washingtontimes--2020-12-30--EU officials sign Brexit trade deal as UK lawmakers debate

LONDON ( AP ) — On the eve of the U.K. ’ s seismic economic split from the European Union , British lawmakers were being asked to turn a 1,200-page trade agreement with the bloc into law in a single day on Wednesday .
Just after the EU ’ s top officials formally signed the hard-won agreement in Brussels , Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged legislators in the House of Commons to back a deal that he said heralded “ a new relationship between Britain and the EU as sovereign equals.
” The U.K. left the EU almost a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s economic embrace during a transition period that ends at midnight Brussels time — 11 p.m. in London — on Thursday .
The deal will then enter into force , if Britain ’ s Parliament has approved it .
The European Parliament also must sign off on the agreement , but is not expected to do so for several weeks .
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel signed the agreement during a brief ceremony in Brussels on Wednesday morning .
The documents were then being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London for Johnson to add his signature .
“ The agreement that we signed today is the result of months of intense negotiations in which the European Union has displayed an unprecedented level of unity , ” Michel said .
“ It is a fair and balanced agreement that fully protects the fundamental interests of the European Union and creates stability and predictability for citizens and companies.
” It has been four-and-a-half years since Britain voted by 52 % to 48 % to leave the bloc that it had joined in 1973 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to be felt , since the U.K. ’ s economic relationship with the EU remained unchanged during the 11-month post-Brexit transition period .
That will change on New Year ’ s Day .
The agreement , hammered out after more than nine months of tense negotiations and sealed on Christmas Eve , will ensure Britain and the 27-nation EU can continue to trade in goods without tariffs or quotas .
That should help protect the 660 billion pounds ( $ 894 billion ) in annual trade between the two sides , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rely on it .
But the end to Britain ’ s membership in the EU ’ s vast single market and customs union will still bring inconvenience and new expense for both individuals and businesses - from the need for tourists to have travel insurance to the millions of new customs declarations that firms will have to fill out .
Brexit supporters , including Johnson , say any short-term pain will be worth it .
Johnson said the Brexit deal would turn Britain from “ a half-hearted , sometimes obstructive member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the best friend and ally the EU could have.
” He said Britain would now “ trade and cooperate with our European neighbors on the closest terms of friendship and goodwill , whilst retaining sovereign control of our laws and our national destiny.
” Some lawmakers griped about being given only five hours in Parliament to scrutinize a deal that will mean profound changes for Britain ’ s economy and society .
But it is highly likely to get backing from the House of Commons , where Johnson ’ s Conservative Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s powerful euroskeptic wing , which fought for years for the seemingly longshot goal of taking Britain out of the EU , has backed the deal .
The strongly pro-EU Scottish National Party and Liberal Democrats plan to vote against the bill .
But the main opposition Labour Party , which had sought a closer relationship with the bloc , said it would vote for the agreement because even a thin deal was better than a chaotic no-deal rupture .
“ We have only one day before the end of the transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only deal that we have , ” said Labour leader Keir Starmer .
“ It ’ s a basis to build on in the years to come.
” Former Prime Minister Theresa May , who resigned in 2019 after three years of Brexit acrimony in Parliament , said she would vote for Johnson ’ s agreement .
But she said it was worse than the one she had negotiated with the bloc , which lawmakers repeatedly rejected .
She noted that the deal protected trade in goods but did not cover services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s economy .
“ We have a deal in trade , which benefits the EU , but not a deal in services , which would have benefitted the U.K. , ” May said .

LONDON (AP) — On the eve of the U.K.’s seismic economic split from the European Union, British lawmakers were being asked to turn a 1,200-page trade agreement with the bloc into law in a single day on Wednesday.
Just after the EU’s top officials formally signed the hard-won agreement in Brussels, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged legislators in the House of Commons to back a deal that he said heralded “a new relationship between Britain and the EU as sovereign equals.”
The U.K. left the EU almost a year ago, but remained within the bloc’s economic embrace during a transition period that ends at midnight Brussels time — 11 p.m. in London — on Thursday.
The deal will then enter into force, if Britain’s Parliament has approved it. The European Parliament also must sign off on the agreement, but is not expected to do so for several weeks.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel signed the agreement during a brief ceremony in Brussels on Wednesday morning. The documents were then being flown by Royal Air Force plane to London for Johnson to add his signature.
“The agreement that we signed today is the result of months of intense negotiations in which the European Union has displayed an unprecedented level of unity,” Michel said. “It is a fair and balanced agreement that fully protects the fundamental interests of the European Union and creates stability and predictability for citizens and companies.”
It has been four-and-a-half years since Britain voted by 52% to 48% to leave the bloc that it had joined in 1973. The real repercussions of that decision have yet to be felt, since the U.K.’s economic relationship with the EU remained unchanged during the 11-month post-Brexit transition period.
That will change on New Year’s Day. The agreement, hammered out after more than nine months of tense negotiations and sealed on Christmas Eve, will ensure Britain and the 27-nation EU can continue to trade in goods without tariffs or quotas. That should help protect the 660 billion pounds ($894 billion) in annual trade between the two sides, and the hundreds of thousands of jobs that rely on it.
But the end to Britain’s membership in the EU’s vast single market and customs union will still bring inconvenience and new expense for both individuals and businesses - from the need for tourists to have travel insurance to the millions of new customs declarations that firms will have to fill out.
Brexit supporters, including Johnson, say any short-term pain will be worth it.
Johnson said the Brexit deal would turn Britain from “a half-hearted, sometimes obstructive member of the EU” into “a friendly neighbor — the best friend and ally the EU could have.”
He said Britain would now “trade and cooperate with our European neighbors on the closest terms of friendship and goodwill, whilst retaining sovereign control of our laws and our national destiny.”
Some lawmakers griped about being given only five hours in Parliament to scrutinize a deal that will mean profound changes for Britain’s economy and society. But it is highly likely to get backing from the House of Commons, where Johnson’s Conservative Party has a large majority.
The party’s powerful euroskeptic wing, which fought for years for the seemingly longshot goal of taking Britain out of the EU, has backed the deal.
The strongly pro-EU Scottish National Party and Liberal Democrats plan to vote against the bill. But the main opposition Labour Party, which had sought a closer relationship with the bloc, said it would vote for the agreement because even a thin deal was better than a chaotic no-deal rupture.
“We have only one day before the end of the transition period, and it’s the only deal that we have,” said Labour leader Keir Starmer. “It’s a basis to build on in the years to come.”
Former Prime Minister Theresa May, who resigned in 2019 after three years of Brexit acrimony in Parliament, said she would vote for Johnson’s agreement. But she said it was worse than the one she had negotiated with the bloc, which lawmakers repeatedly rejected.
She noted that the deal protected trade in goods but did not cover services, which account for 80% of Britain’s economy.
“We have a deal in trade, which benefits the EU, but not a deal in services, which would have benefitted the U.K.,” May said.
___
Petrequin reported from Brussels.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--In Greece, ‘vaccination selfies’ anger unions, opposition

Greece ’ s center-right government says senior state officials will no longer be given priority for the COVID-19 vaccination after posts on social media by Cabinet ministers receiving the shot triggered a backlash from health care unions and opposition parties .
Aristotelia Peloni , a deputy government spokeswoman , said Wednesday that a plan to vaccinate 126 officials from the government and state-run organizations was being cut short after around half had received the shot .
It had been expected that a small number of senior officials would receive the vaccine publicly , as part of a plan to persuade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the number of people on the list took many by surprise .
“ These ( vaccination ) selfies were wrong .
The symbolism around this issue has been exhausted at the highest level and nothing more was required.
” Peloni told private Parapolitika radio .
Greece ’ s prime minister , president , and the head of the armed forces were all vaccinated at the weekend at the start of a national rollout expected to last months in an effort to ease public concerns over the safety of the program .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as Cabinet ministers and other senior government officials - drawing criticism from medical workers ’ unions .
“ Cabinet ministers and their general secretaries have been lining up for a selfie with the vaccine , while doctors , nurses and other front line workers may have to wait their turn until the end of summer to get vaccinated , ” Alexis Tsipras , the leader of the left-wing opposition , said Tuesday after getting his own vaccine shot .
“ That ’ s not symbolism , it ’ s favoritism.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 66 officials had been vaccinated by midday Wednesday out of a total of 1,128 people who had received the vaccine .
The last official on that list was the leader of the Greek Communist Party , Dimitris Koutsoumbas .

