mercurynews--2020-12-31--Trump briefed that China sought to pay for attack on US forces

President Donald Trump received information earlier this month that China sought to pay non-state actors to attack American forces in Afghanistan , a senior administration official said .
The intelligence , which will be declassified by the Trump administration , was provided to the President in his daily brief on December 17 , the official said .
His national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien discussed the information with the President that same day , the official said .
News of the briefing and the administration ’ s intention to declassify the information was first reported on Wednesday by Axios @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thus far uncorroborated .
The scenario is reminiscent of reports earlier this year that Russia allegedly offered Afghan militants bounties to kill US forces in Afghanistan .
That information also appeared in the President ’ s intelligence briefing although it was later revealed that the information likely went unnoticed for weeks .
Trump has yet to publicly call Russia out on the issue .
While it ’ s unclear whether President-elect Joe Biden has seen the intelligence , he would have had access to the same intelligence since he receives the President ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Biden transition team didn ’ t immediately respond to a request for comment .
CNN reported in June that Russian intelligence officers for the military intelligence agency GRU had recently offered money to Taliban militants in Afghanistan as rewards if they killed US or UK troops there , according to a European intelligence official .
The official told CNN the incentives offered by the Russians had , in their assessment , led to coalition casualties , which would be service members ’ deaths or injuries .
The official did not specify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , their number or nationality , or whether these were fatalities or injuries .
A US official with knowledge of the matter confirmed to CNN at the time that there was intelligence indicating money was transferred , but it is not clear how verified the intelligence in question was or who exactly the representatives of this Russian unit approached — top leaders or commanders of field units located to the coalition forces .
US intelligence had concluded months prior that Russian military intelligence offered the bounties , amid peace talks , and Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House ’ s National Security Council held a meeting about it in late March , according to the New York Times , citing officials briefed on the matter .
After the news broke in June , Trump denied receiving a briefing about the intelligence .
He tweeted that “ there have not been many attacks ” on US troops by Taliban fighters as his evidence that the reported intelligence may be “ phony ” — a step further than an earlier statement from the White House in which press secretary Kayleigh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report , but instead said Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were not briefed “ on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence.
” There was discussion as far back as February and March in the US intelligence community and among the top military commanders about the Russian operation to assess the intelligence and what exactly was happening , a US official told CNN in June .
There were some efforts at protecting US forces because of the intelligence , the source also said .
News of China offering cash for attacks on US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will embrace Trump ’ s more punitive policies towards the nation or move to reset relations between Washington and Beijing .
Diplomacy during the Obama-Biden administration was guided for the most part by attempts at cooperation with China , rather than confrontation .
But there is evidence that Biden ’ s views have shifted in recent years in line with the changing mood in Washington , where Beijing is increasingly viewed not as America ’ s potential partner , but as its primary rival .
• Census Bureau says it will miss data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology companies “ facilitating repression in China , ” and promises foreign policy “ pressuring China — the world ’ s largest emitter of carbon — to stop subsidizing coal exports and outsourcing their pollution to other countries.
” “ To win the competition for the future against China or anyone else , we must sharpen our innovative edge and unite the economic might of democracies around the world to counter abusive economic practices , ” it states .
A Biden campaign ad in June accused Trump of getting “ played ” by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in February , Biden referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “ thug , ” and said that Beijing had to “ play by the rules .
”

By Vivian Salama and Caroline Kelly | CNN
President Donald Trump received information earlier this month that China sought to pay non-state actors to attack American forces in Afghanistan, a senior administration official said.
The intelligence, which will be declassified by the Trump administration, was provided to the President in his daily brief on December 17, the official said. His national security adviser Robert O’Brien discussed the information with the President that same day, the official said.
News of the briefing and the administration’s intention to declassify the information was first reported on Wednesday by Axios.
Information of this alleged intelligence is thus far uncorroborated. The scenario is reminiscent of reports earlier this year that Russia allegedly offered Afghan militants bounties to kill US forces in Afghanistan. That information also appeared in the President’s intelligence briefing although it was later revealed that the information likely went unnoticed for weeks.
Trump has yet to publicly call Russia out on the issue.
While it’s unclear whether President-elect Joe Biden has seen the intelligence, he would have had access to the same intelligence since he receives the President’s Daily Brief.
The White House and the Biden transition team didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
CNN reported in June that Russian intelligence officers for the military intelligence agency GRU had recently offered money to Taliban militants in Afghanistan as rewards if they killed US or UK troops there, according to a European intelligence official. The official told CNN the incentives offered by the Russians had, in their assessment, led to coalition casualties, which would be service members’ deaths or injuries. The official did not specify as to the date of the casualties, their number or nationality, or whether these were fatalities or injuries.
A US official with knowledge of the matter confirmed to CNN at the time that there was intelligence indicating money was transferred, but it is not clear how verified the intelligence in question was or who exactly the representatives of this Russian unit approached — top leaders or commanders of field units located to the coalition forces.
US intelligence had concluded months prior that Russian military intelligence offered the bounties, amid peace talks, and Trump was briefed on the intelligence findings and the White House’s National Security Council held a meeting about it in late March, according to the New York Times, citing officials briefed on the matter.
After the news broke in June, Trump denied receiving a briefing about the intelligence. He tweeted that “there have not been many attacks” on US troops by Taliban fighters as his evidence that the reported intelligence may be “phony” — a step further than an earlier statement from the White House in which press secretary Kayleigh McEnany did not deny the validity of the report, but instead said Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were not briefed “on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence.”
There was discussion as far back as February and March in the US intelligence community and among the top military commanders about the Russian operation to assess the intelligence and what exactly was happening, a US official told CNN in June. There were some efforts at protecting US forces because of the intelligence, the source also said.
News of China offering cash for attacks on US forces comes as China awaits whether Biden will embrace Trump’s more punitive policies towards the nation or move to reset relations between Washington and Beijing.
Diplomacy during the Obama-Biden administration was guided for the most part by attempts at cooperation with China, rather than confrontation. But there is evidence that Biden’s views have shifted in recent years in line with the changing mood in Washington, where Beijing is increasingly viewed not as America’s potential partner, but as its primary rival.
Biden’s campaign website slams technology companies “facilitating repression in China,” and promises foreign policy “pressuring China — the world’s largest emitter of carbon — to stop subsidizing coal exports and outsourcing their pollution to other countries.”
“To win the competition for the future against China or anyone else, we must sharpen our innovative edge and unite the economic might of democracies around the world to counter abusive economic practices,” it states.
A Biden campaign ad in June accused Trump of getting “played” by China. And during the Democratic primaries in February, Biden referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “thug,” and said that Beijing had to “play by the rules.”


mercurynews--2020-12-31--Sponsored: Green Rides: Get on Board with Drive Clean Bay Area

The global movement to rescue our planet from climate change includes countless organizations of all sizes acting together in a spirit of goodwill .
Electric vehicles have emerged as one of the most promising technologies to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions , allowing every motorist the opportunity to be a part of this unprecedented international effort .
Here in the Bay Area , there is an inspiring grassroots organization that is helping people do just that .
Launched in 2018 by visionary environmentalist Carleen Cullen , Drive Clean Bay Area is working collaboratively with schools , cities , businesses , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make the switch to EVs .
Cullen was a transportation policy advisor to governor-elect Gavin Newsom , and is determined to help him meet his goal of 100 % EV adoption in California by 2035 .
DCBA ’ s data-driven approach benefits from its umbrella organization , Cool the Earth , an extraordinarily successful non-profit organization founded by Cullen in 2006 .
Acting in solidarity with over 30 environmental non-profits that include heavy hitters like the Sierra Club , 350BayArea , Coltura , Joint Venture Silicon Valley , Charge Across Town , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earth has grown rapidly and is now a heavy hitter in its own right .
Cullen ’ s team at DCBA uses a wide variety of strategies to advance their noble mission .
In just one year , their compelling advertisements have reached over a quarter of a million Bay Area residents .
Many potential EV buyers have understandable concerns about this new technology .
DCBA ’ s EV 101 educational events and materials provide valuable information on how to buy , drive , and charge EVs , giving timid buyers the courage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electrons .
Children are often more open to new ways of doing things than adults , and DCBA ’ s school programs leverage the inherent persuasiveness of youngsters to help convert their parents .
They also offer financial workshops to help people take full advantage of the ever-changing government incentive programs that are currently available .
This can be especially helpful to low-income residents who may qualify for additional assistance .
They are even working to provide incentives of their own .
By pre-negotiating substantial price reductions on select EVs , DCBA has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has helped thousands of motorists go green .
If you ’ re curious at all about making your next vehicle an EV , there ’ s no better place to get started than visiting DCBA ’ s helpful website .
Many have characterized Governor Newsom ’ s plan to phase out the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines by 2035 as unrealistic .
Cullen believes that his worthwhile goal could be achieved even sooner .
The United Kingdom plans to meet the same goal by 2030 , a target date that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ optimism .
She knows how challenging it can be to convince consumers to make the switch to EVs .
She also knows that EVs have improved dramatically over the last decade and will soon be getting even better .
As scores of practical , more affordable EV models make their way into dealerships , DCBA is poised to help people drive them off the lots .
Drive Clean Bay Area is but one shining example of selfless organizations working around the globe to defeat the scourge of climate change .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They ’ re looking for drivers .

