other resources we can give our frontline workers, you'll be sure that we're going to be looking to see how we avoid this kind of situation," Feigenholtz said.

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GARY, Ind.  A 6-year-old boy was found dead near an abandoned Northwest Indiana home Saturday morning, police said.

Damari Perry, of North Chicago, was reported missing earlier this week near north suburban Skokie, Illinois, said North Chicago Police Department Chief of Police Lazaro Perez.

Perry was found early Saturday in the 700 block of Van Buren Street in Gary by local police and FBI agents.

His remains are in the care of the Lake County Coroner's office, where an autopsy will be performed, Perez said.

Perry was last seen Tuesday around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. and according to Illinois police, he and his 16-year-old sister were driven to a party in the Skokie area by a woman who is known as Monique and a man known as "Wacko" or "Chaos," NBC Chicago reported.

Perry's sister allegedly said she had several drinks and feel asleep at the party and when she woke up two hours later, the boy and the man who is known as "Wacko" were not in the apartment. Then she told police Monique drove her back to North Chicago.

Authorities state that while the location of the party is not known, Perry's sister described it as a three-story yellow brick building that had an exposed stairway. The woman known as Monique had been seen driving a black Nissan that had a front passenger door dent and tinted windows.

Perez said that three family members who are suspected to be responsible for Perry's death are currently in police custody and any juvenile family members are in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

The police chief further stated that he and his agency, along with agencies in Lake County and the Illinois State's Attorney's Office, are working to press charges against those responsible for the child's death.

Police asked anyone with information to call 847-596-8740.

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 Flash

India's Competition Commission has ordered a fresh probe against global internet giant Google over alleged abuse of dominant position in news aggregation, multiple media reported on Saturday.

The investigation was ordered by the anti-trust agency based on a complaint filed by Digital News Publishers Association, which has alleged that Google unilaterally decides the amount to be paid to news publishers and the terms for the same.

"Google is using its dominance to protect its position in the news aggregation services market. News publishers are dependent on Google for majority traffic, making it an 'indispensable trading partner,'" said the Moneycontrol news report quoting the competition regulator in Asia's third largest economy.

The association also claimed that Google does not share data on the revenue it earns from advertising on news websites and only shares a small chunk of its advertising revenue in an arbitrary manner.

Competition Commission of India observed that Google has been imposing unfair conditions on news publishers by not sharing data on advertisement revenue, which is in violation of Section 4(2)(a) of the Competition Act about dominant position.

"The imbalance and denial of fair share in ad revenue merit a detailed investigation," the anti-trust agency said, adding that Google will get sufficient options to present its case during the investigation process.
Owners of a southern Illinois coal mine violated multiple state laws by dumping toxic foam deep underground in an unsuccessful attempt to extinguish a fire, according to a new lawsuit that documents high levels of pollution in nearby creeks and ditches.

The complaint from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul seeks to force St. Louis-based Foresight Energy to eliminate threats to public health and the environment at its Sugar Camp mine in Franklin County, about 270 miles southwest of Chicago.

Raoul also is asking a judge to prohibit Foresight from using firefighting foam made with chemicals known as PFAS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a growing concern worldwide because they remain in the environment forever, linger in the blood of exposed people for years and trigger several health problems, including cancer, liver damage and decreased fertility.

Foam made with the chemicals is being phased out in Illinois and 11 other states. But stocks of it are still on hand at airports and industrial operations such as Sugar Camp.

Sugar Camp jeopardized public safety and irresponsibly violated both state environmental statutes and the constraints of its permit by misusing dangerous forever chemicals,  Raoul said Friday in a statement. Exposure to such chemicals can cause long-lasting damage to the environment and poses a serious risk to public health.

Raouls lawsuit, filed in Franklin County Circuit Court, comes after environmental activists announced plans to file their own complaint under provisions of the federal Clean Water Act.

The use of firefighting foam containing toxic PFAS chemicals at Sugar Camp mine is the latest reminder that Illinois must move beyond coal and transition to a safer, renewable energy future, said Jack Darin, director of the Illinois Sierra Club. That future starts by holding coal companies like (Foresight) ... accountable for their actions and protecting communities from further harm.

The Chicago Tribune first reported in October that one of Foresights lawyers told state officials the foam used at Sugar Camp was biodegradable and would not harm fish or wildlife.

Inspectors later determined the company had pumped more than 46,000 gallons of PFAS-laden foam into the mine, raising the possibility that nearby private wells and other sources of drinking water could be contaminated.

Company officials hired contractors to drill boreholes into the mine without a permit, records show. One of the boreholes is close to a creek where testing by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency detected high levels of PFAS.

Both the fire and Foresights responses to it remained secret until a local environmental activist took pictures of foam that had drifted to aboveground ditches and farm fields near the mine entrance. The activist forwarded the photos to state officials and to the Tribune, which sought more details under the Freedom of Information Act.

Portions of the mine are still smoldering. Federal mining regulators have blocked Foresight from resuming production.

Foresight executives did not return requests for comment.

Because PFAS remain largely unregulated, federal and state officials have struggled to protect Americans from the chemicals, even though it became clear more than two decades ago that they pose widespread hazards to public health.

Nearly all Americans have PFAS in their blood, studies have found. The compounds are known largely for their use in products featuring the Teflon and Scotchgard brands, manufactured by DuPont and 3M, respectively. Dozens of related compounds are widely used in food packaging, stain- and water-resistant clothing, carpets and household products, among other things.

Foresight, one of the last coal companies operating in Illinois, declared bankruptcy in 2020. Yet the company produced more than half the 32 million tons of coal mined in the state during the same year.

Nearly all of Foresights coal is shipped to other states and countries. The company cuts costs by relying on longwall mining, a process that uses robotic equipment rather than people to do most of the work.

Since opening in 2008, Sugar Camp has repeatedly shown up on the U.S. EPAs list of chronic violators of the federal Clean Water Act. Five of the 16 Illinois miners killed on the job since 2008 worked at the mine, where the injury rate exceeded the national average at times during the past decade.

The mine also is a major source of heat-trapping pollution scrambling the planets climate. During 2020, companies that burned Foresight coal released more carbon dioxide than emissions from all 4.6 million automobiles registered in Illinois, according to a Chicago Tribune analysis.

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Two years into this pandemic, it shouldn't be this hard to get tested for Covid.

Yet, over the past several days, we've seen huge lines at hospitals, empty store shelves and people desperate to find out if they had Covid, even as the number of infections skyrocket.

Early last week, Genesis Health System Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kurt Andersen issued a statement, saying: "Our Lombard Street COVID-19 testing site in Davenport on Monday cared for more than 400 patients, who experienced exceedingly long lines and wait times reaching up to three hours." Things got so bad, he said, people berated and abused hospital personnel, even to the point of physical aggression.

We aren't alone in shortages, of course. Across the country, there are plenty of images of shockingly long lines of cars waiting for tests. You'd think we were in the first month of the pandemic, not in the second year.

So we understand the frustration, but we would echo the plea made by nearly three-dozen religious leaders in the Quad-Cities late last week who asked the public for patience; who asked that people not take out their frustrations on health care workers. They're not the cause of the shortages.

Last month, President Biden announced he'd ordered 500 million rapid tests to send to Americans. But we're still not sure when they'll be delivered. And, in an interview, the president conceded he'd wished he'd thought of ordering the tests a couple months ago.

We do, too. But the failure is not his alone.

State officials are on the front lines of this pandemic, even if some haven't acted much like it lately.

Months ago, Iowa shut down its Test Iowa sites, one of which was in Davenport. Test Iowa kits have been available at the Scott County Administrative Center, but people who went to there looking for them last week found they were out. (On Thursday, the county health department announced that they'd finally received a fresh batch.)

With hundreds of millions of dollars in reserves, Iowa shouldn't have a problem keeping the shelves stocked. In Illinois, meanwhile, Rock Island County Health Department officials say they'd love to get a state testing site located here. But as we talked to them last week, it didn't look likely.

We're not sure why Springfield can't get a site over here, but it's certainly needed.

We're hopeful the omicron wave that is driving this huge spike in cases is over soon. In South Africa, the number of cases spiked and has fallen relatively quickly.

But what if that doesn't happen here? And what if there's another variant that follows close behind? They can pop up pretty fast. Remember, it was only over the Thanksgiving holiday that omicron showed up on our radar screens.

There is good news. Early studies have said that while omicron is highly transmissible, it also is less likely to affect the lower lungs. That's a good thing. But as an opinion columnist for the New York Times noted last week, "its just luck that this highly transmissible variant appears to be less dangerous than other variants to those with prior immunity."

What if our luck runs out?

Hopefully, it won't. Some experts believe that omicron may be the pandemic's last gasp; that once it's passed, it might actually hasten the end of the pandemic.

Then again, some thought that about delta, too.

We've certainly got our fingers crossed that this is the beginning of the end. But counting on good fortune isn't how our state and federal governments should be playing this.

The paucity of tests is a pretty good sign that we're still not getting even the basics right. In some places, they aren't even sure what they have on hand. (Late last week, Florida officials admitted they found about a million unused, expired Covid tests at a warehouse. Let's hope Iowa and Illinois officials are checking their inventories.)

Adequate testing is still an important tool in fighting this virus. But two years in, our leaders still aren't up to the task.

Meanwhile, much of the world remains unvaccinated, raising the odds that new and unpredictable variants could emerge.

We need public officials at all levels to step up their game. In the meantime, we hope that Americans, including those in the Quad-Cities, will keep their heads while trying to get a hold of these tests. And let's hope the shelves are fully stocked soon.

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Title: Project manager for Draper Aden Associates, a full-service consulting, engineering and environmental services firm with locations in Virginia and North Carolina

Born: 1963 in Lexington, Ky.

Education: bachelor of science in civil engineering, 1985, Virginia Tech; masters in environmental engineering, 1990, Virginia Tech

Career: R. Stuart Royer & Associates (starting in 1993 for 14 years); Anderson & Associates (two years); Stearns & Wheler (two years); Resource International (one year); OBrien & Gere (three years); Randall & Associates (seven years); Chesterfield County utilities (six years); and Draper Aden, October 2021-present

Where in the metro area do you live?: Henrico County

Best business decision: To leave medical school and join the water industry as an engineer designing wastewater plants. Ive had a fulfilling career and love the work that I do. Its been a great fit for me.

Worst business decision: Throughout my career, I wish that I had made a stronger commitment to professional organizations. These are valuable groups and Im prioritizing engagement with them now.

Mistake you learned the most from: Early in my career, I started out giving clients what they asked for without listening fully to the problem they were trying to solve and suggesting what would suit them better. One early design was sized to meet the clients criteria and turned out to be more than they would need for a decade. After construction, we immediately designed modifications to allow them to operate until the full capacity was required. This was an important lesson that has helped to shape how I work with clients. Its crucial to listen with intention and ask detailed questions in response to what you hear.

First job after college: I got my first job from the Yellow Pages with R. Stuart Royer and Associates, a water and wastewater engineering company based in Richmond and serving all of Virginia.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently: Express more of my work triumphs and frustrations with my wife and family.

Movie or book that inspired you the most, and why?: Put Your Best Foot Forward by James Abrahamson. Written for a church audience about embracing and utilizing your strengths individually and corporately, this book challenged me to think more about the purposes of organizations and how we pursue goals. A phrase he repeats is to put your best foot forward, without kicking your neighbor or losing your balance. In my work, as well as in other areas of life, I have sought to put people in the position to use their strengths. Rather than struggle with their weaknesses, they can feel success and recognize their contributions to the whole. It has challenged me to know the people around me and learn what their strengths are and help them develop.
The Richmond Christmas Mother Fund has completed its 2021 campaign with $321,466.81 in gifts from residents, businesses and organizations in the Richmond region.

Petra Glover served as the Richmond Christmas Mother this year. She extended her appreciation to the community for its support:

For 87 years, the Richmond Times-Dispatch has chosen one person, known as the Richmond Christmas Mother, to represent its objective of providing help to those in need during the holidays.

I was fortunate enough to have that honor this year, and will treasure my many enriching experiences and special memories. Richmond is such a generous and giving community. Once again, you answered the call and helped to raise over $320,000.

Im so grateful to all of you who took the time to donate to this fund and improve the lives of so many Richmonders less fortunate. Wishing you many blessings and good health in 2022.

Paul Farrell, president of the Richmond Christmas Mother board and president and publisher of The Times-Dispatch, added his thanks to the community and to Mrs. Glover:

I am certain I speak for our partners at the Salvation Army, Feed More and the Community Foundation when expressing our appreciation for the generosity of our community, and the tireless efforts of this years Christmas Mother, Petra Glover.

The Times-Dispatch has followed its tradition of publishing the names of donors to the Richmond Christmas Mother Fund throughout the holiday season. Your generosity helps the fund support initiatives across the region to brighten the holiday season for thousands of your neighbors.

The Times-Dispatch has sponsored the Richmond Christmas Mother program, a yearly holiday fund drive, since 1935, some of those years in partnership with the former afternoon newspaper, The Richmond News Leader.

The Richmond Christmas Mother program receives donations from RTD readers and advertisers, and it is building an endowment to help future services.

Previously reported  $310,741.81

Todays gifts  $10,725.00

Grand total  $321,466.81

Mary and Philip Bartolotta, in memory of Thomas M. Garrick  $200

In honor of my wonderful family, who make giving an absolute pleasure, from Catherine (Kitty) Claiborne, Christmas Mother 1996  $250

James C. Courter III, in memory of Virginia Lee and Jimmy Courter  $100

In memory of Russ Palmore and Ham Scherer, from their Pinehurst Buddies  $500

Durham Foundation  $5,000

Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Duttweiler Jr., in memory of our son, Jonathan Scott Duttweiler  $100

Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Duttweiler Jr., in memory of Edward Sydney Gates Jr. and James King  $100

Ami and Barry Goldstein, in memory of Capt. Paul R. Coleman  $200

In honor of family, friends, doctors and nurses  $200

In loving memory of our mother and father, Jane and Gresham Wall, from your threesome, Scottie, Buddy and Whit  $100

Donald D. Lecky  $250

Markels MyGiving Program, matching gift  $750

My friends mother, Ruby Thompson, and his brother, Steve Thompson, from Walter R. McNair  $25

Alice and Johnny B. McRoy, in loving memory of our parents  $500

Thomas and Marianne Miller, in memory of Polly and Newton Miller  $100

Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Powell  $100

Mark Puccinelli  $50

In memory of Bobby Saunders  $200

Elizabeth and the girls, in loving memory of Bill Spell  $150

Anonymous  $150

In appreciation for the volunteer teachers, speakers and workers for the Shepherds Center of Richmond, from Susie Wiltshire  $100

James A. Young Jr.  $100

Anonymous  $250

The Tanner Family, in memory of Robert B. Tanner  $250

Richmond Raceway  $500
Leveling the playing field

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

The recent column by W. Taylor Reveley IV comparing Virginia college campuses to melting pots hit the mark. As a recent college graduate, I can testify to how many different perspectives I encountered on campus. Being in such close proximity to so many young people allowed me to have frank and eye-opening conversations with people I disagreed with, or people who had grown up in totally different contexts, cultures and upbringings.

Given the important role colleges play in forming Virginia's next generation of leaders, it is critical that we ensure our universities are equally accessible to all applicants. Unfortunately, many of Virginia's top public universities  including the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and the College of William & Mary  use legacy admission systems that preferentially admit students whose relatives previously attended the university.

Legacy admission processes negatively impact immigrant, rural and first-generation college students, and widen generational and racial wealth inequalities. They also are unpopular with the broader public by a wide margin. A 2019 Pew Research Center survey showed 68% of Americans believe legacy status should not be used in college admissions.

Members of the incoming Youngkin administration have made education a centerpiece of their campaign. They should stop allowing our tax dollars to fund legacy admissions at public universities in Virginia.

Charles Yang.
If you were looking evidence of disconnect that currently afflicts America, you couldnt do better than public statements from two Virginia lawmakers on Thursday. Those came on the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

One perspective was served up by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, a Democrat and former Virginia governor. The other comes from from Rep. Morgan Griffith, a Republican from Salem. He served as majority leader of Virginias House of Delegates during the same time frame Warner was in the governors mansion.

During a remote news conference Thursday, Warner described a mob of thugs who broke into the U.S. Capitol looking for blood, looking for the blood of the speaker, the blood of the vice president and, candidly, would have taken down any member of the Congress or the Senate, Democrat or Republican.

Those recollections dont appear to be an unreasonable assessment, given the video and audio all of us have seen and heard since.

We all saw the gallows the insurrectionists brought along to the Capitol that day  and the noose, too. And we certainly heard the chants: Hang Mike Pence! and Hang Nancy Pelosi!

Even Sen. Ted Cruz, a Trump-supporting Republican from Texas, on Wednesday called the insurrection a violent terrorist attack. (Cruz later took that back, a day later, on Fox News, after Tucker Carlson bullied him.)

In a separate interview that night on ABC News, Warner said: I was on the floor of the Senate, as the insurgents broke in. I saw the chaos that was created. I saw the damage to our Capitol.

I find it stunning in my mind that any member of Congress, even the most ardent Trumpite, can somehow put forward that what happened a year ago wasnt a disaster for our country, wasnt a disgrace, and [that] we in this nation arent still reeling from that event, Warner told ABC.

We know the damage Warner referenced was real  smashed windows, broken doors, torn down signs, trash left throughout the building. The feces on U.S. Capitol statuary and walls wasnt smeared by tourists. Some of the rioters stole stuff, too, such as a laptop from the House Speakers office. (Allegedly, the thief tried to later sell it to Russian spies.)

Less than two months after the insurrection, in a briefing to members of the House Appropriations Committee, the Architect of the Capitol estimated that repair, restoration and security costs would ultimately cost taxpayers more than $30 million.

Now lets consider how Griffith views the insurrection, in an interview Thursday on WSET (Channel 13), the ABC affiliate in Lynchburg. He seemed to be describing a very different day on Capitol Hill.

I was on the House [of Representatives] floor. I was monitoring all the debate that was going on  one of the things I do is monitor parliamentary procedures. And, so I was on the floor when people started beating on the door and that kind of thing.

I know a lot of people were worried and afraid. I never really had a sense of fear. The Capitol Police came and got us, and said we think its time for you all to leave. I complied with their request and we were taken off to an undisclosed location, until a couple of hours later when we were allowed to return, Griffith said.

Perhaps if Id had heard gunfire, or heard some kind of, you know, explosion, that might have gotten my attention. But raucous crowds, beating on doors, while its not commonplace, its not something that put me into great fear. Primarily because we did have the Capitol Police there.

And while later I learned they had problems at the perimeter, theres no question they had us in a cocoon in the sense that they were gonna take care of us, and when they said, Time for us to go, I followed their instructions.

There actually was gunfire that day. It came from a police officer in the House. He shot and killed an insurrectionist as she attempted to climb through a window smashed moments before, to get into the House chamber. Apparently, Griffith had already fled it.

Griffiths correct that he heard no explosions. There were none on Jan. 6. But there were at least a couple of pipe bombs, remember? Thank goodness neither exploded before police found and disarmed them outside the Capitol Hill office of the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee.

Police also found a pickup truck loaded with semi-automatic rifles parked on Capitol Hill that day. Apparently the cops seized them before anyone else could.

And the congressmans also correct that mobs beating on doors to the Capitol  while Congress fulfills its constitutional duty to count Electoral Votes  is not commonplace. Thats a bit of an understatement, though, because it also was unprecedented. Never before in U.S. history has that ever happened.

Then the interviewer said to Griffith that a lot of people, especially Democrats, want to pin this on President Trump. Do you feel similarly about that?

Griffith responded: There were a lot of people there that day. Some were intent on doing bad things. President Trump couldnt stop that, I couldnt stop that. Nobody could have stopped that. We have freedom of speech. The president spoke his mind. Um, you know, you can question whether he should have done something sooner or after the fact, when things started, you could argue that.

Griffith also said he would support Trump for president again if hes the 2024 nominee.

In other words, Jan. 6 was just another messy day in a democracy.

Anyway, there you have two very different perspectives from two longtime Virginia lawmakers. Ones still expressing his outrage. The other one seems to be shrugging his shoulders.

Which ones a better assessment? Drop me an email and let me know.

Contact metro columnist Dan Casey at 981-3423 or dan.casey@roanoke.com . Follow him on Twitter:@dancaseysblog .

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With political races run and won in 2021, new legislators elected in the Roanoke and New River valleys are making final preparations for a 60-day lawmaking session starting in Richmond on Wednesday.

Eastbound this week for their first Virginia General Assembly are three Republican delegates: Wren Williams of Patrick County; Marie March of Floyd County; and Jason Ballard of Giles County.

They say they plan to support legislation that could in various ways aid the economic situation of Southwest Virginia.

Williams, whose district extends into Franklin County, said hes spent time since the election talking to constituents to determine their needs and priorities. People encountered have echoed sentiments that initially inspired his run for office, he said.

The biggest thing that weve felt  is really being left out from the state government, Williams said. One of the things that most folks are excited about is the opportunity to have a larger voice, and maybe gain more respect from the rest of Virginia.

Addressing economic development, retaining jobs and championing conservative values are priorities, he said. Balancing the two-year state budget will pose a particular challenge.

We have a particularly interesting circumstance, because Virginia has a very big surplus, Williams said, referencing a state revenue windfall, plus lingering federal coronavirus relief funds. Theres a lot of money floating around. But what are we going to do with it, and who gets it, and how are we going to divvy it up so its going to be fair? What needs to be prioritized?

March, similarly, said her days have been filled gathering input from the people of her district.

Im dealing with constituents, March said. Every day, several folks are reaching out for things I can help them with.

She listed a bevy of bills she plans to carry into session, the bulk of them focused on easing small business administration, limiting government powers related to the coronavirus pandemic and repealing gun control laws passed when Democrats had the House majority.

We have to be in line with Gov. [Glenn] Youngkin and what he wants, his plan for the state, March said. Im very much aware, weve got to make sure that we all work together.

Ballard said he is going to Richmond to fight for the people, who are his number one priority.

Our region has been ignored by policymakers in Richmond for far too long, Ballard wrote in an email. My greatest goal is to bring new investments to the New River Valley and help create new jobs and opportunities back home.

Ballard said people in his district want to see lots of issues addressed, but the common denominator is the economy.

From increasing state revenue to increasing jobs and income, a strong economy solves a host of pressing issues, Ballard wrote. That is why we must focus on enacting pro-growth policies that will create new jobs and opportunities throughout Virginia.

He said he is still gathering input and feedback from constituents, stakeholders and experts regarding specific laws that would impact the New River Valley.

As we gather that information, my districts legislative priorities and possible solutions to those problems become more clear, Ballard said. I am of the opinion it is more important to do things right than to get them done quickly.

Williams, March and Ballard are part of a 52-member Republican majority in the 100-member Virginia House of Delegates. Alongside the 40-member state Senate, the Virginia General Assembly will convene for two months starting Wednesday, writing new laws and approving a two-year statewide operating budget, among other duties.

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While cutting a 303-mile-long scar along the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia, the construction of a natural gas pipeline has also left a long trail of litigation with no end in sight.

Four years ago, after the first trees were felled and a 125-foot-wide strip of land was cleared for the Mountain Valley Pipeline, lawsuits by environmental groups soon followed. A federal appeals court has struck down enough government permits to delay  but not to kill, at least so far  the $6.2 billion project.

Three new legal challenges were filed in the past month. Since 2017, there have been at least 56 civil actions brought in state and federal courts in Virginia.

Mountain Valley Pipeline has faced an unusually high volume of litigation because it is an unusually unwise and unneeded project, said Gillian Giannetti, a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Judges have pondered a host of issues: The actions of regulatory bodies, environmental damage caused by digging trenches to bury the 42-inch diameter pipe, the rights of the landowners who refused to sell their property to Mountain Valley, the fate of endangered species and claims that the project is not needed and will worsen climate change.

The volume is definitely higher than average, but I think its warranted, Giannetti said.

Many of the lawsuits have been filed and financed by a coalition of national, state and community environmental groups  from heavyweights such as the Sierra Club to local groups like Preserve Craig County.

Even if this pipeline survives, opponents say their legal battle will not be a lost cause.

You havent seen another huge, several hundred mile pipeline proposed since Mountain Valley, said Giannetti, whose national nonprofit based in New York is not a plaintiff in the cases.

Developers know that a similar venture today would be met by an army of opposition, she said.

Mountain Valley says there is a public need for the 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas that will be shipped through the pipeline each day, once it goes into service this summer. The joint venture of five energy companies also argues that environmental problems with muddy runoff from construction sites have been addressed with its new set of permits.

Aside from the number of challenges and litigation efforts by the opposition, the fact is that total project work on the MVP is roughly 94% complete, company spokeswoman Natalie Cox wrote in an email last week.

But key decisions are expected soon from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals  which in the past has been a burial ground for permits granted to Mountain Valley.

At the end of the day, this pipeline continues to be in serious legal jeopardy, Giannetti said.

Perhaps the most litigated  and for opponents, the most lucrative  aspect of construction has been the way Mountain Valley has tried to run the pipe beneath streams and wetlands. There are nearly 1,000 such crossings along the pipelines path from northern West Virginia, through the New River and Roanoke valleys, to connect with an existing pipeline near the North Carolina line.

Mountain Valley says it has completed more than half of the crossings with no adverse affects.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted the company a Nationwide Permit 12 in early 2018, which critics said took a one size fits all approach to temporarily damming waterways and burying the pipe along the exposed bottom. A three-judge panel of Fourth Circuit threw out that approval, ruling that the government cut corners in a way that favored Mountain Valley.

A second Nationwide Permit 12 was issued in September 2019, only to be stayed by the appeallate court two months later.

Sensing that its coveted blanket permit was doomed, Mountain Valley decided to seek an individual permit, which involves a more detailed analysis of each crossing. As part of that process, Virginia and West Virginia needed to grant water quality certifications before the federal government could take action.

Virginias State Water Control Board voted 3-2 last month to do so, and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection followed suit two weeks later.

And once again, both states were sued.

Last week, the Sierra Club and seven other groups asked the Fourth Circuit to stay the Virginia permit until reaches a final decision on their latest legal challenge. A decision on that request is expected by the end of January.

In seeking a stay, the groups argued that Mountain Valley intends to ramp up construction in February and would otherwise be done with the project before the court could rule.

Delaying the permit would allow time for a full examination of plans to trench and blast through streams, which the motion says would cause irreparable harm to the environment.

The State Water Control Board, according to the groups, failed to consider alternative locations for the water body crossings, wrongly concluding that it lacked the authority to do so.

Mountain Valley has made so many conflicting statements in the past about the best locations and methods to ford across streams and wetlands that it no longer has any credibility, attorneys for the groups contend.

In short, MVP has a demonstrated history of saying whatever it needs to say about alternative crossing methods in order to gain approval of its preferred methods, the motion states.

The Fourth Circuit has given Mountain Valley until Tuesday to respond to the arguments.

In an email Friday, Cox wrote that if the opponents were truly interested in environmental protection, they would have engaged with us to address their concerns through honest, open dialogue, which we respectfully offered on numerous occasions, rather than wasting agency resources and burdening the courts to support their myopic agendas.

In addition to the motion for a stay, the Fourth Circuit has other pipeline business before it.

Last October, the same three-judge panel that has rejected earlier permits heard arguments in two cases. One is a challenge of a U.S. Forest Service permit that allows the pipeline to pass through 3.5 miles of the Jefferson National Forest in Giles and Montgomery counties. The other asks the court to reverse a finding by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which concluded that running a pipeline across steep mountain slopes and through pristine steams would not jeopardize endangered species such as the Roanoke logperch and the candy darter.

Written opinions are expected any day now.

Still more legal challenges are pending before an appellate court in Washington, D.C. In those cases, opponents are questioning decisions by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which in 2020 lifted a stop-work order and gave Mountain Valley more time to complete the project.

When it comes to fighting the powerful interests that are part of the fossil fuel industry, it helps to have the deep pockets and national profile of groups like the Sierra Club, Giannetti said.

There are people in California who are getting emails about how important it is to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline, she said.

Having made that point, she stressed the importance of local involvement.

It has to start from the bottom, Giannetti said, from your friends and neighbors in the community.

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NORFOLK  A Norfolk physician who sued Sentara Healthcare over its ban on administering ivermectin to COVID-19 patients resigned from his position at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Dr. Paul Marik announced his departure Tuesday in a news release from the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, an organization he co-founded with other critical care doctors at the start of the pandemic. Marik resigned to spend more time on multiple causes  including the FLCCC  according to the release.

This was not an easy decision to make, but I felt it was time to focus my attention and energy to other interests in both academia and public health, Marik said in a statement.

Mariks resignation as professor of medicine and chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine at EVMS was effective Dec. 31, according to a spokesman for the institution. The release did not make clear whether Marik would continue to work in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital; his lawyer could not be reached Wednesday evening.

Marik, a critical care doctor, sued Sentara Healthcare in November, arguing that the healthcare system was endangering COVID patients lives by preventing him from using his treatment protocol. The treatment plan, known as MATH+ protocol, involves ivermectin, among other medications.

The drug is an anti-parasitic approved to treat people with infections caused by some parasitic worms, as well as head lice and skin conditions such as rosacea, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The agency hasnt authorized ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19 in humans or animals, warning that it has not been shown to be safe or effective for such use. The American Medical Association strongly opposes the prescription of ivermectin to treat the coronavirus outside clinical trials.

The FLCCC was formed at the start of the pandemic to come up with treatments for COVID-19. By October 2020, ivermectin had become a core medication in their protocols.

Sentara temporarily suspended Mariks hospital privileges in November.

That same month, the Journal of Intensive Care Medicines editorial board retracted an article Marik co-authored about the MATH+ protocol. The retraction was made after Sentara Healthcare questioned the accuracy of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital data the authors used to make their conclusions.
MARTINSVILLE  Little is known about the apparent dismissal of Dr. James Isernia by Sovah Health, but on a cold Saturday morning with the temperature in the 20s, about 60 people with signs supporting the Martinsville doctor rallied along Commonwealth Boulevard near Hospital Drive.

As well as expressing concern for his welfare, his patients say they have not been able to get prescriptions for medicines they need refilled and are worried about being set adrift in terms of health care.

Ive lived in Martinsville since 1968, said Woody McCain, a retired educator. Dr. Scouras was my doctor until he retired and after that Ive been seeing Dr. Isernia, so basically Ive only had two doctors in all that time.

Another of Isernias patients, Trina Wells, created a private Facebook group called JusticeForDrJimmy, which has more than 1,300 members.

Our goal today was to get Sovahs attention, said Wells. They terminated our doctor without a plan in place, and now you have over 1,000 people without a physician and without being able to get refills for blood pressure meds or diabetic medications.

You have no idea how many people are reaching out to me personally crying and not knowing what to do for themselves or family members that are in need.

Trinas husband, Roger Wells, waived a flag behind the line of people with signs.

We really dont know what the hospital claims he has done wrong, Wells said.

Hospital officials would not comment to the Bulletin about Isernia, but Sovah Marketing Coordinator Hailey Fowlkes did issue a statement:

Dr. Isernia is no longer practicing at Sovah Internal Medicine. We appreciate Dr. Isernias many years of service to our organization and community and we wish him the best going forward.

Due to the confidential nature of our relationships with physicians and as this is a personnel matter, we will not be discussing the specifics of his departure.

Isernia declined to comment when first approached by the Bulletin, but around 5 p.m. Saturday he sent a statement thanking patients and friends for their support. He wrote that he and his wife had driven by the rally and were touched by what they saw.

At the rally, McCain walked along the line of people along Commonwealth Boulevard on Saturday morning and encouraged them to spread out a little.

Lets make this line reach from Hospital Drive all the way to Fairy Street, McCain said. We want to make it look as big as possible.

This hospital has separated these patients from their doctor without any notice and did so without making any provisions for their care, McCain said. Its just not right.

More than a dozen people told the Bulletin that they were left in the lurch without being able to get needed medications continued, but they did not want their names to be used in an article out of concerns for their medical privacy. Several told the Bulletin that the hospital had told them a replacement physician would get in touch with them to make plans for continued care, but they had not received any calls or messages from any other doctors.

Debra Nunley of Bassett said her husband went to the rally. She talked with the Bulletin by phone Saturday afternoon.

I have no doctor now, she said. I cant get refills on my medications. My whole family is Dr. Isernias patients. She said she takes blood pressure medications and antidepressants, and my husband is basically the same, except he gets a narcotic.

She said she is worried how she would be able to continue a medication that runs out on Jan. 22. Another one has four refills, but she doubts now that any pharmacy would refill it.

Meanwhile, Nunley said, she is searching for answers to no avail.

We cant get anyone to call us back to give information on how they can get their health care continued, she said.

Ive called Sovah headquarters in Tennessee and I was told my calls would not be returned and to call Dr. Isernias office and somebody would answer your calls and help you out. Thats not true.

Nunley also called around to several local doctors, with no success: Either theres a waiting list, or some doctors are not taking new patients.

She said she thinks the hospital took action without thinking it through. They left patients basically on their own without the support of another doctor where they could get their medications. Some people are going through withdrawal symptoms. Others cannot get their basic diabetes or blood pressure medications. Its just an absolute nightmare.

The Virginia Board of Medicines website does not show information on any possible pending investigations, but it has information on a prior investigation of Isernia.

In May 2020, a Consent Order was filed by the Virginia Board of Medicine stating Isernia violated Virginia Code ... and the Boards Regulations Governing the Prescribing of Opioids and Buprenorphine from March 2017 through January 2019, regarding prescriptions of oxycodone, methadone and alprazolam to Patient A.

It also listed violations with regard to his care, treatment, and continuous prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines to Patients B, C, and D, while failing to satisfy provisions of the Boards Prescribing Regulations.

The document stated that Isernia was reprimanded and ordered to submit an assertion that he agrees to comply with regulations and to complete continuing medical education on proper prescribing of controlled substances, pain management, and opioid addiction.

A letter from Virginia Board of Medicine Dr. William L. Harp, dated July 31, 2020, filed with the Board, stated that the Board had received verification of Isernias compliance with the Consent Order and that the board terminated terms and conditions placed on his medical license.

James Isernia, 53, is a 1993 graduate of State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine and has over 29 years of experience in the medical field.

In addition to having been a Sovah Health hospitalist, he also serves as the jail physician for the Martinsville and Henry County jails.

We want to thank our patients, friends and family and every single patient falls under each of these categories, Isernia wrote in his Saturday statement. Being blessed to have served this community for more than 25 years, its more than just a patient/doctor relationship to us ... we have been completely overwhelmed by the love, prayers and support. Patients have called to pray with us, send devotions, send out love and prayers.

We were traveling to see a patient and good friend in hospice on Saturday. We had to ride past the support rally. We were able to slow down, actually see each face, hear their shouts and as my wife and I drove past, tears streaming down our faces with gratitude as we tried to say thank you. Words wouldnt form. They wouldnt come. Only tears.

Please know that we are fighting hard to get back on our feet, to get back to the patients, to try to pick up the pieces for both them and ourselves.

Our silence has been out of legality, nothing more. We understand the difficulty in not knowing and understanding. Honestly, we dont quite understand it.

Thank you for supporting us even through everyones silence. Praying to see each of you soon. Love and such heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.

Michelle Isernia had told the Bulletin before the statement was issued that her husbands side of the story would be told soon enough.

We will as soon as legal approves us to do so, she said. Right now all I can say is our patients have and always will come first and our silence is as much to protect them as it is us.

Just dont believe everything you hear.

Holly Kozelsky also contributed to this report. Bill Wyatt is a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at 276-638-8801, Ext. 2360. Follow him @ billdwyatt.

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Security forces stand guard in front of the city hall in Almaty, Kazakhstan on early morning of Jan. 5, 2022. (Xinhua)

Kazakhstan will pay special attention to normalizing life across the country as chaos caused by days of violent protests is easing.

At a government meeting on Saturday, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged the restoration of administrative and public facilities in the largest city of Almaty and other regions hit by the terrorist attacks.

The president asked the prosecutor general, chairman of the National Security Committee, and acting ministers of internal affairs and defense to continue efforts to pacify the perpetrators.

Security forces beef up security checks at the entry and exit point of Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan on Jan. 7, 2022. (Photo by Kalizhan Ospanov/Xinhua)

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) peacekeepers working in the capital city of Nur-Sultan have allowed part of Kazakhstan's law enforcement officers to redeploy to Almaty for the "counter-terrorist operation" there, Tokayev said.

In a phone conversation on Saturday, Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed that leaders of the CSTO member states will hold a videoconference in the next few days to discuss the unrest in Kazakhstan.

Tokayev informed Putin of the latest developments, noting that the situation is stabilizing. He also thanked Kazakhstan's partners from the CSTO, particularly Russia, for their assistance.

The presidents exchanged opinions on the measures being taken to restore order in Kazakhstan.

Later, Putin had phone calls with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to discuss the Kazakh tensions and the organizing of the CSTO summit.

Screenshot taken on Jan. 6, 2022 shows soldiers boarding a military transport aircraft at the Chkalovsky airfield on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia. (The Russian Defense Ministry/Handout via Xinhua)

Also on Saturday, Tokayev relieved Azamat Abdymomunov, who was the deputy secretary of Kazakhstan's powerful Security Council.

This came after Tokayev dismissed Karim Masimov, who was chairman of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, on Wednesday. He was detained a day later on suspicion of high treason.

The Commonwealth of Independence States (CIS) Executive Committee said in a statement on Saturday that "the bandits" prepared in advance for the mass demonstrations in order to destabilize the situation in Kazakhstan, and that they had received support from abroad.

The CIS Executive Committee fully supports the measures taken by the leadership of Kazakhstan and the CSTO countries to restore law and order, its Chairman Sergei Lebedev said in the statement.

Local residents stand shoulder to shoulder with police officers in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Jan. 8, 2022. (Website of Nur-sultan city hall/Handout via Xinhua)

Violent protests sparked by fuel price hikes have been rocking Kazakhstan for several days, leading to multiple deaths and many injuries. A total of 4,404 people have been reportedly detained across the country.
The conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell on five of six charges of recruiting and grooming teenage girls for sexual encounters with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein is not and should not be the end of the story. While Maxwell has been held accountable for her actions, the men who engaged in these encounters with underage girls have not, at least not yet. There is speculation Maxwell could strike a bargain with the court for a reduced sentence if she releases the names and possible videos that Epstein shot of some of the men who traveled to his Caribbean island and New York home.

For too long too many men have escaped accountability for their liaisons with prostitutes and underage girls. While some have faced criminal charges, most appear to have escaped full accountability. When police arrest prostitutes, the Johns too often go free, or pay a fine and avoid publicity.

Perhaps one way to discourage this sleazy behavior is to return to a past practice that seemed to work as a deterrent.

Thirty-five years ago, two Trenton, New Jersey, newspapers decided to print the names, not only of prostitutes who had been arrested, but also the men who solicited them. The Associated Press ran this story in 1987: It was bad enough being charged with soliciting a policewoman posing as a prostitute, said Jack (not his real name). Then a newspaper printed his name and address on the front page.

The newspapers suspended the practice in 1977 after a man it named committed suicide. The paper resumed it a decade later. Jack was quoted as saying, My family had a hard time dealing with it. It put us up to public ridicule. We got anonymous phone calls.

The fear of public ridicule ought to be enough to give men who would engage in such acts second thoughts. If laws are not enough to act as sufficient deterrents, maybe shame and ridicule will do the job. One benefit of knowing whether prominent and wealthy men engaged in sex acts with underage girls would be to remove them or keep them from leadership positions. It has already been revealed that Bill Clinton and Donald Trump were frequent fliers on Epsteins jet. Flight logs introduced during Maxwells trial show Donald Trump flew on the jet between Palm Beach and New York City airports six times, sometimes accompanied by his then-wife, Marla Maples, and infant daughter, Tiffany. Bill Clinton was a passenger at least 26 times. Records obtained by foxnews.com show Clinton flew without his Secret Service detail for at least five of the flights and trips between 2001 and 2003 included extended junkets around the world with Epstein and fellow passengers identified on manifests by their initials or first names, including Tatiana. The tricked-out jet earned its Nabakov-inspired nickname (Lolita Express) because it was reportedly outfitted with a bed where passengers had group sex with young girls.

Neither Trump nor Clinton has been accused of anything illegal or inappropriate, but given both mens record of behavior with women, people will draw their own conclusions. Whether or not Maxwell uses any of the information she might have to bargain for a lighter sentence, I hope details about all the men who visited Epsteins island and New York home will be made public as a warning to others who might have illegal and certainly immoral fantasies and think they can escape accountability.

The Washington Post quoted advocates for sexually abused girls and women as saying the Maxwell conviction is a symbolic win for survivors. It should be more than symbolic. Outing all the men who abused these women will make it so.

Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com.
Dalondo Moultrie is the assistant managing editor of the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail him at dalondo.moultrie@seguingazette.com .
A $10 million project funded by the USDAs National Institute of Food and Agriculture has been launched with the idea of improving diversification, sustainability and resilience on Midwestern farms. Exactly what that means is a bit fuzzy, however.

The five-year study involves academicians from several universities in Midwestern states. They are working on setting up meetings with others in agriculture to determine, among other things, how farmers can lessen their reliance on a monocrop systems.

I would like to have  at the end of five years  a vision of how policies can be changed, said Linda Prokopy, a horticulture professor at Purdue University. Maybe well find out that corn and soybeans really are the best fit. We may find that were completely wrong and everything is the best it can be. But I think we can do a lot better.

The elusive so-called third crop could be pennycress, hemp or something else to rotate with corn and soybeans. One barrier  especially with industrial hemp  has been marketing. Thats something researchers will examine.

Market development will be a big part of that, Prokopy said. Well experiment by setting up pilot markets for different crops.

The project officially has six objectives. They include development of the agricultural value chain, modeling impacts of landscape scenarios on the ecosystem and looking at policy recommendations to establish conditions required for economic vitality.

Among the official outline is the goal of having participants consider ethical choices and sustainability of outcomes.

Prokopy acknowledges that some of the language is a bit cloudy.

It has the potential to be pie in the sky, she said. Its pie in the sky in terms of putting everything aside and really visioning, then grounding it back in reality. How can we make those work?

Another charge is the creation of sessions at the local, state and federal levels that allow participants to consider ethical choices and sustainability outcomes.

That language is in there because we have brought in a couple of ethicists on the project, Prokopy said. I want to be able to facilitate stepping back from the conversation a little bit. Who do we want to be? This country is divided: red versus blue, vaccines versus no vaccines. Under that we all have similar goals. Having ethicists lets us guide a conversation to help people open up to think about what we should be doing.

She described social barriers mentioned in the study as farming peer pressure.

Thats about community norms, she said. Other farmers looking down on you, like in cover crops. Weve already seen that.

Another example might be the reactions no-till practitioners first got when they left stubble in their fields instead of smoothly tilled soil.

While Purdue leads the project, researchers from the University of Illinois, Iowa State University, the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin are also involved.

There are several NGOs (non-governmental organizations) like the Practical Farmers of Iowa, Prokopy said. Its a really diverse group.

There are some practical goals. They include looking at the effects of certain crops on water quality and the impact of reintegrating livestock onto cropland.

We dont expect to diversify the Corn Belt in five years, obviously, Prokopy said. But we want to start to see a vision of the potentiality of a different landscape and determine what kind of policies could support that transition.

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Chilton has worked in the Sioux City area since 1996. He achieved lifetime membership in the Million Dollar Round Table, a trade group for insurance brokers and financial advisors, two years ago, and had been a member of the organization for a decade before that.
Editor's note: The following is a shortened version of the cover story for the December issue of Metal Center News, a trade magazine for the metals distribution industry.

SIOUX CITY -- Jack Bernstein, the second generation of the family to head up State Steel, has helped build a diversified steel distribution company in the Upper Midwest.

If you speak to Jack Bernsteins employees, you invariably get one description of his work habits: unmatched.

Jacks the first guy in, and the last guy out. He opens the doors and locks them up at night, figuratively and literally. He actually does that, says Eric Rubel, State Steels director of flat-rolled and plate products who has been working side by side with Bernstein for 23 years.

Now if you speak to colleagues in the industry, another description is repeated: integrity.

His answer is solid. Hes going to stick to his word. If I have a verbal agreement on a product, it is what we agreed to, says Phil Kooima, the founder of Rock Valley, Iowa-based Kooima Company who went from being a customer of State Steels to more of a partner at the tail end of 2019.

And if you speak to, well, just about any of the folks who knows Jack  co-workers, industry peers and the many people he has interacted with over the years  one other trait is mentioned: an abiding zeal for the steel industry.

Jack is passionate about his business, his steel and about the quality of the product he puts in his plant, says Sam Savariego, the founder of Delta Steel Technologies and a longtime equipment supplier to State Steel.

That topnotch work habit, his love for the business, his integrity, plus a few other traits such as honesty, intelligence and good humor, are why Bernstein is the 25th recipient of Metal Center News Service Center Executive of the Year.

Each year for the past quarter century, MCN has been honoring the leader of a service center company based on the leadership that executive brings to his business, his industry and the community at large. Bernstein, the second-generation leader of the family business, checks off all those boxes.

State Steel delivers a variety of metal products to companies from several locations around its hub in Sioux City.

There is so much product sold in our area, says Bernstein, who has been involved with the day-to-day operations of the family company since the 1960s. People dont know how much manufacturing there is in our part of the world. Its not just ag.

Humble beginnings

State Steel has an all-too-common origin story in the service center universe, though where its gone from there for these iron men is uniquely the Bernsteins.

In the 1940s, fresh out of the Depression and fresh into World War II, Sam Bernstein relocated his family from Brooklyn in eastern Iowa to the larger city of Sioux City. He bought a tin baler and set up a scrap business, Sioux City Compressed Steel. They moved a lot of metal through the business in the 1940s, though war rationing kept the company from profiting too much on their operations.

By the late 1950s, the scrap business was struggling with low prices, as happens from time to time. Some friends of his in the manufacturing sector encouraged Sam to start selling new steel, so he erected a few sheds across the street from the scrap company and did just that.

It was steel, though it didnt really qualify as new. In those days, you couldnt necessarily get the steel mills to sell steel to you. It was a closed-loop club, says Jack, who entered the business in the early 1960s, often tasked with finding any bit of used steel he could.

Even without a consistent source from the producers, State Steel was a full line distributor from the outset, selling whatever product it could get its hands on. And soon, it was more than just a distributor.

Shortly after entering the business, Jack Bernstein was in Chicago on one of his many trips to secure material. Ben Verson, father of Jacks wife Gail, was the brother of the founders of Verson All Steel Press Company, a Chicago-based equipment manufacturer. Ben Verson urged his son-in-law to begin expanding beyond just distributing metal into processing, to add value to the product.

State Steel bought its first Verson press in the mid-1960s, a machine that still runs at its facility in downtown Sioux City, sitting side by side with state-of-the-art cutting machines from Bystronic and TRUMPF.

The business grew, with Sam  who died in 1996 at age 89  giving way to Jack as the driving force of State Steel, which was making its mark as a distributor of choice in the Upper Midwest. In 1973, the company was trying to expand its reach into Central Nebraska, a task made more difficult by the distance and some encroaching competitors. Other companies had begun offering next-day delivery, something State Steel couldnt match.

Dennis Edwards, an outside salesperson at the time, pushed Jack Bernstein for route trucks to keep pace. Jack did one better, scribbling out designs for a new facility and asking Edwards to find the land and run State Steels first satellite operation. It was way more than I was asking for, says Edwards, who now runs a similar State Steel operation in Omaha.

Since that initial expansion, State Steel has added four other facilities, in Sioux Falls, Des Moines, Spencer, Iowa; and Omaha. At each new facility, the company adds a shear, saws and press brakes, plus other processing equipment if the situation calls for it.

The company has also added coil processing equipment, both in Sioux City and Omaha. Though State Steels current footprint is exclusive to the ring around Sioux City, the company wont rule out expanding further.

As it develops, yeah. Anythings possible, Bernstein says.

Thats an apt description of their current holdings. In addition to the core service center business, Jack and his son, Dave, continue to maintain interest in the local scrap business, run by Jacks brother, Norman, plus a stake in a separate scrap joint venture.

Most recently, in 2019, State Steel and neighboring SPS entered a joint venture to acquire laser-based fabricators Kooima Company.

Unlike many in the service center sector, Jack Bernstein has an in-depth understanding of all aspects of steelmaking, the equipment used to process it and the proper applications of the finished product. Besides his history in the family business, he earned a bachelors degree in metallurgical engineering and did some brief post-grad schooling, though he downplays the relevance of his academic career.

Theres no background better than just going out and doing it. Ive learned a lot more from our customers, he says.

Before the acquisition, Kooima's company was a long-time customer of State Steel, and he knows where he can turn when he has a question on metal.

I like to work with higher grades of steel many times. Jack became a resource to talk through some of those properties and the effect they would have in forming, machining, heat-treating, all those things. Sometimes I would just call to bounce a process off him to get his opinion if it was going to work, he says.

Acting in the customers best interests is the rule at State Steel, and one of the reasons the service center industry in general continues to thrive.

A steel mill cant service a customer the way we can. I get upset if weve disappointed a customer, even if its not our fault, Bernstein says. If we ship something on an LTL and the driver has an accident and it didnt get there, how are we going to fix it? We only care about taking care of our customer, and thats something we constantly tell our employees.

Though initially hesitant to sell to a small operation such as State Steel, the domestic production community no longer has that issue. The companys growth has been aided by its longtime membership in the North American Steel Alliance, where Dave Bernstein currently serves as the buying cooperatives chairman.

The company procures almost exclusively domestic product, its facilities too far removed from Houston or New Orleans to economically import material. The sole exception is some high-strength material from SSAB that is made in Sweden, rather than the domestic plants the company also buys from.

By years end, Jack Bernstein had begun to see some improvement in the supply situation from mills, with lead times coming down. Hes excited to see the increased capacity coming online from some of the domestic producers, believing its needed. We cant let happen what happened with the chip supply, he reasons.

Moreover, hes also impressed with the management at todays steel mills, believing the production base is in very strong hands.

While Bernstein applauds the leadership elsewhere in the industry, his employees and peers have similar things to say about him.

I grew up in the business here. Its where Ive been the whole time. Jack has been my mentor to everything I know, says Eric Rubel.

Dennis Edwards has almost an identical take. Ive learned everything from Jack. Ive learned the product, the process, customer service.

Bob Jacobsen, State Steels vice president of operations, had worked for another steel organization for 35 years. He retired from there, but came out of retirement to join Jack at State Steel. Jack brings every trait to the company. Hes a joy to work with. Every day is something new and you learn something new from him. Everybody here respects the heck out of him.

Today, Jacks focus at State Steel is on the flat-rolled side of the business, leaving his son Dave to handle the big picture, corporate-wide items. Jack Bernstein helped lead the company into the flat side of the business and it remains his area of greatest enjoyment.

I love the different grades. You put on a coil you have 45 to 50,000 pounds of product, he says. Sixty to seventy percent of the industry is in flat-rolled."

And for nearly 60 years, being part of the steel action is where Jack Bernstein always wanted to be.

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DAKOTA DUNES  Lunchtime Solutions President Amy Lundgren has been named president and CEO, taking the reins from retiring founder Mike Cranny as the company enters its 25th year in business.

Lundgren joined Lunchtime Solutions, a school lunch contractor, in 2000, less than three years after the firm was established. She was hired by Cranny to oversee the food service programs at several school districts in South Dakota and, later, in Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri.

There is no one better equipped to lead Lunchtime into the future than Amy, Cranny said in a statement.

She was later promoted repeatedly, becoming director of operations, vice president, executive vice president and president, a role she has held for eight years. She's also the chairperson of the company's Board of Directors and a minority owner of the business.

Lundgren resides in Dakota Dunes with her husband, George.

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A second Iowa man convicted on gun and drug charges in connection to a stop on Interstate 80 near Lincoln last year will serve more than 20 years in prison.

Jarell Samuels, 34, was found guilty in November of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of more than a pound of marijuana after a Lancaster County sheriff's deputy stopped the Nissan Rogue he was driving on I-80 in June 2020.

Judge Ryan Post on Thursday sentenced Samuels to 20 to 26 years in prison on the charges. Samuels was convicted as a habitual criminal on both charges, a designation that carries a minimum 10-year hard-time sentence in Nebraska.

Altogether, Samuels will serve at least 20 years before he's eligible for release.

The sentence comes less than two months after 28-year-old Temarco Pope Jr., the front-seat passenger of the Nissan, was sentenced to 36 to 50 years in prison on charges of second-offense possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of more than a pound of marijuana.

The case started out as a traffic stop for speeding June 5, 2020, near the U.S. 77 exit on the edge of Lincoln. The deputy stopped the Nissan going 10 mph over the speed limit.

According to the affidavit for Pope's arrest, Samuels consented to a search, which turned up a loaded Kahr CM9 handgun under the floor mat where Pope had been sitting and just less than 2 pounds of raw marijuana in dispensary-style containers in a garbage bag in the cargo area.

Post in November sentenced Pope to 35 to 48 years on the gun charge and one to two years more on the marijuana charge. Thursday, the district court judge sentenced Samuels to 10 to 15 years on the gun charge and 10 to 11 years for possessing marijuana, both enhanced by the habitual criminal designation.

Michael Kosmicki, Samuels' attorney, described the prosecution's use of the enhancement in this case as one that goes against the intent of the law.

In Nebraska, prosecutors can seek the enhancement if a defendant has been convicted of two previous felonies of any variety in any state. Kosmicki said the legal device, which takes the sentencing power out a judge's hands by introducing a 10-year minimum, was only created for "the worst of the worst" criminals.

"It's not the court's fault," Kosmicki said. "The judge's hands are tied. ... What happens is it's used a lot in non-violent cases, like these drug cases and property crimes and things like that.

"So it's the prosecutors using it not for the worst of the worst. They kind of use it whenever they find out someone has two prior convictions on anything."

Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon defended the lengthy sentence for Pope in November, noting the county has been experiencing a higher incidence of gun-related crime, such as robbery, felony assault and homicide, oftentimes because individuals are engaged in the use and distribution of marijuana, he said.

"And the nexus between marijuana, guns and violence is increasingly apparent," Condon said.

Since Condon took office in 2018, the Lancaster County Attorney's Office has sought the enhancement less often than it did under his predecessor, Joe Kelly.

Still, Lancaster County has led the state in habitual criminal convictions since 2011, outpacing Douglas County, which has about 250,000 more residents.

Samuels, who had been held at the Lancaster County Jail on a $100,000 percentage bond since his arrest in 2020, was given credit for 580 days served. He won't be eligible for parole until at least 2040.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com. On Twitter @andrewwegley

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Six sites in Lancaster, Douglas and Dodge counties are being looked at for the possible location of a new state prison, the head of the state's system announced Friday.

The announcement came on the third day of a legislative session in which lawmakers are grappling with how best to approach addressing the most-overcrowded prisons in the country.

They'll consider the pitch for a new 1,512-bed prison alongside legislative criminal justice reform. The nonprofit Crime and Justice Institute has facilitated a months-long dive into data with public officials from across the criminal justice system and government, and that's expected to result in concrete policy proposals soon.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services did not disclose the exact locations for a potential prison Friday because it has started negotiations with property owners, according to a news release. Other property owners could initiate offers.

The top criteria in evaluating all available sites has been proximity to a population center to support staffing. The ones selected so far fit that bill," Corrections Director Scott Frakes said in the release.

Additional criteria included distance to utility systems, hospital and emergency services, community services, road access and terrain, according to the release.

The approximate size of the site would be 160 acres.

We have looked at parcels smaller than that, but ultimately, it cannot be less than 100 acres. The land would need to include a buffer zone separating it from surrounding developed or undeveloped property, Frakes said.

Frakes formally proposed building a new prison late in 2020. It was most recently projected to cost $236 million.

He has argued that the state's prison system has been underbuilt for decades, and said his intent has never been to grow the Nebraska prison system so we can put more people in prison. A new facility would improve safety for staff and inmates, Frakes has said.

Initially, part of Frakes proposal for a new prison included repurposing the State Penitentiary in Lincoln as a minimum-security facility. But he has shifted to talking about the new prison as a replacement. A key driver, he's said, is the data-driven initiative, which could result in legislation that curbs prison population growth.

An engineering study, also released Friday, found that the penitentiary would need $220 million in repairs and replacements to match a new, modern version of the same quantity and/or size of what exists.

The penitentiary first opened in 1869, according to the Corrections website. It has undergone multiple updates over the years.

The condition of the aging facility came under the spotlight in October when leaking pipes forced officials to shut off running water for nearly two days.

Lawmakers in 2021 approved a budget compromise that put nearly $15 million toward design and planning of a new facility. The compromise required the engineering study of the penitentiary to assess its useful life.

Gering Sen. John Stinner, who chairs the Appropriations Committee, hadnt yet seen the engineering study as of Friday afternoon. But he said lawmakers were hoping for an updated estimate for the useful life of the facility.

That would provide a time frame for decision-making, he said. Back in 1980, Stinner said the penitentiarys useful life was estimated at 50 years.

He said the study will also help gauge what should be done in terms of repurposing the facility versus demolishing it.

Lawmakers last year also allocated money to update the Corrections Departments 2014 master facilities plan, a comprehensive document assessing the integrity of current facilities and the need for expansion. Frakes has said he expects that plan to wrap up by late summer 2022.

Even without the update complete, he hopes to get full agreement from the Legislature this session on moving forward with a new prison.

However, some have voiced forceful opposition to those plans.

Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha has said he at least wants to see meaningful improvements to the state's criminal justice system if the state ultimately decides to build a new prison.

The ACLU of Nebraska on Friday renewed its objections to a new prison, stating in a news release that the state "cannot morally or fiscally afford an attempt to build its way out of those challenges."

Unlike Nebraskas newest state prison, which opened near the rural community of Tecumseh in 2011, Frakes has said a new facility would need to be in an area with a large enough population to staff it, which seemed to point to Lincoln and Omaha as potential locations.

Fremont is the most-populous community in Dodge County.

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SIOUX CITY -- Since 2006, Sioux City has spent $80 million on five major projects to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant. It's spent millions more on regular maintenance and improvements.

City officials believe upcoming projects and a new management structure will improve the plant's operations, eliminating many of the problems that have caused frequent state wastewater permit violations that led the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to sue the city.

"We've hired new staff members and a new director. We're doing everything we can to stay in compliance," Mayor Bob Scott said. "We're doing lots and lots of things, and we're going to continue to."

Filed Friday, the DNR lawsuit is seeking potentially millions of dollars in penalties from the city for the violations and a court order requiring the city to stay in compliance with its permit guidelines. Many of those violations stem from a three-year scheme beginning in 2012 in which two former plant supervisors manipulated water sample test results to cover up falsified chlorine levels to ensure that plant discharges into the Missouri River met environmental requirements. The scheme was reported to the DNR in April 2015 and resulted in the firing and prosecution of the plant's superintendent and a shift supervisor.

Other violations have been more recent. The DNR said that the city exceeded ammonia concentration limits on several occasions in 2018 and 2019, resulting in the DNR issuing a compliance schedule requiring the city to meet more stringent ammonia limits by April 1, 2025.

The city also exceeded daily maximum total residual chlorine, or TRC, concentration limits and daily maximum TRC mass limits in 2017, 2018 and several months in 2019. Again, the DNR has issued a compliance schedule requiring the city to meet stricter TRC limits by Dec. 1, 2023. The DNR says the city continues to have difficulty meeting those TRC limits and exceeded them in March, May and June of 2021.

Those issues are being addressed, said Tom Pingel, who was hired this spring as the city's utility director in charge of the wastewater treatment plant.

Engineers, he said, are designing a new UV disinfection system that will eliminate the need for chemicals such as chlorine. Instead, ultraviolet light will be used to treat wastewater before it's discharged into the Missouri River.

"This will eliminate the whole system that got those two guys in trouble," Pingel said.

The city is awaiting final design of the project, estimated to cost $5.5 million-$6 million, which will then need DNR approval. It's hoped the system can be installed by March 2023, months before the DNR's stricter TRC limits take effect.

Pingel expects construction to begin this spring on an $8.1 million project to improve the plant's digesters, one phase of work that will enable the plant to increase its capacity.

Pingel said he and his staff have addressed other issues that led to the ammonia violations, and he's confident they can operate the plant correctly to keep ammonia levels within the DNR's acceptable limits

"We're just continuing to optimize the facility to work within the parameters as designed," he said.

Pingel's hiring was among the steps the city has taken to better manage the wastewater treatment facility, city manager Bob Padmore said.

After previous utilities director Mark Simms retired in March, Padmore recommended to the city council that it add a second utilities director position, one who could focus on the wastewater treatment plant. Padmore reasoned that it was hard to find one applicant who was certified and licensed to oversee all operations, and a dual utilities director would enable the city to have one person spend more time on wastewater treatment plant operations.

"Our main purpose for doing this and recommending this to council, though, is our wastewater plant and our water plants are major operations in themselves and we just feel, given the circumstances, it would be best if we could hire department directors who will be more hands-on in the day to day operations of those areas," Padmore said when recommending the split duties in May.

Pingel was eventually hired as the director of the Wastewater and Environmental Services Department, which includes the wastewater treatment plant, storm water system and solid waste. Brad Puetz is the director of the Water and Utilities Infrastructure Department, which includes the city's water treatment operations and Underground Utilities Division.

When Pingel applied for the job, Padmore said, the city was impressed with his background and knowledge of wastewater treatment management, and his hiring has already paid dividends.

"We've been extremely pleased with Tom's expertise and his overall management of the wastewater treatment plant," Padmore said.

Built in 1961, the plant at 3100 S. Lewis Blvd. accepts industrial, commercial and residential wastewater from Sioux City as well as wastewater from Sergeant Bluff, South Sioux City, North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes. With a rated capacity of 28.73 million gallons per day, the plant routinely handles 14-15 million gallons daily, Pingel said.

Keeping the pollutants at acceptable levels is a challenging job. Of the 72 industries that discharge wastewater to the plant, many are food processors that use large amounts of ammonia. If one of the plant's larger wastewater contributors discharges a higher-than-normal amount of waste into the system, it can throw off the balance of naturally occurring bacteria that break down the waste, making it hard for the bacteria to adjust and defeating workers' efforts to treat and disinfect the waste to meet acceptable limits.

The DNR's lawsuit against the city said plant officials as early as 2012 knew the facility could not consistently disinfect the wastewater, leading former superintendent Jay Niday and shift supervisor Patrick Schwarte to raise and lower chlorine levels added to the wastewater to produce test samples that falsely showed the city was discharging an acceptable level of fecal coliform and E. coli into the Missouri River. In reality, the discharges contained high levels of E. coli, potentially endangering public health and fish and water organisms.

Both men later pleaded guilty in federal court to criminal charges of conspiracy and falsifying or providing inaccurate information. Niday was sentenced to three months in prison and fined $6,000. Schwarte was sentenced to two years' probation and fined $5,000.

Guy Cook, a Des Moines attorney who represents the city, has maintained since the scheme was uncovered that no other city officials were involved.

"This conduct was rogue conduct by Mr. Niday and Mr. Schwarte," Cook said.

The DNR's lawsuit does not implicate any other city workers or administrators by name, though it said at least four other plant workers said Niday and Schwarte directed them to manipulate the chlorine levels.

In the wake of the scandal, former utilities director Simms, who was hired after it was exposed, implemented an increased testing regimen and employed a system in which samples were tested and results reviewed and verified by more than one person to reduce the possibility of one person manipulating or falsifying results.

Pingel said he and his staff continue to look for ways to ensure the plant is run correctly and wastewater discharges fall within permit guidelines.

"We have a plan to really get this plant where it should be and ultimately be a showcase in the Midwest," he said.

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SIOUX CITY -- Northwest Iowa legislators list tax reform, addressing workforce shortages and offering more parental choice in education as some of their top priorities as the annual session opens Monday in Des Moines.

One of the region's representatives will begin his first session. State Sen. Dave Rowley, R-Spirit Lake, won a special election for a vacant seat in District 1 in December 2021. Rowley succeeds Zach Whiting, a Spirit Lake Republican who resigned to accept a job in Texas.

For a few other legislators, this likely will be their last session.

Sen. Craig Williams, R-Manning, announced last fall he would not seek re-election after the redistricting plan adopted by state lawmakers paired him and Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, in the same district.

Sen. Jim Carlin, R-Sioux City, is challenging U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley in the June primary, and is not expected to seek re-election in a newly-drawn Senate seat that includes Sioux City's Morningside neighborhood.

15 of the 17 legislators representing districts in the Journal's circulation area responded to a Journal reporter's request to share their top two legislative priorities for the year. Below are their answers.

Sen. Jim Carlin, R-Sioux City, District 3

Was not able to respond by press time with priorities.

Sen. Jackie Smith, D-Sioux City, District 7

1. Rebuilding the economy- I will work for tax policy that benefits middle class families, not corporations. Investing in affordable housing and affordable high quality child care will improve the standard of living for young families.

2. Workforce development- Higher wages help, but stopping divisive political bills that make Iowa seem unwelcoming drives employees and employers from our state.

Sen. Dave Rowley, R-Spirit Lake, District 1

1. Tax relief- Our state is in a position to provide a long term solution for Iowans by reducing individual tax rates. This is the result of a solid budgeting process and increased revenue.

2. Broadband expansion- Support the connectivity needed to improve our options in Northwest Iowa for education and working remotely. This is a $100 million dollar investment in our state that will make a significant difference for all rural Iowans families and businesses.

Sen. Jeff Taylor, R-Sioux Center, District 2

1. Law enforcement- Create a Cold Case Unit within the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation

2. Parents rights- Add language to Iowa Code to more clearly delineate the rights of parents who have children in K-12 schools.