Greece’s center-right government says senior state officials will no longer be given priority for the COVID-19 vaccination after posts on social media by Cabinet ministers receiving the shot triggered a backlash from health care unions and opposition parties.
Aristotelia Peloni, a deputy government spokeswoman, said Wednesday that a plan to vaccinate 126 officials from the government and state-run organizations was being cut short after around half had received the shot.
It had been expected that a small number of senior officials would receive the vaccine publicly, as part of a plan to persuade everyone that it was safe and necessary, but the number of people on the list took many by surprise.
“These (vaccination) selfies were wrong. The symbolism around this issue has been exhausted at the highest level and nothing more was required.” Peloni told private Parapolitika radio.
Greece’s prime minister, president, and the head of the armed forces were all vaccinated at the weekend at the start of a national rollout expected to last months in an effort to ease public concerns over the safety of the program.
They were followed by opposition party leaders as well as Cabinet ministers and other senior government officials - drawing criticism from medical workers’ unions.
“Cabinet ministers and their general secretaries have been lining up for a selfie with the vaccine, while doctors, nurses and other front line workers may have to wait their turn until the end of summer to get vaccinated,” Alexis Tsipras, the leader of the left-wing opposition, said Tuesday after getting his own vaccine shot. “That’s not symbolism, it’s favoritism.”
Peloni, the government spokeswoman, said 66 officials had been vaccinated by midday Wednesday out of a total of 1,128 people who had received the vaccine.
The last official on that list was the leader of the Greek Communist Party, Dimitris Koutsoumbas.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Editorial Roundup: South Carolina

Editorial Roundup: South Carolina

The Index-Journal on continuing coronavirus caution into 2021 : Maybe you took a long break during Christmas that included not listening much to the news or reading the newspaper .
Maybe you did not pay close attention , in that case , to how the number of COVID-19 positive cases and deaths in the state have been making the summer numbers look mild - or almost mild .
Now that people have ventured back home from their holiday vacations and trips to be with family and friends , don ’ t look for a significant drop in those numbers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking into account DHEC ’ s report that came out right after Christmas and reflected two days ’ totals , Dec. 24 and Christmas Day .
Suffice it to say , the numbers are not the kind of gift any of us wants to have had under our tree .
So yes , the likelihood of even higher numbers in the coming days is great .
That ’ s potentially hundreds of sick people and undoubtedly more deaths .
That ’ s more hospital rooms and emergency rooms that will be dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expense of people with other medical needs .
All as a prelude to mass vaccinations being rolled out .
All as a prelude to what might take place around New Year ’ s Eve and New Year ’ s Day .
If you ’ re smart , you ’ ll treat this upcoming holiday in much the same way Time Square will be treating it .
There will be no throngs of people shoulder to shoulder reveling in the streets ahead of and during the ball drop that welcomes 2021 .
If ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the big parties that ultimately can lead to big morning-after headaches , this is it .
Stay home with family you ’ ve been with or just that same small number of friends whose company you have been able to enjoy because you and they have been diligent in adhering to the CDC guidelines .
But really , to be safest , stay home with family only to welcome 2021 .
Celebrate the coming new year quietly , with reflection on how 2020 has been and with hope for how 2021 might yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we show signs of getting a real handle on this pandemic .
Don ’ t take unnecessary chances with 2021 .
The virus doesn ’ t magically go away on Jan. 1 any more than it was going to disappear right before Easter of this year .
The Times and Democrat on avoiding coronavirus vaccine-related scams : A recent Associated Press-NORC Center poll found that about half of Americans want to get the coronavirus vaccine .
A quarter of people aren ’ t sure whether they will take it — and the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The hope is that most of the undecideds will opt in as experts say roughly 70 % of the population needs vaccination in order to achieve herd immunity and effectively end the pandemic .
For now , the focus is on getting the most vulnerable people vaccinated with the bulk of the population left waiting while the coronavirus kills a record number of people daily .
There is an increasing urgency among many to get the vaccination .
And that could lead to people becoming the victim of scammers , who are always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter the situation .
“ Having already seen supply scams , provider scams , economic impact scams , phishing scams and even charity scams related to COVID-19 across the country , every South Carolinian should be extra cautious for the possibility of phony websites and other outreach claiming early access to the vaccine , ” McCoy said .
“ Everyone , particularly seniors and their caretakers , should be on high alert for fraudsters seeking to take advantage of their most vulnerable neighbors.
” At the beginning of December , the Federal Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-related consumer complaints , with two-thirds involving fraud or identity theft .
“ Be it through robocalls , texts , emails or other means of communication , the potential for continued coronavirus scams could be as rampant as the disease itself , ” McCoy said .
“ Not only do these criminals victimize the recipient of the scam , they can also cast doubt for many others to trust the legitimate work being done by honest , reliable providers.
” McCoy wants South Carolinians to know that the best defense against the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple methods to try to take advantage of others .
He urges all to : - Know that you can not pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine or to get early access to the vaccine .
- Know that no legitimate vaccine distribution site or heath care payer , like a private insurance company , will call asking for your Social Security , banking , or credit card numbers to sign you up to get the vaccine .
- Beware of providers offering other products , treatments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment .
- Never send money or give out your Social Security number , date of birth , bank account numbers , and credit card numbers and expiration dates to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons .
- Know that the IRS will never ask for your social or bank information over the phone .
- If you have become a victim , do not be too ashamed or afraid to report it .
Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
McCoy stressed his office ’ s commitment to stopping the criminals before more can become victims of their crimes .
As much as prosecution to the fullest is deserved , the better punishment is for all to be sure these fraudulent efforts do not succeed .
The Post and Courier on legalizing medical marijuana in South Carolina : One of the less noted storylines from last month ’ s election was the continued movement of states toward allowing marijuana for medical use .
It ’ s time for South Carolina to join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-fourths of the nation ’ s population - have legalized cannabis for medical use .
More than two-thirds of Mississippi ’ s voters favored medical cannabis in a referendum in November , and it will join Southern states including Virginia , Florida , Arkansas and Louisiana that compassionately permit such use .
We ’ ve long supported legalizing marijuana for medical use , which has been prescribed for those suffering from chronic pain , cancer-related wasting and nausea , glaucoma and dozens of other medical conditions .
A clear majority of South Carolinians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state residents showed 72 % support legalizing medical marijuana .
Fortunately , South Carolina lawmakers again are pushing to make this happen and have pre-filed bills to legalize medical cannabis in the state .
The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act would create a regulated medical cannabis program to allow patients with serious medical conditions and illnesses to safely access and use medicinal cannabis under a physician ’ s care .
Two similar bills are backed by Sen. Tom Davis , R-Beaufort , and Rep. Bill Herbkersman , R-Bluffton .
Mr. Herbkersman poignantly recounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief from medical cannabis as a reason to back the bill : “ It is unacceptable that South Carolinians with serious illnesses have to break the law to alleviate their suffering .
My brother deserved better .
Our friends , family and neighbors deserve the same options to medicine that are afforded to Americans in thirty-six other states .
Waiting any longer will only add to the suffering that is experienced by those who are plagued with debilitating illnesses.
” Mr. Davis has been trying for five years to advance a similar bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year .
Several leaders in the South Carolina medical community have warned that there ’ s not enough research on the effectiveness of marijuana as a medicine , but many studies have shown marijuana can effectively treat several conditions , including some difficult to treat with traditional drugs .
The Food and Drug Administration should pursue better research that would shed more authoritative light on the issue .
It ’ s important to note a medical marijuana law wouldn ’ t require doctors to prescribe it ; it would simply give them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anderson is one such doctor who sees the benefits of medical cannabis outweighing the risks , especially given how much more we know about our nation ’ s recent dangerous overuse of opioids in fighting pain .
“ The illegality of medical cannabis in our state is forcing many patients to rely on the dangerous underground market to access their medicine , ” Dr. Griffith said .
A state law would ensure patients could receive drugs that are far safer .
It ’ s also disingenuous to suggest that legalizing medicinal cannabis would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other states have seen no notable correlation .
But for South Carolinians suffering from painful or debilitating conditions , medical cannabis could help .
It ’ s wrong to continue denying them that compassionate option .