The global movement to rescue our planet from climate change includes countless organizations of all sizes acting together in a spirit of goodwill. Electric vehicles have emerged as one of the most promising technologies to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions, allowing every motorist the opportunity to be a part of this unprecedented international effort. Here in the Bay Area, there is an inspiring grassroots organization that is helping people do just that.
Launched in 2018 by visionary environmentalist Carleen Cullen, Drive Clean Bay Area is working collaboratively with schools, cities, businesses, and other nongovernmental organizations to encourage people to make the switch to EVs. Cullen was a transportation policy advisor to governor-elect Gavin Newsom, and is determined to help him meet his goal of 100% EV adoption in California by 2035. DCBA’s data-driven approach benefits from its umbrella organization, Cool the Earth, an extraordinarily successful non-profit organization founded by Cullen in 2006. Acting in solidarity with over 30 environmental non-profits that include heavy hitters like the Sierra Club, 350BayArea, Coltura, Joint Venture Silicon Valley, Charge Across Town, Acterra, and Veloz, Cool the Earth has grown rapidly and is now a heavy hitter in its own right.
Cullen’s team at DCBA uses a wide variety of strategies to advance their noble mission. In just one year, their compelling advertisements have reached over a quarter of a million Bay Area residents. Many potential EV buyers have understandable concerns about this new technology. DCBA’s EV 101 educational events and materials provide valuable information on how to buy, drive, and charge EVs, giving timid buyers the courage to make the switch from gasoline to electrons. Children are often more open to new ways of doing things than adults, and DCBA’s school programs leverage the inherent persuasiveness of youngsters to help convert their parents. They also offer financial workshops to help people take full advantage of the ever-changing government incentive programs that are currently available. This can be especially helpful to low-income residents who may qualify for additional assistance. They are even working to provide incentives of their own. By pre-negotiating substantial price reductions on select EVs, DCBA has implemented an EV preferred pricing campaign that has helped thousands of motorists go green. If you’re curious at all about making your next vehicle an EV, there’s no better place to get started than visiting DCBA’s helpful website.
Many have characterized Governor Newsom’s plan to phase out the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines by 2035 as unrealistic. Cullen believes that his worthwhile goal could be achieved even sooner. The United Kingdom plans to meet the same goal by 2030, a target date that is more in line with Cullen’s optimism. She knows how challenging it can be to convince consumers to make the switch to EVs. She also knows that EVs have improved dramatically over the last decade and will soon be getting even better. As scores of practical, more affordable EV models make their way into dealerships, DCBA is poised to help people drive them off the lots.
Drive Clean Bay Area is but one shining example of selfless organizations working around the globe to defeat the scourge of climate change. It’s easy to join DCBA’s crusade. They’re looking for drivers.


mercurynews--2020-12-31--San Jose: City asks Twitter, Instagram to scrub mayor’s address from activists’ posts

SAN JOSE — A rift between Mayor Sam Liccardo and a small group of social-justice activists who have been some of his harshest online critics escalated this week with a city demand to social-media companies to prevent those groups from posting the mayor ’ s home address .
The City Attorney ’ s Office sent the letters Tuesday to Twitter and Facebook , the parent company of Instagram , citing a demonstration planned for Thursday at City Hall as an imminent gathering that could lead to another march to Liccardo ’ s neighborhood .
The letter states that two protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first in which Liccardo ’ s home was vandalized , blocked street access and involved threats and assaults against the mayor ’ s neighbors .
The Twitter accounts mentioned belong to the group HERO Tent — formed in the wake of the George Floyd protests in San Jose — B.L.A.C.K .
Outreach SJ , and the latter group ’ s president , Lou Dimes .
The Instagram accounts targeted by the city belong to the same two groups and a third called Solidarity Means Attack .
The city ’ s letters to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mayor ’ s address in a critical tweet posted Dec. 6 .
“ The real issue is we simply want them to take down my address , not simply for my benefit or for my family ’ s , but for the community members who have been assaulted and threatened and had their property damaged by individuals in these groups , ” Liccardo said Wednesday .
“ I ’ m not concerned about my own safety , but my neighbors didn ’ t ask for this when I ran for mayor.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , objected to the legitimacy of the requests , contending that her group has not posted the mayor ’ s home address , nor did she receive any take-down request .
Dimes said the same for his group ’ s accounts .
“ This is impeding on our free speech , and our right to protest , ” Simmons said .
“ The 10th largest city in the country going to private companies like this really seems like an abuse of power.
” The city ’ s letters cite a state government code @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the home address of an elected or appointed official within 48 hours of receiving a takedown request .
The city acknowledged Wednesday that Dimes ’ post on Dec. 6 is the only documented instance of the mayor ’ s address being posted , and that the other groups ’ participation in demonstrations on Aug. 28 and Nov. 7 — when the vandalism and alleged assaults occurred — prompted their inclusion .
This news organization also learned that no written requests were sent out to the subjects before Wednesday .
Dimes said he sees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually bar the groups ’ social-media presence .
“ Our organizations haven ’ t done anything illegal , so that ’ s why they ’ re resorting to get our social-media accounts , ” he said .
“ That ’ s the first step to getting these accounts banned.
” There is also some question on whether the code the city cites , 6254.21 ( c ) , is enforceable , said Eric Goldman , co-director of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara University .
But while Goldman said he believes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on truthful factual information , ” he said the social-media companies could still honor the take-down request based on their own policies .
Two marches to the mayor ’ s home cited in the letters — on Aug. 28 and Nov. 7 — were fueled in part by the summer ’ s George Floyd demonstrations in downtown San Jose and violent encounters between police and protesters , and subsequent high-profile police shootings elsewhere in the country .
The protesters also focused on Liccardo ’ s decision not to back the “ defund the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reforms like moving misconduct investigations into the oversight of the city ’ s civilian police auditor .
Liccardo has cast the groups named in the letter as operating outside the spirit and mission of the Black Lives Matter movement .
“ With regard to expression of dissent , as protestors were at my house back in June , I was listening to hundreds of community members when I was at City Hall that very moment who were expressing a desire to defund the police department or push for police reform , ” Liccardo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ironic that there ’ s a belief that that ’ s the only way to express a viewpoint when there are plenty of legitimate means of doing so that are very freely available.
” Simmons and Dimes dispute the violent characterizations of the demonstrations , and argued that had they occurred as portrayed , arrests would have been made .
Instead , Simmons says , a HERO Tent member arrested in the vandalism was cleared of charges after she was held on an exorbitant $ 500,000 bail , and she is worried about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ As soon as we ’ re labeled as violent , it ’ ll become justifiable to do whatever they want to the activists , ” she said .
In the letters , the city cites police reports — that are not public record — in alleging numerous violent threats being made against Liccardo ’ s neighbors during the August and November demonstrations outside his home .
That included a report of a neighbor who , while trying to extinguish a burning flag out front with her garden hose , was assaulted Nov. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that resident ’ s aid said he was kicked and suffered a scar on his leg .
The neighbor , who asked that their name not be used for safety and privacy concerns , said he continues to be concerned about protests coming to their street .
He said that besides social-justice activists , people protesting COVID-19 lock-down and mask-wearing orders have also descended on the mayor ’ s home .
“ They ’ re not just affecting Sam , they ’ re disrupting our entire block .
People are getting fed up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re all dreading the next thing .
Are they going to cross the line again ?
Are people going to be hurt ?
It ’ s caused a lot of tension in our neighborhood.
” The city ’ s letters to the social media companies also cite inflammatory messages by Dimes , some of which they contend were aimed at bullying Black staff members in the mayor ’ s office and otherwise used violent imagery or rhetoric .
That includes Dimes stating in a post , “ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
SHOOT BACK .
Or at this point , shoot first and ask questions later .
Just like they do .
Every black person needs to own at least 2 firearms now .
Whether it ’ s legal or not.
” The letter also includes a flier for Thursday ’ s protest that has a collage with imagery of Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini being hanged , juxtaposed with a headshot of Liccardo with red “ X ” markings over his eyes .
Dimes said a literal reading of those posts are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a point against oppression .
He said the gun remarks were a literary expression against unchecked violence against Black people — he mentioned Ahmaud Arbery ’ s killing by two White vigilantes in Georgia — and to highlight the hypocrisy of right-wing and White supremacist activists being allowed to openly carry firearms with relative impunity .
The Liccardo image , he said , was about alleging fascist behavior , not calling for harm .
“ We ’ re not saying these things literally .
We want them to pay attention , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continuation of a history of fear of Black uprising , and the fear Black people will want vengeance instead of Black equality .
”

