Bridgeport detectives suspended over handling of probes into deaths of 2 Black women

The two cases remain under active investigation and have been reassigned to other police officers, Ganim said. "The Bridgeport Police Department has high standards for officer sensitivity especially in matters involving the death of a family ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/31/1076975342/brenda-rawls-bridgeport-police-department-lauren-smith-fields

Explained: Why Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'Maus' topped Amazon best-seller list

A unanimous decision by the McMinn County school board in Tennessee, US, to pull Jewish American cartoonist Art Spiegelman's graphic novel Maus from its syllabus has seen a unique protest — on January 28, the Pulitzer Prize-winning book climbed to the ...

source https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-pulitzer-prize-winning-novel-maus-topped-amazon-best-seller-list-7749614/

Holocaust book Maus hits bestseller list after Tennessee school board ban

By the American cartoonist Art Spiegelman and first published in 1986, Maus describes the experiences of Spiegelman's parents in Nazi concentration camps and his mother's suicide. The book depicts Jewish people as mice and Nazis as cats.

source https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/31/holocaust-novel-maus-bestseller-after-tennessee-school-ban

Statement from President Biden on Mark Frerichs

Two years ago tomorrow, U.S. Navy veteran Mark Frerichs was taken hostage in Afghanistan. A civil engineer, he spent a decade helping the people of Afghanistan. He has done nothing wrong. And yet, for two years the Taliban has held him captive.

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/30/statement-from-president-biden-on-mark-frerichs/

Afghanistan: more than 100 believed killed despite Taliban amnesty offer, says UN

The United Nations says it has received “credible allegations” that more than 100 members of the ousted Afghan government, its security forces and those who worked with international troops have been killed since the Taliban took over on 15 August.

source https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/31/afghanistan-more-than-100-believed-killed-despite-taliban-amnesty-offer-says-un

Prosecutors Strike Hate-Crime Plea Deals in Ahmaud Arbery Killing

ATLANTA — Prosecutors have reached a plea deal with two of the three white men facing federal hate-crimes charges for the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, 25, the Black man who was chased through a Georgia neighborhood and fatally shot, court documents show.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/31/us/ahmaud-arbery-hate-crime-plea-deal.html

Freedom Convoy: Truckers cause chaos in Ottawa after second day of protests

Protesters against a vaccine mandate for truckers crossing the US-Canada border have brought Canada's capital city to a standstill for a second day. Thousands of demonstrators joined the so-called Freedom Convoy in Ottawa.

source https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-60190452

Northeast begins to dig out from blizzard that dropped two feet of snow in some spots

Snowfall totals eclipsed 30 inches in some areas of Massachusetts, and Boston tied its record for the most snow in a single day at just under two feet, according to the National Weather Service. Parts of New ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/30/1076817657/boston-snow-ties-record-northeast-blizzard

Second day of protests seizes Ottawa, police investigating 'desecration' incidents

The downtown Ottawa core surrounding Parliament Hill remains nearly impassible due to protesters, vehicles and trucks amid the second day of the trucker convoy's rally against vaccine mandates and COVID-19 restrictions. Ottawa Police said on Twitter ...

source https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/second-day-of-protests-seizes-ottawa-police-investigating-desecration-incidents-1.5760424

A Kansas woman has been arrested for allegedly leading an all-female ISIS battalion

The U.S. Attorney in Alexandria, Virginia, announced Saturday that Allison Fluke-Ekren, 42, has been charged with providing material support to a terrorist organization. The criminal complaint was filed under seal back in ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/30/1076802796/kansas-woman-arrested--all-female-isis-battalion

Winter Storm Kenan Live Updates: Northeast Digs Out; Outages Decline in Massachusetts

At a Glance · The East Coast began to dig out from Winter Storm Kenan. · Some 1,000 flights into and out of the Northeast were canceled Sunday. · Tens of thousands remain powerless in Massachusetts, though those numbers are declining.

source https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2022-01-30-winter-storm-kenan-live-updates-sunday

Over 30 inches of snow has fallen in parts of Massachusetts, with power outages along the coast.

The storm may have played out exactly as predicted, but Sunday is still going to be a long day for snowplow drivers and cleanup crews, according to the governor. “The storm for the most part ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/29/us/snowfall-massachusetts-boston.html

Canadian Trucker Convoy Descends on Ottawa to Protest Vaccine Mandates

OTTAWA — Thousands of protesters gathered in front of Canada's Parliament on Saturday in a raucous demonstration, which began as a movement by truckers to challenge a government vaccination mandate but spread to include a wide array of antigovernment ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/29/world/americas/canada-trucker-protest.html

Winter Storm Kenan Is Producing Whiteout Conditions as it Moves Up the East Coast; Frigid Night Ahead

Snowfall will be heavy from this storm and whiteout conditions are occurring in some areas. Strong winds, bitter temperatures and blowing snow will continue overnight. Advertisement.

source https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2022-01-29-winter-storm-kenan-blizzard-noreaster-northeast-snowstorm

When Omicron Isn't So Mild

Throughout the pandemic, people like Ms. Perez have been at higher risk for serious illness from Covid because they have underlying medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease. More than half of ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/29/health/omicron-chronic-illness.html

Why are anti-vaccine Canadian truckers converging on Ottawa?

The so-called “Freedom Convoy” was formed in response to a vaccine mandate requiring truckers to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus in order to cross the land border between Canada and the United States.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/28/why-are-anti-vaccine-canadian-truckers-converging-on-ottawa

FACT SHEET: The White House and Department of Justice Announced 99 Law Schools in 35 States and Puerto Rico ...

Law students volunteered to support pro bono and legal services attorneys by identifying families facing eviction, conducting intake and research, and drafting motions. Clinics partnered with courts to create eviction diversion programs, eviction defense ...

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/28/fact-sheet-the-white-house-and-department-of-justice-announced-99-law-schools-in-35-states-and-puerto-rico-continue-to-answer-the-attorney-generals-call-to-action-for-stronger-access-to-just/

Convoys of Canadian trucks are en route to Ottawa for a protest against vaccine mandates.

Canadian truckers and their supporters who oppose the government's vaccination mandate have begun to arrive in Ottawa, the nation's capital, for a protest outside of Parliament on Saturday. Calling themselves the “Freedom Rally” or “Freedom Convoy,” ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/world/vaccine-protest-ottawa-canada.html

Pittsburgh Bridge Collapses Hours Before Biden Infrastructure Visit

PITTSBURGH — At least 10 people were injured after a bridge collapsed in Pittsburgh on Friday morning, hours before President Biden visited the city to discuss infrastructure. It was not immediately clear what caused the collapse, which happened at ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/us/pittsburgh-bridge-collapse-biden.html

Biden Administration approves public assistance request for counties and Tribes impacted by November storms

Today, Gov. Jay Inslee thanked the Biden Administration after learning the state's Major Disaster Declaration approved earlier this year to help individuals and families impacted by last November's floods has been amended to include additional support.

source https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/biden-administration-approves-public-assistance-request-counties-and-tribes-impacted

Relax, America: Willow, the White House Cat, Has Arrived

WASHINGTON — The cat has landed. After keeping the nation on tenterhooks since even before taking office, the Biden White House announced on Friday that a gray cat named Willow had joined the first family, more than a year after the plucky farm feline ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/us/politics/biden-cat-willow.html

Lauren Smith-Fields Was Found Dead. Her Family Had to Beg for Answers.

Ms. Smith-Fields, 23, died in her Connecticut apartment in December after a date with a man she had met on Bumble. More than a month later, the police opened a criminal investigation.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/27/nyregion/lauren-smith-fields-bumble-date-investigation.html

Vanessa Guillén's murder led the US to deem military sexual harassment a crime

Biden's action fulfills a section of the National Defense Authorization Act, which calls for the president to establish sexual harassment as a punishable offense under the military code. The law required that step within 30 days of it being enacted; Biden ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/27/1076143481/vanessa-guillen-murder-military-sexual-harassment-crime

Did I Turn Off the Stove? Yes, but Maybe Not the Gas

Gas stoves leak significant amounts of methane when they are being ignited and even while they are turned off, according to a new report, adding to the growing debate over the effects of gas-powered appliances on human health and climate change.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/27/climate/gas-stoves-methane-emissions.html

Statement from President Biden on the Equal Rights Amendment

It is long past time that we put all doubt to rest. I am calling on Congress to act immediately to pass a resolution recognizing ratification of the ERA. As the recently published Office of Legal Counsel memorandum makes clear, there is nothing standing in ...

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/27/statement-from-president-biden-on-the-equal-rights-amendment/

Winter Storm Kenan to Hit Parts of East Coast With Heavy Snow, Strong Winds and Coastal Flooding

Low pressure will intensify off the East Coast late Friday into Saturday. Snowfall will be significant from this storm, but it's still somewhat uncertain which areas might see heavier totals. Highs winds, coastal flooding and beach erosion are also ...

source https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2022-01-27-winter-storm-kenan-east-coast-snowstorm-noreaster

Yes, Omicron Is Loosening Its Hold. But the Pandemic Has Not Ended.