Recent editorials from South Carolina newspapers:
___
Dec. 28
The Index-Journal on continuing coronavirus caution into 2021:
Maybe you took a long break during Christmas that included not listening much to the news or reading the newspaper. Maybe you did not pay close attention, in that case, to how the number of COVID-19 positive cases and deaths in the state have been making the summer numbers look mild - or almost mild.
Now that people have ventured back home from their holiday vacations and trips to be with family and friends, don’t look for a significant drop in those numbers, numbers that are already rather scary when taking into account DHEC’s report that came out right after Christmas and reflected two days’ totals, Dec. 24 and Christmas Day. Suffice it to say, the numbers are not the kind of gift any of us wants to have had under our tree.
So yes, the likelihood of even higher numbers in the coming days is great. That’s potentially hundreds of sick people and undoubtedly more deaths. That’s more hospital rooms and emergency rooms that will be dealing with COVID patients, and possibly at the expense of people with other medical needs. All as a prelude to mass vaccinations being rolled out. All as a prelude to what might take place around New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
If you’re smart, you’ll treat this upcoming holiday in much the same way Time Square will be treating it. There will be no throngs of people shoulder to shoulder reveling in the streets ahead of and during the ball drop that welcomes 2021.
If ever there was a time to swear off the big parties that ultimately can lead to big morning-after headaches, this is it. Stay home with family you’ve been with or just that same small number of friends whose company you have been able to enjoy because you and they have been diligent in adhering to the CDC guidelines. But really, to be safest, stay home with family only to welcome 2021.
Celebrate the coming new year quietly, with reflection on how 2020 has been and with hope for how 2021 might yet be once vaccinations are fully deployed and we show signs of getting a real handle on this pandemic.
Don’t take unnecessary chances with 2021. The virus doesn’t magically go away on Jan. 1 any more than it was going to disappear right before Easter of this year.
Online: http://www.indexjournal.com
___
Dec. 28
The Times and Democrat on avoiding coronavirus vaccine-related scams:
A recent Associated Press-NORC Center poll found that about half of Americans want to get the coronavirus vaccine. A quarter of people aren’t sure whether they will take it — and the other quarter say they won’t.
The hope is that most of the undecideds will opt in as experts say roughly 70% of the population needs vaccination in order to achieve herd immunity and effectively end the pandemic.
For now, the focus is on getting the most vulnerable people vaccinated with the bulk of the population left waiting while the coronavirus kills a record number of people daily. There is an increasing urgency among many to get the vaccination.
And that could lead to people becoming the victim of scammers, who are always around to take advantage of people no matter the situation.
South Carolina U.S. Attorney Peter M. McCoy Jr. has issued a warning.
“Having already seen supply scams, provider scams, economic impact scams, phishing scams and even charity scams related to COVID-19 across the country, every South Carolinian should be extra cautious for the possibility of phony websites and other outreach claiming early access to the vaccine,” McCoy said. “Everyone, particularly seniors and their caretakers, should be on high alert for fraudsters seeking to take advantage of their most vulnerable neighbors.”
At the beginning of December, the Federal Trade Commission had already received more than 250,000 COVID-related consumer complaints, with two-thirds involving fraud or identity theft.
“Be it through robocalls, texts, emails or other means of communication, the potential for continued coronavirus scams could be as rampant as the disease itself,” McCoy said. “Not only do these criminals victimize the recipient of the scam, they can also cast doubt for many others to trust the legitimate work being done by honest, reliable providers.”
McCoy wants South Carolinians to know that the best defense against the coronavirus scams is vigilance, knowing criminals have multiple methods to try to take advantage of others. He urges all to:
- Know that you cannot pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine or to get early access to the vaccine.
- Know that no legitimate vaccine distribution site or heath care payer, like a private insurance company, will call asking for your Social Security, banking, or credit card numbers to sign you up to get the vaccine.
- Beware of providers offering other products, treatments or medicines to prevent the virus. Check with your health care provider before paying for or receiving any COVID-19-related treatment.
- Never send money or give out your Social Security number, date of birth, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers and expiration dates to unfamiliar companies or unknown persons.
- Know that the IRS will never ask for your social or bank information over the phone.
- If you have become a victim, do not be too ashamed or afraid to report it. Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or online at www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
McCoy stressed his office’s commitment to stopping the criminals before more can become victims of their crimes.
As much as prosecution to the fullest is deserved, the better punishment is for all to be sure these fraudulent efforts do not succeed.
Online: https://thetandd.com
___
Dec. 27
The Post and Courier on legalizing medical marijuana in South Carolina:
One of the less noted storylines from last month’s election was the continued movement of states toward allowing marijuana for medical use. It’s time for South Carolina to join them.
Thirty-six states - representing about three-fourths of the nation’s population - have legalized cannabis for medical use. More than two-thirds of Mississippi’s voters favored medical cannabis in a referendum in November, and it will join Southern states including Virginia, Florida, Arkansas and Louisiana that compassionately permit such use.
We’ve long supported legalizing marijuana for medical use, which has been prescribed for those suffering from chronic pain, cancer-related wasting and nausea, glaucoma and dozens of other medical conditions. A clear majority of South Carolinians agree: The most recent poll of state residents showed 72% support legalizing medical marijuana.
Fortunately, South Carolina lawmakers again are pushing to make this happen and have pre-filed bills to legalize medical cannabis in the state. The South Carolina Compassionate Care Act would create a regulated medical cannabis program to allow patients with serious medical conditions and illnesses to safely access and use medicinal cannabis under a physician’s care. Two similar bills are backed by Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, and Rep. Bill Herbkersman, R-Bluffton.
Mr. Herbkersman poignantly recounted his late brother’s experience finding relief from medical cannabis as a reason to back the bill: “It is unacceptable that South Carolinians with serious illnesses have to break the law to alleviate their suffering. My brother deserved better. Our friends, family and neighbors deserve the same options to medicine that are afforded to Americans in thirty-six other states. Waiting any longer will only add to the suffering that is experienced by those who are plagued with debilitating illnesses.”
Mr. Davis has been trying for five years to advance a similar bill and is optimistic that progress is possible next year.
Several leaders in the South Carolina medical community have warned that there’s not enough research on the effectiveness of marijuana as a medicine, but many studies have shown marijuana can effectively treat several conditions, including some difficult to treat with traditional drugs. The Food and Drug Administration should pursue better research that would shed more authoritative light on the issue.
It’s important to note a medical marijuana law wouldn’t require doctors to prescribe it; it would simply give them the option. Dr. Bill Griffith of Anderson is one such doctor who sees the benefits of medical cannabis outweighing the risks, especially given how much more we know about our nation’s recent dangerous overuse of opioids in fighting pain. “The illegality of medical cannabis in our state is forcing many patients to rely on the dangerous underground market to access their medicine,” Dr. Griffith said. A state law would ensure patients could receive drugs that are far safer.
It’s also disingenuous to suggest that legalizing medicinal cannabis would somehow cause a rise in crime; other states have seen no notable correlation. But for South Carolinians suffering from painful or debilitating conditions, medical cannabis could help. It’s wrong to continue denying them that compassionate option.
Online: https://www.postandcourier.com/


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--UK lawmakers approve trade deal with European Union, pave way for orderly New Year's break with bloc

LONDON ( AP ) - UK lawmakers approve trade deal with European Union , pave way for orderly New Year @ @ @ @ @ to complete Brexit .

LONDON (AP) - UK lawmakers approve trade deal with European Union, pave way for orderly New Year’s break with bloc to complete Brexit.
Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Police: Man fatally stabbed woman and baby in Norfolk

NORFOLK , Va. ( AP ) - Authorities in Virginia say they ’ ve arrested a man who they stabbed @ @ @ @ @ a baby .
The Virginian-Pilot reports that the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon in Norfolk .
@ @ @ @ @ Warren , 26 , is being held in the Norfolk City Jail without bond .
@ @ @ @ @ second-degree murder .
It ’ s unclear if he has hired an attorney .
The @ @ @ @ @ .
The baby was three months old .
Police said they went to an apartment @ @ @ @ @ of a domestic disturbance .
They said they found Epifani D. Andrews and the baby @ @ @ @ @ .
Both victims died at the scene .
Investigators have not released a motive or @ @ @ @ @ .
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the exact manner and cause @ @ @

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) - Authorities in Virginia say they’ve arrested a man who they stabbed to death a woman and a baby.
The Virginian-Pilot reports that the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon in Norfolk.
Police said that Duwayne E. Warren, 26, is being held in the Norfolk City Jail without bond. He faces two counts of second-degree murder. It’s unclear if he has hired an attorney.
The woman was 22 years old. The baby was three months old.
Police said they went to an apartment complex after receiving a report of a domestic disturbance. They said they found Epifani D. Andrews and the baby boy suffering from stab wounds. Both victims died at the scene.
Investigators have not released a motive or other circumstances surrounding this incident. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the exact manner and cause of death.
PAID POST


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--New state hires will miss out on retiree health coverage

RALEIGH , N.C. ( AP ) - North Carolina state employees and public school teachers won ’ t qualify to receive state medical coverage when they retire if they are hired in 2021 and beyond .
The alteration was inserted in the 2017 state budget law .
Legislative Republicans who backed the change said it was needed to rein in future anticipated health care costs for covered employees , which are already calculated in the tens of billions of dollars .
It ’ s a problem that other states face .
North Carolina state employees or teachers who began work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health coverage - either at no cost or at a partial cost , based on the number of years they work for the state and when they began .
The future disqualification also applies to new University of North Carolina system workers .
State Treasurer Dale Folwell , whose office oversees the North Carolina State Health Plan , has warned lawmakers for years about the fiscal threat of long-term retiree health expenses .
But he neither sought the 2017 provision nor was consulted on it .
Still , Folwell is carrying out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state money over the next 30 years , The News & Observer of Raleigh reported .
The health plan offers supplemental insurance for Medicare enrollees and regular plan coverage for those who aren ’ t 65 years old .
Employees will continue to qualify for health coverage while actively working .
The changes do not affect pensions .
Suzanne Beasley , a lobbyist for the State Employees Association of North Carolina , said dropping the retiree health benefit for new hires will take away from the decent benefits that rank-and-file state workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state hired 17,705 people in 2019 , and over 14,400 workers during 2020 , according to the Office of State Human Resources .
The State Health Plan covers well over 700,000 active public employees , retirees and their family members .
“ As a career state employee who ’ s making modest wages , ( to know ) when you retire you have health coverage for your golden years , that ’ s a huge benefit , ” Beasley said .

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina state employees and public school teachers won’t qualify to receive state medical coverage when they retire if they are hired in 2021 and beyond.
The alteration was inserted in the 2017 state budget law. Legislative Republicans who backed the change said it was needed to rein in future anticipated health care costs for covered employees, which are already calculated in the tens of billions of dollars. It’s a problem that other states face.
North Carolina state employees or teachers who began work before Jan. 1 still qualify for retiree health coverage - either at no cost or at a partial cost, based on the number of years they work for the state and when they began. The future disqualification also applies to new University of North Carolina system workers.
State Treasurer Dale Folwell, whose office oversees the North Carolina State Health Plan, has warned lawmakers for years about the fiscal threat of long-term retiree health expenses. But he neither sought the 2017 provision nor was consulted on it. Still, Folwell is carrying out the changes, which he said will save the state money over the next 30 years, The News & Observer of Raleigh reported.
The health plan offers supplemental insurance for Medicare enrollees and regular plan coverage for those who aren’t 65 years old. Employees will continue to qualify for health coverage while actively working. The changes do not affect pensions.
Suzanne Beasley, a lobbyist for the State Employees Association of North Carolina, said dropping the retiree health benefit for new hires will take away from the decent benefits that rank-and-file state workers have expected over the years.
The state hired 17,705 people in 2019, and over 14,400 workers during 2020, according to the Office of State Human Resources. The State Health Plan covers well over 700,000 active public employees, retirees and their family members.
“As a career state employee who’s making modest wages, (to know) when you retire you have health coverage for your golden years, that’s a huge benefit,” Beasley said.