SAN JOSE — A rift between Mayor Sam Liccardo and a small group of social-justice activists who have been some of his harshest online critics escalated this week with a city demand to social-media companies to prevent those groups from posting the mayor’s home address.
The City Attorney’s Office sent the letters Tuesday to Twitter and Facebook, the parent company of Instagram, citing a demonstration planned for Thursday at City Hall as an imminent gathering that could lead to another march to Liccardo’s neighborhood. The letter states that two protests there in August and November, the first in which Liccardo’s home was vandalized, blocked street access and involved threats and assaults against the mayor’s neighbors.
The Twitter accounts mentioned belong to the group HERO Tent — formed in the wake of the George Floyd protests in San Jose — B.L.A.C.K. Outreach SJ, and the latter group’s president, Lou Dimes. The Instagram accounts targeted by the city belong to the same two groups and a third called Solidarity Means Attack. The city’s letters to the companies cite one instance of Dimes posting the mayor’s address in a critical tweet posted Dec. 6.
“The real issue is we simply want them to take down my address, not simply for my benefit or for my family’s, but for the community members who have been assaulted and threatened and had their property damaged by individuals in these groups,” Liccardo said Wednesday. “I’m not concerned about my own safety, but my neighbors didn’t ask for this when I ran for mayor.”
Kiana Simmons, founder of HERO Tent, objected to the legitimacy of the requests, contending that her group has not posted the mayor’s home address, nor did she receive any take-down request. Dimes said the same for his group’s accounts.
“This is impeding on our free speech, and our right to protest,” Simmons said. “The 10th largest city in the country going to private companies like this really seems like an abuse of power.”
The city’s letters cite a state government code that requires someone remove online posts publicizing the home address of an elected or appointed official within 48 hours of receiving a takedown request.
The city acknowledged Wednesday that Dimes’ post on Dec. 6 is the only documented instance of the mayor’s address being posted, and that the other groups’ participation in demonstrations on Aug. 28 and Nov. 7 — when the vandalism and alleged assaults occurred — prompted their inclusion. This news organization also learned that no written requests were sent out to the subjects before Wednesday.
Dimes said he sees the moves as setting a path to eventually bar the groups’ social-media presence.
“Our organizations haven’t done anything illegal, so that’s why they’re resorting to get our social-media accounts,” he said. “That’s the first step to getting these accounts banned.”
There is also some question on whether the code the city cites, 6254.21(c), is enforceable, said Eric Goldman, co-director of the High Tech Law Institute at Santa Clara University. But while Goldman said he believes the code is an unconstitutional “restriction on truthful factual information,” he said the social-media companies could still honor the take-down request based on their own policies.
Two marches to the mayor’s home cited in the letters — on Aug. 28 and Nov. 7 — were fueled in part by the summer’s George Floyd demonstrations in downtown San Jose and violent encounters between police and protesters, and subsequent high-profile police shootings elsewhere in the country. The protesters also focused on Liccardo’s decision not to back the “defund the police” movement, and instead support reforms like moving misconduct investigations into the oversight of the city’s civilian police auditor. Liccardo has cast the groups named in the letter as operating outside the spirit and mission of the Black Lives Matter movement.
“With regard to expression of dissent, as protestors were at my house back in June, I was listening to hundreds of community members when I was at City Hall that very moment who were expressing a desire to defund the police department or push for police reform,” Liccardo said, “so it’s ironic that there’s a belief that that’s the only way to express a viewpoint when there are plenty of legitimate means of doing so that are very freely available.”
Simmons and Dimes dispute the violent characterizations of the demonstrations, and argued that had they occurred as portrayed, arrests would have been made. Instead, Simmons says, a HERO Tent member arrested in the vandalism was cleared of charges after she was held on an exorbitant $500,000 bail, and she is worried about the long-term effect of these portrayals.
“As soon as we’re labeled as violent, it’ll become justifiable to do whatever they want to the activists,” she said.
In the letters, the city cites police reports — that are not public record — in alleging numerous violent threats being made against Liccardo’s neighbors during the August and November demonstrations outside his home. That included a report of a neighbor who, while trying to extinguish a burning flag out front with her garden hose, was assaulted Nov. 7. Another neighbor who came to that resident’s aid said he was kicked and suffered a scar on his leg.
The neighbor, who asked that their name not be used for safety and privacy concerns, said he continues to be concerned about protests coming to their street. He said that besides social-justice activists, people protesting COVID-19 lock-down and mask-wearing orders have also descended on the mayor’s home.
“They’re not just affecting Sam, they’re disrupting our entire block. People are getting fed up with it,” he said. “We’re all dreading the next thing. Are they going to cross the line again? Are people going to be hurt? It’s caused a lot of tension in our neighborhood.”
The city’s letters to the social media companies also cite inflammatory messages by Dimes, some of which they contend were aimed at bullying Black staff members in the mayor’s office and otherwise used violent imagery or rhetoric. That includes Dimes stating in a post, “It’s time to stop being unarmed black people. SHOOT BACK. Or at this point, shoot first and ask questions later. Just like they do. Every black person needs to own at least 2 firearms now. Whether it’s legal or not.” The letter also includes a flier for Thursday’s protest that has a collage with imagery of Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini being hanged, juxtaposed with a headshot of Liccardo with red “X” markings over his eyes.
Dimes said a literal reading of those posts is a willful misinterpretation of fantastical imagery used to make a point against oppression. He said the gun remarks were a literary expression against unchecked violence against Black people — he mentioned Ahmaud Arbery’s killing by White vigilantes in Georgia — and to highlight the hypocrisy of right-wing and White supremacist activists being allowed to openly carry firearms with relative impunity. The Liccardo image, he said, was about alleging fascist behavior, not calling for harm.
“We’re not saying these things literally. We want them to pay attention,” Dimes said. “This is a continuation of a history of fear of Black uprising, and the fear Black people will want vengeance instead of Black equality.”
Staff writer Maggie Angst contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-12-31--Raiders could be without Trent Brown, Denzelle Good for finale against Denver

The Raiders go in to their regular season finale unsure of whether some key players will be available Sunday against the Denver Broncos .
Which makes it pretty much like every other week in a season where injuries and COVID-19 absences made roster shuffling a regular occurrence .
Right tackle Trent Brown ( knee ) and left guard Denzelle Good ( ankle ) did not practice and although coach Jon Gruden didn ’ t address their status Wednesday in a video conference , privately there is doubt that they will be able to play .
The Raiders also placed defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured reserve and running back Jalen Richard on the COVID-19 reserve list , meaning both won ’ t play against the Broncos .
Also not practicing were defensive tackle Maurice Hurst ( calf ) and slot corner Lamarcus Joyner ( thigh ) .
Meanwhile , safety Jeff Heath was designated for return after being on injured reserve for the last three weeks following a concussion and cornerback Daryl Worley was activated from the COVID-19 reserve list .
Gruden found it amusing when he was asked if the Raiders ( 7-8 ) would use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ younger players ” against the Broncos ( 5-10 ) .
“ I mean , who do you want to see ?
We ’ ve seen about 80 players this year , ” Gruden said .
“ I want to see my starters play .
.
.
we ’ re playing just about every eligible player possible .
We ’ re going to try to win the game with the healthy , available bodies that we have , and we ’ ve seen enough different players at every position .
We need to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ball play and play together well enough to win.
” If Brown doesn ’ t play , he will have completed his second season with the Raiders having played in five games due to a torn pectoral muscle , a calf injury and a bout with COVID-19 and then complications from the illness .
In one of those games , the opener against Carolina , Brown played just three snaps before the calf injury .
Good temporarily replaced Brown at right tackle , giving way to Sam Young until Brown came back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Chiefs on Oct. 11 .
Then he was gone again , attempting to play in Cleveland on Nov. 1 before being stricken in the locker room with an undisclosed issue and needing a trip to the hospital .
Brown then went back on the COVID-19 reserve list to get well from “ complications ” from the virus .
He returned against Indianapolis and has played every snap in the last three games before exiting the MIami game with a knee injury .
After signing a four-year contract worth a maximum of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL ’ s highest paid lineman , Brown has played in 16 of 31 games for the Raiders in two seasons , and in two of those games was on the field for six snaps and three snaps before leaving with an injury .
Brown was paid $ 21 million this year and is due $ 14 million in 2021 , although with the bonus money already accounted for , the Raiders could release him and clear the $ 14 million against the salary cap with no acceleration .
Good , who opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Incognito at right guard , replaced Brown temporarily at right tackle when swing tackle Sam Young was also hurt in the opener , then settled in as the starter at left guard after an Achilles ’ injury ended Incognito ’ s season in the second week of the season against New Orleans .
In Saturday night ’ s 26-25 loss to Miami , Good needed assistance in getting off the field with an ankle injury after 30 snaps .
He was replaced by John Simpson , a rookie fourth-round draft pick from Clemson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line to start against Denver if Good can ’ t play .
In the end , the Raiders projected offensive line of left tackle Kolton Miller , Incognito , center Rodney Hudson , right guard Gabe Jackson and Brown were together for the first three snaps of the season against Carolina and never played together again .
Richard , in his fourth season , missed two games with a bruised sternum and has seen his production drop as his opportunities as a pass receiver have dwindled and with Devontae Booker taking over as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of starter Josh Jacobs .
Richard ’ s rushing ( 22 carries for 123 yards ) and receiving totals ( 19 receptions for 138 yards ) are both the lowest of his career .
Richard leads the Raiders with 10 kickoff returns for 240 yards .
The first time Jason Witten takes the field against Denver , he ’ ll be the NFL ’ s all-time leader in games played for a tight end with 271 , breaking the previous record of 270 by Tony Gonzalez .
Whether the count stops at 271 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ll give myself some time to think through it .
Certainly I know where I ’ m at in my career , ” Witten said .
“ Regardless it ’ s been a great experience out here with the Raiders .
I know we came up short htis year , but I was proud to be a part of this team.
” With 1,228 receptions ( for 13,046 yards ) in 17 seasons , Witten is second-all-time in receptions among tight ends behind Gonzalez ( 1,315 ) .
Witten signed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play with the Raiders after spending his entire career in Dallas .
He has 13 receptions for 69 yards and has served as a mentor to both Darren Waller and Foster Moreau .
Gruden called Witten “ one of the great war daddies of all-time .
He ’ s going to break Tony Gonzalez ’ record Sunday and it ’ s going to be great to be a small part of that .
• Raiders year-end awards : Who excelled , who disappointed and the best and worst moments of 2020 • Raiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tougher one than this season • Raiders mailbag : The readers take over on what ’ s wrong with their team , with Jon Gruden , Mark Davis and all things defense topping the list Drafted by Bill Parcells with Dallas in 2003 , Witten took the message from his first head coach seriously .
“ He taught me early on .
Reliability , dependability , consistency , that ’ s how you make it in this game , ” Witten said .
“ Those are traits I ’ ve kept near and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Edge rusher Takk McKinley will not be activated for the Denver game so the Raiders won ’ t get a chance to see the former first-round draft pick and Kennedy-Richmond High product play after claiming him on waivers .
Both Cincinnati and the 49ers also claimed McKinley , but failed him on his physical due to a groin injury .
McKinley ’ s original four-year contract is up after the season , and it remains to be seen if the Raiders will attempt to bring him back in 2021 .
— Hudson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is part of their normal weekly routine .