In any case, it is not likely that the coronavirus will ever completely disappear, many scientists said, and herd immunity is now just a dream. The population's immunity against the virus will be imperfect, for a variety of reasons.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/27/health/omicron-covid-pandemic.html

Nine named AAAS Fellows from Stanford and SLAC

Nine researchers from Stanford University and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have been named Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). AAAS describes their Fellows as “a distinguished cadre of scientists, ...

source https://news.stanford.edu/report/2022/01/26/nine-named-aaas-fellows-stanford-slac/

Prince Andrew again seeks dismissal of sexual abuse suit, demands a trial if it's not

Among them: The lawyers said that if any sexual activity did occur between the prince and Virginia Giuffre, it was consensual. The court filing made clear that Andrew wasn't admitting sexual contact with Giuffre.

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/26/1075966557/prince-andrew-again-seeks-dismissal-of-sexual-abuse-suit-demands-a-trial-if-its-

US Muslim advocates weigh in on abortion rights battle

Imminent threat to Roe v Wade raises concern from many religious communities across the US, including Muslim Americans. Activists demonstrate in support of abortion rights in Washington, DC. Activists participate ...

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/26/us-muslim-advocates-weigh-in-on-abortion-rights-battle

North Korea fires two suspected missiles in sixth round of launches this month

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea on Thursday fired two suspected ballistic missiles into the sea in its sixth round of weapons launches this month, South Korea's military said. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the weapons, which were likely ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/26/1075985908/north-korea-fires-two-suspected-missiles-in-sixth-round-of-launches-this-month

Redwood Forest in California Is Returned to Native Tribes

But about 200 acres are still dense with old-growth redwoods that were spared from logging. The land was the hunting, fishing and ceremonial grounds of generations of Indigenous tribes like the Sinkyone, until they ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/26/us/california-redwoods-native-american-conservation.html

Important DNR investments included in the Walz-Flanagan Budget to Move Minnesota Forward

The bonding budget package includes $221.4 million of infrastructure investments for the DNR, while the supplemental budget includes $81.5 million for climate adaptation and mitigation, and $13.35 million to address the impacts of the 2021 drought on the ...

source https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2022/01/26/important-dnr-investments-included-walz-flanagan-budget-move-minnesota-forward

New York Mask Mandate Back in Effect After Judge Grants Stay

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York's indoor mask mandate will remain in effect for now after an appeals court judge on Tuesday blocked a lower-court ruling from a day before that had abruptly struck down the policy and created confusion across schools and ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/nyregion/new-york-mask-mandate.html

Oregon Health Authority hears another round of testimony against extending state mask mandates

In two more hearings Monday, state officials heard criticism of a 'permanent rule' that they promise will be rescinded when pandemic conditions improve. A number of parents and some school officials weighed in Monday to oppose the state's effort to ...

source https://www.opb.org/article/2022/01/25/oregon-mask-mandate-requirement-face-covid-schools/

Convoy protesting vaccine mandate for truck drivers draws supporters on Winnipeg's Perimeter Highway

Canadian truckers must now show they are vaccinated against COVID-19 to avoid testing requirement, quarantine. Nathan Liewicki · CBC News · Posted: Jan 25, 2022 5:12 PM CT | Last Updated: 2 minutes ago. A truck convoy drives through Headingley on ...

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/convoy-protest-vaccine-mandates-truck-drivers-winnipeg-perimeter-highway-1.6327497

US Navy Fighter Jet Accident in South China Sea Injures 7

An accident aboard an aircraft carrier in the South China Sea injured seven American sailors and led to the pilot ejecting from his F-35 fighter jet on Monday, the Navy said in a statement, calling it a “landing mishap.” The combat aircraft, a F-35C ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/world/asia/fighter-jet-accident-south-china-sea.html

Biden Starts Year Two With Diminished Public Support and a Daunting List of Challenges

Joe Biden began his presidency with positive job ratings and broad public confidence in his ability to deal with a number of major challenges – particularly the public health impact of the coronavirus. He starts his second year with diminished job ...

source https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2022/01/25/biden-starts-year-two-with-diminished-public-support-and-a-daunting-list-of-challenges/

Anti-abortion groups are raking in fundraising as Supreme Court decision looms

In the nearly two months since a conservative majority of justices on the Supreme Court indicated openness to dramatic new restrictions on abortion, money has poured into the political fundraising arm of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List.

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/25/1075495603/anti-abortion-groups-fundraising-supreme-court

Alberta announces investigator, terms for inquiry into suspended justice minister

Alberta's premier's office has designated an investigator and set out terms of reference for their investigation into whether the justice minister's phone call to Edmonton's police chief about a personal traffic ticket constituted interference.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-investigator-kaycee-madu-police-1.6325633

Cash Aid to Poor Mothers Increases Brain Activity in Babies, Study Finds

The research could have policy implications as President Biden pushes to revive his proposal to expand the child tax credit.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/24/us/politics/child-tax-credit-brain-function.html

California's embattled utility leaves criminal probation, but more charges loom

The probation, set to expire at midnight Tuesday, was supposed to rehabilitate PG&E after its 2016 conviction for six felony crimes from a 2010 explosion triggered by its natural gas lines that blew up a San Bruno neighborhood and killed eight people.

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/24/1075267222/californias-embattled-utility-leaves-criminal-probation-but-more-charges-loom

Court Approves Special Grand Jury in Trump Election Inquiry

A district attorney in Georgia is investigating possible election interference by former President Donald J. Trump and his allies.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/24/us/politics/trump-grand-jury-fani-willis-georgia.html

Democrats in Congress Seek Review of Teams Within the Border Patrol

Lawmakers asked the Government Accountability Office to review “critical incident teams,” and two House committees will conduct a separate investigation.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/24/us/politics/border-patrol-critical-incident-teams.html

Sarah Palin, who is unvaccinated, recently dined indoors in New York City before testing positive.

Sarah Palin, who is not vaccinated against the coronavirus, dined indoors Saturday night at Elio's, an Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side of Manhattan that regularly draws celebrities, despite New York City's requirement that all indoor guests ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/24/dining/sarah-palin-dines-indoors-nyc.html

DHEC begins rollout of free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Starting Monday, South Carolinians can go to local public health departments to pick up at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for free. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is distributing their ...

source https://www.live5news.com/2022/01/24/dhec-begins-rollout-free-at-home-covid-19-rapid-tests/

Sarah Palin tests positive for COVID, delaying trial against 'New York Times'

Sarah Palin's defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, scheduled to open Monday, was pushed back until at least Feb. 3 after her attorneys informed the presiding judge that she tested positive for COVID-19. U.S. District Court Judge Jed Rakoff ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/23/1074164937/new-york-times-sarah-palin-trial-begins

Rich Countries Lure Health Workers From Low-Income Nations to Fight Shortages

LUSAKA, Zambia — There are few nurses in the Zambian capital with the skills and experience of Alex Mulumba, who works in the operating room at a critical care hospital. But he has recently learned, through a barrage of social media posts and LinkedIn ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/24/health/covid-health-worker-immigration.html

Supreme Court Will Hear Challenge to Affirmative Action at Harvard and UNC

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court agreed on Monday to decide whether race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina are lawful, putting the fate of affirmative action in higher education at risk.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/24/us/politics/supreme-court-affirmative-action-harvard-unc.html

NATO Kicks Off Vigilance Activity Neptune Strike 2022

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security, and defend U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

source https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2908325/nato-kicks-off-vigilance-activity-neptune-strike-2022/

CPS students return to in-person learning

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - After switching to a remote model for several weeks, Cincinnati Public Schools will return to the classroom Monday. Rising COVID-19 cases left CPS with a lack of available staff, causing schools to shut down.

source https://www.fox19.com/2022/01/24/cps-students-return-in-person-learning/

Below average temperatures sticking around!