Editorial Roundup: Tennessee

The Johnson City Press on the coronavirus vaccine being used as a political favor in one Tennessee city : Perhaps Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby ’ s decision to offer “ extra ” novel coronavirus vaccinations to members of the County Commission and their families can be chalked up to a rookie mistake .
After all , she ’ s only had the job since September .
The Commission appointed her on an interim basis immediately following the death of Mayor Rusty Barnett and then elected her in November to fill out his term , which expires in 2022 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ much longer .
She ’ s been a county employee for 10 years and a commissioner for two .
Prior to her appointment , she was deputy clerk of the Carter County Circuit Court .
As a commissioner representing Roan Mountain and the body ’ s vice chairwoman , she began presiding over meetings when then-Chairman Ray Lyons ’ health started failing and assumed the role on a regular basis after he resigned .
Regardless of experience , Woodby ’ s vaccination offer to commissioners was an ethical breach .
It was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs must come before politics .
The vaccination process is not a game of leapfrog .
It ’ s set up in phases to direct doses to the people most likely to contract and spread the virus , followed by the people most vulnerable to the COVID-19 ’ s life-threatening effects .
The distribution prioritization is there for good reason .
Frontline health care workers and first responders were first on the list because of their potential for contact with people infected with COVID-19 .
That amounts to an estimated 450,000 people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week , Carter County received what Woodby described as an unexpected number of doses , hence her offer to commissioners .
After commissioners leveled criticism last week , Woodby responded Monday by saying she acted on a suggestion from the Carter County Health Department .
Regardless of where the idea originated , she made a poor choice .
There ’ s no such thing as extra vaccinations during this pandemic .
As doses become available , the next phase of distribution is to go to all other health care workers - about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be followed by people with high-risk comorbidities , which are health conditions that could be worsened by COVID-19 , potentially leading to death .
That ’ s an estimated 1.2 million Tennesseans .
Next will be those in critical infrastructure positions , those with moderate health risks , people over age 65 , school and child care staff and others in dense settings - 2.55 million in Tennessee .
The state ’ s estimated 2 million schoolchildren and industrial workers will come next .
And finally , all other Tennesseans who want the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people fall into that last category .
While we are sure some commissioners , particularly older members , are high in those priorities , jumping in line by way of political favoritism would be a violation of public trust .
As Commissioner Robert Acuff and others have noted , Woodby ’ s offer was unacceptable .
We ’ ll call it unscrupulous and dangerous .
If Woodby is to continue in a leadership role , she must learn to put the health and welfare of Carter County citizens ahead of all other considerations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a critical lesson .
The Kingsport Times-News on making sure car headlights are working properly : Not all motor vehicles have automatic headlights , and not all automatic headlights work all of the time .
That seems to be a problem in Kingsport and , we suspect , everywhere else .
A reader called to say he ’ s seeing more and more motorists on the streets of Kingsport driving without headlights , and not just at dusk or dawn , but during the night .
In one instance the caller said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was driving without headlights .
And he ’ s not alone in this observation .
Tom Patton , public information officer for the Kingsport Police Department , has also noticed the problem and reminded that “ if an officer sees it , they ’ re certainly going to take action and stop the person and at the very least point it out to them.
” As well , the driver “ may get a citation and that stop may lead to other things .
It ’ s not unheard of to see someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being that they ’ re impaired.
” The citation will cost you $ 50 in Kingsport , perhaps more in the county or if you ’ re cited by the Tennessee Highway Patrol .
Another problem is drivers with a headlight out .
It may be difficult to notice that a headlight has burned out in city driving where streets are well lit .
“ Or it could be the motorist simply forgot to turn them on , Patton said .
“ Sometimes the technology can mess with us .
People rely on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to manually turn on their lights .
Or they ’ re relying on automatic headlights , which may or may not automatically activate when it ’ s low light or inclement weather.
” Some people also may see better in low light than others and don ’ t think to turn on their headlights .
Finally , some vehicles blend in better than others .
“ If you have a bright red or yellow car , it may stand out in low light conditions .
But if you ’ re driving a charcoal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blends in , ” Patton said .
“ If you don ’ t have your headlights on , then you ’ re invisible until you ’ re right on somebody and it ’ s too late.
” In case your vehicle doesn ’ t automatically turn on its headlights in low light conditions , a good rule of thumb is to turn them on about 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise .
In addition , Patton said there ’ s nothing wrong or illegal about running your headlights on low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the National Law Review , numerous European countries have begun implementing laws requiring the use of daytime running lights , with the data showing a significant change in the number of daytime accidents reported in these countries .
“ Tests have shown that even in broad daylight on a sunny day , a car with headlights is seen quicker and perceived quicker than one without them , ” Patton said .
Be safe .
Check your headlights - and taillights - to be sure they ’ re working .
Holding thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ emergency reserve ” may not top the list of dumb ideas , but if not , it ’ s got to be a close second .
When everyone in Tennessee has received a vaccination , a reserve would be justified .
But in a state that ranks second in the nation for new COVID-19 cases per capita , refusing to release a single vaccination as quickly as possible is indefensible .
That the state plans to put more than 5,000 doses in a closet somewhere will kill an estimated 50 to 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of methods estimate that some five to 10 people will die for every 1,000 people with COVID-19 .
No other state is conducting such a ridiculous policy .
An Associated Press review of each state ’ s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans shows that only Tennessee is holding back doses .
The state ’ s initial shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was not distributed for inoculation .
Health care workers had to wait until the second shipment arrived days later .
“ Given the extremely high case counts right now , our frontline health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever .
I would personally advocate for those doses being used rather than stockpiled , ” said Dr. Isaac Thomsen , who leads the Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program Laboratory .
Despite a federal stockpile created so states can use all of their supplies , Tennessee officials maintain that the reserve is necessary because of the risk of damaging the Pfizer vaccine , which requires ultracold storage .
“ If a hospital receives a case of the vaccine and it ’ s spoiled or broken , we can immediately deploy that ( emergency reserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner Lisa Piercey said .
But the state ’ s vaccination plan also calls for holding back 5,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine , which does not require ultracold storage , about 5 % of the state ’ s first shipment from the company .
Bottom line , the state ’ s vaccination program is a race against death .
In other states , the approach is to quickly distribute every drop of vaccine to those with the highest risk of exposure .
In North Carolina , for instance , officials stated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be held back at the jurisdictional or provider level .
The state ’ s record case numbers , climbing death rates and overwhelmed hospitals outweigh any priority to build up a reserve .
Those vaccinations are needed by our high-risk health care workers , and they ’ re needed now .
No vaccine should be held back , not by Tennessee , and not by the federal government .