The Raiders go in to their regular season finale unsure of whether some key players will be available Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Which makes it pretty much like every other week in a season where injuries and COVID-19 absences made roster shuffling a regular occurrence.
Right tackle Trent Brown (knee) and left guard Denzelle Good (ankle) did not practice and although coach Jon Gruden didn’t address their status Wednesday in a video conference, privately there is doubt that they will be able to play.
The Raiders also placed defensive end Clelin Ferrell (shoulder) on injured reserve and running back Jalen Richard on the COVID-19 reserve list, meaning both won’t play against the Broncos. Also not practicing were defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (calf) and slot corner Lamarcus Joyner (thigh).
Meanwhile, safety Jeff Heath was designated for return after being on injured reserve for the last three weeks following a concussion and cornerback Daryl Worley was activated from the COVID-19 reserve list.
Gruden found it amusing when he was asked if the Raiders (7-8) would use the final game to see some “younger players” against the Broncos (5-10).
“I mean, who do you want to see? We’ve seen about 80 players this year,” Gruden said. “I want to see my starters play . . . we’re playing just about every eligible player possible. We’re going to try to win the game with the healthy, available bodies that we have, and we’ve seen enough different players at every position. We need to see the best 11 on each side of the ball play and play together well enough to win.”
If Brown doesn’t play, he will have completed his second season with the Raiders having played in five games due to a torn pectoral muscle, a calf injury and a bout with COVID-19 and then complications from the illness. In one of those games, the opener against Carolina, Brown played just three snaps before the calf injury.
Good temporarily replaced Brown at right tackle, giving way to Sam Young until Brown came back to play every snap against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 11. Then he was gone again, attempting to play in Cleveland on Nov. 1 before being stricken in the locker room with an undisclosed issue and needing a trip to the hospital.
Brown then went back on the COVID-19 reserve list to get well from “complications” from the virus. He returned against Indianapolis and has played every snap in the last three games before exiting the MIami game with a knee injury.
After signing a four-year contract worth a maximum of $68 million, temporarily making him the NFL’s highest paid lineman, Brown has played in 16 of 31 games for the Raiders in two seasons, and in two of those games was on the field for six snaps and three snaps before leaving with an injury.
Brown was paid $21 million this year and is due $14 million in 2021, although with the bonus money already accounted for, the Raiders could release him and clear the $14 million against the salary cap with no acceleration.
Good, who opened the season as a backup to Richie Incognito at right guard, replaced Brown temporarily at right tackle when swing tackle Sam Young was also hurt in the opener, then settled in as the starter at left guard after an Achilles’ injury ended Incognito’s season in the second week of the season against New Orleans.
In Saturday night’s 26-25 loss to Miami, Good needed assistance in getting off the field with an ankle injury after 30 snaps. He was replaced by John Simpson, a rookie fourth-round draft pick from Clemson who finished the game and is in line to start against Denver if Good can’t play.
In the end, the Raiders projected offensive line of left tackle Kolton Miller, Incognito, center Rodney Hudson, right guard Gabe Jackson and Brown were together for the first three snaps of the season against Carolina and never played together again.
Richard, in his fourth season, missed two games with a bruised sternum and has seen his production drop as his opportunities as a pass receiver have dwindled and with Devontae Booker taking over as the No. 2 runner in back of starter Josh Jacobs. Richard’s rushing (22 carries for 123 yards) and receiving totals (19 receptions for 138 yards) are both the lowest of his career. Richard leads the Raiders with 10 kickoff returns for 240 yards.
Will Witten retire?
The first time Jason Witten takes the field against Denver, he’ll be the NFL’s all-time leader in games played for a tight end with 271, breaking the previous record of 270 by Tony Gonzalez.
Whether the count stops at 271 is still to be determined.
“I’ll give myself some time to think through it. Certainly I know where I’m at in my career,” Witten said. “Regardless it’s been a great experience out here with the Raiders. I know we came up short htis year, but I was proud to be a part of this team.”
With 1,228 receptions (for 13,046 yards) in 17 seasons, Witten is second-all-time in receptions among tight ends behind Gonzalez (1,315). Witten signed a one-year contract worth $4 million to play with the Raiders after spending his entire career in Dallas. He has 13 receptions for 69 yards and has served as a mentor to both Darren Waller and Foster Moreau.
Gruden called Witten “one of the great war daddies of all-time. He’s going to break Tony Gonzalez’ record Sunday and it’s going to be great to be a small part of that.
Drafted by Bill Parcells with Dallas in 2003, Witten took the message from his first head coach seriously.
“He taught me early on. Reliability, dependability, consistency, that’s how you make it in this game,” Witten said. “Those are traits I’ve kept near and dear to me my entire career.”
ETCETERA
— Edge rusher Takk McKinley will not be activated for the Denver game so the Raiders won’t get a chance to see the former first-round draft pick and Kennedy-Richmond High product play after claiming him on waivers. Both Cincinnati and the 49ers also claimed McKinley, but failed him on his physical due to a groin injury.
McKinley’s original four-year contract is up after the season, and it remains to be seen if the Raiders will attempt to bring him back in 2021.
— Hudson and Jackson did not practice Wednesday, which is part of their normal weekly routine.