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) -This morning was frigid! In fact it was the coldest morning since January 7th, 2018. We'll stay chilly tonight with lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s. Monday will remain dry before an area of low pressure from the Gulf of ...

source https://www.live5news.com/2022/01/23/very-cold-tonight-more-sunshine-sunday/

Sarah Palin v. New York Times Spotlights Push to Loosen Libel Law

When Donald J. Trump called for scrapping laws that offer the news media broad protection from libel suits — “We're going to have people sue you like you've never got sued before,” he said in 2016 as he was running for president — many journalists and ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/business/media/sarah-palin-libel-suit-nyt.html

A wildfire near California's Big Sur forces residents to evacuate

The fire started Friday night in a steep canyon and quickly spread toward the sea, fanned by strong winds up to 50 mph. The blaze burned at least 2.3 square miles of brush and redwood trees, said Cecile Juliette, a spokesperson for the California ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/22/1075053260/big-sur-fire-evacuations

Arizona Democrats have censured Kyrsten Sinema over her pro-filibuster vote

Its executive board voted on Saturday to censure Sen. Kyrsten Sinema over her opposition to changing the filibuster. By opposing the change, Sinema, along with West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and all Senate Republicans, prevented Senate Democrats from ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/22/1075088298/kyrsten-sinema-censure-arizona-democrats-filibuster-vote

Wildfire in Big Sur Forces Residents to Evacuate

A late-season blaze that started on Friday grew to 1,500 acres in the scenic region of California.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/22/us/colorado-fire-big-sur-california.html

Unusual Ice and Snow Storm Hits the Carolinas and Virginia

A Delta flight skidded on a runway and roads remained dangerous on Saturday as the storm brought eight inches of snow to some places.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/22/us/carolinas-ice-winter-storm-virginia.html

90 tons of US military aid arrives in Ukraine as border tensions with Russia rise

The shipment is part of the additional $200 million of "lethal aid" approved by President Biden in late December and includes ammunition for Ukraine's front-line defenders, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv tweeted. Overall, ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/22/1075064514/ukraine-lethal-aid-us-russia

Ukraine crisis: Long journey home to rebel-run Donetsk

It can take anything up to 27 hours - as long as a journey from Europe to New Zealand and far less comfortable. Kyiv train station.

source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-60067868

US suspends 44 US flights by Chinese carriers after China action

WASHINGTON, Jan 21 (Reuters) - The U.S. government said on Friday it would suspend 44 China-bound flights from the United States by four Chinese carriers in response to the Chinese government's decision to suspend some U.S. carrier flights over ...

source https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/biden-administration-suspending-44-chinese-carrier-us-flights-2022-01-21/

Texas man faces federal charges for allegedly threatening Georgia election officials

Chad Christopher Stark of Leander, Texas, was taken into custody Friday morning after being indicted in the Northern District of Georgia on a single count of making interstate threats. The case is the first brought by ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/21/1074764509/texas-man-faces-federal-charges-for-allegedly-threatening-georgia-election-offic

US voices 'real concerns' over Mexico energy plan as official visits

Granholm met President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and senior members of his Cabinet, including Energy Minister Rocio Nahle, on Thursday and Friday on a visit to Mexico City in which the Mexican power market initiative drew close scrutiny.

source https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-voices-real-concerns-over-mexico-energy-plan-official-visits-2022-01-21/

Statement by US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm on Travel to Mexico City, Mexico

I want to thank the Mexican government for the warm welcome and open dialogue about our joint energy future over the last two days. The United States greatly values our relationship with Mexico and sees tremendous promise for renewable energy to propel ...

source https://www.energy.gov/articles/statement-us-secretary-energy-jennifer-m-granholm-travel-mexico-city-mexico

Taliban delegation to hold humanitarian talks in Norway

A Taliban delegation will hold talks with Western officials in Oslo next week on human rights and humanitarian aid in their first official visit to the West since returning to power, the Norwegian and Taliban governments have said.

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/21/taliban-to-hold-meeting-in-norway-next-week

Texas Man Charged With Threatening to Kill Georgia Election Officials

A man accused of using Craigslist to call for the assassination of election officials is the first to be charged by the agency's task force on election threats.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/21/us/politics/georgia-election-worker-threats-charges.html

Canadian vaccine mandate to lead to inflation, empty shelves, trucking executives say

OTTAWA, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Canadian consumers should soon see higher prices and some empty shelves in supermarkets and other retail outlets because of disruptions stemming from a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers, top trucking ...

source https://www.reuters.com/business/canadian-vaccine-mandate-lead-inflation-empty-shelves-trucking-executives-say-2022-01-20/

Second Man Charged in Connection with Plot to Kill Haitian President

A dual Haitian-Chilean citizen was arrested yesterday based on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in the assassination of the former President of Haiti, Jovenel Moise, on July 7, 2021. Rodolphe Jaar, 49, is charged with conspiring to ...

source https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/second-man-charged-connection-plot-kill-haitian-president

5 moments that mattered in Biden's 1st year in the White House

President Biden entered office a year ago in the thick of a deadly pandemic and with Washington still reeling from an attack on the Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump. On the anniversary of Biden's inauguration, the United States is ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/20/1072477947/covid-race-biden-voting-rights

'Slow-roll' protest planned by Quebec truckers against COVID-19 vaccination mandate

Thousands of truck drivers plan to slowly converge and meet on Parliament Hill on Jan. 28. The spokesperson for the Quebec continent, Joanie Pelchat, says the province's convoy will begin at Canada-U.S. border ...

source https://globalnews.ca/news/8526083/slow-roll-protest-truckers-covid-19-vaccination-mandate/

Gov. Wolf: Historic Improvement in Pennsylvania's Finances Paves Way to Bright Future

After inheriting the chaos of a multi-billion-dollar budget deficit seven years ago, Governor Tom Wolf has led a historic improvement of the state's finances that creates a brighter future for students, residents and businesses. The governor was joined ...

source https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-historic-improvement-in-pennsylvanias-finances-paves-way-to-bright-future/

Manitoba plans to send as many as 300 spinal-surgery patients to Fargo

The province is finalizing a deal with Sanford Health, a non-profit health-care system based in the Dakotas, to conduct surgeries on spinal patients who have already waited more than a year, enduring chronic pain and deteriorating mobility in the process.

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-surgeries-north-dakota-fargo-wfpcbc-cbc-1.6319862

The Tonga volcano caused an oil spill on Peru's coast. Fishermen are protesting

LIMA, Peru — An oil spill on the Peruvian coast caused by the waves from an eruption of an undersea volcano in the South Pacific nation of Tonga prompted dozens of fishermen to protest Tuesday outside the South American country's main oil refinery.

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/19/1074089271/peru-tonga-oil-spill-volcano

The Biden administration will give away masks in the 'largest deployment' of such equipment in US history.

The Biden administration, facing calls from public health experts to distribute high-quality masks to the American public, said on Wednesday that it is making 400 million nonsurgical N95 masks available, free of charge, at community health centers and ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/19/us/politics/covid-biden-free-masks.html

When Can You Get Them and How? What to Know About Free N95 Masks From White House

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday updated its guidance on face coverings to more clearly state that properly fitted N95 and KN95 masks offer the most protection against COVID-19. Still, it didn't formally recommend N95s over cloth ...

source https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/when-can-you-get-them-and-how-what-to-know-about-free-n95-masks-from-white-house/2731482/

Court in Ukraine Declines Request to Arrest Former President

KYIV, Ukraine — A court in Ukraine ruled on Wednesday that a former president and opposition politician, Petro O. Poroshenko, could await trial while released on his own recognizance, in a positive sign for domestic political stability in the country.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/19/world/europe/ukraine-poroshenko-zelensky.html

A push to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks gains momentum

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., doesn't personally trade stocks — her husband does and the transactions are reported regularly. When asked earlier this month about new efforts to change the law ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/19/1073865837/a-push-to-ban-members-of-congress-from-trading-individual-stocks-gains-momentum

Potential Late-Week Winter Storm Could Bring Snow, Ice Threat to South, East

Arctic air will engulf the central and eastern states through late-week. Snow, sleet and freezing rain could impact parts of the Southeast as a system taps into the cold air. That system has the potential to also bring snow to the mid-Atlantic and/or ...

source https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2022-01-18-late-week-snow-ice-winter-storm-south-east

A year in, experts assess Biden's hits and misses on handling the pandemic

The Biden administration pledged to let scientists and public health experts drive its COVID strategy. Benjamin says the commitment alone has transformed the tone and perception of the government response. "We don't have [ ...

source https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/18/1073292913/a-year-in-experts-assess-bidens-hits-and-misses-on-handling-the-pandemic

The Movement To Stick Inflation Blame On Biden

Over the last few months, unflattering stickers of President Biden have been popping up at gas stations across America. They've been spotted in places like Georgia, Ohio, Idaho, and along I-95 between Washington, D.C., and Florida.

source https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2022/01/18/1073053108/the-movement-to-stick-inflation-blame-on-biden

NBA's Warriors Disavow Part-Owner's Uyghur Comments

The Golden State Warriors distanced themselves from a minority stakeholder, Chamath Palihapitiya, who said “nobody cares” about the Uyghurs, the ethnic group that has faced a deadly crackdown in China.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/18/sports/basketball/warriors-chamath-palihapitiya-uyghurs-nba.html

Detainees Sue Arkansas Jail That Gave Them Ivermectin to Treat Covid

Detainees at an Arkansas jail who had Covid-19 were unknowingly treated by the detention center's doctor with ivermectin, a drug that health officials have continually said is dangerous and should not be used to treat or prevent a coronavirus infection ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/17/us/ivermectin-covid-arkansas-jail.html

Arkansas inmates are suing after being given ivermectin to treat COVID-19

Four inmates at an Arkansas jail have filed a federal lawsuit after they say medical staff gave them the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin to treat COVID-19 without telling them what it was. The inmates said they were told the medicines they were taking ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/18/1073846967/arkansas-inmates-ivermectin-lawsuit-covid-19

MLK's memory is honored by demonstrators calling for the passage of voting rights bill

As events honoring the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. kicked off across the country, descendants of the slain civil rights leader demanded politicians take up the push for federal voting rights reform. In demonstrations Monday, members of the King ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/17/1073605497/martin-luther-king-jr-memory-honored-with-voting-rights-reform-protests

A Texas rabbi threw a chair at the gunman before he and two other hostages escaped

Cytron-Walker's comments came just hours after the FBI identified the alleged hostage taker as Malik Faisal Akram, a 44-year-old British man. Akram died on the scene, but authorities haven't said if he took his own life or was killed by police.