Recent editorials from Tennessee newspapers:
___
Dec. 28
The Johnson City Press on the coronavirus vaccine being used as a political favor in one Tennessee city:
Perhaps Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby’s decision to offer “extra” novel coronavirus vaccinations to members of the County Commission and their families can be chalked up to a rookie mistake.
After all, she’s only had the job since September. The Commission appointed her on an interim basis immediately following the death of Mayor Rusty Barnett and then elected her in November to fill out his term, which expires in 2022.
But Woodby has been around the courthouse much longer. She’s been a county employee for 10 years and a commissioner for two. Prior to her appointment, she was deputy clerk of the Carter County Circuit Court. As a commissioner representing Roan Mountain and the body’s vice chairwoman, she began presiding over meetings when then-Chairman Ray Lyons’ health started failing and assumed the role on a regular basis after he resigned.
Regardless of experience, Woodby’s vaccination offer to commissioners was an ethical breach. It was an affront to thousands of vulnerable citizens whose needs must come before politics.
The vaccination process is not a game of leapfrog. It’s set up in phases to direct doses to the people most likely to contract and spread the virus, followed by the people most vulnerable to the COVID-19’s life-threatening effects.
The distribution prioritization is there for good reason. Frontline health care workers and first responders were first on the list because of their potential for contact with people infected with COVID-19. That amounts to an estimated 450,000 people in Tennessee.
As that phase got underway last week, Carter County received what Woodby described as an unexpected number of doses, hence her offer to commissioners.
After commissioners leveled criticism last week, Woodby responded Monday by saying she acted on a suggestion from the Carter County Health Department. Regardless of where the idea originated, she made a poor choice.
There’s no such thing as extra vaccinations during this pandemic.
As doses become available, the next phase of distribution is to go to all other health care workers - about 100,000 people in Tennessee. They will be followed by people with high-risk comorbidities, which are health conditions that could be worsened by COVID-19, potentially leading to death. That’s an estimated 1.2 million Tennesseans.
Next will be those in critical infrastructure positions, those with moderate health risks, people over age 65, school and child care staff and others in dense settings - 2.55 million in Tennessee. The state’s estimated 2 million schoolchildren and industrial workers will come next. And finally, all other Tennesseans who want the vaccine would receive it - about 500,000 people fall into that last category.
While we are sure some commissioners, particularly older members, are high in those priorities, jumping in line by way of political favoritism would be a violation of public trust.
As Commissioner Robert Acuff and others have noted, Woodby’s offer was unacceptable. We’ll call it unscrupulous and dangerous.
If Woodby is to continue in a leadership role, she must learn to put the health and welfare of Carter County citizens ahead of all other considerations. We hope the backlash serves as a critical lesson.
Online: https://www.johnsoncitypress.com
___
Dec. 28
The Kingsport Times-News on making sure car headlights are working properly:
Not all motor vehicles have automatic headlights, and not all automatic headlights work all of the time. That seems to be a problem in Kingsport and, we suspect, everywhere else.
A reader called to say he’s seeing more and more motorists on the streets of Kingsport driving without headlights, and not just at dusk or dawn, but during the night. In one instance the caller said he almost collided with a fellow motorist who was driving without headlights. And he’s not alone in this observation.
Tom Patton, public information officer for the Kingsport Police Department, has also noticed the problem and reminded that “if an officer sees it, they’re certainly going to take action and stop the person and at the very least point it out to them.” As well, the driver “may get a citation and that stop may lead to other things. It’s not unheard of to see someone with their headlights off and the reason being that they’re impaired.”
The citation will cost you $50 in Kingsport, perhaps more in the county or if you’re cited by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Another problem is drivers with a headlight out. It may be difficult to notice that a headlight has burned out in city driving where streets are well lit. “Or it could be the motorist simply forgot to turn them on, Patton said. “Sometimes the technology can mess with us. People rely on the daytime running lights and therefore forget to manually turn on their lights. Or they’re relying on automatic headlights, which may or may not automatically activate when it’s low light or inclement weather.”
Some people also may see better in low light than others and don’t think to turn on their headlights.
Finally, some vehicles blend in better than others. “If you have a bright red or yellow car, it may stand out in low light conditions. But if you’re driving a charcoal gray car on pavement, it just blends in,” Patton said. “If you don’t have your headlights on, then you’re invisible until you’re right on somebody and it’s too late.”
In case your vehicle doesn’t automatically turn on its headlights in low light conditions, a good rule of thumb is to turn them on about 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise. In addition, Patton said there’s nothing wrong or illegal about running your headlights on low at all times. In fact, according to the National Law Review, numerous European countries have begun implementing laws requiring the use of daytime running lights, with the data showing a significant change in the number of daytime accidents reported in these countries.
“Tests have shown that even in broad daylight on a sunny day, a car with headlights is seen quicker and perceived quicker than one without them,” Patton said.
Be safe. Check your headlights - and taillights - to be sure they’re working.
Online: https://www.timesnews.net
___
Dec. 24
The Kingsport Times-News on ‘emergency reserve’ COVID-19 vaccines:
Holding thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations in Tennessee as an “emergency reserve” may not top the list of dumb ideas, but if not, it’s got to be a close second.
When everyone in Tennessee has received a vaccination, a reserve would be justified. But in a state that ranks second in the nation for new COVID-19 cases per capita, refusing to release a single vaccination as quickly as possible is indefensible.
That the state plans to put more than 5,000 doses in a closet somewhere will kill an estimated 50 to 100 people. Numerous studies using a range of methods estimate that some five to 10 people will die for every 1,000 people with COVID-19.
No other state is conducting such a ridiculous policy.
An Associated Press review of each state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans shows that only Tennessee is holding back doses. The state’s initial shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was not distributed for inoculation. Health care workers had to wait until the second shipment arrived days later.
“Given the extremely high case counts right now, our frontline health care workers are at higher risk than ever. I would personally advocate for those doses being used rather than stockpiled,” said Dr. Isaac Thomsen, who leads the Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program Laboratory.
Despite a federal stockpile created so states can use all of their supplies, Tennessee officials maintain that the reserve is necessary because of the risk of damaging the Pfizer vaccine, which requires ultracold storage. “If a hospital receives a case of the vaccine and it’s spoiled or broken, we can immediately deploy that (emergency reserve) to them,” state Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said.
But the state’s vaccination plan also calls for holding back 5,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine, which does not require ultracold storage, about 5% of the state’s first shipment from the company.
Bottom line, the state’s vaccination program is a race against death. In other states, the approach is to quickly distribute every drop of vaccine to those with the highest risk of exposure. In North Carolina, for instance, officials stated in their distribution plan that no doses will be held back at the jurisdictional or provider level.
The state’s record case numbers, climbing death rates and overwhelmed hospitals outweigh any priority to build up a reserve. Those vaccinations are needed by our high-risk health care workers, and they’re needed now. No vaccine should be held back, not by Tennessee, and not by the federal government.
Online: https://www.timesnews.net


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Las Vegas fire in second-floor apartment displaces 24

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - Las Vegas authorities say 24 people were displaced by a fire that gutted a @ @ @ @ @ building Tuesday night .
Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one unit in @ @ @ @ @ injuries were reported .
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada was assisting residences displaced by @ @ @ @ @ the fire was under investigation .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas authorities say 24 people were displaced by a fire that gutted a second-floor unit in an apartment building Tuesday night.
Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one unit in the eight-unit building and no injuries were reported.
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada was assisting residences displaced by the fire.
Cause of the fire was under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--County to pay consulting firm to study response to fires

MEDFORD , Ore. ( AP ) - When the Almeda and Obenchain Fires hit , few Jackson County residents were notified about evacuation orders .
Many were forced to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no notification save for a knock on their door telling them it was time to leave .
While emergency officials rushed to respond to the fast-moving flames and to make sure residents were safe , there was also little to no communication with media outlets on the scale of the fire .
The lack of notification to evacuees as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the disaster are just some of the items a private consulting firm will be paid $ 43,958.80 to review , KTVL News 10 reported .
“ Our job will be to work with the county and all of the jurisdictions within to do a review of the wildfires and help them determine what are the best practices that emerged , what are the things they can do better moving forward and help them determine how they can deal with wildfires better in the future , ” explained Bryan Koon , vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the North Carolina-based firm the county contracted .
An 86-page contract and proposal between IEM and the county that News 10 obtained through records request notes that the review will examine “ data and audio records ” from the Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon ( ECSO ) .
It will look into communications sent from the Everbridge Notification System ( that should have notified residents of evacuation orders ) as well as social media posts ’ .
“ Analyzing the response communications , platforms used to disseminate information to the public and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring Jackson County continues to build readiness and resilience to respond to and recover from these disasters events , ” IEM ’ s proposal notes .
Koon said the firm will conduct an ‘ After-Action Review ’ which will include conditions prior to the fires and how local agencies responded to them .
The review will look at the response from the Cities of Central Point , Medford , Phoenix , Talent , Shady Cove , and Butte Falls .
Within those jurisdictions , it will look at the response of each city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and after the fire .
The review will also look at the response from the Oregon State Police ( OSP ) , Oregon Department of Transportation ( ODOT ) , and ECSO .
“ First thing we ’ ll do is read and review as much of the documentation , any of the reports that came out , the communication , the situation reports , and then you follow it up with doing lots of interviews , ” Koon said .
He explained every individual and agency viewed and reacted differently to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be needed to get a better overall understanding of their responses .
Koon said the firm will also look into how residents and animals were cared for and housed after the fires broke out .
“ We will probably find some great things that emerged , some best practices , and there will probably be a few gaps that the county and jurisdictions within can work on in the future , ” Koon said .
He specified that the review will not be an investigation into the cause of the fire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county can learn from and improve for future disasters .
“ We know there is going to be more wildfires in the future and certainly that is something you should take a look at , is how do you prevent future forest fires , but we are looking at it as a more organizational response effort and how you deal with them once they occur , ” he explained .
At the end of the review , the firm will put together a final report and will present its findings to the Jackson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he estimates the review will take up to four months , though the contract allows for up to six months .

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - When the Almeda and Obenchain Fires hit, few Jackson County residents were notified about evacuation orders. Many were forced to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no notification save for a knock on their door telling them it was time to leave.
While emergency officials rushed to respond to the fast-moving flames and to make sure residents were safe, there was also little to no communication with media outlets on the scale of the fire.
The lack of notification to evacuees as well as the lack of communication with media outlets throughout the disaster are just some of the items a private consulting firm will be paid $43,958.80 to review, KTVL News 10 reported.
“Our job will be to work with the county and all of the jurisdictions within to do a review of the wildfires and help them determine what are the best practices that emerged, what are the things they can do better moving forward and help them determine how they can deal with wildfires better in the future,” explained Bryan Koon, vice president of Innovative Emergency Management (IEM), the North Carolina-based firm the county contracted.
An 86-page contract and proposal between IEM and the county that News 10 obtained through records request notes that the review will examine “data and audio records” from the Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon (ECSO). It will look into communications sent from the Everbridge Notification System ( that should have notified residents of evacuation orders) as well as social media posts’.
“Analyzing the response communications, platforms used to disseminate information to the public and the message development process is essential for ensuring Jackson County continues to build readiness and resilience to respond to and recover from these disasters events,” IEM’s proposal notes.
Koon said the firm will conduct an ‘After-Action Review’ which will include conditions prior to the fires and how local agencies responded to them. The review will look at the response from the Cities of Central Point, Medford, Phoenix, Talent, Shady Cove, and Butte Falls. Within those jurisdictions, it will look at the response of each city manager, police and fire department during and after the fire.
The review will also look at the response from the Oregon State Police (OSP), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and ECSO.
“First thing we’ll do is read and review as much of the documentation, any of the reports that came out, the communication, the situation reports, and then you follow it up with doing lots of interviews,” Koon said. He explained every individual and agency viewed and reacted differently to the disaster, which is why the interviews will be needed to get a better overall understanding of their responses.
Koon said the firm will also look into how residents and animals were cared for and housed after the fires broke out.
“We will probably find some great things that emerged, some best practices, and there will probably be a few gaps that the county and jurisdictions within can work on in the future,” Koon said.
He specified that the review will not be an investigation into the cause of the fire, but a detailed report of what the county can learn from and improve for future disasters.
“We know there is going to be more wildfires in the future and certainly that is something you should take a look at, is how do you prevent future forest fires, but we are looking at it as a more organizational response effort and how you deal with them once they occur,” he explained.
At the end of the review, the firm will put together a final report and will present its findings to the Jackson County Board of Commissioners.
Koon said he estimates the review will take up to four months, though the contract allows for up to six months.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--State's next vaccine phase to include people 65 and older