mercurynews--2020-12-31--McConnell stymies Trump’s push for $2,000 relief checks

WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell all but shut the door Wednesday on President Donald Trump ’ s push for $ 2,000 COVID-19 relief checks , declaring Congress has provided enough pandemic aid as he blocked another attempt by Democrats to force a vote .
The GOP leader made clear he is unwilling to budge , despite political pressure from Trump and even some fellow Republican senators demanding action .
Trump wants the recently approved $ 600 in aid increased threefold .
But McConnell dismissed the idea of bigger “ survival checks , ” saying the money would go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t need it .
McConnell ’ s refusal to act means the additional relief Trump wanted is all but dead .
“ We just approved almost a trillion dollars in aid a few days ago , ” McConnell said , referring to the year-end package Trump signed into law .
McConnell added , “ if specific , struggling households still need more help , ” the Senate will consider “ smart targeted aid .
Not another firehose of borrowed money.
” The showdown between the outgoing president and his own Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office .
It ’ s one last standoff , together with the override of Trump ’ s veto of a sweeping defense bill , that will punctuate the president ’ s final days and deepen the GOP ’ s divide between its new wing of Trump-styled populists and what had been mainstay conservative views against government spending .
Trump has been berating the GOP leaders , and tweeted , “ $ 2000 ASAP !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer tried to force a vote on the bill approved by the House meeting Trump ’ s demand for the $ 2,000 checks .
“ What we ’ re seeing right now is Leader McConnell trying to kill the checks — the $ 2,000 checks desperately needed by so many American families , ” Schumer said at the Capitol .
The roadblock set by Senate Republicans appears insurmountable .
Most GOP senators seemed to accept the inaction even as a growing number of Republicans , including two senators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia , agree with Trump ’ s demand , some wary of bucking him .
Congress had settled on smaller $ 600 payments in a compromise over the big , year-end COVID relief and government funding bill that Trump reluctantly signed into law .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said those checks will begin to go out Wednesday .
With the Georgia Senate runoff elections days away , leading Republicans warned that the GOP ’ s refusal to provide more aid as the virus worsens could jeopardize the outcome of those races .
Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kelly Loeffler are in the fights of their political lives against Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in runoff elections that will determine which party has the Senate majority .
The two Republicans announced support for Trump ’ s plan on checks .
“ The Senate Republicans risk throwing away two seats and control of the Senate , ” said Newt Gingrich , the former congressional leader , on Fox News .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said , “ These Republicans in the Senate seem to have an endless tolerance for other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McConnell has tried to shield his divided Republicans from a difficult vote .
On Wednesday he provided his most fulsome views yet , suggesting he had kept his word to start a “ process ” to address Trump ’ s demands , even if it means no votes will actually be taken .
“ It ’ s no secret Republicans have a diversity of views , ” he said .
Earlier , McConnell had unveiled a new bill loaded up with Trump ’ s other priorities as a possible off-ramp for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checks as well as a complicated repeal of protections for tech companies like Facebook or Twitter under Section 230 of a communications law that the president complained is unfair to conservatives .
It also tacked on the establishment of a bipartisan commission to review the 2020 presidential election Trump lost to President-elect Joe Biden .
Democrats opposed that approach and it does not have enough support in Congress to pass .
No votes on additional COVID aid are scheduled .
For McConnell , the procedural moves allowed him to check the box over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defiantly refusing to sign off on the big year-end package last weekend .
“ To ensure the President was comfortable signing the bill into law , the Senate committed to beginning one process that would combine three of the President ’ s priorities , ” McConnell said .
“ That was a commitment , and that ’ s what happened.
” Liberal senators led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont who support the relief aid are blocking action on the defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump ’ s demand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thundered on the floor that McConnell should call his own constituents in the GOP leader ’ s home state of Kentucky “ and find out how they feel about the need for immediate help in terms of a $ 2,000 check.
” Joining Trump , Republican Sens .
Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida , among the party ’ s potential 2024 presidential hopefuls , also pushed the party in the president ’ s direction .
Hawley is also leading Trump ’ s challenge Jan. 6 to the Electoral College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panned the bigger checks , arguing during a lively Senate debate that the nearly $ 400 billion price tag was too high , the relief is not targeted to those in need and Washington has already dispatched ample sums on COVID aid .
Sen. Pat Toomey , R-Penn.
, tweeted that he would block the House bill .
He said “ blindly borrowing ” billions “ so we can send $ 2,000 checks to millions of people who haven ’ t lost any income is terrible policy.
” Considered a longshot , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of the week when dozens of House Republicans calculated it was better to link with most Democrats than defy the outgoing president .
They helped pass a bill raising the payments with robust two-thirds vote of approval .
• New movie picks : Indies ‘ Shadow in the Cloud , ’ ‘ Minor Premise ’ are best bets • Watch : California Gov .
Gavin Newsom chats with Dr. Fauci on coronavirus response , new strain found in state , Dec. 30 • Your guide to New Year ’ s Eve TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Newsom proposes $ 2 billion in incentives for schools to return to in-person classes As Trump ’ s push fizzles out in the Senate the debate over the size and scope of the year-end package — $ 900 billion in COVID-19 aid and $ 1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September — will linger as potentially one last confrontation before the new Congress is sworn in Sunday .
The COVID-19 portion of the bill revives a weekly pandemic jobless benefit boost — this time $ 300 , through March 14 — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Program of grants to businesses to keep workers on payrolls .
It extends eviction protections , adding a new rental assistance fund .
Americans earning up to $ 75,000 will qualify for the direct $ 600 payments , which are phased out at higher income levels , and there ’ s an additional $ 600 payment per dependent child .
Associated Press writer Ashraf Khalil in Washington contributed to this report .

By Lisa Mascaro | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell all but shut the door Wednesday on President Donald Trump’s push for $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks, declaring Congress has provided enough pandemic aid as he blocked another attempt by Democrats to force a vote.
The GOP leader made clear he is unwilling to budge, despite political pressure from Trump and even some fellow Republican senators demanding action. Trump wants the recently approved $600 in aid increased threefold. But McConnell dismissed the idea of bigger “survival checks,” saying the money would go to plenty of American households that just don’t need it.
McConnell’s refusal to act means the additional relief Trump wanted is all but dead.
[vemba-video id=”politics/2020/12/30/durbin-coronavirus-stimulus-check-bill-relief-mcconnell-intv-lead-vpx.cnn”]
Video: Sen. Dick Durbin has ‘a radical idea’ for Mitch McConnell
“We just approved almost a trillion dollars in aid a few days ago,” McConnell said, referring to the year-end package Trump signed into law.
McConnell added, “if specific, struggling households still need more help,” the Senate will consider “smart targeted aid. Not another firehose of borrowed money.”
The showdown between the outgoing president and his own Republican Party over the $2,000 checks has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office.
It’s one last standoff, together with the override of Trump’s veto of a sweeping defense bill, that will punctuate the president’s final days and deepen the GOP’s divide between its new wing of Trump-styled populists and what had been mainstay conservative views against government spending.
Trump has been berating the GOP leaders, and tweeted, “$2000 ASAP!”
For a second day in a row, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer tried to force a vote on the bill approved by the House meeting Trump’s demand for the $2,000 checks.
“What we’re seeing right now is Leader McConnell trying to kill the checks — the $2,000 checks desperately needed by so many American families,” Schumer said at the Capitol.
The roadblock set by Senate Republicans appears insurmountable. Most GOP senators seemed to accept the inaction even as a growing number of Republicans, including two senators in runoff elections on Jan. 5 in Georgia, agree with Trump’s demand, some wary of bucking him.
Congress had settled on smaller $600 payments in a compromise over the big, year-end COVID relief and government funding bill that Trump reluctantly signed into law. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said those checks will begin to go out Wednesday.
With the Georgia Senate runoff elections days away, leading Republicans warned that the GOP’s refusal to provide more aid as the virus worsens could jeopardize the outcome of those races.
Georgia’s GOP Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler are in the fights of their political lives against Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in runoff elections that will determine which party has the Senate majority. The two Republicans announced support for Trump’s plan on checks.
“The Senate Republicans risk throwing away two seats and control of the Senate,” said Newt Gingrich, the former congressional leader, on Fox News.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “These Republicans in the Senate seem to have an endless tolerance for other people’s sadness.”
Saying little, McConnell has tried to shield his divided Republicans from a difficult vote. On Wednesday he provided his most fulsome views yet, suggesting he had kept his word to start a “process” to address Trump’s demands, even if it means no votes will actually be taken.
“It’s no secret Republicans have a diversity of views,” he said.
Earlier, McConnell had unveiled a new bill loaded up with Trump’s other priorities as a possible off-ramp for the stalemate. It included the $2,000 checks as well as a complicated repeal of protections for tech companies like Facebook or Twitter under Section 230 of a communications law that the president complained is unfair to conservatives. It also tacked on the establishment of a bipartisan commission to review the 2020 presidential election Trump lost to President-elect Joe Biden.
Democrats opposed that approach and it does not have enough support in Congress to pass.
No votes on additional COVID aid are scheduled. For McConnell, the procedural moves allowed him to check the box over the commitments he made when Trump was defiantly refusing to sign off on the big year-end package last weekend.
“To ensure the President was comfortable signing the bill into law, the Senate committed to beginning one process that would combine three of the President’s priorities,” McConnell said. “That was a commitment, and that’s what happened.”
Liberal senators led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont who support the relief aid are blocking action on the defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump’s demand for $2,000 for most Americans.
Sanders thundered on the floor that McConnell should call his own constituents in the GOP leader’s home state of Kentucky “and find out how they feel about the need for immediate help in terms of a $2,000 check.”
Joining Trump, Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida, among the party’s potential 2024 presidential hopefuls, also pushed the party in the president’s direction. Hawley is also leading Trump’s challenge Jan. 6 to the Electoral College result tally in Congress.
Other Republicans panned the bigger checks, arguing during a lively Senate debate that the nearly $400 billion price tag was too high, the relief is not targeted to those in need and Washington has already dispatched ample sums on COVID aid.
Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Penn., tweeted that he would block the House bill. He said “blindly borrowing” billions “so we can send $2,000 checks to millions of people who haven’t lost any income is terrible policy.”
Considered a longshot, Trump’s demand gained momentum at the start of the week when dozens of House Republicans calculated it was better to link with most Democrats than defy the outgoing president. They helped pass a bill raising the payments with robust two-thirds vote of approval.
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Long Covid cases in US adults are on the decline, but many continue to struggle with symptoms National Politics | California COVID cases are rising. Here’s why and where health experts are masking As Trump’s push fizzles out in the Senate the debate over the size and scope of the year-end package — $900 billion in COVID-19 aid and $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September — will linger as potentially one last confrontation before the new Congress is sworn in Sunday.
The COVID-19 portion of the bill revives a weekly pandemic jobless benefit boost — this time $300, through March 14 — as well as the popular Paycheck Protection Program of grants to businesses to keep workers on payrolls. It extends eviction protections, adding a new rental assistance fund.
Americans earning up to $75,000 will qualify for the direct $600 payments, which are phased out at higher income levels, and there’s an additional $600 payment per dependent child.
Associated Press writer Ashraf Khalil in Washington contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-12-31--High speed vehicle chase to Martinez nets suspect in Hercules officer assault