Sen. Craig Williams, R-Manning, District 6

1. Tax reform- Iowa is not competitive with other states on income taxes, and that needs to change if we intend to attract and retain hard working people.

2. Unemployment benefits- We have a plethora of unfilled jobs in Iowa, so it's difficult to understand why someone might need 6 months to find employment. In times of low job opportunity, a longer benefit time frame may make sense, but that is not the environment we are currently inChanging our unemployment formula puts more money back into the hands of Iowa employers.

Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, District 9

1. State taxes- Continuing down the road of tax reform and working toward an end goal of eliminating the Iowa state income tax.

2. Welfare reform- Verifying that those on our rolls are truly eligible and that we eliminate fraud and waste.

Rep. Jacob Bossman, R-Sioux City, District 6

1. Workforce shortage- We must do what we can to remove barriers to employment. Everything from licensing and job training to childcare, mental healthcare, and affordable housing are often barriers to employment for many people

2. Taxation- Right now, the state of Iowa has a billion dollar surplus and another billion dollars in the taxpayer relief fund. This is an over-collection of tax money from Iowans, and they deserve their money back.

Rep. Chris Hall, D-Sioux City, District 13

Was not able to respond by press time with priorities.

Rep. Steve Hansen, D-Sioux City, District 14

1. Recruiting workers- This will be a multi-pronged effort where we have to deal with good jobs, affordable housing, available childcare and an educated workforce. With the budget surplus we should be able to make significant progress in addressing our workforce shortage.

2. Tax help- I am confident we will pursue tax relief for all Iowans. Last session I voted for a major tax relief bill and I believe we can go further and still be fiscally responsible.

Rep. John Wills, R-Spirit Lake, District 1

1. Rework tax structures- Right now Iowa is one of the highest taxed states in the nation and I believe that in order for our state to be more competitive we need to reform our tax structure and every Iowan who pays taxes should pay less.

2. Strengthen workforce- We have set in place some really good job training and education opportunities but we need to do other things like licensure reform, child care, recruiting out of state, workforce housing, and many other things that will attract workers to the state.

Rep. Megan Jones, R-Sioux Rapids, District 2

1. Responsible reform- The people work hard for the money they submit to the state and the state is sitting on a tremendous overpayment. We need to take a deep dive into our tax structure- particularly income tax- which puts us at a significant disadvantage to other states.

2. Solve workforce shortages- We have 110,000 unfilled jobs. While it is exciting that our economy is creating jobs, we need people willing and able to take those jobs. There is no easy answer here. Governor Reynolds is working on a board plan and I am excited to hear her ideas-and, of course, ideas from Iowans. However, childcare remains a significant barrier.

Rep. Dennis Bush, R-Cherokee, District 3

1. Reimbursements- My first legislative priority is to work out a process to return the over $1.2 billion in the Taxpayer Relief Fund to Iowa taxpayers. The money in this fund is the revenue collected by the State that was in excess of the budget set for this year as well as previous years.

2. Biofuels support- Pass a bill that is supportive of ethanol producers and allows consumers expanded access to a cheaper, more environmentally friendly fuel. The ethanol industry is vitally important to northwest Iowa. It provides a significant number of jobs, both in the plants and in the peripheral businesses.

Rep. Tom Jeneary, R-Le Mars, District 5

1. Workforce issues, which include child care.

2. Broadband services to rural areas.

Rep. Skyler Wheeler, R-Orange City, District 4

1. Abolish the income tax- I have filed a bill in the past to do this. It is clear that one of our biggest hindrances to growth is our lack of a competitive tax code. With the large surpluses we have had due to our conservative budgeting principles, there is no excuse to not get this done.

2. Parental choice in education- From mask mandates to radical Critical Race Theory, from boys using girls locker rooms to books with pornographic content in them, we have seen an outrageous amount of Leftism taking place in our schools across the state. Parents need to be empowered to make the best decision they can on how and where to educate their children.

Rep. Gary Worthan, R-Storm Lake, District 11

1. Courts- Continue to hire judges. Were in the process of hiring four new ones right now.

2. Department of Public Safety- Continue to bulk up the department of public safetyWe need to keep those things on the front burner and keep them moving.

Rep. Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley, District 17

1. Ease tax burden- Our general fund revenue is just one example of how Iowa is prospering. The fact that we have a large surplus in revenue is due to Republicans sound fiscal discipline and budgeting practices. This surplus in tax dollars needs to be returned to the hard working taxpayers of Iowa and not be spent on growing government.

2. Protect Iowa freedoms- It seems as though every day we hear about new government mandates or regulations coming from the federal government. We must endeavor to protect Iowans personal freedoms and liberties from this federal overreach. Despite the challenge this represents, it is incumbent on us as elected leaders to protect the sovereignty and citizens of the great state of Iowa.

Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, District 18

1. Greater parental choice in education.

2. Stopping COVID mandates.

Jared McNett is an online editor and reporter for the Sioux City Journal. You can reach him at 712-293-4234 and follow him on Twitter @TwoHeadedBoy98.

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The conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell on five of six charges of recruiting and grooming teenage girls for sexual encounters with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein is not and should not be the end of the story. While Maxwell has been held accountable for her actions, the men who engaged in these encounters with underage girls have not, at least not yet. There is speculation Maxwell could strike a bargain with the court for a reduced sentence if she releases the names and possible videos that Epstein shot of some of the men who traveled to his Caribbean Island and New York home.

For too long too many men have escaped accountability for their liaisons with prostitutes and underage girls. While some have faced criminal charges, most appear to have escaped full accountability. When police arrest prostitutes, the Johns too often go free, or pay a fine and avoid publicity.

Perhaps one way to discourage this sleazy behavior is to return to a past practice that seemed to work as a deterrent.

Thirty-five years ago, two Trenton, New Jersey, newspapers decided to print the names, not only of prostitutes who had been arrested, but also the men who solicited them. The Associated Press ran this story in 1987: It was bad enough being charged with soliciting a policewoman posing as a prostitute, said Jack (not his real name). Then a newspaper printed his name and address on the front page.

The newspapers suspended the practice in 1977 after a man they named committed suicide. They resumed it a decade later. Jack was quoted as saying, My family had a hard time dealing with it. It put us up to public ridicule. We got anonymous phone calls.

The fear of public ridicule ought to be enough to give men who would engage in such acts second thoughts. If laws are not enough to act as sufficient deterrents, maybe shame and ridicule will do the job.

One benefit of knowing whether prominent and wealthy men engaged in sex acts with underage girls would be to remove them or keep them from leadership positions. It has already been revealed that Bill Clinton and Donald Trump were frequent fliers on Epsteins jet. Flight logs introduced during Maxwells trial show Donald Trump flew on the jet between Palm Beach and New York City airports six times, sometimes accompanied by his then-wife, Marla Maples and infant daughter, Tiffany. Bill Clinton was a passenger at least 26 times. Records obtained by foxnews.com show Clinton flew without his Secret Service detail for at least five of the flights and that trips between 2001 and 2003 included extended junkets around the world with Epstein and fellow passengers identified on manifests by their initials or first names, including Tatiana. The tricked-out jet earned its Nabakov-inspired nickname (Lolita Express) because it was reportedly outfitted with a bed where passengers had group sex with young girls.

Neither Trump, nor Clinton, has been accused of anything illegal or inappropriate, but given both mens record of behavior with women, people will draw their own conclusions. Whether or not Maxwell uses any of the information she might have to bargain for a lighter sentence, I hope details about all the men who visited Epsteins island and New York home will be made public as a warning to others who might have illegal and certainly immoral fantasies and think they can escape accountability.

The Washington Post quoted advocates for sexually abused girls and women as saying the Maxwell conviction is a symbolic win for survivors. It should be more than symbolic. Outing all the men who abused these women will make it so.

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The Iowa Legislature reconvenes in Des Moines on Monday. Today, our editorial board suggests, in no specific order, 5 priorities for lawmakers to take during this year's 100-day session, which is scheduled to run into April.

1) Help employers with workforce challenges

With scores of employers -- both here and across the state -- desperate to fill open positions, it's essential that Iowa lawmakers take steps to do whatever they can to address the acute labor shortage.

The numbers paint a challenging picture for employers, whose recruitment efforts have become even more difficult during the pandemic. In November, the last month for which state workforce data is available, there were 85,600 fewer Iowans in the workforce, and the share of Iowans working was down more than 3 percentage points, to 66.8 percent. In January 2020, just before COVID-19 hit, there were 1.68 million Iowans in the workforce, and the share of Iowans working was 70 percent, according to state workforce data.

Legislators have suggested different ways they could attempt to tackle the problem: job training and preparation programs, boosting access to affordable housing and child care, cutting taxes or coaxing Iowans off unemployment and food assistance programs.

We support an all-of-the-above approach to try to bring some relief to business owners, many of whom are struggling to keep operating with so many shifts left unfilled.

2) Go slow on major tax reform

Statehouse Republicans are vowing to build on recent tax cuts they've passed, with Senate GOP leaders even pitching a moon shot tax-cut plan that would eventually eliminate the states personal income tax.

House Republicans are taking a more cautious view on how to handle a stockpile of one-time money in the state coffers  some from economic growth and some with the federal cash infusions to help weather the COVID-19 pandemic. House Speaker Pat Grassley says lawmakers should develop a responsible plan to return as much money as possible to taxpayers while keeping the state solvent.

We think Grassley's approach is the most prudent. We don't want Iowa to turn into another Kansas, a Midwest state that faced large budget shortfalls after lawmakers slashed income taxes for individuals and businesses in 2017.

That's not to say Iowa shouldn't continue efforts to create a competitive tax climate. After all, South Dakota, one of nine states with no personal individual income tax, is right on Sioux City's doorstep. Iowa lawmakers should extend the Targeted Jobs program, which allows qualifying businesses in border cities like Sioux City to apply for state withholding tax credits to relocate or expand in Iowa. Since its creation, the tax credits have helped create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of capital investment.

3) Adopt a long-term water quality plan

Despite 63 percent approval from voters in a 2010 referendum, lawmakers have still not voted to increase the state sales tax by three-eighths of a cent to finance environmental measures that include improving water quality.

Majority Republicans acknowledge it's not likely to happen in this session either, saying a sales tax hike would complicate a priority issue to reduce or eventually eliminate the state income tax.

That's unfortunate. We feel Iowans have waited long enough to achieve the goal of reducing harmful nitrates flowing from farm fields into streams, lakes and groundwater. Continuing to put off action further threatens the state's drinking water and recreational jewels, like the deep-water lakes in our Okoboji region.

4) Don't interfere with employers' COVID policies

During last fall's special session, GOP lawmakers passed a law that permits Iowans who lose their jobs for refusing to comply with an employer's COVID-19 vaccination requirement to still collect unemployment benefits. Another new law signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds allows workers in private Iowa businesses to claim they are medically vulnerable or have a religious objection to a mandated vaccine based solely on their statements, rather than with the backing by a bona fide professional.

Key GOP lawmakers are now prepared to take even more stingent action on COVID-related employee and federal government mandates. State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, who chairs the House committee on state government, pitched a proposal last week that would prohibit employers from requiring employees to receive vaccinations --- for COVID-19, the measles or any other disease --- or require them to wear face coverings.

We acknowledge Gov. Kim Reynolds and GOP lawmakers stringently object to Democratic President Joe Bidens executive order, which is being challenged in the courts, that requires workers at businesses with more than 100 employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or else be tested regularly. But it seems hypocritical for Republicans to try to stand in the way of employers who voluntarily decide to have their workers vaccinated and/or wear masks. The GOP has long sold itself to voters as a pro-business party that lets private businesses run their own affairs, free from government-created mandates and costs.

5) Finally fix inequities in school funding

The state's funding formula for K-12 school districts has long penalized students and taxpayers in "property poor" districts like Sioux City, which must levy higher rates to generate the same revenue as property-rich districts. Of the 327 districts in the state, Sioux City has long ranked toward the bottom in property tax value per students.

The disparity has allowed 130 districts to spend more per pupil than the other 197, which include Sioux City. Short of appropriating an estimated $72 million to close the funding gap, the Sioux City district, in its legislative priorities, recommends a series of proposes to make the funding more equitable. We support those efforts, which include giving all districts spending authority for the difference and allowing school boards to decide locally whether to fund it.

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U.S. reopens mass vaccination sites, suspends cruises amid COVID-19 surge

Xinhua) 09:07, January 09, 2022

Raising vaccination rates around the world would also be good for anyone who travels. However, developed countries have raced ahead in offering booster shots, while much of the world hasn't been inoculated.

NEW YORK, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Temporary mass vaccination sites that were wound down months ago across the United States are being reopened to get more people vaccinated and boosted in the latest surge of COVID-19 fueled by the Omicron variant.

"Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Rhode Island are among states that have opened or are planning soon to open sites designed to administer hundreds or even thousands of shots a day," reported The Wall Street Journal on Saturday.

Officials said they are expanding capacity again largely to provide booster shots and reach children who recently have become eligible for vaccines. Many states shifted to smaller, more-targeted inoculation efforts after demand waned last summer.

Of Americans 5 years or older who are eligible to be vaccinated, 66.3 percent are fully vaccinated, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 38 percent of fully vaccinated adults have received booster shots.

"Officials running the mass vaccination sites say they also hope to reach some of the 27 percent of adults who aren't fully vaccinated ... Interest among unvaccinated adults hasn't risen during the Omicron surge, though," said the report.

People line up to enter a mass COVID-19 vaccination site at the United Center in Chicago, the United States, on March 10, 2021. (Photo by Joel Lerner/Xinhua)

CRUISE PAUSE

Royal Caribbean Group, an American global cruise holding company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami of Florida, has suspended some of its cruise operations amid rising numbers of COVID-19 infections due to the Omicron variant.

The sailings of three ships, Serenade of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, have been suspended while the return of its Vision of the Seas to cruising has been postponed to March 7, 2022, said a company statement on Friday.

The company also called off its Jan. 6 Spectrum of the Seas sailing in Hong Kong. This update came after Hong Kong's health department detected nine guests aboard the vessel's previous voyage who may have been exposed to COVID-19.

The CDC recently told Americans to avoid travel on cruise ships, regardless of their vaccination status. The advisory came in response to a surge in cases in recent weeks, caused by the spread of the contagious Omicron variant.

Most major cruise lines do not publicly announce the number of coronavirus cases on board their ships, but they are required to submit daily figures to the CDC. Currently, the agency is monitoring more than 90 cruise ships.

Photo taken on March 10, 2020 shows police standing guard near the Grand Princess cruise ship docking at the Port of Oakland, the United States.The Grand Princess cruise ship that carries thousands of people, including 21 coronavirus patients, docked at the Port of Oakland Monday after being held off at sea for days. (Photo by Li Jianguo/Xinhua)

TRAVEL INDUSTRY

The travel industry will have to "roll with the punches" as government requirements continue to evolve with the pandemic, Todd Handcock, President of Asia Pacific &Global Board Member Collinson International, told CNBC this week.

"The key thing is that the industry will remain in flux for the foreseeable future," he said, noting that testing and vaccinations will continue to be part of the process of travel for 2022 and possibly 2023.

Asked if verification of tests and vaccination statuses could be simplified for travel, Handcock said the goal is to have a digital, interoperable system that can be used globally. "We're still a long ways away" from that.

Raising vaccination rates around the world would also be good for anyone who travels, he said, adding that developed countries have raced ahead in offering booster shots, while much of the world hasn't been inoculated.

In addition, echoing the sentiments of experts such as those from the World Health Organization, Handcock said that COVID-19 variants will emerge as long as there are large, unvaccinated populations.

Travelers wait in line for COVID-19 testing at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, the United States, Jan. 3, 2022. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

VACCINE EFFECTS

A new scientific study showed that vaccination can cause changes to the timing of menstruation, but the effects are temporary, more akin to a sore arm than a serious adverse event, reported the National Public Radio (NPR).

"I think it's reassuring and also validating," Alison Edelman, leader of the study and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Oregon Health &Science University in Portland, Oregon, was quoted as saying.

The work appeared Thursday in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Despite the effects, Edelman and other experts stressed that individuals should get vaccinated, because the risks from COVID-19 remain high.

Clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines looked for side-effects like headaches or fever, but when it came to reproductive health, the main focus was on pregnancy, not menstruation.

"The menstrual cycle is like the stepsister that gets ignored," Edelman said. "It's considered unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but it actually really is important to people day-to-day."

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
Whether or not schools should be open has been a heated debate since the beginning of COVID-19. For much of the first year and a half of the pandemic, schools in blue states or cities in particular remained either fully or partially closed. But then things shifted, in part due to the widespread availability of vaccines for both staff and students, and in part due to school closures contributing to political losses for Democrats. Then came omicron.

This latest, highly contagious variant has caused widespread teacher, support staff, and student outages, making it difficult for even the new normal of school (masked, with occasional class quarantines) to persist. And so, whether schools should be open or closed has yet again become a fight about public health, education, and the future of childrens well-being in America.

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For one high school student, though, the issue is much more practical. COVID has completely taken over any function of daily school life, wrote a sophomore in a Reddit post last week, titled I Am a New York City Public High School Student. The Situation is Beyond Control. The post quickly went viral for its level of detail on what school is actually like right now. (The student asked to remain anonymous, so well call him Josh, after his Reddit handle. But we confirmed his identity.) In the post, he describes how his week after winter break was upended by teacher absences, as cases in the city hit an all-time high. The school day is filled with empty classes and extra study hall periods in which students gather in an auditorium where there is functionally no learning occurring. (After the second study hall in a row, Josh and some of his peers realized that the health conditions were safer outside of the auditorium and left.)

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We spoke to Josh on Saturday about how omicron has changed things at his high school, what he wishes administrators would do right now, and what its like to have peers test positive during the school day itself. Our conversation has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

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Slate: What do you hope people get out of reading your Reddit post?

Josh: One of the intents was to, I wouldnt say laugh, but just recognize a certain level of absurdity in the way that school is being managed right now. I think the most important thing is that when people look at the issue of closing schools, theyre really only looking at the health side of it. Its a black-and-white discussionpeople are either saying youre risking students health or its just idiotic to close schools. It seems that theres little nuance. But just with the sheer volume of cases, it makes it impossible for there to be actual learning conditions at school.

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In the post, and in your tone right now, you sound pretty lighthearted. Are you worried about COVID?

I think some students have a feeling of fear about COVID, in general. For me personally, I had COVID recently, so I suppose in some respects Im immune to it.

I dont mean to be lighthearted. I think its serious, but I cant help it because I think theres just a certain sense of absurdity. I know a student who had six study hall free periods yesterday, and they only had three classes. And in their classes, 50 percent of the students were out. And so for them, its just, why did they come to school? Why are they risking health, risking the fact of potentially getting COVID when they could choose to be just not going to school or schools couldnt be open?

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How much of your high school experience has happened during the pandemic, and how has it changed since March 2020?

All of it. In ninth grade, I was on Zoom the entire year. This year, Id say that other than wearing masks, before this past week, COVID almost felt unnoticeable. Even wearing masks feels normal at this point. You do a health screening every day. When you enter school, you have to show that you havent had COVID. But other than that, it feltnobody ever got COVID. Maybe once a month one student got COVID. But now its been a big, big deal.

What are the conversations with your peers like right now?

Before break, I rarely heard COVID talked about ever. Now, nearly every single conversation starts with talking about how we find it absurd that were in school. Id say in the hallway, when I see people I know, the first question anybody asks is, how many study halls did you have? How many something-related-to-COVID did you have today? Everything seems to revolve around it, especially this week.

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One of the most striking parts of your Reddit post is the fact that kids are testing themselves at school and getting positive results at school. Can you tell me what thats like?

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There were two moments I wrote about. One was during fourth period, a student tested positive in the auditorium. I didnt have fourth period study hall at that time, but I heard it from numerous, numerous students who said that people were testing positive with or sharing their positivity within the front of the auditorium, which is just, to me, thats very concerning.

Then in the hallway and the staircase, a student asked if their faint line was a positive test. It was very jarring because I thought everybody would know that a faint line is a positive test. Interestingly enough, that student ended up actually being negative, but they got a false positive test. Thats another layer. How well are the rapid tests working? How reputable are they? So I think its just jarring and scary in general.

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I have this sensation often that Ive had to become a mini epidemiologist in my own life, to figure out whats going on with cases and tests and everything around me. And Im getting that sense from you too.

I try, but Im busy. I read a lot of news pre2020 election. Honestly Ive tailed off in what I read about COVID. I think I need to get back into trying to be a little more of an epidemiologist because I didnt know that they had approved boosters for students ages 12 to 15 on Monday. I learned at school. So I need to work on that a little.

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If you had the power right now to do whatever you want with opening school, closing school, setting up Zoom school, making snow days or COVID days where you dont have to do anything, what would your proposal be?

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My suggestion would be to close school for a week. In terms of within school itself, I think teachers are doing the best that they can at enforcing health and trying to give students material to learn on. But with just the sheer amount of people that are out and the number of kids that are out, theyre dealt a deck which is just impossible to manage.

It just seems like if cases keep rising, its just going to get worse and worse. Not even in terms of health-related issues. No ones really getting severely sick. Just in terms of learning loss.
President Joe Biden has vowed to run the most transparent administration in the countrys history but that doesnt seem to include direct, formal contacts with the army of reporters assigned to cover the White House. As Biden gets close to his first-year anniversary in the White House, the numbers show he has held fewer news conferences than any of his five predecessors at this point in their presidencies. He has also participated in far fewer formal, sit-down interviews with journalists, reports the Associated Press.

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The 46th president carried out only 22 media interviews through the end of last year, which is fewer than his six most recent predecessors. And during the time, he has held a mere nine formal news conferences, three of which were held alongside visiting foreign leaders. In contrast, Donald Trump held 22 news conferences and 92 interviews in his first year. Only Ronald Reagan held fewer news conferences at this point in his presidency, according to research by Martha Joynt Kumar, a professor emerita in political science at Towson University and director of the White House Transition Project. And thats taking into account that Reagans schedule was severely cut back in his first year as he recovered from a failed assassination attempt. Even with that limitation, Reagan carried out 59 interviews in 1981, more than double the number of interviews Biden sat down for last year.

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Although his formal contact with the media may be sparse, that doesnt mean Biden doesnt connect with the journalists who follow him around. He does often stop to talk to reporters at public appearances. They shout questions and he sometimes chooses to answer them. In all, Biden held 216 of these types of informal contacts with the media last year, more than any of his predecessors since Bill Clinton, who held 245, according to Kumars numbers. But these types of informal Q&A sessions have clear limitations considering Biden can simply ignore any question he doesnt want to answer. And when he does choose to engage, the answers are often short and theres no real space for anyone to follow up. Fleeting exchanges are insufficient to building the historical record of the presidents views on a broad array of public concerns, said Steven Portnoy, president of the White House Correspondents Association and a reporter for CBS New Radio.
Officials in Kazakhstan said Sunday that 164 people have been killed in protests that engulfed much of the country over the past week. The health ministry said 103 of the deaths took place in Almaty, the countrys largest city. And at least three of those killed were minors, including a four-year-old girl. The figure was reported on the state news channel but it was called into question later when the Health Ministry deleted the social media post that detailed the death toll. The Information Ministry told a local news site that the message had been posted by mistake.

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An ongoing Internet blackout in the country means its difficult for reporters to verify information but if the death toll is confirmed, it would mark a sharp rise from previous estimates that had claimed fewer than 50 people had been killed in the protest that began Jan. 2 sparked by a fuel price hike that later devolved into a political crisis and the worst violence in Kazakhstans 30-year history. The office of Kazakhstans president said that around 5,800 people had been detained by police during the violent protests that led to the involvement of a Russia-led alliance sending troops into the country to restore order.

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Authorities are also claiming that all government buildings and institutions are now back under state control and the country had stabilized. More than 2,000 people were reportedly injured in the protest that began peacefully but quickly turned violent. The countrys Foreign Ministry said the peaceful demonstrations were hijacked by perpetrators and both local and external terrorist groups speaking foreign languages. The government has not offered up any evidence to support the allegations but the deputy defense minister, Sultan Gamaletdinov, said on Sunday that a counterterrorist operation was underway and would continue until the terrorists are completely eliminated and the constitutional order is restored in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The countrys president fired two more top security officials Sunday who were deputies to former intelligence chief Karim Massimov, who was arrested on suspicion of treason.
Its hardly a secret that former President Donald Trump had a close relationship with several Fox News hosts while he was in the White House. But a new Washington Post report makes clear just how influential several of the networks biggest names were on the administration, creating what the paper dubbed the cable cabinet of unofficial advisers. So many Fox News hosts had the direct number to reach Trump at his official residence that it often became a source of frustration for his advisers as the president would then pass on their recommendations. There were times the president would come down the next morning and say, Well, Sean thinks we should do this, or, Judge Jeanine thinks we should do this,  Stephanie Grisham, a former White House press secretary, said in reference to Sean Hannity and Jeanine Pirro.

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In some cases, the influence was much more direct. Trump would even dial Hannity and Lou Dobbs into Oval Office staff meetings, a former senior administration official tells the Post. A lot of it was PRwhat he should be saying and how he should be saying it; he should be going harder against wearing masks or whatever, Grisham said. And they all have different opinions, too.

The influence the Fox News personalities enjoyed in the White House had already become clear when the committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot revealed that Laura Ingraham, Brian Kilmeade, and Hannity all texted Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows as the presidents supporters stormed the Capitol. Mark, the president needs to tell people in the Capitol to go home, Ingraham wrote. And it wasnt just on the day. Texts released by the committee show Hannity continued to give the White House advice after the riot.

It wasnt just the hosts themselves who were influential, but also the people they chose to put on their shows. Advisers quickly started realizing that appearing on a Fox News show that Trump liked immediately gave the guest credibility. It taught me the power of the young producers at Fox, and Fox Business especially, Michael Pillsbury, an informal Trump adviser, said.
The outlaw Juraj Janosik, who has been turned into a folk hero, was sent to the gallows in the early 18th century.

A gallows replica is the latest tourist attraction in Liptovsky Mikulas, where Juraj Janosik was executed in 1713. (Source: Miroslava Mlynarova/TASR)

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There are many stories and places linked to the controversial Juraj Janosik, a Slovak hero to some and an outlaw to others, but the exact place where he was sent to the gallows remains a mystery.

Born in 1688, the Terchova native went on trial for his crimes and hung on a hook at the Sibenicky execution site in Liptovsky Mikulas on March 17, 1713. The town has recently installed a gallows replica made of steel in a place that is believed to be the site where the actual Sibenicky gallows once stood.

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Everyone knows where Janosik was born and where he was arrested, but unlike the place of his imprisonment, the location of Janosiks execution has not yet been presented, said Liptovsky Mikulas mayor Jan Blchac. The outlaw was jailed in a manor house in Paludzka, now one of the towns boroughs.

Liptovsky Mikulas, which lies next to the Liptovska Mara water dam and is a stones throw away from the mountains, decided to place its new site 2.5 kilometres east of the historical centre, opposite the Liptov Dairy.

Reconciliation

The execution of the folk hero is not to be bragged about, but it was part of the history of our town, the mayor said, defending the attraction.

The new black-and-silver gallows feature several symbolic pieces that represent the Krivan peak and the parchment with his sentence, to name a few. The site was constructed by designer Stanislav Machovcak and painter Miroslav Michalek. In the town, tourists can also find the Janosik torture chamber in the underground of the Janko Kral Museum.

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Read also: Jurko the Outlaw: Slovakias first animated feature Read more

Blchac went on to say that the citizens of Liptovsky Mikulas publicly apologised to Terchova residents for the execution of Janosik in 2018. Terchova, situated in the Orava region, accepted the apology. A plaque next to the gallows, resembling an open book, symbolises this act of reconciliation between the two towns.

Sibenicky

Janosik is said to have been executed in the eastern part of the town, in between Liptovsky Mikulas and Okolicne, another one of the towns boroughs today, Katarina Veresova of the Janko Kral Museum claimed.

She added that the execution site, Sibenicky, was built in an elevated place so that the convicts could be seen from a distance. In the past, three trees marked the site, which grew here until the mid-20th century.

The base of the site symbolises the Krivan peak. (Source: Miroslava Mlynarova/TASR)

Sibenicky was still used as the execution site at the beginning of the 19th century, the museum worker said, when the outlaw Matej Tatarka was the last to be executed here.

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https://sputniknews.com/20220108/a-change-of-heart-manchin-wont-back-his-counteroffer-to-bidens-bbb-even-if-wh-does---report-1092122234.html

A Change of Heart: Manchin Won't Back His Counteroffer to Biden's BBB Even if WH Does - Report

A Change of Heart: Manchin Won't Back His Counteroffer to Biden's BBB Even if WH Does - Report

In mid-December, the Democrat senator, who has been accused of stalling the passing of the much-touted bill through Congress, went full rogue, saying that he... 08.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-08T23:52+0000

2022-01-08T23:52+0000

2022-01-08T23:52+0000

us

sen. joe manchin (d-west virginia)

congress

build back better

vote

bill

legislation

democrats

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Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia has pulled his proposal for a $1.8 trillion compromise on President Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill off the table. In doing so, Manchin has likely put the Democratic Party's main social-spending platform to rest for good, The Washington Post reported Saturday. According to the report, citing three anonymous sources, following a breakdown in negotiations between Manchin and the White House right before Christmas, the senator has reportedly made it clear that he does not support moving forward with even his compromise offer.Manchin had offered the White House a $1.8 trillion counteroffer to the Build Back Better agenda a week before Christmas, which included significant funding for climate, healthcare, and education initiatives. The development comes after the senator said earlier this week that he was no longer talking to the White House about Biden's long-desired plan.According to The WaPo, Manchin stated in private that he was not interested in voting for legislation similar to Biden's Build Back Better package, and that Democrats should rethink their strategy.Following the backlash in mid-December, senior Democrats reportedly said that they do not believe Manchin would vote for his offer even if the White House sought to embrace it in its entirety.The White House apparently was sure it would eventually obtain Manchin's vote and congressional approval of its ambitious economic plan. And Manchin's counteroffer of $1.8 trillion reportedly underscored that there was still a lot of common ground between the two sides on policy content. However, Democratic leaders in Congress have quickly shifted their focus from completing the economic package to voting rights legislation, leaving the White House's potential to reshape large swaths of the economy in doubt.Manchin's proposal included permanent funding for universal prekindergarten, an expansion of the Affordable Care Act, and hundreds of billions in climate-related investment, all of which are strongly opposed by Republicans in Congress. His plan also included support for a tax on billionaires.According to previous reports, negotiations between Manchin and the administration abruptly deteriorated in December when a White House press release identified Manchin as the bill's main stumbling block. After Manchin surprised the administration by criticizing the bill on Fox News, the White House issued a stinging statement casting doubt on his trustworthiness. Manchin, who has sparked outrage among demonstrators for his opposition to the bill, later claimed that naming him in the news release jeopardized his family's safety.

https://sputniknews.com/20220108/its-now-or-never-whats-behind-dems-push-for-changing-senate-rules--passing-voting-rights-bills-1092109670.html

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us, sen. joe manchin (d-west virginia), congress, build back better, vote, bill, legislation, democrats
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/dominicans-arrest-businessman-suspected-of-haiti-presidents-murder-reports-say-1092129668.html

Dominicans Arrest Businessman Suspected of Haiti President's Murder, Reports Say

Dominicans Arrest Businessman Suspected of Haiti President's Murder, Reports Say

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Rodolphe Jaar, a Haitian businessman and convicted drug trafficker, was arrested in the Dominican Republic on suspicion that he played a key... 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T08:33+0000

2022-01-09T08:33+0000

2022-01-09T08:33+0000

dominican republic

haiti

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Jaar was captured in Santo Domingo on Friday, six months after a hit squad stormed Jovenel Moise's residence in a Port-au-Prince suburb, killing the president and wounding his wife, the Miami Herald reported.His arrest was confirmed by Haitian and Dominican officials with the knowledge of the matter. Sources told the paper that Jaar had spent months in hiding after crossing into the Dominican Republic from Haiti. The two share the island of Hispaniola.A Haiti National Police report, seen by the Herald, described the suspect as a central player in the assassination plot. It said Jaar housed Colombian commandos, vehicles and weapons at his Port-au-Prince home days before the attack on Moise's residence.

dominican republic

haiti

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dominican republic, haiti
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/ex-michigan-house-speakers-sister-in-law-accuses-him-of-raping-her-for-over-decade-1092130301.html

Ex-Michigan House Speaker's Sister-in-Law Accuses Him of Raping Her For Over Decade

Ex-Michigan House Speaker's Sister-in-Law Accuses Him of Raping Her For Over Decade

Rebekah Chatfield, 26, a sister-in-law of Michigan's former House Speaker, Lee Chatfield, has accused him of raping her for over a decade.

2022-01-09T10:45+0000

2022-01-09T10:45+0000

2022-01-09T10:46+0000

us

abuse

rape

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Rebekah Chatfield, 26, a sister-in-law of Michigan's former House Speaker, Lee Chatfield, has accused him of raping her for over a decade, from the moment when she was 15 and studied at a Christian academy where Lee was teaching. Rebekah, who is married to Lee's younger brother Aaron, filed a criminal complaint against the married politician last month. She claims the abuse by Chatfield, who left office in 2021 after his term expired, started when she was 15 and continued through last year. The Michigan police said they were investigating the allegations. Rebekah reportedly said she had kept everything secret for so long because she was too ashamed. Her husband Aaron publicly supported his wife and said he was not aware of his brother's alleged wrongdoings. Lee Chatfield admitted he had an affair with Rebekah but insists the sex was consensual.The 33-year-old Lee Chatfield served as the House Speaker in 2019-2020 and headed the delegation of seven Michigan GOP leaders who met with then-President Donald Trump at the White House.

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Sofia Chegodaeva

Sofia Chegodaeva

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Sofia Chegodaeva

us, abuse, rape
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/ex-pentagon-officer-biden-should-accept-russias-draft-security-agreements-as-basis-for-yalta-20-1092128161.html

Ex-Pentagon Officer: 'Biden Should Accept Russias Draft Security Agreements as Basis for Yalta 2.0'

Ex-Pentagon Officer: 'Biden Should Accept Russias Draft Security Agreements as Basis for Yalta 2.0'

Russia, the US and NATO are due to begin negotiations over Moscow's draft security agreements next week.

2022-01-09T10:22+0000

2022-01-09T10:22+0000

2022-01-09T10:22+0000

zbigniew brzezinski

world

us

russia

opinion

ukraine

vladimir putin

china

antony blinken

nato expansion

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A few days before the Russia-US and NATO-Russia Council talks over Moscow's security proposals, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on 7 January ruled out a halt to NATO's eastward expansion. Blinken specifically argued that NATO "never promised not to admit new members". Earlier, this year the US Secretary of State denounced the "spheres of influence" concept as a thing of the past.'Biden's Domestic Unpopularity is Behind Washington's Stern Rhetoric'Earlier this year, Pyne explained the rationale behind making "spheres of influence great again" in a series of op-eds for The National Interest (TNI). He also warned the Biden administration against taking on Russia and China amid the Pentagon's recent shift to "great power" competition.According to the former Pentagon officer, "Bidens domestic unpopularity could be behind his stern public rhetoric in opposition to certain elements of Russias security agreement, most of which appear to be reasonable."Russia's security proposals, which were handed over to Washington in mid-December 2021, envisage NATO non-expansion eastward; ban US military deployments in the post-Soviet space; prohibit installation of land-based intermediate- and short-range missiles in areas allowing parties to reach each other's territories; and require NATO to deploy no forces or weapons in countries that joined the alliance after May 1997, among other issues.Russia's Concerns About Ukraine's Militarisation are 'Justified'Pyne agrees that Russias concerns about the West sending military trainers and weapons to Ukraine for combat operations in the breakaway Donbass region are "well-justified."While Pyne insists that Ukraine's recent militarisation is "more of a response" to Crimea's 2014 re-unification with Russia, he believes that "Russias concerns for the rights of Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine and the Baltic republics are quite legitimate and must be fully addressed by the Western powers."Kiev's relations with NATO date back to the early 1990s and have since turned into a substantial partnership with the alliance, despite Ukraine's Declaration of Sovereignty of 16 July 1990 specifically stating that Ukraine has the "intention of becoming a permanently neutral state that does not participate in military blocs". Ukraine's drift to NATO considerably intensified after the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Euromaidan of February 2014, which resulted in the formation of pro-Western governments in the former Soviet republic.However, he deems that Russia should not be concerned about Ukraine's NATO membership, despite US Secretary of Defene Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Blinken claiming that the alliance's doors are open for both Kiev and Tbilisi."There have not been any serious discussions of Ukraine joining NATO for a long time," the EMP Task Force scholar emphasises. "While President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama supported the foolish idea of allowing Ukraine to join NATO, France and Germany vetoed it many years ago and it has since been considered a settled issue that Ukraine will not be allowed to join NATO."Yalta 2.0: Vision of the US Military ExpertIn his most recent article, "Negotiate Peace With Russia to Prevent War Over Ukraine", the former combat officer suggests that Moscow's security proposals are not entirely incompatible with US national security interests. In addition, Pyne outlines a whole set of potential quid pro quos between Russia, China and the US which, according to him, could lay the groundwork for sustaining peace.He goes even further by suggesting that it would be better for the cause of peace if the US were to leave NATO entirely, close its military bases in Europe and the Far East and withdraw its 200,000 forward deployed troops. However, such a US withdrawal from NATO would be conditional upon Russia ceasing its military-technical cooperation with China and leaving the Beijing-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), argues the EMP Task Force scholar. According to him, this quid-pro-quo would "serve to further establish an equitable balance of power between the US, Russia and China".The new structure, proposed by Pyne, envisages creating adjacent "spheres of influence" for the three major centres of power. Under this scenario, Russia, China and the US would provide each other with legally binding guarantees of not intervening militarily in any conflict within each other's sphere of influence.The former Pentagon officer argues that the plan would not only safeguard Washington's vital geopolitical interests but would also: halt further rapprochement between China and Russia which is at least partially driven by repeated US attempts to interfere in Russias and Chinas spheres of influence; prevent the US from overstretching itself; let the US to redistribute resources for long overdue military modernisaiton aimed at maintaining the nation's ability to defend itself against unconventional attack.The concept outlined by Pyne in some sense echoes the idea of "Big Three" voiced by former National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski in his November 2016 interview to MSNBC as well as the late geostrategist's warnings that a "grand coalition" between Russia and China would be a "dangerous scenario" for the US.

https://sputniknews.com/20211223/russia-is-back-moscow-wont-back-down-ending-era-of-nato-expansion-is-possible-observers-say-1091758619.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/why-has-ukraine-been-so-important-for-us-russia-policies-since-the-end-of-cold-war-1091394193.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211224/why-is-nato-in-denial-of-wests-non-expansion-vows--importance-of-russias-sphere-of-influence-1091782538.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211020/yalta-20-why-us-military-analysts-urge-biden-to-avoid-standoff-with-russia-china-at-all-costs-1090064167.html

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Ekaterina Blinova

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Ekaterina Blinova

zbigniew brzezinski, world, us, russia, opinion, ukraine, vladimir putin, china, antony blinken, nato expansion, security guarantees, nato, military build up
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/former-trump-un-envoy-feels-honoured-after-getting-added-to-irans-terror-listing-1092132858.html

Former Trump UN Envoy Feels Honoured After Getting Added to Irans Terror Listing

Former Trump UN Envoy Feels Honoured After Getting Added to Irans Terror Listing

The Islamic Republic sanctioned 51 senior former and current US officials on Saturday over their suspected role in the 2020 drone strike assassination of Qasem... 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T11:56+0000

2022-01-09T11:56+0000

2022-01-09T12:10+0000

sanctions

iran

terrorism

nikki haley

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Former Trump-era US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has expressed pride in being included among the dozens of US officials added to Irans terrorism sanctions listing.An absolute badge of honour, he added in a second tweet Sunday morning.Tit-for-Tat Terror SpatWorlds leading state sponsor of terror is a term often used by Haley and other members of the Trump administration to refer to the Islamic Republic, particularly following Donald Trumps decision to unilaterally withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. Tehran has dismissed the designation, with its officials suggesting that it was the US and its allies that have acted like terrorists in the region. In 2020, after the US State Department designated Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps a foreign terrorist organisation, Tehran responded by labelling the entire US military terrorists.The back-and-forth recriminations have lessened somewhat under the Biden administration as the White House has engaged Iran in negotiations in Vienna on a possible US return to the nuclear agreement.Haley served as US ambassador to the UN from 2017 to 2018 before leaving office to become a member of the board of directors at aerospace and defence giant Boeing.Irans sanctions, known as the Act on Countering Violations of Human Rights and Adventurist and Terrorist Actions of the United States of America in the Region, allow authorities to seize any assets the individuals in the listing may have in Iran, and are thus largely considered symbolic, given that the two countries have had no formal diplomatic relations for over forty years now.In a statement outlining the new restrictions, Irans foreign ministry specified that by committing the terrorist act [against Soleimani], the US government has clearly violated its international obligations in the field of countering terrorism and terrorist financing, in particular, refraining from organizing terrorist acts.Along with Haley, former Trump national security advisor Robert OBrien, current Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Mark Milley, United States Cyber Command chief Paul Nakasone, and others were added to the updated listing. Donald Trump, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, former national security advisor John Bolton, and former CIA director Gina Haspel were designated earlier.Iran marked the second anniversary of Soleimanis assassination on 3 January. The commander  who served as an advisor to the Iraqi and Syrian militaries and Iraqi anti-terror militias in the fight against Daesh (ISIS)*, al-Qaeda* and other terrorist groups, was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad, Iraq in January 2020 during a diplomatic mission aimed at easing regional tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia.* Terrorist groups outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputniknews.com/20220108/iran-slaps-dozens-of-sanctions-on-us-citizens-including-top-military-brass-1092114273.html

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Ilya Tsukanov

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Ilya Tsukanov

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https://sputniknews.com/20220109/head-of-prominent-muslim-sect-reportedly-advised-alleged-victim-to-drop-rape-accusations-1092134891.html

Head of Prominent Muslim Sect Reportedly Advised Alleged Victim to 'Drop' Rape Accusations

Head of Prominent Muslim Sect Reportedly Advised Alleged Victim to 'Drop' Rape Accusations

A spokesman for the sect's head reportedly insisted that the allegation in question has been and continues to be taken extremely seriously. 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T15:00+0000

2022-01-09T15:00+0000

2022-01-09T15:00+0000

muslim

allegations

rape

sect

uk

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Mirza Masroor Ahmad, head of the Muslim Ahmadi sect that has some 30,000 followers in Britain and which constructed the biggest mosque in the country, has been accused of trying to suppress rape allegations involving some members of his flock, The Mail on Sunday reports.This development comes after a recording of what appears to be a lengthy phone call between Ahmad and the alleged victim  a 36-year old woman who is also a member of the Ahmadi sect  surfaced online.In the recording, the imam can reportedly be heard suggesting that the woman should drop allegations of being raped by her father and three other members of the sect in the UK and the Pakistani city of Rabwah, the "spiritual headquarters" of the sect.The imam erroneously argued that four witnesses would be required for the accuser to prove a rape claim, the newspaper notes, but the woman retorted: "You are not the supreme head of the British Government, no British court will accept your stance."The newspaper points out, however, that a spokesman for the imam said that the allegation has been and continues to be taken extremely seriously."

https://sputniknews.com/20220109/ex-michigan-house-speakers-sister-in-law-accuses-him-of-raping-her-for-over-decade-1092130301.html

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Andrei Dergalin

Andrei Dergalin

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https://sputniknews.com/20220109/irgc-quds-force-chief-us-may-face-revenge-for-soleimanis-assassination-at-home---report-1092123026.html

IRGC Quds Force Chief: US May Face Revenge For Soleimanis Assassination at Home - Report

IRGC Quds Force Chief: US May Face Revenge For Soleimanis Assassination at Home - Report

IRGC Quds Force Chief: US May Face Revenge For Soleimanis Assassination at Home

2022-01-09T01:28+0000

2022-01-09T01:28+0000

2022-01-09T01:28+0000

middle east

revenge

irans revolutionary guards (irgc)

esmail ghaani

us-iran crisis after soleimani assassination, missile attack

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Esmail Qaani, commander of the elite Revolutionary Guard Quds Force and Soleimani's successor, says that Iran is still determined to retaliate for Soleimanis death and the "ground for hard revenge" would come from the inside.Qaani called on the US to act wise and to prosecute those who participated in the assassination of the general before the "children of the Resistance Front take the matter in their own hands and take revenge from the Americans by themselves.On 8 January, Iranian authorities imposed sanctions on 51 American citizens involved in the operation. All of them were said to participate in the decision-making, planning, organisation, financing, support, as well as in the leadership or implementation of the terrorist act."Among the officials are Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM) Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., and former National Security Adviser Robert C. O'Brien.Among other things voiced by Iranian officials on the anniversary, was another call to put former President Trump on trial and punish him in accordance with Gods command, as well as other individuals responsible for Soleimanis death.What Does Iran Mean by Revenge?According to several statements made by top Iranian officials, the revenge they refer to is mainly believed to be a gradual reduction of US influence in the Middle East, which is already taking place. Earlier on Saturday, Consul General of Iran in Afghanistan Majid Sadeghi Davlatabadi noted that Soleimani has become the cause of the US defeat in Iraq and Afghanistan.According to IRGC Spokesman Ramezan Sharif, the first recompense that the Americans must pay for the assassination of Martyr Soleimani is to leave the region in humiliation.Just as the Americans left Afghanistan with humiliation, they must leave other regional countries, he said.Before and After the AssassinationOn 3 January 2020, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) General Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force, was assassinated in a targeted US drone strike while his car was departing the Baghdad International Airport, a move directly approved by then-US President Donald Trump.The latter claimed that IRGC forces, led by Soleimani, attacked a US military base in Kirkuk, Iraq, and planned to storm four US embassies some days earlier. Later, then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he never saw evidence of a threat against the embassies.The operation of 3 January exacerbated US-Iranian relations, which were already particularly strained under the Trump administration after the latter decided to withdraw from the nuclear deal (also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and reestablish a harsh sanctions regime.The operation stirred up a great turmoil in the region, with Tehran responding by launching missile attacks on two US military bases in Iraq - the Ayn al-Assad base and the Erbil airbase - attacks that subsequently led to traumatic brain injuries of some 100 American soldiers.Tehran repeatedly denounced the operation as a flagrant violation of international law. At the same time, the assassination had sparked further speculation of a possible military strike by Tehran, as many high-ranking Iranian officials pledged to avenge Soleimanis death.Tehran also stressed that it would be Iran who would determine the time and place for retaliation. On last years anniversary of his assassination, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif promised that Tehran would "not rest" until it brings the people responsible for his killing to justice.Debates over Trump's controversial decision continue unabated not only among the main political forces in the region, but also in the US. Many analysts found the decision to eliminate the mighty Iranian general tactically successful, but disproportionate in regard to the threat he posed. Some reports speculated that the option to kill Soleimani was only one among many presented to Trump so as to induce him to exercise more restraint.The action was not only recognized as unlawful by the UN, but also criticized inside the US, with some lawmakers saying that the administration had no credible proof of a potential threat.*Daesh (IS/ISIS) a terrorist organization banned in Russian and many other countries

https://sputniknews.com/20220102/watch-iraqi-protesters-trample-burn-us-and-israeli-flags-ahead-of-anniversary-of-soleimanis-death-1091976588.html

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Alexandra Kashirina

Alexandra Kashirina

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Alexandra Kashirina

middle east, revenge, irans revolutionary guards (irgc), esmail ghaani , us-iran crisis after soleimani assassination, missile attack
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/knighthood-for-tony-blair-outrageous-says-mother-of-one-of-first-uk-soldiers-killed-in-iraq-war-1092125469.html

Knighthood for Tony Blair 'Outrageous', Says Mother of One of First UK Soldiers Killed in Iraq War

Knighthood for Tony Blair 'Outrageous', Says Mother of One of First UK Soldiers Killed in Iraq War

Ex-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair's knighthood should be rescinded, the mother of one of the first British soldiers killed in the Iraq War has been quoted as saying.

2022-01-09T05:31+0000

2022-01-09T05:31+0000

2022-01-09T06:53+0000

tony blair

iraq war

uk

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Ex-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair's knighthood should be rescinded, the mother of one of the first British soldiers killed in the Iraq War has been quoted by the Daily Mail as saying.Tony Blair was given the knighthood - the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry, founded in 1348 by Edward III - as the New Year's Honours were awarded. A seemingly routine event in line with the tradition of honouring ex-Prime Ministers by the Queen, with appointments to the Garter bestowed as a personal gift by the monarch, fuelled a backlash.Marion Chapman, whose son, Sergeant Steve Roberts, a tank commander, was shot at a checkpoint on 24 March 2003, has slammed the decision to make Blair a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter as outrageous.It had later been revealed that due to shortages, Sergeant Roberts was ordered to hand over his armoured vest to another unit just three days before the friendly-fire incident that claimed his life.Roberts died just four days after British troops invaded southern Iraq in 2003, and was one of 2,000 British soldiers who were forced to go into battle without armour. A subsequent inquiry into the Iraq War by Sir John Chilcot revealed that at the time the UK government was so eager to join the US coalition-led invasion of Iraq that its military didn't have enough time to source all the required equipment.The then-British Prime Minister had taken a decision to participate in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, arguing that the Saddam Hussein government possessed an active weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programme. The latter fact was subsequently proven false, as no stockpiles of WMDs or an active WMD programme were ever found in Iraq.Last week, relatives of fallen British troops vowed to hand back Elizabeth Crosses, received by them as next of kin of those killed in action, in protest over the knighthood.In a letter to the British monarch, several mothers pleaded with the Queen to overturn her decision, saying in their open letter:These sentiments have been echoed by over a million people who have signed a petition to have Tony Blair, who held the keys to Downing Street between 1997 and 2007, stripped of the knighthood.The petition, which has no legal force, was started by actor and presenter Angus Scott on the change.org website. It slammed ex-Labour leader Tony Blair of having "caused irreparable damage to both the constitution of the United Kingdom and to the very fabric of the nation's society" during his tenure."He was personally responsible for causing the death of countless innocent, civilian lives and servicemen in various conflicts. For this alone he should be held accountable for war crimes," reads the petition. It adds:The nature of the knighthood, conferred on New Years Eve by the Queen, with no involvement by the government, is such that the Honours Forfeiture Committee cannot recommend its removal.Of the other four living former prime ministers, only Sir John Major has received a knighthood-level honour.In response to the barrage of criticism, Downing Street has said that every prime minister before Blair had received the same honour. Government minister Maggie Throup told LBC Radio that Blair did lots of good things.I think its only right that we do honour our previous prime ministers, she stated.I dont think its a thorny issue at all for me, I think Tony Blair deserves the honour, current Labour Leader Keir Starmer told ITV, underscoring that the ex-PM had won three elections, he was a very successful prime minister.

https://sputniknews.com/20220107/a-million-people-sign-petition-to-strip-tony-blair-of-knighthood-1092097549.html

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Svetlana Ekimenko

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Svetlana Ekimenko

tony blair, iraq war, uk
Over 160 Foreigners Taken to Police in Kazakh Capital to Verify Legitimacy of Their Stay

More than 160 foreign citizens have been detained in the Kazakh capital of Nur-Sultan while the police check the legality of their presence in the city, the police said on Sunday.



Local police inspectors are checking rented apartments, housing and hostels.



"161 foreign individuals were brought to the police station for checking the legality of their stay in the capital," the capital police said in a statement posted on Instagram.
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/mastermind-of-sulli-deals-app-listing-muslim-women-for-auction-arrested-in-india-1092126161.html

Mastermind of 'Sulli Deals' App Listing Muslim Women for Auction Arrested in India

Mastermind of 'Sulli Deals' App Listing Muslim Women for Auction Arrested in India

On 4 July 2021, photos of over 90 Indian Muslim women, including prominent journalists, activists, analysts, artists, and researchers, were stolen from their... 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T07:57+0000

2022-01-09T07:57+0000

2022-01-09T07:57+0000

india

muslim

auction

arrest

women

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The Special Cell of Delhi Police on Sunday arrested the creator and mastermind of the Sulli Deals mobile app, Aumkareshwar Thakur, 25, in Indore, a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, for allegedly targeting Muslim women and auctioning them online as the "deal of the day". After six months, the Sulli Deals scandal once again made headlines last week, after a similar app, 'Bulli Bai', targeted hundreds of Muslim women. The affected women took to social media, demanding strict action against those responsible. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) KPS Malhotra of Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO), said that Aumkareshwar Thakur was arrested after he admitted during preliminary interrogation that he was a member of a group on Twitter where the idea to defame Muslim women was shared.The officer told Indian media that Thakur is the main creator of the app who developed the code on the GitHub hosting platform and gave all members of the group access to the code. He also made posts about the app on his Twitter account.Thakur entered the cross hairs of the Delhi police after they arrested Bulli Bai app creator Niraj Bishnoi, 21, on 6 January in the state of Assam.Bishnoi, who confessed to being a hacker since the age of 15 and has hacked various websites of schools and universities in India as well as Pakistan, revealed that he was in touch with the creator of 'Sulli Deals'.Police told Indian media that Bishnoi is highly radicalised. He accepted responsibility for his crime and has "no remorse".The Mumbai Cyber Police, who are also investigating the Bulli Bai case, earlier arrested an engineering student named Vishal Kumar Jha, 21, in Bengaluru, Karnataka state; as well as a 19-year-old girl, Shweta Singh, and a science student named Mayank Rawal, 21, in the state of Uttarakhand.

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Sangeeta Yadav https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e4/08/1b/1080292803_0:121:960:1081_100x100_80_0_0_7490b319dab9611e309056b177265184.jpg

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india, muslim, auction, arrest, women
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/more-than-20-armed-people-arrested-in-kazakh-almaty-region-police-say-1092130632.html

More Than 20 Armed People Arrested in Kazakh Almaty Region, Police Say

More Than 20 Armed People Arrested in Kazakh Almaty Region, Police Say

More than 20 armed people have been arrested in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, with 40 weapons seized

2022-01-09T09:47+0000

2022-01-09T09:47+0000

2022-01-09T09:47+0000

asia & pacific

kazakhstan

csto

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"In the Almaty region, more than 20 persons were arrested, from whom 40 weapons were seized," the department said in a statement published on Telegram.According to the police, seized weaponry contains 25 Makarov pistols, five Kalashnikov assault rifles, rifles and sawed-off shotguns. In addition, 500 rounds of various calibers were seized.A wave of protests swept across Kazakhstan earlier this week, following a sharp rise in gas prices. Despite the government's attempts to quell the discontent and promises to bring the prices down, protests turned violent and descended into clashes with law enforcement officers in several regions.The government declared a state of emergency until 19 January. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev asked for the Collective Security Treaty Organization's (CSTO) assistance, which was granted. CSTO peacekeepers were sent to Kazakhstan.The Kazakh president said Friday that there were still militants who continued resistance and pledged to fight those who do not lay down the arms. At the same time, Tokayev has said that the government had reached a compromise with peaceful protesters on urgent social and economic issues.

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asia & pacific, kazakhstan, csto
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/moscow-csto-allies-worked-in-sync-at-critical-moment-for-kazakhstan-1092135707.html

Moscow: CSTO Allies Worked in Sync at Critical Moment for Kazakhstan

Moscow: CSTO Allies Worked in Sync at Critical Moment for Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan requested assistance from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) at a critical moment and received a well-coordinated and timely response, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

2022-01-09T15:40+0000

2022-01-09T15:40+0000

2022-01-12T12:17+0000

protests in kazakhstan

russia

kazakhstan

csto

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e6/01/0c/1092203508_16:0:2443:1365_1920x0_80_0_0_2dba52f99e3b6332ae345b0e7916226b.jpg

"At a critical moment ... the President of Kazakhstan used legitimate procedures," Zakharova said as aired by Russian Rossiya 1 broadcaster, adding that CSTO states gave a timely and unanimous response.Earlier on Sunday, the head of the CSTO mission in the country, Col. Gen. Andrey Serdyukov said that the peacekeeping mission of the organisation completed relocation to Kazakhstan.A wave of protests swept across Kazakhstan earlier this week, following a sharp rise in gas prices. Despite the government's attempts to quell the discontent and promises to bring the prices down, protests turned violent and descended into clashes with law enforcement officers in several regions.The government declared a state of emergency until 19 January. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev asked for the Collective Security Treaty Organization's (CSTO) assistance, which was granted. CSTO peacekeepers were sent to Kazakhstan.

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russia, kazakhstan, csto
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/prince-andrews-legal--pr-costs-reportedly-skyrocket-to-nearly-3-million-in-sexual-assault-case-1092125421.html

Prince Andrew's Legal & PR Costs Reportedly Skyrocket to Nearly $3 Million in Sexual Assault Case

Prince Andrew's Legal & PR Costs Reportedly Skyrocket to Nearly $3 Million in Sexual Assault Case

Virginia Giuffre, a "sex slave" working for late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has claimed that she had sex with the Duke of York on three occasions, including... 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T06:26+0000

2022-01-09T06:26+0000

2022-01-09T06:26+0000

uk

queen elizabeth ii

ghislaine maxwell

lawsuit

prince andrew

jeffrey epstein

sexual assault

legal team

virginia roberts giuffre

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Prince Andrew's legal and PR costs have soared to nearly $3 million as the royal is engaged in a battle against Virginia Giuffre, an American woman who has claimed that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein trafficked her to the Duke of York, according to the Sunday Times.Queen Elizabeths second son's costs are spiralling with high-profile attorneys, who have represented a plethora of celebrities in sex assault cases, including comedian Bill Cosby and actor Armie Hammer.Prince Andrew's legal team in England is said to include Clare Montgomery, a leading expert on extradition law who once defended Augusto Pinochet, and Stephen Ferguson, who represented the Adams Family crime syndicate in the UK. According to the Times, Gary Bloxsome, a solicitor advocate dubbed Good News, Gary is also part of the duke's team.As for the United States, the prince has reportedly hired top Hollywood lawyer Andrew Brettler, an attorney for 'Sex And The City' actor Chris Noth, currently facing his own accusations of sexual assault from several women.Prince Andrew, ninth in line to the throne, is believed to be selling a Swiss chalet that he purchased in 2014 with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson for over $23 million, in a bid to cover his skyrocketing legal costs. Meanwhile, The Telegraph cited several sources as claiming that Queen Elizabeth II could be asked to fund her son's potential settlement with Giuffre. The payoff could exceed 5 million ($6.7 million), an amount that the prince is likely to be unable to fork out on his own.Virginia Giuffre, now 38, claims she was forced into an intimate relationship with Prince Andrew on at least three occasions. The American woman, who currently resides in Australia, said that back in 2001, when she was 17, she was trafficked to London by Jeffrey Epstein and his "pimp" Ghislaine Maxwell. There, she was forced to have sex with the Duke of York. The royal has strongly denied the accusation, insisting that he had no recollection of ever meeting the woman.At least two people claim to have witnessed the prince with the young Giuffre - at a London nightclub and on Epstein's private island. A third witness in the Ghislaine Maxwell trial has claimed that Giuffre told her about the alleged sexual intercourse with Prince Andrew and showed a photograph depicting the two together.In August 2021, Guiffre filed a civil lawsuit against the prince in a New York federal court, accusing him of sexual assault and demanding an unspecified amount in damages. The duke's legal team is now fighting to have the lawsuit thrown out, citing a recently unsealed settlement she had reached with Epstein, under which the convicted sex offender paid her $500,000. In exchange, she agreed to forfeit the right to sue any "other person or entity who could have been included as a potential defendant".

https://sputniknews.com/20220108/chip-in-ma-queen-could-be-asked-to-fund-prince-andrews-settlement-with-accuser-media-says-1092117828.html

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uk, queen elizabeth ii, ghislaine maxwell, lawsuit, prince andrew, jeffrey epstein, sexual assault, legal team, virginia roberts giuffre
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/russia-has-not-been-thrown-off-balance-by-us-tough-position-on-security-guarantees-moscow-says-1092135168.html

Moscow Won't Stoop to Discussing NATO Demands on 'De-escalation Measures' on Russia's Own Territory

Moscow Won't Stoop to Discussing NATO Demands on 'De-escalation Measures' on Russia's Own Territory

The Russian Foreign Ministry laid down publicly a pair of security proposals to the US and NATO which Moscow believes could ease tensions considerably and end... 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T14:42+0000

2022-01-09T14:42+0000

2022-01-09T15:51+0000

security

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0c/11/1091602305_0:297:3078:2028_1920x0_80_0_0_10a39823a9327797eef07a612412f7e4.jpg

Russia is not prepared to discuss with the US and NATO any demands for 'deescalation measures' on its own territory in the course of the upcoming security talks, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said.Russia has not been thrown off balance by the "tough" position set by the US and its NATO allies ahead of this week's security talks, Ryabkov added."The US position is quite tough; by all indications it has interlocked completely with the position which our neighbours in the West, and the one our direct neighbours from the so-called Bucharest Nine group of countries have been working out over the past weeks," Ryabkov said, referring to the group of nine Eastern European and Baltic country members of NATO ringing Russia's western frontiers."And of course, the NATO Secretariat is adding fire -sometimes burning with fire on this subject. But we have seen worse and this does not throw us off balance. We will explain persistently our logic and present arguments in support of our position," the diplomat added.The senior diplomat, who arrived in Geneva Sunday for the upcoming Russia-US, Russia-NATO and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe talks this week, also emphasized that any agreements reached between the two sides must be legally binding, and stressed that there would be no problems on the ratification of any treaties from the Russian side.Although many of the proposed security treaties' articles would be mutually observable, it would be up to the West to unilaterally reject further eastward expansion of NATO, and eliminate the existing military infrastructure it has established in the post-Soviet space, Ryabkov said."Even a layman understands that demanding concessions from Russia in a situation where NATO has been striving throughout the past decades to 'drive back' our country and turn it - if not into a subordinate, then at least to a secondary role in European and international politics - and to do so with direct damage to our security, will no longer work. This is all in the past," he said. "NATO needs to collect up its belongings and go back to the borders of 1997," Ryabkov added, referring to the alliance's frontiers as they stood before the bloc began to incorporate countries in Eastern Europe.The diplomat stressed that the Russian side is not "naive" enough to believe that a clarification of the position of the two sides will lead to immediate progress on the security proposals. Instead, he said, he would like "to get a clearer idea of what kind of leeway in positions our colleagues in Washington have. That's why we have come to Geneva. Leeway on the issues of interest to us, in the first place," he said."For us, a positive result would be a non-rejection of the set of priorities which we have formulated - and readiness to continue working on them," Ryabkov explained.Twin TreatiesThe Russian Foreign Ministry published two draft proposals on security guarantees between Russia, the US and NATO in mid-December. The proposed agreement between Russia and the US calls on both countries not to deploy forces and missiles in areas where they might be perceived as a threat to one another's national security, limits on the deployment of intermediate and shorter-range missiles, and a halt to NATO's eastward expansion.The second treaty, between Russia and NATO, similarly proposes a halt in the Western bloc's expansion, including the explicit request that Ukraine not be allowed to join the alliance. It also sets limits on the deployment of weapons and troops by NATO members to the alliance's eastern frontiers, except in exceptional circumstances and with Russia's agreement. The agreement calls for an explicit affirmation by both sides that they do not consider one another as adversaries.Russian officials have stressed that the agreements should be "evaluated in their totality" and not seen as a "menu, where it is possible to pick and choose" individual components one side happens to like.No Breakthroughs ExpectedSpeaking to US media on the Sunday morning news circuit, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN and ABC News that he does not expect "any breakthroughs" at the upcoming talks, with the negotiations instead providing an opportunity to discuss Russia's apprehensions about NATO, "as well as address many concerns about Russia's conduct in Europe."Blinken suggested that the scale of NATO drills could be up for discussion, but that troop numbers are not. He also suggested that "there may be grounds for renewing" the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which Washington unilaterally scrapped in 2019 under Donald Trump.

https://sputniknews.com/20220109/us-penning-punishing-sanctions-against-russia-in-case-of-invasion-of-ukraine---report-1092122855.html

https://sputniknews.com/20190402/gorbachev-nato-expansion-reasons-1073764558.html

https://sputniknews.com/20220107/reports-that-us-ready-to-discuss-pulling-back-troops-from-eastern-europe-not-accurate---state-dept-1092102629.html

https://sputniknews.com/20220107/stoltenberg-nato-wont-compromise-on-principle-of-accepting-any-country-into-bloc--1092097941.html

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Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

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Ilya Tsukanov

security
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/russia-will-not-bow-to-us-pressure-or-make-any-concessions-deputy-fm-says-ahead-of-geneva-meeting-1092126786.html

Russia Will Not Bow to US Pressure or Make Any Concessions, Deputy FM Says Ahead of Geneva Meeting

Russia Will Not Bow to US Pressure or Make Any Concessions, Deputy FM Says Ahead of Geneva Meeting

Russia and the United States are set to hold talks on strategic stability in Geneva, Switzerland on 10 January, followed by a meeting of the NATO-Russia... 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T06:35+0000

2022-01-09T06:35+0000

2022-01-09T10:41+0000

world

russia

ukraine

us

security

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Russia will not give in to US pressure or make any concessions ahead of the Geneva talks set for 10 January, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Rybakov has told Sputnik. The diplomat stressed that Moscow is "very disappointed" by signals from Washington and Brussels ahead of the meeting on the security guarantees proposed by Russia last month.In a nutshell, they reflect a lack of understanding of what we need. And we need legal guarantees, legal guarantees that NATO will not expand further; elimination of everything that the alliance has created driven by anti-Russian phobias and all sorts of misconceptions about the essence of Russian policy since 1997," Ryabkov explained.The deputy foreign minister lamented the fact that the United States is continuing to insist that Moscow make unilateral concessions, and said that Russia is not optimistic about the forthcoming talks.The unilateral approach promoted by the US and NATO cannot serve as a basis for the discussion on security guarantees, Ryabkov added.He stressed that Moscow's main goal in Geneva is to discuss the non-expansion of NATO and the non-deployment of offensive weapons near Russia's borders.The US-Russia strategic stability dialogue may not go into another day if Washington ignores Moscow's interests, Ryabkov said. "If we start beating about the bush and see no sign that the other side is ready to recognise our priorities and respond to them constructively there will be no point in talking," the Russian deputy foreign minister added. Security ProposalsThe security guarantee talks will be held in three formats: between Russia and the US in Geneva on 10 January, followed by a Russia-NATO Council meeting on 12 January, and Russia-OSCE consultations on 13 January. Ryabkov will face off with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Geneva to discuss Russia's security proposals for the US and NATO. Moscow wants legally-binding guarantees from the military alliance that it will not expand eastward.In the lead-up to the security talks in Geneva, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US and Germany believe Russia's actions in Eastern Europe pose "an immediate challenge" to stability in the region.At the same time, Blinken claimed that the US remained ready to resolve the issues via diplomacy, stressing that if Russia is serious about de-escalating tensions, the United States could take steps to build greater confidence and address the issues, even though some of them will take time.NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also asserted that the alliance will not compromise during the talks with Russia on its basic principle that any country may choose its own defence alliances.In mid-December, the Russian Foreign Ministry laid out two comprehensive drafts of agreements on security guarantees between Russia, the United States, and NATO.In these proposals, Russia suggests that the US commit to not setting up military bases in former Soviet republics that are not NATO members and refrain from expanding the alliance further to the east.The proposals also stipulate the creation of "hotlines" for emergency contacts between the parties, among others.The proposals were made against the background of Western accusations that Russia has been ramping up its military presence near the Ukrainian border, and that it was preparing to "invade" the country. Moscow has strongly denied the accusations, arguing that it has the right to relocate troops within its territory at its own discretion. Russia also emphasised that NATO's military activity near its borders pose a threat to the countrys security.

https://sputniknews.com/20211226/putin-says-russia-has-different-options-in-response-to-nato-eastward-expansion-1091810475.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211230/russia-will-seek-firm-security-guarantees-from-us-during-geneva-talks-on-10-january-1091909030.html

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world, russia, ukraine, us, security
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/saudi-arabia-reportedly-asks-neighbours-for-munitions-pending-us-approval-of-patriot-sales-1092130427.html

Saudi Arabia Reportedly Asks Neighbours for Munitions Pending US Approval of Patriot Sales

Saudi Arabia Reportedly Asks Neighbours for Munitions Pending US Approval of Patriot Sales

Saudi Arabia has asked neighbours for loans of interceptor missiles as it struggles to fend off Houthi strikes, pending US approval of Patriot missile sales, media said Sunday.