DOVER , Del .
( AP ) - People who are 65 years old or older will become eligible for the coronavirus vaccine in Delaware when the state rolls out its next phase for immunization .
The Delaware State News reports that the Delaware Division of Public Health finalized its recommendations on Tuesday for what ’ s known as the Phase 1B group .
The state is currently in Phase 1A .
That includes health care workers who have direct contact with ill patients and residents of long-term care facilities .
DPH ’ s director , Dr. Karyl Rattay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the middle or end of January .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended including all people who are 75 years or older in Phase 1B .
But Delaware health officials said they lowered the threshold to 65 to include more of the state ’ s affected populations .
The median age for deaths among Black residents is 74 in Delaware .
And it is is 66 for Hispanic individuals .
“ We were very concerned we would miss some of our most vulnerable population , ” Dr. Rattay said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include the most vulnerable first responders , such as firefighters and police , as well as teachers , postal workers and public transit employees who are most exposed .

DOVER, Del. (AP) - State public health officials have finalized recommendations for the second phase of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Delaware.
Public health director Dr. Karyl Rattay said Tuesday that second-phase recipients will include front-line essential workers and people 65 and older.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, defines front-line essential workers as first responders such as police and firefighters, school and child care staff, prison staff, and workers in grocery stores, food and agriculture, manufacturing and public transit.
Rattay cautioned that not everyone in those groups will get vaccinated because risk exposure needs to be taken into consideration. She noted, for example, that poultry plant workers would have more difficulty than farmers in adhering to social distancing guidelines.
A State Ethics Advisory Group voted last week to follow the committee’s recommendations to target front-line essential workers and people 75 years and older in the second round of vaccine distribution.
But the Division of Public Health opted to lower the eligibility age in Phase 1B from 75 to 65 based on statewide COVID-related deaths. Officials noted that while the median age for deaths among white and Asian people is 82 and 83 respectively, the median age for deaths among Blacks is 74, and 66 for Hispanics.
“If we went with 75 we would have a real equity issue,” Rattay said.
Vaccinations for the Phase 1B group are expected to begin by the end of January.
Meanwhile, officials said Tuesday that 8,422 people in Delaware have received the first of two doses of the vaccine. Officials are expecting to receive another 14,625 doses from Pfizer this week and 5,800 from Moderna.
Elsewhere, officials in neighboring Maryland reported a total of 36,669 vaccinations as of Wednesday morning, an increase of 8,052 from the previous day. More than half the vaccinations have taken place in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Officials said Maryland’s total vaccine allotment from the federal government through this week will include 140,300 doses of the Moderna vaccine and 133,575 doses of Pfizer vaccine.
Maryland officials have not said when the second phase of vaccine distribution would begin in that state, explaining that they are focused on vaccinating people in the first priority group, which includes front-line health care workers, first responders and long-term care facility staff and residents.
Maryland officials also have not said whether they plan to follow the CDC committee’s recommendation to target people 75 and older and front-line essential workers in the second round. A spokesman for the Maryland Department of Health said Tuesday only that the second-phase would include individuals “with significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.”
As of Wednesday, Maryland officials were reporting 5,681 COVID-related deaths and 1,756 current hospitalizations.
Delaware officials were reporting 921 deaths and 425 current hospitalizations as of Tuesday evening.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Thai tourist city of Pattaya placed under COVID-19 lockdown

BANGKOK ( AP ) - The Thai tourist city of Pattaya and the surrounding district were placed under lockdown on Wednesday as the country continues to grapple with an intensifying outbreak of the coronavirus .
Health workers sprayed restaurants and other establishments as part of preventative measures .
The governor ordered the closing of non-essential shops in Banglamung district in Chonburi province , which includes Pattaya , southeast of Bangkok .
Restaurants are allowed to serve only takeaway food .
The province has also shut schools and ordered 24-hour convenience stores to close between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday to give his support to health workers at quarantine centers .
Thai media reported that he expressed concern for the effect the new restrictions will have on Pattaya ’ s economy , which relies heavily on tourism , but said it was necessary to concentrate on controlling the spread of the virus .
Thai officials on Wednesday reported 250 new cases of the coronavirus , including 241 local transmissions .
After months of seeming to have the COVID-19 situation under control , Thailand has seen two major clusters develop since mid-December .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers from Myanmar at a seafood market near Bangkok , while in recent days another cluster has grown connected to a gambling den in an eastern province .
Bangkok has been designated a zone 2 area , meaning that more than 10 new cases have been confirmed there , and the the number is likely to increase .
Earlier this week , officials in Bangkok announced new restrictions , including the closure of some entertainment facilities , during the New Year ’ s holiday .

BANGKOK (AP) - The Thai tourist city of Pattaya and the surrounding district were placed under lockdown on Wednesday as the country continues to grapple with an intensifying outbreak of the coronavirus.
Health workers sprayed restaurants and other establishments as part of preventative measures.
The governor ordered the closing of non-essential shops in Banglamung district in Chonburi province, which includes Pattaya, southeast of Bangkok. Restaurants are allowed to serve only takeaway food. The province has also shut schools and ordered 24-hour convenience stores to close between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha visited the city on Wednesday to give his support to health workers at quarantine centers.
Thai media reported that he expressed concern for the effect the new restrictions will have on Pattaya’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism, but said it was necessary to concentrate on controlling the spread of the virus.
Thai officials on Wednesday reported 250 new cases of the coronavirus, including 241 local transmissions.
After months of seeming to have the COVID-19 situation under control, Thailand has seen two major clusters develop since mid-December. One has mainly infected hundreds of migrant workers from Myanmar at a seafood market near Bangkok, while in recent days another cluster has grown connected to a gambling den in an eastern province.
Bangkok has been designated a zone 2 area, meaning that more than 10 new cases have been confirmed there, and the the number is likely to increase.
Earlier this week, officials in Bangkok announced new restrictions, including the closure of some entertainment facilities, during the New Year’s holiday.
Thailand has confirmed a total of 6,690 cases, including 61 deaths.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Restaurant that flouted virus rules wants license back

A restaurateur who flouted coronavirus restrictions and went on TV to air his grievances against Democratic Gov .
Janet Mills has lost his appeal to reinstate his business license .
A hearing officer rejected an emergency appeal by Rick Savage and his brother Ron to continue operating Sunday River Brewing Company .
The hearing officer wrote in his 11-page decision that the restaurant “ failed to correct violations by departmentally determined deadlines and repeatedly incurred the same type of violations despite technical assistance and guidance from the department , ” the Sun Journal reported .
An attorney for the brothers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant because of Rick Savage ’ s criticism of the governor ’ s emergency orders .
Savage , who opened his restaurant before being allowed to do so by the governor , attacked her polices on the Fox News show “ Tucker Carlson Tonight ” and gave out the governor ’ s personal cellphone number .
Ron Savage said he ’ s now running the restaurant .
If Maine Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew signs off on the hearing office ’ s ruling , then the decision can be appealed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Maine dentists say the pandemic is taking a toll on oral health .
Dentists are seeing more cracked teeth and jaw pain from patients who ’ re clenching their jaws and grinding their teeth , the Portland Press Herald reported .
Patients also are complaining of headaches and teeth that are sensitive to the cold .
Dr. Todd Ray , a South Portland dentist who serves on the Maine Board of Dental Practice , believes the stress of the pandemic , along with political and social issues this year , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chipped teeth , crowns and bridges .
“ Everyone ’ s lives are affected and there ’ s a lot of unknowns , ” he said .
“ People are reporting they are a lot more stressed out .
”