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/17/1073637162/colleyville-texas-synagogue-rabbi-threw-chair-before-escape

Marchers Honor King and Call on Senate to Pass Voting Rights Legislation

WASHINGTON — Each year, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday is commemorated with marches, services and speeches. But the annual peace walk across the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge had an additional purpose on Monday: pushing the Senate ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/17/us/politics/martin-luther-king-voting-rights.html

Thousands in northeast are without power after heavy snowfall from winter storm

NEW YORK — A dangerous winter storm brought significant snowfall, strong thunderstorms and blustery winds to the northeastern U.S. on a holiday Monday. A foot (30 centimeters) or more of snow fell in parts of New York state, Ohio and Pennsylvania ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/17/1073586705/winter-storm-could-drop-foot-of-snow-on-northeast

Senate Democrats Press Ahead With Debate on Voting Rights Bill

The Senate on Tuesday will begin to debate new voting rights protections, even though the measure appears all but dead in the face of two key Democratic defections.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/17/us/politics/senate-voting-rights-bill.html

Texas Rabbi Recounts Dramatic Escape From Synagogue

As a gunman ranted, the hostages whispered instructions and edged closer to the door. The rabbi credited security training for their safe exit.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/17/us/texas-synagogue-hostages-escape.html

Manitoba truckers parade vehicles in protest against federal vaccine rules

Dozens of Manitoba truckers are parading their vehicles up and down Highway 75 near the international border to protest vaccine mandates, particularly those impacting their jobs. As of January 15, new federal rules mandate that truck drivers returning ...

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-truckers-vaccine-protest-international-border-1.6317604

North Korea Launches 2 Short-Range Ballistic Missiles

SEOUL — North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Monday, according to the South Korean military, which said it was analyzing the flight data to learn more. The launches, from near the Suan Airport outside Pyongyang, ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/16/world/asia/north-korea-ballistic-missiles.html

Emergency Shelters Activated on Sunday, Jan. 16 in Response to Winter Storm Izzy

The storm has resulted in a significant accumulation of ice and freezing rain in the Charlotte area. Residents in the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County may experience widespread power loss or damage as a result of the ice accumulations and wind ...

source https://charlottenc.gov/newsroom/cityhighlights/Pages/Emergency-Shelters.aspx

Here's how you can get free home Covid-19 tests

(CNN) Starting Saturday, many Americans can get home Covid-19 tests at no cost through their private insurance. They can obtain the tests from pharmacies, retailers and online vendors. The program is part of the Biden administration's effort to ...

source https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/14/politics/free-home-covid-19-tests-wellness/index.html

Ukraine says evidence suggests Russia behind cyberattack

Kyiv accuses Russia of waging a 'hybrid war' against it after Microsoft said dozens of computer systems at gov't agencies were infected with malware. A laptop screen displays a warning ...

source https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/16/ukraine-claims-russia-behind-cyberattack-in-hybrid-war

COVID-19 vaccines for truck drivers 'right thing to do,' Duclos says as mandate kicks in

At that point, Canadian truckers will be denied entry to the States unless they're fully vaccinated. “That has been known for many months, and truckers in very large numbers have chosen to be ...

source https://globalnews.ca/news/8512052/canada-truck-driver-vaccine-mandate-duclos/

US South and Northeast Brace for Winter Storm That Pounded the Midwest

Dangerous ice was expected to hit the Carolinas, and up to a foot of snow was predicted from Tennessee to upstate New York and Vermont.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/15/us/snow-storm-news-updates.html

Winter Storm Threatens Disruption From the South to the Northeast

Dangerous ice was expected to hit the Carolinas and up to a foot of snow was predicted for upstate New York.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/14/us/winter-storm-snow-forecast.html

Jamaica arrests a former senator sought in Haitian president's assassination

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Haiti's National Police said Saturday that a former senator sought in the July 7 killing of President Jovenel Moïse has been arrested in Jamaica. Police spokesman Gary Desrosiers told The Associated Press that John Joël Joseph ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/15/1073380457/haiti-assassination-arrest

Ready for an N95? Here's how to find a high-quality one that fits you well

While the agency didn't recommend one type of mask over another, its new guidance emphasizes that N95s and similar high-filtration respirators offer the best protection against COVID-19. So which respirator is ...

source https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/15/1073273768/n95-mask-respirator-cdc

Fire near a New Jersey chemical plant spreads thick smoke through the region

The fire at Majestic Industries and the Qualco chemical plant in Passaic was in buildings housing plastics, pallets and chlorine, officials said, but catastrophe was averted. Crews battled pockets of the blaze into the morning ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/15/1073314152/an-11-alarm-fire-from-a-chemical-plant-is-raging-through-passaic-new-jersey

Healthcare Workers and Hospitals Confront the Fallout From Supreme Court Vaccine Mandate

Just days after the Supreme Court's decision requiring health care workers to be vaccinated, the nation's health care systems braced for the possibility of some resistance and more staff shortages — particularly in the states that banned mandates or ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/15/us/healthcare-workers-vaccine-mandate.html

Former Obama Administration Adviser Pleads Guilty in $218000 Theft Scheme

A former senior adviser in the Obama administration pleaded guilty on Friday to charges that he had orchestrated a scheme to steal more than $200,000 from a network of charter schools that he founded, prosecutors said. The former adviser, Seth Andrew, ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/14/us/seth-andrew-charter-schools-scheme.html

John Katko, Republican Who Voted to Impeach Trump, Won't Seek Re-election

WASHINGTON — Representative John Katko of New York, a centrist Republican who broke with his party last year to vote to impeach former President Donald J. Trump, announced on Friday that he would not run for re-election. Mr. Katko was one of 10 House ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/14/us/politics/john-katko-retire-trump-impeachment.html

You'll be able to order free at-home COVID test kits starting on Wednesday

The Biden administration announced Friday that Americans can begin ordering free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests starting Jan. 19. Orders for up to four tests per household can be placed using the website COVIDtests.gov. The administration will also set ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/13/1072730868/biden-announces-plans-to-buy-500-million-more-covid-tests-and-to-offer-free-mask

Sinema Rejects Changing Filibuster, Dealing Biden a Setback

WASHINGTON — President Biden's campaign to push new voting rights protections through Congress appeared all but dead on Thursday, after it became clear that he had failed to unite his own party behind his drive to overhaul Senate rules to enact the ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/13/us/politics/sinema-voting-rights-bill.html

Blocking a Mandate, the Supreme Court 'Sided With Covid-19'

More from our inbox: Two Intransigent Senators; New Senate Rules to Ease the Dysfunction; 'Don't Look Up': A Political Allegory; Smoking Isn't 'Sexy'.

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/14/opinion/letters/supreme-court-vaccine-mandate.html

Winter Storm Izzy to Spread Mess of Snow, Ice from Midwest into South and East into MLK Weekend

At a Glance · An expansive storm will spread a wintry mess across several regions. · Damaging ice accumulations are possible in parts of the Southeast. · Strong winds and coastal flooding are also possible in parts of the East. · Major travel impacts are ...

source https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2022-01-14-winter-storm-izzy-forecast-snow-ice-midwest-south-northeast

New Virus Cases Begin to Slow in US Cities Where Omicron Hit First

At another bleak moment of the pandemic in the United States — with nearly 800,000 new cases a day, deaths rising and federal medical teams deploying to overwhelmed hospitals — glints of progress have finally started to emerge. In a handful of places ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/13/us/omicron-cases-us.html

19 states have fewer than 15% of ICU beds left as health care staffing shortages complicate care

(CNN) As a record number of Americans are infected with Covid-19, largely due to the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, some states' health care systems are beset with nearly full intensive care units. Nineteen states have less than 15% remaining ...

source https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/13/health/us-coronavirus-thursday/index.html

Governor Northam Announces Over $60 Million in Affordable and Special Needs Housing Loans

The funding will improve access to energy efficient affordable housing, reduce homelessness, provide permanent supportive housing options for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and complete energy efficiency updates in affordable ...

source https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2022/january/headline-918183-en.html

Saskatchewan Health Authority updates COVID-19 surge plan

Officials will establish a team of medical professionals, also referred to as “Go Teams,” who will be deployed to help maintain the continuity of essential services in Saskatchewan. The plan will also include optimizing ...