2022-01-09T09:34+0000

2022-01-09T09:34+0000

2022-01-09T09:34+0000

yemen

saudi arabia

us

patriot missile system

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The Gulf monarchy sources most of its weapons from the United States but its involvement in the Yemeni war and the killing of a Saudi dissident journalist in 2018 was met with bipartisan criticism in the US, leading to a thorny approval process."There is an interceptor shortage. Saudi Arabia has asked its friends for loans, but there are not many to be had," the Financial Times quoted a source with the knowledge of talks between Riyadh and its neighbours.A senior US source told the daily that Washington approved of these negotiations, which they said might be "the faster alternative" to getting interceptors directly from the US.Saudi Arabia has been under a relentless drone-and-rocket attack by Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen since it sent warplanes to bomb their positions in support of the internationally-recognised Yemeni government.

yemen

saudi arabia

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yemen, saudi arabia, us, patriot missile system
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/sputnik-kazakhstan-journo-points-to-main-error-in-wests-media-coverage-of-situation-in-her-country-1092137277.html

Sputnik Kazakhstan Journo Points to Main Error in Wests Media Coverage of Situation in Her Country

Sputnik Kazakhstan Journo Points to Main Error in Wests Media Coverage of Situation in Her Country

Kazakhstan was thrust into the centre of global media attention in the first week of the new year amid protests, riots, and mass unrest across the country... 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T18:06+0000

2022-01-09T18:06+0000

2022-01-09T18:41+0000

kazakhstan

protests in kazakhstan

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Kazakhstans journalistic community is continuing its examination of the events that have unfolded in the Central Asian nation in recent days, and there are some elementary facts, which media from other countries need to understand before rushing to conclusions on the types of harsh measures being taken by authorities to put down unrest, Sputnik Kazakhstan producer Aizhan Nurgazinova says.A particularly hot topic for discussion in the Western press has included Fridays notice by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev that lethal force would be applied without warning against violent demonstrators. The Wall Street Journal called the order a signal of a broader crackdown against opponentsbacked by Russian troops. The Washington Post, meanwhile, lamented that the order appeared to signal that there would be no negotiations with protesters. CNN, meanwhile, went with the macabre headline Kazakhstan leader gives kill without warning order, as bodies lie in the streets to describe events.People want this lawlessness to end as quickly as possible, for these sleepless nights to end, because we all worry about our country, about security in our country, and want to return to a normal life  the ordinary peaceful life that we knew all these past decades. Basically, everyone we communicate with from other regions is worried  everyone is worried and wants peace to be restored in our country. Nobody wants to see what has been happening these last days to continue, she stressed.Peaceful Meetings Yes, Armed Mobs NoAccording to Nurgazinova, the peaceful protests which began on 2 January, when demonstrators took to the streets to protest a two-fold jump in fuel prices and other social problems were quickly commandeered by mysterious armed and highly organised groups of young men who began attacking law enforcement.Everyone understands that the peaceful rallies that began after the New Year came to an end long agoThe authorities heard them. Measures have been taken to reduce the price of gas, the governments resignation has been accepted. It seemed that the main socio-economic demands of the peaceful protesters were agreed upon and everything would end there. But suddenly completely different strata appeared from somewhere and, hiding behind peaceful protesters at first, began to provoke aggression, and then began to act openly and violently, the journalist said.I also wanted to add that, as our correspondents have reported, yesterday and today in other regions where peaceful gatherings continue in the squares, hundreds of people are gathering, and no one is using any force against themYes, the authorities are urging them to disperse in light of the curfew thats been declared, but even at night they are there and no one touches them. They talk, eat, someone sings songs. In general, when things are calm there they themselves sit calmly and continue their meetings, Nurgazinova said.Commenting on the situation in Almaty  the former capital and Kazakhstans largest city, which has seen some of the biggest violence anywhere in the country, Nurgazinova said that there are still many questions left unanswered.Nurgazinova stressed that throughout the violence and unrest, and notwithstanding problems with internet and phone communications, Sputnik Kazakhstans journalists in Almaty and other regions have continued to do their work, to cover the situation  to provide stories and videos or even become witnesses to events themselves as they unfolded.At least 164 people, including 16 members of law enforcement have been killed, and over 1,300 police, army, and national guard troops injured over the past week of violence, according to Kazakh authorities. The Ministry of Internal Affairs estimates that over 100 stores and banks have suffered 87 billion tenge (about $200 million) in damage, and over 5,100 have been arrested  134 on suspicion of major offences.In response to the protests, President Tokayev fired the government, took former longtime president Nursultan Nazarbayevs post as head of the Security Council, and called on Kazakhstans allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization to help overcome the terrorist threat posed to his country by organized rioters and terrorists with suspected foreign backing. Around 3,000 Russian troops and additional forces from Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan arrived in the country beginning 6 January, with their mission said to be to guard major government and military facilities, but not engage protesters and rioters directly.Russian officials and media have expressed concerns that the events in Kazakhstan may constitute an attempted colour revolution by Western powers or some other unknown forces.

https://sputniknews.com/20220109/live-updates-csto-peacekeepers-standing-guard-at-vital-kazakh-facilities-russian-mod-says-1092124837.html

https://sputniknews.com/20220109/kazakhstans-minister-of-internal-affairs-details-high-level-of-organization-among-rioters-1092134518.html

https://sputniknews.com/20220109/man-detained-in-almaty-admits-unknown-people-paid-him-200-to-partake-in-kazakh-protests---video-1092126018.html

https://sputniknews.com/20220109/moscow-csto-allies-worked-in-sync-at-critical-moment-for-kazakhstan-1092135707.html

kazakhstan

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

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Ilya Tsukanov

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kazakhstan
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/swiss-army-bans-use-of-whatsapp--telegram-by-soldiers-on-duty-1092138339.html

Swiss Army Bans Use of WhatsApp & Telegram by Soldiers on Duty

Swiss Army Bans Use of WhatsApp & Telegram by Soldiers on Duty

The Swiss army is reportedly going to cover the cost of downloading the messenger that soldiers are now expected to use instead of the banned apps. 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T19:03+0000

2022-01-09T19:03+0000

2022-01-09T19:03+0000

europe

switzerland

army

messenger application

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Soldiers in the Swiss Army have been banned from using messaging apps WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal while on duty. According to AFP, Swiss army commanders and chiefs of staff were advised in December via an email from headquarters to ensure their troops switch to Threema, a Swiss-based messaging service.The Swiss Army is also expected to cover cost of downloading Threema, which amounts to four Swiss francs (about $4.35).

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Andrei Dergalin

Andrei Dergalin

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Andrei Dergalin

europe, switzerland, army, messenger application
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/us-penning-punishing-sanctions-against-russia-in-case-of-invasion-of-ukraine---report-1092122855.html

US Penning Punishing Sanctions Against Russia in Case of 'Invasion of Ukraine - Report

US Penning Punishing Sanctions Against Russia in Case of 'Invasion of Ukraine - Report

Western media, along with politicians, have been fanning fears of an allegedly impending Russian "invasion" of Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly rejected the... 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T03:13+0000

2022-01-09T03:13+0000

2022-01-09T03:13+0000

us

russia

ukraine

sanctions

ukraine crisis

us-ukraine relations

us sanctions

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The Biden administration and its allies are putting together a slew of financial, technology and military sanctions against Russia, which they claim will take effect within hours of an alleged invasion of Ukraine, The New York Times reported on Saturday ahead of the Russia-US and Russia-NATO talks scheduled for next week.According to the US officials cited in the report, the aim of such measures is based on the hopes of demonstrating to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the "price" of the decision to move troops across the border would cost the country too much. However, aside from the fact that Russia has categorically rejected assumptions about an impending attack, the officials and experts interviewed by the outlet apparently admit that the applied and considered sanctions are unlikely to have the desired impact on Russia.According to the report, cutting off Russia's largest financial institutions from global transactions, imposing an embargo on American-made or American-designed technology needed for defense-related and consumer industries, and arming insurgents in Ukraine to fight a guerrilla war against Russian military occupation, are among the plans the US has discussed with allies in recent days. And by sharing the options on the table, Biden administration officials reportedly hope to signal to Putin the possible consequences, in the hopes of influencing his decisions.According to The NYT sources, the reason for the development of the unprecedented sanctions is the fear of the Americans that after the negotiations Russians will suddenly announce that their security concerns have not been addressed, and that the failure of the talks would be used as justification for military action.US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated Friday that "no one should be surprised if Russia instigates a provocation or incident," as it will try "to use it to justify military intervention, hoping that by the time the world realizes the ruse, itll be too late."According to the report, the administration's recent review of the policies and sanctions against Russia concluded that, while Obama-era sanctions somewhat harmed the country's economy and caused a sell-off of its currency, they failed to achieve their main strategic goal of changing its political course.One unnamed senior aide to Biden, asked by the NYT whether he could point to any evidence that the Russians were deterred by recent sanctions, said: "No, none."Sanctions Have 'Very Poor Coercive Track Record'Still, officials reportedly declined to specify whether the US was willing to cut Russia off from the SWIFT system, which connects over 1,100 institutions in 200 countries to process global financial transactions - a threat that has been in the air for several years.Earlier this week, Cynthia Roberts, a political science professor at Hunter College, speaking at the Center for the National Interest seminar for experts on tensions in Ukraine, pointed out that Russia has learned a lot about "global sanctions-proofing," and she doubted that the country would suffer as much as American authorities claim if it was cut off from SWIFT."They would definitely take a big hit," she noted while adding, however, that it would likely be temporary. She emphasized that Russia has hundreds of billions of dollars in gold and dollar reserves, owns its government debt and has a good credit balance, and that the Bank of China had joined Russia's own version of SWIFT. As a result, it is possible that Russia and China will join forces to assist Moscow in dodging Western pressure as part of their growing cooperation, according to Roberts.More to that, Roberts reiterated her estimate from the December article published in the National Interest magazine that "sanctions have a very poor coercive track record," especially when it comes to Russia and its peculiarities of politics and economics.US Seeks Broader Sanctions, Proxy War in UkraineAccording to NYT sources, one of the options being developed in Washington is the Commerce Department's ruling that effectively bans the shipment of any consumer items to Russia that contain American-made or American-designed electronics, ranging from cellphones and laptop computers to refrigerators and washing machines. This would include not only American producers, but also European, South Korean, and other foreign manufacturers who employ American chips or software.Meanwhile, the Pentagon is reportedly working on strategies of Cold War-era proxy warfare.According to the report, in last month's phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Valery Gerasimov, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley reportedly admitted that the Russian army, in the event of a direct military clash with the Ukrainian military, is highly likely to "roll over" it, and therefore the US intends to facilitate a large-scale insurgency on the country's territory similar to the one that led to the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan more than three decades ago.This would also include the pre-positioning of armaments for Ukrainian militants, including anti-aircraft missiles such as the Stinger, which might be deployed against Russian forces.Citing sources familiar with the strategic planning, the outlet noted that the White House is looking at European nations to provide assistance to Ukraine.In its turn, Russia has repeatedly denied accusations of "hostile actions" by Western countries and Ukraine, stating that it does not threaten anyone, and statements about "Russian aggression" are used as an excuse to deploy more NATO military equipment and weapon systems near Russian borders. Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that the West's statements about "Russian aggression" and the opportunity to help Kiev defend itself against it are both ridiculous and dangerous.During the latest phone call between the US and Russian presidents last week, Putin briefed Biden about the major concepts of the proposed security accords Russia had submitted earlier, emphasizing that Moscow requires legally enforceable agreements on security assurances. The Russian president also warned his American counterpart that imposing further harsh sanctions might destabilize relations between the two countries. For his part, Biden assured Putin that the US would not deploy any "offensive strike weapons" in Ukraine. During the conversation, in the event that Russia invades Ukraine, Biden threatened Moscow with sanctions and a NATO response, a premise that Moscow has repeatedly dismissed as unjustified and absurd.Russia published its draft agreement on mutual security measures for the US and NATO member states in mid-December. The draft consists of nine articles, such as NATO's halt in expanding, including the accession of Ukraine, prohibiting the conduct of military activities in the countries of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as refusal to deploy intermediate and shorter-range missiles in locations from where they can hit the territory of other parties of the agreement.The US and Russia will meet on Monday to discuss arms control and the situation in Ukraine. After that, NATO members will meet with Russian officials in Brussels on Wednesday, while a plan to boost the number of troops stationed in the Baltics and Southeast Europe, maybe by several thousand, is set to be debated by NATO this week, according to reports.

https://sputniknews.com/20211231/nato-is-transforming-ukraine-into-military-foothold-against-russia-lavrov-tells-sputnik-1091937563.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211225/us-reportedly-mulls-giving-ukraine-battlefield-intel-which-kiev-could-use-for-first-strike-on-1091793385.html

ukraine

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Kirill Kurevlev

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Kirill Kurevlev

us, russia, ukraine, sanctions, ukraine crisis, us-ukraine relations, us sanctions
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/us-reportedly-calls-in-reinforcements-hunkers-down-near-syrian-oil-field-amid-spate-of-attacks-1092131614.html

US Reportedly Calls in Reinforcements, Hunkers Down Near Syrian Oil Field Amid Spate of Attacks

US Reportedly Calls in Reinforcements, Hunkers Down Near Syrian Oil Field Amid Spate of Attacks

The US and its allies  the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces militia, maintain control over much of northeastern Syria  including up to 90 percent... 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

2022-01-09T10:33+0000

2022-01-09T10:33+0000

2022-01-09T11:04+0000

us troops

syria

oil

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The Pentagon has reportedly beefed up its presence near one of Syrias largest oil fields following mortar attacks targeting a major US base in the area.The reinforcements are said to have entered northeastern Syrias al-Hasakah province on Thursday and taken to the US garrison near the al-Omar oil field in Deir ez-Zor province.The supplies reportedly included boxes believed to contain ammunition, including rockets, with the convoys escorted along the route by Kurdish militia and a pair of US choppers flying overhead.A base housing US-led coalition troops in northeastern Syria was targeted by mortar fire in late December, with fresh strikes Tuesday hitting the US base near the al-Omar field. Iranian-backed militias  the Pentagons term for Syrian or Iraqi militants fighting Daesh (ISIS)* and other terrorist groups with Iranian support, were blamed for Tuesdays incident.Following the second round of attacks, the coalition launched airstrikes in Syrias Deir ez-Zor province, near the Iraqi border, citing the imminent threat of further strikes against its forces. The Pentagon justified the strikes as self defence, and said there was a serious threat to innocent civilians posed by rocket attacks on US facilities.The US outpost near the al-Omar field has come under repeated attack in recent months. In mid-December, local sources told Sputnik that at least four distinct explosions could be heard emanating from the base, with plumes of smoke seen rising from the facility and several drones launched from inside after one such strike.The US has at least 900 troops operating in Syria (although Pentagon and State Department officials have been accused of covering up the true numbers from the White House), with many of them stationed in or near strategic facilities in the countrys northeast, including its large oil and gas fields. Unlike the Trump administration, which openly bragged about taking and keeping Syrias oil from its rightful owners  the Damascus government, the Biden administration has largely kept silent on US troops operations, claiming that American forces are in the country to guard against Daesh.President Bashar Assad and other Syrian officials have repeatedly demanded that all US forces  and any other countries illegally deploying troops in the Arab Republic, including Turkey, withdraw their forces immediately and show respect for Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. Damascus has vowed that it will not rest until all of the countrys territory, including the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, is back under its jurisdiction. The US-led occupation of northeast Syria has prevented Damascus from accessing up to 90 percent of its oil resources, and deprived the country of the self-sufficiency in energy and food security both of which it enjoyed before the war.Syrian government forces and local residents have not taken the occupation lying down, with media regularly reporting on incidents of troops and civilians blocking off roads to convoys of US military equipment. Such efforts do not always end peacefully. In mid-2020, a Syrian military attempt to block a US convoy resulted in a firefight, leaving one Syrian soldier dead and two others wounded. The Pentagon initially blamed the Syrian side for the violence, but an internal investigation revealed late last year that a US Army platoon sergeant was facing court martial for causing the incident and attempting to cover up his role.* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputniknews.com/20211213/us-base-near-syrias-omar-oil-field-comes-under-rocket-attack---reports-1091493863.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210319/syrian-minister-reveals-how-much-of-countrys-oil-is-stolen-by-us-and-its-allies-1082395682.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

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Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

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Ilya Tsukanov

us troops, syria, oil
https://sputniknews.com/20220109/us-veteran-russia-not-bluffing-and-has-all-options-on-table-for-security-talks-with-us--nato-1092128810.html

US Veteran: Russia Not Bluffing and Has 'All Options on the Table' for Security Talks With US & NATO

US Veteran: Russia Not Bluffing and Has 'All Options on the Table' for Security Talks With US & NATO

Russia is due to start security negotiations with the US and NATO on 10 January and 12 January, respectively; previously, Russian officials warned that if NATO proceeds with eastward expansion, Moscow could resort to military options.

2022-01-09T09:00+0000

2022-01-09T09:00+0000

2022-01-09T09:09+0000

georgia

belarus

moldova

world

europe

us

russia

opinion

ukraine

kazakhstan

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Violent protests erupted in Kazakhstan several days before the beginning of US-Russia and NATO-Russia Council (NRC) security talks. Member-states of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) have deployed troops in the country at the request Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov told Newsweek on Friday that Moscow regards violent developments in Kazakhstan as "externally provoked" and "aimed to disrupt its security and integrity".Kazakh Riots Hardly a CoincidenceHowever, if it was intended to weaken Russia's position going into talks with the US and NATO, it may "instead be viewed by the Kremlin as a further blatant geopolitical destabilising attack on Russia's interests and a regime change attempt at yet another Russian ally, impelling them to more drastic and decisive action than they might have taken otherwise," according to the security analyst.Criminal fugitive Kazakh oligarch Mukhtar Ablyazov, former chairman of Bank Turan Alem (BTA Bank), has called himself the leader of the protests. Sleboda notes that Ablyazov appeared on Ukrainian TV in the last few days openly calling for the overthrow of the government of Kazakhstan.'How Ukraine is Being Turned Into a 'Forward NATO Outpost Directed Against Russia'The US and NATO's role in destabilising the situation along Russia's borders also manifests itself in the ridiculously high number of NATO military troops on the ground in Ukraine, supposedly deployed as "trainers and advisers," according to Sleboda.On 24 December, the Russian Foreign Ministry revealed that as many as 10,000 Western military instructors (including 4,000 Americans) have been permanently stationed in Ukraine to train the nations soldiers and support its fighting in Donbass.NATO's rules of non-acceptance of states having territorial disputes are unlikely to stop the bloc from trying to absorb Ukraine, and then Georgia and Moldova, according to the military veteran."It must be remembered that Portugal was brought into NATO despite being a military dictatorship up until the mid-1970's and Turkey and Hungary are not regarded as democratic states by most other members of NATO today. Expedience overrules," he says.According to Sleboda, the large NATO military troops presence, along with British plans for the construction of naval military bases in Ukraine, and growing supplies of advanced military weapons to Kiev leave Russia with no other choice than to urgently demand that NATO stop its expansion and provide legally binding security guarantees.'Russia is Not Bluffing About Military-Technical Response'It appears that the US, the EU and NATO are not currently taking Russia's security proposals seriously, and describing them as "unacceptable", "impossible", "laughable", and "presumptuous," the security analyst remarks."As far as the Western political elite is concerned, Russia, as the legal successor to the legacy of the Soviet Union, is a defeated, weakened nation and must simply come to terms with the post-Cold War reality of NATO expansion to and US troops right on Russia's borders," Sleboda notes. "The other former states of the Soviet Union are to be dragged by hook or crook or colour revolution into NATO's embrace as it completes its goal of geopolitical consolidation eastwards."The military veteran expects that the US will attempt to draw the talks out over months, and play for more time to continue "the de facto NATO-isation of Ukraine. However, Russia is well aware of such a scenario and appears to be prepared for it, according to Sleboda.Previously, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov made it clear that "the lack of progress towards a political-diplomatic solution to this problem will lead to the fact that we will respond militarily".Thus, speaking to newspaper Vzglyad on 20 December, Russian journalist and military observer Igor Korotchenko suggested that Russia could theoretically deploy tactical nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus  within the framework of bilateral allied obligations  if the transatlantic bloc proceeds with its eastward expansion. Earlier last month, Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei told the press that Minsk would consider stationing Russia's nuclear weapons if NATO deploys nuclear armaments in Poland. For his part, Sleboda believes that the "technical-military response" could include the placement of new hypersonic missile systems in Kaliningrad, as well as a new permanent military posture with increased troop presence on Russia's western border, among other measures.

https://sputniknews.com/20211127/why-washingtons-russian-invasion-scare-is-cover-for-kievs-new-offensive-against-donbass-1091072603.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211209/why-has-ukraine-been-so-important-for-us-russia-policies-since-the-end-of-cold-war-1091394193.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211223/russia-is-back-moscow-wont-back-down-ending-era-of-nato-expansion-is-possible-observers-say-1091758619.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211231/lavrov-to-sputnik-russia-suggests-creating-legalising-new-system-of-security-agreements-1091936821.html

georgia

belarus

moldova

ukraine

kazakhstan

donbass

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https://sputniknews.com/20220109/wapo-removes-tweet-that-said-biden-attending-funerals-not-the-best-use-of-his-time-1092140751.html

Not The Best Use of His Time: WaPo Removes Tweet Criticizing Biden for Attending Too Many Funerals

Not The Best Use of His Time: WaPo Removes Tweet Criticizing Biden for Attending Too Many Funerals

WaPo Removes Tweet Saying Bidens Attendance to Funerals Is Not The Best Use of His Time

2022-01-09T22:57+0000

2022-01-09T22:57+0000

2022-01-09T23:00+0000

joe biden

washington post

us

twitter

funerals

the washington post

democrats

viral

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The Washington Post removed one of its Twitter posts with the article Biden, funerals and a bygone era attached, which criticized Biden for wasting his time at friends' funerals.According to the newspaper, it was the 7th funeral the POTUS has attended since he took office last January. The article appeared before Biden was due to attend the funeral of Senate majority leader and Nevada Lieutenant Governor Harry Reid, who died on December 28 at the age of 82.The post said in the deleted controversial publication that Biden uses funerals to honor his friendships and make a point about bipartisanship.Users rushed to express their discontent, admitting there are a lot of things that Biden can be blamed for, but going to funerals of friends and colleagues isnt one of them."

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https://sputniknews.com/20220109/white-house-iran-to-face-consequences-if-it-attacks-any-americans-including-those-it-sanctioned-1092136054.html

White House: Iran to Face Consequences if It Attacks Any Americans, Including Those It Sanctioned

White House: Iran to Face Consequences if It Attacks Any Americans, Including Those It Sanctioned

Iran will face "severe consequences" if it attacks any Americans, including 52 people it earlier imposed sanctions on, the White House said on Sunday.

2022-01-09T16:30+0000

2022-01-09T16:30+0000

2022-01-09T17:12+0000

us

iran

sanctions

qasem soleimani

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Iran will face "severe consequences" if it attacks any Americans, including 52 people it earlier imposed sanctions on, the White House said on Sunday. "Yesterday, Iran purported to impose sanctions on 52 Americans. They do so as Irans proxy militias continue to attack American troops in the Middle East, and as Iranian officials threaten to carry out terror operations inside the United States and elsewhere around the world," Sullivan said in a statement published by the White House.On 8 January, Iran imposed sanctions on dozens of Americans, including Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM) Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., and former National Security Adviser Robert C. O'Brien, for what Tehran said was their involvement in the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020.Soleimani was killed on 3 January 2020 at Baghdad International Airport where he arrived as part of a secret diplomatic mission. His car was hit by US drones under the orders of then-President Trump, who claimed Soleimani had been plotting attacks against American facilities in the region. In response, Iran carried out a rocket attack targeting Iraqi military bases hosting US troops, which did not result in casualties but left some troops injured. Tehran said it was just the beginning and has repeatedly promised to avenge Soleimani's death since then.

https://sputniknews.com/20220109/irgc-quds-force-chief-us-may-face-revenge-for-soleimanis-assassination-at-home---report-1092123026.html

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Sofia Chegodaeva

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https://sputniknews.com/20220109/winston-churchill-is-criminal-whose-statue-should-be-brought-down-activist-claims-1092136176.html

Winston Churchill is 'Criminal' Whose Statue 'Should Be Brought Down,' Activist Claims

Winston Churchill is 'Criminal' Whose Statue 'Should Be Brought Down,' Activist Claims

The activist postulated that eventually masses of the awakened people in Britain will tear down the prime minister's statue. 09.01.2022, Sputnik International

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winston churchill

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uk

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Anti-slavery campaigner and activist Kofi Mawuli Kluhas has criticised late British prime minister Winston Churchill, whom he branded as a criminal," LBC reports.Mawuli Klu made the remarks while speaking with LBC host Matt Frei when the issue of the so called Colston Four  a group of four individuals who were accused of causing criminal damage for toppling a statue of slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol, and who were recently acquitted by the court  was brought up.As Mawuli Klu likened Colston's monument to having statues of Hitler in the country, Frei inquired about the activist's opinion on Winston Churchill who "had attitudes towards colonialism."When Frei further asked whether Mawuli Klu would call for tearing down the statue of Churchill, the activist stated: "Winston Churchill's statue should be brought down."His comments, in turn, elicited criticism from former UKIP MEP Roger Helmer who also participated in that panel, and who argued that Churchill was the "greatest prime minister of the 20th century," even if he possessed "some of the failings of his time."Helmer also argued that "we live in a society where we can change things through the ballot box and we should not be changing things through violence in the streets."

https://sputniknews.com/20211013/boris-trying-to-do-a-winston-churchill---twitter-buzz--mockery-over-johnsons-painting-venture-1089890258.html

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Dr. Dan Wilson and Tom Laughbaum will be presented the 2021 Ohio Harness Horsemens Association Special Service to Harness Racing Awards at the Ohio Harness Horsemens Association Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 15.

Dr. Wilson was raised on a farm in Sabina, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1975. He joined the Randall Veterinary Clinic near Cleveland and began practicing on the backstretch of Northfield Park.

He spent nearly 50 years making significant, life-long contributions to Ohio harness racing before retiring in the spring of 2021.

Dr. Wilson was once quoted as saying, Growing up, I couldnt get enough of horses. Its a great satisfaction to be able to improve their life, make them feel better and make them healthier. Im a racetrack practitioner, and the rewarding part to me is to see what youve done and accomplished. Its just wonderful to see them go out and do what theyre supposed to do.

Laughbaum has been a member of Crawford County Fair Board for four decades and has served as the Speed Superintendent for more than 25 years.

During his time on the fair board, Laughbaum has spearheaded projects big and small to improve local harness racing in whatever way possible. He gathers sponsors for every race, prepares race programs and payouts, oversees draws, and is the official timer on race days. He has played a major role in advancing Bucyrus harness racing with track and barn improvements as well as helping host the annual spring matinee.

(Ohio Harness Horsemens Association)
Culpeper resident Eileen Jurand graciously fills in the words for her husband, a master maker of military vehicle models.

Henry Jurand, married to Eileen nearly 50 years, holds engineering and finance degrees from esteemed Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne.

A one-time chief financial officer in the gas and electric industry, Henry Jurand depends on his wife to speak for him since suffering a massive stroke in 1997. It was just nine months after retiring to Virginia when the Ohio native lost the use of his right side.

Eileen has remained a steady helpmeet, ever patient.

Their story resonateswith love and immense marital resilience, as well as creativity shining through adversity. A total of 600 military vehicle models is the proof.

Their story shows that physical limitation can be overcome through different avenues and dogged determination.

Something to say

Henry Jurand can speak for himself, and he doesclearly and haltingly, in short, impactful sentences.

I am feeling good thats very good, but I cant read, he said in a Dec. 8 interview in the basement studio of his attractive home.

But thank you for 48 years, Henry said, turning to Eileen. She is a homemaker and grandmother, retired from teaching business at Kettle Run High School in Fauquier County.

The two met in a bar while she was at Russell Sage College, down the hill from Rensselaer, in Troy, N.Y. Henry and Eileen married in 1973. Its easy to see theyve been together a while.

Eileen laughed: I fill in a lot of his sentences.

He recites dates and numbers to organize his thoughts and the names of the miniature battleships, tanks and flyers he builds using only his left hand. The stroke impacted his overall speech, however, and it took away his ability to read.

That was hard for a history lover like Henry, who at one time wanted to teach the subject, and who relishes the intricate work his model-making satisfies.

Blood clot to the brain

He was 49 and newly living on a horse farm in Warrenton when the stroke happened on a Saturday morning at home. Retired less than a year, Henry had started doing consulting with his old company.

He called me every night, he kept on saying, it wasnt right, it wasnt right, it wasnt right, Eileen Jurand remembered of the week before. He wasnt getting better and we had just moved there so we didnt have doctors yet. We were still youngwhat did we know.

I couldnt speak, he said, recalling the stroke, she adding, But he wanted toyour brain was working but nothing would come out. Henry added, All around me, she adding, His right side gave out on me and he fell to the floor.

Henry continued the telling, Right here is ok, look, left side, he said holding up his functioning hand, her, His dominant side.

There were no real signs leading up to the stroke, Eileen Jurand said, attributing it perhaps to work-related stress. Henry was exposed to exterminating fluid a few days prior, she added.

I was teaching at the time, he came and picked me up and he decided, God theres something wrong. Every time I take just small steps I get out of breath, Eileen said.

A whole week later he has this massive stroke with a blood clot to his brain and left him globally aphasiac. He cant read anymore, cant write.

Married life and family origins

Henry Jurand signaled yes, asked if his wife accurately portrays what he wants to say.

TV, its ok, but pictures, he said, her picking up, If its a heavy plotted movie he gets very confused. I can read him small vignette stories like Tom Brokaws Greatest Generation, its historyhe understands what went on at that time.

Henry Jurand is a first-generation immigrant born in Perth, Scotland to a Polish father in the Army during World War II and an Italian mother he met at a duty station.

His father was imprisoned by the Germans for five years, liberated in 1945 by Gen. Patton, recalled Eileen. Displaced by the war from his ruined country, Jurands father was given a choice by the Polish Army: go to Australia or the U.S.

The family of two sons and their parents boarded the Queen Mary for New York when Henry was 2 years old. They settled in Cleveland, Ohio, with its strong Polish and Italian American communities.

Jurands father got a job at a gas station and ended his career working as a civilian engineer with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Henry started building military models when he was 10. His older brother, George, served in the Navy, and Jurand in the Army.

I did it for fun, Jurand said of crafting models. That or reading the Encyclopedia.

He excelled at school, earning a scholarship at Rensselaer through ROTC. Assigned to the first armored division after college, Jurand and his new bride moved with the service from Connecticut to North Carolina to Germany.

The couple started a family, two sons and a daughter, moving frequently with Jurands career that ended in Edison, N.J. His one son also served in the military, and joined his dad in model making while growing up.

Their other son lives in Las Vegas and their daughter runs a home-based music school. Henry and Eileen have four grandchildren, who they mainly only get to see on Facebook these days of pandemic.

Dont be so hard on yourself

Jurand thought the stroke would rob him of his model making skills and was too frustrated to try it for several years after, said his wife during the recent interview.

Because hes a perfectionisthe wants everything perfectly doneok, its a lost art. There is no way its going to get done, said Eileen Jurand, of how Henry was thinking.

I sat him down, said to him, put my hand behind my back, working with my dominant side, said look, if you have to use your teeth, whos gonna know? If you have to use tweezers, whos going to know? Dont be so hard on yourself, she said.

When Henry Jurand sat down in his studio, he found he could still make modelswith one hand.

USS Missourithese are all British, Prince of Wales, U.S., Italian, tanks, Swedish, Germany, Russian, Israeli, from different periods of history, aircraft carrier Enterprise, France, he said, giving a tour of his studio, which contained every model he ever made.

What would he say to others who had a stroke and lost some abilities?

Wow, this is [what] I wanted and that Im excited because I paint and stuff and everything is ok for me, he said. Its a very nice time.

The art of model-making in a pandemic

COVID and his fragile health make it hard for Henry Jurand to get out and socialize the past two years, though he can still grocery-shop and do other small errands. COVID brought on Eileen Jurands retirement from teaching a little earlier than she wantedin 2020, after seven years at the local high school.

It was really hard because I wasnt ready to stay home yet. I needed that time and Henry was very used to being independent, she said.

He would be the one to go out and do all the grocery shopping. He did all the laundryWhen COVID cameit was very easy for him to relax and be dependent so I am starting to try to push him out the door.

Eileen supports his craftsmanship, encouraging him as Jurand sat down to demonstrate his craft. His models are beautiful, each piece in its place, made without reading the directions.

What do you want to do? Put your glasses on. Magnifying glasses. Cut one of these pieces off, Eileen said as Henry affixed googles, making the snip of a tiny piece of plastic.

Perfect, he said, answering yes, he could engineer the plastic models, with the thousands of tiny pieces, by himself with his Rensselaer degrees. He looks at the picture and she helps him sometimes.

Right here, right here, right here, snap at it, Jurand said, demonstrating.

He works at his models a few hours each day in the afternoon and it takes about two weeks to complete one. Jurand also does puzzles and paint-by-number pictures.

Lots of ways to do things

He walks around his studio confidently. The well-outfitted space, based on his years of professional success prior to the stroke, has been a haven for the couple, especially during COVID.

We didnt know how to be old yet, said Eileen Jurand of life after the stroke. (He) was able to push himself easier. I always looked for something that was going to help him out.

She makes beautiful quilts and was planning to open a sewing school in the basement until COVID struck. The retired teacher instead dedicated her time to research, and got Henry a gadget he wears around his neck attached to his right knee. It sends an electrical impulse programmed so that when he takes a step, the device automatically lifts his foot up so he doesnt trip, she explained.

Henry used his left hand to lift up his right pant leg to show the device.

When asked if it helps, Jurand responded, Sure it does. He wears a brace on his good knee, the left side, which overcompensated and is now arthritic.

Eileen Jurand said people have criticized how she cares for and helps Henry.

I have had people make comments that are just ridiculous...like I was tying his shoe one day in a mall and a woman came up to me and says, dont you think he ought to be doing that for you today? It was Mothers DayI stood up and went right to her face, maam Im doing this because he cant, said the Connecticut-born wife.

In spite of rude people, it helps just knowing there is something you can do, something simple and start from there, said Eileen Jurand of her husbands model-making.

He still had the desire to do themhe just thought he couldnt do them anymore, she said. What is he able to do with one hand? ...Dont think its the end because theres lots of ways you can do things, she said.

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Mariam Ahmed talked so little about the lifelong breathing problems shes faced that her cousin and best friend, her go-to person in times of crisis, didnt know for years how serious the condition was.

Ahmed, a 22-year-old senior at the University of Mary Washington, has cystic fibrosis, a disorder that progressively damages the lungs and digestive system. Since infancy, shes dealt with mucous-filled coughs and shortness of breath, pain in her lungs and fatigue.

But even at her worst times, when she ended up in intensive care in 2019, twice, after lung infections raged out of control, Ahmed focused on others, according to her cousin and best bud Zanab Farooq.

Farooq is 16 days older than Ahmed and jokes that she uses her senior status to every advantage. When the girls were younger, Farooq said she knew her cousin had some sort of ailment, but never understood its severity because Ahmed didnt talk about it much.

Both were in middle school when Ahmed had a flareup and was hospitalized. Farooq had her own crisis to deal with: she had lost an election for class treasurer. When she visited Ahmed in the hospital, she poured out her troubles to her bed-bound cousin.

It was basically like my world had stopped, yet here she was, in the hospital, and she was listening to me and caring about my dumb middle-school issue, Farooq said. She is the funniest, the kindest, the most selfless person I know.

Ahmed also is one of two students nationwide recently recognized as a positive role model for the cystic fibrosis community, according to the AbbVie CF Scholarship program. AbbVie is a pharmaceutical company that makes drugs for cystic fibrosis patients, and its given out more than $3.4 million in scholarships since 1993.

According to its website, the program awards $3,000 to 40 exceptional students with cystic fibrosis who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement and creativity. From that pool, the program picks two students to receive the Thriving Student Scholarship, which is another $22,000 for a total award of $25,000.

Ahmed is the undergraduate winner. She lives in Triangle with her parents, Shama and Iqval Ahmed, who immigrated from Pakistan to the United States after they were married. Mariam and her two sistersone who also has cystic fibrosiswere born and raised in the United States.

I always wanted to achieve my goals and make my parents proud, she said. I have the biggest respect for my parents, having a good education and being financially secure. With cystic fibrosis, there will be rough days, but dont give up on your, like, goals and your dreams.

Ahmed will graduate from UMW this spring with a bachelors degree in business administration and plans to pursue a degree in computer science. Shes already been offered her dream job at a consulting firm and will work and go to school full time.

Shes used to getting things done, even when cystic fibrosis tried to get the best of her.

I guess school has always been one of my top priorities and Ive always been very devoted to it, she said. Even when my health comes in the way, Ive always been into my studies.

When she was younger, she had to be hospitalized to receive antibiotics to keep lung infections at bay. As technology and medicine have improved, shes been able to take the treatment at homeand she likes it that way.

Ive never done well with hospitalizations, she said. Ive always been an independent girl, Id rather be at home.

Despite the limitations from her illness, Ahmed has served as a camp counselor and mentor for Best Buddies, which supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She helped with sound and lighting in school theater productions and worked part-time in her familys restaurant and as a marketing intern in a dental office.

Shes literally the most dedicated, the most determined person I ever met, said her cousin. So proud of her.

Ahmed chose to live at home while she took classes at UMW, just because the classes drained her of energy. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, especially her two young nieces.

When COVID-19 hit, she was concerned because people with lung problems are particularly vulnerable to the respiratory disease.

But in another way, dealing with the threat of a lung infection was nothing new. There were many times growing up when she had to wear a mask, keep her distance and wash her hands thoroughly for her own protection, so it was interesting to see the rest of the world do the same, she said.

In her essay to AbbVie, she noted how the pandemic initially created constant worry and anxiousness. When it began to affect her mental health, she said she realized it needed to be as much a priority as her physical health.

To give herself a boost during the challenging times, she turned to the same support system thats encouraged her from childhood: her family. Instead of going to the mall with her nieces, she focused on walks and bike rides with them. She enjoyed meals and crafts around the family table.

When she had to visit with relatives virtually, the experience made her treasure the in-person gatherings that much more, she wrote.

Believing that it indeed takes a village to raise a child, Ahmed encouraged others to identify people in their village and connect with them in any way possible. She needed to do that for her all-around well-being.

This experience allowed me to shift my perspective by seeing my mental health as a vital organ that needs caring just as much as my lungs do physically, she wrote in her essay.
Initially scheduled for Wednesday, the Panhandles crop production clinic was rescheduled due to heavy snow fall that affected the region. Despite the last minute change of date, the clinic was well attended by producers that may want to expand their knowledge and those completing recertification or earning continuing education credits.

The clinic is divided into two sections, one of the two is economics, crop, soil and water management. Producers attending this section were able to earn Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits. The CCA is knowledgeable in current field and crop management, spring and fall soil management, and seeding and fertility management. The latest research on the impact of dry bean variety selection and dry bean planting population on harvestability and yield were presented by Gary Stone, UNLs Panhandle Research and Extension Center (PREC) Crop and Water Systems Educator. Bijesh Maharjan, PRECs Soil and Nutrient Management Specialist presented results for year one of on-farm wheat research.

The other section covered in the clinic was pest management and pesticide safety. Participants were able to complete the yearly pesticide license recertification and learn the latest information on insect and disease management. Bob Klein, Emeritus Extension Professor at UNLs West Central Research and Extension Center (WCREC) presented information on spray quality and carrier rate effects on pesticide efficacy and drift. Klein and Randy Lloyd, Research Facility Coordinator at WCREC, gave the group a hands on spray nozzle demonstration to communicate the importance of choosing the correct spray nozzle for a specific pesticide to prevent particle drift or off-target movement of spray particles.

We do this because it is important for our applicators to be as knowledgeable in their field as they can be, Lloyd said.

The crop production clinics will be going on across the state for the remainder of January, each clinic is presenting topics and research specific to the region of the state it is held in. A schedule of locations and times for the crop production clinics and their agendas can be found at: https://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc.

Nicole Heldt is a reporter with the Star-Herald, covering agriculture. She can be reached at 308-632-9044 or by email at nheldt@starherald.com.

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NORTH PLATTE  Throughout 2022, Nebraskas Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) will celebrate 50 years of protecting lives, property and the future. During the next 12 months, the NRDs will commemorate breakthroughs and achievements in conservation.

In the past 50 years, NRDs have adapted while facing changes in technology, funding, legislation, agencies and society, said Jim Eschliman, Nebraska Association of Resources Districts president. Nebraskas locally led conservation model has been a successful legacy because of our ability to adapt to the local needs of our communities.

After the devastation of the Dust Bowl, special purpose districts were developed to solve local soil and water-related problems. But the puzzle of overlapping authorities and responsibilities provided confusion at best.

In 1969, Senator Maurice Kremer introduced legislative bill 1357 to combine Nebraskas 154 special purpose entities into 24 Natural Resources Districts by July 1972. In 1989, The Middle Missouri Tributaries NRD and the Papio NRD merged to become the Papio-Missouri River NRD resulting in todays 23 Natural Resources Districts.

Today, Nebraskas unique system of locally controlled, watershed-based conservation is widely admired throughout the nation. In recent years, at least 11 states ranging from Washington to Arkansas and Illinois to California, have inquired about applying a similar system for natural resources management. Despite being the No. 1 irrigated state in the nation, Nebraskas statewide groundwater levels have been sustained at levels less than a foot below pre-irrigation development in the 1950s. In many areas, groundwater levels are higher.

Many states are facing massive groundwater declines with almost depleted aquifers, Eschliman said. NRDs work with irrigators to monitor water use, establish groundwater recharge projects, and implement water-wise programs. Depending on rainfall, Nebraskas groundwater levels often rise above pre-development levels.

Across the state, NRDs construct projects, implement programs and offer a major source of assistance to landowners in conservation and natural resources management. When necessary, they enact regulations to protect the resources. While all NRDs share the 12 main responsibilities, each district sets its own priorities and develops its own programs to best serve and protect Nebraskas natural resources.

Eschliman noted that Nebraskas NRDs will continue to build upon, refine, and adapt as they look to the future.

Conservation is something that impacts us all and we need to pitch in and be good stewards of our land and water, he said. Locally elected NRD boards across the state are uniquely positioned in their communities to help manage our natural resources for future generations.

To join in the 50th anniversary celebration and follow the Natural Resources Districts special activities throughout 2022, visit nrdnet.org and follow #Since1972 on social media.

The Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD), the trade association for Nebraskas 23 Natural Resources Districts (NRD), works with individual districts to protect lives, property and the future of Nebraskas natural resources. NRDs are unique to Nebraska, and act as local government entities with broad responsibilities to protect Nebraskas natural resources. Major Nebraska river basins form the boundaries of the 23 NRDs, enabling districts to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. Learn more about Nebraskas NRDs at www.nrdnet.org.
In the late 1940s, Sandy Strey, a volunteer at the Legacy of the Plains Museum, was among the girls nationwide who had the Nebraska-made Terri Lee doll on their Christmas wishlist.

Strey still has the one she got in 1946 or 1947 and likes to show off one of the dolls on display at Legacy of the Plains.

The dolls were already in high demand in the valley when Strey got her own.

I wasnt very old. A lot of girls here had them, Strey said. We bought them at the Mary Morrow Shop. (Morrow) is somebody who had all kinds of beautiful childrens clothes. She also had some dolls.

Terri Lee dolls took the world by storm after debuting at the 1946 Toy Fair, according to an article by History Nebraska.

The Terri Lee doll was designed by Maxine Sunderman Runci, a former Omaha resident, and her aunt, Violet Lee Gradwhol.

According to the history of the doll, Runci was on her way from California to New York City to show off a doll she created to look like her own daughter. On the way, she stopped in Lincoln to visit family.

Runci showed the doll to Gradwhol, who repaired dolls for a Lincoln charity. Gradwohl accompanied her niece to the toy fair, but they were turned away. They convinced another doll manufacturer taking part in the fair to display their doll, which became a hit, according to the article.

The pair decided to make the dolls in a Lincoln factory. By the end of 1946, the factory had churned out more than 8,000 of the popular doll, according to the article.

Strey said the doll stood out because of its quality compared to other dolls of the time.

Originally, the dolls were made from a composition of sawdust and glue, she said.

They changed them from that composition to make them into something more (flexible), she said.

The doll became popular because they all came with different outfits, Strey said. The Terri Lee company made a lot of different outfits for the dolls.

She had thousands of clothes, thats why everybody collects it, she said. The trick was you got a doll and you liked (the dress she was wearing). You had two dresses if you were lucky and your mom was a good stitcher.

Strey said she and her friends would often compare the clothes that their dolls were wearing.

Girls would sit on the floor and then put all of the dresses on. You had to watch to make sure you got yours back, she said, jokingly.

Strey said the dolls were also popular because they could be played with.

When I was growing up, you didnt play with porcelain dolls. This style you can play with. The older (porcelain dolls) that you see here (at Legacy of the Plains), a lot of times are wearing their original clothes because you werent allowed to play with them. These you could play with, not that it was easy. Part of the problem was trying get their clothes on, but it was a lot of fun, she said.

She said she was fortunate to have a father who was skilled at building because he made a lot of accessories for her Terri Lee doll.

When I got my doll, my dad made a wardrobe for her. She had a little wardrobe to put her clothes in, Strey said.

She said she and her friends played with the dolls in a lot of different ways. Her and her friends would put the dolls in wagons and pull them around an alfalfa field.

Strey belongs to a doll club that has good streamstresses who still make clothes for the doll because of the cost of the originals, she said.

Theyre expensive. Theyre actually sometimes more expensive than the doll, Strey said.

After volunteering at the museum, Strey learned so much about the doll that has become somewhat of an expert on them. She has given presentations on them around the state.

Strey said the factory burned down in 1947 and relocated to California. Growing up, though, she didnt know or probably care where the doll was made.

(Now), the ones from here, to me, are more valuable because of them being from Nebraska, she said.

Strey also has two smaller Terri Lee dolls in her collection, but she said those werent popular.

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After narrowing down applicants during a special meeting on Jan. 5, the Morrill Public Schools Board of Education will interview Barry Schaeffer as a candidate for the superintendent position for the 2022-23 school year on Jan. 13.

The position opened after the board hired the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) to help with the superintendent search at a Nov. 1 special meeting. The position opened for the 2022-23 school year after the board decided not to renew current Superintendent Joe Sherwoods contract during the Oct. 18 meeting, setting his last day with the district as June 30, 2022.

NASB Director of Education Leadership Search Service Shari Becker, who has been the Morrill school boards contact throughout the search, said over the course of the roughly two-month period the application was open, the Morrill district had interest from a handful of individuals.

By the deadline, she said, the position had received three applications. The board has invited one of those applicants to interview for the superintendent position at this time.

The applicant to be interviewed is Barry Schaeffer, originally from the Kimball/Potter-Dix/Sidney area and current superintendent and kindergarten through sixth grade principal at Arthur County Schools. Schaeffer began his journey in education when he graduated from Chadron State College with his bachelors degree in education in 1987.

He took on his first role as business and computer teacher for grades seven through 12 at Culbertson High School. During that time, Schaeffer received his masters degree in education from Chadron State in 1993. He stayed at Culbertson until 2004.

From there, he took on the role of the high school business and computer teacher for McCook from 2004-2012. During that time, he also acted as the summer school supervisor for the 2009, 2010 and 2011 summers.

Schaeffer left McCook in 2012 to join the staff of his current place of employment at Arthur County Schools. He came on as the 7-12 principal, technology coordinator and business teacher. Just a year later, he became superintendent and K-12 principal. Then in 2015, he moved from K-12 principal to K-6 principal, but remained superintendent, which is what he serves as today.

Schaeffer will spend Thursday, Jan. 13, meeting with Morrill Public Schools administration, staff, teachers, community members and the school board. Schaeffer said as someone from a small-town, he would make a good fit at Morrill Public Schools.

Im a small-school guy, he said. Its an area Ive grown up in and Im familiar with. Its an atmosphere Im comfortable working in.  Im looking forward to visiting with the board, staff and community about the position and seeing if its a good fit for the both of us.

Morrill School Board President Dave Sherrod said the board will likely know their decision by the end of the day with Schaeffer and will move forward in the next phase of the process from there, whatever that next step might be.

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If we miss trash collection day we can drive to the dump and pay the appropriate fees, be it yard waste, recyclables or good old regular garbage. And Im super grateful for the privilege and service!

For many reasons Im glad to be a citizen of the United States of America. One of those reasons is community-peoples pride of ownership, zoning regulations, and the orderly manner by which we receive our utility services, snow removal and the like. We are better together, and can do more than if being left on our own.

I value community efforts to keep our city clean. I try and do my part.

Anytime Im hunting or fishing (another reason Im grateful for my nation, state and community) I have always tried to live up to granddads adage, Leave it better than you found it. I think thats part of loving your neighbor as yourself.

In the NKJV version of the Bible, this phrase, You shall love your neighbor as yourself is used seven times and JESUS called this the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-40). Thats a pretty tall order.

Utilizing some self-examination how would we rate ourselves? And, more importantly, how might God view and assess our progress with this?

Notably there are some stray (and tame) neighborhood cats and possums and dogs and coons and a prairie dog (once dashing across our front yardright downtown Scottsbluff! Also, three whitetail deer sauntered right down the center of our street).

Have you noticed the herd of mule deer in and around town? Also, it was pretty classy getting to see a broad daylight hike of a mama skunk and her five underlings single-filing with tails raised skyward, each tail with a cute little backward curl. It was an amazing sightunhindered. (Fire trucks, ambulances and police cars arent the only privileged ones that ALWAYS have the right away).

Critters dont pay taxes and they exercise full liberty to roam our neighborhood and receive free lunch. So, one of my boyhood thrills was getting to drive my new dads (I was now officially an adopted Roberts) 1953-ish beige Packard. It had wide whitewall tires, fancy rear-tire skirts, gas-hog and the steering wheel was gigantic with power steering, sorta.

I was 14 years old at the time and got to, without any drivers license, drive a trunk full of family trash every week to the countys unsupervised dump. It was via a dirt county road it was excitingthe highlight of my week, actually.

Our neighborhood critters arent required to clean up their trash. We neighbors are supposed to pick up our trash after ourselves. Its no longer a thrill to drive to the dump.

In Wisconsin, Albert, the Scandinavian-accented watchman was in charge of the closed-in dump and its rules. He collected the fees.

Some neighbors didnt like paying the fees so they just went under the cover of dark and left their bags right outside the gate.

Albert was not only strong as an ox with a death-grip handshake, but he was very clever as well. Most trash bags contain owner ID hints by way of discarded letter or boxes with addresses and names. It was commonplace for a landowner receive their trash returned, bag-less, on their front yard.

I visited Albert and his wife Mary, in the hospital. Diabetes claimed her right leg and quality of life. Albert really loved her. I did, too. They were neighbors.

JESUS commanded that I love Albert. He made it easy.

The dump had a critter culture all its ownentertaining. Rule: no aerosol cans.

PRAYER NUGGET: Almighty God, thanks for Albert and trash pick-up and Packards and parents, neighbors and neighborhood critters. Please help us to love the way You want us to. In JESUS name.

(Any Bible quotes are from the NKJV)

Please remember  You are deeply loved!
The squeaky wheel gets the grease as the proverb goes. In the case of Statesville, it hopes to be the wheel greased by federal dollars.

That was the understandable aim for the city as William Morgan, the citys mayor pro tem, and City Manager Ron Smith as they met with Congressman Patrick McHenry on Tuesday.

We wanted to let him know the growth thats going on in Statesville with residential, commercial and industrial development, Morgan said.

Morgan said with the Larkin development alone there is 14 million square feet of industrial space being inquired about and built within Statesville in the city limits.

Thats huge. So thats going to take some infrastructure. Thats going to take everything from water and sewer, wastewater, etc. We wanted to let him know whats on our radar, Morgan said.

Morgan said the visit was a chance to keep McHenry up to date with whats going on in Statesville as $715 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are distributed throughout the country.

Hes been a pretty big cheerleader for Statesville and I think he will continue to be, Morgan said.

For McHenry, he said he appreciated connecting with constituents, as well as the countys public officials.

I always appreciate meeting with folks here in the 10th District and my visit with the City of Statesville officials was no exception. It was great to hear about their current and future projects for the city. I look forward to seeing how they continue to bring growth and opportunity to Statesville, McHenry said.

McHenrys visit

Of course, the congressman wasnt just in Statesville only to talk to city leaders. The representative of North Carolinas 10th District also checked in with some local businesses and other government organizations.

That included the Iredell County Sheriffs Office to congratulate them on receiving the Edward R. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant award.

Another wonderful part of my job is recognizing those who play such an important role in our communities like our local law enforcement. It was my pleasure to congratulate Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell and his office on their Edward R. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant award, McHenry said. This grant totals $15,261 and will be used for a community safety enhancement program. I am grateful to the Iredell County Sheriffs Office and all of our brave men and women in blue for keeping us safe.

Sheriff Darren Campbell was appreciative of the grant and looks forward to working with McHenrys office in the future.

McHenry also visited Jeld-Wen Holding Incs new VPI Quality Windows facility in Statesville, which hopes to add a total of 250 jobs to the area.

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Friday afternoons, a fifth-grade classroom of Wallace Elementary School students study math, engineering, science and culture by building a five-foot miniboat they plan to launch to Japan this spring.

Part of the Columbia River Maritime Museum Miniboat program started in 2017, the class is meant to foster connections between students in the different countries while teaching lessons in science, technology, math, engineering and art. So far, 31 miniboats have been launched from both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

Nate Sandel, Columbia River Maritime Museum education director, said the idea for the project sparked for him after the 2011 tsunami hit Japan and debris started washing up on the West Coast months and years later, including fishing boats.

I really wanted to connect my students with students on the other side of the ocean, Sandel said, and he thought if a fishing boat could wash ashore here, why not send a miniboat back the other way?

Building the boat

Students work their way through a lesson plan with Sandel and Wallace teacher Julie Toney. They cover everything from cultural lessons on Japan to the science of the ocean, and also build the five-foot boat from a kit. Sandel said this year, the boat is in twice as many piece as before, so the students get to handle every detail.

Not everyone can do the actual building so students choose jobs they want to accomplish. Sandel said theres a job for every type of learning, including social media, art design, engineering, research and writing letters to local officials to plan launch ceremonies.

The kids are in charge, he said. Theyre the drivers of the boat.

Axiom Davis, with the deck department, said he and his team have been working to perfect the deck of the boat. Payton Kovler from the sail department just finished designing the art that will go on the sail, and the sweatshirts the class will get to commemorate the project.

Thayne Carlson, a social media department of one, said hes been busy taking photos and videos of the project as it comes together. He chose to be in that department because he wants to make movies or advertisements later in life.

I dont have a lot of experience videotaping, so I wanted to learn, he said.

The class also got to make miso soup, try Japanese candy, and build houses to try to survive a simulated tsunami in a fish tank. While the miso soup got mixed reactions  Payton added fish flakes to hers and it was disgusting  all three students enjoyed the chance to learn the culture and history of another place.

Students also choose if they want to attempt to add different kinds of technology, and Sandel always is looking for outside partnerships to help with costs or bring in local expertise.

Previous classes heard from a real ship captain and worked with retired engineers to add air and temperature sensors on board. They also fill the cargo hold with mementos that whomever finds the boat can keep.

Sandel said this class wanted to put a camera on board, and while in the past it was too expensive to send the photos back to land, new technology has made it cheaper and therefore possible. Sandel and the students are working with a retired Boeing engineer to make it happen.

Friday afternoon, Thayne and Axiom debated the merits of trying to add a remote-controlled motor to the boat, and solar panels versus wind power. Axiom said he and his department currently are sanding down the deck, and Thayne said most of the departments are on the sanding stage.

The sail design Payton and her team came up with is a sunset over the water, with something  shes not quite sure what yet  jumping out.

The hardest thing about the program is getting all the departments to reach a consensus, Payton and Axiom said. For example, Axiom and the deck crew wanted to paint a dragon on the boat, but the hull and keel departments wanted fire and mushrooms.

So, maybe a dragon burning down a Smurf village, Axiom suggested as a compromise.

Setting sail

The boat hopefully will be done by spring break, and then the class decides when to launch the boat based on weather patterns. An official christening ceremony will take place when the kids break a bottle of sparkling cider over the boat, and present poems, songs or other forms of art.

Wallace has always been a special school for me, Sandel said, and is just the kind of school the museum is looking to give more opportunities.

The projects help empower students as they see how much control they get over the process, Sandel said, because were just giving them the tools.

It shows kids how powerful they really are, he said.

In late January, Wallace students will meet via video with their sister school Japanese students. Lisa Scholin with Noble Communications, who manages communications for the miniboat program, said thats one more benefit beyond the academics.

Aside from all the science, engineering, art and entrepreneurial work, the main things that weave into miniboats in the classroom, is that idea that youre able to engage with others from another county without leaving your town, she said. These are real kids looking at you, wanting to talk. That kind of experience is something most people dont have until theyre adults, if ever.

All three Wallace students said cooperation was their favorite thing they learned. You cant just expect people to follow you, Payton said and Axiom said if the group makes a decision he doesnt like, its still his job to do it.

I learned how to work with people and how it takes time to get something done, he said. You cant just speed through it.

With a few months left to go, the class remains focused on the goal, Axiom said: We just hope it makes it across.

Follow the journey on Facebook at CRMMminiboats.

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Most local graduation rates dipped slightly in 2021 with the disrupted pandemic year, but all local districts remained above the state average.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction announced Friday the state graduation rate for the class of 2021 remained steady at 82.5%, a 0.4% decline from the class of 2020.

Castle Rock, Kalama, Kelso and Woodland schools all saw slight dips in graduation rates, while Longview and Toutle Lake schools saw higher rates over last year.

Kelso Superintendent Mary Beth Tack said the pandemic has been challenging for everyone, but for students in particular.

Its widely known that this virus and the resulting isolation, uncertainty and stress  mental, emotional and financial  has taken a toll on student engagement and attendance, she said. This has had an impact on graduation rates statewide, as well as in Kelso.

In Castle Rock, 83.3% of the 96 students in the class of 2021 graduated in four years, down from the 85.1% who graduated in 2020. Four students continued on with their education and 12 dropped out.

Down from 2020s 93.7%, Kalama saw a 91% four-year graduation rate in 2021, with five students continuing their education, one dropping out, and 58 graduating.

In Kelso, 89.9% of the 358 students in the class of 2021 graduated, with 25 dropping out and 11 continuing their work toward a degree at the end of the year. In 2020, 90.4% of Kelso students graduated.

Tack said Kelso still has much to celebrate as a K-12 system.

Behind this rate are individual students with individual stories, she said. Many adults dedicate their professional lives to help students not only graduate, but also to become successful citizens enrolled in post-secondary opportunities. We celebrate our graduates for staying the course during these challenging times, and also our Kelso staff, who have passionately invested in their lives.

To reach the goal of 100% graduation, Tack said the district plans to hold the course to review each and every students progress to identify successes and barriers.

Our Kelso team is dedicated to doing everything possible to support the individual needs of all our students in their educational endeavors, she said.

Woodland also saw a dip from a rate of 85.6% in 2020 to 84% in 2021. Of the 212 students in the senior class last year, 13 continued working on their diploma and 21 dropped out.

Longview continued its upward trend of the last several years, logging an 87.9% graduation rate in 2021 over the 87.5% rate in 2020. According to the state, 17 students continued their education and 35 dropped out, out of the 429 total students in the grade.

With a 90% graduation rate in 2020, Toutle Lake saw the most rate improvement of local districts. In 2020, 87% of students graduated. Of the 51 students in the class of 2021, three continued their education and two dropped out.

State data also show the state graduation gap for Black, Asian and multilingual students shrunk in 2021, as rates improved by 1.4% for Black students, 1.1% for Asian students and 0.5% for multilingual/English learners statewide.

However, students in foster care, low-income students, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander students and American Indian or Alaska Native students all saw graduation rates slip from last year.

The graduation rate decreased by 1.1% for students who are low-income, 2% for Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander students, 2.1% for students who are two or more races, 2.1% for students in foster care, and 2.7% for American Indian or Alaska Native students.

State Superintendent of Schools Chris Reykdal said Friday while there has been improvement, his focus on continuing to improve the state rate has not changed.

When you have 14%, 15% of students still not achieving graduation, its a very big deal for them and a very big deal for our society, he said.

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KABUL, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Scores of the families of war victims in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Sunday called for justice and demanded punishment for those behind the killings of Afghans.

With about 200 photos and portrays on display in a public park here, the participants alleged that thousands of innocent Afghans had been killed mostly by American military forces' bombardments and the perpetrators should be brought to justice.

"Among the victims' photos, there are those who were killed by the bombing of the American forces in Shindand districts of Herat and Balablok of Farah in the west and parts of the eastern Kunar province during the presence of the U.S.-led force in Afghanistan," the organizer of the photo exhibition Weda Ahmad told Xinhua.

Placards and banners that called for a probe into the war crimes of America, NATO and their proteges were posted on the walls of the park, demanding the punishment of those responsible for killing Afghans.

Weda, a women rights activist who is also the head of a non-government agency the Association of Afghans for Justice, alleged that the U.S. airstrikes had killed countless Afghan civilians including innocent women and children during the 20-year U.S.-led occupation in Afghanistan.

She told Xinhua that her association has collected more than 10,000 photos of the war victims that were killed during more than four decades of wars, most of them by American forces operations over the past 20 years. 
Capitol Dispatch is a weekly politics feature focusing on the actions of our local representatives during the 2022 legislative session. It will run every Sunday during the session.

Rep. Jim Walsh returned to his office in Olympia this week to prepare for the start of the legislative session.

That would not be noteworthy in most years. But after being locked out of his office for months after refusing to comply with proof of vaccination requests from House leadership, Walsh sees the change as a partial victory.

The state House of Representatives is starting the year with a fully virtual format, similar to how they handled the entirety of the 2021 legislative session. And just like last year, Walsh said he plans to do business from his Olympia office as much as possible.

I think thats the right thing to do, the right example to set for newer members. I think we ought to treat this as much like a 9-5 job as we can, Walsh said.

Working from the office means receiving rapid COVID-19 tests three times a week. The testing requirement applies to all representatives, whether or not theyre vaccinated, which Walsh said was a step in the right direction.