Early closing hours that are in effect for bars and restaurants will continue into the new year amid a surge in COVID-19 infections in Maine, Gov. Janet Mills announced Wednesday.
The early closing times for certain businesses were due to expire on Sunday, but they’re being extended indefinitely. The goal is to curb late-night gatherings when people may let down their guard when it comes to precautions to avoid catching the virus.
“With more people getting sick, going to the hospital and dying from COVID-19 in Maine, it is clear we cannot afford to relax this rule now, especially as we wait to see the full impact of the holiday season on the rate of the virus transmission,” Mills said in a statement.
The governor’s order requires indoor amusements, outdoor amusements, movie theaters, performing arts venues, casinos, restaurants, bars and tasting rooms to close by 9 p.m.
In other pandemic-related news:
___
THE NUMBERS
The number of positive tests dipped over the weekend when fewer testing locations were open, but they’re growing again.
The number of new infections climbed to 590 on both Tuesday and Wednesday, the Maine Center for Disease Control reported. The seven-day rolling average of new daily cases stood at 432 on Wednesday, compared to just 73 cases per day for the week ending on Nov. 1.
The number of vaccinations that had been administered was 23,527, which is more than the number of people who’ve contracted the virus in Maine, said Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control.
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PANDEMIC GRANTS
Fifty-four health care organizations that serve MaineCare patients will share $5.1 million in grants to sustain services during the COVID-19 pandemic, Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew said.
The bulk of the money was awarded to hospitals and nursing homes, with grants also received by providers of children’s behavioral health and home health and hospice care.
“These grants offer new, immediate relief to hospitals and nursing homes that are providing vital health care throughout Maine,” Lambrew said.
The Department of Economic and Community Development is administering the grant program in coordination with DHHS.
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RESTAURANT LICENSE
A restaurateur who flouted coronavirus restrictions and went on TV to air his grievances against Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has lost his appeal to reinstate his business license.
A hearing officer rejected an emergency appeal by Rick Savage and his brother Ron to continue operating Sunday River Brewing Company.
The hearing officer wrote in his 11-page decision that the restaurant “failed to correct violations by departmentally determined deadlines and repeatedly incurred the same type of violations despite technical assistance and guidance from the department,” the Sun Journal reported.
Rick Savage, who opened his restaurant before being allowed to do so by the governor, attacked her polices on the Fox News show “Tucker Carlson Tonight” and gave out the governor’s personal cellphone number. Ron Savage said he’s now running the restaurant.
An attorney for the brothers accused the state of singling out the restaurant because of Rick Savage’s criticism of the governor’s emergency orders.
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STRESS AND TEETH
Maine dentists say the pandemic is taking a toll on oral health.
Dentists are seeing more cracked teeth and jaw pain from patients who’re clenching their jaws and grinding their teeth, the Portland Press Herald reported. Patients also are complaining of headaches and teeth that are sensitive to the cold.
Dr. Todd Ray, a South Portland dentist who serves on the Maine Board of Dental Practice, believes the stress of the pandemic, along with political and social issues this year, have contributed to an increase in fractured and chipped teeth, crowns and bridges.
“Everyone’s lives are affected and there’s a lot of unknowns,” he said. “People are reporting they are a lot more stressed out.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Rhode Island man charged with fatal shooting during argument

CRANSTON , R.I. ( AP ) - A 73-year-old Rhode Island man faces a murder charge in the shooting death of his girlfriend ’ s adult son , police said .
Charles Gangi shot and killed 41-year-old Paul Zoice on Tuesday during what was described by police as a “ heated argument ” in the Cranston home they shared , Chief Col. Michael Winquist said .
Police found Zoice unconscious and suffering from gunshot wounds shortly before 3 p.m .
He was pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital , authorities said .
Zoice ’ s mother and aunt , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ present when the shooting occurred but were not injured , the chief said .
Police recovered two guns at the scene , including one they suspect was used in the shooting , he said .
Gangi is charged with first-degree murder , discharge of a firearm resulting in death , assault with a dangerous weapon , and discharge of a firearm in a compact area , police said .
He faces arraignment on Wednesday .
The case was not entered into online court records and it was unclear if he had an attorney @

CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) - A 73-year-old Rhode Island man faces a murder charge in the shooting death of his girlfriend’s adult son, police said.
Charles Gangi shot and killed 41-year-old Paul Zois on Tuesday during what was described by police as a “heated argument” in the Cranston home they shared, Chief Col. Michael Winquist said.
Gangi was held without bail at his arraignment Wednesday. He did not enter pleas to felony charges including first-degree murder, which is customary in district court. No defense attorney was listed in court records and he was referred to the public defender’s office.
Police found Zois unconscious and suffering from gunshot wounds shortly before 3 p.m. He was pronounced dead at Rhode Island Hospital, authorities said.
Zois’ mother and aunt, who also lived in the home, were present when the shooting occurred but were not injured, the chief said.
Police recovered two guns at the scene, including one they suspect was used in the shooting, he said.
Gangi us due back in court on Jan. 7.
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This story has been changed to correct the spelling of the victim’s last name to Zois, per updated information from police.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Work underway to turn Vermont store into high school

BURLINGTON , Vt. ( AP ) - Work is underway in Burlington to turn an abandoned department store in the Vermont city ’ s downtown into a temporary high school .
As part of a 10-week , $ 10 million construction project , crews are turning the closed Macy ’ s Department store into a school .
Burlington High School was closed in September after elevated levels of PCBs were found in several buildings on the campus .
The Macy ’ s location could be in use for up to three years , depending on how long it takes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The school has been operating remotely since the discovery .
“ We are here to recognize the future of Burlington High School , ” Burlington Schools Superintendent Tom Flanagan told reporters .
“ This is going to be a high school .
This is not designed as a temporary space.
” It ’ s hoped students can begin learning in the temporary location by March .
“ We know we need to be back in person , that ’ s where the real learning happens , ” Flanagan said .
The space in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of classrooms as the existing high school , said Marty Spaulding , the district ’ s director of property services .
There is also ample parking nearby and the city ’ s central bus station is nearby .

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - Work is underway in Burlington to turn an abandoned department store in the Vermont city’s downtown into a temporary high school.
As part of a 10-week, $10 million construction project, crews are turning the closed Macy’s Department store into a school.
Burlington High School was closed in September after elevated levels of PCBs were found in several buildings on the campus.
The Macy’s location could be in use for up to three years, depending on how long it takes to clean-up and renovate the high school. The school has been operating remotely since the discovery.
“We are here to recognize the future of Burlington High School,” Burlington Schools Superintendent Tom Flanagan told reporters. “This is going to be a high school. This is not designed as a temporary space.”
It’s hoped students can begin learning in the temporary location by March.
“We know we need to be back in person, that’s where the real learning happens,” Flanagan said.
The space in the department store will have the same number of classrooms as the existing high school, said Marty Spaulding, the district’s director of property services.
There is also ample parking nearby and the city’s central bus station is nearby.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Vegas police: Adult son fatally shoots father at residence

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - Las Vegas police say a man is dead after being shot by his adult @ @ @ @ @ violence incident earlier Tuesday evening .
Police said they were trying to determine circumstances of @ @ @ @ @ father reportedly attacked his son at a home early in the evening .
According to @ @ @ @ @ had left the house by the the time police arrived in response to a 911 @ @ @ @ @ occurred after the father returned later .
Police Lt. Ray Spencer said the son surrendered @ @ @ @ @ were interviewing him and the wives of the two men .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Las Vegas police say a man is dead after being shot by his adult son after a reported domestic violence incident earlier Tuesday evening.
Police said they were trying to determine circumstances of the incident but that the father reportedly attacked his son at a home early in the evening.
According to police, the older man had left the house by the the time police arrived in response to a 911 call and that the shooting occurred after the father returned later.
Police Lt. Ray Spencer said the son surrendered to police and that police were interviewing him and the wives of the two men.
No identities were released.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Fire destroys memorabilia from Laconia Motorcycle Week

LACONIA , N.H. ( AP ) - A building fire destroyed old photos , magazine articles , and other memorabilia from the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association that were collected from the 97-year-old bike rally in New Hampshire .
The office also lost its beloved mascot in the Christmas Day fire , a cat named Ashland .
“ Everything is gone .
It was a bad , bad fire , ” Charlie St. Clair , executive director of the association , told The Laconia Daily Sun .
Laconia Fire Chief Kirk Beattie said it was likely that an electrical problem may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire had probably been burning for hours before it was discovered .
One firefighter was treated for minor injuries .
St. Clair said he and Jennifer Anderson , the association ’ s deputy director , had just begun work on the 2021 edition of Rally News , a magazine that contains information about the races and other activities during the nine-day annual event .
That , along with Motorcycle Week merchandise , photos going back to the 1940s , and vintage magazine and newspaper articles were destroyed .
The association occupies the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3,000-square-foot building .
St. Clair said the association had insurance , but he was unsure if it would be adequate to cover all the damages .

LACONIA, N.H. (AP) - A building fire destroyed old photos, magazine articles, and other memorabilia from the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association that were collected from the 97-year-old bike rally in New Hampshire.
The office also lost its beloved mascot in the Christmas Day fire, a cat named Ashland.
“Everything is gone. It was a bad, bad fire,” Charlie St. Clair, executive director of the association, told The Laconia Daily Sun.
Laconia Fire Chief Kirk Beattie said it was likely that an electrical problem may have been the cause. He said the fire had probably been burning for hours before it was discovered. One firefighter was treated for minor injuries.
St. Clair said he and Jennifer Anderson, the association’s deputy director, had just begun work on the 2021 edition of Rally News, a magazine that contains information about the races and other activities during the nine-day annual event. That, along with Motorcycle Week merchandise, photos going back to the 1940s, and vintage magazine and newspaper articles were destroyed.
The association occupies the entire 1,700 square-foot first floor of the 3,000-square-foot building.
St. Clair said the association had insurance, but he was unsure if it would be adequate to cover all the damages.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Man sentenced to 10 years in prison for child sex abuse

SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
( AP ) - An Elkton man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison @ @ @ @ @ child .
The Argus Leader reports Jose Alfredo Salinas-Gamez , 40 , pleaded no contest @ @ @ @ @ with a child under the age of 16 .
According to court documents , Gamez @ @ @ @ @ a 12-year-old victim between July 2011 to July 2012 .
Gamez will get credit for @ @ @ @ @ from the time of his sentencing on Dec. 22 , according to court documents .
@ @ @ @ @ in a state penitentiary , Gamez will pay court fines of $ 500 and $ @ @ @ @ @ and must comply with all sex offender requirements .