source https://globalnews.ca/news/8508566/saskatchewan-health-authority-covid-19-surge-plan-go-teams/

2nd largest US oil state eyes net-zero emissions

If the measure passes, it would require all industries in the second-biggest U.S. oil-producing state to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide and methane, to 50 percent of 2005 levels by 2030.

source https://www.eenews.net/articles/2nd-largest-u-s-oil-state-eyes-net-zero-emissions/

The role of antiviral treatment in the COVID-19 pandemic

On Dec 22, 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorisation for Pfizer's COVID-19 antiviral, Paxlovid. Trial results released by the manufacturer indicate that the drug cuts the risk of hospitalisation or death for ...

source https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanres/article/PIIS2213-2600(22)00011-X/fulltext

Governor Newsom Visits Santa Clara Homekey Site and Announces Awards for Three Additional Homekey Projects

State awards more than $60 million for Homekey projects in Kern, Santa Barbara and Santa Clara counties. Projects will offer 267 units of housing. The California Blueprint adds $2 billion to Governor Newsom's historic pandemic homelessness response ...

source https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/01/13/governor-newsom-visits-santa-clara-homekey-site-and-announces-awards-for-three-additional-homekey-projects/

Details emerge about DOE, FERC grid plans for clean energy

The Biden administration's plan announced yesterday to pump $20 billion into expansion of the nation's transmission networks will target “shovel ready” projects that deliver clean energy, at the same time a nationwide grid expansion is planned and ...

source https://www.eenews.net/articles/details-emerge-about-doe-ferc-grid-plans-for-clean-energy/

New Mexico COVID-19 update: 6919 new cases, totaling 388215

Twenty-eight additional COVID-19 deaths, 7-Day positivity rate 27.4%. SANTA FE – New Mexico state health officials on Wednesday announced 6,919 additional COVID-19 cases. Per the state Department of Health, the most recent cases are:.

source https://cv.nmhealth.org/2022/01/12/new-mexico-covid-19-update-6919-new-cases-totaling-388215/

Education a top priority as Colorado legislature convenes

Colorado House Speaker Alec Garnett stands at the speaker's podium with the view of the green The Colorado General Assembly convened the 2022 legislative session and education promises to again be at the center.

source https://co.chalkbeat.org/2022/1/12/22880865/colorado-legislature-opening-day-2022-pandemic-teachers-education-preschool

Dusting of Snow Expected

While there are no major weather events in store over the next week or so, we are tracking a few spots of light snow and changing temperatures moving forward. Tonight: Mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of light snow late. A dusting up to half inch ...

source https://www.waow.com/weather/forecast/dusting-of-snow-expected/article_c58c2e82-73f0-11ec-9658-4b6e81eab939.html

Rain & snow possible this weekend (1-12-22)

Spotty Showers Tomorrow, Rain/Snow Chance This Weekend. Forecast: Tonight: Partly Cloudy |Low: 36| SW 5-10. Tomorrow: Mo. Cloudy, Spotty Showers |High: 50| W 5-10. Details: Tomorrow, a few hit-or-miss showers or sprinkles are possible.

source https://www.newschannel5.com/weather/milder-today-rain-snow-possible-this-weekend-1-12-22

Fla. eyes rooftop solar clampdown

The Florida Legislature is considering a plan that would crack down on rooftop solar credits in one of the largest battleground states. The bill has a chance of passage, considering its support from Florida Power & Light Co., the state's largest ...

source https://www.eenews.net/articles/fla-eyes-rooftop-solar-clampdown/

Willamette National Forest withdraws disputed plan to log along 400 miles of fire-hit roads

Forest supervisor says they 'will consider a new approach' to issue. SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Willamette National Forest said Wednesday it has dropped plans to remove fire-killed or injured trees along more than 400 miles of forest roads ...

source https://ktvz.com/news/environment/2022/01/12/willamette-national-forest-withdraws-disputed-plan-to-log-along-400-miles-of-fire-hit-roads/

Illinois Coronavirus Updates: Masks and Omicron, Pritzker to Speak, CPS Returns

Think you may have COVID? Experts say there are some early indicators of an infection you can watch for. Plus, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is set to deliver a COVID-19 update Wednesday, Chicago's mayor has tested positive and city schools are returning ...

source https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-coronavirus-updates-masks-and-omicron-pritzker-to-speak-cps-returns/2726660/

Washington Post: Virginia Gov. Northam '99 percent sure' of man's identity in blackface photo scandal

RICHMOND, Va (WRIC) — Days before Governor Ralph Northam leaves office, the Democrat reportedly admitted to being “99 percent sure” of knowing the identity of the man seen in blackface in a now-infamous yearbook photo. Northam told the Washington Post ...

source https://www.wavy.com/news/politics/virginia-politics/washington-post-virginia-gov-northam-99-percent-sure-of-mans-identity-in-blackface-photo-scandal/

Winter Storm Izzy to Spread Snow, Ice from Midwest into South and East into MLK Weekend

A major winter storm will sweep through the Midwest, South and East through the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend with a mess of snow, some ice and wind. Named Winter Storm Izzy by The Weather Channel, this sprawling storm is likely to produce ...

source https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/2022-01-12-winter-storm-east-south-midwest-forecast

Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Support Safe, In-Person Learning at Schools Amid COVID Surge

Governor's order provides flexibilities for schools to deploy qualified staff to address short-term staffing shortages and support safe, in-person instruction. SACRAMENTO – Amid the national surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, ...

source https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/01/11/governor-newsom-signs-executive-order-to-support-safe-in-person-learning-at-schools-amid-covid-surge/

TRACKING: More mild air, but accumulating snow looms

Tonight: Another quick-moving system races through the area, bringing a chance for a wintry mix late tonight. Snowfall accumulations up to a half inch are possible. Lows fall to the mid and upper 20s with a northwest wind at 5 to 10 mph.

source https://www.kwwl.com/weather/forecast/tracking-more-mild-air-but-accumulating-snow-looms/article_cdc9aada-738b-11ec-bb2b-d76095603cef.html

The White House will distribute 10 million more COVID tests per month to schools

"We know how to keep students and staff safely in school—including through vaccinations and boosters, implementing universal indoor masking, maintaining physical distancing, improving ventilation, and performing COVID-19 screening testing.".

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/12/1072322926/the-white-house-will-distribute-10-million-more-covid-tests-per-month-to-schools

Canada deemed 'very high' risk for travel

The CDC places a destination at Level 4 when more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents are registered in the past 28 days. The CDC advises travelers to avoid travel to Level 4 countries.

source https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/cdc-very-high-risk-travel-destinations-january-10/index.html

NATO and Russia are in high-level talks as Ukraine tensions simmer

BRUSSELS (AP) — Senior NATO and Russian officials are meeting Wednesday to try to bridge seemingly irreconcilable differences over the future of Ukraine, amid deep skepticism that Russian President Vladimir Putin's security proposals for easing ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/12/1072371689/nato-and-russia-in-high-level-talks-as-ukraine-tensions-simmer

GOP bill allows people to show proof of COVID-19 infection in place of vaccination

Another bill would allow people to collect unemployment pay if they quit their jobs over an employer's vaccine mandate. The other bill heard Tuesday would make employers liable for worker's compensation should they adopt a vaccine mandate and a worker ...

source https://www.wkow.com/news/gop-bill-allows-people-to-show-proof-of-covid-19-infection-in-place-of-vaccination/article_6c0461e6-733b-11ec-bc94-63dbd47f8b7f.html

Clark County schools to take 5 day 'pause' due to staffing shortages, COVID surge

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -- The Clark County School District announced they will close all schools on Friday and Tuesday due to staffing shortages. The closure comes amid a surge of cases among students and educators. As of Tuesday, the district has reported ...

source https://www.fox5vegas.com/news/education/clark-county-schools-to-take-5-day-pause-due-to-staffing-shortages-covid-surge/article_21561a98-732e-11ec-9d0a-23bc3dec60f3.html

Intro to Writing Speaker Series: Abraham Iqbal Khan

He will talk about his journey to becoming a professor and how he approaches the art of rhetorical criticism. The speaker series is offered through the Intro to Writing Studies course, which builds students' rhetorical skills ...

source https://altoona.psu.edu/event/intro-writing-speaker-series-abraham-iqbal-khan

Warriors Name Jennifer Vasquez as Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

“Jennifer has a proven track record driving strategies around corporate diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Warriors President & Chief Operating Officer Brandon Schneider. “In the creation of this role at the Warriors, we ...

source https://www.nba.com/warriors/news/warriors-name-jennifer-vasquez-vice-president-diversity-equity-inclusion-20220111

Record number of orca, humpback whales spotted in Salish Sea

There were 1,067 unique sightings of Bigg's killer whales last year — up from the 2019 record of 747. Jessica Cheung · CBC News · Posted: Jan 11, 2022 2:38 PM PT | Last Updated: 2 hours ago. A female orca leaps from the water in Puget Sound west of ...

source https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/record-whale-sightings-2021-1.6311282