A similar testing requirement is in place for the Senate, which will have in-person floor sessions with limited attendance. Sen. Jeff Wilson said he understood the need for caution during the resurgence of the omicron variant of COVID, even if it resulted in last-minute changes to how the session looks.

Were still in a learning curve and we ask people for their patience on that. But were starting this session already under duress and chaos and Im not really impressed by that, Wilson said.

The lockout was one reason Walsh joined other Republican House members in a lawsuit opposing the COVID mitigation plans for the 2022 legislative session. The lawsuit was unable to get an injunction before the session began but is continuing forward, as some issues remain in play even with the new format.

District 19 reps push construction funding bill for small school districts

A bill prefiled Wednesday by Walsh, Joel McEntire and Joe Fitzgibbon would help rural school districts afford to take on major construction projects.

The bill would create a new pool of money within the capital budget that would be awarded to small school districts through a grant process. The funds would be available to school districts with fewer than 1,000 enrolled students and whose districts are attempting to renovate and rebuild old, potentially unsafe buildings.

Walsh said the idea of providing additional funds for projects in small districts has recent precedent. When voters approved a $7 million bond for the Toledo School District in 2018, it was matched with $10 million set aside by the Legislature specifically for the districts new high school.

That kind of drew peoples attention to the fact that the system for matching bond money with very small school districts is not working, Walsh said.

Last week, the Wahkiakum School District filed a lawsuit raising similar concerns about the challenges small school district face when it comes to bonds and capitol projects. Wahkiakum is represented by one of the attorneys from the McCleary case, which overhauled how Washington school districts receive operating funds.

Walsh and McEntire both represent Wahkiakum County as part of their district, but have said the lawsuit was not the reason their bill was introduced. McEntire mentioned the school funding bill as one of his priority projects in early December, several weeks before the school districts lawsuit.

Emergency power limits not likely to see immediate action

The local Republican representatives see limiting Gov. Jay Inslees emergency declarations as a major goal for the session. But it may not be a priority for the whole Legislature.

Wilson serves on the Senate State Government and Elections Committee, which would hear any bills restricting the governors emergency powers. The schedule for the first committee hearing on Wednesday includes bills about creating Washingtons state nickname and declaring pickleball the state sport, but nothing about emergency powers.

I want to put checks and balances on our Washington state government, and there some that feel the priority should be addressing whether pickleball should be the state sport. Do you see why I have my work cut out for me? Wilson said.

The newest bill filed about emergency declaration limits for this session would see declarations expire after 60 days, unless approved by the full Legislature or caucus leadership.

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State and local health officials are encouraging vaccines, boosters and testing as the omicron variant drives up COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

The omicron variant made up about 84% of sequenced specimens collected the week of Dec. 21, according to the states most recent variant report. Three omicron cases have been identified among Cowlitz County residents, but the number likely is higher because few cases are sequenced, according to the health department.

Cowlitz County recorded 121 new confirmed and 36 new probable cases Friday, bringing the total to 15,869. PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center had 20 COVID-19 patients as of Friday morning.

Although infections have risen among vaccinated people, the shots still provide some protection against transmission as well as severe illness, said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, state chief science officer, during a press briefing Thursday. Over the past month, COVID-19 case rates were three times higher among unvaccinated 35- to 64-year-olds than those vaccinated, he said.

As of Wednesday, 59% of county residents had initiated vaccination and 53.8% were fully vaccinated. Statewide, 68.7% of residents had at least one shot and 62.9% were fully vaccinated.

Dr. Steve Krager, county deputy health officer, said he is concerned about the increased risk to unvaccinated older residents who are more vulnerable to hospitalization and death. About 22% of Cowlitz County residents are 65 years old and older and 34% of those 50 to 64 years old are not fully vaccinated.

That translates to thousands in the county, Krager said. Those are the people that if they havent gotten the vaccine now is the time. Numbers are increasing and you are at risk of severe disease.

Krager also encouraged people eligible for a booster dose to get one to help increase protection against illness and death.

About 23,925 county residents had received an additional dose as of Wednesday. That includes boosters or third doses for those who are immunocompromised and didnt develop adequate immunity with the two-dose series.

Children 12 to 15 years old now are eligible for a booster five months after their second Pfizer vaccine dose.

Testing, what to do if positive

With high demand and limited appointments at pharmacies and clinics, Krager said at-home testing will be more important for residents to do if they have symptoms or have been exposed.

People who test positive with an at-home kit should call the state COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-525-0127 then press #, or press 7 for Spanish. The hotline is available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Language assistance is available.

State health officials said Thursday that people who cant find a test immediately should have patience and take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others.

Kwan-Gett said while for some COVID-19 is like a cold or the flu, for others, it is life threatening.

People who test positive should follow new guidelines that recommend isolating for five days and diligently wearing a mask around others for five days after that. Krager said those worried about transmitting the virus to vulnerable people can still isolate for 10 days or take an antigen test before ending isolation.

People with symptoms or who have been exposed to the virus should quarantine for five days and take a test on the fifth day, Krager said.

Krager said he highly encourages people to wear higher-quality masks, either KN95, N95 or KF-94. For those who dont have access to those types of masks, a cloth mask with three layers of fabric that fits well can still provide protection, he said.

To boil it down, omicron can still cause severe disease, isolate and quarantine for five days then test, and get a better mask, Krager advised.

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Asteroid Apophis is heading for the Earth, says NASA and described it as one of the "most hazardous asteroids"

Over tens of thousands of years, many asteroids have actually crashed into Earth. It is said that our Moon was made from the debris that flew into space after an asteroid crashed into the Earth. Dinosaurs went extinct because of an asteroid crash on Earth. Nowadays, we all keep getting information from NASA about the hazardous asteroids that keep passing near the Earth every month. However, here is one that may spell disaster for Earth! An asteroid 30 times more powerful than even the largest nuclear bomb made on Earth, is going to pass extremely close to the planet. According to Russian scientists, an asteroid named Apophis, named after the Greek god, will fly past the Earth in 2029. Apophis, meaning the 'rock of chaos' will be around 39,000 kilometres away from the Earth which is as near as the distance between the satellites, which broadcast TV channels onto our television, and the ground. In short, it will pass horrifically close to Earth. The bad thing is that if it shifts its flight path even by a very small margin, it could well hit Earth.

Earlier, in some quarters, it was thought that Apophis would actually collide with Earth in the year 2068. However, this was proven to be wrong. NASA scientists initially discovered Apophis in 2004 and described it as one of the "most hazardous asteroids" that could pose a serious threat to Earth.

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Does asteroid Apophis pose any threat to Earth?

Luckily, despite its enormous size, Asteroid Apophis seems to pose no harm to Earth. NASA says it is not expected to collide with our planet and will pass safely by. However, it will be a historical event since it will be the first time in recorded history that an asteroid of such magnitude will approach so near to the Earth. The space rock was removed from NASA's risk list in March, and the agency is now referring to it as an opportunity to study a "solar system remnant," as it will pass quite close to Earth in 2029.

What if this giant asteroid hits the Earth?

Just a thought of getting hit by the giant Asteroid Apophis is heart-wrenching! But while estimating the real impact of the asteroid, the Russian government researchers revealed that if the asteroid collides with the Earth, then it would release around 1,717 megatons of energy.

How much is that? It is 30 times more powerful than the Soviet Tsar Bomba, which was tested in 1961 and is still the world's largest bomb.
The communities around the Salton Sea, a former playground for the wealthy in southern California, are struggling as the inland sea evaporates, but a lithium extraction plant is offering hope of a renewal.

Hollywood's jetset once crowded the shores of the Salton Sea, a then-idyllic southern California playground for the wealthy. Today, it is desolate and depressedthe evaporating water leaving behind dead shellfish, dust and chemicals that irritate the airways.

But also lithium.

The increasingly valuable metal, whose supply is concentrated in a few global pockets, is vital for the rechargeable batteries expected to cleanly power the cars and homes of our polluted planet's future.

"This is definitely the largest known (reserve) here in North America," says Jim Turner, chief operating officer of Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR), pointing to the desert horizon of the so-called "Lithium Valley."

For now, the Australian firm only has a huge drill boring into the ground at the site of a planned geothermal plant and lithium production site.

But by 2024, Turner says, this spot could be producing 20,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide every yearenough to make batteries for 400,000 Teslas.

Lithium demand for use in batteries is expected to double by the end of the decade, says Juan Carlos Zuleta, who specializes in the economics of the metal.

At present rates, lithium hydroxide is worth over $25,000 per tonne, a price that has risen more than 250 percent over the last year.

Such mineral wealth could prove a boon for an area that ranks among California's poorest.

But the Salton Sea has seen promises disappear before, like mirages in its unforgiving desert climate.

Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) says it could be producing up to 20,000 tonnes of lithium a year by 2024.

The Salton Riviera

The Salton Sea has formed and evaporated several times over the millennia, but its latest iteration arose at the start of the 20th century when the Colorado River overflowed.

That created a 300-square-mile (800 square kilometers) inland sea, around which resorts such as Salton City and Bombay Beach flourished, offering fishing, swimming and sunbathing.

But with no natural water sourceother than California's unreliable rainfeeding the sea, it is shrinking. Evaporation is increasing the salinity of the remaining water.

This process also leaves behind chemicals from farmland runoff, which settles in the dusty shores and is whipped up by the wind, contributing to a high rate of asthma in the area.

The Salton Riviera, a tourist promise that once threatened to dethrone nearby Palm Springs, is now just a collection of corroded buildings.

Salton City languishes, and no one swims or fishes in the water any more. Imperial County, in which it all sits, has a 15.5 percent unemployment rate, one of the highest in the country.

"We need things here. You're in the poorest county in the state of California," says Ernie Hawkins, owner of the Ski Inn bar in Bombay Beach.

Ironically, the desolation of Bombay Beach has been its saving grace in recent years: its dystopian landscape is a draw for artists, who now form a part of the 300-strong community.

Hawkins says his bar, covered floor to ceiling with dollar bills, is surviving even the pandemic, and that the riches that lithium deposits offer could really help.

The Salton Sea has no supply of fresh water to replenish it, so it is gradually shrinking.

Not everyone agrees.

A few miles north, in Calipatria, there is skepticism about how the community will benefit from the venture.

"We heard that there will be more jobs, that they will open other plants, but we haven't seen anything change. We have to wait," says Juan Gonzalez, an employee in a tire shop, one of the few businesses operating in the city.

'Endless' possibilities

From its shoreline, littered with dead crustaceans, the Salton Sea seems endless.

Sometimesthough not alwaysit smells bad here, say biochemists Charlie Diamond and Caroline Hung of the University of California, Riverside.

In their small inflatable boat, the researchers measure lake conditions periodically.

Diamond sees "a unique opportunity" in the promise of lithium, but only if it is handled correctly.

"I think that there's really no reason that it can't be like a poster child for success in alternative energy development," he said.

"That opportunity is squarely on the table and it's really up to the community and the lithium operators, whether or not that's the story, or if it's a story of conflict, and another chapter in the long story of this region being left out economically."

Ernie Hawkins is optimistic about the lithium plant, and hopes it will being some much-needed economic stimulation to the area.

For Hung, the opinions of the residents are important, but they are not the only considerationlithium extraction can have environmental consequences.

"They need to really think about what would happen if the water continues to recede, and they continue to expand," she says.

CTR's Turner says the company plans to use geothermal sources to power the plant, which will extract a lithium brine.

The metal will be separated from this liquid, and the remnants returned to the earth, minimizing any environmental impact, in a cyclical process he says is far less harmful than other large-scale extraction methods around the world.

He insists that this will position the United Stateswhich currently has only one lithium operation, in Nevadato compete in a future where batteries are a vital link in the renewable energy chain.

Turner's enthusiasm is infectious to some on the quiet, desert shores of the Salton Sea.

"I'm gonna put an electric (charging) station out here," says Hawkins, gesturing to the front of his bar.

"Once it starts, the possibilities are going to be endless. Who knows, maybe I'm a dreamer."

Explore further Sizing up the challenges in extracting lithium from geothermal brine

 2022 AFP
Steven Pan of College Station earned a Master of Science in computer science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta following the summer 2021 semester.

Karen Sierra of Brenham recently graduated from Blinn Colleges certified nurse aide program.

Margaret Michel of College Station and Helen Johnson of Bryan have been initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

Michel is a student at Lamar University in Beaumont, and Johnson is a student at Texas State University in San Marcos.

They are among about 25,000 students, faculty, staff members and alumni to be initiated into the collegiate honor society each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.

The group has chapters on more than 325 college campuses across the U.S.

Joy Sanders of Buffalo has graduated from Weber State University in Odgen, Utah, with a Bachelor of Science degree in medical lab sciences. The universitys commencement ceremonies were held Dec. 17.

Shane Rae of College Station has been named to the Deans List for the fall 2021 semester at South Plains College in Levelland. To qualify, students must earn a grade point average of 3.25 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Jada Phillips of Brenham has been named to the Deans Honor Roll for the fall 2021 semester at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls.

Nicole Goggin of College Station has been named to the Presidents List for the fall 2021 semester at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. The list includes full-time students who achieve a 4.0 grade point average.
Ceremonies throughout the Brazos Valley will take place this month to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Lincoln Recreation Center in College Station will host its Dream Works in Action events throughout the month. The first of the free events was a health and fitness expo Saturday.

The 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Keeping the Dream Alive Celebration will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Lincoln Recreation Center. The free evening of praise will feature keynote speaker Somerville High School Principal Derron Robinson, music and dance performances and special recognition of community members who have made significant impacts.

While the event is free, dinner tickets are available from K&J Southern Cuisine. The menu options are chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits, and dinner tickets cost $12 per plate or $25 for both entrees.

The Lincoln Recreation Center will host a community clean up next Saturday from 8:30-10 a.m. in the surrounding neighborhood.

The final event scheduled is a job fair for anyone 16 years or older from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 19. The free event is presented in partnership with Workforce Solution Brazos Valley and will allow people to connect with local employers and distribute resumes.

You may have heard the term S.O. Factor and wondered what it meant. It simply means serving others, Lincoln Recreation Center Supervisor Cheletia Johnson wrote in a blog post to the citys website. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best: Everybody can be great  because anybody can serve. You dont have to have a college degree to serve. You dont have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. Dr. Kings actions magnified his words.

Navasota

On Jan. 15, the City of Navasota will host an MLK Day Celebration beginning with a parade at 10 a.m. and continuing with a memorial program at Friendship Baptist Church on 1111 S. La Salle.

The theme of the celebration is United We Stand Keeping in Step with the Dream and will feature a keynote address from the Rev. Harvey Walker of Crossing Community Church in Houston. The memorial program will honor all area pastors.

BVAA, Bryan

On Jan. 17, the Brazos Valley Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host its 26th annual MLK March and Program.

The march will begin at 10 a.m. at Sadie Thomas Park and conclude at Kemp-Carver Elementary School. Participants are encouraged to wear masks during the march and coordinate their own transportation back to their vehicles at Sadie Thomas Park.

As usual, the march will allow our communities to once again join together in walking for world peace, recognizing and celebrating the life, contributions and legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a press release from BVAA reads. It is also a time for us to celebrate the resilience in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to COVID-19, the program will take place virtually with a presentation from Bryan High School graduate and University of Oklahoma edutainer George Lee via the BVAAs YouTube channel. The program is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.

This years event also will include a service project, supporting Family Promise of Bryan-College Station. Participants and anyone in the community are asked to donate hygiene items to the nonprofit that supports families in need by providing shelter, meals and support services. BVAA also will accept donations to give to the nonprofit before and after the march.

Agnes Gray, chair of the program, said the BVAA chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority believed it was important to not take the holiday off. In addition to bringing a diverse group of people together from throughout the community, it gives the organization a chance to reinforce the work of King.

I am just so ecstatic how in the past years its just caught on fire where we have so many children, our schoolchildren, and our school districts also taking a lead in this and supporting whats going on, she said, noting the number of youth organizations that participate. Thats why we really want to target our young generation because once we get them to understand the story, then they can also share it with their children, and thats how you keep things going.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M will host its 15th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 26. The breakfast, which is presented by MSC Carter G. Woodson Black Awareness Committee, will be held in the MSC Bethancourt Ballroom.

The event will include a keynote conversation with Dr. Molefi Kete Asante that will be moderated by Lt. Col. Stephen G. Ruth.

The purpose of the breakfast is to reflect upon the life, legacy, and accomplishments of Dr. King and relay the message of his dream to students, faculty, and administration, the event website states.  The hope of this program is to serve as an inspiration and the foundation for the desire to make a difference in society much like Dr. King.

Tickets are $20 for faculty, staff and community members and $10 for Texas A&M students and can be purchased at the MSC Box Office in Rudder Tower and online.

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The Childrens Museum of the Brazos Valley has scheduled the 2022 Daddy Daughter Dance for Feb. 4 and 5 at the Stella Hotel in Bryan. The event will include appearances from princesses, crafts and activities, a photo booth, formal portraits, dinner and dancing. The fundraiser, which is sponsored by Brenham National Bank, raises money to support the Childrens Museum. The dance runs from 6 to 9 p.m. both nights. Tickets are $160 per couple, and each additional daughter is $30. Museum members are eligible for a $25 discount. Tickets can be purchased at cmbv.org or by calling the museum at 779-5437.

SUNDAY

EVENTS

Luckeys Rod Run, beginning around 7 a.m. at Chicken Oil Co., 3600 S. College Ave. in Bryan. Hundreds of classic and antique vehicle will converge in Bryan for an annual gathering.

Texas High School Rodeo Association rodeo, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Brazos County Expo, 5827 Leonard Road in Bryan.

Texas USA Houston Nationals wrestling competition at the Brazos County Expo, 5827 Leonard Road in Bryan.

Cars and Coffee, 8 to 10 a.m. at Aggieland Outfitters, 303 University Drive in College Station. Cars on display from BCS Street and coffee from The Bean Truck and Rockdale Coffee.

SPORTS

Texas A&M womens basketball vs. Florida, 2 p.m. at Reed Arena on the Texas A&M University campus. Tickets are $3 to $8.

Texas Roadrunners vs. Texas Brahmas hockey game, 1:45 p.m. at Spirit Ice Arena, 400 Holleman Drive in College Station. Tickets are $6 for adults; children under 12 are $3.

LIVE MUSIC

Derek Song, 2 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 217 W. 26th St. in Bryan. The first performance of the 2022 Plass Recital Series. Song, 20, is a violinist, singer-songwriter, producer, artist manager and music director studying music business management and contemporary writing and production at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. The recital is free and open to the public.

Amanda Adams, 3 to 6 p.m. at Brazos Valley Brewing Co., 206 S. Jackson St. in Brenham. Free. Food will be available for purchase.

Guthrie Jones, 2 to 5 p.m. at West Sandy Creek Winery, 1773 F.M. 1791 in Richards. Free.

EXHIBITS

Oceans of Plastic at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station. A collection of art made from plastic pollution acquired from beaches along the Texas coast. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, and tickets must be purchased at bush41.org/visit/admission.
Pope Francis rattled some big cages when he said people who adopt pets instead of people are selfish in some cases. The last part of that sentence was left out of many stories, and the rest informed some rabid reactions from pet lovers, as well as some childless-by-choice folks.

Mainly, he was saying that economies are in trouble because of declining birthrates, affecting production and, therefore, the ability to support aging populations.

He was also expressing concerns about what the effect will be on our humanity as people increasingly turn from human families to pet households.

Let me say first: It is a rare day that I agree with everyone.

I am an irrational animal lover  I love anything with a heartbeat  and so my heart swells when an animal is rescued and adopted. But the idea that animal lovers such as me ought instead to be having or adopting children  and are selfish for not doing so  seems to me a preposterous conflation leading to a false conclusion.

That said, hes the pope, and who am I?

Answer: Someone who thinks she knows what he meant.

We do seem to be obsessed with our animals these days, especially since COVID-19 made pet companionship an around-the-clock experience for many of us who transitioned to working from home. This is especially true among millennials  the childbearing demographic  who reportedly have more pets than children, according to one study.

One in 10 American pet owners are putting off having children (or having more) because of pet expenses, according to the American Pet Products Association (yes, there is one of those, too).

Our fur babies, a popular term that makes me want to spit dog hair, arent merely pets but are family members essential to the making of a home. Theyre easier and (somewhat) less expensive than children.

Moreover, pet-parenting can be a good warm-up exercise for would-be parents. If caring for a pet is too much trouble, hire a travel agent.

The pope would never say this, of course, but my thinking is that people who dont want children really shouldnt have them. If they do happen to birth a baby, they can find adoptive parents easily enough, but they might be in for a surprise.

In my experience, very few first-time parents have any idea how much theyre going to love their little peanut. I mean Big L-O-V-E.

This observation, I think, corresponds more accurately to the popes intentions. Love for ones child is unexpectedly unselfish. Good parents surrender themselves to the care and nurturing of these helpless, tiny people and suddenly cannot imagine what they did with their lives before. Nothing that mattered, many will say.

It is hard to convey that to someone who isnt a parent. You can no more explain the overwhelming, all-consuming, all-protecting love you feel for your newborn than you can explain the feeling of being in love to the uninitiated. (Thus: poetry.)

A much younger me once swore Id never marry or have children. In college, I even ripped out the back page of Paul Ehrlichs 1968 book, The Population Bomb, signed a pledge to have no more than one child and mailed it in.

What nonsense. Ehrlich, who predicted mass starvation in the 1970s and 1980s and offered coercion as a population control measure, wasnt wrong about everything.

But overpopulation isnt the terrifying prospect he made it out to be.

If anything, birthrates are declining in many industrialized nations. Economists (and the pope) now worry there wont be enough people to support aging populations. Estimates are that by 2030, a solid one-fifth of Americas population will be 65 or older.

Given the Catholic Churchs opposition to contraception and abortion, it seems perfectly normal for the Vatican to take note of declining birthrates. The pope is right about needing more, not fewer, births if the relationship between economics and the social safety net is his focus.

Hes also right to wonder what effect the seeming preference for pets might have upon our humanity. Thats his main job, after all. What does it mean ultimately to trade the gift of life for communion in a dog park?

If a good helping of selflessness is essential to bringing another human into the world safely, then might it seem like selfishness for some to take the easier path of pet? Maybe, if youre the pope.

As someone who has had it all - children and an unbroken series of adopted animals, including three dogs, two cats and about 40 free-flying pet birds  I cant rightly say.

But Ill tell you what an old friend told me when I told him I was expecting. Thats wonderful, he said. Now you can know what love is.

Kathleen Parkers email address is kathleenparker@washpost.com .
HERAT, Afghanistan, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Unknown armed men have gunned down a money changer in Herat city, capital of Afghanistan's western Herat province, provincial police spokesperson Mohmoud Rasouli said Sunday.

"A famous saraf (money changer) Abdul Rahim Sediqi was gunned down by unidentified armed men on Saturday evening," Rasouli said.

Police operations are underway with no arrests made so far, the police official said. Family members said the money changer was on his way home when he was attacked. 
We go to movies not just to escape, but to discover. We might identify with the cowboy or the runaway bride or the kid who befriends a creature from another planet.

To see yourself on screen has long been another way of knowing you exist.

Sidney Poitier, who died Thursday at 94, was the rare performer who really did change lives, who embodied possibilities once absent from the movies. His impact was as profound as Method acting or digital technology, his story inseparable from the story of the country he emigrated to as a teenager.

What emerges on the screen reminds people of something in themselves, because Im so many different things, he wrote in his memoir The Measure of a Man, published in 2000. Im a network of primal feelings, instinctive emotions that have been wrestled with so long theyre automatic.

Poitier made Hollywood history, by breaking from the stereotypes of bug-eyed entertainers, and American history, by appearing in films during the 1950s and 1960s that paralleled the growth of the civil rights movement. As segregation laws were challenged and fell, Poitier was the performer to whom a cautious Hollywood turned for stories of progress, a bridge to the growing candor and variety of Black filmmaking today.

He was the escaped Black convict who befriends a racist white prisoner (Tony Curtis) in The Defiant Ones. He was the courtly office worker who falls in love with a blind white girl in A Patch of Blue. He was the handyman in Lilies of the Field who builds a church for a group of nuns. In one of the great roles of stage or screen, he was the ambitious young man whose dreams clashed with those of other family members in Lorraine Hansberrys A Raisin in the Sun.

Poitier not only upended the kinds of movies Hollywood made, but how they were filmed. For decades, Black and white actors had been shot with similar lighting, leading to an unnatural glare in the faces of Black performers. On the 1967 production In the Heat of the Night, cinematographer Haskell Wexler adjusted the lighting for Poitier so the actors features were as clear as those of white cast members.

The long-running debate over Hollywood diversity often turns to Poitier. His unique appeal brought him burdens familiar to Jackie Robinson and others who broke color lines. He faced bigotry from whites and accusations of compromise from the Black community. Poitier was held, and held himself, to standards well above his white peers. He refused to play cowards or cads and took on characters, especially in Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, of almost divine goodness. He developed an even, but resolved and occasionally humorous persona crystallized in his most famous line  They call me Mr. Tibbs!  from In the Heat of the Night.

All those who see unworthiness when they look at me and are given thereby to denying me value  to you I say, Im not talking about being as good as you. I hereby declare myself better than you, he wrote in The Measure of a Man.

In 1964, he became the first Black performer to win the best actor Oscar, for Lilies of the Field. He peaked in 1967 with three of the years most notable movies: To Sir, With Love, in which he starred as a school teacher who wins over his unruly students at a London secondary school; In the Heat of the Night, as the determined police detective Virgil Tibbs; and in Guess Whos Coming to Dinner, as the prominent doctor who wishes to marry a young white woman he only recently met, her parents played by Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn in their final film together.

Poitiers films were usually about personal triumphs rather than broad political themes, but the classic Poitier role, from Guess Whos Coming to Dinner to In the Heat of the Night, seemed to mirror the drama the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. played out in real life: An eloquent and accomplished Black man  Poitier became synonymous with the word dignified who confronts the whites opposed to him.

But even in his prime, his films were chastised as sentimental and out of touch. He was called an Uncle Tom and a million-dollar shoeshine boy. In 1967, The New York Times published Black playwright Clifford Masons essay Why Does White America Love Sidney Poitier So? Mason dismissed Poitiers films as a schizophrenic flight from historical fact and the actor as a pawn for the white mans sense of whats wrong with the world.

James Baldwin, in his classic essay on movies The Devil Finds Work, helped define the affinity and disillusion that Poitier inspired. He remembered watching The Defiant Ones at a Harlem theater and how the audience responded to the train ride at the end, when Poitiers character decided to imperil his own freedom out of loyalty to Curtis character.

The Harlem audience was outraged, and yelled, Get back on the train, you fool! Baldwin wrote. And yet, even at that, recognized in Sidneys face, at the very end, as he sings Sewing Machine, something noble, true, and terrible, something out of which we come.

In his memoir, Poitier wrote that he didnt have a responsibility to be angry and defiant, even if he often felt those emotions. He noted that such historical figures as King and Nelson Mandela could never have been so forgiving had they not first gone through much, much anger and much, much resentment and much, much anguish.

When these come along, their anger, their rage, their resentment, their frustration  these feelings ultimately mature by will of their own discipline into a positive energy that can be used to fuel their positive, healthy excursions in life, he wrote.

In recent years, a new generation learned of him through Oprah Winfrey, who chose The Measure of a Man for her book club, and through the praise of such Black stars as Denzel Washington, Will Smith and Danny Glover. Poitiers eminence was never more movingly dramatized than at the Academy Awards ceremony in 2002 when he received an honorary Oscar, preceding Washingtons best actor win for Training Day, the first time a Black person had won in that category since Poitier nearly 40 years earlier.

Ill always be chasing you, Sidney, Washington said as he accepted his award. Ill always be following in your footsteps.

Poitiers life ended in adulation, but began in hardship, and nearly ended days after his birth. He was born prematurely in Miami, where his parents had gone to deliver tomatoes from their farm on tiny Cat Island in the Bahamas. He spent his early years on the remote island, which had no paved roads or electricity, but was so free from racial hierarchy that only when he left did he think about the color of his skin.

By his late teens, he had moved to Harlem, but was so overwhelmed by his first winter there that he enlisted in the Army, cheating on his age and swearing he was 18 when he had yet to turn 17. Assigned to a mental hospital on Long Island, Poitier was appalled at how cruelly the doctors and nurses treated the soldier patients and acknowledged that he got out of the Army by pretending he was insane.

Poitiers now-famous cadence and diction came in part through reading and studying the voices he heard on the radio. He found an early job in a student production of Days Of Our Youth, as the understudy to another determined young performer: Harry Belafonte. When Belafonte didnt show up one night, Poitier stepped in and caught the attention of a Broadway director who happened to be in attendance. He was soon in a cross-country touring group  often staying in segregated hotels  and by 1950 had his first notable film role: He played a doctor in an all-white hospital in Joseph Mackiewiczs drama No Way Out.

Other early films included Cry, the Beloved Country and Blackboard Jungle, featuring Poitier as a tough high school student, the kind of character he might have had to face down when he starred in To Sir, With Love. By the late 1950s, he was one of the industrys leading performers  of any race. In The Defiant Ones, co-star Tony Curtis helped Poitier make history by insisting that his name appear above the title of the movie, as a star, rare status for a Black performer at the time.

By the time he received his Oscar for Lilies of the Field, his career and the country were well aligned. Congress was months away from passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, banning discrimination on the basis of race, and a victory for Poitier was so desired in Hollywood that even one of his Oscar competitors, Paul Newman, was rooting for him.

When presenter Anne Bancroft announced his victory, the audience cheered for so long that Poitier was able to re-remember the speech he briefly forgot. It has been a long journey to this moment, he declared.
LINCOLN  For growers who couldnt make it to Soybean Management Field Days this past summer or for those who attended and need a refresher, SMFD presentations were recorded and are available at enrec.unl.edu/2021soybeanmanagementfielddays.

The SMFD presentations are provided to growers to view whenever and wherever is most convenient. The series includes 17 video modules discussing everything from soybean gall midge to Nebraska cropland values.

The field days and virtual sessions are sponsored by NSB in partnership with Nebraska Extension in the University of NebraskaLincolns Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and are funded through Nebraska soybean checkoff dollars.

Presentations include:

Soil water considerations with cover crops in irrigated soybeans

SMFD research on soil water use with cover crops in irrigated soybeans

Water use and planting considerations in irrigated fields with cover crops

Yield-increasing soybean production practices: planting date, row width, seeding rate

Nebraska cropland cash rental rates in 2021

Nebraska cropland lease trends in 2021

Nebraska cropland values in 2021

Pricing decisions and opportunities

Understanding the soybean market

Fall planted cover crops and benefits in a soybean system

Interseeding cover crops into soybeans

Arthropod management in cover crops

Soybean gall midge: understanding a new pest of soybean

Soybean gall midge: management tactics for a new pest

Soybean disease update

Frogeye leaf spot of soybean disease update

Becks acquires new facility near Goehner

ATLANTA, Ind.  Becks, the largest family-owned retail seed company and the third-largest seed brand in the United States, has acquired a new facility near Goehner.

Located on 150 acres, the site will provide western farmers with sales support, distribution, and Practical Farm Research, as well as educational and agronomic opportunities.

Situated off I-80, Becks Goehner facility will bring superior visibility and recognition to the area, with new buildings and reconstruction. The facility will be partially operational in 2022 but is expected to be fully operational in 2023. Becks will add multiple new full-time employees to operate the facility and bring farmers localized service and high-yielding, region-specific products.

In addition, this facility will have more than 100 acres of land dedicated to Practical Farm Research. Becks PFR studies are designed with the farmer in mind and highlight different management practices and inputs to help farmers to make better decisions on their farms and increase profitability.

For more information about Becks products, services or dealer network, please visit www.beckshybrids.com or call 800-937-2325.

USDA issues Nebraska cattle, hog reports

LINCOLN  Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.58 million cattle on feed on Dec. 1, according to the USDAs National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was up 2% from last year.

Placements during November totaled 490,000 head, up 7% from 2020.

Fed cattle marketings for the month of November totaled 455,000 head, up 10% from last year. Other disappearance during November totaled 15,000 head, unchanged from last year.

Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on Dec. 1, was 3.60 million head.

This was down 5% from Dec. 1, 2020, and down 1% from Sept. 1, 2021.

Breeding hog inventory, at 440,000 head, was up 7% from December 1, 2020, but down 4% from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 3.16 million head, was down 7% from last year, and down 1% from last quarter.

The September - November 2021 Nebraska pig crop, at 2.28 million head, was up 3% from 2020. Sows farrowed during the period totaled 195,000 head, up 3% from last year. The average pigs saved per litter was 11.70 for the September - November period, compared to 11.70 last year.

Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 190,000 sows during the December 2021 - February 2022 quarter, up 6% from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago. Intended farrowings for March - May 2022 are 195,000 sows, up 3% from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago.
KEARNEY  A Grand Island man is in prison after a Kearney homeowners security video caught him burglarizing their house.

Cody Erickson, 30, of Grand Island was sentenced in Buffalo County District Court to two to five years in prison for felony burglary of a house in May in the 2300 block of Sixth Avenue. Judge Ryan Carson gave him 40 days credit for time already served.

Erickson pleaded no contest to the charge in November.

The sentence will be served after Erickson completes a three-year sentence for felony burglary from Hall County.

On May 29, Kearney Police responded to a report of a burglary where the homeowner had security video of the outside of the house that showed a man entering the house. The incident happened around 7:30 a.m.

The man then left the house around 7:45 a.m. out the same door he entered with a black camera bag containing cameras, Kindle notebooks, two Bluetooth speakers and a gold wedding ring with a one-half carat diamond, court records indicate.

The value of the items was $2,800.

Records dont indicate if anyone was home at the time of the incident.

The homeowner told KPD she was going to post the video on Facebook.

Later, records indicate an officer received a call from someone who had seen the video on Facebook and identified the suspect as Erickson. KPD also recognized Erickson as the possible suspect.

The investigation revealed the morning of the burglary a man saw a brown sport utility vehicle driving around the homeowners neighborhood. The SUV, with a Franklin County license plate and having a missing a front passenger hub, drove around the block five or six times.

KPD received vehicle registration information for the SUV, and contacted a woman in the 300 block of West 25th Street. During a search of her apartment Erickson was found hiding in a bedroom closet under blankets.
Angels Care Progressive Home Health is expanding from Grand Island to Kearney.

The companys corporate office is in Mansfield, Texas, and boasts roughly 70 agencies, mostly across the plains states, explained Grand Island Administrator Heather Anderson.

The Grand Island office opened in March, located at 2550 N. Diers Ave., Suite K.

Weve been in Nebraska for quite some time, but more in the Omaha, Lincoln and Columbus area, Anderson said. The next stop was Grand Island.

Grand Island Angels Care has a caseload of 100 clients currently, with six full-time nurses, two licensed practical nurses, and some additional per diem nurses who take visits as needed.

While there has been a strong need for home health care services in the Grand Island area, that need is greater beyond Grand Island.

Referral sources have reached out to us and said there was a strong need even further west, Anderson said, so were going to keep expanding with our next office in Kearney.

Angels Care in Kearney will be located at 2121 B Ave., near Mother Hull Nursing Home. The site was officially acquired Jan. 1.

It will be an individual agency, supervised from Grand Island by Anderson.

In the meantime, the Kearney location serves as a drop-off point for supplies and for Angels Care nurses to collect needed paperwork.

We have a regional area and Grand Island is going to be more responsible for the Grand Island service area west, in Nebraska, she said. Ultimately, it will be its own office.

The Kearney site opens this spring, Anderson said. Tausha Hansen will serve as Director of Nursing for both Grand Island and Kearney.

Im really excited to open another office in Kearney, Hansen said. The success of Grand Island has been exceptional, the way that weve grown.

Hansen noted that the companys motto is, We serve patients.

Thats what we do. Patients come first. Heather and I, even though were administration, also see a lot of the patients, because that comes before any administrative stuff, she said.

With Angels Care, nurses are on call 24-7.

We admit on the weekends, holidays, whatever the need is for that patient, Anderson said. Weve seen that a lot of people want to get home before the holidays, so weve been extremely busy, but we want those patients to be able to enjoy time with their families as well on the holidays.

The local agency is currently looking for nurses for Nebraskas more rural or isolated areas.

Angel Cares service area goes as far north as Valley County and south to the Kansas border, east to York and west beyond Kearney, to Lexington and Custer County.

Our goal is to find nurses in those areas so were really available locally to those patients in those more rural areas, Anderson said. Even though we have those two structural offices, our nurses are really scattered throughout our service area.

She added, We get to our patients in a timely manner when they need us.

Angels Care uniquely does education on disease processes with home visits, Anderson said.

If people are coming out of surgeries and things of that nature, if theyre dealing with chronic illnesses, we have those programs, she said. We also serve behavioral health patients.

Angels Care offers home health care for physical and occupation therapy, speech therapy, and a mental health program.

Specialty programs include diabetes management, and a CHF/COPD (congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) program.

Behavioral health programs include Alzheimers and dementia.

We have quite a few opportunities to help people out there, Hansen said.

Angels Care has been active in the Grand Island community since opening.

Outreach efforts include a tree at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, programs for local caregivers, patients and families, a coat and blanket drive for the homebound, and recently

Gifts for Grands with Grand Generation Center, which provided gifts, clothes and some new household items for those in need of a senior-age.

For more information about Angels Care services, visit www.angelscarehealth.com.

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The towns public library has been awarded five stars by national trade publication Library Journal for the 14th consecutive year.

This time around Central City Public Library is one of 37 libraries across the nation that have achieved the rating since the inception of the Library Journals Index 14 years ago. A total of 5,846 libraries were evaluated from the pool, based on data from fiscal year 2019.

Sara Lee, director of Central City Public Library, said, Library Journal is a great source of information for libraries all over for programming, navigating through COVID, things like that. When were asked about the rating, we do not take it for granted.

According to Library Journal, The LJ Index is a national rating system designed to recognize and promote Americas public libraries, to help improve the pool of nationally collected library statistics, and to encourage library self-evaluation.

The scores measure levels of library service delivery compared to peer libraries nationally. Library Journal said, Scores do not indicate the quality, effectiveness or value of library services, nor whether the quantities of services provided sufficiently address community needs.

Beyond the numbers, true library evaluation comes from patrons, community and elements not necessarily considered by the index, Lee indicated. I think and I strongly believe that your library is community based. We need to stay relevant to the community. Thats one of our goals: to stay relevant to the community to be not only just a literary center of the community, but a source for information and like for cultural activities, and just basically enriching the community.

Janae McHargue, a stay-at-home parent, and Kendra Kuhn who homeschools her children, were at the library Thursday, watching their children play with puppets, blocks and  of course  read. McHargue said it is the atmosphere and variety of resources that keep her family coming back. Weve been to multiple libraries around the area, and I like this one. Its laid back, but they still have lots and lots of resources.

Resources that Kuhn said helps her in her teacher-parent role.

Having access to technology  for free, to boot  is a welcome supplement to what the family does at home. We dont do much with computers at home school like they do at school, Kuhn said. It was at the library her daughter got to play with technology. The first time ever (daughter) sat down and picked up the mouse. And shes like, whats this? Within a day, she had it figured out. It was nice to have that experience and resource.

Lee said experiences like the Kuhns is what Central City Public Library is meant for.

One thing that we have been able to do, and do very well, is look beyond the materials  look beyond the books. A lot of times people think of a library as a place that holds books, Lee said. We continue to look beyond the books to offer as many services as we can. Were always willing to change and willing to evolve.

Changing and evolving can be measured, and many libraries keep track of statistics like number of patrons, materials, checkouts and programming. Keeping score throughout the year can make the difference between receiving certain types of financial aid and other resources and having to get by without.

Those measures are considered in Library Journals Index. The starred system is based on service output statistics: per capita library visits, circulation, program attendance and public internet computer use. Considered libraries must also meet the Institute of Museum and Library Servicess definition of a public library, have more than 1,000 potential patrons in the librarys service area and have operating expenditures at least $10,000.

Much of Central City Public Librarys funds come from the city. Merrick County, where Central City is located, also contributes. Lee said both government support and private donations are essential to keeping the library fresh and up-to-date.

Our donations we use for special projects, like if we have something special that we want to do, Lee said.

Recently, Central City Public Library was given an extra special gift, Lee said. We were blessed to receive $1.676 million from (Central City native) Patricia Campbells estate within the last year. She split her estate up and Lincoln Public Schools received the same amount that we did, so thats in our endowment fund and will continue to impact generations to come.

Being given $1.676 million is a sizable gift for any library, but one in a community as small as Central City goes even further. According to statistics from the Nebraska Library Association, the Central City Public Librarys FY2019-20 total operating revenue was $268,167.

In fiscal year 2019-20 there were 63,552 circulation transactions. Kids arent the only ones making those, McHargue said. Theyre really great about getting new books, and you can request new books. I like it for just reading novels. I like it for checking out cookbooks, or theres lots of parenting resources that Ive read through here.

The librarys number of registered patrons that year was 4,236 and the library had 50,150 visits, according to the same statistical data, which was submitted to the state by the library.

Through patrons eyes, a library is more than statistics and a number of stars. McHargue is no exception. Their people are so helpful. Miss Sally (childrens librarian) remembers my kids names every time we come in. Shes here to say hi to them.

Kuhn said she understands why Central City Public Library stands out on a national stage. The rating is very well-deserved. I think its awesome. They work very hard to make this place what it is.

Jessica Votipka is the education reporter at the Grand Island Independent. She can be reached at 308-381-5420.

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Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Heavy downpours are possible. Low 62F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. Heavy downpours are possible. Low 62F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
BAGHDAD, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi parliament on Sunday held the first session in its fifth legislative term, signaling important progress in forming a new government.

A total of 325 newly elected lawmakers out of the parliament's 329-seat attended the session which was held in the afternoon under the chairmanship of Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, the eldest member of the parliament, who called on the lawmakers to take the oath of office.

According to the Iraqi constitution, the parliament should elect in its first session its speaker, then his first deputy and second deputy, by an absolute majority of the total number of the lawmakers through direct secret ballot.

The parliament, then, should elect the president from the candidates by a two-thirds majority of its members, and according to the power-sharing system in Iraq, the president should be reserved for the Kurds, the speaker for the Sunnis and the prime minister for the Shiites.

The new president will ask the largest alliance to name a prime minister-designate to form a government within 30 days.

The Iraqi parliamentary elections, originally scheduled for 2022, were held on Oct. 10, 2021 in response to months of protests against corruption, poor governance, and a lack of public services. 
March 2020 is seen as one of the unluckiest times to have launched a business as the COVID-19 pandemic crippled entire industries practically overnight.

But thats when a group of Texas oil and gas businessmen launched its hemp business, Delta AG.

Hemp is a cannabis sativa plant containing 0.3% or less THC, the compound that produces a high in marijuana. Its legal in all 50 states and is found in products as wide-ranging as cosmetics, clothing and electric vehicles.

Delta AG planted its first crop of over 5,000 acres of hemp across Colorado, Kentucky and West Texas in May 2020 and harvested its second crop of over 10,000 acres in October.

In less than two years, the business has reached profitability. It did $16 million in revenue in 2021 and is projecting $100 million in revenue for 2022, and Deltas founders say they hope to be a multibillion-dollar company by 2025.

We have not scratched the surface yet, said John Paul Merritt, chairman of Delta AG.

The founders  Merritt, chief operating officer Nick Strawn and CEO George Overbey  met working at Dallas-based independent mineral investment company Pony Oil, which was founded by Merritt and generates over $100 million a year in revenue. They noticed similarities between the hemp industry and the oil and gas business in the early 2000s, Merritt said.

The land-based production of it. The yield is on a per-unit basis, like crude oil. And it had a bunch of revenue streams that could be pulled off of it, Strawn said. He previously incubated two cannabis companies with the support of Pony Oil.

2019 brought a particular overzealous hemp season. From 2018 to 2019, total acreage of hemp planted nationwide jumped from about 32,000 acres to more than 146,000 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hemp biomass prices plunged from $40 per pound to $10 per pound, according to Bloomberg.

We knew that with the price of hemp crashing and our farming practices, we could be the lowest-cost provider of hemp and take market share, Merritt said.

The company has 10 employees at its headquarters in Dallas, as well as some employees working on the lobbying side at an office in Washington, D.C. It has about 20 workers at any given time at its processing facilities in Colorado, Kentucky and West Texas. Each facility also works with 10 to 12 farming partners or producers to grow the crops.

Delta AG is unique because its the largest full-service producer and processor of hemp in the U.S. The company controls every part of the process, from the farming of the hemp to the manufacturing to get it to a marketable state and, finally, to bagging and shipping orders. This allows it to cut down on costs and provide a consistent supply, the team said.

We saw in some of the economic variables that came with COVID that there was an opportunity for us to grow a business when many were looking for a way out, Strawn said.

It gave us the opportunity to accelerate the business model and grab a foothold, he said.

While most hemp companies choose to focus on either hemp grain, hemp fiber or hemp flower, Delta chose to plant tri-crop varieties so it can do all three. It harvests hemp flower for CBD, body care and pharmaceutical products; hemp grain for animal feed, supplements and cosmetics; and hemp fiber for textiles, paper and insulation.

We focused on a part of the supply chain that no one else really has, said Overbey, whos a former co-founder and chief operating officer of Pony Oil, where he led the deployment of over $1 billion of capital into the energy industry.

The global industrial hemp market size was valued at about $5 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $18.6 billion by 2027, according to Allied Market Research.

Besides the opportunity to scale a business similar to what they did with Pony Oil, the Delta AG team said they like that an acre of hemp sequesters, or absorbs, about 11,000 pounds of CO2. Delta AG hopes to be one of the largest C02 sequestration companies in the U.S. in the next two years and one of the largest carbon credit producers in the world. They hope companies like American Airlines will want to partner with them to reach their goals for offsetting their emissions.

To sum up what they bring to the industry, the men say they saw an opportunity to bring their expertise in management to an industry that is still green.

Its mainly a Wild, Wild West atmosphere, Overbey said. Its largely run by brokers focused on the CBD green rush of 2017, which led to the oversupply in the market.

Delta AG thinks it can avoid this by controlling every aspect of the supply chain. The team found its farming partners by going from barn to barn explaining that it wanted to build out the whole supply chain, not just one part. Now the company believes it has the scale to talk with large companies like Pepsi and Coke to provide them with raw goods, Overbey said.

There was a cloud hanging over the industry  some of that was from green rush farmers who didnt get paid. They didnt have the right management practices in place. We want to bring a corporate environment to the industry, he said.

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James Lide Coker was born to Caleb Coker, a planter and merchant, and his wife Hannah Lide, in 1837. After attending St. Davids Academy, Coker attended the Citadel and Harvard University, where he focused on agricultural management. When he was 23, Coker married Susan Stout. Just a year after they were married, the Civil War broke out and Coker served in the Ninth South Carolina Infantry. He was promoted to the rank of major before being wounded at Lookout Mountain, Georgia, in 1863. During that conflict, the majors leg was shattered and he was taken prisoner by Union forces.

After ten months as a prisoner, Coker made an arduous trip home to find the Pee Dee Region in ruins. Despite his injury, he set out to rebuild his farm and the local community. He opened a general merchandise store, J.L. Coker and Company, in 1865. With a keen knowledge of cotton production, Coker expanded into factoring and production. He built a cotton mill, cotton gin, and cotton seed oil mill. In 1874, he partnered with G.A. Norwood to develop a firm in Charleston, which lasted until the early 1880s. His other ventures focused on the area in and around Darlington County where he organized two banks, a railroad, a cotton fiber company, and other businesses. Two of Cokers firms were merged into Sonoco, which became a large supplier of packaging goods.

Cokers interest in education led him to build a private high school in Hartsville in 1894. When South Carolina created a public high school system in 1907, Coker opted to convert the school into a womens college. He donated funds to add an administration building and dormitory as well as establish an endowment for the school. Coker University is now a coeducational, private liberal arts institution.

Coker was also a faithful man who taught Sunday School for years.

James Coker died in Hartsville in 1918. The fact that he focused on manufacturing and business, held no grudges against the Union and worked to better his state and community have caused him to be remembered as an exemplary figure of the New South movement. His great grandson, Will Joslin, has recently completed a biography titled "God, Guts, and Gallantry: The Faith, Courage, and Accomplishments of Major James Lide Coker."

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"This battle is not over," President Joe Biden vowed at South Carolina State University.

He was not speaking about his Build Back Better bill, the $2 trillion spending measure that's been blocked by Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who holds veto power over the president's legislative agenda. Rather, Biden's promise refers to two critical proposals that would restore and protect fundamental rights: to vote freely and to have your ballot counted fairly.

Build Back Better is a wish list of liberal aspirations, from expanding child tax credits to offering incentives for green energy options. None of those measures, however worthy, are absolutely essential to a healthy functioning democracy.

Protecting voting rights, however, is essential. Without fair elections, the whole system fails. As Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado told Dan Balz of The Washington Post: "Voter disenfranchisement threatens our entire democracy ... all your other rights are dependent on your right to vote."

Biden's words are especially urgent because Republicans are conducting a deliberate and destructive campaign to undermine voting rights. As the Brennan Center for Justice reports, "In an unprecedented year so far for voting legislation, 19 states have enacted 33 laws that will make it harder for Americans to vote."

"I've never seen anything like the unrelenting assault on the right to vote," Biden thundered at South Carolina State. "Never."

That assault is particularly pernicious because it's based entirely on the Big Lie: that the presidency was stolen from Donald Trump and future elections are jeopardized by voter fraud. It cannot be said often or clearly enough: THAT IS NOT TRUE.

Countless Republican officials -- governors, election monitors, federal judges appointed by Trump, even his own attorney general, Bill Barr -- all agree that the election was honest, that fraud was minimal and that Biden won fairly and squarely.

There is simply no explanation -- none -- for the new laws, except for one: Republicans want to suppress Democratic votes and make it easier for themselves to win. It's now Democrats who should be shouting "Stop the steal!"

Here's the problem, however: Democrats have only 50 votes in the Senate, but they need 60 to overcome Republican filibusters, and the GOP has repeatedly stonewalled all attempts to bring the voting rights reforms to the floor. And so far Manchin, with the support of Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, has refused to consider changes in the filibuster rules that would free the voting bills from limbo.

Now, Manchin makes a good point: Changes in Senate rules are best done through bipartisan consensus, otherwise the basic culture of the chamber is threatened with chaos. Sinema adds, correctly, that if Democrats abrogate the filibuster to pass voting rights, a Republican majority could easily roll back those changes in the future and pass even more draconian voting restrictions.

Indeed, Democrats have already seen the risks of tampering with the rules. In 2013, they amended the filibuster so it could not be used to shelve President Barack Obama's picks for federal judgeships. So, four years later, Republicans felt free to end the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees. Do you think Democrats regret not having the leverage to stop Trump's choice of Justice Amy Coney Barrett in the last months of his presidency? You betcha.

But politics always involves a balancing of costs and benefits. And since Republicans have changed the basic ground rules, the potential rewards of altering the filibuster now outweigh the risks.

The odds are stacked heavily against the Democrats, but there are a few flashes of hope. For one thing, while Manchin denounced the substantive provisions of Build Back Better, he actually supports voting rights reforms. Sinema, too, says she favors the measures; she just opposes the process needed to pass them.

The filibuster rule is hardly immutable, however. It has been changed more than 160 times. Key measures like budgets, trade bills and even military base-closing proposals are exempt from the filibuster. Just recently, the Senate again abrogated the rule to allow an increase in the national debt ceiling.

The Senate leader, Chuck Schumer, has vowed to press the issue of voting rights early in 2022 and "consider changes to any rules which prevent us from debating and reaching final conclusion on important legislation."

Manchin, Sinema and other moderate Democrats -- including Biden himself -- have rightly been reluctant to weaken the filibuster and possibly shred the remnants of Senate civility. But the Republican attack on voting rights really does threaten our entire democracy. And that threat has to be thwarted by a decisive response.

Steven Roberts teaches politics and journalism at George Washington University. He can be contacted by email at stevecokie@gmail.com.

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EVANSTON  A Colorado man who was involved in a car crash that claimed the lives of two people last July, including a 12-year-old boy, has been sentenced to spend 7-15 years behind bars.

Braylin Wertenberger appeared in Third District Court on Dec. 23, when a scheduled motions hearing became a change of plea and sentencing hearing after a plea agreement was reached with the Uinta County Attorneys office.

According to court documents, Wertenberger was driving a 2018 GMC Sierra pickup on the afternoon of July 18, when he slammed into the back of a 2002 Toyota RAV4 that was stopped on Interstate 80 just outside Evanston due to an earlier accident approximately half a mile east. The collision forced the RAV4 into the back of a 2013 Ford truck that was also stopped on the interstate.

Two people died as a result of the crash: 12-year-old Scobey Baker of Wolf Point, Montana, and his grandfather, 71-year-old William Baker, also of Wolf Point.

Law enforcement officers reportedly found drug paraphernalia and residue consistent with heroin use in Wertenbergers vehicle, and witnesses on the scene estimated the vehicle was traveling at approximately 85 miles per hour as it approached the backed-up traffic.

Wertenberger entered guilty pleas to two counts of aggravated homicide by vehicle and one count of aggravated assault and battery with a deadly weapon and was sentenced to 7-15 years for each count of aggravated homicide and 7-10 years for the aggravated assault and battery count, all to be served concurrently.

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by Mahmoud Fouly

CAIRO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- On a table in downtown Cairo, Fady Francis, 30, aligns miniature sculptures of 100 influential world figures, standing side by side in harmony, although the figures were from different cultures, spoke different languages and lived in different eras in history.

These statues and busts are carved by Francis as part of his 100-figure sculpture project that he has been working on over the past three years and expects to display in exhibitions in Egypt and abroad later this year.

Among the miniature sculptures are the mummy of Egypt's ancient King Ramses II lying down in a little coffin and the bust of China's philosopher Confucius, surrounded by statues and busts of Egyptian writer Taha Hussein, India's Rabindranath Tagore, German-born physicist Albert Einstein, Austria's composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Spanish painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso.

"They gather together in one place regardless of their different languages and cultures," the Egyptian artist and journalist told Xinhua, stressing that it is the theme of his project.

Francis said his choice of Taha Hussein was because he was one of the most influential Egyptian writers in the 20th century and was referred to as "the Dean of Arabic Literature," although he became blind in his early childhood.

"He was a figure that defied all difficult conditions and his influence wasn't restricted to Egypt but extended to the world," he added.

Francis said the bust of Confucius was one of his lastest works, noting that he visited China in 2017 and was impressed by its culture and architecture.

"He (Confucius) is a Chinese philosopher whose thoughts influenced humanity. His works were translated into different languages across the world. I chose him as a symbol of Chinese culture, thought and philosophy," Francis told Xinhua.

Francis started learning to paint since childhood, and was inspired by the ancient Egyptian artistic antiquities in the monument-rich province of Luxor, where he was born and grew up.

Three years ago, his interest turned to sculpture. Now he uses polymer clay as the main material of his sculptures, whose heights vary between 8 and 18 cm, shaping them with simple sculpting tools such as a toothpick and a needle, and using a magnifying glass to be able to take care of the smallest details.

Some of the miniature statues are sculptured in a caricature-based style with bigger heads, while the focus of some busts is on the details of the facial features such as those of Confucius and Tagore, according to the artist.

Although the first year under the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for the world, Francis took the global lockdown that followed as a "chance" to improve his sculpturing skills and managed to finish 60 miniature sculptures in 2020.

"I believe that art is a message of peace that unites all human beings despite their different cultures and languages," the artist told Xinhua. 
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is set to speak at an upcoming Teton County GOP fundraiser, according to a Friday email from the county party.

Mary Martin, chairwoman of the county party, said the group reached out to the governor and she accepted the invite.

We thought she would be someone people would be interested in hearing from and help us have a successful event, Martin said.

Martin added that she has three goals for the event, which they are calling the Patriots Dinner. The party hopes to raise money, build relationships in the community and interest Republicans in running for office.

Noem, an ardent Donald Trump ally, has gained national attention for refusing to follow guidance of medical experts and the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As governor, Noem remains staunchly against mask mandates and gave her blessing to multiple large events. Her response to COVID has been likened to Trumps handling of the pandemic while in office.

Shes been a very brave leader, Martin said.

Teton County is the only Democratic stronghold in Wyoming. In the 2020 presidential election, the only other county that voted for Joe Biden was Albany County, but by a mere 2.7 points.

Teton County is also home to the highest concentration of billionaires per capita in the United States, so the fundraising opportunities are ample. That said, many of the countys wealthy residents live there part time, so they may not be as committed or plugged into county politics.

Tickets are selling really fast Martin said  about 190 in the last month. Tables that seat 10 people cost $5,000 and individual seats cost $500.

The Teton County Republican Party said they plan to use the money raised to contribute to town and county level Republican campaigns in their effort to make Teton County Wyoming again, Martin said in the email.

Wyoming residents sometimes joke that Teton County and the town of Jackson are the California of Wyoming or say things like Jackson isnt real Wyoming.

Noems Teton County visit will be a formal event held Feb. 18 at the Four Seasons hotel, a luxury hotel located in Teton Village.

Noems office did not respond to request for comment Friday.

Follow state politics reporter Victoria Eavis on Twitter @Victoria_Eavis

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LARAMIE  Rental horror stories are not hard to come by in the Laramie community as stories of vermin, mold or lack of heat in the wintertime make the rounds. For years, Laramie officials discussed issues surrounding affordable rental units that meet a minimum threshold for human habitation.

This has been an ongoing conversation since I joined City Council in 2014, said Ward 1 Council member Andi Summerville during last weeks regular council meeting.

After years of discussion and listening to rental horror stories, the City Council has officially passed an ordinance that sets minimum standards for rentals and a complaint resolution program.

The new regulations add three key elements to the citys municipal code:

Registration of rental units: City Manager Janine Jordan explained that registering rental units within the city will allow for better outreach, education and support for tenants and landlords. This registration will require an annual fee that Jordan anticipates will be somewhere in the ballpark of $15-$20 a year.

Minimum habitability standards: This section of the ordinance sets standards for basic equipment and appliances necessary for living. It also sets basic standards for a rentals structural integrity, ventilation, mold and pests, weatherproofing, electricity and heating, sanitation and fire safety.

Complaint resolution: The ordinance also establishes a complaint program that requires tenants to first work with landlords before filing a formal complaint. If a tenant is unable to make progress with a landlord, the next step is through the city. This is intended to rectify some of the costly, time-consuming and often ineffective forms of redress offered in civil court.

The implementation of the ordinance will happen in phases over the next year. The city expects to start enforcing the minimum habitability standards and complaint program by 2023. City Manager Jordan said she has received many questions from landlords about the availability of contractors to make any required improvements in a timely manner.

We understand there could be issues in the labor market, Jordan said, adding that the city will work with landlords that show they are making a genuine effort to accomplish the changes.

Jordan also clarified that an owners agent (referred to in the ordinance) can refer to a property owner that self-manages their property or a management company hired to maintain a property. Owners will not be required to hire a third party agent to manage their property unless they live 60 miles from the city. If an owner lives more than 60 miles from Laramie, they must provide contact information of an owners agent who lives within the 60-mile radius.

The 60-mile rule is an amendment to the original reading of the ordinance that initially required an owners agent to live in Albany County. Council member Brian Harrington said that he believed this radius better addresses the issue of response times to tenant requests.

The third reading of the ordinance also added a clarifying definition for major appliances for which landlords are responsible to keep in good working order. The major appliances are defined as furnace, water heater, refrigerator, freezer, oven and stove.

As with previous readings of the rental code reforms, the proposed changes stirred significant debate among council members and the public.

Council member Erin ODoherty of Ward 3, who owns rental properties in the city, strongly supports the ordinance.

Right now, if a tenant has an issue with a landlord, the only redress they have is with a lawsuit, ODoherty said, adding that it can be time-consuming, costly and sometimes impossible to serve a landlord with a subpoena. This is especially true if the landlord lives out-of-state.

She explained that landlords are able to deduct many costs associated with owning a rental property, including marketing, repairs and even legal fees. On the other hand, tenants cannot deduct any of the costs associated with renting, including legal fees.

Harrington also was for the ordinance, stating that the housing market in Laramie has been lacking in transparency for years. He added that the proposed rental codes are modest changes by any metric and are very specific to health and safety standards.

Council member Bryan Shuster of Ward 3 was less impressed with the new regulations and consistently voted against it. He said some landlords would be forced to sell their rental properties rather than pay for repairs.

Throughout the public comment portion of the debate, opponents and proponents of the ordinance showed up in droves.

Many arguments against the ordinance boiled down to a distaste for bureaucracy, that the ordinance favors tenants over landlords and that Wyoming state law already offers a more landlord-friendly approach to rental complaints.

The issue of private property rights came up several times as a reason to oppose the ordinance, including from Brenda Whitman, a representative of the Laramie Board of Realtors.

Opponents also argued that the ordinance would reduce the number of affordable rentals in town.

There is a false dichotomy between livability and affordability, said Josh Watanabe, executive director of Laramie Interfaith, who supports the ordinance. He argued that affordable rentals should not mean people have to be subjected to substandard living situations.

Affordable housing cannot mean unsafe housing, said Mike Selmer, another resident.

In his years living in Laramie, he said that he has been appalled and embarrassed by the amount of substandard housing units in the community, noting that his daughter had lived in a deficient rental at one point.

Linda Devine, a local attorney, read a statement of support from the SAFE Project in Laramie, which supports survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and family violence. Clients have often been forced to live in substandard rentals when escaping dangerous home situations. She said some vulnerable people with little resources are forced to live in squalor.

Several other residents also spoke in support of the rules saying the power dynamic between landlords and tenants is unbalanced, which often puts people in vulnerable and unsafe positions.

State Rep. Karlee Provenza said this dynamic in rental situations is one of the reasons to enact the new rules.

Others still showed up to share their rental horror stories, including someone who felt forced to leave Laramie after unsuccessfully searching for a livable rental.

Ultimately, the ordinance passed on a 7-2 vote with council members Shuster and Pat Gabriel the two dissenting votes.

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POWELL  Dan Catone was driving back from a business meeting in September 2020 when he got a call from his younger brother. The drain in the downstairs bathroom was backing up and Dan needed to come home immediately.

It was not a good time for plumbing problems. The Catones had a houseful of family members in town for the Catholic confirmation of their twin children.

The couple had hired Mike Beyer more than a year earlier to construct the custom-built home on their property near Powell. But after delays and what they saw as substandard workmanship, the Catones had fired Beyer just a couple weeks before. Even though their house needed extensive work to be complete, the Catones brought in other contractors to get the house in a state that they could at least move in and accommodate their guests.

But when Dan got home, he couldnt believe what he was seeing: Sewage was pouring out of the shower drain, through the hall and into the living room.

It was a complete disaster, Dan recalled.

There were many kids in the house, including infants. Dans elderly father had to roll his wheelchair through the river of sewage to get to a dry spot in the dining room.

The backup was just the first indication that something was very wrong with the construction. Before long, windows on the first floor cracked as the second story began collapsing on the first. Eventually, the Catones learned they would need to tear the house down and build a whole new one. And despite exhausting all their options  including filing a civil lawsuit against Beyer  the family has lost $500,000, Dan said.

The Catones arent alone. Contractors can operate in rural Park County with almost no oversight. Most contractors serve their customers well, but when contractors do substandard work or take money for work they dont do, there is almost nothing people can do to get their money back.

The Catones moved to Powell in the fall of 2018 from Fort Bragg, California, where Dan had started his own private wealth management company. Over his career, hes founded a number of financial service companies.

Like many residents of the Golden State, the Catones were drawn to Wyomings business-friendly atmosphere and wholesome quality of the Powell community. With two daily flights from Cody to Denver, it was easy for Dan to run his corporations from his office in downtown Powell, while raising his children in a safe, small town with a higher quality of life.

Two years later, the Catones dont regret their move.

We love it here, Dan said. The people are wonderful. The culture is fantastic. Its a very family-oriented farming and ranching community. Our kids have made a lot of friends. Its all been lovely ... with one very sad note.

The Catones met Mike Beyer at St. Barbaras Catholic Church. Dan and his wife, Jen, had purchased some property near Powell in April 2019, where they wanted to build their dream home.

Originally, the Catones were going to swap some land with Beyer  a former mayor of the town of Deaver  in exchange for some road improvements and bringing in utilities for their planned house. While discussing that project, Beyer said he had been building custom homes for three years in Colorado, and had all the qualifications to build the Catones house. The Catones say Beyer also reported that he could save them money because he wouldnt need to hire as many subcontractors, which would reduce the cost by about 35%.

According to the Catones, Beyer said he wanted to establish a contracting business, and building their home would give him something to showcase, as well as some references. Dan has enjoyed a lot of success with his own businesses, so in a pay it forward way, he said he tries to help people trying to get their own businesses going.

Beyer showed them pictures of projects he claimed to have built in Colorado, but the Catones say the home he eventually built in rural Powell showed very little knowledge of custom home building.

The Tribune made multiple phone calls and left multiple voicemails at a phone number for Beyer, seeking comment for this story. None of the calls were returned.

When the Catones hired Beyer, they say he reported that construction would begin in June 2019, and their new home would be ready to move into by May 2020.

The Catones got a $680,000 loan for the construction. Beyer wasnt on the banks approved list of contractors, Jen said, but he passed the banks screening and satisfied its insurance requirement.

Beyer had full access to the Catones loan and would draw out any amount needed for the project under general categories, such as plumbing and electrical.

However, the summer of 2019 came and went, and Beyer hadnt started work on the home. It wasnt until October 2019 that Beyer poured the foundation  although the Catones later learned he didnt do proper site preparation work  and he started framing in December.