HERCULES — A 29-year-old Sacramento man suspected of trying to hit a Hercules police officer with a vehicle Tuesday was arrested after a high-speed chase to Martinez , authorities said Wednesday .
Hercules police said the incident began about 10:15 a.m. Tuesday when a city automated license plate reader camera captured a white 2019 Acura RDX wanted by the California Highway Patrol driving westbound on Willow Avenue near Sycamore Avenue .
Soon after , an officer spotted the vehicle parked in a lot in front of a business in the 1500 block of Sycamore Avenue .
It was occupied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The officer pulled behind the Acura , which had been sought for felony evading , with his patrol vehicle emergency lights activated and a second officer responded to the scene .
The officers began ordering the driver to turn off the engine , but instead the driver put the vehicle into reverse and almost hit one of the officers before striking the patrol vehicle , police said .
The Acura drove from the parking lot at high speed , nearly causing a collision as it turned onto Willow Avenue from Sycamore .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lanes with officers in pursuit .
Police said the Acura reached speeds of 100 mph before exiting at Cummings Skyway and drove through Franklin Canyon Road into Martinez a dozen miles away .
Moments later , the Acura struck the median on Alhambra Avenue as it re-entered eastbound Highway 4 , lost a tire and exited Highway 4 eastbound at Pacheco Boulevard in Martinez .
The Acura drove on a rim through Martinez neighborhoods and eventually was disabled in a Pacheco Boulevard parking lot , police said .
With help from Contra Costa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two occupants were detained .
The driver , identified as the Sacramento resident , was arrested on a felony warrant out of San Mateo County as well as for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer , felony evading and resisting arrest .
His passenger , a 36-year-old San Pablo man , was released pending further investigation , police said .

HERCULES — A 29-year-old Sacramento man suspected of trying to hit a Hercules police officer with a vehicle Tuesday was arrested after a high-speed chase to Martinez, authorities said Wednesday.
Hercules police said the incident began about 10:15 a.m. Tuesday when a city automated license plate reader camera captured a white 2019 Acura RDX wanted by the California Highway Patrol driving westbound on Willow Avenue near Sycamore Avenue.
Soon after, an officer spotted the vehicle parked in a lot in front of a business in the 1500 block of Sycamore Avenue. It was occupied by two people the engine was running. The officer pulled behind the Acura, which had been sought for felony evading, with his patrol vehicle emergency lights activated and a second officer responded to the scene.
The officers began ordering the driver to turn off the engine, but instead the driver put the vehicle into reverse and almost hit one of the officers before striking the patrol vehicle, police said.
The Acura drove from the parking lot at high speed, nearly causing a collision as it turned onto Willow Avenue from Sycamore. The Acura then got onto eastbound Highway 4 lanes with officers in pursuit.
Police said the Acura reached speeds of 100 mph before exiting at Cummings Skyway and drove through Franklin Canyon Road into Martinez a dozen miles away.
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The Acura drove on a rim through Martinez neighborhoods and eventually was disabled in a Pacheco Boulevard parking lot, police said.
With help from Contra Costa County sheriff’s deputies, the two occupants were detained.
The driver, identified as the Sacramento resident, was arrested on a felony warrant out of San Mateo County as well as for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, felony evading and resisting arrest. His passenger, a 36-year-old San Pablo man, was released pending further investigation, police said.


mercurynews--2020-12-30--Census Bureau says it will miss data deadline

The Census Bureau plans to announce it will miss a year-end deadline for handing in numbers used for divvying up congressional seats , a delay that could undermine President Donald Trump ’ s efforts to exclude people in the country illegally from the count if the figures aren ’ t turned in before President-elect Joe Biden takes office .
It will be the first time that the Dec. 31 target date is missed since the deadline was implemented more than four decades ago by Congress .
A census official who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
Internal documents obtained earlier this month by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform show that Census Bureau officials don ’ t see the apportionment numbers being ready until days after Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20 .
Once in office , Biden could rescind Trump ’ s presidential memorandum directing the Census Bureau to exclude people in the country illegally from numbers used for divvying up congressional seats among the states .
An influential GOP adviser had advocated excluding them from the apportionment process in order to advantage Republicans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the census bureau needs more time to ensure the accuracy of census numbers for all states , ” said Terri Ann Lowenthal , a former congressional staffer who specializes in census issues .
Under the law , the Commerce Department must hand in to the president the population figures from the 2020 census that determine how many seats in Congress each state gets by the end of the year .
The president then is required to send the numbers to Congress in early January .
The Commerce Department oversees the Census Bureau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of every U.S. resident .
Besides deciding how many House seats each state gets , the census is used for determining how $ 1.5 trillion in federal funding is distributed each year .
Trump ’ s July order on apportionment was challenged in more than a half dozen lawsuits around the U.S. , but the Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that any challenge was premature , allowing the plan to move forward .
The Census Bureau hasn ’ t publicly revealed how it plans to determine who is in the country illegally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a citizenship question from being added to the census questionnaire .
After the pandemic caused the Census Bureau to suspend field operation in the spring , as well as caused hiring shortages , the statistical agency asked Congress for extensions , including one that would push the deadline for handing in the apportionment numbers from the end of the year to next spring .
At the time , Trump said , “ This is called an act of God .
This is called a situation that has to be .
They have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic-controlled House but didn ’ t go anywhere in the Republican-controlled Senate after Trump issued his order .
A coalition of municipalities and advocacy groups sued the Trump administration after it changed the schedule once again to shorten census field operations by a month and return to the Dec. 31 deadline for handing in the apportionment numbers .
The plaintiffs argued the count was shortened by the Commerce Department so that census data-crunching happened while Trump was still in office , and they said it would cause minorities to be undercounted .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and data processing would jeopardize the count ’ s accuracy and completeness .
Bureau statisticians have been given only half the time originally planned to crunch the numbers .
Having a deadline for turning in the apportionment numbers is less than a century old — a byproduct of a Republican-controlled Congress ’ refusal to reapportion after the 1920 census , out of fears it would shift political power from rural areas to cities where immigrants and others had settled .
For the first 14 censuses of the nation ’ s 24 head counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Margo Anderson , a historian at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee .
“ It has not been a very controversial issue until this year , the year of a pandemic and the Trump administration flip-flopping on its goals and its efforts to take the undocumented out of the apportionment count , ” Anderson said .
“ They are still trying to wrestle the numbers into something that looks right .
”

By Mike Schneider | Associated Press
The Census Bureau plans to announce it will miss a year-end deadline for handing in numbers used for divvying up congressional seats, a delay that could undermine President Donald Trump’s efforts to exclude people in the country illegally from the count if the figures aren’t turned in before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
It will be the first time that the Dec. 31 target date is missed since the deadline was implemented more than four decades ago by Congress. A census official who was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter confirmed the delay to the Associated Press on Wednesday.
Internal documents obtained earlier this month by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform show that Census Bureau officials don’t see the apportionment numbers being ready until days after Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20.
Once in office, Biden could rescind Trump’s presidential memorandum directing the Census Bureau to exclude people in the country illegally from numbers used for divvying up congressional seats among the states. An influential GOP adviser had advocated excluding them from the apportionment process in order to advantage Republicans and non-Hispanic whites.
“The delay suggests that the census bureau needs more time to ensure the accuracy of census numbers for all states,” said Terri Ann Lowenthal, a former congressional staffer who specializes in census issues.
Under the law, the Commerce Department must hand in to the president the population figures from the 2020 census that determine how many seats in Congress each state gets by the end of the year. The president then is required to send the numbers to Congress in early January. The Commerce Department oversees the Census Bureau, which conducts the once-a-decade head count of every U.S. resident.
Besides deciding how many House seats each state gets, the census is used for determining how $1.5 trillion in federal funding is distributed each year.
Trump’s July order on apportionment was challenged in more than a half dozen lawsuits around the U.S., but the Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that any challenge was premature, allowing the plan to move forward. The Census Bureau hasn’t publicly revealed how it plans to determine who is in the country illegally since the Supreme Court last year prohibited a citizenship question from being added to the census questionnaire.
After the pandemic caused the Census Bureau to suspend field operation in the spring, as well as caused hiring shortages, the statistical agency asked Congress for extensions, including one that would push the deadline for handing in the apportionment numbers from the end of the year to next spring.
At the time, Trump said, “This is called an act of God. This is called a situation that has to be. They have to give it.”
The request passed the Democratic-controlled House but didn’t go anywhere in the Republican-controlled Senate after Trump issued his order.
A coalition of municipalities and advocacy groups sued the Trump administration after it changed the schedule once again to shorten census field operations by a month and return to the Dec. 31 deadline for handing in the apportionment numbers. The plaintiffs argued the count was shortened by the Commerce Department so that census data-crunching happened while Trump was still in office, and they said it would cause minorities to be undercounted.
They also worried that the shortened field operations and data processing would jeopardize the count’s accuracy and completeness. Bureau statisticians have been given only half the time originally planned to crunch the numbers.
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“It has not been a very controversial issue until this year, the year of a pandemic and the Trump administration flip-flopping on its goals and its efforts to take the undocumented out of the apportionment count,” Anderson said. “They are still trying to wrestle the numbers into something that looks right.”