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives in Washington State – 2021 Update

In response to inquiries on race and social justice policies and the rise of social justice activism across the country, MRSC previously wrote on how local governments can integrate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) into new and existing policies.

source https://mrsc.org/Home/Stay-Informed/MRSC-Insight/January-2022/Diversity-Equity-and-Inclusion-Initiatives-in-Wa.aspx

A medical helicopter carrying an infant crashed near a church; everyone survived

UPPER DARBY, Pa. — A pilot crash landed a medical helicopter Tuesday without casualties in a residential area of suburban Philadelphia, miraculously avoiding a web of power lines and buildings as the aircraft fluttered, hit the street and slid into ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/11/1072178539/a-medical-helicopter-carrying-an-infant-crashed-near-a-church-everyone-survived

Biden Administration Continues to Shut Down Alaska's Domestic Energy Production with “No Action” Decision

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy issued the following statement after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) signaled that it plans to close millions of acres in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) that has been available for responsible resource ...

source https://gov.alaska.gov/newsroom/2022/01/11/biden-administration-continues-to-shut-down-alaskas-domestic-energy-production-with-no-action-decision/

“No Action” Administration Targets NPR-A for Latest Restrictions on Alaska Resource Development

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Congressman Don Young, all R-Alaska, issued the following statements after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) signaled that it plans to close millions of additional acres in the National Petroleum ...

source https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/no-action-administration-targets-npr-a-for-latest-restrictions-on-alaska-resource-development

Insurers And Plans Must Cover At-Home Tests For COVID-19

On January 10, 2022, the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Treasury announced new guidance outlining how insurers and group health plans will be required to cover and reimburse enrollees for up to eight at-home tests for ...

source https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/forefront.20220111.960247

Slightly warmer conditions arrive before chances for snow return

The morning still features bitter cold temperatures with wind chills still below zero in a few spots. By the afternoon temperatures will climb into the 20's with wind chills well above zero. A warm front will come ...

source https://www.wrex.com/news/top-stories/slightly-warmer-conditions-arrive-before-chances-for-snow-return/article_bab15be4-72ca-11ec-a3c6-2f5b8aa2ca28.html

The warm wind brings back mild temperatures

Morning temperatures fall back into the single digits due to clear and calm skies. Wind chills down to the teens below zero are possible before the warmth takes over. Temp-Wind Chill Planner (11).png. Quickly into the afternoon, temperatures will jump ...

source https://www.wxow.com/weather/the-warm-wind-brings-back-mild-temperatures/article_69815dac-72cd-11ec-b919-4b98f04b784d.html

Warmer weather brings a few chances for snow

Finally, warmer temperatures are starting to creep into western Wisconsin. Temperatures are already out of the negatives and by this afternoon, wind chills will be too. Tuesday will be partly cloudy with high temps climbing into the upper 20s.

source https://www.wqow.com/weather/warmer-weather-brings-a-few-chances-for-snow/article_465024ca-72c9-11ec-89ef-573c83311c06.html

Project Baltimore renews commitment amid classroom crisis

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — School systems across the country are facing a crisis, from the Covid shutdowns to enrollment and grade changing scandals, to weapons and violence in the classroom. Parents want to know what's happening in their children's schools.

source https://foxbaltimore.com/news/project-baltimore/project-baltimore-renews-commitment-amid-classroom-crisis

One day after announcing he's running again, Sen. Johnson, Dems launch new ads

SAUK CITY (WKOW) -- With Election Day still about about ten months away, Sen. Ron Johnson and Wisconsin Democrats released new ads Monday following Johnson's announcement he will seek a third term in the U.S. Senate.

source https://www.wkow.com/news/one-day-after-announcing-hes-running-again-sen-johnson-dems-launch-new-ads/article_9918abbe-7274-11ec-abbb-4bda3e7c8f86.html

'Heartbreaking': 2021 climate-related disasters killed 688

Last year will go down in the record books as the fourth warmest in history, while producing the second highest number of climate disasters, killing 688 people, NOAA said today. Overall, the nation experienced 20 separate billion-dollar weather and ...

source https://www.eenews.net/articles/heartbreaking-2021-climate-related-disasters-killed-688/

NRDC: Governor Wolf Vetoes Anti-RGGI Resolution

HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Tom Wolf vetoed Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 today, which aimed to stop Pennsylvania from joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).The resolution was procedurally defective, as the General Assembly failed to ...

source https://www.nrdc.org/media/2022/220110

Meet the lawyers teeing up the Supreme Court climate showdown

The 2015 Obama rule invoked EPA's authority under the Clean Air Act to set systemwide requirements for power plant emissions reductions. After the D.C. Circuit ruling, President Biden's EPA had a clean slate to craft its own ...

source https://www.eenews.net/articles/meet-the-lawyers-teeing-up-the-supreme-court-climate-showdown/

Chicago Fight With Teachers Union Stretches Into 2nd Week

Chicago school leaders canceled class a fourth day in the nation's third-largest district as negotiations with the teachers' union over remote learning and other COVID-19 safety protocols failed to produce an agreement over the weekend.

source https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/chicagos-covid-19-fight-with-teachers-hangs-over-a-2nd-week/2724483/

Latter-day Saint apostle M. Russell Ballard praises 'dear friend' Harry Reid for a life of Christian service

(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks at the memorial service of Latter-day Saint and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at ...

source https://www.sltrib.com/news/2022/01/08/latter-day-saint-leader-m/

Sunny but cold day leads to a cold next few days

ROCKFORD (WREX) — The 'warmer' temperatures from yesterday are no longer, at least the sun is shining today! Expect wind chills of 0 to 10 degrees below zero throughout the first half of the workweek. Tonight & Tomorrow - excessive cold comes back:.

source https://www.wrex.com/news/top-stories/sunny-but-cold-day-leads-to-a-cold-next-few-days/article_3f83a52c-7189-11ec-889e-e3844628ba2c.html

Bitter Cold to Start the Week

We should have clear to partly cloudy skies Sunday night with lows in the -10s mostly . Winds from the west to northwest around 10 mph will bring dangerous wind chills. Be sure to bundle up well and cover the face and extremities to avoid frost bite if you ...

source https://www.waow.com/weather/forecast/bitter-cold-to-start-the-week/article_a04557f0-718b-11ec-a136-0b8e250c107e.html

Churchill: Hochul knows something about population decline

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, ...

source https://www.timesunion.com/churchill/article/Churchill-Hochul-knows-about-population-decline-16755272.php

Cold start to the week, above average temperatures on the way

ROCKFORD (WREX) — After some icy weather Saturday, get ready for some very cold weather for the next couple of days. Cold start: Temperatures took a tumble Sunday morning after freezing drizzle Saturday night. Untreated roads are still slick out there, ...

source https://www.wrex.com/news/top-stories/cold-start-to-the-week-above-average-temperatures-on-the-way/article_c36cc806-716a-11ec-ab6a-07079e1efff8.html

Biden, Obama among those to eulogize Senate titan Harry Reid at memorial service

In eulogy after eulogy at his memorial service Saturday, Harry Reid was remembered as a consummate politician, a loving husband and father — and perhaps more than anything else, a man who rarely said goodbye before hanging up the phone.

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/08/1071594389/biden-obama-harry-reid-at-memorial-funeral

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

WHEREAS, the safety and wellbeing of all Alaskans is the first priority and highest calling of the State of Alaska. It is important that all citizens know and understand the duties and responsibilities of their law enforcement officers and agencies; ...

source https://gov.alaska.gov/newsroom/2022/01/09/law-enforcement-appreciation-day-4/

Funding, school ratings, workforce: Education issues we're watching in 2022

Colorado lawmakers return Wednesday for the start of the 2022 legislative session with hopes to tackle long-standing education challenges as well as new problems driven by the pandemic. Money for both K-12 and higher education will be major topics, ...

source https://co.chalkbeat.org/2022/1/7/22872999/colorado-legislative-preview-2022-education-college-university

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Amends Kentucky Disaster Declaration

Under the President's order on December 15, 2021, Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, was increased to 100 percent of the total eligible costs for a 30-day period from the date of ...