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - An Elkton man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual contact with a child.
The Argus Leader reports Jose Alfredo Salinas-Gamez, 40, pleaded no contest in September to sexual contact with a child under the age of 16.
According to court documents, Gamez engaged in sexual contact with a 12-year-old victim between July 2011 to July 2012. Gamez will get credit for the 309 days already served from the time of his sentencing on Dec. 22, according to court documents.
Along with the 10-year sentence in a state penitentiary, Gamez will pay court fines of $500 and $1,800 for a psychosexual assessment and must comply with all sex offender requirements.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Fire reported at airport in Council Bluffs

COUNCIL BLUFFS , Iowa ( AP ) - Firefighters in the western Iowa town of Council Bluffs are battling a @ @ @ @ @ .
KETV-TV reports that the multiple crews were at the scene Wednesday morning .
Thick @ @ @ @ @ the building .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear if anyone was inside , or @ @ @ @ @ .
No further details were immediately released .
The website for the Council Bluffs Airport @ @ @ @ @ was completed in 2009 .

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) - Investigators are trying to determine what caused a fire that badly damaged the airport in the western Iowa town of Council Bluffs.
KETV-TV reports that the multiple crews battled the blaze early Wednesday that sent thick black smoke pouring from the maintenance hangar.
Fire Chief Justin James said it was unclear how many planes were damaged but no planes were in the hangar that suffered the worst of the fire.
No injuries were reported.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Authorities investigate shooting death of 18-year-old man

MALDEN , Mass .
( AP ) - Authorities are investigating the shooting death of an 18-year-old man in Malden @ @ @ @ @ report of a shooting just after 7 p.m. Tuesday found the victim on Bowdoin Street @ @ @ @ @ from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Malden police Chief Kevin Molis .
The teen @ @ @ @ @ where he was later pronounced dead .
The victim ’ s name was not released @ @ @ @ @ any arrests .
No other details were immediately made public .

MALDEN, Mass. (AP) - Authorities are investigating the shooting death of an 18-year-old man in Malden.
Officers responding to a report of a shooting just after 7 p.m. Tuesday found the victim on Bowdoin Street, according to a statement from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Malden police Chief Kevin Molis.
He was identified Wednesday as Jaden Britto-White, a city resident.
The teen was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The preliminary investigation suggests that Britto-White was standing outside of his apartment building when two men approached him and shot him, authorities said.
No arrests have been announced.
No other details were immediately made public.


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Iran allocates payment to families of Ukraine crash victims

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates ( AP ) - Iran ’ s cabinet has created a compensation fund to pay the families of the 176 victims of a Ukrainian passenger plane that was shot down by Iranian forces outside Tehran last January , the president announced Wednesday .
Iran will pay $ 150,000 for each victim , state TV reported , without specifying a timeline for the awards .
The announcement comes as the families of victims prepare to mark the anniversary of the Jan. 8 crash and diplomats from nations that lost citizens push Iran for more cooperation on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no immediate comment on Iran ’ s announcement from the five countries in talks with Iran about reparations .
For days , Iran denied that its military was responsible for the downing of the plane .
But with extensive evidence emerging from Western intelligence reports and international pressure building , Iran admitted that its military had mistakenly fired at the Ukrainian jetliner at a moment of heightened tension between Iran and the United States .
Hostilities had reached a fever pitch the week before over the American drone strike that killed top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising fears of further violence in the region .
Western intelligence officials and analysts believe Iran shot down the aircraft with a Russian-made Tor system , known to NATO as the SA-15 .
Tehran blamed “ human error ” for the shoot-down , saying in a report released over the summer that those manning a misaligned surface-to-air missile battery wrongly identified the civilian flight as a threat and opened fire twice without getting approval from ranking officials .
Canadian authorities allege that Iran has not disclosed all relevant evidence or provided satisfactory answers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the identities of those held responsible for the downing , the exact chain of events that led the Revolutionary Guard to open fire and the decision to leave Iranian airspace open to civilian traffic the same night that Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq .
The plane , a Boeing 737 operated by Ukraine International Airlines bound for the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv , was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members from several countries , including 82 Iranians , 57 Canadians , 17 Swedes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British citizens according to officials .
The route was popular with those traveling onward to Canada .
For months , the governments of the five affected countries have demanded that Tehran accept “ full responsibility ” for the crash and pay compensation to the victims ’ families in line with international agreements .
Iran , for its part , has sent mixed messages on the matter of compensation , with Gholamreza Soleimani , the head of the country ’ s main insurance agency , saying in October that Iran would refuse to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by European companies.
” But other Iranian officials have promised to negotiate compensation with the five countries .
“ A mistake has been made by us but the base of the compensation should be decided , ” said Mohsen Baharvand , deputy to the foreign minister , in September .
“ We have told our Ukrainian colleagues that international regulations are our basis.
” The association representing the families of victims released a statement last week lambasting Iran ’ s compensation offer and demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the crash .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not sign any document , ” the statement read .
“ The murderer can not play the role of mourner .
”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Iran’s cabinet has created a compensation fund to pay the families of the 176 victims of a Ukrainian passenger plane that was shot down by Iranian forces outside Tehran last January, the president announced Wednesday.
Iran will pay $150,000 for each victim, state TV reported, without specifying a timeline for the awards. The announcement comes as the families of victims prepare to mark the anniversary of the Jan. 8 crash and diplomats from nations that lost citizens push Iran for more cooperation on the investigation and compensation issues.
There was no immediate comment on Iran’s announcement from the five countries in talks with Iran about reparations.
For days, Iran denied that its military was responsible for the downing of the plane. But with extensive evidence emerging from Western intelligence reports and international pressure building, Iran admitted that its military had mistakenly fired at the Ukrainian jetliner at a moment of heightened tension between Iran and the United States. Hostilities had reached a fever pitch the week before over the American drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, raising fears of further violence in the region.
Western intelligence officials and analysts believe Iran shot down the aircraft with a Russian-made Tor system, known to NATO as the SA-15. Tehran blamed “human error” for the shoot-down, saying in a report released over the summer that those manning a misaligned surface-to-air missile battery wrongly identified the civilian flight as a threat and opened fire twice without getting approval from ranking officials.
Canadian authorities allege that Iran has not disclosed all relevant evidence or provided satisfactory answers to a number of lingering questions, including the identities of those held responsible for the downing, the exact chain of events that led the Revolutionary Guard to open fire and the decision to leave Iranian airspace open to civilian traffic the same night that Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in Iraq.
The plane, a Boeing 737 operated by Ukraine International Airlines bound for the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members from several countries, including 82 Iranians, 57 Canadians, 17 Swedes, 11 Ukrainians, four Afghans and four British citizens according to officials. The route was popular with those traveling onward to Canada.
For months, the governments of the five affected countries have demanded that Tehran accept “full responsibility” for the crash and pay compensation to the victims’ families in line with international agreements.
Iran, for its part, has sent mixed messages on the matter of compensation, with Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the country’s main insurance agency, saying in October that Iran would refuse to pay awards because the jet was “insured by European companies.”
But other Iranian officials have promised to negotiate compensation with the five countries.
“A mistake has been made by us but the base of the compensation should be decided,” said Mohsen Baharvand, deputy to the foreign minister, in September. “We have told our Ukrainian colleagues that international regulations are our basis.”
The association representing the families of victims released a statement last week lambasting Iran’s compensation offer and demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the crash.
“The families are vigilant and will not sign any document,” the statement read. “The murderer cannot play the role of mourner.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-30--Police: Deputy shoots theft suspect after assault

LEXINGTON PARK , Md .
( AP ) - Authorities in Maryland say that a sheriff ’ s deputy has @ @ @ @ @ they say he brandished an “ edged ” weapon and attacked the officer .
The @ @ @ @ @ Sheriff ’ s Office said in a statement that the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon in @ @ @ @ @ about 90 miles south of Washington on the Chesapeake Bay .
The sheriff ’ s @ @ @ @ @ investigating an alleged theft when the suspect assaulted a deputy with the weapon .
The @ @ @ @ @ shot the suspect .
Authorities said that both suffered injuries and were flown by helicopter @ @ @ @ @ The deputy sustained non-life threatening injuries .
The suspect was listed in stable condition on @ @ @ @ @ s office has not released the identities or races of the deputy or the suspect @

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. (AP) - Authorities in Maryland say that a sheriff’s deputy has shot a theft suspect after they say he brandished an “edged” weapon and attacked the officer.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that the incident occurred Tuesday afternoon in Lexington Park, which is about 90 miles south of Washington on the Chesapeake Bay.
The sheriff’s office said that deputies were investigating an alleged theft when the suspect assaulted a deputy with the weapon. The office said the deputy then shot the suspect.
Authorities said that both suffered injuries and were flown by helicopter to area trauma centers. The deputy sustained non-life threatening injuries. The suspect was listed in stable condition on Tuesday.
The sheriff’s office has not released the identities or races of the deputy or the suspect.