The work proceeded without a contract. Beyer, the Catones said, showed them a sample contract before construction started, but, despite repeated requests, never provided a document to sign.

In the meantime, the Catones were renting. As the May 2020 move-in date approached, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and their new house was nowhere near ready. Beyer blamed the pandemic for the delays, which was entirely plausible.

Meanwhile, were seeing tens of thousands of dollars vanishing from our bank account, Jen recalled.

She commuted daily to the familys uncompleted home to take care of their horses and other animals, as they couldnt keep them on the property they rented. They had no water or power to the property, so the Catones hauled water for their animals; with no power to thaw frozen water, it needed to be brought in boiling so it wouldnt freeze.

The Catones homeschool their four children, so Jen would pack everything they needed for the day and teach lessons in a propane-heated shack. A generator supplied the electricity, as Beyer had failed to provide power, despite promising to have it by the previous fall.

We call it our Little House on the Prairie year, Jen said.

By this point, the Catones were in a in for a penny situation. Contractors in the area were scarce and booked up for years  and they were unlikely to agree to complete a house that someone else started. The Catones endured the inconvenience and hoped Beyer would get their house built by the time their lease ran out on the rental.

The couple admits they werent paying as much attention to the situation as they should have, but with Jen homeschooling four kids and Dan running six corporations  which required constant travel  it was hard to find the time.

Were just busy, busy people, Dan explained. When we hire people, we just trust people to do it.

There were, though, indications that something wasnt right. Beyer would show up and work on the house for a few hours and then disappear for the rest of the week. When Beyer was working, he always seemed to have a whole new crew.

There were also problems with the work. For example, Beyer had installed the drywall on the upper floor, but the cuts were uneven with gaps filled in with caulking, Dan said; the Catones hired a subcontractor whod done the lower level to re-do the upstairs

We basically had to beg them to do it, Dan said. They didnt want to touch it.

By June 2020, the house wasnt even halfway complete and the Catones lease on their rental was running out. Dan then discovered there was only $50,000 left in the account, although Beyer said theyd have $150,000 remaining for outbuildings, such as a barn and man cave. Dan asked Beyer how much it would cost just to get the house done so they could move in. Beyer provided a spreadsheet that tallied up $52,100 to complete that house; Beyer also told the Catones all the subs had been paid, which they say wasnt true.

By August 2020, the house still wasnt complete, and the Catones no longer trusted anything Beyer told them. The couple fired him, but their ordeal had really just begun.

It was just a couple weeks later that the family had a house full of guests and sewage flowing out of the shower drain and seeping into the walls. The Catones hired Hunter Clean Care to clean and sanitize the impacted areas, and hired a plumber to determine what was causing the backup.

The plumber discovered the entire second floor was draining into a sewer line that was plugged with cement. The Catones ended up spending thousands of dollars to build a temporary drainage system and unclog the pipe, on top of the cleaning and lodging bills for their displaced relatives.

Shortly after that, Jen discovered cracks in the downstairs windows, which the family learned was the result of structural pressure. The house hadnt been constructed with the proper supports, so much of the weight of the top floor was resting on the window frames.

Jen and Dan hired engineers and contractors to figure out what needed to be done to keep the house from collapsing. They discovered there were no headers in several walls, and Beyer had cut the trusses without engineering them.

In our opinion, you did not receive a residential structure that meets some of the basic requirements of the International Building Code or the International Residential Code, the preliminary engineering report said.

The Catones ended up paying another local contractor to help install supports to keep the house from collapsing.

Dan also found discrepancies in Beyers accounting when he went to make sure the subcontractors  who Dan said did great work  had been paid. Some had not, even though large sums had been taken from the Catones account, some to pay subcontractors.

For work Beyer did himself, the amounts withdrawn didnt match up to the cost of the materials he purchased. Beyer had taken out $60,000 for a radiant heating system, but it didnt work as intended and wasnt complete. The Catones paid plumbers $20,000 to install a functioning system.

So we paid $60,000 on something that really should have cost $20,000, Dan said.

The numerous problems the Catones encountered ultimately proved irreparable. Due to the extensive structural and foundation problems, the Catones discovered all the work they put into their house after firing Beyer was just more wasted money: It will be more cost effective to tear the whole building down and build a new one.

Do you know what its like to have your spouse sobbing in your arms when she finds out the home needs to be torn down and rebuilt from scratch? Dan wrote in a May email to Beyer.

The contractor never replied.

While the Catones experience is particularly egregious, they arent alone.

Casey Fisher, who lives next door to the Catones, hired Beyer to build his shop. He said there werent any major problems with the workmanship, though the basic shell construction took longer than expected.

However, a few months after Fisher paid Beyer $68,000 for the shop, he said he went to Bloedorn Lumber to buy some materials for another project and learned the company was about to put a lien on his property. Apparently, Beyer hadnt paid for the lumber used in the construction of Fishers shop.

Fortunately, after Fisher explained hed already paid the contractor, Bloedorn didnt pursue the lien on Fishers property.

Bill Just hired Beyer to build a house on Campfire Lane north of Powell. For months, it has sat as an unfinished eyesore in the neighborhood. Just said hes not upset with Beyer, but has since hired another contractor to complete his home.

The Catones opted to take Mike Beyer to court, suing him in Park Countys District Court, in December 2020, for expenses associated with the ordeal, including costs to tear down the home, cost to build a new one, and attorney fees. The insurance that the bank required from Beyer paid for his defense in the case and the suit was settled in Park Countys District Court. As per terms of the settlement, the Catones cant discuss the outcome other than to say its been resolved and no further action can be taken against Beyer in this matter.

At this point, as they continue to live in their incomplete home, the Catones have accepted they will never recoup all theyve lost.

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CHEYENNE  In his first term in office, Gov. Mark Gordon so far has approved two sentence commutations recommended by the state Board of Parole.

Gordon denied three other board recommendations, according to his press secretary, Michael Pearlman.

This is about par for commutations approved by Wyoming governors since the late 1990s. They have been pretty stingy.

As a result, it appears that over the years the members of the Board of Parole have cut down on the number of their recommendations.

Gordon has four additional board recommendations pending his review, Pearlman said in an e-mail.

The Governor considers a variety of factors when reviewing these requests, some of which include the position of victims and their family members, the applicants remorse for their crime, the applicants disciplinary record while incarcerated, and the applicants participation in rehabilitative programming and other work while incarcerated (i.e. education, volunteer work, professional work), Pearlman wrote.

This curbing of recommended commutations is in keeping with national trends, to the dismay of national prison reform organizations like the Prison Policy Initiative.

Sentence commutations were always regarded as a tool for wardens to encourage good behavior by inmates.

A commutation simply reduces the length of a sentence, enabling some inmates to receive special good time awards and others to be eligible for an earlier release. Some fairly rare commutations are for time served, allowing immediate release of the inmate.

In the past some Board of Parole members have complained that the chief executives repeatedly refused their commutation recommendations

Those recommendations, they said, were made after careful reflection.

Prison inmate advocates, meanwhile, currently have been supporting mass commutations to allow inmate discharges because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They point out how difficult it is to have social distancing between inmates in prison facilities.

The Prison Policy Initiative is a think tank that gives Wyoming F grades for some of its corrections policies. Last September the organization tagged Wyoming as one of 13 states that failed to adopt pandemic policies to accelerate releases, promote medical parole or compassionate release or prevent incarceration for technical violations of probation and parole.

The state reported an outbreak of the virus in October affecting 116 inmates at the Medium Correctional Institution at Torrington.

There have been outbreaks at other corrections facilities as well.

Given the recent record on gubernatorial commutations, it is highly unlikely the state would consider any mass prison outmigration step.

Also, Wyomings prison population has declined slightly from 2,497 to 2,176 inmates between 2020 and 2021 fiscal year quarters, according to the Department of Corrections web page.

The closest thing to mass commutations to time served came in the administration of Democratic Gov. Ed Herschler in the 1970s and early 1980s. Herschler at the time was reacting to a federal court order to do something about overcrowding at the old state penitentiary in Rawlins.

Those commutations brought him a lot of grief from law enforcement officers and the public but they did lessen pressure from the federal court..

Herschlers successor, Mike Sullivan, also a Democrat, granted all 75 commutations recommended by the parole board during his two terms in office.

The downward trend started in 1996 with the election of Republican Gov. Jim Geringer. Geringer said he didnt believe in catch and release when it came to corrections. However he did support the progressive restorative justice program. During his eight years in the governors office Geringer granted only 10 to 44 parole board recommendations

Gov. Dave Freudenthal, a Democrat and former federal prosecutor, followed suit. In his eight years in office, he granted only 15 of 72 commutations recommended by the parole board.

His successor, Gov. Matt Mead, a Republican and also a former federal prosecutor, granted only two commutations as far as I can determine. As in most cases the inmates who received the two commutations from Gordon have already served long terms in prison and were convicted and sentenced at young ages.

Joan Barron is a former capitol bureau reporter. Contact her at 307-632-2534 or jmbarron@bresnan.net

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An increase in measles cases in January and February 2022 is a worrying sign of a heightened risk for the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and could trigger larger outbreaks, particularly of measles affecting millions of children in 2022, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF have warned.

Pandemic-related disruptions, increasing inequalities in access to vaccines, and the diversion of resources from routine immunisation are leaving too many children without protection against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
A pregnant mother and her family affected by the Quarry Street New Years Day fire say they felt pressured to accept an Oropune Gardens apartment as a permanent home after their years long efforts to find secure housing.

The family, who had previously spent months surrounded by debris and without electricity, told the Express they felt as though they were being pushed to mortgage the apartment as a quick fix to their problem.
LAGOS, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Thirty students and a teacher have regained freedom after being held for more than six months by gunmen who attacked their school in northwest Nigeria's Kebbi state and abducted them in June 2021, according to a state official on Sunday.

Yahaya Sarki, spokesperson for the governor of Kebbi state, said in a statement that the 30 students and their teacher from the Federal Government College in Birnin Yauri area of the state arrived in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Saturday following their release.

"They shall undergo medical screening and support while being re-united with their families," Sarki said.

A group of unknown gunmen attacked the secondary school on June 17, 2021, killing at least one policeman and abducted an unspecified number of students and several teachers.

According to local media reports, scores of students had been freed in batches before the latest release.

A series of gunmen attacks recently happened in the northern part of the most populous African country, including attacks on schools and the kidnapping of students. 
PHOENIX  Gov. Doug Ducey and Arizona lawmakers appear finally ready to act on a more permanent solution to the fact that its hotter and drier  and there just isnt enough water to sustain the states growth.

And that could involve not only the state spending far more money than it has before but some creative solutions, ranging from piping and treating salt water from the Sea of Cortez to what is commonly known as toilet to tap.

The consensus comes as prior efforts to stabilize Arizonas water supply have come up short.

By a lot.

Facing a diminished supply of Colorado River water, lawmakers in 2019 adopted a drought contingency plan. It required Arizona and other states in the lower Colorado River basin to reduce the amount of water being taken from the river in an attempt to restore the level of Lake Mead to 1,090 feet.

Even Ducey conceded at the time that was just a temporary solution, designed to preclude further cuts until 2026, by which time there would be new plans.

As of this past week, however, the lake had dropped to less than 1,070 feet. Thats less than 200 feet above dead pool, the point at which no water would pass through Hoover Dam, cutting off not just that supply but also the electricity the dam generates.

In the interim, Arizona has enacted some other short-term fixes, such as buying  or, more to the point, renting  the river allocations that belong to Arizona tribes, convincing them not to use their Colorado River allocations to keep Lake Mead from dropping any further. That included a $30 million infusion this past October, on top of $40 million already provided to the Department of Water Resources for the same purpose.

But as hot temperatures and dry conditions continue, further action will be necessary.

You can expect some big things on water, Ducey told Capitol Media Services.

He said details will have to wait until Mondays State of the State speech. But House Speaker Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, said he envisions something more than the stop-gap measures of the past.

Water is the determiner of growth in Arizona, he said.

At the very least, what a new supply would do, said Bowers, is protect rural Arizona.

He noted that some urban communities are looking around for water supplies elsewhere as they seek to continue to grow.

I dont want to empty every aquifer in Arizona to build the central three counties and then not have anything, Bowers said. More to the point, the House speaker said the state needs a really long-term solution.

Im looking at more than 100 years, he said. And that means tapping a source that is going to be around  and available  for that long.

The biggest body of water, while it is controlled by Mother Nature, at least its a slower impact, is the ocean, Bowers said. And so desalinization is a huge part of our future.

Its also an expensive part.

Tom Buschatzke, head of the Department of Water Resources, has said the price tag could be perhaps $2,500 an acre-foot, about 0.7 cents per gallon. And even if the political issues of international water transfer could be resolved, he said that kind of project is seven to 10 years away.

Bowers said he is prepared to introduce legislation to allocate a substantive amount of money.

How much?

Much bigger than anything Ive ever asked for, he said, declining right now to put a dollar figure on it.

One factor that cannot be ignored is that agriculture uses 75% of all the water in the state.

Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott, said she doesnt want to impair the industry. But she said there needs to be a recognition that may not be sustainable.

A starting point, said Fann, are the current practices of flood irrigation: opening up a canal gate and letting the water run onto the property. That, she said, no longer makes sense.

So she wants to take a look at using some of the states surplus to provide grants to farmers to convert to drip irrigation. Fann said test projects on two 500-acre parcels show that water use can be cut by 25% without harming crops.

We could take some one-time money to help some of our agricultural people convert over into more drip irrigation instead of the flood irrigation; that, in itself, could make a huge difference in the entire overall picture, she said.

There are more radical solutions, all of which also involve money.

Fann said the state could buy up water rights so we could put a plug in the dam, so to speak.

That leads to the other key option: If there isnt a new supply and if conservation efforts dont work, then it comes down to better using  and, more to the point, re-using  what the state already has.

Put another way, todays sewage becomes tomorrows drinking water.

Buschatzke acknowledged the ick factor that may conjure up. So it comes down to rebranding.

We dont call it toilet to tap, he said. We call it direct potable reuse.

Bowers said it comes down to convincing people that this is not something unusual.

We do it now, he said.

We stick toilet water, A-plus water, in the ground at Granite Reef Underground Storage Project and pull it out in Tempe, Bowers said. I mean, its the same water.

What happens in between, he said, is a chemical and physical reaction.

Theres stuff in the ground that eats bad stuff, Bowers said. And he said its no different whether you use a natural filter like the earth or one thats made by humans.

In fact, he noted, its how the astronauts keep their water supply.

Buschatzke said the state already is pursuing that toilet-to-tap, or whatever you want to call it, though very indirectly.

He said there is a plan for Arizona and Nevada to pay California to start using its own sewage, now dumped into the Pacific Ocean, for drinking water. In turn, California would leave more of its allocation in the Colorado River, helping to stabilize the level of Lake Mead.

There are other water-related issues for lawmakers to consider, like forcing those in rural areas to actually monitor and report how much they are pumping out of the ground.

That, in turn, leads to another controversial issue: Out-of-state and foreign interests effectively exporting Arizona water. That most visibly has taken the form of a Saudi Arabian dairy buying a farm and pumping water to grow alfalfa which is then exported to feed cows in that country.

But Bowers said it would be wrong to think of that as somehow stealing Arizonas water. He said its no different than farmers here growing cotton to be exported to the rest of the country. Or, looking at it another way, Arizonans eating tomatoes that were grown with water from Mexico.

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PHOENIX  Lawmakers return to the Capitol on Monday with a full agenda of things they want, ranging from reenacting what the Supreme Court voided to deciding what to do about previously approved tax cuts that are subject to voter repeal.

But the biggest fights may be over how much to alter state election laws. And at least some of the proposals stem from the continued charges that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump despite numerous lawsuits and audits that have shown those claims have no basis in fact.

A few of what lawmakers are expected to debate could be considered relatively innocuous, at least on the surface.

For example, Sen. Wendy Rogers, R-Flagstaff, proposes to make the dates of the primary and general elections a state holiday. That would mean a day off for public workers.

The plan, however, could run into business opposition because the same measure says anyone registered to vote may be absent from the service or employment to go vote and cannot be penalized or having his or her pay docked. By contrast, current law allows just a three-hour window  and one that is selected by the employer.

But Rogers has a more far-reaching measure, setting up a new Bureau of Elections within the governors office to investigate any allegations of fraud in any state, county or local election.

That new $5 million agency would have the power to not only subpoena individuals but also get a court order to impound election equipment and records. It would issue public reports but would be unable on its own to bring criminal charges.

There also will be debates over the actual process of how people vote.

Arizona already uses paper ballots. But they are tallied by machines. That had led to a series of claims  never proven  that the tabulated results could be manipulated, whether through stray marks on the ballots or entirely forged ones.

House Speaker Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, brushed aside calls to have ballots counted entirely by hand as impractical.

If weve got seven months to wait for an election, then count away, he said.

Most people want it in a relatively short amount of time, Bowers said. And thats what Im interested in delivering.

But that excuse doesnt hold water for Sen. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa, who will head the Government Committee that handles election issues.

Do you want convenience or do you want secure elections, she said. Pick one.

Anyway, Townsend said hand counts are possible.

Her solution? Break up each county into much smaller voting precincts. Then, on election night, the poll workers at each one would tally the ballots, with the machines there solely to compare the totals.

Even if the state sticks with machine counts, there are proposals to address questions of accuracy of the equipment.

Sen. J.D. Mesnard, R-Chandler, supports increasing to 5% the number of precincts where there had to be a random hand count of votes following each election to compare with the machine totals. The current figure is 2%.

And for those who think that doesnt go far enough, Mesnard also wants to allow anyone who has the money to pay the cost to demand a full recount of any race.

Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita, R-Scottsdale, is looking at the issue through a different lens, altering the law on when there has to be an automatic recount.

In most cases, that occurs when the margin of difference between the top two candidates is less than 0.1% or 200 votes, whichever is less. Ugenti-Rita, who is hoping this year to become the Republican nominee for secretary of state, the states chief election officers, wants to move that up to 0.5%.

That change is significant. Democrat Joe Biden won Arizona and its 11 electoral votes by 10,457 over Donald Trump, a margin of just 0.3%. Had this measure been in effect in 2020, it would have required a recount of the more than 3.3 million ballots already cast.

Then theres the question of the ballots themselves. And that has caught the attention of Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, who also is angling for the GOP nomination for secretary of state.

He has been pushing to replace the traditional ballots with paper that is specially encoded with things like watermarks, ballot identification numbers, QR codes and even embedded holograms.

There are other more far-reaching proposals, many stemming from claims by Trump and his supporters, even before the 2020 election, that early voting is subject to fraud.

Those claims continue, with GOP gubernatorial hopefuls Kari Lake and Matt Salmon signing a pledge to eliminate early voting. And Lake in particular continues to insist that Joe Biden did not win the vote, a contention she repeated in a Twitter post this past week claiming, without any proof, that 200 bag loads of ballots were dumped in Arizona.

So far, though, calls to eliminate the practice entirely have so far attracted little support.

In the 2020 election, of the 3.4 million people who voted, about 3 million cast early ballots. And many Republican lawmakers say their constituents like and use the opportunity to vote by mail.

But concerns about their validity remain.

Townsend wants to let people continue to get their ballots in the mail. But she seeks to address the allegations of dumped ballots by requiring voters to return them, in person, to a designated voting location.

Rogers already has introduced a variant, saying that counties cannot set up drive-up drop boxes for ballots, saying that, except for people with disabilities, they have to walk it in to a polling place or election office where someone is monitoring. But that bill would appear to continue to allow mail-in ballots.

And Mesnard continues to push for a requirement for anyone who casts an early ballot to confirm their identity with one of several forms of identification, like a drivers license number or last four digits of their Social Security number. Right now the only verification is done by county election officials who compare the signature on the ballot envelope with those already on file.

Senate President Karen Fann, R-Prescott, said she is looking for measures that are designed to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.

I know that seems to be a cliche right now, she acknowledged. But Fann said she is interested in discussing issues like the kind of paper used for ballots as well as ensuring that the chain of custody is not broken from the time a ballot is dropped into a box until the final count is over.

Townsend has a proposal to address the latter, making it a crime for anyone to misplace a ballot as well as to say that those which are not included in initial tallies are invalid, even if they turn up later, and cannot be counted.

There are other related measures that dont directly affect how elections are run or votes are counted but also could influence the results.

Sen. Sonny Borrelli, R-Lake Havasu City, has been pushing for an investigation of social media platforms and search engines. He contends that some of these have been very biased toward one political party over another.

For example, he said, the algorithms used by search engines to determine results when someone asks a question can be altered so that certain answers or subjects come up first. And there have been claims that sites like Twitter and Facebook have a liberal bias, an argument based in part on decisions by some sites that banned Trump after they said he violated their policies by inciting people to violence, particularly ahead of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

What makes this an election-related issue is that Arizona law requires the reporting of in-kind contributions to a candidate, meaning a donation not of cash but of a service with financial value. And those who violate campaign finance laws with unreported in-kind donations can be fined.

Arizona's new legislative session The 2022 Arizona Legislature, by the numbers House of Representatives This year  31 Republicans and 29 Democrats

Two years ago  31 Republicans and 29 Democrats Senate This year  16 Republicans and 14 Democrats

Two years ago  17 Republicans and 13 Democrats

Deadline for adjourning this year (Saturday the week of the 100th day, counting Saturdays and Sundays)  April 23

Adjournment last year  June 30

Length of last year's session  171 days

Longest session  173 days in 1988

Number of bills introduced last regular session (not including miscellaneous resolutions and memorials)  1,774

Number sent to governor  474

Bills signed  445

Bills vetoed  28

Bills allowed to take effect without signature  1

Veto record  58, set in 2005 by Janet Napolitano Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services

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At 1 a.m. on Nov. 30, Victoria Richards woke up to a knock at her front door from the Bisbee Police. They handed her a piece of paper with a detectives name on it, telling her they had been asked to have her call them.

Richards was told that her brother was killed in a police shooting and did not survive.

Sometimes I just feel paralyzed and like Im going to wake up from this bad dream, Richards said.

2021 was a record-breaking year for homicides in Tucson, resulting in a tough year for the community as well as those directly affected.

According to the Tucson Police Department, the city had 93 homicides last year. The former record was set in 2008 with 79 homicides.

In 2020, Tucson recorded 68 homicides, and 2019 had 49 homicides.

Pima Countys jurisdiction has seen a continuing decrease in homicides. According to the Sheriffs Department, 2021 had 15 homicides, 2020 had 16 homicides and 2019 had 18 homicides.

This year alone, Tucson saw a deadly Amtrak shooting that resulted in the death of a DEA agent, road rage shootings, the July 18 attacks that left four dead including the gunman and most recently, the police shooting of Richard Lee Richards, a 61-year-old man in a motorized wheelchair accused of shoplifting.

Assistant Police Chief Kevin Hall said that while TPD can determine the number of homicides with complete certainty, the motives, victim and offender relationships with these incidents are becoming less and less clear, which makes solving the cases far more complex.

What is perfectly clear, however, is that the homicide problem in Tucson is fueled in most cases by gun violence, Hall said. In 2021, 86% of the homicides were the result of gun violence.

Hall also said it is clear that the homicides disproportionately impacted minority communities. According to Hall, in Tucson in 2021, 26% of the victims were Black, 53% were Latino and 2% were Native American.

Despite the high number of homicides, TPD continues to solve homicides at a far higher rate than the national average, Hall said. Eighty-two percent of 2021 homicides have been solved. Hall credits the collaboration between patrol-based tactical investigators and violent crime detectives for the successful case resolution.

A healthy and robust partnership with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) combined with NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network) technology is critical in solving firearm-involved homicides and connecting shooting cases across the region and state, potentially preventing future homicides by identifying offenders through the weapons they use, Hall said. This will continue to grow and evolve in 2022 and beyond.

Finding support

When they were younger, Victoria Richards remembers growing up in her brothers shadow, hanging onto his shirt tails. As they grew older, she helped him out and cared for him when he was badly injured in an accident.

After receiving the news of her brothers death, Victoria Richards said the Bisbee Police came back to check on her the next day, along with receiving an outpouring of support from community members.

When video of the shooting was released, Victoria Richards said she had to scroll past all the videos quickly to avoid watching the graphic footage.

I felt every single one of those shots, she said.

While Richards said it has been extremely difficult and surreal, she has had some help from Homicide Survivors, Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to helping families of murder victims.

Daniela Munoz-Alvarez, a bilingual victim advocate, reached out to Victoria Richards and has been helping her cope.

Shes been very helpful, and I just joined their virtual group the other night for the first time, Richards said. Its really helpful to know that youre not alone.

With the record-breaking year in homicides, Richards encourages those going through similar situations to find others, saying reaching out and being gentle with yourself are the best ways to move on.

Everybody grieves differently. Some days I think Im fine, and then other days something will trigger me, Richards said. All I want to do is connect with all these other people that are going through what Im going through.

An investment in the community

To combat this issue in 2022, TPD will continue to implement a comprehensive and expansive gun violence reduction strategy, Hall said.

Hall said TPD has now implemented place-based strategies, such as Place Network Investigations, to identify hot spots of violent crime within the city, determine the root causes of the violence and working with the community and other city departments to remove the determinants of violent crime.

Hot spot policing, a strategy that analyzes crime data to determine where the violent crime is occurring in the city and allows commanders to deploy patrol officers to the areas where violent crime is most likely to occur, is another initiative that will be fully implemented in 2022, Hall said.

Both initiatives will be carefully monitored with an eye toward equity, Hall said. They are not enforcement led, but have equal components of community engagement, education, problem-resolution and enforcement.

Hall said that the citys Community Safety and Wellness Program will be an active and integral partner with all the violent crime efforts that TPD engages in, and, as resources and funding become available, other components of the gun violence reduction program can be explored.

What is key to all these initiatives is that gun violence is a complex social problem that the police alone will never be able to fix or prevent, Hall said. The intractable structural social issues associated with concentrated urban poverty have to be addressed by the entire community as a whole, not one entity within society. Prevention is possible, and absolutely necessary to stop the deaths of our young men, but effective prevention requires a whole community investment.

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PHOENIX  Gov. Doug Ducey enters his final year as the states chief executive, saying hes a smarter and wiser and more seasoned governor than the person who took office seven years ago.

You have seven years of on-the-job experience, he told Capitol Media Services ahead of what will be his last State of the State address on Monday, Jan. 10.

There is a learning curve when you come into the governors office, Ducey continued. So I feel like weve got our arms around this government and this economy.

And his final year, he said, will be to cement our successes.

I intend to swing for the fences, he said. I think you can expect some big things on water, big things on education, and big things on border security.

Details, the governor said, will have to wait until he informs the Legislature.

Tune in Monday, he said.

But Ducey said that the last seven years have been more than just a learning curve about how government operates. The governor, who will turn 58 this year, said there are things that he would tell his 50-year-old self if he had the possibility.

Such as?

To slow down, listen and surround yourself with the best possible people, he said.

I think that Ive done that along the way, Ducey continued. But you do learn along the way, you do gather wisdom, experience, sharpen your instincts and, I believe, become a better decision maker.

One thing that has not changed is the governors belief that income taxes can and should be lower.

Even when he was campaigning for governor, he promised to cut taxes every year in office. And the governor said Arizonans should look for yet another proposal this year.

I made a commitment to the people of Arizona, Ducey said. And Ive been accused of meeting my commitments.

The governor said none of that changes even with 2021 tax cut  the massive $1.5 billion reduction in income taxes  in legal limbo. Thats because foes gathered enough signatures to put the changes on hold until voters get a chance to ratify or reject what lawmakers approved and Ducey signed.

Republican legislative leaders already have plans in the works to repeal that law, effectively making the referendum drive legally moot, and then reenacting some variant of the proposal.

That, in turn, is likely to provoke some potential political anger at Republicans for forcing opponents of the tax cut to go back to the streets to again gather signatures to force a public vote.

Ducey said that possibility doesnt deter him from pursuing that goal. But he clearly hopes that whatever emerges avoids yet another petition drive and risk of being overturned at the ballot.

I want to work in partnership with the legislature for what would be good tax and economic policy, he said. And part of the definition is the voters would see that as well.

Duceys last term also begins with the state and nation now two years into the pandemic.

The governor has had changing philosophies for dealing with it.

At first he refused to order the use of masks  or even allow local governments to do so. But then, as infections exploded he reversed course, closing schools and businesses and even imposing a stay-at-home order when cases continued to erupt.

More recently the governor has taken what could be considered not just a hands-off approach, other than urging people to get vaccinated, but actively opposed and sought to block any efforts by cities, counties and school districts from imposing any mandates of their own.

Ducey said its a recognition of how the situation has changed.

I think that we need to learn how to live with COVID, how to do it safely and responsibly, he said. Ducey said this isnt a partisan approach.

I think you even see Democrat governors, blue states across the country, talking about this, he said.

And anyone thinking that Ducey might impose the kind of restrictions he did after the initial outbreak is likely to be disappointed.

I can tell you this: Were going to keep our economy open, and were going to keep our schools open, the governor said. And Ill do whatever I have in my power to make certain that happens.

But that still leaves the facts on the ground, including that as of Friday 24,616 Arizonans had died from the virus, with more than 1.44 million cases.

And The New York Times says that, in the last seven days, Arizona has the seventh-highest death rate in the country.

The governor, however, sidestepped a question of whether he takes any blame or responsibility for the number of people who have contracted the virus or died.

The entire time during COVID I have taken it seriously, he said. I continue to take it seriously.

Ducey said he has been advised by bright, thoughtful people.

And I have made the best decisions in real time given the facts presented to me, he said. That includes what Ducey said is a more balanced view across the board in terms of protecting lives, livelihoods and personal liberty.

Being in his last term  he constitutionally cant seek a third  also means that there are multiple candidates angling for his job. And some, including from his own party, are seeking to score points by criticizing him and his policies.

That most notably includes Republican Kari Lake, the former news anchor on the Phoenix Fox affiliate. She has built much of her bid for the GOP nomination by blasting the incumbents policies on everything from border security to the fact that he certified the 2020 election results showing Joe Biden outpolled Donald Trump in Arizona, a result she contests.

Lake even said at one point that she hopes Ducey can prove he has a backbone.

He hasnt had a great history of that yet, she said.

The incumbent, for his part, has not said much about any of the candidates, other than to chide Lake for her call for cameras in classrooms so that parents can watch.

Im going to care a lot for who my successor is in this state at the appropriate time, he said. But any criticism of his performance from those who want his office, he said, has no consequence at all and he is 100% focused on his current job.

Im not running for governor, Ducey said.

I am the governor, he continued. Im going to continue to be the governor until the last day in office.

That, he said, means finishing his last session.

I intend to maximize it, Ducey said.

And what of his political future and life beyond the governors office? There has been speculation that he might consider a run for U.S. Senate  or even a possible presidential bid.

Duceys not saying.

Theres a State of the State on Monday, he said.

On Twitter: @azcapmedia

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Its a new year and a new semester at the University of Arizona. January 2022 also happens to mark another inflection point in the COVID-19 pandemic  the omicron variant.

The highly contagious but seemingly less severe variant was first detected at the UA about a week after most students and staff left for holiday break last month and its driven Tucsons recent spike in cases.

As colleges and universities across the country prepare to start the spring semester, omicron has surfaced as the latest obstacle for institutions trying to deliver high-quality education amid an ongoing public health crisis.

Arizonas flagship university, which has more than 47,000 students and 16,000 employees, is no exception.

Numerous big public universities, including Michigan State University, UCLA and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, have already announced plans to start this semester in a remote setting. Despite calls from the United Campus Workers Arizona, the union representing UA faculty and staff, for the UA to do the same, the UA has not budged on its plans to reopen at full capacity on Wednesday.

Now, the question on some UA workers minds is if the other precautions the UA has put in place to accommodate in-person learning  including a surgical-grade mask mandate, an employee vaccine mandate, required testing for students who live on campus and strong suggestions that all other students and staffers take regular COVID-19 tests  will provide both adequate community protection against the omicron variant and the learning experience students expect.

If the past is prologue, some fear those precautions may not be enough.

Learning pauses

Last fall, the UA reopened at full capacity for the first time since the pandemic began in March 2020. At the start of last semester, the delta variant  which typically causes more severe symptoms than omicron  had some faculty, staffers and students concerned about returning for face-to-face instruction.

Nonetheless, the UA moved forward with its reopening plans, just as it is this semester.

We want students to learn, we want them to be safe, but we also want them to be supported, said Emma Gomez, a career-track faculty member in the English department and member of the union.

Gomez recalls that last semester, as the delta variant surged, a lack of flexible teaching conditions created learning disruptions for her students who had to quarantine. She noticed that others were chronically absent. A few dropped out altogether. And many told her that just sitting in big classrooms with no certainty that their peers were vaccinated was enough to amplify pandemic-induced anxiety.

As much as we try to move forward and go with business as usual, you cant. Its a lot of pauses and stopping that keep happening. If it happened in the fall, at this rate, I can see it happening more regularly, she said How is that going to be productive in terms of teaching?

The UAs unwillingness to start the semester remotely also makes her wonder, Are we putting dollars first or student and employee well-being first?

The UA did not respond to the Arizona Daily Stars questions about its reasoning for starting the school year in person despite growing concerns about the omicron variant.

In terms of actually containing the virus, Dr. Joe Gerald, an associate professor of public health policy and management at the UA, said that last semester, the university itself was able to keep case counts relatively low through its campus-level mitigation efforts.

Changed dynamic

What was going on in the broader community was more problematic, Gerald said of the delta variants weight on Arizona and Pima Countys medical systems last fall. But because about half of all omicron cases are present in patients between the ages of 20-40  in part due to lower vaccination rates among that age group  it really changes that dynamic.

According to the most recent data available, more than 84.5% of UA employees, including student-workers, are vaccinated, and 62% of students have voluntarily shared their vaccination status with the university.

Those numbers account only for students and employees who have received the first two doses of the vaccine. Without a third booster shot, the vaccine appears to be less effective at protecting people from the omicron variant.

In addition to asking for a remote start to the semester, the union has also called for a student vaccine mandate with appropriate exemptions. Although Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order last summer barring any such mandate at public colleges and universities, a court voided it last fall, which means it would be legally permissible for the UA to require student COVID-19 vaccines.

Nonetheless, the governor and his allies in the Legislature have remained vocally opposed to vaccine mandates. And the UA, which is governed by the Arizona Board of Regents whose members are appointed by the governor, did not respond to questions from the Star about its intent to require a student vaccine mandate.

Inaction brings consequences

In Geralds view, however, the time for a student vaccine mandate to protect against omicron has passed. Omicron is here, and like most public health experts, hes expecting the worst of it to play out later this month.

Its not like our world is coming to an end and were all going to die, but there are going to be preventable deaths, he said, noting that clogging up emergency rooms and urgent care centers even with mild COVID-19 cases will make it more difficult for people experiencing a medical crisis like a heart attack or stroke to get immediate care. The time to act (on student vaccine mandates) was November or December. Now, were just trying to manage the consequences of our inaction.

Starting off the semester remotely, however, is one way to do that.

Bringing students back in this environment is just going to exacerbate and contribute to transmission thats already raging in our community, Gerald said, likening omicron to a short-lived summer thunderstorm. We know its there, we know we can avoid it, so why try to fly through it?

Kathryn Palmer covers higher education for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at kpalmer@tucson.com or her new phone number, 520-496-9010.

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There will soon be new work on Arizonas border wall after a construction stoppage left behind piles of building materials, rockfall on blasted hillsides, large construction staging areas and poor drainage that led to flooding and inoperable gates.

On Tuesday Customs and Border Protection announced a proposal to clean up and repair damage from construction of border barriers in Pima, Cochise and Santa Cruz counties, and the agency is seeking public input until Feb. 3.

The announcement comes after the Department of Homeland Security said on Dec. 20 that it will address safety and environmental issues left by unfinished border wall projects across parts of the border with Mexico, with a large majority of projects located in the Border Patrols Tucson Sector.

Although there wont be new length added to the border wall, there could be new barriers added to fill in small gaps in the wall. Many of the gaps are there because when building the wall, two construction crews would come from opposite directions. Where the crews met, there was often a few feet of space left between the two lengths of wall.

As part of these new remediation measures, those openings could possibly be filled with a section of wall, a gate or some other type of barrier.

The proposal calls for 19 project segments along 137 miles of border, including environmentally sensitive areas in Organ Pipe National Monument, Buenos Aires and Cabeza Prieta wildlife refuges, San Pedro National Riparian Area and Coronado National Memorial. The proposal includes:

Revegetation of disturbed areas

Installation of small wildlife passages in the fence or wall in Organ Pipe

Erosion control

Installation of cattle fencing and cattle guards

Restoration of retention ponds

Completion of access roads and restoration or decommissioning of construction roads

Bridge construction at the San Pedro River, Black Draw, Silver Creek and Hay Hollow

Drainage completion or repair and stormwater pollution prevention

Gap closure and gate installation.

Debate about filling gaps

Environmentalists and many people who live on the border say the gaps are critical for the movement of local wildlife. On the other hand, Border Patrol officials say the gaps make it difficult to monitor the border, and that it takes manpower to stop people from entering the country through the gaps, where a wall would be more effective.

In December, soon after the Biden administration announced reinstatement of the Trump-era Remain in Mexico program, there was a short spike of migrant crossings in the Yuma Sector, west of Tucson, including many families and children, which officials said put a strain on local social services. Experts speculated those families were trying to get to the U.S. before the program would begin returning migrants to Mexico to wait for hearings in U.S. courts.

The number of times Border Patrol agents encountered migrants entering the U.S. in between ports of entry was high in 2021, with many migrants crossing more than one time since many are sent directly back to Mexico because of Title 42, a public-health policy in response to the pandemic.

The Biden administrations focus should be on border security and filling the gaps in the wall, although the desert ecosystem is also important, says C.J. Karamargin, spokesman for Republican Gov. Doug Ducey.

I dont know if retention ponds and revegetation and wildlife passages are the remedy thats needed for communities like Yuma, he said. What is happening in places like Yuma is a border security and humanitarian crisis, not a revegetation crisis. The gaps need to be filled.

There are no remediation proposals for the Yuma area at this time, but gaps like the ones in Yuma exist in many spots along the Arizona border wall.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly also called on the administration to close some of the gaps where Border Patrol agents encounter larger groups of migrants entering the United States. He also asked for remediation efforts to address some of the landscapes most devastated by the border wall construction.

Closing some of the gaps and installing gates will be positive steps to secure sections of the border, Kelly, a Tucson Democrat, said in a mid-December statement. Repairing land damaged in Cochise County, like Guadalupe Canyon, will help protect homes and ranchland from flooding and other hazards while restoring natural barriers in the landscape that support security goals.

Conservancy organization Wildlands Network set up scores of motion-activated wildlife cameras in the San Bernardino Valley in southeastern Cochise County two years ago as part of an effort to fill the void the Trump administration left by waiving the legal requirement to show the walls impact on wildlife.

The organization saw wildlife moving through some of the openings in the wall, in particular in spots where there are floodgates that were opened prior to the monsoons last year, says Myles Traphagen, the borderlands program coordinator for Wildlands Network.

After the gates were opened, larger species, such as mountain lions, whitetail deer, mule deer and Goulds turkeys, were able to use the washes, drainage ditches and streams that had been walled off the previous year when the gates were closed.

Its going to have a detrimental impact on wildlife if they close those gaps, Traphagen said.

Wildlife passages smaller than your doggie door

DHS is working with the Interior Department and the U.S. Forest Service to assess the status and condition of the border barrier projects and determine the scope and extent of remediation work, the department said in a news release.

The government plans to prioritize projects that address life and safety, including the protection of the public, USBP agents, and nearby communities from potential harms, and avert further environmental damage or degradation, the news release said.

These projects will be funded by 2021 border barrier appropriations, which Congress allocated during the Trump administration but didnt use since the Biden administration stopped the construction.

The proposal includes a lot about making sure that roads are in good condition, erosion is under control and that culverts, drainage and cattle guards are working, but theres very little that addresses concerns for wildlife, Traphagen says.

One of the proposals is adding small wildlife passages in the wall, in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, of about 8.5 by 11 inches, an effort started by the Trump administration.

Such small openings dont address the movement of larger animals in the region, such as Sonoran pronghorn antelope, desert bighorn sheep, the Mexican gray wolf and the jaguar.

Thats smaller than your doggie door at PetSmart  its almost laughable if the situation wasnt so tragic, Traphagen said. What kind of wildlife will pass through them? Nothing larger than a jackrabbit, potentially a bobcat but unlikely. So the fact that they have proposed wildlife crossings, to me, is a very disingenuous proposition and simply looks like a veneer of environmental compliance.

Before any wildlife passages are made, DHS needs to monitor the wildlife in the region to see where the passages would be used and then the government needs to assess whether they work, he said.

Interference with water flows

Michael Bogan, a freshwater biologist and assistant professor at the University of Arizona School of Natural Resources and the Environment, agrees that the existing gaps should remain open to allow wildlife connectivity and says the gates over waterways should remain open as well.

Two major issues that need to be addressed in the remediation are erosion on the hill slopes from roads constructed for moving materials to build the wall, and the blockage of water flow across the border, Bogan says.

Those have cascading impacts if the vegetation is removed or denuded because of erosion, he said. Then theres less food for the wildlife species that are out there. That makes for more dangerous areas where theyre out in the open and predators can see them. Theres a whole lot of issues that come out of those two habitat concerns, with the wall construction.

Theres essentially no way you can engineer a barrier that is not going to interfere with the flow of water, Bogan says. During the latest monsoon season, metal gates were torn off their hinges in Silver Creek, near the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge, and debris piled up in open gateways across the San Pedro River.

From an ecology and hydrology perspective, the only real solution is to have those water bodies completely unimpeded by a wall or by any kind of barrier, Bogan said.

They should use all the technology they have for detecting movement and put in sensor plates and put in those things other than a physical barrier because eventually youre going to have a big enough rainstorm that no matter what kind of gate or bridge they put in, its going to get overwhelmed and its going to cause flooding and erosion issues.

Bogan says there are areas of construction along the wall that are unfixable, like in Guadalupe Canyon at the Arizona border with New Mexico, or the Tinajas Altas Mountains in Yuma where mountain sides were blasted to build roads.

Theres no amount of revegetation or fixing that will ever undo that damage, he said. No matter what kind of restoration they come up with, theres going to be a lasting legacy of the construction no matter what.

Revegetation, a difficult proposal

The proposal doesnt contain a lot of detail on what will go into revegetating disturbed areas, other than saying areas around the wall will be reseeded in accordance with specifications provided by federal land managers.

This will include construction staging areas in the wildlife refuges and areas outside the Roosevelt Reservation, a 60-foot-wide strip of federal land that runs along much of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Revegetation in the desert is a difficult proposal because of the arid climate and ongoing drought cycles for the last 17 years or so, and perhaps more important than revegetation is a vigorous program of invasive plant control, said Traphagen, with the Wildlands Network.

Getting things to grow in this region can be difficult, but he says the true danger in not doing revegetation properly is that invasive species will colonize bare land thats been stripped of native vegetation.

This could not only shift the native plant community and affect wildlife in myriad ways, but it could also affect ranching.

Ranching is an important part of the economy in Arizona and the Southwest, and the native grasses have very high-quality forage, and most of them exceed the protein amounts of the exotic species such as Lehmann lovegrass and buffelgrass, Traphagen said. When these exotic species take hold, they displace the native species of grasses; therefore, that reduces the carrying capacity of the land for ranchers.

Revegetation done right could be a very good thing for ranchers in the area, such as Kelly Glenn-Kimbro, whose family owns the Glenn Ranch, surrounded by the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge on three sides, and abutted with new border wall to the south.

I think revegetation is a great idea because they left a lot of big scars, she said. Restoration of grasslands  thats an amazing thing. Thats great. Ranchers are all about that.

Lack of engagement

Glenn-Kimbro, a Republican, was against the wall because she thought it was a waste of money. Hundreds of people would cross the border through the familys property 15 years ago, but with the installation of vehicle barriers in 2008, observation towers and more agents patrolling, she says her family saw just a few migrants a year crossing and didnt see the need for a 30-foot wall in their backyard.

Nonetheless, they let the contractors set up a construction yard on their land and use their well, in part so as to spare the wildlife refuge. And Glenn-Kimbro says the contractors did what they could to clean up the land afterward.

What she is really upset about is the lack of engagement with stakeholders in creating the proposal, a common complaint among both environmentalists and people who live on the border. The first time Glenn-Kimbro heard about the proposal wasnt from the Biden administration but from Kellys Senate office, she says.

Instead of creating a proposal and asking for feedback, the administration should put together a taskforce to ask every single rancher, farmer, landowner and small border community about whats truly needed, she says.

Thats the thing that I hold Biden accountable for, Glenn-Kimbro said. Its all fine and dandy to stop a project, but he had no concern, no respect or nothing for the communities that had been involved with this and were still raw and open with open wounds.

Request for comment

The Customs and Border Protection request for public comments asks the following questions:

What immediate actions are needed to address safety issues, including protecting the public, Border Patrol agents, nearby communities and averting further environmental damage?

What measures are the highest priority?

Are there best practices that need to be followed in implementing the remediation measures?

The work will start in the months following the 30-day comment period, and officials estimate it will take 12 to 28 months to complete.

To read the full proposal and leave feedback before Feb. 3, go to bit.ly/3pR6sN8 or email TucsonComments@cbp.dhs.gov and put Tucson Remediation Plan Comments in the subject of the email.

Comments can also be left by calling 1-800-514-0638 or by mail at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. 6.5E Mail Stop 1039, Washington, D.C. 20229-1100.

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Contact reporter Danyelle Khmara at dkhmara@tucson.com or 573-4223 . On Twitter: @DanyelleKhmara

To comment on the proposal To read the full proposal and leave feedback before Feb. 3, go to bit.ly/3pR6sN8 or email TucsonComments@cbp.dhs.gov and put Tucson Remediation Plan Comments in the subject of the email. Comments can also be left by calling 1-800-514-0638 or by mail at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol Headquarters, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. 6.5E Mail Stop 1039, Washington, D.C. 20229-1100.

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Petrified Forest National Park, 18 miles southeast of Holbrook, is world-renowned for its petrified wood deposits, but much less known for its mining history and potash deposits.

The area is located on the lower part of the Chinle formation in the Holbrook Basin, which once hosted a tropical climate covered in a dense forest of coniferous trees exceeding 8 feet in diameter and 150 feet tall, 225 million years ago. Over time these fallen trees were covered by river sediment and volcanic ash with high silica concentrate, forming petrified wood.

Classified as a fossil, petrified wood is created from plant material such as fallen trees overlain with layers of sediment including mud and volcanic ash along with dissolved minerals carried by water which crystallize in the woods cellular structure. Over millions of years these minerals devoid of oxygen fill in with silica, calcite, pyrite or opal absorbed into the porous wood, slowing decay while forming the solid quartz specimens of petrified wood. The array of colors seen in many of these specimens derives from carbon, iron and manganese impurities in the quartz.

Some petrified wood takes on a green appearance as discovered in the 1970s from an isolated deposit near Winslow. Formed during the Triassic Time Period (225 million years ago), the wood contains 2% chromium, which gives its notable coloration.

Chromite is an important source of chromium, a metal that makes up 0.1 to 0.3 parts per million of the Earths crust. Important attributes of chromium when alloyed with iron include an increase in hardness along with corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is composed of both chromium and nickel.

Refractory materials (those that can withstand high temperature) including fire bricks used to line furnaces, kilns and fireplaces contain chromite. A fascinating attribute of chromium petrified wood is that it acts as a natural hygrometer, becoming pale light green when dry and dark green when exposed to water and humidity.

Petrified Forest National Monument was established in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt for the purpose of protecting the petrified wood deposits in the region. It was granted national park status through legislative action in 1962 and has increased in size through subsequent land transfers.

The area was explored and actively mined for uranium after World War II due to demand from the U.S. military for fissionable materials.

Navajo prospector Charlie Huskon, employed in the service of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), discovered uranium in a sandstone bed near Cameron in 1952. Similar rock formations in the vicinity of Winslow, Holbrook, Joseph City and around the Petrified Forest National Monument showed promising uranium deposits.

It was the Petrified Forest area comprising eight properties of ore grade material that produced the most uranium for market.

Early prospecting was undertaken by geologist Harry Clifford Granger with a Geiger counter in 1951, with positive findings inside the southern boundary of the Petrified Forest National Monument. Identified was a small low-grade uranium deposit among multi-colored shales. Uranium minerals were found in sandstones with a high concentration of carbonaceous plant material, notably petrified logs.

Uranium mining occurred around the Twin Buttes area. The Ruth Mine was the largest uranium producer, having been located by Preston Coston and Hugh Barton in 1952 and christened for Bartons wife Ruth. Production began in 1953 with 642 tons of ore shipped from the Ruth No. 4 claim.

The following year, the Moab Uranium Co. served as the contractor, shipping 364 tons of ore from the Ruth No. 1 claim for processing at the Anaconda Co. Mill at Bluewater, New Mexico.

It was also the site of mineral theft involving former employees of the Flyers Mining Co. who stole 9 tons of ore from the Bay Shores pit on the Section 33 claim and over-staked the nearby Kay and Goof claims.

The ore was shipped to the Atomic Energy Commission ore buying station at the Cutter siding east of Globe, an anomaly as most of the ore mined in the area by 1956 was shipped to a uranium processing mill at Shiprock, New Mexico, operated by Kerr-McGee Oil Industries, Inc.

Smaller shipments of uranium (6 tons) were mined at the Mac No. 3 claim, Goof No.6 claim and the Rock Garden No. 25 claim.

Limited mining operations continued into the 1970s with the shipment by Silver Creek Industries of over 150 tons of low grade uranium ore from the Ruth group of mines.

Mining ceased when these properties were incorporated into the Petrified Forest National Park later that decade.

The Ruth and Juanita mines are administered by the Bureau of Land Management and the Section 33, and three mines are on private lands within the park boundaries.

Small quantities of ore were shipped to Bluewater, New Mexico, in 1953 and later in the mid-1970s.

The oxidized deposit is known for its variety of minerals including autunite, coffinite, metatorbernite, metozeunerite, uraninite, schrockingerite and zippeite.

The Holbrook Basin, wherein most of Petrified Forest National Park is located, contains a large subsurface deposit of potash, a resource sought in the farming industry for fertilizer and also used for ceramics, glass and soap.

Recoverable potash resources range from 210 million tons to 1.75 billion tons averaging a depth of 1,200 feet. The distribution and deposition of the potash resources would preference underground mining techniques that have not yet been implemented based upon cost, permitting and global competition from top producing countries such as Canada, Russia and Belarus.

William Ascarza is an archivist, historian and author of seven books available for purchase online and at select bookstores. These include his latest, In Search of Fortunes: A Look at the History of Arizona Mining, available through M.T. Publishing Co. His other books are Chiricahua Mountains: History and Nature, Southeastern Arizona Mining Towns, Zenith on the Horizon: An Encyclopedic Look at the Tucson Mountains from A to Z, Tucson Mountains, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum with Peggy Larson and Sentinel to the North: Exploring the Tortolita Mountains. Email William Ascarza for a signed copy of his publications at AZMiningHistory@gmail.com

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In a week in which Oklahomas daily COVID-19 new-case count hit its highest mark of the entire pandemic, infections were on the rise last week in every single community in the Tulsa metro area, data show.

Seventy-two new infections were reported for the city of Sand Springs, according to data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health shared last week by City Manager Mike Carters office, bringing the citys active case total to 207 and its pandemic total to 5,828 confirmed cases.

The nine other municipalities in the metro area  Bixby, Broken Arrow, Collinsville, Glenpool, Jenks, Owasso, Sapulpa, Skiatook and Tulsa  all reported double- or triple-digit increases in new COVID infections.

Three cities reported current infection rates greater than 1%  Sand Springs at 1.04%, Skiatook at 1.22% and Collinsville at 1.57%, the data show.

COVID-19-related deaths also increased in seven of the 10 municipalities, although Sand Springs was not one of them, the Health Department reported.

The citys pandemic death toll stands at 109 for the sixth week in a row, the data indicate.

According to the state, Sand Springs has not recorded a COVID-related death since Dec. 1.

The citys current death percentage of infected  meaning how many infected people go on to die of COVID  is 1.87%, the lowest rate it has been in at least two months.

But even using that conservative rate, with the 190 new infections the state has reported for the city since Nov. 19  when the state resumed reporting data by municipality after a multiweek gap  Sand Springs should have recorded three to four deaths in that time, statistically speaking.

The disparity might be explained by the virus surging omicron variant, which experts say seems to cause less-severe illness and result in fewer deaths.

That variant now is accounting for well more than half of the infections in Oklahoma.

However, no other municipalities in the Tulsa metro area have gone six weeks without the states having reported a death there.

Sand Springs total infection rate  meaning the number of residents who have ever tested positive for COVID-19  is 29.29%, the data show, meaning nearly one in three residents has been infected with COVID.

Only two Tulsa-area municipalities are worse off  Skiatook, at 37.12%, and Collinsville, at 58.14%, the data show.

Across Oklahoma, 39,051 active COVID cases were reported Friday, which Dr. Dale Bratzler, the University of Oklahomas chief COVID officer, described as a gross underestimation of how many in the state are actually infected.

Multiply that figure by three  so 117,153  for a better but still conservative estimate of how many Oklahomans are infected, he said.

That translates to two or three individuals out of every roughly 100 people a person encounters being infected, Bratzler said.

You just have to assume in any setting where youre around people  particularly people you dont know  that some of those people will be infected and take appropriate precautions, he said.

Health officials continue to say vaccination against the virus that causes COVID-19 is far and away the best prevention against serious illness, hospitalization and death.

But there are proven ways to prevent contracting the virus regardless of vaccination status, they say, including wearing a mask indoors in public and/or when unable to socially distance from others; keeping a safe distance from other people whenever possible; and washing your hands with soap or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer regularly.

Tulsa World Staff Writer Corey Jones contributed to this story.

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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed when a passenger train hit a vehicle in Pakistan's east Punjab province on Sunday, police sources said.

The incident happened in Islamabad's sister city Rawalpindi in the morning when the train slammed into the vehicle parked very close to a railway crossing.

The accident killed one man on the spot and injured two others who later succumbed to injuries at a hospital, the sources added.

The train was on its way to Rawalpindi from Multan district when the accident occurred.

The deceased were residents of Rawalpindi, and their bodies were handed over to their relatives after identification. 
A dance company that has been named one of the countrys Cultural Treasures, Ballet Hispanico, will make its Tulsa debut 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the Lorton Performance Center on the University of Tulsa campus, 550 S. Gary Place.

The troupe is presented by Choregus Productions.

The New York City-based company was founded in 1970 by Tina Ramirez, a Venezuelan dancer and teacher whose career included performing on Broadway as well as dancing with the Federico Rey Dance company and with noted band leader Xavier Cugat.

She formed Ballet Hispanico to celebrate and explore Latino cultures through dance performance and training and community engagement. Eduardo Vilaro took over as artistic director in 2009 and has continued and expanded the companys mission to champion under-represented voices in the dance world.

The company recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of performances at Jacobs Pillow that included Tiburones, a work by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa inspired by the film West Side Story. (Ochoa, who has created works for Tulsa Ballet, is the choreographer of Vendetta: A Mafia Story, which Tulsa Ballet will perform in February.)

Tickets for the performance are $43-$53, with student walk-up tickets $5. To purchase and more information: 918-688-6112, choregus.org.

Hayden

Magician Hayden Childress, who prefers to go by his first name, has been doing magic since his teen years, and has become nationally known for his unique approach to the art form, using ordinary objects and audience participation to create illusions he hopes will blow the minds of those watching.

Hayden was recently featured in the TV series, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and while the hosts were not befuddled by the illusions he demonstrated, they were effusive in their praise of his abilities at sleight-of-hand illusions.

Hayden will perform two shows, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 14-15, at the Tulsa PAC, 110 E. Second St. Tickets are $28-$35. 918-596-7111, tulsapac.com.

Story Slam

Living Arts of Tulsa will host Ok, So, Tulsas monthly Story Slam, giving local storytellers the chance to share true stories about their lives, beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at Living Arts, 308 E. Reconciliation Way.

Anyone with a true story  be it funny or sad, poignant or disturbing, hopeful or horrifying  can take part. The theme for this months event is My Mama Said, and participants are asked to keep their stories to about five minutes in length.

Audience members will score each teller and tale on a 10-point scale. The highest scoring teller gets a cash prize of $50 and an invitation to participate in the yearly Grand Slam in May, where the monthly winners vie for the title of Best Storyteller in Tulsa.

Admission is $7. To purchase: eventbrite.com.

Second Sunday Serials

Heller Theatre Company is reviving its progressive original play competition, Second Sunday Serials, with the first round taking place 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, at the American Theatre Company studio, 308 S. Lansing Ave.

Each week, actors will read the opening scenes from new works by local playwrights, with audience members voting on which plays intrigue them enough to want to know how the story unfolds. Each month, new plays will be added to the rotation.

The event also will be live-streamed on the companys Facebook page. For more information: hellertheatreco.com.

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Ronald Wheeler has had to apply for only one job in his life  even though landing that job was pretty much a sure thing.

Wheeler had just completed a stint in the U.S. Army when he received a call from Robert McNally, who had been Wheelers violin teacher at the University of Tulsa. McNally also served as the conductor for the Tulsa Youth Symphony Orchestra, an ensemble made up of young musicians from throughout northeastern Oklahoma.

Bob asked if I would be interested in coming back to Tulsa and working with the youth orchestra, Wheeler recalled. I didnt have too many other options at the time, so I said I would. I had thought about trying to find a teaching job, but this seemed to be a little more certain.

And, Wheeler added, smiling, I think I made the right decision. If I had tried something else, Id probably be selling insurance or something like that.

When McNally was named concertmaster for the Tulsa Philharmonic in 1972, Wheeler took over the principal conductor job of the Tulsa Youth Symphony Orchestra  a position he held until earlier last year.

Over the course of 50 years, Wheeler has helped nurture the talents of generations of young people who have been a part of the Tulsa Youth Symphony Orchestra. Some of these students have gone on to become professional musicians, while others have chosen to pursue careers in music education.

And while the majority of TYSO alumni may not be making their living with music, the skills they learned from being part of such an ensemble, as well as their appreciation of classical music, remain a lasting part of their lives.

It is in recognition of Wheelers lifelong work in music education that the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra has established the Ron Wheeler Tulsa Symphony Music Educator of the Year Award, which will be awarded annually to an exemplary music educator in Oklahoma.

Wheeler himself will be the first recipient of the award, which will be presented as part of the orchestras upcoming concert, titled Folk Dances, Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Tulsa PAC.

The concert, to be led by resident guest conductor Daniel Hege, will feature two works by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams: his Symphony No. 2, originally titled A London Symphony, and the Concerto in F Minor for Bass Tuba and Orchestra. The orchestras principal tuba player, Jarrod Robertson, will be the soloist for this work.

The program will also feature Bela Bartoks Romanian Folk Dances and the Simple Symphony by Benjamin Britten.

In announcing the award, the Tulsa Symphonys incoming board president, Kyden Creekpaum, described Wheeler as a titan among music educators (who) has shaped generations of young musicians, pouring into them his contagious passion for the power of great music. His legions of students  including me  are forever enriched by the experience of making music under Rons baton.

Wheeler said he appreciated the recognition, adding that he would accept it on behalf of all those who have devoted their lives to sharing and encouraging the love of music, and who usually are not recognized for those efforts.

I also appreciate that this award is coming from the Tulsa Symphony, he said. The Symphony, and the Tulsa Philharmonic before that, are as much a part of my life as the Youth Symphony.

Wheeler performed as a member of the violin section of the Tulsa Philharmonic until its demise in 2002, and also was a violinist with the Tulsa Symphony until about three years ago, when physical ailments led him to putting his violin away.

I just wasnt able to practice to the degree necessary to perform the increasingly challenging music the orchestra was doing as well as I should, he said.

The importance of giving musicians repertory that challenges them as players was also a cornerstone of Wheelers work with the Tulsa Youth Orchestra.

In a way, I had the easiest job in the world, he said. The young people I worked with all wanted to be there, and were all eager to learn and to improve. I always loved those moments when you saw the light go on in their eyes when they grasped what we wanted from them.

And, if they couldnt make those connections between what we were asking and what they were doing, the problem was that they needed more information from the conductor, Wheeler said. That really was the job  to help all these young musicians become better not just at making music, but at solving problems, at working together with others to accomplish something great.

The Tulsa Youth Symphony Orchestra is, in fact, three distinct ensembles. The Preparatory Orchestra is for beginning string players, while the Concert Orchestra is for intermediate performers. The Symphony Orchestra is the advanced ensemble.

Wheeler worked primarily with the Symphony Orchestra ensemble, sharing conducting duties with Richard Wagner, who will take over as the orchestras conductor. Earl Pete Peterson oversees the Concert Orchestra, while TYSO alum Amelia Ivory conducts the Preparatory Orchestra.

Wheeler had planned for the 2021-2022 season to be his final one as the TYSO principal conductor. However, conflicts that arose between him and some on the organizations board of directors led to Wheeler resigning.

Wheeler said he plans on using his retirement to reconnect with friends, indulge in his loving of hiking and to pore over his extensive collections on recordings via his state-of-the-art audio system.

I get together regularly with my audiophile friends to listen to music, he said. Ive introduced them to things theyve never heard before, and Ive become interested in artists I had never really noticed before, such as David Crosby.

All in all, Ive had a wonderful career, Wheeler said. I have been able to make a living as a musician and a teacher in a city that I love, and I know that is a rare thing.

Tulsa World Scene: James Watts, Jimmie Tramel and Grace Wood talk interior design trends; Archie turns 80 and more

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Garth Brooks, an Oklahoma native who is one of the top-selling musicians in history, returned to the stage last year after a more-than-decade-long break to raise his kids. Many in the area have seen him during that break, but they've known him as a friend and a dad. This week, the superstar returns.

LIVE: Follow updates from the Garth Brooks concert tonight
Julius Pegues wants something done about Interstate 244.

Born in 1935  just 14 years after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre  the longtime staple of the Greenwood District often laments about the northern leg of the Inner Dispersal Loop that wiped out an estimated 3,000 homes and 500 businesses by the time it was erected.

As a citizen of north Tulsa, I would like to see it removed, said Pegues.  I have been working in the north Tulsa community for almost 50 years now, and I would like to see something done with that northern leg of the IDL to benefit all of the citizens of the city of Tulsa.

For decades, the highway  an elevated stretch of steel and concrete built in the late 1960s that runs above the heart of the Greenwood business district  symbolized a physical and psychological barrier that, intentional or not, isolated businesses and Greenwoods inhabitants from economic opportunity and prosperity.

Pegues, who remembers when a portion of Interstate 244 once created an impasse to an entrance at Mount Zion Baptist Church, has not been the lone voice advocating for change.

Some ideas have called for closing off portions altogether and converting sections into a boulevard, forcing vehicles to use alternate routes. Others have suggested moving that portion of the highway underground.

While the many proposals may seem far-fetched or almost impossible to consider on the surface, hope is found in the $1.2 trillion federal spending package passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in November that promises to pour money into Americas aging infrastructure.

The bill earmarks $250 million in planning grants and $750 million to be invested in capital construction grants to reconnect neighborhoods  such as the Greenwood District  that are impacted by major highways.

Biden acknowledged the damage highway systems have done to some communities across the United States during an appearance in Tulsa ahead of the race massacre centennial anniversary in June.

He specifically pointed to Greenwood and I-244 as an example of how transportation projects had dismantled certain neighborhoods and created racial disparities.

While the people of Greenwood rebuilt again in the years after the massacre, it didnt last, Biden said during remarks inside a packed Greenwood Cultural Center. Eventually neighborhoods were redlined on maps, locking Black Tulsa out of homeownership. A highway was built right through the heart of the community.

According to the White House, 40% of the spending package would fund projects in disadvantaged communities through the Justice40 Initiative. Progress would be tracked through an Environmental Justice Scorecard.

If Tulsa were granted federal and other forms of funding to embark on a project that would be assessed as ambitious at best, how would this project even look?

Cody Brandt, a TYPros Urbanist Crew leader, proposes rebuilding the IDL and presented research over last summer outlining the effort.

His proposal would involve rebuilding the street grid from the Kendall-Whittier area at Admiral Place and Lewis Avenue to Gilcrease Museum Road. Land made available  some 150 acres as a result of the construction  would be transferred through a community land trust. The proposal also suggests decommissioning portions of U.S. 75 and the L.L. Tisdale Parkway, as well as sealing off the Broken Arrow Expressway from Peoria to Denver avenues.

The estimated cost of the project would be $250 million for total demolition and street grid restoration, said Brandt, who explained the proposal during a meeting with state lawmakers in September.

Now that the infrastructure bill has passed, it is something we can talk about to the community of what it looks likes, how to plan for it, where does the money come from to plan for it and where does the money come from to pay for something like this, said Brandt. We can talk about it in more of a direct way.

Tulsa would join other cities such Syracuse, New York; Kansas City; San Francisco; Seattle and Milwaukee that have been identified by the nonprofit Freeways Without Futures as locations where highways could be removed or redirected.

Currently, the majority of the Greenwood District is owned by the Tulsa Development Authority and the states higher education system. Efforts have been made over the years to preserve the remaining 10 brick buildings along the original Black Wall Street corridor. Those structures are owned by the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce.

Freeman Culver, president of the Greenwood Chamber, told the Tulsa World that opening up the area once again would lend itself to residential and business growth not experienced since I-244 was constructed.

It would be a great opportunity to grow what we have with the Greenwood commercial district even more, Culver said. Land is the basis of all independence. If (I-244) is removed, then the number of effects it would have on the north Tulsa and Greenwood economy would be well worth the investment.