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/08/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-amends-kentucky-disaster-declaration-2/

NC Energy and Equity Executive Order [NRDC Reaction]

RALEIGH, NC – Governor Roy Cooper released his climate and equity executive order today, laying out how the State of North Carolina will address some of the most pressing energy and environment issues facing the state. Following is reaction from Luis ...

source https://www.nrdc.org/media/2022/220107

All City Council, City Commission and Committee Meetings Returning to Virtual Format

Due to the rapid spread of COVID/Omicron variant and out of an abundance of caution, the City of Sonoma is taking steps to protect the health and safety of staff and our community. On Thursday, January 6, 2022, the City Council voted to return to a ...

source https://www.sonomacity.org/all-city-council-city-commission-and-committee-meetings-returning-to-virtual-format/

CDC is criticized for failing to communicate, promises to do better

It was the first such briefing in months, despite the ongoing pandemic crisis. That lack of regular communication has spurred criticism of the agency. In recent days, public health experts have called out CDC for ...

source https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/07/1071449137/cdc-is-criticized-for-failing-to-communicate-promises-to-do-better

Salt Lake County Health Officer Issues 30-Day Mask Order

Today, Salt Lake County Health Department Executive Director Dr. Angela C. Dunn issued a public health order requiring people in Salt Lake County, regardless of vaccination status or past COVID-19 infection, to wear well-fitting masks when indoors (or ...

source https://slco.org/health/Media/slco-health-officer-issues-30-day-mask-order/

Inslee signs Executive Order for Equity in Public Contracting and announces intention to rescind Directive 98-01

“Washington's diversity is our greatest strength, and it is only by leveling the playing field that it becomes possible for all Washingtonians to thrive and live healthy and successful lives,” Inslee said. “Today's announcements ...

source https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-signs-executive-order-equity-public-contracting-and-announces-intention-rescind

Standardized test scores in California fell during year in distance learning

Gaps in achievement between Black and Hispanic students and their white and Asian peers, already wide before the pandemic, expanded in math and English language arts. State education officials, however, cautioned that the number ...

source https://edsource.org/2022/standardized-test-scores-in-california-fell-during-year-in-distance-learning/665487

Shaheen Leads NH Delegation in Applauding Historic $60.7M in LIHEAP Funding to Help Granite Staters Heat Their ...

**Additional funding from American Rescue Plan boosts LIHEAP funding to highest ever received by NH, following Shaheen and Hassan's push to prioritize LIHEAP during ARP negotiations**. (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led Senator ...

source https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/news/press/shaheen-leads-nh-delegation-in-applauding-historic-607m-in-liheap-funding-to-help-granite-staters-heat-their-homes

Erie County Department of Health provides 2021 summary on COVID-19

Vaccination efforts are ongoing to help Erie County residents avoid severe illness and avoid the need for hospitalization in case of infection with COVID-19. As of Dec. 31, 2021, across Erie County's Erie County's ...

source https://eriecountypa.gov/erie-county-department-of-health-provides-2021-summary-on-covid-19/

Iowa County Sheriff identifies Mineral Point firefighters killed in the line of duty

Iowa County Sheriff Steven Michek and Chief Deputy Austin Durst identified them as Fire Captain Brian Busch, 43, and Firefighter James Ludlum, 69. According to a press release, Busch was driving the fire truck ...

source https://www.wkow.com/news/iowa-county-sheriff-identifies-mineral-point-firefighters-killed-in-the-line-of-duty/article_1269c300-6ffe-11ec-8471-4b9b0ab151e0.html

Illinois Schools Will Likely Align With CDC Guidance on COVID Isolation, Quarantine Times

Illinois schools will soon receive guidance on COVID-19 isolation and quarantine times as the state's board of education says it plans to align with new guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Illinois State Board of ...

source https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-schools-will-likely-align-with-cdc-guidance-on-covid-isolation-quarantine/2723706/

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says lying about elections should be a crime

Warning of ongoing “threats to democracy,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said Thursday he will support legislation this year to make it a gross misdemeanor for elected officials and candidates for public office to issue false statements about election ...

source https://www.opb.org/article/2022/01/06/washington-governor-inslee-says-lying-about-elections-should-be-crime/

Tonight: expect the coldest air so far this winter

That meets the criteria for a Wind Chill Advisory, which has been issued for all of Western Wisconsin until 10am tomorrow. A Wind Chill Advisory is issued when wind chills could cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes, and again we'll be right on that ...

source https://www.wqow.com/weather/tonight-expect-the-coldest-air-so-far-this-winter/article_1a9e1048-6f41-11ec-ac54-a735d756195b.html

Cold front Friday to produce gusty winds and blowing snow

BOZEMAN – Plenty of active weather impacting travel conditions around Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Washington State. JAN6ELKPARK.png. kbzk. A warm front continues to slowly drift into western Montana producing snow, heavy at times west of the divide, ...

source https://www.kbzk.com/weather/cold-front-friday-to-produce-gusty-winds-and-blowing-snow

7 of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Most Notable Speeches

His stirring speeches touched on everything from social and racial justice, to nonviolence, poverty, the Vietnam War and dismantling white supremacy. And while many have been inspired by his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, King tackled a wide range of ...

source https://www.history.com/news/martin-luther-king-jr-speeches

Coldest Air of the Season Moving on In

Wind Chill Advisory for all of the 27 News coverage area from 9pm Thursday through 9am Friday. As a high pressure system is moving into the Midwest region and in doing so, it's going to bring down ...

source https://www.wkow.com/news/coldest-air-of-the-season-moving-on-in/article_7e2ab206-6f2d-11ec-9660-f3df90fbd0d5.html

The oldest living American veteran of World War II dies at 112

Born in 1909, Brooks was one of 15 children and was raised in rural Louisiana and Mississippi. He was drafted into the U.S. Army a few weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor at age 31 when the military was still racially segregated.

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/05/1070789122/oldest-living-world-war-ii-veteran-dies-lawrence-brooks

Pritzker to Work Remotely After Close Contact With Employee Who Tested Positive for COVID

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will work remotely in coming days after coming into close contact with a state employee who later tested positive for coronavirus, his office said Wednesday. According to a press release, the close contact occurred Tuesday.

source https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/pritzker-to-work-remotely-after-close-contact-with-employee-who-tested-positive-for-covid/2721935/

Omicron upended school this week. Here's what you need to know about the latest disruptions.

But school officials are running into a simple but profound constraint: not enough staff due to the surging COVID cases. Even in Denver, 16 schools have temporarily shifted to virtual instruction because too many staff were sick or quarantined.

source https://www.chalkbeat.org/2022/1/5/22869138/schools-covid-omicron-shortages-chicago

Illinois Coronavirus Updates: CPS Classes Canceled, Unique Complications in Children

A debate over remote learning has left classes at Chicago Public Schools canceled Wednesday as teachers and the district continue to battle over safety in school settings. At the same time, pediatricians are seeing a unique trend in children ...

source https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-coronavirus-updates-cps-classes-canceled-unique-complications-in-children/2721498/

126 years after the 'separate but equal' ruling, Homer Plessy is pardoned

NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana's governor on Wednesday posthumously pardoned Homer Plessy, the Black man whose arrest for refusing to leave a whites-only railroad car in 1892 led to the Supreme Court ruling that cemented "separate but equal" into U.S. law for ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/05/1070593964/homer-plessy-posthumous-pardon-plessy-v-ferguson-separate-but-equal

A Year in Review: Gov. Gianforte Leading the Montana Comeback

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today began his second year in office as Montana's 25th governor, following a year defined by lower taxes, less government spending, and more freedom. A Year in Review. The Office of the Governor released a new ...

source https://news.mt.gov/Governors-Office/A_Year_in_Review_Gov_Gianforte_Leading_the_Montana_Comeback

NEW: COVID-19 spreading fast in Clark County; 38 deaths and more than 1900 cases reported

The explosion in COVID-19 cases in Southern Nevada is pushing state numbers higher, with statewide test positivity now at 15.8%, the highest it has been since mid-August. More than 2,500 new cases were reported statewide.

source https://www.8newsnow.com/news/health/coronavirus-health/new-covid-19-spreading-fast-in-clark-county-38-deaths-and-more-than-1900-cases-reported/

More than 1 million Americans were diagnosed with COVID over the long holiday weekend

The U.S. reported a record 1,082,549 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. It's the latest in a series of staggering milestones brought on by the highly transmissible omicron variant, which is sweeping across ...

source https://www.npr.org/2022/01/04/1070218466/1-million-us-covid-cases-omicron-surge

Illinois Coronavirus Updates: Remote Learning Debate, Testing Warning, Hospitalizations

Illinois COVID hospitalizations have reached their highest level since the start of the pandemic and pediatric hospitalizations continue to rise. At the same time, a debate of whether bringing students and teachers back to schools following the winter ...

source https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/illinois-coronavirus-updates-remote-learning-debate-testing-warning-hospitalizations/2720663/

US Tops 1 Million Daily COVID-19 Cases

Jan. 4, 2022 -- The U.S. blew through global records on Monday, reporting more than 1 million diagnosed COVID-19 cases as the Omicron variant continues to drive surges. Monday's unfortunate tally is almost double the previous domestic record of 590,000 ...

source https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20220104/one-million-cases

'Mudi'? Try a toy: American Kennel Club adds 2 dog breeds

NEW YORK (AP) — An athletic Hungarian farm dog and a tiny pet of bygone Russian aristocrats are the latest breeds to join the American Kennel Club's purebred lineup. The club announced Tuesday that it's recognizing the Russian toy and the mudi, ...

source https://www.wtva.com/news/national/mudi-try-a-toy-american-kennel-club-adds-2-dog-breeds/article_2a05da89-4333-5e83-9d1c-46a0d1494130.html