mercurynews--2020-12-30--Raiders season-finale won’t air on local TV

The Raiders ’ season finale Sunday against the Denver Broncos will not air in the Bay Area .
The game will be available only via NFL Ticket .
Typically , local CBS affiliate KPIX would carry the game , but it will instead be showing an NFC West game ( Rams-Cardinals ) with playoff implications .
Calls to KPIX President Kevin Walsh and other station personnel were not returned Wednesday , but sources indicated that the decision likely was made by the network , not the local affiliate .
That is consistent with the scenario Walsh laid out in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raiders ’ loss to Atlanta was pulled in the fourth quarter .
Despite the team ’ s move to Las Vegas , Bay Area network stations had continued to carry Raiders .
But this is the second week in a row that fans in the Bay Area will feel the pain of the Raiders ’ departure from the market .
Last Saturday night ’ s game against Miami was exclusive to subscribers of the NFL Network , which waives its exclusive rights only to the local markets of the teams involved — Las @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To put it another way , a year ago , when the Raiders still were in the Bay Area , that game would have been available to fans in the Bay Area .
Not since December of 2012 had a Raiders game not been made available to Bay Area viewers on network television .
That game was blacked out , as many Raiders game were from 1995-2015 , due to lack of ticket sales at the Oakland Coliseum .
• Raiders could be without Trent Brown , Denzelle Good for finale against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excelled , who disappointed and the best and worst moments of 2020 • Raiders ’ 2021 schedule appears to be a tougher one than this season • Raiders mailbag : The readers take over on what ’ s wrong with their team , with Jon Gruden , Mark Davis and all things defense topping the list The NFL suspended its blackout rules in 2015 , allowing regular viewing for Raiders fans in the Bay Area .
Staff writers Jerry McDonald and Jon Becker contributed to this report .

The Raiders’ season finale Sunday against the Denver Broncos will not air in the Bay Area.
The game will be available only via NFL Ticket.
Typically, local CBS affiliate KPIX would carry the game, but it will instead be showing an NFC West game (Rams-Cardinals) with playoff implications.
Dennis O’Donnell, sports director at KPIX, said it was a network decision.
“The network chose the Rams/Cardinals game because of the playoff implications,” O’Donnell wrote in an email Wednesday evening.
KPIX president Kevin Walsh had warned of this possibility in a story last month after coverage of the Raiders’ loss to Atlanta was pulled in the fourth quarter.
Despite the team’s move to Las Vegas, Bay Area network stations had continued to carry Raiders. But this is the second week in a row that fans in the Bay Area will feel the pain of the Raiders’ departure from the market.
Last Saturday night’s game against Miami was exclusive to subscribers of the NFL Network, which waives its exclusive rights only to the local markets of the teams involved — Las Vegas and Miami, in this case. To put it another way, a year ago, when the Raiders still were in the Bay Area, that game would have been available to fans in the Bay Area.
Not since December of 2012 had a Raiders game not been made available to Bay Area viewers on network television. That game was blacked out, as many Raiders game were from 1995-2015, due to lack of ticket sales at the Oakland Coliseum.
The NFL suspended its blackout rules in 2015, allowing regular viewing for Raiders fans in the Bay Area.
Staff writers Jerry McDonald and Jon Becker contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-12-31--Editorial: Lessons of 2020 can guide our response to challenges ahead

There ’ s no sugarcoating 2020 , but there are signs of hope in the year ahead .
We have vaccines .
And we ’ ll soon have a new president .
Now , it ’ s time to pull together to address the issues of the year we leave behind — to slow the devastation of COVID-19 , restore faith in our democracy , confront climate change and address the nation ’ s economic and racial inequities .
But we can only do that if Californians and Americans can put their partisan differences aside and work for a common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
On the pandemic , we need national and state leadership driven by sound policy , not politics .
At the same time , we must recognize that with each passing day new knowledge is gained about the novel coronavirus — meaning that any response will be imperfect .
It ’ s time to stop arguing over whether masks , social distancing and shelter orders are effective in slowing the spread of the disease .
They are .
But while the shutdowns are necessary , we can not ignore the economic devastation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the educational and emotional damage to our children forced to attend virtual classes .
We must do our part to reduce the risk for our essential workers , whether they ’ re on the hospital frontlines or stocking the grocery shelves .
And we must be mindful that our actions affect the lives of the elderly in nursing homes and the incarcerated in our prisons and jails .
Our democracy survived the 2020 presidential election — no thanks to the incumbent .
Let ’ s uphold the system we ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to undermine it for partisan advantage .
If there ’ s a legitimate voting problem , let ’ s fix it .
But let ’ s stop this nonsense about widespread voter fraud .
Since Election Day , courts across the country have repeatedly rejected such claims .
And Georgia just put them to a test .
An audit of over 15,000 random voter signatures didn ’ t find a single fraudulent absentee ballot .
While the pandemic seems daunting , we ’ re watching a far-larger natural calamity unfold : climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
We know what we need to do — and stop doing : Reduce carbon dioxide emissions , stop burning coal , shift away from gas-powered vehicles , move quickly to renewable energy .
Yes , there will be economic dislocation .
But the solution is to embrace the jobs of the future rather than lament the loss of those that are destroying our planet .
It ’ s the sort of challenge we can meet .
We ’ ve done it before in times of war .
As we embark on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who are less fortunate .
The homeless among us are some of the starkest examples , but disparities present with many other issues such as educational opportunities , personal wealth accumulation and police encounters .
We ’ re far from the nation of equal economic opportunity and devoid of racial discrimination we should strive to be .
As we ’ ve learned from the pandemic , many of us are living from one paycheck to the next .
And the color of our skin affects the likelihood we ’ ll be personally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can change that — but that first requires everyone to acknowledge the problem .
2020 has taught us a lot about ourselves , individually and as a society .
As we look to the new year , we should ask ourselves how we can put that knowledge to use to help meet the challenges ahead .

Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards

There’s no sugarcoating 2020, but there are signs of hope in the year ahead.
We have vaccines. And we’ll soon have a new president. Now, it’s time to pull together to address the issues of the year we leave behind — to slow the devastation of COVID-19, restore faith in our democracy, confront climate change and address the nation’s economic and racial inequities.
But we can only do that if Californians and Americans can put their partisan differences aside and work for a common good. It’s up to us.
On the pandemic, we need national and state leadership driven by sound policy, not politics. At the same time, we must recognize that with each passing day new knowledge is gained about the novel coronavirus — meaning that any response will be imperfect.
It’s time to stop arguing over whether masks, social distancing and shelter orders are effective in slowing the spread of the disease. They are. But while the shutdowns are necessary, we cannot ignore the economic devastation to those who have lost their jobs or the educational and emotional damage to our children forced to attend virtual classes.
We must do our part to reduce the risk for our essential workers, whether they’re on the hospital frontlines or stocking the grocery shelves. And we must be mindful that our actions affect the lives of the elderly in nursing homes and the incarcerated in our prisons and jails.
Our democracy survived the 2020 presidential election — no thanks to the incumbent. Let’s uphold the system we’ve had for more than two centuries rather than trying to undermine it for partisan advantage.
If there’s a legitimate voting problem, let’s fix it. But let’s stop this nonsense about widespread voter fraud. Since Election Day, courts across the country have repeatedly rejected such claims. And Georgia just put them to a test. An audit of over 15,000 random voter signatures didn’t find a single fraudulent absentee ballot.
While the pandemic seems daunting, we’re watching a far-larger natural calamity unfold: climate change. There is no vaccine for it. We know what we need to do — and stop doing: Reduce carbon dioxide emissions, stop burning coal, shift away from gas-powered vehicles, move quickly to renewable energy.
Yes, there will be economic dislocation. But the solution is to embrace the jobs of the future rather than lament the loss of those that are destroying our planet. It’s the sort of challenge we can meet. We’ve done it before in times of war.
As we embark on this change, we must not forget those who are less fortunate. The homeless among us are some of the starkest examples, but disparities present with many other issues such as educational opportunities, personal wealth accumulation and police encounters.
We’re far from the nation of equal economic opportunity and devoid of racial discrimination we should strive to be. As we’ve learned from the pandemic, many of us are living from one paycheck to the next. And the color of our skin affects the likelihood we’ll be personally afflicted by the deadly virus. We can change that — but that first requires everyone to acknowledge the problem.
2020 has taught us a lot about ourselves, individually and as a society. As we look to the new year, we should ask ourselves how we can put that knowledge to use to help meet the challenges ahead.


mercurynews--2020-12-31--Here’s what we know about the new coronavirus variant found in California and Colorado