Despite optimism about the potential project and what it could mean for north Tulsa, there are questions left to be answered and possible complications to consider that go beyond the millions of dollars in projected costs, said Viplava Putta, transportation planning and program director with the Indian Nations Council of Governments.

This is a section of a highway that is not just one small spur or a mile or two, Putta said. It is connecting U.S. 412 and Interstate 244 that carries 70 to 80,000 cars a day. Where would that traffic go if we were to do anything with that highway or segment?

What also requires examination, said Putta, is whether the project is technically feasible. For example, how much westbound or eastbound traffic along I-244 would be affected, and who would ultimately benefit.

In Brandts proposal, he provided some solutions to traffic-pattern concerns. Traffic could be routed around the southern portion of the Gilcrease Expressway Loop to Interstate 44 back into U.S. 412 or use the north side of the Gilcrease Expressway as alternate route.

Either route, the plan says, would add roughly three additional miles to a trip, as opposed to motorists traveling through downtown Tulsa.

And so youre talking about, at, you know, highway speeds, this may add three minutes to five minutes to someones drive, he said. From a regional perspective, no one is even going to notice that.

Brandt also mentioned that residential housing, retail and other developments could be built on the freed up space, which would be a net gain for Tulsas economy.

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation has been here before. A 3.5-mile stretch of the Interstate 40 Crosstown Expressway in Oklahoma City was relocated by ODOT because of structural issues.

That project is often cited as a guide to justify the removal of I-244. But Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Tim Gatz indicated during the September meeting that the state has already made significant final investments in improving and maintaining all legs of the IDL to the tune of $240 million. Along the northern leg alone, some $70 million has been spent, he said.

Deconstructing any sections where money has already been allocated would be difficult, considering work has been ongoing for parts of the last 15 years.

When you look at Interstate 244 and the function of the IDL in downtown Tulsa, access into the area is critical, said Gatz, who explained that it would take years to resolve any changes to routes. If you were to take that traffic and push it onto other parts of the network in Tulsa, Ill tell you the network right now is not at a capacity level to support that traffic diversion.

State Rep. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, has been holding panels and information sessions regarding the Interstate 244 situation. As a child of Greenwood, she has supported the idea of eliminating the section for good in a practical way.

I dont see how we cannot pursue it, said Goodwin. That is one of the freeways that destroyed houses and businesses. It was totally unnecessary. We have the money to do it. We have the ingenuity to do it. The question is: Is the will there?

Whats paramount, said Goodwin, is for Oklahoma to finally address the harm caused by Interstate 244s presence, particularly after the interim study presented earlier this year acknowledged reservations that were raised by legislators.

If were really talking about reconnecting communities, its not just folks who live in Greenwood whove given thought to this. Its not just benefiting one side of the community, she said. People who live in this city should benefit from the dynamic changes that take place.

Featured video: A look inside Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center
The University of Tulsa informed staff and students that masks must be worn on campus next week.

In a letter from Matt Warren, vice president and chief compliance officer, the measure will be in place for a week and modified as warranted.

As of 2 p.m. Friday, TU reported 48 active COVID-19 cases: 39 students, six staff and three faculty members. The letter from Warren said that the majority of these cases involve asymptomatic vaccinated individuals who have not received a booster shot.

The letter to employees outlined two measures that start Monday:

Employees must wear (a) a KN95 or equivalent filtering respirator mask or (b) a surgical mask in combination with a cloth mask when indoors, except when alone in private offices.

Meetings should be held virtually unless in person attendance is essential.

All TU employees are also required to verify their vaccination status with the university by Monday.

Beginning Jan. 31, unvaccinated employees must undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.

Students were told they must wear a face covering in all academic and administrative buildings on campus.

"The more effective KN95 and surgical masks are preferred to single-layer cloth masks," the letter said.

"The omicron variant is highly contagious but fortunately less severe than the previous ones," Warren said in the letter. "Individuals with a booster shot have the most protection from illness. I urge each of you to receive a booster if you are eligible."
Believe it or not, cool-season vegetables can be planted starting mid-February. Some of them can be started from seed indoors while others should be started outdoors as plants.
About 24% of US hospitals are reporting a "critical staffing shortage," according to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services, as public health experts warn the Covid-19 surge fueled by the Omicron variant threatens the nation's health care system.

"Given how much infection there is, our hospitals really are at the brink right now," Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University's School of Public Health, told CNN on Sunday.

Of the approximately 5,000 hospitals that reported this data to HHS on Saturday, nearly 1,200 -- about 1 in 4 -- said they are currently experiencing a critical staffing shortage, the largest share of the entire pandemic. More than 100 other hospitals said they anticipate a shortage within the next week.

The US health care system is Jha's greatest concern, he said, noting the Omicron surge could hamper its capacity to care for patients suffering from conditions other than Covid-19.

"The health care system is not just designed to take care of people with Covid ... it's designed to take care of kids with appendicitis and people who have heart attacks and get into car accidents," he said.

"And all of that is going to be much, much more difficult because we have a large proportion of the population that is not vaccinated, plenty of high risk people who are not boosted," he said. "That combination sets up a large pool of people who as they get infected will end up really straining the resources we have in the hospitals today."

These staff shortages are growing as frontline health care workers are either infected or forced to quarantine due to exposure to Covid-19 just as the demand for treatment skyrockets: More than 138,000 Covid-19 patients were in US hospitals as of Saturday, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. That's not far from the all-time peak (about 142,200 in mid-January 2021) and an increase from around 45,000 in early November.

To safeguard hospital capacity, some facilities are forced to cut elective surgeries. In New York, for example, 40 hospitals -- mainly in the Mohawk Valley, Finger Lakes and central regions -- have been told to stop nonessential elective operations for at least two weeks because of low patient bed capacity, the state health department said Saturday.

The University of Kansas Health System is also close to implementing crisis standards of care, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steven Stites said Saturday, telling CNN, "At some point ... we're too overwhelmed to do any of our normal daily work."

"At that point we have to turn on a switch that says we got to triage the people we can help the most," he said, "and that means we've have to let some people die who we might have been able to help but we weren't sure about -- they were too far gone or had too much of an injury, or maybe we can't get to that trauma that just came in."

Stites said two waves were hitting Kansas simultaneously -- with Delta accelerating post-Thanksgiving, to be met by Omicron -- describing it as "almost a double pandemic." The vast majority of those being hospitalized are unvaccinated, Stites said.

Dr. Jonathan Reiner, professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University, told CNN on Saturday the next several weeks will "look bad in many American cities."

"Forty hospitals in New York just canceled elective procedures. The DC Hospital Association, where I work, has asked the DC government for permission for hospitals to enact crisis standards of care," he said. "And that's coming to every city in the United States."

Los Angeles sees record weekly case numbers

About 62.5% of the total US population -- 208 million people -- is fully vaccinated, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 75.4 million people have received a booster dose, meaning 23% of the total US population is fully vaccinated and boosted.

But still about 21% of the eligible population, or 65.5 million people 5 and older, have not received a single dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, the CDC data show.

Nationwide, 39 states are reporting a 50% or greater increase in cases during the past week compared to the previous week, according to a CNN analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. As of Saturday, the seven-day average of new daily cases in the US was 701,199, per JHU data.

Some localities are now seeing the most new cases they've seen the whole pandemic, including Los Angeles County.

On Saturday, the county reported more than 200,000 confirmed cases over the previous seven days -- the highest number of cases in one week since the start of the pandemic, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Hospitalizations doubled over the week to 3,200 and there were 135 Covid-related deaths, the department said.

With infections rising, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday announced a proposed $2.7 billion Covid-19 Emergency Response Package designed to bolster testing and vaccination efforts, support frontline workers and battle misinformation, his office said in a news release. Newsom also signed an executive order Saturday "establishing consumer protections against price gouging on at-home test kits," according to his office.

The rise in infections is also hitting Los Angeles' children hard.

At Children's Hospital Los Angeles, the positivity rate for children tested for Covid-19 has increased from 17.5% in December to 45% to date in January, according to CHLA Medical Director Dr. Michael Smit.

CHLA currently has 41 patients in-house who have tested positive for Covid-19, and roughly one quarter of the children admitted to the facility with Covid-19 require admission to the pediatric ICU, with some requiring intubation, Smit told CNN on Saturday.

The rise in cases comes just as Los Angeles students are preparing to return to in-person classes Tuesday.

Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest school district in the country, is requiring all students and employees to show a negative Covid-19 test result before returning to the classroom.

The baseline test requirement was implemented at the beginning of the school year in August, and the district announced a week ago both the baseline test, along with required weekly testing for all employees and students would continue through January, given the current Omicron surge.

Shannon Haber, chief communications officer for LAUSD, told CNN Saturday similar protocols in the fall, along with vaccination requirements, universal masking and "Ghostbusters-level" sanitation practices, have made it possible for every one of its more than 1,000 schools to stay open for in-person learning this academic year.

Haber said 100% of LAUSD employees are fully vaccinated and students 12 and older are required to be fully vaccinated by the beginning of the next school year, with 90% so far meeting the requirement.

Disputes over in-person learning

In response to rising pediatric infections, disputes over whether in-person learning is ideal during the Omicron surge and how students can safely attend school are playing out in various school districts this week.

For the week ending December 30, children accounted for 17.7% of new reported cases in the US, the American Academy of Pediatrics said, noting a record 325,00 new cases among children -- a 64% increase from the week prior.

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system has canceled classes since Wednesday due to a dispute between city officials and the teachers union over returning to the classroom. The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) voted Tuesday to teach remotely due to the Covid-19 surge, but the school district canceled classes, saying schools were safe and it wanted in-person learning.

CTU have said conditions are unsafe, citing in part inadequate staffing and testing. They say they want more testing, along with additional mitigation protocols.

The CTU presented a new proposal to Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Saturday which included a resumption of virtual learning for CPS students beginning Wednesday and in-person instruction on January 18 unless health officials determine it's not safe. City officials rejected the proposal -- though it accepted some requests, like providing KN95 masks for all staff and students -- saying it looked forward "to continued negotiations to reach an agreement."

Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday, Lightfoot said she was still "hopeful" a deal could be reached before Monday, again insisting Chicago's schools are safe.

Dr. Julie Morita, the former Chicago health commissioner and executive vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, said children and teachers can safely be in the classroom with certain measures, like requiring vaccinations and masks, ensuring good ventilation and testing capacity.

"When those systems are in place, children and teachers can be safely in the school environment," she said, "but those systems have to be in place."

Dr. Richina Bicette-McCain, medical director at the Baylor College of Medicine, told CNN schools could be safe but she believes they are currently "high-risk."

"Not because of the nature of schools in and of themselves," she said, "but because although we know what tools are available to us and we have the tools to mitigate those risks, they are not being employed adequately."

"Students need proper access to testing, we need to give students and staff high quality masks," she said. "Let's employ HEPA filters in schools to increase ventilation and increase air circulation.

"Let's make sure that if we're going to send our children to school we're doing it safely," she added.

In Georgia, public school teachers who test positive for Covid-19 no longer have to isolate before returning to school if they are asymptomatic and wear a mask, and contact tracing in schools is no longer required, according to a letter to school leaders released Thursday from Gov. Brian Kemp and public health commissioner Kathleen Toomey.

But Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators, believes the changes are the "absolute wrong thing to do at the absolute worst time." Educators want to be in classrooms with their students, she said, "but that should be achieved by keeping people healthy.

"We know that there are increasing cases in our children, there's increasing hospitalizations in our children," she told CNN Saturday, "and this action shows a lack of regard for the health and safety of educators, students and our families."

The-CNN-Wire

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CNN's Deidre McPhillips, Travis Caldwell, Keith Allen, Raja Razek, Natasha Chen and Anna-Maja Rappard contributed to this report.
Ancient tombs discovered in China's Guangxi

Xinhua) 10:21, January 09, 2022

NANNING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Archaeologists recently discovered a large-scale cluster of ancient tombs dating back to the Six Dynasties period to the Sui and Tang Dynasties (222-907) in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Covering an area of 70,000 square meters, the cluster of some 200 tombs is located in Dashugen Village, Fucheng Township of Beihai City, according to the museum of Beihai City.

The most prominent feature of the cluster is that most tomb chambers were constructed with stone pieces, but some tombs were made of brick and stone.

Relics including potteries with diversified patterns, ironware and bricks with inscriptions were excavated from the tombs.

Experts said that these archaeological discoveries are of great research value.

File photo shows potteries found at an ancient tomb in Beihai City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Archaeologists recently discovered a large-scale cluster of ancient tombs dating back to the Six Dynasties period to the Sui and Tang Dynasties (222-907) in Guangxi.

Covering an area of 70,000 square meters, the cluster of some 200 tombs is located in Dashugen Village, Fucheng Township of Beihai City, according to the museum of Beihai City.

The most prominent feature of the cluster is that most tomb chambers were constructed with stone pieces, but some tombs were made of brick and stone. (Beihai Museum/Handout via Xinhua)

(Web editor: Xue Yanyan, Sheng Chuyi)
ISLAMABAD, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Eight people were injured when their house partially collapsed in a gas cylinder explosion in Rawalpindi city of Pakistan's eastern Punjab province on Sunday, a police report said.

Two brothers and their families living on the first floor of a two-story building in the city all got injured in the incident, the report said.

The injured included four children and two women, who were shifted to a nearby hospital by locals and rescue teams.

The incident happened due to leakage of gas in the house, the report added.

Gas explosions were reported in Pakistan many times recently as people sleep at night leaving gas heaters on to keep themselves warm, and disaster occurs sometimes due to interruptions in the gas supply. 
The heated rhetoric surrounding Fridays oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding Biden administration COVID-19 vaccine mandates may have tended toward individual freedom versus the police state, but the legal arguments are more nuanced, a Tulsa labor lawyer said Friday.

They center not so much on whether the federal government can order vaccination to counter a public health emergency, said Madalene Witterholt, as on whether a president can bypass the usual rule-making process to do so.

We have three branches of government, Witterholt said. In a situation like this, the question becomes, Who can boss around the others? What are the rules?

Power and politics, she said, are often entwined with courts legal reasoning.

The precedent for requiring vaccinations during epidemics is well-established. In 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a Massachusetts law requiring smallpox vaccinations, even for individuals who reported previous adverse reactions.

Personal freedom, said Witterholt, tends to get pushed down by public health.

But there are a couple of important differences between the 1905 case and the two being considered today.

One, the Massachusetts law was passed by a state Legislature, not handed down by a governor or state agency.

Secondly, the 1905 ruling dealt specifically with states mandating vaccinations. It did not address federal regulations.

The Biden mandates were issued by two federal agencies under provisions that allow the temporary bypassing of the regular rule-making process during emergencies. So a good deal of the legal argument rests on whether the COVID-19 epidemic, which has killed more than 835,000 Americans and hospitalized millions over a two-year period, constitutes an emergency.

Its something like war powers, said Witterholt.

Although Oklahoma did not participate directly in Fridays arguments, it did have a stake in them. Oklahoma was one of many states suing to block the two mandates, one of which would apply to all private employers with at least 100 workers and the other to health care workers.

First District Congressman Kevin Hern and U.S. Sen. James Lankford both issued statements calling for the regulations to be overturned, and the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office issued a press release headed Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Attorney General John OConnors Effort to Block Vaccine Mandate.

In truth, just about every Republican attorney general in the country could have issued more or less the same statement, but the actual arguments were by a handful of attorneys, including one representing business interests, and their arguments had a lot to do with money.

Witterholt said all employers are bound by the General Duty Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which says they must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

In effect, the Biden administration is arguing that COVID-19, and by extension unvaccinated employees, constitute such a hazard.

Witterholt said employers are resisting that designation because it means more potential responsibilities and costs for them.

They may have to pay for vaccinations, she said. They may have to pay for tests. They may have to pay (employees) to be tested.

But if COVID-19 in the workplace is a hazard  and it seems every epidemiologist believes it is  why is requiring a vaccination different from requiring dust masks or eye protection in certain settings?

You could think its the same thing, said Witterholt. And it could be that it is the same thing. But ultimately, (lawmakers) have to do some things to authorize it.

Featured video: Supreme Court holds hearing on Bidens vaccine mandates

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I was 28 when elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, then left after a term to serve in the state Senate. When elected governor in 1995, I was the only one in state history to have served in both chambers of the Legislature.

Interestingly, it was while in the Legislature that I was frequently told that Oklahoma had little history and that much of it was sensibly relegated to footnotes nor long remembered.

A Tulsa boy, with parents who were transplants from Pennsylvania and Illinois, I was not required to take Oklahoma history in high school. Thats a shame because my later reading of historian Danney Gobles research on Oklahoma history opened my eyes to fascinating landscapes of diversity and beauty, along with the combustion and conflict that shaped our state.

The U.S. marshals suffered their worst casualties when they thundered through our new Oklahoma lands in search of outlaws and assorted desperados interested in little more than plunder.

Native American tribes with written languages and sophistication were herded west, pushing against other tribes as new faces jostled for old lands.

Author Eddie Jackson tells the story of Oklalusa, the dream of a Black state, where recently freed slaves from the South following the Civil War, looking west for a new land of promise and freedom, found it in the opportunity lands of Oklahoma.

Beginning in 1889, and seven land runs later, desperate settlers of every race stormed west to lay claim to a better tomorrow. Author and historian John Dwyer sketches these and other stories, with colorful maps and paintings in his book The Oklahomans.

Long after the creation of the nations republic, Oklahoma became fertile ground for land, cattle and energy fortunes that endeavored to create a classless society, proclaiming in the song Farmer and the Cowman in Rogers and Hammersteins Oklahoma!: I dont say that I am better than anybody else, but Ill be damned if Im not just as good.

Tall-tree personalities dug into the landscape that brought us shame (such as in Gov. Alfalfa Bill Murray, who was an apostle of segregation and the poll tax) and pride (like humorist Will Rogers, a Cherokee Nation citizen who during his life was the most famous Oklahoman, first in movies and then as a newspaper columnist and radio personality).

Theres more. Tulsan Connie Cronleys recent A Life on Fire, published by the University of Oklahoma Press, tells the story of Oklahomas Kate Barnard.

In 1907, when women couldnt vote, Barnard became the first woman to hold public office. Incredible. She was a meteor shower. Her crusade stopped children from working in factories and mines and required that homes for people who are sick and disabled, jails and prisons and hospitals, all provide decent and sanitary care.

Barnard drove herself to an early grave because she would not tolerate a government of anguish and indifference.

Oklahoma has a history. Isnt it time that we lean back, put up our feet and learn more about it?

Featured video:

Frank Keating was governor of Oklahoma from 1995 to 2003 and a member of the Tulsa World Community Advisory Board.

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A series of shootings, some of them fatal, underscore a festering gun violence problem in Tulsa that hasnt been adequately addressed.

And then on Jan. 2, a group of up to nine people, dressed in black and wearing ski masks, unloaded 75 rounds at Savanna Landing. Although no one was injured, two apartments with people inside were hit by gunfire.

These outbursts of violence are just a few examples of a crisis that is plaguing certain parts of the city.

The neighborhood around 61st Street and Peoria Avenue, long troubled by violent crime, saw six of the citys 62 homicides in 2021. One property manager likened the area to a no mans land where criminals can settle their beefs freely.

In the words of Lonny Barker, a private security professional who works in the area and who was interviewed by the Tulsa Worlds Kevin Canfield, residents having to walk out of their house and be afraid that something might happen to them just by going to the corner store is no way to live.

We wholeheartedly agree. This is no way for anyone in this city to live.

The Tulsa Police Department has raised the alarm of the problem of gun violence and stolen guns. Over the summer, the department announced dozens of arrests and the seizure of scores of guns, complete with a display of more than 200 firearms officers confiscated.

Police blame the surge of violence on running feuds between gangs.

We appreciate their efforts but also are concerned that the shootings go on unabated. A series of questions come to mind.

Who, exactly, is responsible for this? Are these gangs just local groups, or do they have ties to other criminal organizations? As of now, the public knows little aside from the fact that these shootings are being carried out by repeat offenders.

Why is there so little information available online about criminal activity? The department used to post what sort of crimes officers were responding to online, but much of that real-time information has been curtailed.

Why is this not being discussed more by the City Council? Law enforcement topics come up from time to time in the Council Chambers, but on this pressing issue, discussion has been sparse.

We understand that staffing issues complicate matters. The Police Department has increased its presence at 61st Street and Peoria Avenue, but the loss of a community resource officer has been noted.

We also understand that solving this problem is difficult. But what we want to know now is what is being done about these crimes and what efforts are underway to solve any issues that are preventing the Police Department from calming our streets.

These answers need to come from the Police Department, the City Council and the Mayors Office. What we know is not enough.

Featured video: Tulsa Police Department crackdown on guns and gangs

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Travelers between the ages of 18 and 35 are springing back from the pandemic in big ways.

Over the past year and a half, when all travel was stalled, these travelers were the ones sharing their stories and their favorite destinations on social media, changing not just the destinations theyd like to visit, but also the trends and experiences they prefer.

Younger travelers, according to Contiki, desire either beach vacations, European explorations or something in between.

Immersion and adventure activities are top-of-mind for many travelers as they begin venturing back out into the world. The desire to experience more is going to be the impetus for many young travelers to visit places like Thailand, Ireland, Egypt and South Africa.

Solo travelers also make up almost half of the tour operators bookings for next year, signaling not only a confidence in traveling alone but a desire to experience the world from their own unique vantage points.

The average age of travelers booking with Contiki is 27, which makes sense considering thats usually a time when working professionals are earning enough to begin going on trips before theyre obligated to pay for other expensive life milestones, like marriage, buying a house, or having a child.

Two millennial travel advisers weighed in on the trends theyve been seeing among their younger travelers.

Ryan Doncsecz, Groups Department Manager at VIP Vacations and Jordan Bradshaw, Vice President at Northcutt Travel Agency, are both seeing similar trends emerge from their clients.

Popular destinations for younger clients from both agencies include Mexico and the Caribbean, especially when it comes to all-inclusives, as well as the ever-popular Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks. The main trend, though, is a focus toward more FIT journeys that focus on immersion and discovery.

We have been seeing a big wave of younger travelers interested in seeing the world," said Doncsecz. "The first location in terms of new booking requests that has surprised me a bit is the Maldives. While it has always been a bucket list destination for many, social media has helped share this unique locale with stunning beaches and hotels to the next generation of adventure seekers. This seems especially popular in the honeymoon market."

Bradshaw has seen similar interest in the Maldives and other tropical destinations that offer both beaches and adventure activities for honeymooners.

He also echoed the same trend in social media influencing younger clients: We also see the younger generation of travelers is very influenced by what they see on social media and base their destinations that they ask about by 60-second clips they see on TikTok or Instagram. That is where I think a great travel agent can come in and advise more information about those destinations and if they think they would actually be a good fit for the client.

Another trend theyve been seeing is that younger travelers are oftentimes more willing to skimp on things like airfare in order to use their money in other, more rewarding ways for them. That also includes comparing travel advisers.

A young traveler will still book the basic economy flight to save $50 ahead of time, but then will whole-heartedly spend that $50 while away. As an adviser, it is important to recognize that you may be price shopped and often directly compared to another agency, commented Doncsecz.

With plenty of younger travelers already fully vaccinated, travel fears are more about getting stuck in another country after testing positive than fears of safety while abroad.

Overall, younger travelers are looking for incredible escapes with opportunities for immersion and discovery, oftentimes influenced by social media and always within a particular budget.
Many English language centers in Ho Chi Minh City have remained closed even though local authorities already allowed the resumption of in-person learning earlier this week.

Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper has contacted some popular English centers such as VUS, ILA, and YOLA, whose consultants said they were unclear when in-person classes would resume even when Vietnam has switched to living safely with the coronavirus from a zero-COVID strategy, backed by a wide vaccine coverage rate.

Most courses are still organized online, but learners can register for offline classes in advance by taking placement tests virtually.

Now is not a good time

This is not a suitable time to welcome back learners as most students are busy with their first-term exams at school, a representative of SEAMEO Regional Training Center explained, adding that students will have a Lunar New Year break in about three weeks.

Do Thuy Hong, CEO of IvyPrep Education, said she is glad that foreign language centers are permitted to offer in-person classes, but IvyPrep Education is still concerned about the safety of students, staff, and the community given the COVID-19 pandemic.

The center is conducting a survey to assess the demand of students and their parents before making further decisions, Hong added.

It may apply a hybrid learning model, which includes 50 percent of online classes and 50 percent of in-person courses.

We encourage fully-vaccinated middle school and high school students to take part in offline courses, while elementary school students should continue with remote learning, Hong elaborated.

Most learners are not vaccinated

Aside from facilities running preparatory programs for English certificates such as the IELTS and TOEIC tests, most English centers in Ho Chi Minh City offer their courses to young learners, according to a manager of a center in Tan Binh District.

The manager said more than 65 percent of the learners at his facility are elementary school students, who have not received COVID-19 vaccination.

Meanwhile, learners and teachers must be inoculated with at least one dose to partake in offline classes at local centers, according to public health regulations.

Unless authorities set out specific criteria for younger learners, we will have to wait until elementary school students are vaccinated to reopen, the manager said.

A representative of APAX Leaders said that the center will maintain remote learning in the meantime as most of its learners are in seventh grade and lower.

An English center remains closed in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Trong Nhan / Tuoi Tre

Foreign teachers count the days

Raphael Galuz, a Frenchman who teaches English at a center in District 7, said he had had challenging months as strict social distancing measures resulted in his wage being halved.

His center had to lower tuition fees to discourage learners from quitting during the pandemic, and thus teachers payment also decreased, Galuz explained.

Chubby Vinaltino, a Singaporean teacher at an English center in Tan Phu District, said he is teaching only two classes, about eight hours, per week, which is four to five times lower than before the outbreak began on April 27 last year.

Vinaltino only received US$10 for an hour of online teaching, compared to the $15-20 per hour that he got from in-person instruction.

The teacher added that his income had shrunk by $70-80 per week, which made it difficult for him to pay for food, rent, and utilities.

Three of my friends who are English teachers have had to move to cheaper places to live, Vinaltino said.

Some even had to sell their own phone, he added.

Vinaltino said his only wish is that English centers welcome back learners as soon as possible, which will help foreign teachers solve their financial problems.

Ho Chi Minh City has recorded over 507,000 local COVID-19 infections since the fourth virus wave hit the country on April 27, 2021. Due to the serious outbreak, municipal authorities required all students to stay home and switch to remote learning on May 10, which resulted in the suspension of in-person classes at all educational facilities, including English language centers. After the pandemic was put under control, ninth and twelfth graders were allowed to resume in-person learning from mid-December, while seventh, eighth, tenth, and eleventh graders could return to school on January 4. Centers teaching foreign languages and computing were permitted to resume offline classes from January 4, but teachers and learners must be at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recovered from the disease. The city began providing vaccination to children aged 12 to 17 in late October. As of December 9, 96.6 percent of residents in this age range had received one dose, while 85.5 percent had been jabbed twice.

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At least 16 tourists died in freezing temperatures after being stranded in their vehicles in northern Pakistan, where thousands had flocked to enjoy the snow, officials said on Saturday.

With some 1,000 vehicles still stranded, the government has declared Murree, 64 km (40 miles) northeast of the capital Islamabad, a calamity hit area.

For the first time in 15 to 20 years such large number of tourists flocked to Murree, which created a big crisis, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Pakistan's interior minister said a video message.

The minister said that around 1,000 cars were stuck in the hill station, a town elevated from the nearby area, confirming that "16 to 19 deaths have occurred in their cars."

Vehicles stuck under fallen trees are seen on a snowy road, in Murree, northeast of Islamabad, Pakistan in this still image taken from a video January 8, 2022. Photo: PTV/REUTERS TV via REUTERS

Army platoons and paramilitary forces have been deployed to help the civil administration in rescue operations, he said.

Late on Friday the government announced the closure of all roads leading to the station to stop any further influx of the tourists.

Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed shock over the "tragic deaths" of the tourists. "Have ordered inquiry and putting in place strong regulations to ensure prevention of such tragedies," Khan said in a tweet.

Vehicles are seen on a snowy road, in Murree, northeast of Islamabad, Pakistan in this still image taken from a video January 8, 2022. Photo: PTV/REUTERS TV via REUTERS

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry appealed to people to not visit the hill station.

Snowfall, which began on Tuesday night, continued at regular intervals, attracting thousands of tourists. Due to huge numbers of visitors, many families ended up getting stranded on roads.

Local media reported that over 100,000 vehicles entered the hill station.

Soldiers clear snow from a road after a heavy snowfall in Murree, Pakistan January 8, 2022. Photo: Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR)/Handout via REUTERS

Videos shared on social media showed entire families, including children, lying dead in their snow covered vehicles.

Were the deaths caused by cold or carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?," Dr. Faheem Yonus, chief of infectious diseases at the University of Maryland UCH, said in a tweet. "CO is odorless, lethal if an idling car is buried in snow, the blocked exhaust (silencer) can quickly kill the passengers as they breath CO."

Officials have given no word on the causes of the deaths.

Soldiers walk as they take part in a rescue operation after a heavy snowfall in Murree, Pakistan January 8, 2022. Photo: Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR)/Handout via REUTERS
At least seven people died and nine were seriously injured when a wall of rock collapsed on top of motor boats below a waterfall in southeastern Brazil on Saturday, the fire department said.

A tower of rocks suddenly broke away from the canyon wall and came crashing down on several leisure boats, sending out a huge wave over the lake at Capitolio, in Minas Gerais state.

Videos posted on social media showed tourists shouting as the column of rock crashed into the water, smashing two boats.

A firefighter of Minas Gerais state seeks for victms after a wall of rock collapsed on top of motor boats below a waterfall in Capitolio, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil January 8, 2022. Photo: Fire Brigade of Minas Gerais/Handout via REUTERS

Authorities said three people were still missing after others feared lost were located by telephone. Divers searched the lake.

The people hurt in the accident had broken bones and one was in serious condition in hospital with head and facial injuries. Some 23 others were treated for light injuries, he said.

Firefighters of Minas Gerais state and members of Brazilian Navy search for victms after a wall of rock collapsed on top of motor boats below a waterfall in Capitolio, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil January 8, 2022. Photo: Fire Brigade of Minas Gerais/Handout via REUTERS

The region has been under heavy rainfall for two weeks, which could have loosened the rock face.

On Saturday, a dike overflowed at an iron ore mine 300 kilometers to the east, cutting off a major federal highway.

Firefighters of Minas Gerais state search for victms after a wall of rock collapsed on top of motor boats below a waterfall in Capitolio, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil January 8, 2022. Photo: Fire Brigade of Minas Gerais/Handout via REUTERS
Vietnam always treasures and prioritizes the enhancement of its special relationship with Laos, Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong told Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh.

PM Phankham joined talks with General Secretary Trong in Hanoi on Saturday within the framework of his official visit to Vietnam from January 8 to 10, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The host and guest expressed their delight at the recent strides in the Vietnam - Laos cooperation and affirmed joint efforts to maintain and nurture the ties.

The special relationship between the two countries is a priceless common asset of both Parties and peoples, the leaders stated, adding that it is an important resource for the national development in each country, contributing to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and development.

The Lao premier expressed his appreciation for Vietnams timely support for his country throughout history, including the aid in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Lao Party, state, and people will do their utmost to maintain and nurture the special Laos - Vietnam relationship, he affirmed.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh in Hanoi, January 8, 2022. Photo: Vietnam Government Portal

Vietnam always attaches importance and the top priority to enhancing the two countries special ties, General Secretary Trong said.

The Party chief praised the mutual assistance in the pandemic response and underlined the importance of the two governments coordination mechanism, adding that both sides should further foster political ties in a substantive manner.

The Lao PM had joined talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh earlier the same day, during which the leaders had discussed measures to elevate economic cooperation.

They also agreed to further enhance the ties in education-training, culture, sports, tourism, agriculture, e-commerce, and digital transformation.

PM Phankham also met with State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue in Hanoi on Saturday.

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Here are todays leading news stories:

Politics

-- Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh joined talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue in Hanoi on Saturday, as part of his official visit to Vietnam from Saturday to Monday.

COVID-19 Updates

-- Vietnams Ministry of Health documented 16,553 COVID-19 cases, including 2.791 in Hanoi, on Saturday, raising the national tally to 1,876,394, with 1,488,038 recoveries and 34,117 deaths.

-- Ho Chi Minh City was classified as a locality at low risk of COVID-19 transmission, or a green zone, from Saturday after having detected only 3,224 new cases in the past week.

Society

-- Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh has directed relevant units to expedite and complete the construction of Long Thanh megaairport in the southern province of Dong Nai within the first quarter of 2025.

-- Police in the central city of Da Nang confirmed on Saturday they had arrested two company directors for helping foreigners enter Vietnam illegally under the guise of experts.

-- Former deputy secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Tat Thanh Cang was sentenced to 10 years in prison for violations resulting in the loss of VND669 billion (US$29.4 million) to the city budget.

-- Authorities in the Mekong Delta province of Ca Mau have begun the construction of a VND186 billion ($8.1 million) fresh water reservoir, which will help minimize groundwater exploitation, prevent land subsidence, and provide water for putting out forest fires.

Business

-- Vietnams foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $31.15 billion as of December 20, up 9.2 percent annually, the Vietnam News Agency quoted the Ministry of Planning and Investment as saying.

-- The sale of flight tickets ahead of the Lunar New Year has been quite slow compared to the same period in previous years as travelers seem to make more careful consideration due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Two company directors in Da Nang have been apprehended for helping foreigners enter Vietnam illegally under the guise of experts.

The municipal Department of Public Security confirmed on Saturday they had arrested and initiated legal proceedings against Nguyen Van Minh Tho, 31, director of TNA Service Travel and Service Company, and Pham Kim Phuc, 29, director of Phuc Travel Newlife Company.

Tho and Phuc are accused of being involved in a ring that arranged for foreigners to make it into Vietnam unlawfully under the guise of experts.

Officers have so far investigated 15 members of this racket, including three South Korean nationals.

Police investigation showed that Tho had helped seven South Korean people obtain their Vietnamese visas in early 2021 by signing a document guaranteeing that they were experts working for his company.

However, police eventually discovered that these foreigners were neither experts nor working for Thos firm.

Tho said that To My Hong Oanh, a member of the racket who was arrested in May, promised to pay him US$200 for each person that was able to get into Vietnam.

Oanh was captured before she could wire the payment to Tho.

In a similar vein, Phuc also helped seven South Korean nationals enter Vietnam and pocketed VND30.8 million ($1,350).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnamese government has closed borders since March 2020, with an exception for Vietnamese repatriates, foreign experts, diplomats, investors, skilled workers, and students, who are allowed to come to the Southeast Asian country if meeting strict quarantine requirements.

The country has resumed regular international air routes with some countries since the beginning of this year to meet travel demand and boost economic and tourism recovery.

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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Six terrorists were killed in a shootout with police late Saturday night in Quetta district of Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, spokesperson of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of police in Balochistan said.

The spokesperson told Xinhua that the incident happened near the Eastern Bypass area when the CTD conducted an operation on an intelligence tip-off.

A few terrorists ran away from the site taking advantage of the darkness, he said.

The alleged terrorists were associated with the Islamic State group, the spokesperson said, adding that one of the killed was a wanted terrorist who carried a head money of 2 million Pakistani rupees (over 11,000 U.S. dollars).

The anti-terror police recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives from the raided place, the spokesperson said.

The killed were involved in dozens of terror attacks in the country, he added. 
A Vietnam court has sentenced a former standing deputy secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Tat Thanh Cang, to 10 years in prison for his violations in state asset management that caused a loss of over US$29 million to the citys budget.

After a 12-day hearing, the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Court gave the sentence on Saturday to Cang, 50, on charges of violations in the management and use of state assets that led to losses or wastefulness, as prescribed in the Vietnamese Penal Code.

This jail term was lighter than the 12-to-14-year imprisonment previously proposed by the prosecutor for Cang, who was arrested in 2020.

In 2017, Cang allowed Tan Thuan Industrial Promotion Company Limited (IPC), an investment firm wholly owned by the citys Party Committee, to reduce its ownership in real estate developer South Saigon Development JSC (Sadeco) by selling nine million shares to electronics retailer Nguyen Kim without competitive bidding as required by law, according to the indictment.

He was then standing deputy secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee.

Cang unlawfully wrote approved in a report submitted by the citys Party Committee Office seeking his opinion on Sadecos proposal to sell its nine million shares to Nguyen Kim Investment and Development JSC at a price of VND40,000 ($1.76) apiece.

Investigators pointed out that this price was lower than the real rate and had been based on a price evaluation made by a company without authorization.

This law-breaking approval by Cang had resulted in a loss of VND669 billion ($29.48 million) to the citys coffers, the trial panel concluded.

The court emphasized that he played a decisive role in the case while the ex-Party official pleaded not guilty, saying he had acted within his authority and duties.

Tran Van Su, Cangs defense attorney, also requested the court to declare his client innocent, as Cang was not assigned to manage and use the state assets at Sadeco.

This image shows the trial panel of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Court announcing the sentences to Tat Thanh Cang and 19 other defendants at their trial on January 8, 2022. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Prosecutors and the trial panel rejected the arguments of Cangs and his defenders, affirming that he, in his capacity as the standing deputy chief of the local Party Committee, had to be responsible for managing public property.

In his last words before the court announced its judgments, Cang admitted his responsibility in causing such a loss to the citys budget.

Te Tri Dung, former CEO of IPC and former chairman of Sadeco, and Ho Thi Thanh Phuc, CEO of Sadeco, were sentenced to 11 and nine years in jail for the same offense as Cang.

Dung was determined as the mastermind of the case as he had been involved in all the procedures that resulted in the unlawful sale of the shares to Nguyen Kim, while Phuc was proved to assist Dung in his violations.

Both were given additional jail terms of nine and seven years, respectively, for embezzlement, as their wrongdoings had led to Dung and others misappropriating over VND4.6 billion ($202,700) from Sadecos remuneration and reward fund.

Dung admitted to pocketing VND1.7 billion ($74,900) of the amount.

Seventeen other defendants, including Pham Van Thong, ex-deputy chief of the municipal Party Committee Office, received terms ranging from a two-year suspended sentence to 13 years in prison.

Pham Nhat Vinh, former CEO of Nguyen Kim Investment and Development JSC, who was also prosecuted in the case, has been put on a wanted list after he fled abroad.

The court announced that Nguyen Kim had returned the payment for the nine million shares along with interest to Sadeco, while the entire embezzled amount had been recovered, according to VnExpress.

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Police in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam have arrested a suspect accused of robbing a bank branch in the city with a gun two days ago.

Nguyen Van Nam, 24, was detained on Sunday morning in northern Thai Nguyen Province, facing a robbery accusation, Colonel Le Hong Thang, head of the citys Criminal Police Department told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Sunday.

Nam is accused of robbing the Dinh Vu branch of the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank) in Hai An District, Hai Phong of VND3 billion (US$132,200) on Friday afternoon.

Police are finalizing procedures to escort the suspect, a resident of the citys Cat Hai District, to Hai Phong for further investigation, Colonel Thang said.

Officers have recovered the cash Nam had stolen, according to the online version of Cong An Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh (Ho Chi Minh City Police) newspaper.

The robbery suspect is shown entering the Dinh Vu branch of Vietcombank in Hai Phong City, Vietnam with a gun in his hand in this image, which was extracted from the branchs security camera, on January 7, 2022.

The robbery happened at around 3:20 pm on Friday when the suspect entered the Vietcombank branch and threatened the branchs guard and other staff with a handgun in.

He then forced a female employee to give cash to him, VTC News reported, elaborating that after filling up his backpack with the cash, he fired a shot at the ceiling to intimidate everybody around before getting out.

Nam then escaped on a motorbike stolen from a security man at the branch.

All the developments of the robbery were recorded in the bank branchs security camera.

There were no casualties reported and initial sources said the suspect had taken away the said amount of money.

Police later found the motorbike left by the suspect in a location five kilometers away from the crime scene in the same district.

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Authorities in Ca Mau Province, southern Vietnam on Saturday turned the first sod at a fresh water reservoir construction project estimated to cost more than US$8.2 million.

The project is implemented in the resettlement areas in U Minh District.

The reservoir is meant to minimize groundwater exploitation and forest wildfires in the dry season and land subsidence in drought-hit border areas, according to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

More than VND186 billion ($8.2 million) from the Reciprocal Capital and the World Bank is to be channeled into the project, which covers a total area of 102 hectares and is excavating more than 3.4 million cubic meters of rock and soil within a year.

The project includes various constructions like a water drainage system, a network of internal roads and canals, mobile water pumps, and water quality monitoring equipment.

Upon completion, the reservoir can hold up to 3.85 million cubic meters of fresh water at a depth of six meters.

We hope the project will help soothe the headache caused by land subsidence and clean water shortage in the dry season, said To Quoc Nam, deputy director of the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The reservoir will also provide water for daily life for about 113,780 residents in U Minh.

In the future, it will be capable of leading fresh water from the Hau River to serve daily life and production in the nearby industrial zones.

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Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:15)
Tyler, TX (75702)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early. Thunderstorms developing late. Low 69F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early. Thunderstorms developing late. Low 69F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
by Xinhua writer Jiang Chao

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- A familiar broadcast sound from the Dera Gujran station reminded Mohammad Nauman of the first stop of his career. In 2020, the young Pakistani man worked in Lahore to prepare the opening of the Orange Line, the country's first metro train service, and witnessed the friendship between the locals and Chinese workers.

Officially open to traffic on Oct. 25, 2020, the eco-friendly Orange Line metro train is an early project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

On April 20, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Islamabad for state visit to Pakistan. The two countries agreed to form a "1+4" cooperation structure with the CPEC at the center, and the Gwadar Port, transportation infrastructure, energy and industrial cooperation being the four key areas to achieve win-win results.

The two countries have signed over 50 cooperation deals, including the Orange Line project.

"When President Xi witnessed the signing of this project in 2015, I was a university student majoring in transportation. So it was very amazing for me that this whole connectivity was coming to my country," said Nauman.

In February 2020, when the project in the second largest city of Pakistan started recruiting operation technicians, Nauman applied and became a member of the operation team.

The team needed to fully master professional skills for train operation, dispatching, driving and maintenance within only eight months before the official opening of the metro line, he recalled, saying that "it almost seemed an impossible task."

Li Chen, chief executive officer of Orange Line Metro Rail transit system operation & maintenance joint venture, faced similar difficulties.

"The group training was organized for local employees, and all of them were required to inspect the Orange Line on the spot to understand all technical details," he said.

"Everyone is amazed and wonders how our Chinese trainers can put so much effort into this project," said Nauman, adding that the Chinese trainers showed great patience while teaching the Pakistani employees technical knowledge.

"Most people cannot bear to stand in the scorching sun for two minutes on the overpass, however, the Chinese trainers walked back and forth along the 26 km metro line doing training and inspections," Li said.

Their hard work had greatly encouraged Nauman and his co-workers, who quickly improved their professional skills, Li added.

After the Orange Line started commercial operation, Nauman began to work as a station master at the Dera Gujran station. "My family is very proud of me being a part of this international project," he said.

With his own efforts and the help of his Chinese colleagues, Nauman was awarded the "excellent employee of the CPEC in 2020," and has been transferred to the operation control center (OCC) to work as a train dispatcher. In his new position, Nauman took on a heavier responsibility.

"My position in the OCC, the heart of the Orange Line, is one of the most key positions as far as safety is concerned. We are ensuring the safety for all passengers in Lahore," Nauman said.

No accidents have occurred so far on the Orange Line which carries 25 million passengers a year, a hard-won achievement, Li said.

"The CPEC has not only connected the technology and economy of the two countries but also strengthened people-to-people contact. That's what the Orange Line has been doing," he added.

The sentiment was echoed by Nauman, who also sees the line as a token of friendship between China and Pakistan.

"China generously shares its resources with other countries, and other countries are getting benefits from that. So I think this is going to give real potential to Pakistan and make the country prosperous," said Haris Iftikhar, a local passenger.

"I am feeling delighted traveling on this train. We have excellent relations with China. China is a very good friend of Pakistan. So I'm proud of China, and I'm also proud of my own country," said another passenger named Nyla Zulfiqar. 
KATHMANDU, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- A government body in Nepal on Sunday recommended restrictive measures against large gatherings and in-person classes in response to rising daily COVID-19 cases.

The COVID-19 Crisis Management Coordination Center (CCMCC) suggested banning gathering of more than 25 people and closing primary and secondary schools till Jan. 29.

Within this period, the Ministry of Health and Population will have to supply vaccines to inoculate students aged 12-17 and fully vaccinate teachers and other staff members.

A senior CCMCC official told Xinhua that the decision was taken over suggestions by Health Ministry officials.

"There is a projection that the COVID-19 situation may worsen in the third week of January, so we decided to recommend restrictive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19," said the official who declined to be named.

As suggested by the CCMCC, people need to present their vaccination cards for entering public places like offices, hotels, restaurants, cinema halls, stadiums, airports and parks.

The center also recommended the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to arrange domestic flights so that there are no crowds in airports and make it mandatory for passengers to produce vaccination cards starting from Jan. 17.

The restrictive measures will go into force once government ministries decide to implement them.

Schools in the Kathmandu Valley reopened in late September last year after being shut down for some five months to curb a second wave of the coronavirus.

Nepal confirmed 24 new cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 on Friday, after three infections by the variant were identified in December last year.

On Sunday, the South Asian country reported 841 new COVID-19 cases, a sharp rise from 213 logged on Jan. 2. 
A parental rights trial Tuesday for two sisters of Frankie Gonzalez, the toddler found battered and dead in June 2020 and whose parents were arrested in his death, has shifted focus after Frankies parents relinquished their rights to his siblings.

Child Protective Services officials still are seeking to terminate the parental rights of a man identified through a paternity test as the biological father of one the sisters.

The childrens mother, Laura Villalon, is under capital murder indictment, charged with fabricating a story about her missing toddler, Frankie, before leading police to his body in a trash bin in June 2020. Villalon, who previously lost custody of six older children because of neglect and prolonged drug abuse, signed termination papers Wednesday relinquishing custody of Frankies two sisters, who have been in CPS foster care since her arrest.

Lorenzo Gonzalez, Frankies father who is under indictment on injury to a child by omission and abandoning a child charges in Frankies death, believed that both of Frankies sisters were his biological daughters. However, he learned after a paternity test six months ago that one of the girls was fathered by Jorge Martinez. Gonzalez relinquished his rights to his daughter Thursday. That ended Villalons and Gonzalezs involvement in the termination case.

However, Martinez, who has not hired an attorney and who missed a pretrial hearing Wednesday, is still set for trial in the termination proceedings Tuesday in Wacos 74th State District Court.

Court officials have not heard from Martinez and are unsure if he plans to attend Tuesdays jury selection process. If he does not, court officials will determine then how to proceed.

Before Frankies death, Gonzalez had primary custody of the two girls and Frankie, who was born while Villalon was in prison. He promised CPS workers he would not leave the children alone with Villalon without authorized supervision, according to records filed in the case. He has told police he thought Villalon was progressing in her fight against drug abuse, and therefore, he deemed it safe to leave them alone with her while he went to work.

Robert Stem Jr., who represented Gonzalez in the termination case, said Gonzalez helped raise the two girls and considered both his own, even after he learned that one was not his biological child.

The last year and a half has been an absolute nightmare for my client, Stem said. His lost his only son tragically and will forever mourn his death. He misses his daughters terribly, and at the end of the day, he did what he thought was in their best interests.

There is no trial setting in the criminal cases against Villalon or Gonzalez. However, 19th State District Judge Thomas West has scheduled a status conference in their cases for March 11.

Kyle Dennis, who represented Villalon in her termination case, did not return phone messages Friday. Villalons criminal attorney, Russ Hunt, said Friday he is reviewing evidence from the McLennan County District Attorneys Office in preparation for the March 11 status hearing.

Both Villalon and Gonzalez remain in the McLennan County Jail on their respective pending charges. Gonzalez also is under an immigration detention order.

Villalon ignited a massive search by police and community members in June 2020 after she reported that 2-year-old Frankie had gone missing during a family outing to Cameron Park.

She led police to Frankies body the next day and admitted she slammed his head against a wall and placed his body in a closet after he lost consciousness, according to records in the case. She told police she dumped her son in a trash bin after wrapping his body in 12 trash bags two days before she led police to the body, according to the records.

An autopsy report revealed the 25-pound toddler died of homicidal violence and suffered blunt force injuries, forehead and scalp contusions, a forehead laceration, numerous contusions to his arms and legs and three broken ribs and a broken right arm that pathologists say occurred about a month before his death.

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Mission Waco MLK Day event

Mission Waco will have its annual events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Jubilee Theatre, 1319 N. 15th St.

Performances and speakers are scheduled from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., before a free lunch, a panel of local church leaders speaking from 11:45 to 1, and a variety of community service projects from 1:15 to 3:30.

There is no cost, and anyone can attend any portion of the day. For more information, email groups@missionwaco.org or call 254-753-4900.

TxDOT installing barriers

Texas Department of Transportation crews will install low-profile barriers on Loop 340 at the Beverly Drive U-turn and the U-turn near Imperial Drive beginning at 7 p.m. Monday.

The work will require intermittent closures controlled by flaggers. The barrier installation will protect workers as they start on a new overpass above the railroad tracks. The work is for the mall-to-mall project, a $46 million addition of continuous frontage roads along State Highway 6 from U.S. Highway 84 to Bagby Avenue.

Homespun Quilters Guild

The Homespun Quilters Guild will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the New Road Church of Christ, 3100 S. New Road.

H.D. Wilbanks will speak about Australian fabrics. Visitors are welcome.

Choral Society auditions

Auditions for the Central Texas Choral Society will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Central United Methodist Church, 5740 Bagby Ave. The community choir will be preparing G. F. Handels Easter Messiah and a second half of lighter numbers.

For more information, email centexchoralsociety@gmail.com.

Submit printed or typed items to Briefly, P.O. Box 2588, Waco, 76702-2588; or email goingson@wacotrib.com.
Mission Waco MLK Day events

Mission Waco will have its annual events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Jubilee Theatre, 1319 N. 15th St.

Performances and speakers are scheduled from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., before a free lunch, a panel of local church leaders speaking from 11:45 to 1, and a variety of community service projects from 1:15 to 3:30.

There is no cost, and anyone can attend any portion of the day. Email groups@missionwaco.org or call 254-753-4900 for more information.

Caregiver class forming

The Area Agency on Aging will start a Stress-Busting class designed for caregivers of patients with chronic conditions from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday at the South Waco Library, 2737 S. 18th St. The class is free and will meet at the same time for nine weeks.

To enroll, call 254-723-2876.

Pro-Life Waco meeting

It Takes a Family founder Monica Cline will speak during a Pro-Life Waco meeting at 1 p.m. Sunday at St. Marys Catholic Church hall, 1424 Columbus Ave.

For more information, call 254-644-0407 or email prolifewaco@gmail.com.

TxDOT installing barriers

Texas Department of Transportation crews will install low-profile barriers on Loop 340 at the Beverly Drive U-turn and the U-turn near Imperial Drive beginning at 7 p.m. Monday.

The work will require intermittent closures controlled by flaggers. The barrier installation will protect workers as they start on a new overpass above the railroad tracks. The work is for the mall-to-mall project, a $46 million addition of continuous frontage roads along State Highway 6 from U.S. Highway 84 to Bagby Avenue.

Submit printed or typed items to Briefly, P.O. Box 2588, Waco, 76702-2588; or email goingson@wacotrib.com.
On January 6, 2021, the gallows stood, gaunt and menacing, outside the nations Capitol. More than that, the crudely erected scaffold sent an unmistakable sign to those who could decode it. The gallows openly declared war on the fundamental democratic principle of free and fair elections and, indeed, on other Americans. But just how this came to be requires some historical background and the unpacking of a few key texts.

Heres that story.

America, historian Frederick Jackson Turner declared, has been another name for opportunity. So it has been for many since Turner wrote that passage almost a century and a half ago. America has long stood as the shining promise on distant shores for millions of people around the globe  the last, best hope of earth, as Lincoln framed it in the darkest days of the Civil War.

But it has not been such for all. For while America, since its founding, has recognized the profound dignity of every person of whatever religious faith, of any ethnic group, of low birth or high, a counter-narrative has developed alongside that takes a different and darker view.

January 6, 2021, invoked that counter-narrative, a narrative that posits the decline of American greatness. It describes an Other which is really an entire range of enemies: the ZOG (Zionist Occupied Government), people of color, the mainstream media, invaders (i.e., migrants at the southern border), Democrats, RINOs and globalists. It calls for immediate and powerful action  to tool up in militia parlance. It offers a recurrent explanation for why violent action is essential. Outraged over the FBI siege and assault on the Branch Davidian compound 10 miles east of Waco in 1993 and roused in vengeance two years later to bomb the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City that killed 168 people, 19 of them children, ex-Army soldier and security guard Timothy McVeigh captured this particular militia mindset shortly before his execution in his ominous three-page letter, Why I Bombed the Murrah Building.

I chose to bomb a federal building because  [it] was a retaliatory strike.  I decided to send a message to a government that was becoming increasingly hostile  to put a check on government abuse of power  the federal juggernaut run amok. And the glorious new day in this narrative? A restored, largely white, law and order, Christian nation.

Narrative of decline

This long-evolving narrative is not a recent innovation. It has deep roots. One of them, certainly, is Madison Grants 1916 The Passing of the Great Race. There, Grant essentializes the concept of race, tying it to both physiognomy and to specific moral and intellectual capabilities. The book offers a lament for the slow eclipse of the superior Nordic stock among Americans. In time, the book became an anti-immigrant cudgel, proving key in passing the restrictive Immigration Act of 1924. As Adam Serwer points out in his superb 2019 essay on white nationalism for The Atlantic, Grant breathed a sigh of relief when Congress passed the Act: We have closed the doors just in time to prevent our Nordic population being overrun by the lower races.

More recent contributors include white supremacist and convicted felon David Lane, who warned in his prison writings in the 1990s that the white remnant now faced extinction by a tidal wave of five billion coloreds. Hence, in his infamous Fourteen Words, Lane declared, We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children. Similarly, white nationalist Bob Whitaker, who worked in the Office of Management and Budget during the Reagan administration, pioneered a rhetorical strategy to flip the script. This approach is reflected in the close of his 221-word Mantra, which generated the unifying slogan: Anti-Racist is a Code Word for Anti-White.

But in the canon of white nationalist texts that have contributed to the narrative of American decline, none is as important as William Luther Pierces The Turner Diaries. Published in 1978 under the byline Andrew Macdonald, the apocalyptic Diaries imagines a now dystopian America. Jews, in concert with blacks, the media and white liberal politicians, lead the government (throughout the text, the System), creating a cosmopolitan racial goulash. Under the provocatively named Cohen Act, the System has begun a massive weapons confiscation. Spurred by this event, a counter-movement called the Organization forms, carrying out guerrilla reprisals. The central figure of the novel, Earl Turner, maintains a diary that chronicles the history of the revolution that ensues. In time Turner becomes a member of the Order, the secret cadre that leads the Organization. It is noteworthy that Turners induction involves not only passing a test of word and deed to ensure utter loyalty to the Order but also the reading of a secret text, the Book. Reading the text alters Turners entire perception of the world.

For the first time I understand the deepest meaning of what we are doing. I understand now why we cannot fail, no matter what we must do to win and no matter how many of us must perish in doing it. Everything that has been and everything that is yet to be depend on us. We are truly the instruments of God in the fulfillment of His Grand Design.

A brief induction ceremony follows for Turner and several others. Turner writes in his diary: Now our lives truly belong only to the Order. Today I was, in a sense, born again. I know now that I will never again be able to look at the world or the people around me or my own life in quite the same way I did before. As with any pivotal religious (or quasi-religious) text, the Book functions for Turner and the Order as a totalizing and categorical way of interpreting the world. In this pre-QAnon moment, Turner now knows, he sees. And having been admitted to the Order, having been born again, he must act.

Day of the rope

Soon thereafter, Turner records the critical turning point in the several years long revolution, the day of the rope. He describes, in ghastly and bloody detail, the hanging of the men who betrayed the race and the women who defiled the race through dysgenic breeding. Years of brutal struggle will follow, but the day of the rope brings the change of fortunes necessary to insure the eventual worldwide triumph of the Organization.

What follows, with their victory, is the New Era. Turner himself will die a noted martyr in the revolution, but his efforts, a postscript notes, helped greatly to assure that his [white] race would survive and prosper, that the Organization would achieve its worldwide political and military goals, and that the Order would spread its wise and benevolent rule over the earth for all time to come.

The Day of the Rope. On April 19, 1995, this is the text that 26-year-old Timothy McVeigh carried with him when he drove toward the Murrah Federal Building to put a check on government abuse of power.

The Day of the Rope. This is what 20-year-old John Earnest cited in his 2019 manifesto just before he attacked a Jewish synagogue in Poway, California, killing a 60-year-old worshiper and wounding three others, including a heroic rabbi and an 8-year-old child. Some of you have been waiting for The Day of the Rope for years, Earnest wrote as he prepared his attack. Well, The Day of the Rope is here right now  that is if you have the gnads to keep the ball rolling. In his desire to kill Jews and Muslims, he also had set fire to an Escondido mosque.

For more than four years, Donald Trump implicitly and explicitly evoked strands of a violent narrative that were a century in the making. One can find references in his 2016 Republican National Convention acceptance speech where he juxtaposed an America in decline because of the media, globalism, violent illegal immigrants and liberal politicians who rigged the system alongside his assurance of a new day of safety, peace, law and order.

His inaugural address in January 2017 implicitly did the same when he spoke of stopping American carnage and making America great again. But January 6 proved to be the key moment when Trump operationalized the deadly narrative. From his description in his speech of late-night election returns for Biden as explosions of bull----, to his closing appeal to fight like hell, Trump made clear that his audience faced the existential choice of los[ing] the country or sav[ing] democracy.

The Day of the Rope. On January 6, 2021, thousands marched on the U.S. Capitol, not as peaceful demonstrators or as tourists but as insurrectionists. All that followed that day should be read against the contours of the narrative of violence, long-developing, and especially with The Turner Diaries in mind. The calls for violence against political leaders, captured in journalist Luke Mogelsons chilling video, especially the fevered cries to Hang Pence! and Hang Pelosi! The multiple assaults on Capitol police. The QAnon shamans strange and vaguely evangelical prayer in the Senate, including his gratitude to God for filling this chamber with your white light and love, your white light of harmony and for allowing the United States of America to be reborn. The repeated shouts of Treason! The symbolic destruction of media equipment. The cries to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The proliferation of the Gadsden flag, including one worn inside the Capitol by a Central Texas winemaker, complete with coiled timber rattler and the slogan Dont Tread on Me. The broad narrative can account for all these, with one tragic exception: the pusillanimous capitulation of many in Congress.

By failing to fully recognize, then energetically investigate, the story that played out on January 6 is to ensure its continuation. And the haunting spectacle of a gallows erected on the mall, with the Capitol as its backdrop, is a tragic condemnation, one of both moral cowardice and sordid political calculation. It is also a sign of a revolution that most certainly has begun. The day of the rope has drawn near.

A former intelligence analyst and Middle East specialist, Mark Long was selected by the Air Force component of the National Security Agency as its candidate for the National Military Intelligence Award. His work has been published by the Department of Defense, the Kennedy School at Harvard, the University of Texas, the Special Operations Journal and others. He teaches in Baylor Universitys Honors College where his research examines ideological similarities of ISIS and ethnonationalists.
by Bryan R. Swopes of This Day in Aviation

On January 9, 1941 test pilot Captain Harry Albert (Sam) Brown, O.B.E., (18961953) made the first flight of the Avro Lancaster prototype, BT308, at RAF Ringway, Cheshire, England, south of Manchester.

Throughout World War II, 7,377 of these long-range heavy bombers were produced for the Royal Air Force. The majority were powered by Rolls-Royce or Packard Merlin V-12 enginesthe same engines that powered the Supermarine Spitfire and North American P-51 Mustang fighters.

The bomber was designed by Roy Chadwick, F.R.S.A., F.R.Ae.S., the Chief Designer and Engineer of A. V. Roe & Company Limited, based on the earlier twin-engine Avro Manchester Mk.I. Because of this, it was originally designated as the Manchester Mk.III, before being re-named Lancaster. Chadwick was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2 June 1943, for his work. The first prototype, BT308, was unarmed and had three small vertical fins.

With the second prototype, DG595, the small center vertical fin was deleted and two larger fins were used at the outboard ends of a longer horizontal tailplane. DG595 was also equipped with power gun turrets at the nose, dorsal and ventral positions, and at the tail.

The first production model, Lancaster Mk.I, was operated by a crew of seven: pilot, flight engineer, navigator/bombardier, radio operator, and three gunners. It was a large, all-metal, mid-wing monoplane with the retractable landing gear. It was 68 feet, 11 inches (21.001 meters) long with a wingspan of 102 feet, 0 inches (31.090) meters, and an overall height of 19 feet, 6 inches (5.944 meters). The Mk.I had an empty weight of 36,900 pounds (16,738 kilograms) and its maximum takeoff weight was 68,000 pounds (30,909 kilograms).

BT308 and early production Lancasters were equipped with four liquid-cooled, supercharged, 1,648.96-cubic-inch-displacement (27.01 liters), Roll-Royce Merlin XX single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 60 V-12 engines, which were rated at 1,480 horsepower at 3,000 r.p.m. to 6,000 feet (1,829 meters). The Merlins drove three-bladed de Havilland Hydromatic quick-feathering, constant-speed airscrews (propellers), which had a diameter of 13 feet, 0 inches (3.962 meters), through a 0.420:1 gear reduction.

DG595 was used for performance testing at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at Boscombe Down. The Mark I had a maximum economic cruise speed of 267 miles per hour (430 kilometers per hour) at 20,800 feet (6,340 meters), and a maximum speed of 286 miles per hour (460 kilometers per hour) at 20,000 feet (6,096 meters) at a gross weight of 45,300 pounds (20,548 kilograms). Its service ceiling was 20,000 feet (6,096 meters) at 64,500 pounds (29,257 kilograms). It had a range of 2,530 miles (4,072 kilometers) with a 7,000 pound (3,175 kilograms) bomb load.

The Lancaster was designed to carry a 14,000 pound (6,350 kilograms) bomb load, but modified bombers carried the 22,000 pounds (9,979 kilograms) Grand Slam bomb. For defense, the standard Lancaster had eight Browning .303-caliber Mark II machine guns in three power-operated turrets, with a total of 14,000 rounds of ammunition.

According to the Royal Air Force, Almost half all Lancasters delivered during the war (3,345 of 7,373) were lost on operations with the loss of over 21,000 crew members.

Out of 7,373, Lancaster bombers built only 17 are still existing and only two airworthy Avro Lancasters are in existence. Lancaster PA474, operated by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was built at the Vickers Armstrong Broughton factory at Hawarden Airfield, Chester on 31 May 1945, just after VE-day. The war in the Far East ended before she was deployed and she did not take part in any hostilities.

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum based in Mount Hope, ON, Canada operates the second airworthy Lancaster. The Museums Lancaster Mk. X was built at Victory Aircraft, Malton in July 1945 and was later converted to an RCAF 10MR configuration. In 1952, it suffered a serious accident and received a replacement wing center section from a Lancaster that had flown in combat over Germany. It served as a maritime patrol aircraft, with No. 405 Squadron, Greenwood, NS, and No. 107 Rescue Unit, Torbay, Newfoundland for many years and was retired from the RCAF in late 1963. With help from the Sulley Foundation in 1977, it was acquired from the Royal Canadian Legion in Goderich, Ontario, where it had been on outside display. Eleven years passed before it was completely restored and flew again on September 24, 1988. The Lancaster is dedicated to the memory of P/O Andrew Mynarski and is referred to as the Mynarski Memorial Lancaster. It is painted in the colors of his aircraft KB726  VR-A, which flew with RCAF No. 419 Moose Squadron. Andrew Mynarski won the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealths highest award for gallantry, on June 13, 1944, when his Lancaster was shot down in flames, by a German night fighter. As the bomber fell, he attempted to free the tail gunner trapped in the rear turret of the blazing and out-of-control aircraft. The tail gunner miraculously survived the crash and lived to tell the story, but sadly Andrew Mynarski died from his severe burns.

For more aviation anniversaries please visit www.thisdayinaviation.com
by Bryan R. Swopes of This Day in Aviation

On January 9, 1943, at the controls of the United States Army Air Forces, Boeings Chief Test Pilot, Eddie Allen, made the first flight of the Lockheed L-049 Constellation prototype, NX25600, from Lockheed Air Terminal at Burbank, California, to Muroc Army Airfield (today known as Edwards Air Force Base). Lockheeds Chief Test Pilot, Milo G. Burcham, was the co-pilot. Also on board were Lockheeds chief research engineer, Clarence L. (Kelly) Johnson; Rudy Thoren, Johnsons assistant; and Dick Stanton, chief mechanic.

When the flight ended after 58 minutes, Allen said, This machine works so well that you dont need me anymore! With that, Allen returned to Seattle. The Lockheed Model 49-46-10, company serial number 049-1961, was designated XC-69 by the U.S. Army Air Forces and assigned the serial number 43-10309.

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The Constellation was operated by a flight crew of four: two pilots, a navigator, and a flight engineer. It could carry up to 81 passengers. The airplane was 95 feet, 1 316 inches (28.986 meters) long with a wingspan of 123 feet, 0 inches (37.490 meters), and an overall height of 23 feet, 7 inches (7.210 meters). It had an empty weight of 49,392 pounds (22,403.8 kilograms) and a maximum takeoff weight of 86,250 pounds (39,122.3 kilograms).