Therapeutic treatments for COVID-19

Please note: Due to the presence of the Omicron variant and consistent with federal guidance, two monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies, bamlanivimab/etesevimab and casirivimab/imdevimab, should no longer be used at this time.

source https://www.mass.gov/info-details/therapeutic-treatments-for-covid-19

Cuomo Will Not Be Prosecuted in Groping Case, Albany DA Says

Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York will not be prosecuted in the criminal case involving allegations that he groped a former aide in the Executive Mansion in 2020, the Albany County District Attorney announced on Tuesday. The move to drop the case ...

source https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/04/nyregion/andrew-cuomo-albany-criminal-charges-dropped.html

Winter Weather Advisory issued for first winter storm of 2022

The first snowstorm of 2022 is set to hit the upper Midwest Tuesday night into Wednesday. Heavy snow, strong winds and poor travel is expected. Wind Forecast - 4 Day.png. Tuesday will be cloudy and warmer as the warm front of our storm boosts us into ...

source https://www.wqow.com/weather/winter-weather-advisory-issued-for-first-winter-storm-of-2022/article_474daeac-6d4b-11ec-9b31-27baf10a0138.html

Rubio, Braun, GOP Colleagues Oppose Biden Vaccine Mandate for Private Employers in Upcoming SCOTUS Case

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), 47 other Senators, and 140 Representatives in filing an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in the upcoming case considering the Biden ...

source https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2022/1/rubio-braun-gop-colleagues-oppose-biden-vaccine-mandate-for-private-employers-in-upcoming-scotus-case

State Sales Tax Revenue Totaled $3.6 Billion in December

Year-over-year increases for most tax revenues continue to be affected by base effects: year-ago revenue collections to which this year's collections are compared were suppressed by the pandemic. Compared to December 2019, sales tax collections were up ...

source https://comptroller.texas.gov/about/media-center/news/20220103-state-sales-tax-revenue-totaled-36-billion-in-december-1641231072021

Prince Andrew accuser's 2009 deal with Jeffrey Epstein made public

Virginia Giuffre agreed not to sue anyone connected to Jeffrey Epstein who could be described as a "potential defendant", a 2009 damages settlement against the sex offender shows. The document, disclosed by a New York court, reveals the financier paid ...

source https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59861831

What's ahead for 'Build Back Better': 4 scenarios

Congress returns this week with President Biden's social spending and climate package hanging by a thread after Sen. Joe Manchin threw the effort into chaos last month. How the Senate responds to the West Virginia Democrat's blockade will be the ...

source https://www.eenews.net/articles/whats-ahead-for-build-back-better-4-scenarios/

Where You Now Need to Show Proof of COVID Vaccination in Chicago, Cook County

The proof of vaccine rules in Chicago will apply to everyone age 5 and older and includes restaurants, bars, gyms and other venues like sports and entertainment arenas. The rules don't apply to those inside venues for less than 10 minutes, like those ...

source https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/coronavirus/where-you-now-need-to-show-proof-of-covid-vaccination-in-chicago-cook-county/2719756/

COVID rages in Ohio as pandemic enters third year

Ohio is once again in alarming shape as the pandemic enters its third calendar year. We've recently set records for new cases and ended the year with the highest per-capita COVID hospitalization rate in the country. Flashback: At the pandemic's outset ...

source https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/01/03/covid-rages-in-ohio-as-pandemic-enters-third-year

Milder to begin the work week

The week will start out on a milder trend but it won't stay that way. Some snow and colder air will develop later in the week. Today: Sunny to partly cloudy and turning a bit warmer. High: 20 Wind: SW5-15. Tonight: Scattered fog and low clouds possible ...

source https://www.waow.com/weather/milder-to-begin-the-work-week/article_01b1c81a-6c83-11ec-a65e-b7f2f5570a5d.html

Artic cold in the Stateline: brutal cold for the week ahead

ROCKFORD (WREX) — Snow wrapped up early Sunday morning, leaving some bitter cold temperatures in the Stateline for the upcoming week! Sunday into Monday: The main take away from Sunday and Monday is that it is going to be cold! We will be seeing the ...

source https://www.wrex.com/news/top-stories/artic-cold-in-the-stateline-brutal-cold-for-the-week-ahead/article_fcdfe1de-6b7c-11ec-8665-cbbcffeecfad.html

From Above Average Temps yesterday to Below Average Temps Today

Winter Weather Advisory: For counties extending from Lamar county (AL) to Yalobusha county (MS) and north. For our MS counties this begins at 9 AM & expires at 9 PM, but for our AL counties this it is valid from 6 PM today and extending to 3 AM ...

source https://www.wtva.com/news/top-stories/from-above-average-temps-yesterday-to-below-average-temps-today/article_1b2802fc-6baf-11ec-a669-c3853418f47b.html

Recreational marijuana legalization brings Missoula dispensaries new sales

The Higher Standard and Puffin dispensary are two downtown Missoula shops that made the switch to selling recreational marijuana in addition to medical marijuana. Canna Puffin. Hannah Hislop/MTN News.

source https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/missoula-dispensaries-hit-new-sales-on-first-day-of-legal-recreational-marijuana-use

Storms move out and cold air rushes in for the rest of the weekend

The severe weather threat is ending as we head into the overnight, and the cold air is rushing into the area for the rest of the weekend. Sunday is all about dropping temperatures. The official high will come at midnight, probably in the low 60s with ...

source https://www.wtva.com/news/top-stories/storms-move-out-and-cold-air-rushes-in-for-the-rest-of-the-weekend/article_6757af00-6b83-11ec-82ba-8b43af677c88.html

Possible Tornadoes Damage Buildings in Kentucky, Flooding Forces Water Rescues

A possible tornado hit Hopkinsville, Kentucky, downing power lines and causing damage. Water rescues were ongoing in multiple Kentucky counties after storms trained over the area. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency given the ...

source https://weather.com/news/news/2022-01-01-severe-tornado-south-new-year

Illinois woman in custody in killing of cop, wounding of 2nd

Police say a woman wanted in the fatal shooting of one police officer and the wounding of another at a northern Illinois hotel surrendered to police hours after a man also suspected in the shooting was arrested in Indiana. ByThe Associated Press.

source https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/illinois-woman-custody-killing-cop-wounding-2nd-82031890

NY Trumps Case Record by 9K, Reports Over 85000 New Positives on New Year's Day

New York delivered a previously unthinkable level of new COVID cases on Saturday when the governor's daily report tallied 85,476 positive results in a single day. The exponential trend has showed no signs of slowing since the state smashed its previous ...

source https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/ny-trumps-case-record-by-9k-reporting-over-85000-new-positives-on-new-years-day/3475219/

Severe weather shelters remain open Saturday; plan to close Sunday as forecast improves

Severe weather shelters will remain open during the day and overnight Saturday, Jan. 1 with plans to close at 8 a.m. Sunday morning, Jan. 2. People seeking shelter can dial 2-1-1 for the latest information on shelter locations and if they need ...

source https://www.multco.us/care-when-its-cold/news/severe-weather-shelters-remain-open-saturday-plan-close-sunday-forecast

Ontario Working for Workers by Increasing Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour

TORONTO — As part of its plan to grow an economy that works for everyone, the Ontario government has raised the general minimum wage to $15.00 per hour starting today. This new, higher general minimum wage is expanded to now include bartenders and ...

source https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001390/ontario_working_for_workers_by_increasing_minimum_wage_to_15_an_hour

Six people were shot in Germantown when gunmen fired more than 65 shots onto the street, police say

A gunfight that injured a woman and five men erupted in Germantown late Thursday night when six armed people hopped out of a van and opened fire at a group on a street corner, causing some of those people to shoot back, according to police.

source https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-gun-violence-germantown-mass-shooting-20211231.html

The best full fibre (FTTP) broadband deals January 2022

Full fibre broadband is here. Over the last year, the availability of this much-faster fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband technology has grown significantly across the UK. There's still a long way to go before it's more universally available, but there's growing competition between BT, EE, Sky, Vodafone and more to offer incredible download speeds. These providers are seeking to entice customers to switch to the new service with better offers. If you're lucky enough to be within the coverage area and want to try it for yourself, here are some of the best full fibre broadband deals out there this month.

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Remarks by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in Press Gaggle

Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar Wilmington, Delaware. 2:39 P.M. EST. THE FIRST LADY: Happy New Year! Q President Biden, what did you convey on your call with Vladimir Putin? THE PRESIDENT: I made it clear to President Putin that if he — he makes any ...

source https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/12/31/remarks-by-president-biden-and-first-lady-jill-biden-in-press-gaggle/

Detroit public schools cancel classes Monday-Wednesday to configure COVID plan

DETROIT – In-person and online classes have been canceled for Detroit public schools next week as the district conducts widespread COVID testing and works to establish a learning plan amid an ongoing virus surge. The Detroit ...

source https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2021/12/31/detroit-public-schools-cancel-classes-monday-wednesday-to-configure-covid-plan/