The United States ’ first known case of the new coronavirus variant was discovered in Colorado on Tuesday , according to state health officials .
The variant , called B.1.1.7 , has been linked to the United Kingdom .
The man who was infected is in his 20s , is isolating and appears to have no travel history , according to Gov .
Jared Polis .
That man had been working at an assisted living facility in Elbert County .
Health officials suspect , but have yet to confirm , that another man who worked there also came down with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health director said Wednesday .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the new variant has been found in the southern part of his state .
Here ’ s what we know about the variant : The new variant came from the UK The new variant is believed to have originated in southeast England , according to the World Health Organization .
Public Health England says backward tracing , using genetic evidence , suggests the variant emerged in September .
It then circulated in very low levels until mid-November .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originated in southeast England or was introduced there from elsewhere , said Sharon Peacock , professor of public health and microbiology at the University of Cambridge .
Some experts have suggested the new variant could have been amplified because of a superspreader event , meaning the current spike in cases could also have been caused by human behavior .
The new variant spreads more quickly Health authorities from around the world have said the variant does not appear to be more deadly than previously identified coronavirus strains .
Initial analysis showed that while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is no evidence it is linked to a higher risk of hospital admission or death , according to Public Health England .
Scientists advising the UK government have estimated the variant could be up to 70 % more effective at spreading than others .
Peter Horby , chair of the UK ’ s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group ( NERVTAG ) , said last week that scientists were “ confident ” the new variant is “ spreading faster than other virus variants.
” Speaking at an emergency meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee , Horby explained that the new variant has “ some kind of biological advantage to make it spread faster.
” Scientists still don ’ t have a complete picture as to why , he said , but they are investigating several scenarios .
There is preliminary evidence to suggest the new strain results in a person holding a higher viral load , which means the virus is easier to pass on , Horby said .
Scientist Neil Ferguson , a member of NERVTAG , said the variant may be more infectious for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that ( the variant ) … has a higher propensity to infect children , ” he said at a news briefing last week organized by the Science Media Centre , though he cautioned that more data was needed .
Severe illness due to Covid-19 is still relatively rare for children .
The new variant raises questions about vaccines There are no signs yet that the current vaccine front-runners won ’ t work against this new variant , experts and drugmakers have said .
The companies behind the first two vaccines to gain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Moderna — are testing their shots to double-check that they ’ re effective against the variant .
The coronavirus has mutated before , and both firms say their vaccines worked against other variations of the virus .
Some US-based scientists have said it ’ s possible the new variant might , to a small extent , undermine the vaccines .
“ You could imagine some modest hit to vaccine efficacy , which wouldn ’ t be good , but I don ’ t think it will break the vaccine , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine and infectious disease division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center .
Adm. Brett Giroir , US Health and Human Services assistant secretary , told “ Fox News Sunday ” officials neither have evidence nor do they believe the vaccine would not be effective against the new variant .
“ We do believe the vaccine will be effective against this variant , ” he said .
New variant likely in US for some time The United States will likely see “ homegrown variants ” of the coronavirus , similar to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Hotez , dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine .
“ That variant from the UK was noted in the UK back in September , and it ’ s probably been in the US since September , ” Hotez told CNN ’ s Jim Acosta on Tuesday .
“ We ’ re going to see homegrown variants that are similar in character in terms of transmissibility , I can almost promise you that.
” Dr. Atul Gawande , a member of the Biden-Harris transition Covid advisory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Women ’ s Hospital , said the variant is almost certainly in several states .
He said the fact that the Colorado man who has the variant didn ’ t travel is a clue .
“ An unknown travel history means that this person picked it up the community , ” Gawande said .
“ Exactly how prevalent it is , is the real question .
If it ’ s been spreading , how dominant is it ?
” Researchers have scoured genetic sequences of coronavirus in the United States to see if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So far , they haven ’ t found any , but they say that ’ s likely because the US surveillance system isn ’ t catching them .
Fewer than half of 1 % of all US coronavirus cases have been sequenced , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said .
At least two dozen countries affected The variant has already spread globally .
As of December 29 , at least 26 countries and Hong Kong have reported cases of the new variant .
Aside from the United States , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Belgium , the Netherlands and Australia , according to WHO .
Canada has also detected the new variant in Ontario , the province announced Sunday .
There are three cases in Ontario , with the latest one in Ottawa .
A similar but separate variant has been identified in South Africa , where scientists say it is spreading quickly along coastal areas of the country .
• Some California tribal casinos ring in 2021 as coronavirus spreads • Coronavirus tracker : California reported more cases in two days than China ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ ve found a second case of the highly contagious UK coronavirus variant British health authorities said two cases of the South African variant have been detected in the United Kingdom .
The coronavirus variants discovered in the UK and South Africa are both “ more transmissible , ” said Susan Hopkins , managing director of Public Health England .
Large swathes of England , including London and the southeast , are now under strict Tier 4 Covid-19 restrictions , and UK government health experts have suggested additional restrictions could be required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of countries across Europe , the Middle East and the Americas have also announced travel bans for the United Kingdom , or new testing and quarantine requirements for UK arrivals .

The United States’ first known case of the new coronavirus variant was discovered in Colorado on Tuesday, according to state health officials.
The variant, called B.1.1.7, has been linked to the United Kingdom. The man who was infected is in his 20s, is isolating and appears to have no travel history, according to Gov. Jared Polis.
That man had been working at an assisted living facility in Elbert County. Health officials suspect, but have yet to confirm, that another man who worked there also came down with the variant, the county’s public health director said Wednesday.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the new variant has been found in the southern part of his state.
Here’s what we know about the variant:
The new variant came from the UK
The new variant is believed to have originated in southeast England, according to the World Health Organization.
Public Health England says backward tracing, using genetic evidence, suggests the variant emerged in September. It then circulated in very low levels until mid-November.
But scientists did not know whether the mutation originated in southeast England or was introduced there from elsewhere, said Sharon Peacock, professor of public health and microbiology at the University of Cambridge.
Some experts have suggested the new variant could have been amplified because of a superspreader event, meaning the current spike in cases could also have been caused by human behavior.
The new variant spreads more quickly
Health authorities from around the world have said the variant does not appear to be more deadly than previously identified coronavirus strains.
Initial analysis showed that while the variant appears to be more transmissible, there is no evidence it is linked to a higher risk of hospital admission or death, according to Public Health England.
Scientists advising the UK government have estimated the variant could be up to 70% more effective at spreading than others. Peter Horby, chair of the UK’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG), said last week that scientists were “confident” the new variant is “spreading faster than other virus variants.”
Speaking at an emergency meeting of the UK Parliament Science and Technology Committee, Horby explained that the new variant has “some kind of biological advantage to make it spread faster.”
Scientists still don’t have a complete picture as to why, he said, but they are investigating several scenarios.
There is preliminary evidence to suggest the new strain results in a person holding a higher viral load, which means the virus is easier to pass on, Horby said.
Scientist Neil Ferguson, a member of NERVTAG, said the variant may be more infectious for children.
“There is a hint is that (the variant) … has a higher propensity to infect children,” he said at a news briefing last week organized by the Science Media Centre, though he cautioned that more data was needed. Severe illness due to Covid-19 is still relatively rare for children.
The new variant raises questions about vaccines
There are no signs yet that the current vaccine front-runners won’t work against this new variant, experts and drugmakers have said.
The companies behind the first two vaccines to gain authorization in the United States — Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna — are testing their shots to double-check that they’re effective against the variant.
The coronavirus has mutated before, and both firms say their vaccines worked against other variations of the virus.
Some US-based scientists have said it’s possible the new variant might, to a small extent, undermine the vaccines.
“You could imagine some modest hit to vaccine efficacy, which wouldn’t be good, but I don’t think it will break the vaccine,” said Trevor Bedford, an associate professor in the vaccine and infectious disease division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Adm. Brett Giroir, US Health and Human Services assistant secretary, told “Fox News Sunday” officials neither have evidence nor do they believe the vaccine would not be effective against the new variant.
“We do believe the vaccine will be effective against this variant,” he said.
New variant likely in US for some time
The United States will likely see “homegrown variants” of the coronavirus, similar to the one found in Colorado, said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.
“That variant from the UK was noted in the UK back in September, and it’s probably been in the US since September,” Hotez told CNN’s Jim Acosta on Tuesday. “We’re going to see homegrown variants that are similar in character in terms of transmissibility, I can almost promise you that.”
Dr. Atul Gawande, a member of the Biden-Harris transition Covid advisory board and a surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, said the variant is almost certainly in several states.
He said the fact that the Colorado man who has the variant didn’t travel is a clue.
“An unknown travel history means that this person picked it up the community,” Gawande said. “Exactly how prevalent it is, is the real question. If it’s been spreading, how dominant is it?”
Researchers have scoured genetic sequences of coronavirus in the United States to see if any match up with the UK variant. So far, they haven’t found any, but they say that’s likely because the US surveillance system isn’t catching them.
Fewer than half of 1% of all US coronavirus cases have been sequenced, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said.
At least two dozen countries affected
The variant has already spread globally. As of December 29, at least 26 countries and Hong Kong have reported cases of the new variant.
Aside from the United States, it has also been detected in Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia, according to WHO.
Canada has also detected the new variant in Ontario, the province announced Sunday. There are three cases in Ontario, with the latest one in Ottawa.
A similar but separate variant has been identified in South Africa, where scientists say it is spreading quickly along coastal areas of the country.
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Large swathes of England, including London and the southeast, are now under strict Tier 4 Covid-19 restrictions, and UK government health experts have suggested additional restrictions could be required to beat back this variant.
Dozens of countries across Europe, the Middle East and the Americas have also announced travel bans for the United Kingdom, or new testing and quarantine requirements for UK arrivals.
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