The XC-69 was powered by four air-cooled, supercharged, 3,347.662-cubic-inch-displacement (54.858 liters), Wright Aeronautical Division Cyclone 18 745C18BA2 engines. Also known as the Duplex Cyclone, these were two-row, 18-cylinder radial engines with a compression ratio of 6.5:1, which required 100/130-octane aviation gasoline. They were rated at 2,000 horsepower at 2,400 r.p.m., or 2,200 horsepower at 2,800 r.p.m. for takeoff, (five minute limit), The 745C18BA2 was 6 feet, 4.26 inches (1.937 meters) long, 4 feet, 7.78 inches (1.417 meters) in diameter and weighed 2,595 pounds (1,177 kilograms). The engines drove 15 foot, 2 inches (4.623 meters) diameter, three-bladed Hamilton Standard Hydromatic 43E60 constant-speed propellers through a 0.4375:1 gear reduction.

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The L-049 had a cruise speed of 313 miles per hour (504 kilometers per hour) and a range of 3,995 miles (6,429 kilometers). Its service ceiling was 25,300 feet (7,711 meters). The prototype XC-69 was later re-engined with Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp 2SC14-G (R-2800-83) engines and designated XC-69E. These had a Normal rating of 1,700 horsepower at 2,600 r.p.m., to 7,300 feet (2,225 meters), 1,500 horsepower at 17,500 feet (5,334 meters), and 2,100 horsepower at 2,800 r.p.m. for Takeoff.

After the war, the Constellation prototype was sold to Howard Hughes Hughes Aircraft Company for $20,000 and registered as NX67900. In May 1950, Lockheed bought the prototype back from Hughes for $100,000 and it was again registered as NC25600. It had accumulated just 404 flight hours up to this time.

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Lockheed then converted 049-1961 to a prototype for the L-1049 Super Constellation with another registration, NX6700. In 1952, it was once again converted, this time as an aerodynamic test aircraft for the U.S. Navy PO-1W radar early warning aircraft (later redesignated WV-1 and EC-121 Warning Star). It was also used to test the Allison YT56 turboprop engine by placing it in the #4 position.

Lockheed built two XC-69 prototypes. Twenty-two C-69s and 856 Constellations of all types were produced. The Lockheed Constellation was in production from 19431958 in both civilian airliner and military transport versions. It is the classic propeller-driven transcontinental and transoceanic airliner.

For more aviation anniversaries please visit www.thisdayinaviation.com
WATERLOO  One person was killed Saturday in a shooting at a convenience store.

Waterloo police responded at 9:57 p.m. to a call about a shooting in progress at Prime Mart, 508 Broadway St. Officers arrived on the scene and found the victim had been shot numerous times, according to a news release.

Officers rendered aid until Waterloo Fire Rescue personnel arrived and took over. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Waterloo Fire Rescue.

The name of the victim is not being released at this time pending notification of family.

Officials are asking any witnesses to this incident to come forward and contact the Waterloo Police Department at (319) 291-4340.

Previously, there was a shooting at the convenience store Nov. 19 that injured two people. No arrests have been made in that case.

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WATERLOO  Trial for a Farley man accused of sexually abusing a University of Northern Iowa student in her dorm in August 2018 is back on track following a break for COVID-19 quarantine.

The trial for Zachary James Lindauer had been put on hold Monday after a juror tested positive for the coronavirus following the New Years holiday. Testimony resumed Friday after the juror ceased showing symptoms.

Lindauer, now 23, took the stand in his own defense, telling jurors that he had asked the woman for her consent to have sex after meeting her in a College Hills establishment that night and walking her home. He said she agreed.

He said he later saw surveillance images of himself in a Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers post and agreed to talk with UNI police because he thought authorities were interested in another person in the photo.

During closing arguments on Friday, Assistant County Attorney Heather Jackson said Farley had sex with the woman on her futon after she tried to getting up and he pushed her down and while she was incapacitated from alcohol.

The woman testified it was the first time she had sex and she didnt remember much of what happened.

Jackson said almost all of the surveillance videos of their walk back to the dorm showed him holding the woman up with the exception of one instance where she attempted to walk on her own and almost stumbled into an elevator wall before catching herself and leaning into a corner to steady herself.

Jackson noted the videos show them getting into the wrong elevator at first.

The state also showed evidence Lindauer first told UNI police investigators he had left the bar alone that night and went to a friends house, but he then told officers about the encounter and admitted the woman was more intoxicated than he was.

Defense attorney Nina Foricer noted Lindauer had never been on the UNI campus before, and the woman was able to direct him to her dorm after dancing, grinding and making out with him at the College Hill bar.

She said the woman was merely regretful about the incident the following morning when she woke up and looked at her purity ring.

The defense also presented character evidence that Lindauer, described as a shy nursing home worker who was a teachers pet in high school, wasnt an aggressive person.

Jurors are scheduled to return to the courthouse Monday to begin deliberations.

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WATERLOO  Students in the early childhood education program at the Waterloo Career Center could work as childcare assistants for Exceptional Persons Inc. to help earn a certification.

The Board of Education Monday will consider approving a memorandum of understanding with EPI. The board meets at 5 p.m. in the Education Service Center, 1516 Washington St.

Students would participate in a 100-hour work-based learning experience at the child care facility in Hawkeye Community Colleges Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center. The facility is operated by EPI and serves its employees child care needs.

The first 20 hours of work will consist of unpaid field experience, which students can use toward their childhood development associate certificate. The remaining 80 hours will be paid work experience, with salary costs split between Waterloo Community Schools and EPI.

In other business, the board will:

Consider approving COVID-19 testing and vaccination policy 408.8 to comply with an Occupational Safety and Health Administration emergency rule requiring vaccines for school districts with more than 100 employees. The rule was previously subject to court stays but is back in effect Monday. Typically, the board would not approve a policy on a first reading, however, administrators are recommending that an emergency situation be declared to suspend the process.

Accept three R.J. McElroy Trust Excellence in Education grants totaling $2,556 for teachers Kelly McLean and Josef Kadlec at West High, Tracey Simon at Orange Elementary, and Jane Frost at the Elk Run Early Childcare Center. The grants were awarded for proposed innovative, educational student experiences occurring during second semester.

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CEDAR FALLS  The Board of Education Monday will consider submitting a state application to fund programs for returning dropouts and students at risk of dropping out.

The board meets at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers of City Hall, 220 Clay St.

Cedar Falls Community Schools administrators have proposed a budget of $1.45 million for six programs in 2022-23. The district would request $910,603 in modified allowable growth, which would be funded through property taxes. It would provide a 25% match of $303,534 from its general fund and estimates it will receive another $143,073 through the states at-risk funding.

There are also carryover funds from drop-out programs of $46,025 and $48,973 from at-risk programs.

Money would go toward mental health services, alternative programs and intervention center, academic supports, credit recovery and ECHOES, school resource officer and student support services.

The property tax rate to support the programs would be just under 44 cents per $1,000 of taxable value, a decrease of almost 2-1/2 cents from the current year.

In other business, the board will consider:

Plans and specifications for Cedar Heights Elementary School food service equipment, additions and upgrades. A public hearing will also be set on the project.

A temporary Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement.

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WATERLOO  From probation reform and legalizing marijuana, to eliminating vaccine mandates and returning surplus state revenue to taxpayers, Cedar Valley lawmakers have very different priorities going into the Legislatures 2022 session, which begins Monday.

Republicans like Rep. Chad Ingels, a freshman legislator representing House District 64 in Fayette County, have a better chance of getting their legislation passed. The GOP has held trifecta control over state government since 2016, with a Republican governor, a 31-18 majority in the Senate and a 60-40 majority in the House as of January.

I think the most important thing to get done this session is to get a plan in place to return the $1+ billion in the taxpayer relief fund back to taxpayers as soon as possible, Ingels told The Courier.

The states nonpartisan fiscal services agency projects more than $1 billion in the taxpayer relief fund, and the general fund is projected to contain an excess of $1.2 billion. In addition, the states reserve funds are flush with over $800 million.

Thats also a big priority for Janesville Rep. Sandy Salmon, who has been in office since 2013: Finding a way to return the overcollection of over $1 billion in taxes back to the taxpayer in a way that is stable and sustainable.

One way Republicans hope to do that is by eliminating the states income tax, a proposition Democrats representing Black Hawk County called dangerous in a recent legislative forum.

Sen. Eric Giddens, D-Cedar Falls, representing Senate District 30 since 2019, said he hopes to use the states large surplus partly on long-starved organizations tackling community problems, like child care and education, instead.

I dont know how we can possibly balance the books and provide services to those who need it most in the state  certainly not in an equitable way, Giddens said.

But outnumbered Democrats, who didnt see much in the last session they liked, expect more of the same this year.

Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, representing Senate District 31 since 2013, worried eliminating the state income tax means the burden would be shifted to sales and property taxes, which benefits the wealthiest Iowans the most, he said at the December forum.

What I expect of this session wont be good, he said. We have a tremendous amount of resources that could be shared and havent been shared. They continue to give it away in tax cuts, which everyone loves. But we have deep needs in our communities.

But Democrats arent giving up on the session entirely.

Rep. Ras Smith, D-Waterloo, representing District 62 since 2017, last week dropped out of the governors race. Now focused solely on the legislative session, he said his priorities are continuing to fight for probation reform and legalizing marijuana.

The same thing were incarcerating for in Iowa, its legal and you can become a billionaire off of in Colorado and Illinois, Smith said.

He also said he will work to pass fair chance legislation, otherwise known as ban the box, which Waterloo was the first to pass at the city level, as well as advocating for educators bullied and beat down by the governor.

My wife has been doing this work (as an educator) for 10 years, and I can tell you, its wearing on her, Smith said. I believe in treating people with respect and dignity.

Salmon noted her other big priority was protecting peoples medical freedom and jobs from overreaching federal employer COVID vaccine mandates. A bill banning Iowa businesses from requiring vaccine mandates was introduced last week.

Democrats say banning businesses from implementing mandates isnt the way forward.

COVID-19 has impacted our state, and we need to come together and work to solve the problems we are facing, said Rep. Bob Kressig, D-Cedar Falls, representing District 59 in Cedar Falls since 2005.

Kressig said more pressing issues include mental health access, workforce shortages, adequate K-12 funding, teacher shortages and more.

Currently, the largest provider of mental health services is our correction system, Kressig added. We can do much better.

Rep. Timi Brown-Powers, representing District 61 in Waterloo since 2015, said she's focused on "two big projects" that will directly affect the Cedar Valley.

"I have legislation coming out ... with several providers in the area on domestic violence, and I am working with the student council and other local leaders on suicide prevention," Brown-Powers said.

This article was updated Jan. 10 to add comments from Rep. Timi Brown-Powers.

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CEDAR FALLS  An October complaint by a former longtime council member to the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board, while eventually dismissed, pushed Cedar Falls Mayor Rob Green to pull the Mayors Corner column from future Currents, a city-funded news publication.

The mayor was running for re-election to his second term at the time of the complaint, and said in communication with the former city official that he shared qualms about the column, calling it a free quarterly political piece.

Green announced on Facebook last week that the Mayors Corner, which was not a new addition to the publication, would be replaced with basic information about the seven city councilors, like how to contact them.

The Currents magazine  with each of its 16 to 20 pages being slightly bigger than a standard 8-1/2 by 11 inch sheet of paper  is created and disseminated to residents each season using thousands in taxpayer dollars.

Last month, I learned that the Mayors Corner was only added to Currents in 2016, and was not a part of that newsletter for the 20+ years prior, Green wrote in his Facebook post. So starting with this new Winter edition of Currents, Ive directed that this area instead show helpful information for identifying and contacting your local elected representatives. The next (Spring) edition will also have a photo of each member and will include their (and my) e-mail addresses. I hope you find it useful!

On Oct. 1, Tom Hagarty, a former 12-year councilor of Ward 1, filed the complaint against Green, alleging a campaign ethics violation because of the mayor being prominently featured in the fall edition of the Currents magazine right before the Nov. 2 city election.

In addition, the column is accompanied by a sizable headshot of the mayor.

I believe this is a violation of campaign election laws in the use of taxpayer funds to campaign for election, Hagarty wrote in his complaint to the board. No other candidates for the office of mayor were given equal space in this tax payer funded city publications.

Hagarty called the fall column more of a campaign speech about how great he was as mayor, and endorsed then-mayoral candidate Tom Blanford in a letter in The Courier.

Hagartys charges were dismissed by the state board Nov. 18 because of a lack of legal sufficiency, according to an email to Hagarty from Andrew Greenberg, a board attorney.

In looking through past editions of Currents (going back to 1991) I discovered that the Mayors Corner was an invention of the previous mayor (Jim Brown) when he took office in 2016, Green wrote in a Nov. 16 email to Hagarty. I have never been a great fan of that feature of Currents, because it did seem to me like a free quarterly political piece (whether election season or not). Ive directed, going forward, that the space simply show small photos of the City Council members and Mayor with telephone number and email address, so that residents can easily recognize and reach us with questions and comments.

The Mayors Corner in the fall issue takes up a little less than half a page.

Green addresses the return of wonderful cultural and neighborly events in the summertime during the COVID-19 era, and took space to highlight that so many aspects of Cedar Falls are worth celebrating, but pointed out that neighborliness is most important to me.

Buildings, streets, and parks make a city  but people who care about each other make a community, he wrote. As mayor, Im honored to lead the city as we continually work to pass on the importance of community; it will be our proud, lasting legacy to future generations in Cedar Falls.

While not the focus of the complaint, the column in the summer issue takes up slightly more than half a page, and points out five important and forward-thinking projects  the comprehensive zoning law reform, Cedar River Recreation Project, City Hall remodeling, Cedar Falls Resiliency study, and National Night Out  underway that summer.

However, he credits to the forward-thinking City Council and expert city staff, in addition to the input of residents and other individuals.

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WATERLOO  Taneia Galloways previous salon, The Red Room, was tucked away in the lower level of a triplex building, hidden from view and only around 400 square feet when she opened it in 2016.

That was too small  and too unknown  to expand into the kind of salon Galloway envisioned by last May, when she decided to look for a new space.

This is a dramatic change, Galloway said, standing inside The Doll House Bundles Collection, at 2124 Kimball Ave. in the Ridgeway Plaza in Waterloo. I can see myself growing here.

Galloway, Doll Houses owner and a licensed professional stylist, opened the first weekend in December providing elite natural hair services, she said.

I would say that my expertise is in hair growth and hair maintenance, she said.

That includes hair extensions, wigs, custom-branded hair bonnets, silk press and other services. She also creates and sells her own brand of sea moss, Boobies Wild Crafted Sea Moss, a consumable gel Galloway says helps build up the immune system, as well as womens apparel and footwear under The Doll House Boutique.

The popularity of Galloways hair extensions, or bundles, is one of the reasons she changed the name of her salon. The bundles, as well as the U-part wigs  which run from straight to loose waves to deep, curly waves  are designed to be protective styles, keeping the underlying hair healthy.

African-American women love to have their hair braided so that it grows underneath, but we also like to look really nice, Galloway said. So the bundle itself just kind of gives us a versatile option to have our hair grow, and also have it look very stylish while the hair underneath is growing.

The most popular, she says, are either the body wave or deep wave wigs and extensions.

Women love the body wave because its so versatile, Galloway said. It straightens completely straight, but also is kind of like an ice-cream bounce to it initially.

Her stylists include dread loctician Lesley Arndt, an esthetician, Monique Hinton, who will do waxing, eyebrows and makeup, and space for at least one more stylist.

Galloway is also a recent graduate of the Black Business and Entrepreneurship Accelerator, part of the 24/7 Black Leadership Advancement Consortium.

That was another way for a lot of people to know that Im here, she said.

Though shes been busy, shes also working on Doll Houses interior design, including greenery on the walls inspired by a recent trip to Tulum, Mexico.

It was so beautiful and intimate and tropical, Im like, I want to implement some of that into my space, Galloway said.

And while that parts still coming along, business has been booming.

People love it, Galloway said. So now I want to flourish: I want to build a brand and become better. ... Im super excited to be back.

This article was updated Jan. 10 to add the name of the esthetician.

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DES MOINES  Traffic deaths in Iowa in 2021 hit a five-year high, according to state figures.

There were 353 traffic deaths in Iowa in 2021, according to a preliminary figure from the state transportation department. Typically, more may be added before the final count is confirmed.

That is the highest number of traffic fatalities in Iowa since 2017, when there were 402, and a nearly 6% increase over the previous year. The number increased despite a safety campaign from the Governors Traffic Safety Bureau.

Steve Gent, director of traffic and safety for the Iowa Department of Transportation, said Friday that the increase in traffic deaths could be attributed to seat belt use going down, impaired driving going up and drivers driving at higher speeds.

Gent said evidence nationally appears to suggest the increase in traffic deaths is related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which is nearing its two-year mark in Iowa.

Weve got this whole pandemic thing going, on its wearing people out, were being told what to do and what not to do, and when we get in a vehicle we get a sense that we can rebel a little bit, Gent said. You get in a car and youre free. Youre by yourself. Theres no rules. You finally get that freedom, and I think the whole sense is maybe a little, Hey, I can do whatever I want here. People are feeling and maybe just acting out a little bit against this (pandemic).

May was a particularly deadly month on Iowas roads, with 43 deaths. The previous five-year average for traffic deaths in May was just more than 27, according to state figures.

Gent pointed to a pending survey from the Governors Traffic Safety Bureau that, he said, will show fewer Iowa drivers are wearing seat belts; an increase in the number of high-speed crashes; and an increase in alcohol consumption, according to a recent report from the states alcoholic beverages division.

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For the last year, weve heard one commentator after another tell us that American democracy is in crisis. The source of that crisis, we are told, is a hard core of the Republican Party that believes the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump and that Joe Biden, therefore, is not a legitimate president.

Its true that a significant number of Americans do not accept the results of the election. But is that something new, as the Trump-focused analyses would have us believe? No, it is not. Yes, these days, it is Republicans who doubt the results of a presidential election. But just a few years ago, it was Democrats. Lots of Democrats.

As a matter of fact, Americans today have more faith in the results of the 2020 election than had faith in the results of the 2016 election. More Americans believe Bidens election was legitimate than believed, at the same point in Trumps presidency, that Trumps election was legitimate.

This is not a new problem.

Just look at the latest poll from The Washington Post and the University of Maryland. The pollsters asked this simple question: Regardless of whom you supported in the 2020 election, do you think Joe Bidens election as president was legitimate, or was he not legitimately elected? Sixty-nine percent of respondents said Bidens election was legitimate, while 29% said it was not legitimate.

Compare that to a poll from the same group with the same wording in October 2017, eight months into Trumps presidency: Regardless of whom you supported in the 2016 election, do you think Donald Trumps election as president was legitimate, or was he not legitimately elected? Back then, 57% said Trumps election was legitimate, while 42% said it was not legitimate.

Which means that a few years ago, more people refused to accept the results of the election than today! In the new poll, the problem is Republicans  58% of them say Biden was not legitimately elected. But back in 2017, the problem was Democrats  67% of them said Trump was not legitimately elected.

Do you remember 24/7 commentary bemoaning the refusal of Democrats to accept the election of Trump as legitimate? Neither do I.

The situation in which Democrats refused to accept Trump as legitimate was far different from a few years earlier, when huge majorities saw Barack Obamas election as legitimate. But it was reminiscent of 2001, when a significant number of Democrats said they did not view the president as having been legitimately elected  back then, it was George W. Bush.

Whats going on? Perhaps it is a sore loser effect. If your candidate loses, you dont accept the loss as legitimate. If that is the case, the sore loser effect is somewhat selective  for example, it did not apply in Obamas case.

Maybe there is more going on. Beginning in the middle of the 2016 race, the Hillary Clinton campaign sought to tie Trump to Russia and plant in the publics mind the idea that Russia was trying to rig the election for Trump. Over the course of the final month, the [Clinton] campaign would try a variety of methods to force the media into giving more airtime and ink to the idea that Russia was trying to throw the election than to the contents of Podestas emails, wrote Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes in their Clinton-friendly campaign account Shattered. They thought Russias meddling would have better legs.

Boy, did it. Fed not just by the Clinton campaign but by leaks out of the nations intelligence and law enforcement agencies, in 2017 and 2018 the media ran with the idea that Russia and Trump colluded to fix the election for Trump. How else to explain Clintons shocking loss to a candidate many Democrats dismissed as a clown? (Of course, there were plenty of reasons, most of which centered on the Clinton campaigns deficiencies, but many Democrats, and some in the media, did not want to face that, even after special counsel Robert Mueller could not establish that collusion ever occurred.)

The problem is all that Russia Russia Russia talk fed public distrust of the 2016 election results. And that led to a more generalized decline in faith in the idea of free and fair elections. In 2016, Clinton and some Democrats spread distrust. Then, in 2020, Trump and some Republicans weaponized it. A terrible cycle has set in. It needs to stop. But dont try to blame it on just one party.

Byron York is chief political correspondent for The Washington Examiner.

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UPDATE: JANUARY 8, 2022

A statement was released by The Placer County Sheriff's Office, confirming the body of missing skier, Rory Angelotta, was discovered on January 8th, 2022.

Angelotta was found north of the Northstar Ski Resort around 10:45 a.m. The location was approximately a half mile from a neighborhood outside of Schaffer Mill Creek.

Searchers say Angelotta may have got lost after traveling away from the ski resort boundaries. They believe he succumbed to the elements when trying to find his way back.

Volunteers with Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue Team Inc and Nevada County Sheriff's Search and Rescue were conducting the search. They had assistance from a rescue dog from the California Rescue Dog Association.

The placer County Sheriff's Office also shared a statement from Angelotta's family:

The Angelotta family is deeply touched by the overwhelming outpouring of prayers and support during this extremely difficult time and personally wants to thank everyone that accompanied in the search and assisted them during these last two weeks.

----

The Placer County Sheriffs Office on Friday shared a message on behalf of Rory Angelotta's family:

The Angelotta family would like to express our deep gratitude for all those who have and will continue to aid in the search, rescue, and recovery of our son, brother, cousin, nephew, and uncle. Your prayers have given us strength through this difficult time; please continue to keep the family in your prayers.

The family requests the community respect their privacy at this time. Donations can be directed to www.TahoeNordicSAR.org

----

UPDATE: DECEMBER 30, 2021

The Placer County Sheriffs Office will be suspending emergency rescue operations at Northstar Ski Resort for missing skier Rory Angelotta. It has been determined there is no realistic possibility Rory has survived the severe winter conditions. A scaled response is still planned for recovery operations at the resort.

Over six days, a combined total of over 13,000 personnel hours has been committed to this operation. Approximately 220 personnel from 17 different agencies and rescue organizations have braved extreme winter mountain conditions in their search for Rory. The search conditions included high winds, whiteout conditions, overnight temperatures in the teens, and over seven feet of new snow since the beginning of the search. ---- Crews are again searching for a Truckee skier who was last seen at Northstar California Resort on Saturday.

On Thursday, the Placer County Sheriff's Office announced that 60 people, along with California Highway Patrol are helping with the ongoing search.

In the early afternoon, the sheriff's office announced that the helicopter got some radar hits, so crews are now following up. They say the hits are in remote areas and difficult to reach.

Deputies say 43-year-old Rory Angelotta had planned to have Christmas dinner with friends, but he did not show up.

Deputies say Angelottas ski pass was scanned at the Comstock lift around 11:30 a.m. and then an emergency ping on his phone showed a short call was made from the Northstar area at 11:25 a.m. before the phone was shut off.

They say his car was also found in the Northstar parking lot.

Deputies say searchers responded and combed the mountain and surrounding areas, despite extreme weather. Rescue personnel were on skis, snowmobiles, and a snowcat during their search.

Angelotta is described as very friendly and outgoing. He recently moved to the Truckee area from Colorado in October and worked as the General Manager of the Surefoot ski shop in Northstar.

He was last believed to be wearing a navy blue Fly Low jacket, blue helmet, and black goggles.

If you have any information, contact the Placer County Sheriffs Office at (530) 886-5375.
It is an incredibly difficult job to be a good police officer in todays America. On one hand, you are expected to prevent crime and arrest those who commit it. On the other, you are supposed to videotape your every move so a host of critics  lawyers, judges, DOJ oversight committees, news media, etc.  can review and re-review to see if you did everything exactly by the book, even in the most difficult of circumstances. If you make a mistake, consequences range from termination to prosecution  to felony conviction and prison time. On the flip side, crime is escalating, and criminals are becoming ever more brazen and violent. Many lawbreakers resist arrest, ranging from being vulgar and obnoxious to spitting and scratching to all the way to attacking police with the intent to kill. Imagine having to deal with people like this every day  for relatively very low pay and benefits. What kind of toll must this take on your mental health?

Now, lets add the defund the police sentiment that echoed across the country after George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis last year. What impact on morale did that have on many police departments nationwide? No wonder it is so difficult for cities to recruit new police officers and retain the ones they have. I tend to agree with those who believe we need to support our police with better pay, better training and more well-defined, (focused)  areas of responsibility. Police should not be called to intervene in domestic disputes, for example  let unarmed people who are trained to de-escalate domestic issues take care of that. Same goes for calls concerning the mentally ill and homeless. Traffic cops should deal with traffic issues.

Armed police, trained specifically and designated to respond to such violent felonies as carjacking, kidnapping, rape, armed robbery and murder, etc. should not have to perform their duties under a microscope. A split-second lost due to trying to turn on or adjust a lapel camera could cost an officer his/her life  criminals  do not wear lapel cameras.

Lastly, I wish we could remove all the greedy law firms from the equation. They used to chase ambulances, but now they chase the police. While individual police officers typically have few possessions to squabble over, their employers  municipal, state and federal police departments  are funded by taxpayers, and we are viewed as  juicy sources of endless cash. I suspect a large portion of the sharp increases in my property taxes these past few years has gone toward police lawsuit settlements.
NM hospitals have worst shortages of staff in US (Journal, Dec. 31) by (Olivier) Uyttebrouck and (Ryan) Boetel highlights the reality of providing care in New Mexico, though misses on how these shortages directly affect patients and (doctors) delivering patient care. As a family physician working in rural New Mexico, I can tell you care is already being rationed.

For the last six months, it has become progressively more difficult to transfer patients who need specialty care out of my small rural emergency department. The staffing shortage across the state causes a severe trickle-down effect to our rural hospitals, often serving incredibly vulnerable and predominantly Indigenous patients. These hospitals mostly do not have the capability of managing critically ill patients for days while we wait for a scarce ICU bed. States whose staffing shortages may be better than New Mexico tell me they cannot accept out-of-state patients, even when hospitals in our state may take patients from Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

I know this crisis is affecting the whole country. When I see the stories of patients dying in rural hospitals waiting to be transferred for sometimes relatively treatable conditions my heart breaks for the nurses and physicians who tried their best. I have been that doctor who has called 50 hospitals across the country in a day trying to find an available ICU bed for a patient. As physicians we are being told by health systems outside of New Mexico that our patients cannot be transferred because they are from out of state.

I ask the governor to consider trying to prioritize our state in this crisis so New Mexicans care is no longer rationed. No matter where patients live, they should be able to access specialty and critical care in an emergency.
FARMINGTON, N.M.  A Farmington police officer was shot and wounded by a DWI suspect who remained at large, police said Saturday.

The officer wounded Friday night, 25-year-old Joseph Barreto, was hospitalized in stable condition, a police department statement said.

Law enforcement officers, including SWAT teams, set up a perimeter around a neighborhood and conducted a search but no immediate arrest was made, the statement said.

The shooting suspect was identified in the statement and by Police Chief Steve Hebbe in a video posted on social media as Elias Buck, 22.

The statement said Barreto spotted Buck and a woman walking together and saw they matched descriptions of occupants of a car reportedly involved in drunk driving.

Buck produced a gun and fired multiple shots at the officer, hitting him. The officer returned fire and radioed for assistance. The subjects ran away, the statement said.

The statement said Buck was considered armed and dangerous and described him as 6-foot-1 (185 centimeters) and 185 pounds (84 kilograms) with green eyes and blonde hair.

Police and court records said Buck was wanted on arrest warrants in other cases in which hes charged with crimes that include unlawful taking of a vehicle and aggravated fleeing of a law enforcement officer.
Editors note:

The Journal continues the once-a-month series From the Studio with Kathaleen Roberts, as she takes an up-close look at an artist.

For Vicente Telles and Jason Garcia, cultural bridges begin with art.

Open at Gallery Hozho at Albuquerques Hotel Chaco, Duet reveals those connections between the pair in a new group of retablos or devotional paintings.

The Albuquerque-based Telles is known for painting traditional retablos, while Santa Clara Pueblos Garcia is known for graphic novel-inspired imagery on ceramic tiles.

Gallery curator Suzanne Fricke says the show marks the first time in her 30 years of working as an art historian that she has seen a collaboration between a Hispanic and a Native artist in New Mexico.

Based on the Danza de Matachines, the series captures imagery from the traditional movements performed by sword dancers. Cultural and historic figures, including Montezuma and his generals, the abuelas and abuelos (grandmothers and grandfathers) and El Toro, a symbolically-killed malevolent figure, lead the stepwork. In Native cultures, he often wears buffalo robes.

Telles carved the retablo frames, three of which Garcia painted, while Telles painted four.

The results merge their distinctive styles, creating a visual dialogue exploring the dance as a battle of good versus evil.

The show marks the pairs second collaboration. They met at a Santa Fe concert.

We just stayed in contact and became friends, Telles said. (Garcia) is not afraid to let the truth be shown.

The two first joined forces last year at Santa Fes Hecho a Mano Gallery. But few people saw the exhibit because of the pandemic closings, Telles said. Gallery Hozho curator Fricke asked them to collaborate again.

I carved the retablo boards and gessoed, Telles said. (Garcia) did three of the main images and I did the boards. Then we switched. It was kind of like taking off each other.

Garcia is known for his tile paintings such as Tewa Tales of Suspense, commenting on the 1680 Pueblo Revolt against the Spanish. He also creates contrasting scenes of pueblo members in traditional dress using cell phones with satellite discs sprouting above the pueblo.

Los Matachines tells the story of Montezuma, the emperor of the Aztecs, Telles said. Both Hispanic and Native American cultures have adapted the dances at Santa Clara Pueblo and at Santuario de San Lorenzo in Bernalillo. The dances emerged in 17th century Spain.

Telles also carved an interactive corner altarpiece topped with three retablos featuring imagery on both sides. It shows Native dancers on one side, Hispanic on the other.

The tablets flip to show Telles version of La Malinche, a key figure in the conquest of the Aztecs. His painting shows a woman in a white lace dress. Garcias interpretation of the same figure reveals a woman in full native regalia, complete with headdress and manta. Both figures hold the red cloth of a bullfighter.

Were trying to tell the story of New Mexico and show how similar we can be, Telles said. Its bridging the idea of this separation.

Both artists use mineral pigments in their work.

We geek out on natural pigments, Telles said with a laugh.

Its a Covid celebration, Fricke said. Jasons palette is very bright, but the more earthy tones of Vicente makes it grounded. They blend together beautifully.
A painting Georgia OKeeffe thought no one would want has been restored at a cost of $145,000.

The results are on display at Santa Fes Georgia OKeeffe Museum through Oct. 10. Conservators spent 1,250 hours restoring the work. It was last seen by the public in 2019.

Water damage likely caused by a tarantula tunneling through the artists Abiquiu mud roof left the 7-by-4-foot Spring (1948) cracking. The painting combines such OKeeffe trademarks as the Pedernal, a large vertebra, an antler and desert primroses. It was the largest canvas the artist had painted up to that point.

Conservation head Dale Kronkright called the job the most massive restoration project he has ever worked on. A $75,000 Bank of America grant funded part of the work, while the museums operating budget paid for the rest.

A trio of conservators were faced with repairing not only the water damage, but previous restoration work that had failed. It had also been varnished, a process no longer used in conservation.

The damage is consistent with it being stacked against another painting, Kronkright added. Its clear at some point that it was sanded. It was almost as if the paint had been pulled off.

OKeeffe had recently returned from New York, where she had spent three years settling the estate of her late husband, the impresario Alfred Stieglitz. The artist moved permanently to Abiquiu in 1948. Spring coincided with her remodeling of what had been an 18th century adobe home.

What is striking is the floating vertebra, OKeeffe Museum Curator Ariel Plotek said. The bone (and antler set) is actually in the museums collection.

In many ways, it feels like a work that is a statement about this new chapter in her life, he continued. The primrose is associated with mourning; the bones are connected to death. Its interpreted as kind of a memorial to Alfred Stieglitz.

Spring also represented a stylistic departure for OKeeffe. Gone are the massive flowers and the primary colors in exchange for pastels and pale spaces of white.

The fact that she kept it for several decades shows it was important to her, Plotek added.

In letters to her New York gallerist Edith Halpert, OKeeffe wrote that she didnt know if anyone else would like it.

By 2019, the multimillion dollar painting was a shadow of its former self, Plotek said.

After the water damage, OKeeffe sent Spring to her personal New York conservator Caroline Keck, calling it unmanageable and hard to clean. Keck restretched and cleaned the canvas. Ultraviolet light showed large sponge marks on the painting, likely attempts by the artist to clean it, Kronkright said.

Keck in-painted the water damage and lined the work with a second canvas using a combination of wax and resin.

There were hundred of cracks in the lower right, Kronkright said. Many white pigments in oil start to become translucent over time.

The museum acquired the painting when it opened in 1997.

Across its 74 years of existence, OKeeffes paint was growing darker as the white grew more transparent. The many repairs became increasingly visible, Kronkright said.

Analysis showed six areas across Springs top half had lost their original paint.

It was almost as if the paint had been pulled off, he added. They were having a hard time matching the colors. The entire upper third of the painting was overpainted.

Conservators removed 95% of an acrylic scumble glaze using a gelled solvent that would not affect the original paint. Imaging technology through infrared photography revealed more than 3,000 cracks, Kronkright said. Restorers used an adhesive solvent to reconnect them.

The three of us worked in three different areas moving all the time, he added.

Today the completed work is being displayed at the museum alongside the original vertebra and antlers.

Spring will travel to the San Diego Museum of Art in 2023.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Quinn Mulhern and Leigh White are driving up Central one morning in early December when they spot an older woman lying on a pile of blankets on a university area sidewalk. She is surrounded by belongings, including a wheelchair and a walker.

Mulhern pulls a sharp right onto the side street, parks a white city-owned Ford Escape with community responder emblazoned on the side, and he and White jump out.

The pair are wearing jeans, and jackets cover their gray, long-sleeved Community Safety Department T-shirts. Radios hang on cords around their necks. They squat next to the woman and hand her bottles of water, a blanket and a pair of socks, ask if she needs anything and encourage her to use a bus pass to get to the West Side homeless shelter.

Ultimately, thats about all they can do.

Mulhern  who was a mixed martial arts fighter before going back to school to get a masters degree in social work  and White  a former corrections officer who cites her personal experiences navigating the system as a single mother  are behavioral health responders who roam the streets as part of the citys newest department.

Albuquerque Community Safety was launched at the end of August and has received widespread national media attention from news outlets like NPR, The Washington Post and The Christian Science Monitor, to name a few. Articles have lauded the citys goal of addressing societal issues with social workers instead of law enforcement.

Local residents have also been intrigued, although some have been a lot more skeptical, including a woman who White said kept demanding if they were ready to die for the city.

The hardest part of the job has been sometimes balancing the citizens who are making the calls, White said. We cant always meet their expectations. There are limitations to our job and to what were able to achieve.

A lot of times callers expect the responders to arrest people who are camping out on public property, something Mulhern said they  or the police for that matter  do not do. He said when they approach someone on the street they ask for a first name to build a rapport but they do not run criminal history background checks or see if someone is wanted on a warrant. While there are lots of naysayers, Mulhern said he has also talked to people who seem to think the department is a solution to the complex problem of police brutality.

Its an attempt to replace a certain set of jobs that the police normally do.  Mulhern said. Theres this idea that well wipe the board of like conflict and homelessness, and its like, no  I think we are doing a good job and important job and doing it well, but its like one piece of a bigger puzzle.

APD in the midst of reform effort

In June 2020, as the nation was gripped by protests over the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer and calls to defund the police, Mayor Tim Keller announced the city would create a new public safety department that would respond to calls involving behavioral health, homelessness, addiction and other issues.

The Albuquerque Police Department has been criticized in the past for its handling of homeless people and those experiencing mental health crises and is in the midst of a yearslong reform effort.

Eleven days before the mayors news conference, an APD officer had shot a man who was suffering from a mental health crisis in his parents Tanoan home. Officer Jose Ruiz shot Max Mitnik as the 26-year-old was walking toward him holding a paring knife and asking to be shot. Although Mitnik survived the shooting, his mother has told the Journal he will never be the same.

An Internal Affairs investigation found officer Ruiz used force appropriately. But, it found he failed to control the scene, which escalated the situation leading up to the shooting.

ACS Director Mariela Ruiz-Angel said she has watched the video of the encounter multiple times and wondered how her responders could have handled it differently. For one thing, Mitnik wanted to be taken to the hospital but didnt want to be in handcuffs.

There was a moment where he was like, OK, Ill go,' Ruiz-Angel said in an interview at ACS headquarters on the first floor of City Hall.

But, she recalled, the officers said they had to handcuff Mitnik in order to transport him.

Had we gotten him in the car and just let his mom go in the car with him, would that have been a different outcome? Ruiz-Angel asked.

At that point in the call, Mitnik had not yet grabbed the knife. Ruiz-Angel said dispatchers typically do not send calls to ACS if a person is reported to have a weapon; however when responders arrive at the scene they often find people are armed. She said responders have not been threatened by anyone but if they are they are told to back out of the situation and call for assistance.

Ruiz-Angel grew up in El Paso. While in her 20s she worked in customer relations for a large corporation before going back to school to get a masters degree in social work and business administration. She worked for Albuquerques Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs before being hired to start ACS in 2020. In April, she was hired as the director.

Ruiz-Angel said as ACS grows she thinks the budget will need to double  but it will still be a much cheaper option than police. The ACS annual budget is $7.7 million and APDs budget is about 30 times larger.

Even just logistically thinking about the vehicles that (police) purchase, and the guns that they purchase, the shoes,  she said. Were always probably going to stick to something very casual, even though it might be uniformed.

Since the beginning of September, behavioral health responders had taken on more than 1,500 calls for service and street outreach responders went to 213 calls involving 753 individual contacts, according to a department spokesman. As of early December almost two-thirds of the calls had been about an unsheltered person and 17% had been for welfare checks. The remaining calls involved down and outs, behavioral health issues, panhandlers or suspicious or intoxicated people.

By the first week of December, ACS had hired or was in the midst of hiring staff for 20 out of 24 behavioral health responder positions and 29 out of 45 of its overall field staff. The department also has a clinical supervisor, four mobile crisis team clinicians who accompany law enforcement on calls, two street outreach responders and a Community-Oriented Response Assistance responder who help people affected by tragedy or violence. It has 10 vacant positions for community responders, who respond to minor injuries, abandoned vehicles, crashes without injury and needle pickups.

Ruiz-Angel said the expectation is that the department will double its response units every year and eventually take up to 40,000 calls a year. She said it currently is operating seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. but hopes to be closer to 24/7 by the end of January.

In my perfect world, if we could put behavioral health responders in every area of town, in every district, in every quadrant similar to police, I think the outcomes might be different because then you can  have deeper relationships with the community, Ruiz-Angel said.

Services somewhat threadbare in ABQ

On Dec. 10, with a Journal reporter and photographer in tow, Mulhern and White drove around the city responding to calls and scanning the streets.

As Mulhern drove, White sat in the passenger seat with an open computer on her lap, looking at computer-aided dispatch records for the calls that firefighters and police officers were responding to around the city. Scanner traffic from Albuquerque Fire Rescue crackles over the radio.

The first two calls they are dispatched to  a man between two vehicles in a Northeast Albuquerque strip mall parking lot and a man next to a bicycle in front of a Wendys  result in no one being found. That happened in about 27% of the calls ACS responded to in the first three months, whereas resources were offered in about 48% of the calls and services were refused in about 17% of the calls, according to data provided by the department.

When responders do find someone who wants help, they say its often a scramble to try to find them what they need. The responders offer basic necessities and  if the person is interested  try to get them housing or case management services.

In the best case scenario  if the person is motivated and, you know, relatively mobile, they can get to the place they need to go, theyre computer literate, they can deal with a cellphone, if all of those boxes are checked  even then its quite hard to get in the services to get a housing voucher to get on the list for more permanent housing, Mulhern said. Its not that easy. And thats the thing we run into a lot  services are, I would say, somewhat threadbare.

Other times, the only thing they can do is call for medical help.

Shortly before noon, driving north on Tramway, Mulhern spots a man lying face down  his head covered by a straw fedora  on the sidewalk of the off-ramp from eastbound Interstate 40. A bitterly cold, strong wind is threatening to blow a shopping cart containing all of his belongings into the street.

The responders park and Mulhern brings the shopping cart back up onto the sidewalk. They squat next to the man, asking if hes OK, and he doesnt move but mumbles faintly. Eventually, after asking repeatedly how they could help, White calls for paramedics. While they wait the responders cover the man with a blanket to try to keep him warm.

Eventually, an Albuquerque ambulance arrives and loads the man into the back. Mulhern and White hand the ambulance crew his backpack so it can be taken with him to the hospital.

Driving away, the team reflects on the way ACS can fit into the first responder system alongside APD and AFR.

The functions of the job kind of determines the behavior of the people in the job to some degree, and its like, we get the little extra superpower of not being able to arrest. We dont even touch that whole world,  Mulhern said. I think people get hung up on  theyre going to be replacing police with us. No  Its complementary to that other necessary service where they do have the power to arrest  somebodys got to have that too  but dividing it up, seems pretty logical to me.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Over his 47-year career as a New Mexico attorney, former state legislator Victor Marshall has called out a state attorney general for alleged conflict of interest, filed a whistleblower lawsuit aimed at exposing state investment schemes and advocated for legislative ethics and campaign reform.

But his attempt to brand a respected pro tem judge as biased and unethical in presiding over a major water rights case may lead to the suspension of Marshalls legal practice indefinitely.

The state Supreme Court on Wednesday is set to hear oral arguments as to whether Marshall should be disciplined for contending that now-retired Court of Appeals Judge James J. Wechsler was biased in favor of the Navajo Nation in approving a major water rights settlement in 2013.

Marshall, who represented non-Indian water users, wanted a new judge to be appointed to the case when he alleged that Wechsler had an undisclosed conflict of interest because he once worked for the Navajo Nation as a lawyer. Marshall also claimed in a court record that the public might reasonably wonder whether the judge fixed this case for his former client.

A state disciplinary board hearing committee found those assertions were false and were made with reckless disregard as to the truth.

Wechsler, who served 22 years on the state Court of Appeals before retiring in 2017, was appointed as a pro tem judge on the water case in 2009.

He worked on behalf of individual Navajos decades earlier when he was an attorney with a private nonprofit legal group, DNA Legal Services.

But the judge contended he had nothing to do with the water rights case during his time there in the early 1970s and didnt know the organization gave legal advice to the Navajo Nation on its water claims. The disciplinary panel found no evidence Wechsler personally participated in the water case as a DNA attorney.

Wechslers ruling in 2013 recognized the Navajo Nations right to divert 635,729 acre-feet of water per year from the San Juan River. The settlement between the state and the Navajo Nation, approved by Wechsler, increased the nations share of New Mexicos water from 6% to 10%, according to a Journal analysis.

In opposing the settlement, Marshall represented the San Juan Agricultural Water Users Association, which includes small farmers. After losing appeals in state court, Marshall took the long-running legal battle over water rights adjudication in northwest New Mexico to U.S. District Court in a lawsuit filed in November.

Whether Marshall, 74, will be allowed to pursue that case and others is up to the state Supreme Court, which is being asked by a state disciplinary board panel to suspend Marshalls license to practice law for an indefinite time. A disciplinary board panel wrote in 2019 that it had a substantial concern Marshall could engage in similar conduct in the future, given that he continues to deny he did anything improper and displays no remorse.

An attorney for the board recommended a lesser sanction  a public censure  while harshly criticizing Marshalls actions.

The reality is, the evidence is not just substantial that (Marshall) made false, derogatory, and frivolous allegations against a sitting Judge; the evidence is overwhelming, wrote Jane Gagne, assistant disciplinary counsel.

Chilling effect

In court filings, Marshalls attorney Jeff Baker, said that suspension is a draconian recommendation.

Baker contends Marshall should face no discipline because he raised a legitimate question about whether Wechsler should have recused himself.

If this Court sanctions Mr. Marshall for questioning the impartiality of a judge, it will have a serious chilling effect on all lawyers who practice before courts of this state, Baker wrote in one motion, noting the impact on any attorney who contemplates the filing of a motion based on concerns about the appearance of impropriety or lack of disclosure.

Marshalls attorney noted that the Navajo Nation asked Wechsler to sanction Marshall for making the conflict of interest allegations, but Wechsler decided not to.

Suspension of Mr. Marshalls law license is antithetical to the rules governing judicial disclosure and recusal, Baker wrote in a court filing.

Wechsler did not mention his previous work for DNA before approving the settlement, leaving Marshall without ability to seek his recusal in advance, Baker added.

Wechsler did address a recusal request in early 2020, but in a 26-page ruling, the retired judge explained that his employment for less than three years with DNA does not disqualify me from these proceedings.

Another former DNA attorney, Robert N. Hilgendorf, said in a deposition that he questioned whether he could be fair as a judge on a Navajo water rights case.

But Wechsler noted Hilgendorf worked for DNA for more than seven years and performed research regarding, and spoke publicly about, Navajo water rights. Wechsler noted his stint was shorter and he did not perform any work whatsoever regarding water rights.

Interest in transparency

Since filing his initial emergency motion seeking to vacate Wechslers rulings in the case, Marshall contends he found what he considers other evidence he says bolsters his argument. But the disciplinary panel opted against considering that information.

Marshall also asked the Supreme Court for permission to file an amicus curiae brief from Alan B. Morrison, of George Washington University Law School. But the Supreme Court declined to consider it.

Morrison wrote that the real losers if the discipline is upheld will be clients, and not just those of Mr. Marshall who will lose almost 15 years of his efforts in the underlying case that precipitated the proposed discipline, but also the clients of other lawyers in other cases.

Those other clients will be harmed because their lawyers will hesitate to move to recuse a judge, or take other unpopular actions, for fear that they, like Mr. Marshall, will not only suffer defeat on the merits, but possibly lose their law licenses for zealously representing their clients, Morrison wrote.

The New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, citing the disciplinary panels mention that Marshall issued a press release alleging Wechsler had a conflict, has issued a letter urging the Supreme Court to resolve this matter in a way that does not discourage attorneys from communicating with the media for fear of professional discipline.

The public has an interest in transparency of judicial proceedings, and limitations on the ability of attorneys to address cases in the media undermine that interest, wrote Shannon E. Kunkel, executive director of FOG. A separate letter of support for Marshall was filed with the court by the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper, which Marshall has represented.

Legal background

Marshall, a Republican who graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School, served in the state Senate for eight years, where he co-sponsored the 1988 constitutional amendment on the merit selection of judges. He also sponsored a comprehensive campaign reform package supported by then-Gov. Garrey Carruthers and pushed for a ban on lawmakers soliciting or accepting campaign contributions from lobbyists during annual legislative sessions.

As an attorney, he represented anti-gambling interests opposed to Indian casino gambling. In 2011, he contended then-New Mexico Attorney General Gary King received campaign contributions of nearly $55,000 from former Gov. Bill Richardson, creating a conflict of interest that should disqualify King from pursuing a pay-to-play corruption case involving the Democrats administration. King denied any conflict.

Marshall at the time represented former state investment adviser Frank Foy in a long-running whistleblower suit over huge state investment losses. Most of Foys claims were dismissed after Kings office took over the case. Foys subsequent legal challenge to the $24 million settlement was rejected by the state Supreme Court in 2020.
We all have our ways to decompress, to escape the daily grind  and in these crazy times its easy to feel ground down daily to the nubs.

We put on music, do yoga, hike, finish off a pint of rocky road, finish off a pint of vodka, finish a jigsaw puzzle, meditate, make bread, eat bread, breathe.

One of my surefire stress-busters is watching reruns of The Golden Girls, a sitcom from the 1980s that remains ubiquitous on several cable channels, the episodes played back to back ad infinitum. Its a far better thing to fall asleep to than my usual nightly dose of news programming.

Its not the funniest show, definitely not the deepest. But it has a happy ending, and theres something about seeing a group of pals and confidants who squawk at each other sometimes but always come together in the end over hugs, nightly slices of cheesecake at the kitchen table and endlessly ridiculous but earnest St. Olaf stories told by Rose, played by the beloved Betty White.

What a final kick in the butt it was then that we would lose White on the last day of a terrible year, and just weeks shy of her 100th birthday.

Weve lost many icons lately. But I dont think Ive seen such an outpouring of love for a woman we never met but felt we knew so well.

One thing we knew about White was that she loved animals and was a champion for their welfare. Shortly after confirming her death was not another cruel hoax or a weird joke about her dyeing her hair (that happened in 2014), the hashtag #BettyWhiteChallenge began trending on social media.

The challenge is simple: To honor White, donate to any animal shelter, rescue or agency in her name by Jan. 17, which would have been her centennial birthday. Its a golden challenge, I think, whether or not you were a fan.

Ive featured a lot of animal charities in this column and checked out many more, so to keep things local Ive compiled some of those groups worthy of your donation. Many of them are under stress because of rising needs and falling generosity, so think of this as a stress buster of the very best kind.

If money is tight, there are other ways to donate. Albuquerque Animal Welfare and Bernalillo County Animal Care and Resource Center and other government-run animal services and shelters in cities and counties across the state always have need for volunteers, blankets and toys, foster homes and folks willing to adopt a furry pal and confidant.

Unless otherwise noted, the following groups are Albuquerque-based, though their work often stretches much farther. Ive also included whether they are nonprofits (for your tax deduction needs) when that is known.

Thank you for being a friend to the animals.

 Animal Humane New Mexico  Largest animal welfare agency in the state. Provides shelter, veterinary care, education, adoptions. Nonprofit. On Facebook, www.AnimalHumaneNM.org, 505-255-5523.

 Argos, A Shelter Dog Rescue  Foster, rehabilitation, veterinary care, education, adoption for shelter dogs. Nonprofit. On Facebook, argosdogrescue.org, argosrescuedogs@gmail.com.

 Daisy Farm Sanctuary  Retirement home for senior and special needs dogs in East Mountains. On Facebook, daisyfarmsanctuary@gmail.com.

 East Mountain Pet Alert  Volunteers who help reunite lost pets with their families east of Albuquerque. On Facebook, eastmtpetalert@gmail.com.

 Haven for Hamsters Rescue and Sanctuary  Emergency rescue for hamsters and guinea pigs. Rio Rancho. On Facebook, havenforhamsters.webs.com, 505-918-7113.

 Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary  End-of-life care and hospice for older, unwanted dogs, horses, birds outside Santa Fe. Nonprofit. On Facebook, kindredspiritsnm.org, 505-471-5366.

 NMDog  Volunteer, foster-based rescue for chained, abused, forgotten dogs. Nonprofit. On Facebook, nmdog.org, 505-886-1729.

 New Mexico Horse Rescue at Walkin N Circles Ranch  Rehabilitates, retrains, rehomes rescued horses who live on working ranch in Stanley. Nonprofit. On Facebook, wncr.org, 505-286-0779.

 Pawsitive Life Rescue of New Mexico  Fosters homeless, abandoned animals, provides veterinary care, vaccine clinics, grooming and finds forever homes. Nonprofit. On Facebook, itsapawsitivelife.com, 505-570-2063.

 Penny Lane Foal Rescue  Care, intensive foundation skills training, placement of orphaned and abandoned horses, programs for youths to work with horses. Nonprofit. Rio Rancho. On Facebook, pennylanefoals.com, 505-373-3203.

 Pet-A-Bulls  Volunteers carefully select bully breeds from shelters to train, provide veterinary care and vaccinate to prepare well-behaved dogs for adoption. Nonprofit. On Facebook, petabulls.com, 505-316-2089.

 Street Cat Hub  Focuses on improving lives of feral cats by spaying/neutering and finding them homes. Nonprofit. On Facebook, streetcathub.org, (505) 247-9357 but prefers communication via web page or info@streetcathub.org.

 Sunflower Sanctuary  Country home in East Mountains for elderly, sick and wounded animals from dogs to horses to live out their days. Nonprofit. On Facebook, sunflowersanctuary.org, 505-286-6302.

 Tootsies Vision  Finds foster and forever homes for sightless dogs, provides veterinary care, increases awareness for what great pets they make. Nonprofit. On Facebook, tootsiesvision.org, 505-440-3208.

 Viva! New Mexico Rural Animal Rescue  Rescues homeless pets from rural shelters. Nonprofit. On Facebook, viva-nm.org, vivapaws@gmail.com.

 Watermelon Mountain Ranch  New Mexicos largest no-kill shelter provides foster/adoption of pets, training, retirement village for dogs, veterinary care and Mollys Mercy Missions animal rescue in Southwest and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico shelters. Nonprofit. Rio Rancho. On Facebook, wmranch.org, 505-771-0140 but prefers email at wmranchnm1@gmail.com.

 Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico  Veterinary and rehabilitation care for orphaned and injured wildlife. Nonprofit. On Facebook, wildliferescuenm.org, 505-344-2500.

UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

For Randy Pacheco, the CEO of A-Plus Well Service out of Farmington, starting to plug an old oil or natural gas well is like stepping into an abandoned house  you never know what youre going to find.

Every well is unique, Pacheco said. You can get one thats very, very easy to plug and the one right next to it could be complicated because the casing is rotted out or its falling apart.

New Mexico is set to receive unprecedented funding to clean up abandoned oil and gas wells.

A bill signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in December allocates $3.5 million in federal relief funds for orphaned and inactive wells.

The recently passed federal infrastructure law also sets aside $4.7 billion for orphaned wells, including an initial $25 million allocation for New Mexico.

Adrienne Sandoval, New Mexicos Oil Conservation Division director, said operators plug the majority of wells that are no longer productive.

But the state plugs about 50 wells a year, at an average cost of about $54,000 a well last year.

Were basically going to be able to supersize the program, Sandoval said. Weve already got pluggers on contract, weve already got remediation contractors on contract, so were really ready to go once that money comes in.

The OCD estimates there are 1,741 abandoned oil and gas wells on state and private lands in New Mexico.

Well data for federal land in New Mexico was not immediately available from the state Bureau of Land Management office.

The BLM estimates there are more than 130,000 orphaned wells in the U.S.

Taxes on oil and gas operators fund the state program.

New Mexico contracts with local companies to plug wells if operators go bankrupt or if a well owner cannot be found.

OCD will also use the influx of money to hire more inspectors, engineers, environmental specialists and lawyers for the program.

In the past we havent been able to do as much reclamation work, (because) it can be really costly, Sandoval said. So this is I think going to give us an opportunity to do that work as well as the well plugging.

The Interior Department is expected to notify New Mexico soon as to how much grant funding the state is eligible for besides the initial $25 million.

Companies fill old wells with cement from the production zone to the surface to prevent gas or oil from seeping into the water or air.

Pacheco said the funding boost could help support New Mexicos economy by bringing in the next generation of oil and gas reclamation workers.

We have a real opportunity to clean some stuff up, he said. I think if BLM and the state get the right people in place, build teams and build the vision, then 10 years from now we wont look back and not have anything to show for it.

Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal.
Officials at one of the nations top nuclear weapons laboratories are reiterating their promise to focus on cleaning up Cold War-era contamination left behind by decades of research and bomb-making.

But New Mexico environment officials and watchdog groups remain concerned about the pace, and the likelihood that the federal government has significantly understated its environmental liability at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The U.S. Department of Energy has been estimating that it will be 2036 before cleanup at the lab  which played a key role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II  is complete. Federal officials acknowledged during a meeting Thursday night that the date hasnt changed, but they are reviewing whether new risks will boost the need for more funding and more time.

Michael Mikolanis, head of the DOEs Office of Environmental Management at Los Alamos, addressed questions about a 2021 independent audit that found the agencys liability for environmental cleanup topped more than a half trillion dollars for the past fiscal year, and is growing. That includes understated liability at Los Alamos of more than $880 million.

Mikolanis confirmed that a recent review turned up new information that increased the liabilities for cleanup beyond what officials understood previously.

Certainly cant say yes or tell you no that the date is being changed, but obviously with increased scope  either we would need additional funding to do that or stretch out the dates, he said. We are currently evaluating that. We have made no decision.

The DOE is facing a legal challenge by the state of New Mexico over setting and meeting the milestones of its current cleanup agreement with the state, which was signed in 2016. State officials found the federal governments plan for the previous fiscal year to be deficient.

Watchdog groups said it wasnt until the state sued in February 2021 that the DOE proposed boosting the cleanup budget at the lab by about one-third. Before that, budgets were flat, with the groups arguing that DOE had no incentive to seek more funding.

The conclusion I draw from it is the New Mexico Environment Department gets a lot more from the stick than it does from the carrot with respect to making the laboratory and DOE truly committed to comprehensive cleanup, said Jay Coghlan, executive director of Nuclear Watch New Mexico.

Chris Catechis, director of the Environment Departments resource protection division, said during the meeting that, despite the pending litigation, the state wants to continue working with federal officials on moving the needle when it comes to addressing plumes of chromium contamination, the removal of tons of contaminated soil and other projects at the lab.

We agree that we dont feel the cleanup is moving as quickly as wed like to see it, but, with that said, we dont want to walk away from the process, Catechis said.

Some elected officials and other critics also have raised concerns about how the federal governments plan to boost production at Los Alamos of the plutonium cores used in the nations nuclear arsenal will result in additional waste that will add to disposal liabilities.

Officials indicated during the meeting that the National Nuclear Security Administration has funding for a sitewide environmental review of operations. While they declined to provide more details, advocates have argued for years that the environmental consequences and cost-effectiveness of operations at the lab deserve more scrutiny.
WASHINGTON  The United States and NATO on Friday roundly rejected Russian demands that the alliance not admit new members amid growing concerns that Russia may invade Ukraine, which aspires to join the alliance.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia would have no say over who should be allowed to join the bloc. And, they warned Russia of a forceful response to any further military intervention in Ukraine.

Their comments amounted to a complete dismissal of a key part of Russian President Vladimir Putins demands for easing tensions with Ukraine. Putin wants NATO to halt membership plans for all countries, including Ukraine. The former Soviet republic is unlikely to join the alliance in the foreseeable future, but NATO nations wont rule it out.

Blinken and Stoltenberg spoke separately following an extraordinary virtual meeting of NATO foreign ministers. The meeting of the North Atlantic Council was the first in a series of high-level talks over the next week aimed at easing the tensions.

Were prepared to respond forcefully to further Russian aggression, but a diplomatic solution is still possible and preferable if Russia chooses, Blinken told reporters in Washington. He categorically dismissed Russias claim that NATO had pledged not to expand eastward following the admission of several former Soviet satellites after the end of the Cold War.

NATO never promised not to admit new members; it could not and would not, Blinken said, accusing Putin of raising a strawman argument to distract from Russian military moves along the Ukrainian border.

They want to draw us into a debate about NATO rather than focus on the matter at hand, which is their aggression toward Ukraine. We wont be diverted from that issue, Blinken said,

Earlier in Brussels, Stoltenberg made similar remarks as the allies prepared for the flurry of diplomatic contacts that will begin between the U.S. and Russia in Geneva on Monday and move to a NATO-Russia Council meeting and a pan-European meeting with Russia on Wednesday and Thursday.

We will not compromise on core principles, including the right for every nation to decide its own path, including what kind of security arrangements it wants to be a part of, Stoltenberg said.

The NATO-Russia Council meeting will be the first in more than two years and will give NATO ambassadors the chance to discuss Putins security proposals with Russias envoy face to face.

Much contained in documents Moscow has made public  a draft agreement with NATO countries and the offer of a treaty between Russia and the United States  appears to be a non-starter at the 30-country military organization, despite fears that Putin might order an invasion of Ukraine.

NATO would have to agree to halt all membership plans, not just with Ukraine, and to end military exercises close to Russias borders. In exchange, Russia would respect the international commitments its signed up to on limiting wargames, as well as end aircraft buzzing incidents and other low-level hostilities.

Endorsing such an agreement would require NATO to reject a key part of its founding treaty. Under Article 10 of the 1949 Washington Treaty, the organization can invite in any willing European country that can contribute to security in the North Atlantic area, as well as fulfill the obligations of membership.

Blinken said Moscow was well aware that NATO would not accept the demands.

Certainly part of (Putins) playbook is to put out a list of absolutely non-starter demands and then to claim that the other side is not engaging and then use that as somehow justification for aggressive action, Blinken said.

Stoltenberg said the Russian military buildup that sparked the invasion worries has continued.

We see armored units, we see artillery, we see combat-ready troops, we see electronic warfare equipment and we see a lot of different military capabilities, he said.

This buildup, combined with Russias security demands, and its track record in Ukraine and Georgia, sends a message that there is a real risk for a new armed conflict in Europe, Stoltenberg said.

Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and later backed a separatist rebellion in the countrys east. Over more than seven years, the fighting has killed over 14,000 people and devastated Ukraines industrial heartland, known as Donbas.

Russia denies that it has fresh plans to attack its neighbor, but Putin wants legal guarantees that would rule out NATO expansion and weapons deployments. Moscow says it expects answers to its security proposals this month.

Despite the rhetoric, Ukraine simply cannot join NATO with Crimea occupied and fighting in the Donbas because the alliances collective security guarantee  that an attack on one ally is considered to be an attack on them all  would draw it into war if the country became a member.

Indeed, NATOs help in the event of an invasion is unlikely to involve major military muscle.

Ukraine is a very close partner, Stoltenberg said. We provide support to Ukraine. But Ukraine is not covered by NATOs collective defense clause because Ukraine is not a NATO member.

Blinken and Stoltenberg did say that the U.S. and NATO are willing to discuss arms control with Moscow, but that Putin cannot be permitted to impose restrictions on how the organization protects member countries close to Russias borders like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.

We cannot end up in a situation where we have a kind of second-class NATO members; where NATO as an alliance is not allowed to protect them in the same way as we protect other allies, he said.

The NATO-Russia Council was set up two decades ago. But NATO ended practical cooperation with Russia through the NRC in 2014 after it annexed Crimea. Wednesdays meeting will be the first since July 2019. NATO officials say Russia has refused to take part in meetings as long as Ukraine was on the agenda.

___

Cook reported from Brussels. AP writers Samuel Petrequin and Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.
Instagram Celebrity

The former Disney darling returns home from a treatment facility in Utah more than a month after they denounced their controversial 'California sober' lifestyle.

Jan 9, 2022

AceShowbiz - Demi Lovato has completed another rehab stint. The "Heart Attack" hitmaker, who has returned home from a treatment facility in Utah, reportedly is "committed to their well-being" following the program.

Revealing the news was PEOPLE. A source told the outlet, "Demi is committed to their well-being, and throughout their life, they plan to do regular check-ins to make sure they are putting themselves first."

The news arrived more than a month after the former Disney darling denounced their controversial "California sober" lifestyle, which allowed them to smoke weed and drink alcohol in moderation. "I no longer support my 'California sober' ways," they declared on Instagram Story. "Sober sober is the only way to be."

Among those who criticized Demi for their approach was Lala Kent. "To hear someone say, 'I'm California sober,' it doesn't sit right with me," the Bravo personality, who also struggled with addictions, argued.

"The smallest amount of anything could potentially -- you could fall off the wagon," the reality star added. "So for me, I just think  just don't disrespect people who work really hard to never pick up anything and remain in their right frame of mind at all times."

Demi had a near-fatal heroin overdose back in 2018. Speaking about the ordeal, the "Stone Cold" songstress disclosed that they had three strokes and a heart attack during their hospitalization. The incident also left them "with brain damage" and "blind spots on [their] vision."

"I was left with brain damage, and I still deal with the effects of that today. I don't drive a car, because I have blind spots on my vision," they shared. "And I also for a long time had a really hard time reading. It was a big deal when I was able to read out of a book, which was like two months later because my vision was so blurry."
Celebrity

Memphis rapper Justin Johnson, who goes by the name Straight Drop, tells his social media followers that he will be 'back sooner than you can blink' when announcing his plan to surrender to authorities.

Jan 9, 2022

AceShowbiz - Young Dolph's suspected killer revealed that he will turn himself in to authorities. When making the announcement on social media, Justin Johnson insisted that he's "innocent."

Making use of Instagram on Saturday, January 8, Johnson declared, "Turning myself in Monday @201." He went on to stress, "I'm innocent. I'll be back sooner than you can blink."

The Memphis rapper, who goes by the name Straight Drop, then turned to his Instagram feed to call out ABC 24. Posting a clip of local news coverage from the outlet, he argued, "Next time post the REAL BS a** Blogs."

Sorry, video has been removed.

Earlier this month, U.S. Marshalls, Memphis Police Department and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced that Johnson is one of the suspects in Dolph's murder. He is wanted by police in connection with several charges.

"#TNMostWanted: We need your help to find Justin Johnson, wanted by @MEM_PoliceDept and TBI for 1st Degree Murder, Criminal Attempt-1st Degree Murder, & Theft of Property $10,000-$60,000," so read the post shared on Twitter alongside his photo. "He should be considered armed & dangerous. Seen him? Call 901-378-3132 or 1-800-TBI-FIND."

Dolph's aunt Rita Myers, however, claimed that the news mad her "feel worse." She told Rolling Stone, "There's not any closure for us with this news, because [Johnson] is not in custody, and we still don't have all the facts."

"We still feel the same. This news just made me feel worse," Rita continued. "I thought it would make me feel better, but it didn't. All I know is, anyone who could walk up and take the life of another person for no reason is someone with hate in their heart, a person who has no regard for life, a person who cares about nothing."

On the next day, a photo of the late star and the 23-year-old circulated on social media. In the snap, the "RNB" rapper was seen enjoying himself while holding a stack of cash in a party. There were some people standing behind him, including a man who looks like Johnson.

Dolph was gunned down in Memphis while he was shopping inside a cookie store in mid-November 2021. He reportedly was in town for his annual Thanksgiving giveaway.
Alton, IL (62002)

Today

Showers and thundershowers this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. Low 57F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Showers and thundershowers this evening will give way to steady rain overnight. Low 57F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%.
The last few days of 2021 were bitterly cold, as were the first couple days of 2022, but that didnt matter to the durum market as prices remained steady with the higher values near $16.

We got over the holiday season, which was a slower period for mills, and, on a positive note, prices have been holding stable in the $15.50-$16 a bushel range, said Jim Peterson, marketing director with the North Dakota Wheat Commission. I guess well see where we go in early 2022.

Peterson pointed out that the market is still anticipating some greater demand from Italy, as well as other parts of Europe and North Africa in 2022. Through the last part of 2021, he noted that a lot of those bigger buyers were able to work through their domestic supplies.

There were some other non-typical durum sellers who were able to fill the market voids, he said, adding that Mexico, a traditional exporter, also had some durum on the market.

And now, as we head into 2022, the situation in Italy is becoming tighter as theyve kind of worked through their domestic supplies, he continued. A lot of people feel its just a matter of when theyll have to come into the market, not if, prior to their new crop availability, which wouldnt be until June/July. But so far theyve held tight and havent really stepped forward.

On a positive note, the U.S. domestic durum market has also been holding steady even as other wheat markets have seen prices erode by about 30-50 cents a bushel.

The durum market may be at a crossroad, he said. The longer it takes for some of this expected international demand to come into the market, the more its vulnerable to dipping a little bit in sympathy with some of the other grain markets.

Looking at the National Durum Index, which is a range of values across the two-state region (North Dakota and Montana), Peterson pointed out that as of late December the price was at $15.40 a bushel, which was down marginally from the mid-November price of $15.70. The high for the year was $17 a bushel back in early September.

I know there are a lot of producers who are sitting on some 2021 supplies, waiting for the market to strike higher, so well see what happens, he said.

Peterson also pointed out that its still a very tight U.S. domestic mill market. The speculation is that most pasta manufacturers are covered for the first quarter, which is up through March. Thus far, the domestic mills haven't really stepped forward and appear to be waiting for a break in the market to put on some additional coverage.

The Chicago market values, which is where a lot of the domestic mill demand is priced off of, is currently at $18.75 a bushel, he said. A year ago it was $8.35, so its definitely stronger and probably indicates more hand-to-mouth type buying by the domestic industry, (which is) certainly wanting to secure needs, but not overbuy if the market would take a break.

On the export side, U.S. exports as of the week before Christmas stood at 4.9 million bushels (MB) sold. That compares to 22 MB at that time a year ago.

(The decline in sales) was not unexpected considering where our prices are, he said.

Major buyers of U.S. durum have been Italy, Spain, Japan, Guatemala and Panama. Peterson said the U.S. is hoping to get some North African countries on that list over the next few months.

In other export news, Peterson noted there was a recent Algerian tender for 9 MB. The delivered value equates back to about $19.50-$20.

That was delivered to Algeria, so certainly, if you back freight and handling costs on that, it works back to close to what our values are, if not a little bit higher, he said. The U.S. didnt capture any of that based on early reports. The rumors are that it was Canada and Mexico that covered the sale. Well see as more details come out. Shipping isnt until the February time frame.

One of the big factors in where the durum market goes from here is what happens in Canada. Their current producer prices are about $21 (Canadian), which equates back to about $16.50-$17 (U.S.) values, so close to U.S. values if not a little bit stronger.

Ag Canada in December came out with its latest supply and demand projections, and for this year the agency has Canadian exports of durum estimated at 85 MB. A year ago, for the full year, they exported 210 MB, so obviously, a very dramatic drop in exports. Canadas current sales pace indicates they've shipped out 32 MB from August through October. That compares to 40 MB shipped out through that same time frame a year ago.

That shipment pace only reflects a 20 percent reduction in sales, whereas Ag Canadas projection is calling for almost a 50-60 percent reduction, Peterson said. So (were) not expecting a lot more aggressive Canadian exports as the year moves on, which means the U.S. should be in line to capture some of the additional exports going forward.

Canadas shipping pace to Italy is off 50 percent, while the pace to Morocco is off 15 percent for the current marketing year.

On the flip side, Peterson noted that Canadian durum exports into the U.S. market are running four times higher than a year ago at 4 MB compared to 1 MB last year.

This just reflects that the U.S. domestic mill price has been the highest price in the world market for the last four months and weve kind of been waiting for European prices to catch up, he said.

On Jan. 12, USDA will release its winter wheat seedings report, which will provide a look at how many winter wheat acres were planted in the fall of 2021. It will also be the first indication of desert durum plantings in California and Arizona.

Were obviously expecting an increase in planted area, but some water restrictions in that region and just very competitive markets for other crops may temper the level of gain, he said.

We probably won't get a strong market reaction from that, but it certainly will set the stage for what we might be looking at for early summer 2022 supplies from that region.

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Editors note: This is part of a series on ag equipment inventors past and present from the Midwest.

In all the talk about John Deere and J.I. Case and Cyrus McCormick, John Froelich gets forgotten. Yet he can claim to be the inventor of the tractor.

If you Google tractor, John Froelich comes up, says Denise Schutte, executive director of the Froelich Foundation and Museum in the blink-and-youll-miss-it burg of Froelich in northeast Iowa.

The agricultural world has always been full of tinkerers and inventors, and John Froelich is a perfect example of the farm boy with little formal education who came up with an idea that changed the world. In an era of mainly horse power, when steam power was the only type of mechanization for most farmers, Froelich invented the first gasoline-powered tractor that could move backward and forward. His invention evolved into the first tractors to be made by the John Deere company.

The tragedy is that by the time his invention became famous, Froelich was mostly out of the picture. He never got rich and famous.

But for Schutte and others in this part of the world, Froelich is an important historical figure whose contribution to society is immeasurable.

John Froelich was born in late 1849 in the Iowa village that was later named for his family. His parents emigrated from Germany in 1847 and settled here. The train delivered mail at what became known as Froelich Station and eventually was an unincorporated town just called Froelich.

John went to a one-room school, but he had very little formal education. His son, Clarence, was later quoted as saying Johns knowledge was almost entirely intuitive, and he had to learn by his own errors. He belonged to that inventor class of individuals who, despite their lack of formal education, saw the problems and needs of the American people, delved fearlessly into the unknown, and with their pioneer resourcefulness attempted to solve these needs, thus through many failures have brought us to an astounding mechanical age unequaled elsewhere.

Froelich owned a grain elevator where the grain was loaded into train cars. There he built a type of corn picker and he used a gasoline engine to run a well-drilling outfit.

The grain elevator burned down, and Froelich began traveling to the Dakotas to thresh grain. He used a steam engine, but those engines had problems in that area due to water availability and wind and fire issues. In an attempt to deal with the problems of steam power on the prairie, Froelich bought a one-cylinder gasoline-powered engine. He then worked with an assistant, William Mann, and mounted the engine on a frame, making and designing many parts themselves.

In the fall of 1892, Froelich and his threshing crew of 16 loaded up their new tractor invention onto a train car and headed to Langford, South Dakota. After 72 days, they had harvested 72,000 bushels of grain with the Froelich tractor, which was known as a traction engine.

S.G. Steward, of Waterloo, Iowa, had sold Froelich a steam engine. He became interested in the new tractor invention, and in 1893 the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company was organized to produce the tractor. Unfortunately, an economic depression hit the country in 1895 and Froelich ended up leaving the company he had helped found. He not only lost his share of the company but also his other businesses and his home and savings

The Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company was later reorganized and eventually started building the Waterloo Boy tractor in 1911. In 1918 the John Deere company bought the Waterloo Gasoline Tractor Company and used it as a basis for the early Deere tractors.

Meanwhile, Schutte says Froelich moved his family to Dubuque, where he manufactured stationary engines. He then moved to Marshalltown and eventually to St. Paul, Minnesota, where his brother owned a company making washing machines. He later served as president of the Security Construction and Investment Company.

In 1939, just a few years after John Froelich died, the town of Froelich commemorated the invention of the tractor. A few decades later, it opened the Froelich Tractor and 1890s Village Museum. That museum is still open during the summer months, from May to early October. Normal hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, starting May 14. Call ahead if bringing a group.

For more information about the museum, visit www.froelichtractor.com.

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About the only vehicle you Joe Duffy could park in his garage is a Lego. It brims with wood and tools as the headquarters of his business, THF Woodwork LLC, which stands for The Handy Fireman.
A highway patrol traffic stop for a taillight issue ended with charges against a Louisiana man.

Court documents show on Thursday, Jan. 6, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Justin Barney was patrolling on US-64 near County Road 590 in Alfalfa County when he saw a silver pickup traveling westbound with the left rear taillight inoperable. Barney turned his vehicle around to make a traffic stop. He turned on his emergency lights, and as he caught up, he noticed the vehicle was traveling at a higher rate of speed. A radar check indicated the vehicle was traveling 78 mph in a 65 mph area.

The pickup yielded to the right, and Trooper Barney made contact with the driver Nathaniel Paul Briscoe. He explained that he had stopped him for a taillight not working. Barney told Briscoe he would be back with him. He then went back to his patrol unit to check Briscoes drivers license status and issue enforcement action.

As Trooper Barney sat back into his patrol unit, Briscoe left the scene of the traffic stop, traveling westbound on US-64. Barney initiated his siren and advised Troop J headquarters in Enid that the subject had fled the scene. Barney pursued Biscoe on US-64 into Woods County at speeds that did not exceed 60 mph.

Briscoe yielded a second time at US-64 and Baker Street in Woods County. Trooper Barney conducted a felony stop with the assistance of the Alva Police Department and placed Briscoe into custody. He asked Briscoe why he left the initial stop. Briscoe stated, I thought you were going to follow me into town.

Barney placed Briscoe into his patrol unit and conducted a search incident to arrest and was able to detect an odor of marijuana. A red backpack was located in the vehicle by Trooper Brock Morgan. The backpack contained multiple drug paraphernalia items, THC WAX (70.86% THC), rolling papers, lighters, a gold color grinder and a clear container with a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. After concluding the search, Barney transported Briscoe to the Woods County Jail to be booked in.

On Jan. 7 in Woods County, Nathaniel Paul Briscoe, 22, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was charged with four misdemeanors: (1) obstructing an officer, (2) attempting to elude a police officer, (3) possession of controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) and (4) unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
In June 1967, Israel defeated five Arab armies in what became known as the Six-Day War. That war actually began when the Arabs invaded Israel immediately after her Declaration of Independence in 1948. The Arabs had hoped to destroy Israel and drive the Jews into the sea.

Three months later, the Arab League met in Khartoum and declared their 3 nos; no peace with Israel, no recognition of Israel, no negotiations with Israel, Also included was their insistence on the rights of the Palestinian people in their own country.

Thereafter they resorted to a different battlefield. They began a diplomatic war against Israel in which they used propaganda, extortion, and terror to achieve their desired goal. Eventually, they managed to get most of the world to back their false narrative and to support their cause. In particular, the world now believes that the land in question is Occupied Palestinian Land and that international law supports them and holds that the settlements are illegal. These beliefs are supported by the US, the EU, and the UN among others.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. For the truth, read International Law and the State of Israel and The Legality of Israel Sovereignty over Judea and Samaria According to International law.

It is long past time for Israel to declare its own 3 no's; no to a nuclear Iran, no to the two-state solution, no to a bi-national state.

Why so? Because nothing is to be gained by negotiating.

Iran will not forgo its objective of acquiring nuclear weapons which it needs to secure its existence and to destroy Israel, its stated objective.

Iran's nuclear facilities

credit: Yagasi, translation of the original work by Semhur CC BY-SA 4.0 license

The Palestinian Authority (PA ) and Hamas are committed to destroying Israel, the Zionist project. To that end, they promote a narrative that denies the Balfour Declaration, the San Remo Resolution, and the rights of Jews to a homeland and close settlement as set out in the Palestine Mandate.

From their perspective, they claim that all the land west of the Jordan River is Palestinian Land, that Jews have no historical claim to the land and that Jerusalem belongs to them. Just last month, The United Nations General Assembly approved a resolution 129-11 on Wednesday that disavowed Jewish ties to the Temple Mount and called it solely by its Muslim name of al-Haram al-Sharif.

In 2018, Dr. Jacques Gauthier DLL said 'International consensus' on Jerusalem is baseless. Gauthier devoted his doctoral thesis to the issue of ownership and legal rights over Jerusalem. He published it under the title, Sovereignty over the old city of Jerusalem: a study of the historical, religious, political and legal aspects of the question of the old city

The Abstract reads:

At the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, the Zionist Organization presented its claim for recognition of the historical and national rights of the Jewish people to Palestine including Jerusalem and its Old City. In San Remo, in 1920, the Allied Powers, holding the power of disposition over Palestine, decided to recognize the Jewish historical claim converting it into a binding international law claim. It was incorporated into the Mandate for Palestine approved by the League of Nations in 1922. This "Sacred Trust of Civilization" provided for the establishment of the Jewish National Home in Palestine based on historical connections and recognition of the grounds for reconstituting their national home in that country, subject to safeguarding the civil and religious rights of its inhabitants.

Plain and simple, the San Remo Resolution of 1920 gave legal title to the Jews and the Mandate for Palestine (1922) enshrined it. Finally, the Charter of the United Nations upholds it. Sec 8o provides;

nothing in this Chapter shall be construed in or of itself to alter in any manner the rights whatsoever of any states or any peoples or the terms of existing international instruments to which Members of the United Nations may respectively be parties.

The PA and Hamas will not accept a permanent Two-State Solution or even a Bi-national state, other than as a means to ultimately destroy Israel. And no third party will prevent it from happening. In fact, the opposite is true.

Zeev Jabotinsky understood this well. In Nov. 1923, just after the Palestine Mandate was signed, almost 100 years ago, he called for an Iron Wall. He recognized that the differences between Jews and Arabs were irreconcilable.

There can be no voluntary agreement between ourselves and the Palestine Arabs. Not now, nor in the prospective future. I say this with such conviction, not because I want to hurt the moderate Zionists. I do not believe that they will be hurt. Except for those who were born blind, they realised long ago that it is utterly impossible to obtain the voluntary consent of the Palestine Arabs for converting "Palestine" from an Arab country into a country with a Jewish majority. To imagine, as our Arabophiles do, that they will voluntarily consent to the realisation of Zionism, in return for the moral and material conveniences which the Jewish colonist brings with him, is a childish notion, which has at bottom a kind of contempt for the Arab people; it means that they despise the Arab race, which they regard as a corrupt mob that can be bought and sold, and are willing to give up their fatherland for a good railway system.

In demanding an Iron Wall, he was calling for the Mandate to be enforced by force of arms rather than to be amended by negotiations.

Yet we keep spoiling our own case, by talking about "agreement" which means telling the Mandatory Government that the important thing is not the iron wall, but discussions. Empty rhetoric of this kind is dangerous. And that is why it is not only a pleasure but a duty to discredit it and to demonstrate that it is both fantastic and dishonest.

The same applies today. Israel is in possession of all the land west of the Jordan, save Gaza, and must keep it by force of arms and not by negotiations which will secure her nothing and serve only to diminish her rights.

Israpundits slogan There Is No Diplomatic Solution echoes Jabotinskys belief.

In this regard, Israel must steel its resolve. It must be emphatic. It must be assertive. To do otherwise permits the camels nose under the tent. According to an alleged Arab proverb, if a camel is allowed to get its nose inside of a tent, it will be impossible to prevent the rest of it from entering. Similarly, the US and the EU must be prevented from getting their proverbial foot in the door.

Thus, the need for Israel to declare its 3 nos to be enforced by an Iron Wall.

During Yom Kippur services, the Cantor sings Kol Nidrei (All Vows) and the Mahzor (Prayer Book) includes this footnote;

Rabbi Amnon was pressured to convert to Christianity. As a delaying tactic, he requested three days to consider the offer; immediately he regretted intensely giving even the pretense that he could possibly accept a foreign religion. (and paid with his life)

The point is, Israel shouldnt waver. It must be strong in its resolve. It shouldnt give mixed messages. It shouldnt allow either the nose under the tent or the foot in the door.

Unfortunately, that is not what Israel is doing, especially the current government.

It gave mixed messages regarding Iran by suggesting it was open to a good deal with Iran and regarding the PA which it fights and supports at the same time.

Israel, for whatever reason, keeps the door open to the two-state solution by not rejecting it out of hand. Instead, Israel should slam the door shut and refuse to negotiate.

And now we learn just how committed the EU was and is to the two-state solution. In June 2020, the UK threatened to recognize Palestine if Netanyahu extended Israeli sovereignty to 30% of Area C as set out in the Oslo Accords. Netanyahu chose discretion over valor.

This is all the more reason that Israel should eradicate all EU-funded, illegal Arab construction in Area C. The EU means business and so should Israel.

Biden just gave $99 million to UNRWA to help finance their demonization of Israel and their encouragement of terrorism. This was in addition to the $314 million already given last year.

Then, Ganz, Israels Minister of Defense, offers the PA confidence building measures including a loan of $150 million which is, in reality, the same as the hated gestures which in the past were forced upon Israel.

The PA provides salaries to terrorists, convicted or otherwise, which Israel and the US condemn. What else is there to discuss? Game over. But Israel totally undermines this by getting in bed with the PA to fight Hamas.

No matter how many rockets Hamas fires at Israel, Israels policy remains calm for calm of tit for tat. How about a policy of zero tolerance?

Since the US has made it clear that there is daylight between us, Israel should do likewise rather than be open to removing the daylight by acquiescing to US demands.

With all the pressure Israel is under, it has no choice but to declare its own 3 nos; no to a nuclear Iran, no to the two-state solution, no to a bi-national state.
Some films are chilling because their fiction penetrates the agonizing core of reality. The soon-to-be-released Unsilenced, from award-winning Chinese-Canadian filmmaker Leon Lee, is a prime example. It brings into sharp focus the oppression unleashed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on Falun Gong, a movement that emphasizes ethical conduct, qigong exercises, and meditation. Fearing that Falun Gong would overtake it in popularity, the party has since 1999 been persecuting practitioners with arrest, torture, forced labor, menticide, and execution. But an underground resistance has established itself, led by ordinary Falun Gong practitioners pushed by extraordinary circumstances into heroic acts.

The film's lead character, Wang (played by Ting Wu), is based on Wang Weiyu, a survivor of China's prisons and labor camps. Wang and his friends pay a heavy price for fighting back. But with the help of journalist Daniel Davis (played by Sam Trammell), they succeed in getting the word out on the plight of the Falun Gong. Leading the crackdown against them is the sadistic Secretary Yang (played by Tzu-Chiang Wang).

Although Lee has been living in Canada since 2006, he is no stranger to Falun Gong or the CCP's atrocities. His documentary Human Harvest (2014) exposed China's demonic removal and sale of organs from prisoners and inmates at labor camps. Many of these are Falun Gong practitioners. The documentary was broadcast in more than 25 countries and won the Peabody Award.

His Letter from Masanjia (2018) is an equally heartrending true story of a note found in a box of Halloween decorations by an Oregon resident. The writer of the note is Sun Yi, a Falun Gong practitioner held at an infamous labor camp where the decorations were made. Tracing Sun Yi after his release, collaborating with him via surreptitious Skype calls, and instructing him on how to use a camera, Lee put together the story of what happens in the CCP's labor camps. Sun Yi risked it all and later made his way to Indonesia because China allows travel there without a passport. He died in 2017 in Indonesia, most likely poisoned by Chinese agents.

Lee's company, Flying Cloud Productions, remains committed to bringing "human rights violations to light in both documentary and narrative filmmaking." His films are among the most pirated in China, and he often receives emails from anonymous Chinese viewers stupefied by the content they hasten to share, evidence that Falun Gong may be reigniting hope in the People's Republic.

The filming of Unsilenced, which took place in Taiwan, was replete with challenges. During production, Taiwanese fighter jets scrambled to intercept Chinese planes intruding Taiwan's airspace. Many film professionals shied away from the production, cast and crew used aliases or remained anonymous, and a few actors quit after being threatened. Lee was under constant pressure to recruit new talent and scout for alternative locations as filming permission would suddenly be withdrawn. There were post-production hitches, too. The owner of the Canadian production company wouldn't risk listing his name in the credits. Chinese students at Boston University were enlisted to protest a screening of the movie. The film is as much a testament to his persistence as that of its protagonists.

Unsilenced is fast-paced, as befitting a gritty political thriller. It juxtaposes the resolve of the Falun Gong members against the machinations of the CCP apparatus, directed by the ruthless Secretary Yang. American reporter Daniel Davis has fortuitously returned to China ten years after being thrown out for his coverage of the Tiananmen Square uprising and is again drawn into the fight against a brutal regime. The film pieces together Davis, Wang, and his friends' ordeals in a way that leaves audiences shaken.

The story begins in 1999, a time when Falun Gong, rooted in traditional Chinese culture and upholding truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, was esteemed and broadly accepted in China as a meditative, spiritual practice. It had some 100 million practitioners, including many party officials, and claimed more adherents than the CCP. This perceived threat triggered the hardline atheist CCP's top brass to establish the Stasi-like 610 Office to eradicate Falun Gong. The agency would coerce friends and relatives to denounce Falun Gong followers, subject them to psychological and physical torture to make them recant, force them to do hard labor, harvest their organs, and murder those too hard to break.

The film opens with Wang and his girlfriend Li, and Xia and her uninitiated boyfriend Jun, biking to a park for a free Falun Gong teaching session. They are enthusiastic, idealistic students at Tsinghua University, Beijing. A car carrying Secretary Yang is held up in a traffic snarl caused by the well-attended session, and his associate remarks how Falun Gong has more followers than the party. This foreshadows rising tension  and trouble for the group.

Back at their university lab, Wang and Jun are denied a grant request for their collaborative research project. Wang's academic adviser cautions him that there are rumors that the CCP may begin to act against Falun Gong. Wang is incredulous, for the government has so far been supportive of the movement and counts many practitioners in its ranks.

When Falun Gong members are rounded up, beaten, and arrested, Wang naively assumes that since they are well-meaning citizens, there has been some misunderstanding. He convinces a few student practitioners to take their case to a government appeals office. When they arrive, there's a large demonstration in progress, comprising family and friends of Falun Gong members in custody. Coincidentally, Davis, who has returned to China to work on a book on traditional Chinese culture thanks to conciliatory efforts of the Chicago Post on his behalf, passes by. With him is his assistant-cum-minder Min (played by Anastasia Lin).

Remarking that this is the largest demonstration since 1989, Davis starts photographing the protest. But he's ushered away by police to the office of a CCP official he knows from his coverage of the Tiananmen Square massacre. He is not so subtly threatened and allowed to go. Recognizing that the CCP's treatment of Falun Gong is a tragic repetition of Tiananmen, he importunes the Chicago Post to let him cover the emerging story but is asked to stick to his original assignment. He later discovers a recording device in a teapot gifted to him by his assistant and realizes he's being trailed and recorded.

Back at the rally, an official calls for volunteers to speak to government representatives. Wang and Xia are among the volunteers and they are assured that all those who have been arrested will be released, that qigong has never been banned, and that they should tell the demonstrators to go home. They return to the crowd and ask the protesters to disband.

However, government broadcasts report that thousands of Falun Gong had attacked the CCP headquarters and interfered in government operations. The incident is compared to the Tiananmen Square riots, and a campaign of disinformation is unleashed to discredit Falun Gong. The group is described as supporting murder and self-immolation. A new CCP decree declares the group illegal, and Falun Gong practitioners are hounded, expelled from universities, and unable to find work. It's clear the CCP has declared an all-out war to destroy the group.

Wang and his friends realize they have been deceived, and their struggle to fight back and expose the CCP's crimes against Falun Gong to the world intersects with Davis's efforts in nail-biting action. Lee's masterful production is an eye-opener to the inner workings of the CCP and the challenges faced by journalists and activists countering its propaganda.

Fortunately, the real-life Wang Weiyu escaped to the U.S. after a long prison sentence. He remains deeply committed to helping those left behind to suffer in China  not just Falun Gong, but also other religious groups, ethnic minorities, and political dissidents.

Image: Unsilenced official trailer via IMDb.
Two important cases came before the Supreme Court this week and, in Congress, the Nancy Pelosi Reichstag Fire Revisited was being played out. In both cases, these bodies deserved our disrespect for their violation of established norms and display of ignorance.

The Supreme Court

Article III, Section II of the Constitution establishes the jurisdiction (legal ability to hear a case) of the Supreme Court. The Court has original jurisdiction (a case is tried before the Court) over certain cases, e.g., suits between two or more states and/or cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers. What this means in simple terms is that, with rare exceptions, when the court has original jurisdiction as detailed in Section II above, the court sits as an appellate court. That means that it is not a trier of fact. It must decide the legal issues based solely on the factual record. Anyone with even the most basic knowledge of civics knows this but, apparently, three justices do not and, in going beyond the scope of the trial court record, they not only exceed their constitutional role but showed why this limitation is important. They cited purported facts which are in substantial error in a forum where there is no opportunity to really contest them as would be the case in a trial court. The question in these two cases is whether the mandates were properly issued under the Administrative Procedure Act and in accord with the agencies congressionally delegated powers, not the individual justices' views on the spread of COVID-19. It was hoped that these cases would rein in administrative agency overreaching and end a period of too lax judicial oversight of their activities.

Heres the background. The Court heard two cases respecting COVID vaccine mandates on an emergency basis and, in an unusual move, the justices opted to fast-track the cases for oral argument on the question whether the mandates can remain in place while challenges to their legality continue in the lower courts.

The first case, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) v. Department of Labor challenges the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandate requiring all employers of at least 100 persons to submit to vaccinations or regular testing. This mandate would apply to 84 million workers. Citing a retweet by White House Chief of Staff Ronald Klain referring to this mandate -- which would cover most of the nation's private workforce as work around; that is, a way to cover everyone in the absence of congressional legislation -- Chief Justice Roberts indicated that he thought the government had overreached. He asserted that COVID mitigation policies were a matter better handled by the states and Congress. Justice Neil Gorsuch seemingly endorsed this view. In the course of the discussion, Justice Stephen Breyer claimed there were 750 million new cases yesterday, or close to it, that is a lot. (There are only 332.4 million Americans.) He also claimed that vaccines and masks would prevent 100 percent of the coronavirus infections.

[U.S. Solicitor General] Prelogar admitted that the Court had the power to use an administrative stay, whereupon Justice Breyer intervened: So if we delay that one day -- maybe Im wrong, and please tell me if I am -- but the numbers I read is when they issued this order, there were approximately 70-something-thousand new cases every day. And yesterday, there were close to 750,000. So if we delay it a day, if it were to have effect, then 750,000 more people will have COVID who otherwise, if we didnt delay it, would not have. I mean, I dont doubt the power of the Court to issue a stay, I am just saying, what are the consequences of that? And if I am wrong, you better tell me Im wrong, because that it really did make a difference. Breyer is probably correct that it would make a difference, but not that it would prevent 750,000 new cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that since vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing infection, some people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19. It adds: Getting vaccinated is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent infection by Delta or other variants. It notes that wearing masks in indoor public spaces offers better protection against the spread of coronavirus, but does not say that masks prevent all possible viral transmission. Rates of infection were 474.81 per 100,000 population among the unvaccinated as of November 2021, and 99.70 per 100,000 among the vaccinated -- nearly five times smaller, though not zero. The omicron variant is thought to be more infectious.

The most idiotic statements -- showing a total misunderstanding and/ or disregard for the Constitution -- were by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor compared human beings to machines when commenting in favor of President Joe Bidens vaccine mandate for businesses with 100-plus employees on Friday. Why is a human being not like a machine if its spewing a virus, blood-borne viruses? Sotomayor asked Scott Keller, the attorney for National Federation of Independent Business, during an expedited Supreme Court hearing regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) coronavirus vaccine mandate.

Certainly, any sentient person even lightly familiar with the Constitution could point out to her the serious flaw in her thinking.

She also falsely asserted that there were 100,000 children in serious condition from COVID. (HHS says the number of confirmed pediatric hospitalizations with COVID is 3,342. Maybe Sonia needs to recalibrate her computer. Or maybe shes so anxious to expand administrative powers she cant be bothered to learn the facts.)

The second case, Biden v. Missouri, raised a somewhat different question -- whether the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had the right to require vaccination of more than 10 million people employees in health care facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. The lower court had enjoined this mandate and the U.S. Solicitor General argued that the mandate was needed to protect Medicare and Medicaid patients. Justice Elena Kagans view was that this was a reasonable measure by an agency with expertise in disease management, something Ohios Solicitor General contested

OSHA typically identifies a workplace danger and then regulates it, he said. But, here, the president decided to regulate a danger and then told OSHA to find a work-related basis for doing so, and created a blunderbuss rule, nationwide in scope, that requires the same thing of all covered employers, regardless of the other steps theyve taken to protect employees, regardless of the nature of their workplaces, regardless of their employees risk factors, and regardless of local conditions that state and local officials are far better positioned to understand and accommodate.

Missouris deputy attorney general Jesus Osete noted that, in early 2020 as COVID cases soared, millions of health care workers heroically stayed at work. These same workers are now forced to choose between losing their jobs and complying with the governments caving mandate.

Louisiana solicitor general Elizabeth Murrill described the mandate as an invasive, irrevocable, forced medical treatment and a bureaucratic power move that is unprecedented.

Court watchers were uniformly critical of the Breyer, Kagan, and Sotomayor ramblings. Mark Wauck did a good job assembling the comments. My favorite is this exchange:

Hans Mahncke There were a number of instances in recent years that opened the eyes of ordinary folks to incompetence, bias and corruption in the judiciary (e.g. Sullivan, Michael Kwan or the 131 federal judges who didnt declare financial conflicts). But today feels like a watershed moment. Techno Fog Its hard to convey the disrespect showed by Justices Sotomayor and Breyer today. 100 million Americans are affected by the Biden COVID mandates. And these Justices showed up unprepared, inventing COVID numbers to support whatever legal conclusion theyve already reached.

Some observers feel the HHS mandate on health care workers stands a better chance of remaining in place than the OSHA mandate, which would largely leave the matter in state hands. But the HHS directive is based on factually questionable claims since more fully vaccinated people have become infected with and are spreading the latest Omicron variant. Moreover, even were it soundly based, the agency skipped public comment, failed to consider narrow alternatives, and didnt examine the cost of the mandate -- staff shortages and lower-quality care -- something they would have done had they followed the normal Administrative Procedure Act.

And to those of us not born yesterday, if these sloppily crafted mandates stand, we can anticipate more and more government overreach responding to emergencies and justified by more and more administrative power grabs.

Even leaving vaccine mandates to the states, the downsides are evident. Washington States heavy snowfall has blocked every cross-state mountain pass and the State Department of Transportation estimates the roads will not be cleared until today (Sunday). A major factor compounding the difficulty of clearing this snow is that Governor Jay Inslee enforced a vaccine mandate that resulted in the firing of over 400 transportation employees, including more than 200 maintenance crew. Those who remain on the job are understandably quickly burning out on seven-day workweeks and long hours under arduous conditions. Is cutting off the two halves of the state worth enforcing this mandate? Is it, even as evidence mounts that the vaccines are of very limited efficacy in stopping the virus and its spread?

The Pelosi Psychodrama

Not far from the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her pals are trying yet again to make more of the January 6 riot than facts would warrant. She persuaded the cast of Hamilton to sing about democracy, inspiring the Wall Street Journals James Freemen to dub this Capitol Riot: The Musical!

Readers probably dont recall a 2002 congressional effort to mark the first anniversary of 9/11 with a catchy musical number from a Broadway smash hit. And perhaps that says it all about the Democrats Thursday production to mark one year since the Capitol riot of 2021. Two decades ago, no one had to sell the idea that America had suffered a devastating attack. Today the political appetites of incumbent Democrats require pretending that last years riot was an insurrection.

Ricochet joins in satirizing the Pelosi psychodrama:

Just to show what somber and solemn remembrance was called for on this day, Nancy Pelosi invited the cast of Hamilton to perform show tunes on the floor of the House. Short of squirting each other with seltzer bottles and placing whoopie cushions on every chair in the House chamber, it is impossible to imagine a more fitting commemoration of this historic day.

From January 2017, when Washington, D.C. was torn apart by thugs upset at the Trump victory, through more recent BLM riots, the congressional Democrats remained silent, as shops and cars were torched, passersby assaulted, and the wrongdoers let off the hook. You may have forgotten, but I have not. Neither has Powerline.

So out of whack are the Democrats that Vice-President Kamala Harris said the January 6 riot was worse than the 9/11 or Pearl Harbor attacks on the United States. And the Democrats semi-official historian Doug Brinkley compared it to 9/11, Pearl Harbor, and the Holocaust.

The satire site Babylon Bee suggests, in that case, that the 9/11 memorial be replaced with a statue of Pelosis podium to commemorate the January 6 riot. Not many are buying this nonsense, though. A recent survey indicates that the majority of us think that it was not an insurrection (something the government hasnt even charged) but a three-hour riot that got out of hand. Perhaps if the Democrats had some winning policies, they could stop concentrating on Donald J. Trump, whose popular support today far surpasses that of the President, Vice-President, and Nancy Pelosi. The Pelosi psychodrama, however, has one winner. Former vice-president Dick Cheney, who showed up to support his turncoat daughter Liz, suddenly ceased being war criminal Darth Cheney to the left and is now a hero to them.
Today's 1/6 "insurrection" histrionics are more than political theater.

They're just another skirmish in a political war that's been going on in the American Republic since the mid19th century and is now culminating in a federal power grab more unprecedented than the Great Society, the New Deal, and perhaps even the Civil War.

Barack Obama's 2008 election was the 21st-century coup de grace in this sesquicentennial trench warfare against Jeffersonian autonomy. Obama's presidency ended with the 2016 election, but the oligarchy he left behind him was what governance looked like after the ruling class that created the Obama myth, and twice sold it to a culturally deracinated electorate, had used it to guillotine the Republic's already dethroned Constitution.

That post-Obama oligarchy generated the pathological enmity that greeted Donald Trump's 2016 election and relentlessly hounded him throughout his first term. Obama's Deep State realized that eight years of a Trump presidency would banish it from the corridors of national power it had so insidiously infiltrated during its postmodern Robespierre's eight-year presidency. Thus, the political priority became  at all costs  subverting Trump's first term and preventing his second term by electing an Obama proxy in 2020. And that's exactly what the Deep State accomplished, with a quadrennial hoax of Russian collusion, two impeachments (one with only a week left in Trump's presidency!), every other calumny the Deep State could disingenuously devise, and an expedient national pandemic. Ergo, the epsilon-minus semi-moron  formerly Obama's white political spittoon  who's now president of the United States.

Consider just two political debaucheries at the American Republic's Cabaret de la Guillotine: Obama's Affordable Care Act and Biden's COVID vaccination "emergency temporary standards."

Obama's Affordable Care Act was neither affordable nor caring. It was, in fact, the federal government unconstitutionally forcing American citizens to buy a product most of them didn't want to buy.

And Biden's COVID vaccination mandate is neither an emergency nor temporary. It is, in fact, the federal government even more unconstitutionally forcing American citizens to inject into their very bodies a genetic agent at least 100 million of them don't want to inject into their bodies.

If the federal government can force American citizens to buy medical insurance they don't want, then it can presumably force them to buy virtually anything they don't want to buy.

And if the federal government can force American citizens to inject into their very bodies a genetic agent they don't want, then it can presumably force them to do virtually anything they don't want to do to their bodies.

Obama's Affordable Care Act blatantly violated the U.S. Constitution's grant of power to the Legislative Branch of the Republic's governance, but at least it had a statutory patina as well as the judicial whitewash John Roberts provided by changing its "purchase" to a "tax" (the latter an unconstitutional Judicial Branch exercise of legislative power compounding an unconstitutional Legislative Branch exercise of legislative power).

But Biden's COVID vaccination mandate has neither a statutory nor a judicial nor any other patina of legitimacy. It doesn't even rise to the questionable legitimacy of an executive order, and the best euphemism for this astonishingly unconstitutional misuse of executive power Obama's Deep State can come up with is an "executive temporary standard." What? The Federal Government can now force 100 million Americans to inject an unwanted genetic agent into their bodies by nothing more than something termed an "executive temporary standard"?

Well, then, if, say, masculinity were to become too toxic for the nation's general welfare to any longer bear, why couldn't the federal government also force 100 million or so American citizens to undergo androgen-deprivation therapy? I mean, what would ever again be a bridge too far for the federal government's executive action?

Fortunately, Trump's nomination  despite the subversion of his presidency  of three subsequently appointed conservative Supreme Court justices will almost certainly afford him the last laugh here because the Supreme Court is  as we speak  giving expedited consideration of a legal challenge to Biden's "executive temporary standards" brought by 27 states and an assortment of private businesses, religious groups, and national industry representatives. Despite Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and perhaps even Judas Roberts himself, Trump's Supreme Court legacy should see the nation through Biden's unparalleled Deep State parade to the Place de la Revolution.

If not, this may well become Jeffersonian autonomy's 21st-century Reign of Terror.

And we all know what happened after the French monarchy's Reign of Terror: L'empereur.

Biden's no Bonaparte, but who knows what may succeed him in a Republic finally unanchored from the rule of law?

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Democrats have accumulated a truly repulsive vortex of rich, largely white, Big Labor allies, all of whom have served to trash the interests of the working classes and repel voters. None have been as bad for them as the teachers' unions, which still seek to shut down public schools on phony COVID concerns and allow kids to founder. They're so toxic for Democrats that we're now seeing stirrings of some kind of fightback against them in Democrat circles.

If Democrats are smart, they will go full PATCO on these greedy, venal, psychopaths, in the same way the great Ronald Reagan set the tone for his presidency by firing an entire union of rogue airline traffic controllers, inadvertently sending a message to the world. The time for it is growing very short now that the Chicago teachers' union is overreaching at the expense of kids yet again, refusing to return to the classroom, yet again, and this time against the established promise of the city's political leaders. Kira Davis, in an opinion piece for the Daily Mail, explains what's going on:

[Jesse] Sharkey is the current President of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and the lead cheerleader for unnecessarily shutting out Chicago's 350,000 public school students, even as parents and the Mayor of Chicago beg them to return to school. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) cancelled classes for the third-straight day on Friday, as the vast majority of staff refuses to report to work. Happy New Year!

This leftist ass made this decision even as parents were made to go through an incredible rigamarole of COVID tests just to be able to send their kids back to school. Obviously, they did it -- K.T. at Ace of Spades has an important post (written in the local vernacular there, which involves cuss words) about the wringer the parents were put through yet didn't protest about because they wanted schools to open so badly:

Those teachers also said "We're not coming into work." after putting kids and parents through this ordeal of COVID testing. From the Chicago Tribune, December 29: [Click here to see photo of piled up mail with test kits waiting to be collected by the postal service] Chicago Public Schools said it has extended the deadline to Thursday for parents to return the district's at-home COVID-19 test kits after photos circulated online Tuesday of drop-off boxes overflowing with packages. "We are encouraged by the number of families who have submitted test kits so far. We are working with all partners to ensure a timely pick up of test kits at FedEx and libraries," a CPS spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday that noted the district has added a drop-off location at the Garfield Ridge branch of the Chicago Public Library and will accept completed test kits at some libraries until 5 p.m. Thursday. CPS also urged families to pursue testing on their own this week amid a city surge in COVID-19 cases. Some parents have filed a suit attempting to end the teacher strike. Would you trust a bunch of people who act like this to educate your kids?

The site notes that Joe Biden has showered the district with COVID relief funds, to the tune of $1.8 billion. It's also installed expensive air filtration systems demanded by teachers' unions as the condition for their returning to class. Somehow, nothing is ever good enough for these union thugs who simply don't want to work and demand to be accommodated all the time.

Davis, who wrote the opinion piece for the Mail, notes that Chicago gets $27,000 from the feds for every enrolled pupil, which is a lot of moolah for nothing, a veritable ivy league semester actually. What do the parents and kids get for this cash? Just a Zoom class now, and probably not as good as a free one as those offered on, say, Coursera, W3, or the Khan Academy.

It's revolting and now we see things like this going down:

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot: "Enough is enough. We are standing firm. And we are going to fight to get our kids back in in-person learning. Period. Full stop." pic.twitter.com/qFo1qmAMEk  Corey A. DeAngelis (@DeAngelisCorey) January 6, 2022

Obviously, Lightfoot is hearing from voters. That's the first stirrings of a PATCO moment that is long overdue on the blue side of the aisle. One of them is going to have to flat out repudiate, if not destroy these teachers' unions, or else the unions will take them down like parasites on a host.

It runs roughly parallel to San Francisco Mayor London Breed's call to clean up the Tenderloin hellhole district, where drug dealers and criminals are running rampant based on a white prosecutor who refuses to prosecute criminals, and the whole city is suffering. She's beyond gaslighting now and knows she has to do something about the godawful conditions that are not only taking her city down but probably her political career as well.

It also runs roughly parallel to the election of Eric Adams in New York City, following the hellhole reign of the city's worst mayor ever, Bill de Blasio, another white leftist.

It's very significant that all three of these blue city mayors are black, and the hideousness they are trying to stop is the masterwork of rich white socialists.

Davis thinks the racial angle is significant, too:

According to the district's own numbers, only 10% of Chicago Public School students are white. 61% of public school students are on the free lunch program, which is the metric state and federal entities use to determine poverty rates among students. How could only 10% of the public schools be made up of white students? Chicago itself has a much larger white population. Where are all their kids? Not in public school. The majority of white parents seem to have options and people who have options very rarely voluntarily choose public schools in the Windy City. You can see why in the case of Chicago. With the resurgence of COVID, fueled by the Omicron variant, the union has seized this new excuse to make exorbitant demands, and hold the children, mostly minority children, hostage to do it. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, 'systemic racism' is defined as: 'policies and practices that exist throughout a whole society or organization, and that result in and support a continued unfair advantage to some people and unfair or harmful treatment of others based on race.'

So it's almost all black and Mexican kids who are getting trashed over by white leftists on the altar of racial equity. The black kids are sacrificial victims. The white leftists are the beneficiaries. The black mayors are starting to call bee ess.

As clear as that sounds, it's hard to imagine that these mayors, being so steeped in leftism themselves, are willing to go the full Reagan and declare war on these miscreant white leftists who want to shut down schools and leave black kids with nothing. They aren't that brave -- none have come out and changed their parties to Republican, yet. But something seems to be happening, premised on recognizing the reality that white leftists don't recognize -- that the Democrat party is too unioned up to win elections now. That the Democrat party is bleeding voters. That people vote with their feet -- whether in full-blown moves to other states, as much of the black population of San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Boston have done, or else simply fled the school districts, as the white parents of Chicago have done, leaving the black parents and kids holding the bag.

What's needed now is that PATCO moment, when these mayors recognize that they are in a life and death struggle with teachers' unions (and Sorosian prosecutors) who have taken over their party, and they take action to destroy these parasites on the host. If things get bad enough, they will do it. Right now, we are seeing signs of it in Lightfoot's response and in the acts of the other black mayors of these deep blue cities.

A party can only recover once it tacks to the center after a disgusting binge to the fringe. We know that happened with the elections of Bill Clinton in the U.S. and Tony Blair in the U.K.

Are we perhaps seeing another repeat of this pattern in the blue city mayors? It's worth watching. If one of them gets up enough courage to stop these runaway unions, the future is theirs.

Image: Levan Ramishvili, via Flickr // public domain
Ive spent my adult life opposing urban crime. However, I wonder if Im doing enough. Maybe its time for me literally to offer my life as a sacrifice if that would spare just one innocent child. And its not just me. If were to save children in urban America, more adults, especially adult men, need to step up.

Theres been a recent wave of young Black murder victims in New Orleans. If you click here, youll see the tragedy of a funeral procession for seven-year-old Dillan Burton. Dillon was in the backseat of her mothers car along with her six-year-old sister when someone fired on the vehicle, killing the second-grader. And then there was the one-year-old baby who died after Corey Davis, his male parent, shot at his girlfriends car and managed, instead, to kill their baby. (I hesitate to call that person a father after this act of unforgivable brutality.

Its these tragedies that made me wonder today if offering my life as a sacrifice would spare at least one innocent child. Im not being melodramatic. Its simply an Old Testament-style plea to spare even one babys life.

Ive watched myriad Black mothers cry since the Crack Wars started in the 1980s. I watched safety advocates like New Orleans premiere crime fighter and mentor Brother Al Mims and Walter Gildersleeve Jr., the Detroit Batman, weep at the steady loss of Black life with no end in sight.

Image: Seven-year-old murder victim Dillon Burton. YouTube screen grab.

Im not sentimental. Definitely not warm and cuddly and, Ill add, not anybodys mentor. Still, the Lord keeps tugging me in that direction. My message is straightforward toward those who think its cute to terrorize women, children, and our young men. More men must be present to displace negative conditioning.

The problem is that safety advocacy has risks. Ive been threatened and had years worth of confrontations. Ive faced opposition from politicians and police officers who preferred I was a hush-mouthed hostage instead of a mouthy militant (meaning big, dark, and not dumb) who demanded they address safety concerns in my community as enthusiastically as they did for White neighborhoods. We pay their salaries too.

When my folks were alive, I couldnt tell my mother and maternal grandmother half of what I was doing and even the little that I shared with them worried them. The reality is that there are no medals or pensions for Black male safety advocates. Ive seen those Brothers crusading for a safe community opposed by powers that be in suits and wounded, and even murdered, by haters in streets around the country. But carrying on that crusade must be done.

Black men are the missing piece of the urban safety puzzle. Its the independent mass of us wholl change things, not handfuls in business, government, law enforcement, and social service agencies. Without Black men stepping up, nothing changes except things getting worse.

Standing up is risky and invites trouble for free. But consider this, its already risky and trouble already crosses Brothers paths without their taking public stands.

Its soul-crushing that our young murder victims will never reach my age and that their deaths just dont seem to matter outside of the grassroots. Weve got to change that. And sacrificing old hides for young lives, figuratively and possibly literally, is the level of dedication we need to make it happen.

Nadra Enzi aka Cap Black. Writer/Commentator on Liberation and Liberty.

#ActualSuperHeroForLiberty Advocate. #HaltHunger Organizer.
In December, Will Thomas, a man who claims to be a woman, won several swimming races at the University of Pennsylvania while competing as a woman. On Saturday, however, there was a countervailing headline: A woman who claims to be a man beat Will Thomas. The new narrative will be that so-called transgender women pose no competitive threat to real women. What gives me pause is that this is the same narrative we saw when New Zealand sent Gavin Hubbard to compete in womens weightlifting at the summer Olympics and Gavin flamed out, allowing transgender activists to say that so-called transgender women pose no competitive threat to real women. Theres a pattern here....

Because all the pronouns get confusing, let me set my parameters here. Gavin Hubbard, a man from New Zealand, now identifies as a woman. I will use his last name and correct biological pronouns.

Will Thomas, a male college student at the University of Pennsylvania, now identifies identifies as a woman. I will use his last name and correct biological pronouns.

Finally, Iszac Henig, a female college student, now claims to be a man. I will use her last name and correct biological pronouns.

The first act in this play was in the summer of 2020 when there was a big kerfuffle that New Zealand was sending Hubbard to compete in the womens weightlifting category at the Olympics. People noted his bigger bones, as well as the lifelong benefits testosterone, gave him when it came to physical strength, even though hed been taking female hormones. However, once at the Olympics, Hubbard flamed out completely. As I noted at the time, leftists immediately crowed that his failures showed that there was nothing unfair about having men compete against women.

Because Im cynical and suspicious, I openly wondered whether Hubbard threw the competition on purpose. Sure, he didnt take home a medal but, as a good activist should, he weakened the primary argument people have made against allowing biological men to claim womanhood and then compete against women; namely, that physically, men will beat women. This was one man who couldnt.

Hubbard was quickly forgotten, though, thanks in large part to Bidens disastrous Afghanistan retreatthe one that left behind dead Americans, dead children, and untold generations of real women suffering at the hands of real Muslim men.

Image: Swimmers racing by drobotdean. Freepik License.

The debate was reignited in December when Thomas wiped out his NCAA competition at a swim meet in Akron while swimming as a female. As with Hubbard, people again pointed out that letting men compete against women ensures that women will be at a serious disadvantage. The fact is that even teenage boys are faster and stronger than grown women and Thomass victories simply reinforced that truism.

However, yesterday, quite conveniently and miraculously, a woman beat Thomas at an NCAA swim meet. To add color to the story, the woman, Henig, claims to be a man, although she denies ever having had testosterone.

So, if youre trying to keep score, last month, a man pretending to be a woman outswam real women. This month, a woman pretending to be a man outswam the man pretending to be a woman. Once more, just as with Hubbard, we have this wonderful proof that biological women can beat so-called transgender women (that is, that biological women can beat men).

But just as with Hubbard, Im troubled by the numbers. Its hard to do one-on-one analyses because theyve been swimming all sorts of different races, but I compared whatever information I had available when it came to Thomass top times to the overall Division I top NCAA times, as well as comparing them to his and Henigs times yesterday. What emerges is that Henig is a decent swimmer for a woman, although by no means NCAA champion material, and that Thomas experienced a sudden collapse:

Will Thomas and Iszac Henig swim results Division 1 (all in yards) Real Women's top scores Thomas in Dec. Thomas in Jan. Henig in Jan. Women's 50 free 21.02 22:76 Women's 100 free 45:46 52:84 49:57 Women's 200 free 1:39:10 1:41:93 1:48:73 Women's 500 free 4:24:06 4:34:06 4:57:20 Women's 400 freestyle relay 3:06:96 51:94 his leg 50:45 her leg Women's 1650 free 15:03:31 15:59:71

Weird, right? Im not accusing Thomas of throwing the races. Im just pointing out how useful it is that Thomas, just like Hubbard, suddenly flamed out when the debate about men competing against women reached a fever pitch. The fact that he flamed out against a woman who believes shes a man only makes the story more colorful, rather than making it any less useless when it comes to the cause of men competing against women.
Critical Race Theory, CRT, is being injected into the narrative of what America is through the educational system, through the government bureaucracy, and even through some very large corporations.

We must take a stand against it and illuminate the truth rather than the Marxist lies which it tries to promote.

One overwhelming truth that seems to be overlooked is that America began its attempt to end slavery, shortly, within 90 years, of its founding. The Civil War was fought not only for economic reasons but for philosophical reasons. Our Constitution and our Declaration of Independence are the guidelines, the pursuit of which, that have allowed America to become the beacon of light and hope that it is to the world.

It is long past time that Americans look at the racial situation in our country and call it out for what it actually is. If one were to peruse the headlines, one might reasonably come to the conclusion that America is an evil, hateful, country with no right to a place on the world stage, that it occupies no moral high ground, and that something about it needs to fundamentally change.

You would think that America is a hellhole for people of color and any minority that anyone would care to designate as such. One would think that the oppressed blacks, women, gays and sexually unique, handicapped, poor, and just plain different are living in an America that hates them just because they are different.

One might think that the police are an evil group searching for people to harass and sometimes kill because they belong to a hated group. One could come to these conclusions, but, one could not be more wrong.

Turn for a moment and look not at the news headlines, but at our day-to-day ordinary lives.

I see a very different picture. I see a picture more akin to the Louis Armstrong or Ray Charles vision in the song What a Wonderful World. Listen to it. It will make you feel good.

Why such a dichotomy? Why such a different vision?

When police attempt to solve a crime, one of the things they do is try to figure out who benefits from whatever it is that has happened which cannot be proven or explained. Lets try to ask the same question about the situation in America.

Why do my own eyes see such a very different world than the media and certain political leaders? Well, if you take the Ray Charles- Louis Armstrong version, the people benefit. All the people benefit. They see themselves living in a wonderful world. A world where people get along, wish each other well, show love and respect, and are generally content. Everyone wins.

Lets turn now to the other view of the U.S. That is the view that the media and politicians want us to embrace. Whites hate and want to suppress blacks, men hate and want to subjugate women, police surveil our neighborhoods looking to arrest or kill innocent civilians. America is at its roots racist and hateful and must embrace Critical Race Theory. The world is awful and something must be done about it.

Who benefits from this viewpoint? Clearly, not everyone wins. Mostly, everyone loses. Everyone, that is, except the elites and the government.

It seems only logical that with all this hate and abuse in our country, something needs to be done. Justice must be obtained. Oppressed groups must be protected. Who can better level the playing field, protect those in need of protection and address all the injustices, than big government? A big government growing more and more intrusive in our lives. A big government telling us where to live, where to go to school, what to build, whom to hire, whom to promote, whom to push ahead, whom to punish. The elites get to advise and shape the power of big government. They get to feel good about saving those who cannot save themselves. What a wonderful world For Them.

What can we do? We can pull back the curtain on those who benefit from presenting America as a dreadful place to live. Take a step back, block out the blare of the media and look at the world as we, ourselves, see it.

It is time to end this false narrative of America, It is time to speak out against the lies even at the risk of being called racist.

Does some racism exist in America? Sure. You cannot expect to gather a group of 330 million people and have all of them be saints. There are some bad actors and there always will be. But, the dialogue about race in America has turned into nonsense. Everyone knows it. Everyone is afraid to speak out against it. And, it is time to believe your own lying eyes.
Is Baltimore a failed city? What do you call a city where kids graduate without minimum reading skills?

This is from Baltimore:

An alarming discovery coming out of a Baltimore City High School caught up in a scandal. Project Baltimore has obtained student assessment data from Augusta Fells Savage in west Baltimore, showing just how far behind some students are in that school.

The discovery is that kids are graduating but can't read. Remember the student with a 0.13 GPA and ranked 62 of 120 in his class? What happened to the 61 below that student? By the way, the student with the 0.13 GPA passed three classes in four years!

It gets worse if that's possible. An 8th-grade teacher said: "I would say around half of them couldn't read to the point where they could fully understand what they were supposed to be doing."

This is terrible, and I understand why so many teachers are frustrated. They get no support from the local leadership. I guess the mayor and the city council just want to graduate kids to get their federal grant or whatever they get.

Back in the late 1970s, I went to college in Maryland, and I lived and eventually got my first job in the Baltimore area. I knew people who graduated from public schools and never heard anything about kids graduating who can't read.

No fathers. No reading. Wonder why Baltimore is a failed city? Sadly, no one cares about these young men and women being thrown into the real world without the ability to read a newspaper ad.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk).

Image via Pixabay.
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England has been accused of ignoring the science in refusing to introduce coronavirus restrictions by Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, as he continued his war of words with the UK Government.

Mr Drakeford defended his earlier comments that England was the global outlier in the fight against the Omicron variant.

On Friday, he had launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Boris Johnson, accusing him of leading a Government which was politically paralysed.

Speaking on Skys Trevor Phillips on Sunday, Mr Drakeford said: Im asked time after time why isnt Wales doing the same things as England?

My answer was to point out that in this debate it is not Wales that is the outlier.

Wales is following the same path of putting protections in place that is being followed by Scotland, Northern Ireland, and not just devolved governments in the UK, but governments across Europe and across the world.

The questions as to why the UK Government has decided not to follow that course of action are for them to answer, not for me.

I think they have not done what the science would have told them they should do.

But thats decisions for them to answer for  Im answerable for the decisions we take here in Wales.

Alert level 2 restrictions remain in Wales, including wearing face coverings indoors, groups in public places such as restaurants limited to six people, and working from home if possible.

Indoor events of more than 30 people or outdoor events for more than 50 people are not allowed.

Mark Drakeford said he hoped Wales would be over the peak of Covid-19 restrictions in the next few weeks (Gareth Fuller/PA)

On Friday there was 994 people with Covid-19 being treated in Welsh hospitals while around 40 are in critical care  the majority of whom are unvaccinated.

Mr Drakeford said that having different restrictions in both England and Wales made public health communications more difficult.

When we have different messages across our border that does make it more difficult for us, he told Sky News.

We have faced this in the past and we go on doing as we see it as the right thing to protect lives and livelihoods here in Wales.

He also said he was hopeful the restrictions could be lifted in Wales as he was expecting a steep decline in infections once the peak in the next couple of weeks was reached.

As soon as we are in a position to see the peak past and the position improving, of course we will want to revert to the far more modest level of protections we had in place only a few weeks ago, he said.

Were hopeful that the level of protections we currently have in place will be sufficient to mitigate the impact of Omicron to help our NHS to deal with the astonishing pressures which its having to deal with every day.
The European Union is not too impressed with Foreign Secretary Liz Trusss threat to override parts of the post-Brexit agreement on Northern Ireland if negotiations fail.

Joao Vale de Almeida, the blocs ambassador to the UK, said it is unhelpful to keep agitating the issue of triggering Article 16, ahead of discussions this week.

Ms Truss said she will suggest constructive proposals to her EU counterpart, Maros Sefcovic, during their first face-to-face talks, at her Chevening retreat on Thursday.

But she said she is willing to invoke Article 16, which would suspend parts of the treaty designed to prevent a hard border with the Republic, if a deal cannot be struck.

Mr Vale de Almeida told Sky Newss Trevor Phillips on Sunday: Weve heard this before from the Government, so were not surprised. We are not too impressed.

We still believe its not very helpful that we keep agitating the issue of Article 16. I think what we should focus on  at least thats where we are focused on  is trying to find solutions for difficulties in the implementation of the protocol.

He called for new momentum in the talks, adding: We are eager to reconnect but we are even more eager to find compromises because we need to move on. Its been too long.

The Foreign Secretary was handed responsibility for the negotiations after Lord Frost resigned as Brexit minister last month.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Ms Truss said it is her absolute priority to resolve the unintended consequences created by the protocol to maintain peace in Northern Ireland.

When I see Maros Sefcovic this week for our first face-to-face talks, Ill be putting forward our constructive proposals to resolve the situation.

The current issues are myriad and manifest, she argued, citing issues such as bureaucracy on sending parcels between Northern Ireland and Britain and problems in procuring kosher food.

I am prepared to work night and day to negotiate a solution, Ms Truss said.

EU Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic will have talks with Foreign Secretary Liz Truss this week (Hollie Adams/PA)

But let me be clear: I will not sign up to anything which sees the people of Northern Ireland unable to benefit from the same decisions on taxation and spending as the rest of the UK, or which still sees goods moving within our own country being subject to checks.

My priority is to protect peace and stability in Northern Ireland. I want a negotiated solution, but if we have to use legitimate provisions including Article 16, I am willing to do that.

Last week, Mr Sefcovic warned that the foundation of the entire deal brokered between the UK and the EU will be jeopardised if Ms Truss takes the drastic step.

This is a very distracting element in the discussions. You try to achieve something together and  bam  theres the threat of Article 16 again, he told German newspaper Der Spiegel.

It touches on the fundamentals of our relationship.

The Northern Ireland Protocol was the most complicated part of the Brexit negotiations, and it is the foundation of the entire deal. Without the protocol, the whole system will collapse. We must prevent that at any cost.
Virgin Media O2 phone users will not face roaming charges this year after other networks announced the extra fee.

Two of the UKs four biggest networks  EE and Vodafone  are reintroducing roaming charges for customers travelling to Europe in January, with Three set to reintroduce them in May.

However, customers on both O2 and Virgin Mobile deals will maintain their inclusive roaming in the region, so they can travel and use their data, calls and texts just as they would in the UK.

Gareth Turpin, of Virgin Media O2, said: Were starting the year by giving our customers some certainty: we will not be reintroducing roaming fees in Europe for customers on O2 or Virgin Mobile.

Unlike all the other major mobile networks who are bringing back roaming fees, we will not be following suit.

With many Brits now looking to plan a trip abroad, weve got our customers covered and extra roaming charges will be one less thing to worry about.

Some customers of other providers are facing extra fees (Yui Mok/PA)

The firm said a family of four going abroad for two weeks could see an extra 100 on their bill, based on analysis of rates from other providers.

The return of roaming fees follows the UKs departure from the EU, with the bloc having removed the charges for people moving around Europe in 2017.

Customers who joined or upgraded with EE after July 7 2021 face a 2 daily charge for using their data, making calls, or sending text messages in EU countries.

The same fee will apply to Vodafone customers who joined the network after August 11 2021, or upgraded or renewed their contract.

Three will bring in the 2 daily charge on May 23, applicable to customers who joined the network or upgraded after October 1 2021.

Both EE and Vodafone will offer alternatives to avoid the fee, with EE customers able to buy a 30-day Roam Abroad Pass for 10 and Vodafone users able to pay 1 a day for an eight or 15-day multipass.
NEW YORK (AP)  Alec Baldwin said Saturday that any suggestion he's not complying with the investigation into last fall's deadly shooting on a New Mexico film set is a lie.

At issue is a search warrant for Baldwin's cellphone, which authorities hope can provide information helpful in the probe. Baldwin was holding a revolver during a rehearsal for his movie Rust on Oct. 21 when it fired, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding the film's director.

Authorities still don't have the actor's phone.

Baldwin said in an Instagram message posted Saturday that New Mexico has to go through New York law enforcement and the process of specifying exactly what is needed takes time.

They can't just go through your phone and take your photos, or your love letters to your wife, or what have you, he said.

Baldwin has said he didn't know the gun he was holding contained a live round when it went off. Investigators are trying to find where the live round came from and, in the search warrant for Baldwin's phone, said they are looking for text messages, images, videos, calls or any other information related to the movie.

Any suggestion that I am not complying with requests or orders or demands or search warrants about my phone, that's bull, that's a lie, he said.
Lateral flow tests will remain free, Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi has insisted amid criticism of suggestions they could be scaled back despite soaring coronavirus cases.

The Cabinet minister said he is puzzled by a report suggesting that their universal availability could be axed as they are limited to high-risk settings and for people with symptoms.

But he indicated support for reducing the isolation period from seven days to five, if it can be done safely, in order to reduce staffing pressures on the NHS and businesses.

The Sunday Times reported that Prime Minister Boris Johnson would make the announcement on scaling back tests within weeks, while the NHS Test and Trace system could also be diminished.

Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned the move would be utterly wrongheaded, while Labour said it would be the wrong decision at the wrong time while cases are so high.

But Mr Zahawi told Skys Trevor Phillips on Sunday: I saw that story this morning, which I was slightly puzzled by because I dont recognise it at all. This is absolutely not where we are at.

For January alone weve got 425 million lateral flow tests coming in and they will continue to be available for free.

I dont really recognise where that story is coming from.

Asked whether there are plans to stop lateral flow tests being free, he said: Absolutely not.

But Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Daisy Cooper pointed out that vaccines minister Maggie Throup confirmed early in December that at a later stage the free universal provision of LFD (lateral flow device) tests will end.

(PA Graphics)

Ms Cooper said the left hand doesnt know what the right hand is doing as she warned that scrapping free tests would plunge millions into a cost of living with Covid crisis.

The criticism came as the Government seized on suggestions from scientists that the emergence of the seemingly less deadly Omicron strain is a step towards the virus becoming endemic, or regularly occurring, but easier to live with.

Mr Zahawi said the UK Health Security Agency will investigate whether the isolation period can be reduced to help alleviate staffing pressures.

It would certainly help mitigate some of the pressures on schools, on critical workforce and others, he told Sky.

But I would absolutely be driven by advice from the experts, the scientists, on whether we should move to five days from seven days. What you dont want is to create the wrong outcome by higher levels of infection.

Mr Zahawi anticipated a bumpy two weeks as more school staff end up off work isolating for coronavirus as case rates rise when pupils return.

(PA Graphics)

He told the BBCs Sunday Morning show that staff absenteeism was at around 8.5% last week but will increase, no doubt, because now schools are back were going to see an increase in infection rates.

I have to have contingency plans for 10, 15, 20, 25% absenteeism because Omicron is far more infectious, he added.

Mr Zahawis comments came after the number of people to have died in the UK within 28 days of a positive Covid test passed 150,000.

The country was the seventh to pass the milestone for officially recorded deaths, following the US, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico and Peru.

Rapid tests were made available to everyone in England, crucially including those without symptoms, in April.

They have been seen as a key way of suppressing the virus and have given confidence to people to safely mix with loved ones, particularly around Christmas.

If UK government is really considering this (@scotgov certainly not signed up to it) it is utterly wrongheaded. Hard to imagine much that would be less helpful to trying to live with Covid. https://t.co/CR72sm5bUI  Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 8, 2022

But the Sunday Times report suggested there are concerns in Whitehall over their cost.

Ms Sturgeon questioned how the move in Westminster would affect funding for the vital tests in Scotland, adding: Hard to imagine much that would be less helpful to trying to live with Covid.

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting warned that charging for tests would hit families who are already facing a cost-of-living crisis.

Testing is absolutely crucial for keeping infections under control and avoiding the need for further restrictions that impact on our lives, livelihoods, and liberties, he said.

Its penny wise and pound foolish.

Confederation of British Industry chief economist Rain Newton-Smith said proposals to remove free tests now make no economic sense.

Free lateral flow tests are a vital weapon in the UKs Covid defences  they are central to keeping the economy open and allowing the UK to live confidently with the virus, she said.